ICC (Intercultural Communication Center)Waseda University

Midori  

What would it be like to participate in an event where you do not know anyone’s real name, nationality, major, or any personal background?

That question immediately caught my attention when I saw the recruitment poster for the No Border Camp. If we could not ask about each other’s names or countries, how would we even begin a conversation?

What would connect us?

I was deeply curious. I wanted to understand people beyond labels such as nationality or university affiliation. Moreover, as this was my last opportunity to participate in an ICC event as a Waseda student before graduating this March, I felt strongly that I should challenge myself and experience something meaningful before closing this chapter of my university life.

Origami Time _Photo by Author

Before the camp began, I had many concerns. We would spend three days and two nights together at the Seminar House, communicating entirely in English. I was not very confident in my English ability, but I hoped this would be a chance to improve. Surprisingly, once we arrived, my worries gradually faded. Because we were not allowed to ask about personal background information, our conversations naturally shifted toward deeper topics, our personalities, hobbies, experiences in Japan and other countries, and most importantly, our values. Through activities such as Value Mapping and open discussions, I not only learned about others but also gained valuable opportunities to reflect on myself. 

Room Competition_Photo by Author

One of the main activities was conducting an interview with a partner and writing an article based on that conversation. I truly enjoyed this part of the camp. It allowed me to spend more time talking with my partner and listening carefully to their thoughts and experiences. I have always liked writing and designing articles, so this task felt both exciting and meaningful to me. It was rewarding to transform a personal conversation into a written piece that captured someone’s story.

Beyond the discussion sessions, we strengthened our bonds through games and physical activities, including table tennis and volleyball. My roommates and I even won the Room Competition, which made the experience even more memorable and joyful.

During these three days, I came to an important realization: everyone has their own unique values. There is no need to compare ourselves to others. Each person grows at their own pace. By focusing on gradually improving ourselves and staying true to our values, things will naturally move in a better direction. 

The No Border Camp was not only a place to meet new people without labels, but also a space where I rediscovered my own values and gained the courage to step beyond my comfort zone.