Yogyakarta, 23/5/2025 – The national seminar held on May 16, 2025, marked the conclusion of the academic visit series by the Student Association of the Literature and Cultural Studies Graduate Program at Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) to Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), hosted by the American Studies Student and Alumni Association (ASSAA). On this occasion, the seminar featured three speakers: Glory Emanuelle, a graduate student from UGM’s American Studies program, and Ahmad Faizin and Athaya Belia, graduate students from UNAIR’s Literature and Cultural Studies program.

In this session, each speaker presented various perspectives linked to culture and the identity of certain groups. For example, Ahmad Faizin’s presentation focused on the morning coffee-drinking culture in the Magelang area, which has become part of the identity of the community practicing it. Meanwhile, Athaya Belia’s presentation focused on the pop culture of metal music, specifically the Baddiecore genre, and concluded that fan communities can also evolve due to a shared sense of belonging. In the final presentation, Glory Emanuelle discussed the relationship between media and the representation of Native American tribes on the TikTok platform. Although each presentation brought a different perspective and focus, they shared a common theme: culture, media, and individual identity are interconnected and shape communities.

This collaboration between UNAIR’s Literature and Cultural Studies graduate students and UGM’s American Studies graduate students not only opens up opportunities to better understand how both local and global cultures influence and shape communities, but also builds a bridge for future collaboration between UNAIR and UGM.

[Public Relations of American Studies, Reni Renatawati]

Yogyakarta, 23/5/2025 – As part of the UNY Cultural Festival 2025, the dance group HIKARI from the Student Association of Japanese Language and Culture (HIMAJE) UGM, took the stage as one of the featured performers, bringing the rich essence of Japanese culture to life. With striking performances clad in traditional kimono and accompanied by fan props, HIKARI delivered not only aesthetic beauty but also heartfelt stories full of emotional depth and cultural meaning.

The first performance was a traditional-style dance set to the song “Tsugai Kogarashi” by Hinayuki. Performed by Listu and Sabrina (class of 2023), the duet portrayed Listu in a masculine role and Sabrina in a feminine one. Through graceful yet firm movements, they told the story of two souls bound by fate, wandering through the cold winds of autumn. The dance visualized themes of loyalty, loss, and the enduring hope that persists in a chaotic world.

The second performance was a cover dance of the song “Usubeniiro no Yakusoku” by AKATSUKI, a group from the game Ensemble Stars!!. This routine was performed by three first-year students from the class of 2024: Rani, Bilqis, and Shelina. With synchronized and elegant choreography, they embodied the spirit of three idols united by quiet promises and unwavering commitment. Their performance reflected not just coordination, but also the strength that lies in silent determination—to stand firm amid change, to protect shared dreams, and to uphold values they believe in.

These two performances were more than just artistic showcases—they were meaningful learning experiences. Behind each movement lies a process of understanding culture, collaborating as a team, and conveying emotion and narrative through physical expression. With continued support from the Japanese Language and Culture Program at FIB UGM, students are encouraged not only to study Japanese culture through textbooks but also to live and experience it directly. Here, learning becomes holistic: touching the mind, touching the heart, and touching the soul.

[Public Relations of Japanese Language and Culture, Barra Taura Nursaid]

Yogyakarta, 23/5/2025 – On May 11, 2025, the HIKARI dance group performed as one of the featured acts at Okaeri Reborn 2025, a cultural festival organized by UGM’s Vocational School. For this performance, they presented Yosakoi Odori, a vibrant festival dance originating from Kochi Prefecture, Japan. Known for its energetic movements and fast-paced rhythm, Yosakoi captures the spirit of togetherness and the joyful celebration of life deeply rooted in Japanese culture.

HIKARI’s performance was set to the song “Shunki Mushin Mirai e”, a well-known number in the world of Yosakoi performances. The song conveys themes of spring, sincerity, and a hopeful outlook toward the future. The dance was brought to life by four students from the 2023 cohort: Rani, Ibel, Amel, and Febby, whose spirited and harmonious choreography left a lasting impression. Their use of umbrella props not only enhanced the visual appeal but also added a theatrical layer that deepened the emotional resonance of the dance.

Through this performance, HIKARI didn’t just introduce Japanese culture on a surface level—they embodied it within a local context, offering a holistic form of cross-cultural learning. Dance became a medium through which students experienced core Japanese values firsthand: teamwork, consistency, and self-expression—all internalized through intensive rehearsals and live performance.

By creating opportunities like this, the program aims to nurture students who don’t just learn about Japanese culture from textbooks, but who also actively engage with it in meaningful ways. Events such as these reflect the importance of fostering a participatory, creative, and supportive learning environment—one that cultivates not only intellectual growth but also emotional and personal development.

[Public Relations of Japanese Language and Culture, Barra Taura Nursaid]

Yogyakarta, 23/5/2025 – Korean Major Talk Show, also known as KOMETS, is an annual event organized by the Korean Language Student Association (Himahara) with the aim of introducing the Korean Language and Culture Study Program at Universitas Gadjah Mada. The event features inspiring speakers from the program and is open to the general public. This year’s KOMETS was held online via Zoom on March 9, 2025, starting at 09:00 AM (WIB).

For 2025, KOMETS adopted the theme “Korean High School” with the tagline “A Journey To The Glory”, inspired by the popular South Korean drama Study Group. The theme reflects the perseverance and spirit of students in navigating a challenging journey toward discovering and preparing themselves for admission into the Korean Language and Culture Study Program. The event aspires to provide prospective students with in-depth insights into the academic environment and opportunities offered by the program at Universitas Gadjah Mada.

The event commenced with welcoming remarks from the Chair of Himahara, Khalisha Zukhrufa Hayya Risatmoko, the Head of the Korean Language and Culture Study Program, Dr. Achmad Rio Dessiar, B.A, M.A, and the Chief Organizer of KOMETS 2025, Uut Sriutami. The opening was followed by a presentation by Sherina Azmi Ahmad, an administrative staff member of the study program.

The session continued with presentations from two speakers who have participated in exchange programs in South Korea: Nyimas Aliyah Prajnia Paramitha, recipient of the 2024 Hyundai CMK Global Scholarship, and Raden Ajeng Dian Sari, recipient of the 2024 Global Korea Scholarship. In the middle of the session, a fun interactive quiz on South Korea was held to engage the participants.

The final speaker was the event’s special guest star, Kim Suengwon, a student from Busan University of Foreign Studies and a 2024 awardee of the AIMS Program Exchange, who is currently studying at Universitas Gadjah Mada.

KOMETS 2025 was attended by approximately 55 enthusiastic participants and received overwhelmingly positive feedback. The event successfully introduced the Korean Language and Culture Study Program to a broader audience. “Don’t be afraid to try, and keep striving until you succeed.” — KOMETS 2025 Speaker.

[Public Relation of Korean Language and Culture, Justin Liepangi]