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!

Early Summer Events in Sendai

In May, there are famous annual events in Sendai. One is the “Sendai International Half Marathon” which was held on May 12.

This year, the number of participants was 12,874. There were four types of race: 2 km, 5 km, and 21.0975 km for both wheelchair users and general runners. The 2 km course was mainly for children and the elderly. 

Just as the title of the event says, there were various runners from all over the world, and the first prize went to Mr. Mekubo Job Mogus from Kenya. Sidney Olympics gold medalist Ms. Naoko Takahashi also participated in the event as a guest runner. The roadside was crowded with cheering people, some of whom were dancing and beating drums on Jozenji Street.

A week later, those dancing people appeared again in central Sendai thanks to the Aoba Festival, another annual event in May. The original one dates back to 1655, but at one point about 40 years ago the festival was cancelled because of transportation conditions. However, it made a comeback in 1985 after more than 10 years of absence. The main features are people dancing suzume odori—"dance of the sparrow" in English—and competition amongst various groups. Some of them are workers from certain companies, and some are neighborhood children, female volunteers and so on.

You will be able to enjoy many events in the City of Sendai as the season gets warmer. There is no way you could miss them!

The Tohoku University Botanical Gardens

Sendai is known for its greenery, and the Tohoku University Botanical Gardens, located on the south side of Kawauchi campus, is one of the reasons why. This facility consists of a botanical museum, gardens, and well-maintained walking trails that wind through a scenic woods. Tohoku University students can enter the grounds free of charge during business hours by showing their Student ID Cards at the ticket counter.

The grounds are planted with various flowers and  scenic plants

The Botanical Gardens were established in 1958, but the history of this land goes back much farther. The woods were originally part of the grounds of Aoba Castle, and have been kept in more or less the same condition since 1600. However, they contain stone monuments, pictured at right, that are much older, dating back to the 13^th and 14^th centuries. 

Following the trails into the woods, you may feel
that you have become lost in a Tolkien novel!

There are various signs on the trails providing useful or interesting information. For example, signs on the trees tell you the species name in Japanese and English (below left). Signposts on the path (below right) show you an overall view of the trails. The number in the red circle indicates which signpost you are standing at, while the red X's  indicate trails that are currently closed. The below right photo was taken at signpost 5, as you can see on the map.

If you follow the trail upwards for awhile, you will reach the below recreation area. It has many shady places to sit and is a perfect spot for a picnic. There is also a second entrance/exit near here.

The Tohoku University Botanical Gardens are a perfect place to relax and stretch your legs. Please take advantage of your free admission to enjoy them!

Hours: 9AM to 5PM (gates close at 4PM)

Days: Open every day except Monday*

Access: See Kawauchi Campus Map 

(Park will be closed for the winter from November 30)

*Unless Monday is a national holiday, in which case it will be closed on the following day.

New Professor!!

Dr. Martin Robert arrived at Tohoku University in April, and is in charge of two lectures this semester.  Here is an interview with Dr. Robert.

Where are you from?
I’m originally from Montreal, Canada.