On August 9, 2020, the Center for Japanese Language and Culture held a presentation session at the General Education Building on campus. Six international students (from China, Poland, Sweden, Thailand, and Vietnam. They are the 19th group of students who have completed the Japanese Language and Culture Studies Course at the center since the course opening) made their presentations.

International students who are enrolled in the course study at Gifu University from October to August the following year as state-funded students recommended by embassies, their home universities and Gifu University, or as exchange students coming from Gifu University's oversea partner universities. At the end of the course, they write theses on the themes they choose. Their supervisors and Japanese tutors (Gifu University students) assist them in their writing.

Sessions are open to the public every year, but with due concern of COVID-19 infections, attendees were limited only to the university students and staff this year. As a first trial, we live-streamed the session on the internet and received positive feedback from viewers.

By showing slides, the speakers introduced unique aspects of Japanese, Gifu's local culture, tourism and languages, comparison between Japanese culture and that of his/her home country. When speeches were over, speakers fielded many questions from the audience. Active exchange with the audience showcased their great accomplishments in Japan.

The students attended the course completion ceremony on August 21. After returning to their countries, they will resume their studies in their home universities. Some of those who had completed the course returned to Japan to continue their studies at Gifu University's graduate schools or other universities, or to work in Japan. We look forward to seeing the 19th students again soon in Japan and wish them the very best.

The followings are the names of the speakers and their speech themes (in the order of presentations):

- Mr. Zhou Qicheng (China) "Use of Contracted Forms in Daily Conversations: From Performances from "Sandwich Man (Japanese comedian duo)"

- Ms. Chuangsuwanish Anyamanee (Thailand) "Convey the Beauty of Gifu Local Kabuki (Ji-Kabuki) to the People of Thailand: Conduct Questionnaires by Using Photos"

- Ms. Puto Anna-Maria (Poland) "Anime (animation) Sacred Sites Pilgrimage Seen from Foreign Nationals"

- Mr. Gustafsson Jesper Benjamin (Sweden) "Veganism: Exclusion of All Forms of Animal Exploitation"

- Ms. Fu Li Bei (China) "Translation for Tourism Strategies: Chinese Translation of Nagara River Cormorant Fishing as an Example"

- Ms. Nguyen Thi Thu Hoai (Vietnam) "Differences in Ancestor Worshipping between Vietnam and Japan: Focusing on Vietnam Lunar New Year Holidays and Japan's Summer Bon Holidays"