Diversity Day took place over two days, October 25 and 26, as part of Yamanashi Gakuin University’s annual Jutoku Festival! iCLA Students from 10 different countries came together to showcase their cultures through creative booths. This year’s participating country booths included Indonesia, Kazakhstan/Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Slovakia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, The Philippines, USA, and Uzbekistan.
This event marked a special milestone as the first event to be held in the newly-built Turquoise Blue cafeteria, which opened in early September. The event saw over 1000 visitors eager to talk to students and experience world cultures. This is the most visitors to date for Diversity Day.
Each booth did a fantastic job of showcasing their cultures. Students worked together to design unique spaces and organize cultural experiences for visitors. Activities included trivia quizzes, games, arts and crafts, and tastings of traditional food, all crafted with passion and teamwork.
Guests could test their knowledge of Slovak history and geography and earn a certificate, learn to write their name in Thai, paint Uzbek ornaments found in traditional clothing and ceramics, or compete in a US-themed quiz for a chance to win a “Green Card” and other prizes. Guests sampled authentic flavors from around the world with foods like Filipino Ube Kalamay, Indonesian Indomie, Russian waffles, Sushki, and Pryanik, Sri Lankan Roti with Lunu Miris, Kazakh Bauyrsak/Kyrgyz Boorsok, among many others.
For those who enjoy art, the “Work in Progress” gallery booth also displayed sketches and concept art by iCLA students, previewing pieces for the upcoming “Almost Home” Art Exhibition happening from December 8 – 14 at Gallery 1045. The exhibition is held through the Yamanashi Gakuin University Student Challenge Program, a university initiative which funds selected innovative student projects that contribute to the university and local community. The proposals of two iCLA students were selected this year to receive funding.
Guests could collect stamps from any of the booths for the Diversity Day stamp rally, and receive a small prize.
Moreover, the venue was made even more lively with musical performances in various languages by iCLA students, organized by Professor Mike Blow, and a collaborative mural project by Professor Sam Stocker inviting guests to add their artistic touches to a shared canvas.
The event’s success was made possible by the wonderful student volunteers of the Hara Seminar from the Faculty of Business Administration, and from iCLA, who assisted with event operations and language support. Their enthusiastic promotion by handing out pamphlets, warmly welcoming guests, and spreading the word across campus helped make Diversity Day a great success.
iCLA has over 55 nationalities among its student community, and the event truly embodied the diversity and global environment that defines iCLA. The collective efforts of students, faculty, and staff turned weeks of preparation into two unforgettable days of cross-cultural exchange and celebration.
A big thank you to everyone. Your hard work and enthusiasm have made Diversity Day 2025 a great success!