An opportunity to see the current needs of the tourism industry and society from a broader perspective
School of Technology Management and Logistics 3年
This visit to Japan and participation in the exchange program in Kobe, Japan is a unique and unforgettable experience for me. It marked my first-time stepping foot in Japan and engaging in an 11-day exchange program. During this project, I had numerous first-time experiences. The 11-day journey gave me a deep understanding of Japanese culture and the way of international cooperation, and I also gained a lot of knowledge.
During our first day at Kansai University, we participated in an ice-breaking session to foster camaraderie within our group, followed by a visit to Kobe with our group mates. On the second day, Professor Yoshifumi Muneta briefed us on Japanese Tourism Policy, emphasizing the problems faced by Japan's tourism and the importance of awareness as a foreign tourist in Japan.
In Osaka, our fifth day was dedicated to practical cooking classes with an emphasis on Japanese sake, gourmet food, and matcha. We learned about the rich history of sake brewing, Japanese cuisine, and the art of matcha making, ending our learning trip on a high note with new knowledge and appreciation for Japanese culture.
Our sixth day started with inspiring lectures from speakers from different countries who gave different perspectives on hospitality industry practices. This presentation provides valuable insights into hospitality in different cultures and deepens our understanding of its universal importance in the tourism industry. After the lecture, we entered preparation mode and spent time making presentations based on our learning and experiences during the study tour. This collaborative effort allows us to reflect on our journey and consolidate our new knowledge, preparing us to share our insights with others.
The highlight of our tour was our visit to Awaji Island, where we began the day with a mediation class and received insights from the local company regarding tourism policies specific to the island. We relished fresh farm-to-table cuisine, witnessed a mesmerizing ballet performance, and explored Nijigen no Mori, a renowned Naruto anime theme park. The day was a perfect blend of cultural immersion and entertainment, leaving a lasting impression on all participants.
On the fourth day, we visited Arima Onsen, a historic site boasting over a millennium of history. Mr. Kanai provided us with valuable insights into the golden and silver onsens, as well as introducing us to unique experiences such as tasting green pepper and engaging in the traditional craft of Arima Onsen, the Arima doll brush. Additionally, we had an opportunity to experience the Japanese soba noodles, further enhancing our culinary journey.
During this project, I learned a lot about Japanese culture, such as the process of making Japanese food, tasting sake, drinking matcha, and tasting Japanese food. I also had a wonderful experience on Awaji Island. I watched a ballet performance for the first time, visited Nijigen no Mori, and tasted fresh, big, and sweet onions.
During these few days of travel, we listened to explanations from the cultural guides of Japan and faced issues in the Japanese tourism industry, such as how to improve their tourism industry and how to protect their culture. This is exactly the purpose of our program. During the project, we not only learned about the problems of Japan's tourism industry but also became aware of the challenges faced by the industry in our own country. During this project, we gained a lot of knowledge that may be helpful to our country.
Apart from that, we went to Sakoshi Port in our seventh day and the local welcome us warmly. We learned about the history of Sakoshi Port and how to pray respectfully in temple. We then enjoyed a delicious seafood meal of oysters, rare brown rice, and vegetable soup. We also participated in beach cleanups, learned how to make salt and soil, and gained insight into local traditions and daily life. Overall, it was an unforgettable day immersing us in the culture and activities of Sakoshi port. Subsequently, we shifted our focus to prepare our presentation, reflecting on our enriching experiences during the study tour.
Throughout this process, my mentors, teammates, and mentors from other groups gave me a lot of support and advice, and I am deeply grateful to them. I am very happy to be able to work with students from different countries. In the end, our proposal also successfully won second place.
I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this project. This experience allowed me to experience many firsts, learn about cultures from outside Malaysia, and give me the opportunity to see the current needs of the tourism industry and society from a broader perspective, which was very eye-opening and beneficial. What's more, working with students from all over the world is a rare reward and helps build lifelong connections and friendships.
