The Samurai Spirit

Echoes of the Gods: The Lost Soundscapes of Ancient Japan

 

 

CIEE – Kyoto, a Top Destination for American High School and College Students

 

CIEE Kyoto is one of the largest study abroad programs in Japan. In addition to English-taught courses on Japanese language,culture history, social sciences and STEM, participants can immerse themselves in Japanese culture and learn more about traditional arts such as tea ceremony, calligraphy, origami, and taiko drumming. CIEE Kyoto programs also offers field trips to UNESCO World Heritage sites like Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion), and Ryoan-ji Zen rock garden, giving students a chance to explore Japan’s history and artistic heritage.

As a “World Culture Free City,” Kyoto actively promotes intercultural understanding and multicultural coexistence. At CIEE Kyoto, students participate in volunteer activities that connect them with local schools and communities — including disaster preparedness workshops and regional events — fostering meaningful engagement with Japanese society. These experiences not only enrich the lives of international students but also open doors for local residents to enjoy genuine cultural exchange.

CIEE Kyoto's flexible programs range from short-term to long-term options, with strong support for homestays and language development. Students don’t just study Japanese culture — they live it, expanding their global perspective through daily interactions with the people of Kyoto. In this city where tradition and modern life harmoniously blend, true international education comes to life.

According to the CIEE Kyoto Center Director, Kyoto is one of CIEE’s most popular destinations. Interest among US students has expanded beyond anime and manga to include Japanese cuisine, automobiles, and hands-on cultural experiences. 

CIEE Kyoto also offers public lectures and workshops open to both students and the general public. Programs such as the “Kyoto Through the Ages: Celebrating 1230 Years in the Ancient Capital” event invited participants — including residents and international visitors — to explore the rich history of this old city.

In collaboration with local educational institutions and organizations, CIEE Kyoto also organizes seminars on topics ranging from traditional arts to contemporary social issues and global exchange. Serving as a hub for lifelong learning, the center continues to enrich the cultural and educational landscape of Kyoto.

You can read an American student’s personal account of a tea ceremony experience, “Ichigo Ichie — A Once-in-a-Lifetime Encounter,” here:

https://www.ciee.org/go-abroad/college-study-abroad/blog/tatami-floors-neon-nights-how-japan-became-my-home-away-home

For more information about CIEE Kyoto programs, visit:

https://www.ciee.org/go-abroad/college-study-abroad/locations/japan/kyoto

Kyoto is now one of the most exciting and popular study-abroad destinations for American high school and college students — and its global appeal continues to grow.

 

In Kyoto City, high housing prices and rents make it particularly challenging for elderly individuals, foreigners, and families with children to secure affordable housing. Elderly people are often refused tenancy by landlords due to concerns like the risk of “lonely death” (dying alone without notice). Foreigners and international students also face refusals because they may lack guarantors or knowledge of Japanese customs.

To address this issue, the real estate company Choei has adopted a policy of “not refusing tenants” and implements unique measures. They do not refuse applicants based on age or nationality. Instead, they manage risks through rent guarantee companies, individual interviews, and special contracts, ensuring everyone can rent with peace of mind.

For elderly tenants, Choei collaborates with security companies to provide monitoring services called “Bellevie Silver Peace of Mind Support.” For foreign tenants, they offer the 『Global Desk』, multilingual staff support, explanation sessions on Japanese rules, and assistance with trouble resolution in the tenants’ native languages.

Furthermore, Kyoto City supports elderly and disabled tenants through systems like the “Sukoyaka Housing Network” and cooperates with real estate companies to improve the living environment. Thanks to these efforts, Choei maintains high occupancy rates and aims to create a society where tenants can live long-term.

In short, Choei’s distinguishing feature is its “TENANTS FIRST” approach, balancing the creation of a livable city for all with stable profits.

"We are also recruiting people who want to make use of their foreign language skills at work! Part-time and temporary positions available."

https://www.yokosojapan.net/article.php/20250619kyoto_life_en

 

Multilingual Assistance and Life Support for a Safe Start to Living in Japan, with Comprehensive Support from the Global Desk

Choei, which manages many rental properties in Kyoto City, has established a support system that prioritizes the comfort and ease of living for foreign residents, including international students. The “Global Desk” at Choei is staffed by dedicated personnel who can assist in English, Chinese, Korean, Spanish, and Indonesian. Even before arriving in Japan, prospective tenants can search for properties online, and contract procedures as well as essential explanations are supported in multiple languages, allowing students with limited Japanese skills to proceed with peace of mind.

Before and after moving in, informational sessions are held to explain Japanese lifestyle rules and manners, garbage disposal regulations, and ways to prevent noise disturbances. Tenants can easily consult their questions or concerns in their native language, and a 24-hour management center is available to respond to emergencies at night. Even difficult cases, such as late rent payments, are promptly managed by staff who coordinate with family contacts in the tenant’s home country. Choei also collaborates with universities and Japanese language schools, creating an environment where tenants can focus on their studies and daily life.

Thanks to this support, over 1,200 foreign tenants currently reside in properties managed by Choei. Because Choei never refuses applications and has a system to meet diverse needs, it is well regarded as a place where foreigners and international students living in Japan for the first time can start their new lives with confidence.

Choei will continue to provide support as a real estate company, aiming to make Kyoto a city where everyone can live comfortably, overcoming nationality and language barriers.

"We are also recruiting people who want to make use of their foreign language skills at work! Part-time and temporary positions available."

https://www.yokosojapan.net/article.php/20250619kyoto_life_en

Introducing “TUMO” – The IT Education Highlight at the Armenia Pavilion, Osaka-Kansai Expo

At the Osaka-Kansai Expo, held from April to October 2025, the Armenia Pavilion has become a focal point for educators, thanks to its showcase of the internationally acclaimed technology and design education program “TUMO.”

Pavilion Theme and Exhibits

The Armenia Pavilion’s theme, “Pillars of Today & Tomorrow,” is expressed through eight pillars representing the nation’s history, culture, tourism, innovation, and the future of education. Inside, visitors experience a fusion of Armenian tradition and cutting-edge technology via interactive displays.

TUMO’s Global Education Model

A central feature of the pavilion is the presentation of the TUMO education model, which originated in Armenia and has gained global recognition. Its AI-powered personalized learning paths distinguish TUMO and an expanding international network. The exhibit introduces how TUMO empowers young people to acquire digital skills, highlighting its unique learning method and global reach.

A major highlight is the upcoming “TUMO Gunma” launch—Japan’s and Asia’s first TUMO center, opened in Early June 2025 in Takasaki, Gunma Prefecture. The pavilion spotlights this development as the beginning of a new era, when Japanese high school students and teens will access world-class technology and design education.

What Makes TUMO Unique?

Founded in Armenia, TUMO is a free-of-charge, after-school program at the intersection of technology and design, for teens aged 12-18. It covers many learning areas, including 3D modeling, game development, graphic design, animation, programming, and more.

TUMO’s Three-Pillar Learning System

1. Self-Learning Activities (about 60% of the program)

At TUMO, students start with “self-learning activities”—short, interactive tasks that help them build basic skills at their own pace. For example, in programming, students might create a simple game, solve mini-challenges using variables and loops, or write basic code to control a robot. These activities usually take 5 to 20 minutes and come in many formats, such as videos, illustrations, quizzes, and mini-projects.

Students can choose activities in any order and work as quickly or slowly as they like. Most self-learning activities are prerequisites, meaning you must complete them before joining workshops or learning labs in each skill area.

Role of Coaches:
TUMO coaches are always available to help. If students get stuck, coaches give hints, advice, and encouragement, but they don’t just give answers—they help students think for themselves.

Wide Range of Choices:
There are hundreds of self-learning activities covering animation, game development, 3D modeling, music production, web design, and more.

2. Workshops

After building a foundation through self-learning activities, students can join workshops—hands-on sessions where they work together with peers on real projects. For example, in an animation workshop, a group might plan and create a short animated film. In a programming workshop, a team could develop a simple game or app.

Workshops are available in all 14 TUMO learning areas, including 3D modeling, filmmaking, graphic design, and robotics. Each field offers three levels, from beginner to advanced.

Workshops are led by specialists and focus on teamwork, creativity, and practical skills. Projects created in workshops are added to each student’s online portfolio and sometimes submitted to competitions or published online.

3. Learning Labs (Special Sessions)

TUMO also offers “Learning Labs”—special sessions taught by top professionals from world-renowned enterprise companies and creative industries. These are unique opportunities to learn directly from experts at places like NASA, Google, Pixar, or Adobe.

Examples:

• A Google engineer teaches a special class on AI programming.

• A Pixar animator leads a character animation workshop.

• Game developers from leading studios guide students through game design and development.

• An Adobe designer gives a masterclass on the latest digital tools.

Learning Labs are usually short-term (from one day to a few weeks) and focus on advanced, real-world projects. Students work in teams, receive direct feedback from professionals, and gain global perspectives and confidence.

TUMO’s Strength: Step-by-Step Skill Building

Through these three steps—self-learning, workshops, and Learning Labs—TUMO helps even beginners systematically build their skills up to an intermediate level. Students can freely explore their interests, learn at their own pace, and gain both practical experience and inspiration from world-class experts.

 

Comparison with Typical Online IT Education

 

Feature	TUMO	Typical Online IT Education
Learning Style	Online + in-person workshops + labs	Online only
Target Audience	Mainly middle/high school students	Broad age range (often adults)
Cost	Free	Often paid
Depth of Learning	Systematic, beginner to intermediate	Self-taught, often less structured
Peer Interaction	Yes (collaborative workshops)	Rare (mainly solo study)
Industry Collaboration	Yes (special sessions)	Rare

 

TUMO offers a “blended” learning environment where students learn independently, collaborate with peers, and receive guidance from world-class professionals—a true fusion of real and digital learning.

TUMO Gunma: Japan’s First Center

Opening in summer 2025 at G Messe Gunma in Takasaki, TUMO Gunma is the first TUMO center in Japan and Asia. The center targets teens aged 12-18 years old, offering programs in eight learning areas, with plans to include skills like generative AI. Participation is free, ensuring access regardless of family income.

A Global Learning Frontier

Through its exhibit, the Armenia Pavilion presents TUMO as a place where tradition meets innovation, inspiring young people worldwide with a new educational model. Visitors to the Expo can experience not only Armenian history and culture but also the possibilities of future-focused education.

Milena, a university student from Ukraine, shared her experiences and thoughts about TUMO. She explained that what stood out to her most was that anyone can freely participate in any of TUMO’s 14 learning areas, regardless of their current academic level, as long as they are motivated. She found it impressive that students can learn for free, at any time, and focus on what interests them—whether it’s programming, filmmaking, animation, or any other learning area. Milena also mentioned the importance of the coaches, who are always available to give advice and guidance whenever needed. She said that what she learned at TUMO has continued to be useful even after entering university.

Although Milena had never studied in Armenia before, she found it incredibly valuable to be able to join TUMO freely and gain skills that help her envision her future. She described the environment, where experienced coaches support you and you can learn alongside people from many different backgrounds, as truly inspiring. Even after turning 18, Milena continues to attend TUMO, saying that there is always more to learn.

The first creative technologies center in Asia, “TUMO Gunma,” opened on June 1st in July 2025 in Takasaki City, Gunma Prefecture. Adopting the world-class program developed in Armenia, TUMO Gunma will offer junior high and high school students a place to learn cutting-edge creative technologies and design for free, attracting significant attention.

At TUMO Gunma, anyone can acquire the skills to shape their future, regardless of their parents’ income or their current academic level. As a driving force behind Gunma’s “Digital Prefecture” initiative, TUMO Gunma is expected to become a hub that spreads a new wave of digital talent from the region to all of Japan.

— Kazumi Miyazaki, Editor-in-Chief, GLOBALCOMMUNITY

 

 

Short-term Part-time Job: International Student Support Staff (Chinese/English Language Skills) – Students Welcome!

Company: Choei Co., Ltd.
Position: Interpreter / International Student Support
Location: Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Nearest Station: Gojo Station, Kyoto Municipal Subway Karasuma Line (within 5-minute walk)
Department: Global Desk, Student Housing Promotion & International Student Support Division

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Job Details

You will assist international students in finding housing by acting as an interpreter.
Main duties include listening to students’ preferences and introducing suitable rooms based on their requirements.
This is a great opportunity to use your language skills to support international students living in Japan for the first time.

Period: End of July to early November (Short-term, peak season for student move-ins around September)
Current Team: 10 global staff members (from China, Indonesia, Spain, etc.) are actively working.

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Required Skills & Qualifications

• Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) N2 or above

• Ability to speak Chinese or English

• No experience necessary – all are welcome!

• Japanese nationals are also welcome to apply.

• Students are welcome!

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Employment Type & Salary

• Type: Short-term part-time

• Hourly Wage: From 1,200 yen

• Transportation: Commuting expenses provided

• Trial Period: 3 months (same conditions as regular employment)

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Working Hours

• Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (actual working hours: 5–6 hours/day, 1-hour break)

  • Examples: 10:00–16:00 (5 hours), 10:00–17:00 (6 hours)

• Days: 2–3 days per week OK

• Holidays: Complete weekends and public holidays off, summer vacation, and New Year holidays

• Annual Holidays: 120+ days

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Benefits

• Commuting expenses provided

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Location

• Address: No.60 Kyoto Karasuma Manjuji Building 9F, 369 Gokuseki-cho, Manjuji-dori Karasuma Nishi-iru, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture

• Access: Facing Karasuma-dori, within 5 minutes’ walk from Gojo Station

• Transfer: No transfers

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Application & Inquiries

For inquiries or questions, please contact:
Email: globalcommunity21@gmail.com (Global Community, Miyazaki)

Or apply directly through the following site.

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Please let me know if you need this as a formal job posting or in a different format (e.g., PDF, table)!

 

 

 

The Backstage of Multicultural Coexistence – HitoHito Care Clinic's Initiatives

On April 26–27, 2025, the "First Nepal Festival Kansai" was held, attracting nearly 10,000 attendees over two days. 

Osaka City’s Ikuno Ward-based HitoHito Care Clinic participated in the event, advocating the importance of health checkups to the Nepali community.

The clinic previously organized a unique event featuring a screening of the Nepali film One Day, paired with Nepali cuisine and sushi, which drew significant local interest. Doctor Kazuhito Nakamura stated, “Moments of shared laughter across language and cultural differences form the roots of multicultural coexistence.”

When a Shopping District Becomes a Runway: The Red Carpet Walking Challenge

quoted from HitoHito Care Clinic website

quoted from HitoHito Care Clinic website

On October 13, 2024, the clinic spearheaded the “Ikuno Heroine Red Carpet Walking” event along a 90-meter red carpet at JR Momodani Station’s shopping arcade. Comedian Mujinzo and 100 locals of diverse nationalities and ages participated as “heroines of Ikuno.” Nakamura explained, “By creating extraordinary stages, healthcare institutions can rediscover community bonds.” This event was part of the “EXPO Ikuno Heat-Up Project” led by the clinic.

Beyond Healthcare: Creating Purpose
The clinic’s “Hito Care” initiative promotes “life enrichment” through flea markets and multicultural exchanges. A December 2024 Christmas flea market raised donations for the Noto Peninsula earthquake relief. Nakamura emphasized, “If the entire town becomes a ‘healing space,’ it revitalizes the community.”

“What Role Should Healthcare Play in a Society Where Diversity Is the Norm?”
Ikuno Ward, where 1 in 4 residents is foreign-born—a higher proportion than Tokyo’s Shinjuku Ward—is pioneering a new coexistence model through the clinic.

During a follow-up Zoom interview, Doctor Nakamura noted that as long-term foreign residents increase, healthcare institutions must actively build bridges between locals and international communities to foster “physical and mental well-being for all.”

 

 

"The Power of Inaudible Sound" Transforming Body and Mind: The Science and Challenge of the Hypersonic Effect

(Excerpt from Special Feature: Hypersonic Effect, Science Journal Vol. 83 No. 3, 2013)

The Hypersonic Effect phenomenon, where ultrasonic waves above 50 kHz, imperceptible to the human ear, exert remarkable effects on the brain and body, was discovered by musician/physicist Tsutomu Ohashi and validated through studies showing α-wave enhancement, immune-boosting effects, and stress hormone reduction.

G-Star Sounds LLC is pioneering its application through innovative instrument development for the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo, themed "Designing Future Society for Our Lives".

The Mechanism of "Inaudible Sound"

The Hypersonic Effect’s core lies in direct brain activation via skin and bone conduction. Ultrasonic waves above 40 kHz are detected not by the ears but through the body’s surface, stimulating the "core brain" (brainstem, thalamus, and hypothalamus)-the hub of life-sustaining functions.

This activation leads to:

• Relaxation: Parasympathetic dominance reduces stress hormones like cortisol.

• Immunity Boost: Natural killer cell activity increases, enhancing viral defense.

• Focus Enhancement: Sustained α-waves and improved prefrontal cortex blood flow.

Nature’s Hidden Sound Therapy

Natural environments rich in ultrasonic frequencies-such as waterfalls (80 kHz+), Balinese gamelan, Japanese shakuhachi, and biwa lutes-demonstrate this effect. These sounds, now scarce in urban life, are gaining attention for their restorative potential.

G-Star Sounds’ Innovation

Under the vision "Bringing Hypersonic Sound to Daily Life", G-Star Sounds is developing instruments that retain traditional forms (e.g., pianos, guitars) while emitting ultrasonic waves above 50 kHz. A groundbreaking performance using these instruments is scheduled for June 26, 2025, 15:30 at the Osaka-Kansai Expo’s TEAMEXPO Pavilion.

G-Star Sounds  is also actively seeking partners interested in:

• Hypersonic conversion of existing music

• Manufacturing hypersonic instruments

• Developing hypersonic audio devices

(Demo video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNFALtp2LsU)

G-Star Sounds official site  https://gsljp.com/gs/

Future Applications

• Healthcare: Dementia prevention and pre-surgery anxiety reduction.

• Education: Tools for sustained concentration in classrooms.

In the field of music, G-Star Sounds aims to collaborate with numerous partners to create living environments surrounded by hypersonic sound, striving to revolutionize the music industry.

"Music is no longer just for the ears"-the fusion of skin sensation and neuroscience is ushering in a new era of art and well-being.

 

Attracted to Expos for 54 Years

 
Since the 1970 Osaka Expo, Hideo Fujii, an Expo enthusiast who has attended 48 Expos held around the world, was asked about the allure of the Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025.
 
What are the highlights of the Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025?

With "Designing Future Society for Our Lives" as its theme, particular attention is being paid to cutting-edge medical technologies, disaster preparedness to "Protect Lives," and initiatives for peace. Of special note is the sentiment embodied in the "World's Largest Wooden Structure, the Ring."

The previous Dubai Expo, with the participation of a record 192 countries, had numerous initiatives to attract foreign investment. Similarly, the Osaka-Kansai Expo aims to become a meaningful event with 161 countries participating amid uncertain global conditions. Osaka-Kansai Expo hopes to contribute to global problem-solving even after its conclusion, strengthening ties with nations worldwide.
 

From a global perspective, Japan's longevity culture, contributed by its cuisine, and its peace culture symbolized by anime, are attractive. Exhibitions showcasing cutting-edge technologies promoting longevity culture, like artificial hearts using IPS cells, are particularly intriguing at this Expo. Japan has much to offer the world in terms of disaster preparedness and a philosophy of loving peace.
Although Expos last for six months, they also serve as platforms for Japan to showcase its regional uniqueness and long history. Japan, a rare advanced nation where various festivals have been cherished locally from ancient times, will host over 3,000 festivals at the Osaka-Kansai Expo, offering foreigners the opportunity to experience Japan's diverse festivals and parades.

Are there events and exhibitions involving university students and exchange students?
 

「EXPO 2025 Design System」

 Universities like Osaka University are engaging in new initiatives to connect with people overseas through music. Many universities, including Osaka Metropolitan University and Kansai University, have student-led circle activities related to the Expo. Various events and presentations involving students have been held, indicating active involvement in the Expo.
Famous musicians participated in events held a year before the Expo, which saw enthusiastic participation from many university students. During the Expo, there will be seven stages hosting anime events, live performances by internationally renowned musicians promoting peace, and more.
Specific participants and festivals will be increasingly introduced through various media. Former president of Yoshimoto Kogyo is in charge of official festival events during the Expo, introducing future "comedy" and "entertainment" using VR, among other innovations. The Expo will also provide a rare opportunity for visitors to experience various festivals and live performances from different regions of Japan, gathering many foreign tourists.
Additionally, utilizing the latest communication technologies by companies like NTT, the communication environment within the venue will greatly improve. Advanced simultaneous translation technology will facilitate communication among people from different countries.
Concerns about Japan's summer heat are noted, but the Expo's operating hours until 22:00 and the cooler evening events should mitigate this. The 30-meter-wide Ring structure might provide shade, and the venue's proximity to the sea breeze at Nanko should offer relatively comfortable weather.

While the 1970 Expo left behind the iconic "Tower of the Sun," is there something similar planned for this Expo?

 

 

I believe the world's largest wooden structure, the "Ring," serves as its counterpart. Inspired by Kiyomizu Temple, the Ring spans 30 meters in width and 2 kilometers in circumference. Inside the Ring, exhibitions and events imagining the importance of "life" as a world　community will take place, featuring international pavilions.
The Ring, reminiscent of a massive fortress, will offer various shops, exhibitions, events, workshops, and events on the corridor above. Discussions are ongoing about the post-Expo use of the world's largest wooden structure, the Ring, including its usage and integration with adjacent IR facilities, potentially providing a place for people worldwide to relax and connect.
The 1970 Expo left a significant impact on our future. I hope the Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025 will similarly leave a positive influence on the future of our youth. (Statement by Mr.Hideo Fujii) 

【Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai】 Global Talk Event ～Let’s Think About the SDGs～

Comparatively, Osaka has very few foreign consulates compared to Tokyo. To continue connecting and developing with the world even after the Expo, utilizing the Ring could be an ideal opportunity. Countries without consulates in Osaka among the 161 participating countries could use the pavilions within the Ring as temporary consulates. Additionally, foreign staff staying in Japan for six months during the Expo could continue their stay, fostering Osaka's connection with the world.
In the Global Community, we plan to regularly interview staff from countries without consulates in Osaka during the Osaka-Kansai Expo and share their perspectives. (Editor-in-Chief, Global Community, Kazumi Miyazaki)