SKIP 2023
Discovering the Heart of Japan
During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, like many other international exchanges, SKIP has been forced to host its program online. Despite these unprecedented times, our on-going bond between Stanford and Keio University has never weakened.
With emphasis on exploring social and political issues, we have maintained an online program for the last few years. Such programs helped us understand the different struggles regarding racism and such social issues that the world is facing today.
This year's highly anticipated in-person exchange will mark the revival of a 67-year relationship between our universities. In light of this milestone, for the coming 2023 program, we hope to once again discover the true core, the "heart", of Japan.
As Covid-19 made countries close their borders, much of what Japan uniquely boats has been hidden away; even in Japan, our access to our own culture has been limited by strong restrictions. Through this program, we plan to explore and discover various charms of Japan in the following areas: anime & manga, cuisine, business, and many more.
Schedule
Day 1: Welcome Ceremony
Our program started off with a welcome ceremony including all Stanford students, SKIP members and alumni.
After a quick introduction of the program, we had few discussion sessions and deepened our friendship through an ice-breaker that the freshmen have prepared!✨
Day 2: Tokyo Sightseeing Day
On this day, Stanford students had a chance to wear Yukata, a casual version of kimono.
After having "Monjayaki" for lunch, we played scavenger hunt at Asakusa, exploring and enjoying the deep cultures of Japan.
Day 3: Tokyo Innovation Day
The purpose of this day's program was to explore Shibuya as a major city of commercial & economic innovation.
We first held a workshop by Mrs. Shiho Watabe, the president of "Shibuya Startups," supporting international startups in Shibuya.
We were also grateful to welcome the founders of “Callback Inc.”(one of them is a Stanford graduate), building an NFT platform in Japan.
We were able to deepen our understanding of Shibuya as Tokyo's central startup ecosystem, and reexamine the future potentials of the Japanese market.
Day 4: Anime & Manga Day
On this day, we visited "Shueisha inc.", one of the famous publishing companies in Japan.
After visiting the editor's office, we had a lecture from Mr. Ryosuke Yoritomi, an editor previously in charge of "The Disastrous Life of Saiki K.(斉木楠雄のΨ難)” and "My Hero Academia(僕のヒーローアカデミア)".
Through this day, we were able to learn the lifestyles of Manga publishers in Japan.
Day 5&6: Short Trip to Chiba
Our first short trip of the program was a stay at Chonan West Elementary School in Chiba.
After a workshop making our original bamboo chopsticks, we did several activities to experience school life in Japanese elementary schools. We played games in the school gym, had school lunch, and also tried Japanese handheld fireworks.
Day 7&8: Host Family Day
During the weekends, Stanford students had a chance to spend time with each of their host families.
Each family not only visited places in Tokyo, but also traveled to towns such as Hakone, Kyoto and other sightseeing spots.
Day 9: Food Culture Day 1
For the first day exploring the food culture of Japan, we were honored to have Mr. Hiroyuki Okamoto, the Director of Kura Sushi, join us for a workshop held at the headquarters of Asahi Breweries.
We learned about Kura Sushi's sales strategy as a sushi chain and its challenges to apply new technologies. Stanford students and SKIP members gave presentations on ideas to expand Kura Sushi's business in the US.
After the workshop, we had dinner at a global flagship store of Kura Sushi (Asakusa ROX).
Day 10: Food Culture Day 2
On our second Food Culture Day, we invited Mr. Yoshinori Tezuka, the fourth generation owner of Matsuno Sushi established in 1910.
He is a graduate of Keio University and has studied abroad at Stanford University, and is committed to promoting the traditional style of sushi to the world.
During the workshop, we had the chance to try sushi making, and also taste Mr. Tezuka's sushi. Afterwards, we discussed about the future of the Japanese sushi industry.
Day 11: Short Trip to Kamakura
Our second short trip took place in Kamakura & Hayama area. On the first day, we visited the Kenchoji temple to experience ‘Zazen’, as well as ‘Shojin Ryori’, a traditional Japanese cuisine.
In the afternoon, we had a chance to visit Kotokuin and hear from Takai Osho, a Buddhist monk, about his careers and experiences.
We were also grateful to have Taylor talk about his experience living both in the US and in Hayama.
Day 12: Short Trip to Hayama
On this day, we had an opportunity to meet and learn about the people of Hayama .
We started off our day with a talk from Satoshi-san, talking about his careers and his life in Hayama.
We then divided up into groups to experience several activities;
With the guide of a local politician, we visited the town hall and the fire station. We also learned about the traditional Japanese carpentry, and experienced bamboo crafting.
We visited the beach that afternoon when we happened to find Mt. Fuji on the horizon!
Day 13: Anime & Manga Day
This day was the second half of the Anime & Manga day which took place at the TV Tokyo office. We visited the broadcasting studio, and also had a lecture from the staff members in charge of broadcasting anime.
The anime business accounts for the largest part of TV Tokyo's revenue, and we were able to learn about the characteristics of animation production business in Japan and how it has evolved over the past years.
Day 14: Farewell Ceremony
September 16 was our last day of the program, and we held a farewell ceremony at Keio Univ. Mita Campus.
For the farewell ceremony, we invited our host families as well as members from the SKIP alumni team. All Keio and Stanford students gave their speeches on the experiences they’ve had throughout the 2 week-program.
After the presentation, we had a farewell party. SKIP members gave each Stanford students a certificate for participating & completing our 2 week program.
We enjoyed the rest of the time together, and said a final farewell hoping we will soon meet each other again soon :)