In mid-April, I joined an ICC event at Waseda University’s Tokorozawa Campus, where we experienced bamboo shoot harvesting together. What I expected to be a simple outdoor activity gradually became a day filled with warmth, laughter, and quiet moments that I still remember vividly.
For many of us, it was our first time harvesting bamboo shoots. At the beginning, the ground looked almost impossible to dig through, and I wondered how people could even tell where the bamboo shoots were hidden. However, the staff members patiently and gently guided us throughout the process. They carefully taught us how to recognize a good bamboo shoot beneath the soil and explained where to dig to avoid damaging it. What impressed me most was how they intentionally dug through the hardest part first so that we could experience the joy of completing the final step of the harvest ourselves. Thanks to their kindness and encouragement, even a difficult task became exciting and rewarding.
Holding the freshly harvested bamboo shoot in my hands gave me a surprising sense of accomplishment. Later, I brought it home and cooked it myself. Eating something that I had personally harvested made the meal feel much more meaningful than usual, and it left me with a deep sense of satisfaction.
Photo by author
After the harvesting activity, we sat down together for a picnic surrounded by the beautiful scenery of Tokorozawa Campus. The peaceful atmosphere, the open greenery, and the gentle spring weather created a moment that almost felt separate from the busy rhythm of daily student life in Tokyo. We shared the food we had each brought, exchanged stories, and talked about our hobbies and experiences at Waseda. Through these conversations, I discovered many unexpected common interests with other participants, and it felt comforting to connect so naturally with people I had only just met.
Before this event, I had never visited Waseda’s Tokorozawa Campus. Seeing a different side of the university through this experience made me appreciate Waseda even more. Compared to the fast-paced atmosphere of central Tokyo, the campus felt calm, spacious, and closely connected to nature. It showed me that Waseda is not only a place of academics, but also a place where people from different backgrounds can gather, share experiences, and create memories together.
At the end of the day, we had a Bingo game filled with excitement and laughter. I was very happy to win an ICC Bear, which has now become a small but special reminder of the event.
Photo by author
Looking back, this event was much more than simply harvesting bamboo shoots. It was about discovering new experiences, sharing small moments with others, and finding warmth in unfamiliar places. I would strongly recommend ICC events to students who wish to step outside their usual routines and meet people in a more natural and meaningful way. Even if you join alone, you may leave with new friendships, unforgettable memories, and perhaps a different perspective on university life itself.
I would like to sincerely thank the ICC staff and student staff members for organizing such a thoughtful and memorable event. It is an experience I will treasure for a long time.
