NEWS

On August 8 and 9, 2025, student groups from APU gave stage performances and ran cultural experience booths at the World Play and Learning Summit at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan. The event was hosted by the Playground of Life: Jellyfish Pavilion, a signature pavilion produced by Ms. Sachiko Nakajima and sponsored by the Ritsumeikan Trust.

At APU, students regularly organize Multicultural Weeks on campus as events that introduce the languages and cultures of various countries and regions and provide opportunities to experience diversity firsthand. With the aim of sharing this spirit of multiculturalism with Expo visitors, several APU student organizations planned and staged a Multicultural Show, featuring dances, music, and performances from around the world.

On August 8, a total of 65 students from 14 countries and regions across the Asia Pacific, including Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, Fiji, Taiwan, Myanmar, India, Bangladesh, Samoa, and Palau, took to the stage. The performances included an Okinawan Eisa dance, a Malaysian lion dance, a traditional Indonesian dance, and cultural showcases from the Pacific and Oceania region. In addition, a joint fashion show highlighted traditional costumes from 12 countries, culminating in an interactive finale that engaged the audience. On the following day, August 9, the performances included an Arauma dance from Aomori, traditional dances from Malaysia and Thailand, and another fashion show.

Alongside the Multicultural Show, Thai students from APU hosted a cultural workshop at the Jellyfish Pavilion. Participants enjoyed hands-on activities such as making pratapian, traditional fish-shaped charms displayed in homes or over cradles for health and good fortune; a quiz on Thai rituals; and the chance to try on traditional Thai costumes. During the costume experience, visitors tried on the Chut Thai women’s outfit along with traditional accessories. One mother-and-daughter participant commented: “Even when traveling to Thailand, it’s rare to have the chance to try on these clothes. This was such a memorable experience. Everyone was very friendly and explained when and how the outfits are worn.” The event not only afforded visitors with an intercultural experience, it also provided them with a valuable opportunity to interact with international students.