D-1 Grand Prix at cafeterias of Tohoku University

Have you heard the expression “B-1 Grand Prix” before? If you are interested in cars, you may think I mean F-1 Grand Prix. However, this expression exists, and it refers to food in this case.  The name derives from “B-grade gourmet,” which describes casual, inexpensive and tasty dishes served at restaurants and other eating facilities everywhere in Japan.

The first “B-1 Grand Prix” was held in Aomori in 2006 with the purpose of introducing local dishes from across Japan. This event has become annual now, and has been playing a role in grabbing attention for and revitalizing rather unknown towns that nurtured such dishes.

 Now, if we turn to Tohoku University, you will notice the “D-1 Grand Prix” is taking place. Why D, not B? It is for “Donburi” in Japanese, which means "rice bowl dishes." The university’s co-op carries out this event every year to upgrade their menu by bringing in the students’ ideas. So students can imagine their favorite donburi, write about them on special forms, and put them in boxes placed in cafeterias on each campus. Last year, “工学部焼肉丼,” grilled beef rice bowl from the School of Engineering, got first place.

 There will be prizes for the winners: winners selected on each campus will receive JPY 10,000 on a prepaid card usable at the cafeteria. A JPY 30,000 prepaid card will be given to the best of the winners. With ideas from international students, the menu at the cafeteria could include a fusion of multi-cultural dishes!

Student Circle: @home

Today we’d like to introduce “@home,” one of the student circles at Tohoku University. It was founded 16 years ago with the aim of organizing events for both Japanese and non-Japanese students. We had a chance to talk with a sophomore physics major, Arihiro Kamada, who led the planning and organizationrganize aim of16 years ago aimi of the most recent event, an udon (wheat noodle) making party.

“The number of active members is about 30 people plus new 50 freshmen,” Arihiro says. The members get together every week to discuss the content of events which are carried out every month. This meeting is a good occasion for members to catch up with each other as well. Every event is planned to show interesting Japanese culture to foreign students, and make it a place for international exchange. When asked about which event had the highest number of participants and was enjoyed the most, Arihiro said the “Christmas Party” without hesitation. “At the venue a jazz band played music, and the atmosphere was great, although I was too busy working behind the scenes to enjoy it,” he recalled.

On May 12^th, the udon making party was carried out at Kitayama Shimin Center close to University House Sanjo (the Tohoku University students’ dorm). Out of 20 participants, 10 people were international students. For most of participants, it was the first time to make udon noodles from scratch, and they were very excited to press the dough with their feet, roll out it, and cut it finely to make noodles. The event was much appreciated and the noodles tasted great. They also experienced Origami folding by making flying carps and Japanese helmets (called kabuto) that are characteristic decorations for May in Japan.

When it comes to student circles related to the humanities, some may have the impression that they are less active without much to do compared with sports-related ones. “@home” is, however, always filled with ideas and activities with various people. “All foreign students can be members of @home too,” Arihiro added at the end of our conversation.

Reminder: Just one week left until the FGL application deadline!!

We'd just like to remind all prospective undergraduate FGL applicants that your applications are due by 12:00PM JST, May 31 (Fri), 2013. You can use this website to check the time/date in your region. 

Your application must arrive before the deadline in order for it to be considered. If you need to review the entrance requirements and application instructions, you can find them here.

One last thing: if you have specific questions about application or the screening process, please contact FGL directly. DO NOT leave your questions on our Facebook page. We only check this page about once a week, and the Facebook staff cannot answer specific questions about admissions. Please use the email address for "Application/admission/eligibility questions" on the FGL website Contact page. 

Good luck with your applications!