On Friday, April 5, a welcome party was held in Sakura Café, on Machida Campus, for the 120 new international students who will be studying at J. F. Oberlin University this year. The party was planned by the members of the Buddy Program, who help international students get used to life in Japan and to studying at J. F. Oberlin, starting from the moment they arrive in the country.

Kotone Ozawa, one of the organizers, said before the party started, “We chose ‘Spring in Japan’ as the theme and decorated Sakura Café with a cherry blossom motif. We hope the students will enjoy the party.” As the festivities got under way, the students were introduced to such games as janken ressha, and there were smiles and laughter all around. Seasonal favorites such as chirashizushi, rice with bamboo shoots, and hanami dango were served, and the students dug in to the food with gusto as they chatted and got to know each other.

An American student named Julian said, “I’m interested in Japanese art. Yesterday I went to the National Art Gallery to see ukiyoe. It’s been really nice to have J. F. Oberlin students looking after us since we arrived here. I think I’m going to be able to make lots of friends here.”