Do you have a favorite pen?
When you are studying, working, creating art, pens are right there with us every day.
And many of us are particular when choosing one.
When you choose a pen, there are personal preferences of course, but there is also your native culture’s writing, school education, trends and other influences. For example, Japanese children use pencils in primary school, then mechanical pencils in secondary school. Looking overseas, in some cultures children use fountain pens from primary school, and in others children use writing instruments specified by their school.
Writing instruments are used throughout the world, but the ones a person is in contact with from childhood to university varies by country and region. These differences are connected to how we think of writing, and probably reflect differences in cultural background. With this event, we want to create an intercultural exchange looking at our regional and national cultures as relates to the subject of writing instruments.
This event is a special collaboration with Mitsubishi Pencil Company Limited (uni), a leading Japanese manufacturer of writing instruments. Established in 1887, its famous products include JETSTREAM ballpoint pens, KURU TOGA mechanical pencils and POSCA markers, brands familiar to people who have spent their student days in Japan. The company has aggressively expanded overseas too, so many students from other countries have probably seen their products as well.
At the event, our guest from Mitsubishi Pencil will give a presentation about the culture of writing instruments around the world, an opportunity to hear episodes of their product development and international marketing, and to learn about the importance of intercultural understanding. We will also have small group discussions, facilitated by Mitsubishi Pencil staff, where students from Japan and overseas will share their thoughts and experiences on the theme of pens and writing instruments. Language support will be provided throughout the event, so don’t hesitate to sign up even if you are a beginner in Japanese!
Plus, each participant will receive a uni-ball one 4 color assorted in basic color, and if you complete the survey you can also get a uni-ball one assorted in a limited-edition color ink!
This is a unique chance to learn about the world’s writing cultures from a leading Japanese manufacturer of writing instruments and make friends with other students from Japan and other countries!
Don’t miss it!
Date & Time
December 3rd (Fri) 6:15 – 7:45pm (Doors open 6:00pm)
Place
Okuma Garden House (Bldg. 25, 1st Floor)
Eligibility
Waseda students
Language
Japanese (Q&A session in Japanese and English)
Fee
Free!
Registration
Required, via MyWaseda: Click here!
Registration Deadline
November 30th (Tue), 9:00am
Capacity
30 students (Chosen by lottery, results announced by email on Nov. 30.)
Cooperation
Mitsubishi Pencil Company Limited
Note
The format of this event may be changed depending on future developments relating to COVID-19. We will inform you of any changes as soon as they are made.
Precautions to Prevent the Spread of the Novel Coronavirus
- We ask that those affected by the following within the previous 14 days refrain from participating in this event:
・Those who have a fever (above 37.5℃ or more than 1 degree above normal) or those experiencing flu-like symptoms or those who currently feel unwell (symptoms of fatigue, breathlessness, etc); or
・Those who have travelled to or have been in close contact within the previous 14 days with residents of countries or regions which are covered by immigration restrictions or quarantine requirements by the government of Japan; or
・Those who have family members or housemates who have shown symptoms of cold, etc. - Participants must wear a mask at all times. Also, please observe strict hand disinfection and proper coughing & sneezing practices.
- Please bring a plastic bag for your own trash, and keep the bag tightly closed.
- Please take strict care of your health from 2 weeks before the event right through to the end (regularly check your temperature and be aware of any other symptoms). We also ask that you avoid the 3 Cs (crowds, confined spaces and close contact situations).
- If you have fever, cough or other symptoms during the event, please contact a member of staff immediately and withdraw from the event.
- If you begin to show symptoms within 1 week after the event, please notify ICC immediately.
- We ask that you follow all instructions on the day from the ICC regarding measures for the prevention of the spread of the Novel Coronavirus.
- Participation in this program may pose health and safety risks. All risks will be the responsibility of the individual.
Enquiries
ICC
Tel: 03-5286-3990
E-mail: [email protected]
