This presentation will report on results from a research study examining the influence of a "Cool Japan" course on 35 international students participating in a unique 3-month cultural and language exchange program at a Tokyo university. Serving as an exploration point for connections and diverse cultural perspectives related to "Cool Japan," this Hybrid English Medium Instruction (EMI) course was designed for both Japanese and international students. Notably, this marks the first group of international students hosted by the university since the 2019 COVID-19 pandemic, a return that has been eagerly anticipated by students and faculty alike as a symbol of the university's return to normalcy after the disruptions caused by the pandemic. The presentation will discuss specific themes covered in the "Cool Japan" course, and examine specific course content, to provide insights into how it encouraged critical thinking skills for students as well as promoted a deeper self-perceived appreciation for the content of "Cool Japan". Utilizing an exploratory mixed-methods approach, the research combines qualitative insights from in-depth interviews and quantitative data gathered from a structured self-reported questionnaire. The findings reported from this study demonstrate the course's efficacy in promoting cultural exchange, enriching the educational experience not only for the international students in this investigation but also for the participating Japanese students highlighting the course's adaptability to the post-pandemic evolving global circumstances. This research sheds light on the course's role in enhancing cultural adaptability, fostering cross-cultural communication skills, and navigating the complexities of Japanese popular culture in our rapidly changing world.

Authors:
Darlene Yamauchi, Bunkyo Gakuin University, Japan

About the Presenter(s)
Ms Darlene Yamauchi is a University Associate Professor/Senior Lecturer at Bunkyo Gakuin University in Japan

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