Creating a home away from home: The UM Japanese Culture Club

In recent years, the number of Japanese students pursuing their studies at the University of Malta has grown steadily.

There are currently are about 42 Japanese students enrolled on full time courses and 19 Japanese students on exchange at UM.

In response to this vibrant and expanding community, a new student-led initiative has taken shape with the support of the International Office.

Two Japanese students Hina Kameda and Reina Yanagi expressed their wish to set up a Japanese Culture Club and the International Office eagerly extended their support to turn this into a reality.

The students were also put in touch with the Malta Japan Association, the aim of which is to promote Japanese culture in Malta and strengthening ties between the two countries.

The UM Japanese Culture Club is now officially launching as a student organisation run by Japanese students for the wider university community. 

The club aims to celebrate and promote Japanese culture through activities such as film screenings, traditional holiday celebrations, and hands-on experiences like preparing Japanese dishes.

A secondary goal is to create a welcoming and supportive network that would help incoming students adjust to life in Malta while fostering a sense of belonging away from home.

Open to all University of Malta students, not only those from Japan, the club welcomes anyone with an interest in Japanese culture, language, and community.

The idea was to hold an activity straight away, to bring together Japanese students and students interested in Japanese culture, language, food and traditions. The first event, supported by the International Office was organised on the 4 March, during which “My Neighbor Totoro”, a Ghibli movie, was screened, and “Chirashi-sushi” was served. 

A larger than expected number of participants registered and a second event will be organised shortly.

Follow the club on Instagram: @um_japaneseculture.club