A Japanese traditional Tanabata Star Festival was held at the Exchange Lounge of the International Student Center on July 1. The Festival is held annually in the expectation that international students of Gifu University can experience Japanese culture firsthand and mingle freely with Japanese students. About 50 international and Japanese students including the Summer School Program participants joined the Festival.

After an opening address by a Japanese student called "Exchange Lounge Tutor," who organized the Festival, the participants wrote their wishes in small paper strips in Japanese or their native languages. Later, they tied them to bamboo branches. The participants also enjoyed making origami paper work, some of which was used for decoration of the bamboo tree. While making origami, international and Japanese students shared the joy of cultural exchange.
At the end of the Festival, the participants took group photos and the Festival ended in a great success. It is hoped that this event gave the students a valuable opportunity to become acquainted with one another and deepen their friendship.

The Exchange Lounge is currently used for a study support (mainly study of Japanese and Japanese culture) for international students as well as exchange activities between international and Japanese students. The Lounge opened to take the lead in Gifu University's efforts of globalization and promotion of international exchanges. The Exchange Lounge Tutors are standing by to provide study support for international students in the afternoon from Monday to Friday.