On Sunday, August 4, 2024, the Center for Japanese Language and Culture at Gifu University held a hybrid presentation session (both in-person and online) for students who completed the "Japanese Language and Culture Studies Course." Approximately 40 people from both on and off campus attended to hear speeches given by six international students from the 23rd batch of the course, representing China, Poland, Thailand and Vietnam.

International students enrolled in the course study Japanese language and Japanese culture at Gifu University from October to the following August as state-funded students recommended by embassies and their home universities, or as exchange students from Gifu University's overseas partner universities. At the end of the course, students write theses on chosen themes, guided by their supervisors and Japanese tutors (Gifu University students).

Six students dedicated significant time to researching, analyzing and editing their theses on cultural similarities and differences between Japan and their home countries, each from their unique perspectives.

During the presentations, all students demonstrated their excellent Japanese skills while showing slides to the audience. They also fielded questions from the audience during the Q & A session. Teachers, students and family members of the six students also attended online from their home countries and were pleased with the virtual reunion.

The students will attend a course completion ceremony scheduled for Thursday, August 22. After returning to their countries, they will resume their studies at their respective universities. Some of the course graduates have returned to Japan to continue their studies at graduate schools at Gifu University or other universities, or to work in Japan. We look forward to seeing the 23rd batch of students again in Japan and wish them the very best for the future.

The following are the names of six students and their speech themes (in the order of presentations):

- Ms. SUANBORAE TANCHANOK (Thailand) "Japanese women's forelocks - types and impressions -"

- Mr. LUAN KAIQI (China) "Multifaceted nature of ironies - categorization and comparison of ironies between Japan and China-"

- Ms. YIN JINGYI (China) "Feminism in China seen from Ueno Chizuko boom"

- Ms. NGUYEN PHAM TU MINH (Vietnam) "Comparative study for Indian-ink paintings between Japan and Vietnam"

- Mr. YAO ZHENGYI (China) "Approach to Japanese language study by Chinese - focus on Japanese study by Chinese students at Gifu University-"

- Ms. CHOJNACKA ALICJA MARIA (Poland) "Japanese novels in Poland - trends of novel selection-"