After the formalities of the day we were allowed to roam freely and I went shopping in Shibuya. There were a lot of cool stores, and we also got to eat a nice dinner. It was exciting to navigate the subway system to go adventuring. It was a relief to relax after the stress of the presentation. (2/2)

On day 5, we had a very formal day. We presented action plans to representatives of the Kakehashi project and US-Japan Council, and visited the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs for a courtesy call. The Parliamentary Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs provided many insights on our trip. (1/2)

Seeing what university life was like in a different country opened my eyes to the ways in which this cultural exchange could benefit both of our institutions by exposing our cultural biases and therefore opening our eyes to areas of improvement that had previously been overlooked. (2/2)

We started the day by visiting Miraikan, national museum of science and technology. The exhibits were interactive and covered a wide range of subjects, from neuroscience to astronomy. After the museum, we had okonomiyaki for lunch before we met our exchange partners at Sophia University. (1/2)

After learning about steel manufacturing in my materials science class, it was cool to see it put into practice. Afterwards, we received a lecture from the Women’s Eye NPO that inspired me to reach out to and support local female owned businesses. It was a packed but fulfilling day. (3/3)

The couple I stayed with were so full of excitement about life and care for others, and I hope that I can show the same care for those around me. After saying our goodbyes, we visited the Mirai Shipbuilding Company, which was very interesting to me as an engineer. (2/3)

Our third full day in Japan started at a farewell party with all the scholars and host families. After being apart for the homestay portion of the trip, we had so much to share with each other when we met again. Staying with a host family made me reflect on the type of person I want to become (1/3)

After ringing the bell and wishing for our safe travels at the shrine, we prepared special chirashi rice and umeboshi onigiri to eat for Hinamatsuri. It was delicious and warm, especially since we ate under the kotatsu (heated table), a welcome respite from the cold outside. (2/2)

This was a full day with our host family. We visited an doll and craft shop because it was Hinamatsuri (Girls/Dolls day) and got some omiyage to bring home. The owner also kindly gave us some dried persimmons that we ate as a snack. We also visited an art museum and a shrine. (1/2)

We then met up with our host families and ate dinner before talking, singing, and dancing together until bedtime. It was a long day, but full of joy. (2/2)

On day 1, we got an early start and took the Shinkansen to Kesennuma in the Tohoku region of northern Honshu. We attended a lecture on the construction of sea walls post 3/11 and had a great lunch where I unwittingly tried shark fin for the first time. (1/2)

After an 11 hour flight from LAX to Haneda airport in Tokyo, LMU and Pomona scholars had curry bento for dinner and explored the nearby convenience stores. We were all very tired but excited for the experience ahead of us.