On Saturday, September 26, and Sunday, September 27, 2026, we held a bonding event for the GLFP 13th cohort, bringing together incoming US students from GLFP partner universities and Waseda students returning from their studies in the United States. The event gave students their first opportunity to meet the peers they will be learning alongside over the coming year and to get to know one another through shared experiences.
The first day began with self-introductions, followed by a shamisen performance by a Waseda student and a matcha latte-making workshop. These activities created a relaxed atmosphere where conversations flowed and students began to feel more comfortable with one another. After lunch and a campus tour, the students attended a kick-off lecture by Professor Juichiro Tanabe, setting the stage for their year of learning together in GLFP.
On the second day, we gathered at Waseda before setting out to explore Tokyo’s culture and neighborhoods. Our first stop was the Edo-Tokyo Museum in Ryogoku, where students learned about Japanese history and culture, followed by a chanko nabe lunch together. We then enjoyed sampling different foods at Toyosu Senkyaku Banrai and took part in an omamori-making workshop at Shiomi Shrine. The day concluded with a Hato Bus tour of Tokyo’s landmarks, offering students a variety of ways to experience the city.
Through the activities over these two days, students shared conversations and laughter and began building bonds as the 13th cohort. We look forward to seeing them learn from one another, support each other, and grow together through their classes and GLFP activities over the coming year.
