The Japanese Language and Culture Study Program at Universitas Gadjah Mada welcomed a visit from Iwate University, Japan, on Monday, September 21, 2026. The visit gave students an opportunity to learn about history while interacting directly with Japanese students during the Indonesia–Japan Relations History class.
The activity began with discussions in small groups. Students from the Japanese Language and Culture Study Program had the opportunity to ask the visiting students questions about Japanese history before presenting the results of their discussions to the class.
However, the presentations brought an amusing surprise. It turned out that some groups had discussed not only Japanese history but also spent more time talking about food recommendations and interesting places to visit in Yogyakarta!
This moment showed how conversations can naturally take unexpected turns when students from two countries meet. Beyond learning about history, students also had the opportunity to exchange stories, get to know their Japanese peers more closely, and share everyday experiences.
The visit offered a memorable learning experience, demonstrating that learning a language and culture goes beyond classroom materials and can also take place through direct interaction. Who would have thought that a discussion about Japanese history could also turn into a session for discovering Jogja’s food spots!
Author: Sahla Naura Noor Sabrina
