Shining Futures at HotsuFes — International Students Take the Stage!
Shining Futures at HotsuFes — International Students Take the Stage!
（"The popular annual feature at HOSFES: the Traditional Costume Try-On Corner"）
（You can experience face painting from Myanmar.）
On November 15, the Osaka Castle Open-Air Music Hall was filled with bright singing voices and enthusiastic applause. Under the clear autumn sky, Hotsuma International School once again hosted its annual “HotsuFes,” a vibrant celebration that brought together students, staff, and the wider community in a festive atmosphere.
HotsuFes is more than just a school event—it’s a showcase of the talents, friendships, and cultural exchange that define our school’s spirit. From lively performances to heartfelt moments of connection, the festival highlights the growth and achievements of our international students as they immerse themselves in Japanese language and culture.
Watch our energetic students light up the stage with their vibrant K-POP dance performance! ⇩
https://youtube.com/shorts/
The whole class sang "Ashita ga Aru sa" together. ⇩
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/uzRsEKIImNU
On stage, students presented the results of their daily practice, filling the venue with smiles and emotion. This year, the event was held at the music hall inside Osaka Castle Park, a popular spot for tourists, to allow even more members of the public to witness their performances. It was heartwarming to see international students, who have only recently arrived in Japan and are studying Japanese, singing in Japanese and expressing their own cultures through dance and fashion shows. Among them, we spoke with three international students who were especially energetic in livening up the stage.
Nolanta (from Indonesia, center in the photo) remained very calm on this big stage and confidently served as the emcee, speaking clear Japanese. Currently working part-time at a care-related company, she plans to pursue a career in caregiving in the future. While studying Japanese, she has also gained practical experience through her part-time job, and her confidence in her work has grown noticeably.
Bumika (from Nepal), who participated as a model in the fashion show, and Solina (from Nepal), who danced, are both aiming for higher education and are diligently studying for entrance exams every day. Both seemed to thoroughly enjoy the experience of wearing their traditional national costumes and performing on stage.
（Bumika (from Nepal) changed into her performance costume and struck a pose on stage）
The audience included not only tourists visiting Osaka Castle, but also senior students who came to support their juniors. While it is no longer unusual to see international students working part-time at restaurants, convenience stores, factories, or care facilities in urban areas, there are not many chances for locals to learn about their cultures. In this sense, events like this are truly valuable.
Despite their busy schedules, the students seemed to have found the experience of preparing for and performing on stage very fulfilling. For next year’s 14th International Red-White Singing Festival, a “Student Fashion Show” is also planned, where international students will wear traditional costumes from their countries and share their cultures through fashion. We hope many more students will participate in this meaningful event.
--A View from Backstage--
（A Sri Lankan male student waiting for his turn to sing said, "Since I can sing in Japanese too, I want to challenge myself and perform at next year’s International Red-White Singing Festival.".）
（The trio of hosts were incredibly energetic and served as the natural leaders of their class）
（A group of men wearing traditional Sri Lankan festival attire, representing their special cultural celebration.）