This fourth iteration of the program maintained its traditional structure, combining lectures, discussions, and site visits, while also introducing four new initiatives this year.

First, a new approach was adopted for participant recruitment on UTokyo side. Emphasis was placed on expanding access to students with limited overseas experience and those from regional backgrounds. English proficiency was not required, and participants’ financial burden was reduced. As a result, eight students were selected from 72 applicants. The participants ranged from first- to fourth-year undergraduates and represented a balanced mix in terms of academic discipline (humanities and sciences) and gender.

On the Princeton side, recruitment followed the usual process, led by staff of the Global Japan Lab, focusing primarily on students studying Japanese. From approximately 20 applicants, eight first- and second-year students were selected. In addition, as a new initiative, former participants of the program joined as teaching assistants (TAs), playing key leadership roles for the students, particularly during free time.

Second, enhancements were made to the program structure. While the UTokyo New York Office served as the main lecture venue, the program took advantage of the New York location with visits to The New York Times headquarters, the New York bureau of Asahi Shimbun, the United Nations, the Japan Society, Columbia University, and New York University. At each site, participants heard from Japanese professionals and UTokyo alumni active in the field and engaged in discussions.

Third, during the stay at Princeton University, cooperation was sought from Princeton graduate students who are alumni of UTokyo. Sessions were organized to discuss post-graduation pathways and career planning. Some of these graduate students had previously participated in this program or studied at Princeton as exchange students, allowing participants to experience the depth and expansion of the inter-university network.

Fourth, the Japanese Language Sessions were strengthened. A participating student who holds a master-level certification in calligraphy planned and conducted three classes, each including a hands-on calligraphy experience, significantly enriching the content.

Sunday, March 8

Students from Princeton University joined the group, and an orientation session was held. Following an overview of the program delivered by faculty leader Professor Takako Hikotani, students introduced themselves and shared a catered Japanese lunch. The UTokyo and Princeton students quickly built rapport, developing a strong sense of unity as a team.

Monday, March 9

Participants gathered at the UTokyo New York Office for the first Japanese language session. Instruction led by a student with experience in Japanese language support and a calligraphy qualification was clear and effective, and the format—UTokyo students assisting Princeton students—worked especially well.

In the morning, Professor Ann Borovoy of Princeton University delivered a lecture on the Japanese and Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s responses to COVID-19. The topic led to lively discussions comparing students’ personal experiences, government policies across countries, and differences in societal acceptance. Even after the lecture, students actively continued asking questions.

In the afternoon, the group walked to The New York Times headquarters. Guided by Mr. Spencer Cohen, an Opinion desk journalist and a graduate of UTokyo’s master’s program, students toured the editorial floor and the museum showcasing the paper’s history and coverage of major world events. They also visited the on-site Asahi Shimbun New York bureau, where Bureau Chief Mr. Tsuyoshi Tamura explained the bureau’s history and overseas reporting operations, followed by an active Q&A session.

Tuesday, March 10

On the second day of the program, participants departed early by subway to visit the Neuroscience Department at New York University. Ms. Nina Harano, a doctoral student, delivered a lecture titled “Defining the Global Citizen: Building a Global Career by Owning Your Story.” Drawing from her personal life and career trajectory, she discussed identifying strengths and passions and reframing weaknesses as assets—content that had a particularly strong impact on UTokyo students.

 

In the afternoon, the group visited the Columbia University campus. At the historic Kent Hall lounge, furnished with George Nakashima furniture, they attended a talk by Mr. Ryotaro Ikenaga, a former member of the taiko performing arts group Kodo and a current student at Columbia Business School. He spoke about his rigorous training on Sado Island, his global activities as a producer, and his perspectives on cultural policy and funding systems across countries. The lecture prompted wide-ranging and lively discussions.

In the evening, participants attended a performance of Puccini’s Madama Butterfly at the Metropolitan Opera. For many students, this was their first opera experience, and they greatly enjoyed the atmosphere. Having read a related academic paper in advance by Professor Mari Yoshihara of UTokyo’s Center for Global Education, students were able to deepen their understanding of the work.

Wednesday, March 11

The third day began with the second Japanese language session, during which Princeton students, with support from UTokyo students, presented their reflections on Madama Butterfly in Japanese.

Next, Ambassador and Consul General Satoshi Katahira from the Consulate General of Japan in New York delivered a lecture on the “Current State of Japan–U.S. Relations.” Drawing on his experience as Director-General of the Economic Affairs Bureau at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and his involvement in Japan–U.S. summit meetings, his talk provided strong inspiration for students. Beyond the formal Q&A session, the Ambassador also joined the group for lunch, allowing for informal exchange.

After lunch, the group visited the Japan Society, meeting with Mr. Joshua Walker, President and CEO. He spoke at length about his background, career path, current initiatives, and future outlook, while responding thoughtfully to student questions.

Later, participants visited the United Nations Headquarters. Mr. Akira Marusaki, a UTokyo alumni and Programme Officer in the Department of Operational Support, delivered a lecture titled “Crossing Cultures and Institutions: A Japanese Practitioner’s Journey from Government to the United Nations and the Future of Peacekeeping Capacity-Building.” He discussed his career trajectory, the role of study abroad in shaping his path, his current work, and perspectives on the UN’s future. With Mr. Marusaki’s support, students also toured the UN facilities, including the General Meeting Hall and the Security Council Chamber.

Thursday, March 12

Amid cold weather with sleet, the group departed New York City by bus for Rutgers University. After a student-led campus tour, participants attended a lecture by Professor Haruko Wakabayashi entitled “Rutgers Meets Japan: A Trans-Pacific Network of Students, Teachers, and Missionaries in the Late Nineteenth Century.” Using historical materials prepared by Ms. Fernanda Perrone of the Rutgers University Library－ including letters and newspaper articles—students divided into five groups for discussion and presentations. They gained insight into how the efforts and struggles of young people of that era contributed to Japan’s modernization and laid the foundations for Japan–U.S. and Japan–New Jersey relations.

The group then traveled to Princeton, where students experienced campus life through meals at the dining hall and walks around campus.

Friday, March 13

Lectures were held at Princeton University. As the culmination of the Japanese language sessions, Princeton students each selected a favorite kanji character, wrote it on a shikishi board, and presented their work. UTokyo students worked closely alongside them throughout the process.

In the afternoon, a joint class was taught by Professor James Raymo, the Princeton-side program director, and Professor Takako Hikotani faculty leader from UTokyo. Professor Raymo lectured on Japanese demographics, while Professor Hikotani addressed Japan’s security policy and Japan–U.S. relations. Although some content was familiar to UTokyo students, it served as a valuable catalyst for discussion with Princeton students, resulting in highly active exchanges.

Saturday, March 14

On the final day, an alumni talk session was held with graduates who study at Princeton after completing their degrees at UTokyo. Speakers included Shuri Takaba, Etienne Gagnon, Xin Gang, Haruki Sugimoto, and Lynn Hirose. Each shared their journey from UTokyo to Princeton, current research, and career aspirations. Students posed many questions, and UTokyo participants gained practical and realistic advice for future overseas study.

This was followed by a reflection session over lunch. Students were asked to prepare presentations addressing how their perceptions of their own country and the partner country had changed, and how they themselves had changed through the program.

Presentations reflected not only shifts in mutual national perceptions, but also personal growth and new self-awareness. Princeton students with Japanese roots reflected on their connection to Japan and future engagement; those studying Japanese began seriously considering concrete steps toward studying abroad. Some students who previously struggled to find their place expressed new confidence in campus life.

UTokyo students likewise reported discovering new aspects of themselves, deepening their motivation for overseas study, gaining confidence in their English abilities, and recognizing areas for further improvement. From the perspective of the faculty, clear positive changes in students’ expressions and attitudes were evident throughout the program, underscoring its educational significance.

For all participants, the program represented a major step toward engaging with the wider world and resulted in the formation of strong bonds of trust and friendship—an outcome of profound value.