On June 9, as part of the Japan Studies course, Bekka students visited Tsukumodai Elementary School in Suita City and participated in a cultural exchange program with first and second grade students.

The Bekka students were divided into groups and visited individual classrooms, where they introduced their home countries and regions through presentations featuring slides and quizzes. They shared information about their cultures, food, languages, and geography. The elementary school students listened with great interest, eagerly asked questions, and actively participated in the exchange.

After the presentations, the Bekka students and first-grade pupils enjoyed playing classroom games such as Fruit Basket, while the second-grade pupils played Rock-Paper-Scissors Train together in the gymnasium. These activities provided a fun opportunity for everyone to get to know one another.

The students then shared a school lunch in the classroom. Conversations flourished, with children excitedly pointing out the "lucky carrots", carrots cut into special shapes such as stars, cars, and hearts that are occasionally included in school lunches. During the lunch break, the Bekka students played with the children in the schoolyard and even joined them in cleaning the classrooms, experiencing everyday life at a Japanese elementary school, firsthand.

At the end of the visit, both the Bekka students and the children were reluctant to say goodbye. The children warmly said, "Please come again!" Many Bekka students commented on how energetic and enthusiastic the children were, and were especially impressed by how actively they asked questions and participated throughout the activities.

The visit provided Bekka students with a valuable opportunity to experience life at a Japanese elementary school and interact with local children. We also hope that the elementary school students gained a deeper appreciation of different cultures and languages through their interactions with the international students. Kansai University Bekka Program will continue to promote international understanding and strengthen ties with the local community through activities like this.