Gujo Dance Workshop (Japanese Culture Workshop) is held
On Wednesday, May 13, 2026, the Center for Japanese Language and Culture held a workshop on "Gujo Odori." Gujo Odori is a traditional dance designated as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage and also as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan. On the day of the event, about 30 international students from Algeria, Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, the United States, and Vietnam participated and experienced traditional Japanese culture.
Before the workshop began, with the cooperation of a kimono dressing group from Mino City, Gifu Prefecture, the students were dressed in yukata. They enjoyed Japanese culture by taking commemorative photos in their colorful yukata.
During the workshop, two instructors from Gujo City, also in Gifu Prefecture, were invited to teach two representative Gujo Odori dances, "Kawasaki" and "Harukoma." The students attentively learned the movements of the hands and feet and earnestly experienced this aspect of traditional Japanese culture. At the end of the workshop, they were presented with souvenirs and traditional hand towels related to Gujo. Participants shared impressions such as, "I'd like to actually go to Gujo and dance," and "Gujo dance is difficult but fun." For the students, it was a valuable opportunity to experience the culture of Japan and Gifu.
Gifu University will continue to actively provide similar opportunities for cultural exchange in the future.
