NEWS

A collaborative event between Orix Real Estate, Suginoi Hotel, and Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, the 2023 Multicultural Festival (MCF) took place on December 9th and 10th at the Beppu Onsen Suginoi Hotel, attracting a large number of attendees.

In its second year, this edition focused on the theme of "World Holidays," encompassing the year-end holidays and Christmas around the world. Various booths were set up to provide cultural experiences, not only for hotel guests but also for visitors to the event. Attendees had the opportunity to experience aspects such as Japanese tea ceremonies, bamboo crafts, origami from Thailand and India, and traditional New Year's writing. They enjoyed cultural immersion while conversing with students about New Year’s celebrations in their respective home countries.

Additionally, lantern-making activities featuring traditional designs and characters from different countries, parades with students adorned in ethnic costumes, and vibrant stage performances by six student groups entertained the visitors, offering a warm welcome to all.

This initiative originated from a project proposal developed during a special lecture in the College of Sustainability and Tourism in the spring semester. It was further refined and implemented as an extracurricular Project C in the fall semester. The students successfully organized and operated the event, gaining practical experience and learning through hands-on participation.