On the 17th May 2017, staff and students of our sister university, Moravian College came to Japan on a peace study tour. First on the schedule was a meeting with Mr Oyama, the President of Osaka Ohtani University. The President expressed greetings to all those from Moravian College.

The President received a marvelous present from Moravian College. Let us mutually deepen our relations as the two greeted each other with a firm handshake. The present is to the left below the President.

The provost of Moravian College, Dr. Cynthia Kosso greeted us and gave a talk.

A memorial photograph including our students who gave their support. After this, there was the lecture on Peace Studies.

Thank you so much!

A lecture on Peace Studies was given by Terry Lancashire in the second period. All the Moravian staff and students and many of our students listened together. Of course, the lecture was in English.

All the staff and students of Moravian College as well as our students earnestly took notes and listened intently.

It was a difficult subject, but everyone was supported by Terry Lancashire’s friendly expression and the students listened seriously to the lecture.

The lunch exchange began with an introduction to the university (a speech in English). Many students participated, and everyone from Moravian College had a good time. Even though there were language and cultural differences, there was mutual communication, and if you try to understand then you can really become friends! At the same time, everyone noticed that which was important. At first, the students were also nervous but everyone had a friendly face!

After finishing lunch, before setting off we had a memorial photograph. Finally, we got on the bus and walked around Jinai-machi in Tondayashi city. Jinai-machi is a nationally designated important preservation area of a traditional buildings. As it was a hot day, our throats were thirsty.

So, we wanted to drop into an old house converted into a coffee shop.

There is also a sister city relationship between Bethlehem city and Tondabayashi city and so the Moravian College staff and students were greeted with great warmth.

With the appearance of Toppi, everyone from Moravian College became excited. Each one in turn received a present and waited expectedly for their turn.

That looks delicious! Let’s eat!!

Welcome party! All the people at Moravian College were guided to their table and sat down. The students of Osaka Ohtani had written messages on folded paper and no doubt everyone enjoyed the decorated paper covers for the chopsticks. After the Kanpai (Cheers), everyone at last got to take the prepared meal. Where-ever you looked, everything was delicious.

The welcome party finale.Exchange of presents. From Osaka Ohtani, there were handkerchiefs with the name of the University inscribed and chopsticks. From Moravian College, the support students, who had spent the night at the university, received T shirts. And the Ohtani staff received various items. The support students and all the Moravian staff and students, who had spent two nights and three days together, took a memorial photograph. Staying and eating together meant that they were able to deepen their ties. This also increased his confidence leading to inter-cultural exchange.