I had an incredible experience connecting with the locals in Kanazawa.

現地の人との交流について印象に残ったことは？
How was your experience interacting with local people? 

I had an incredible experience connecting with the locals in Kanazawa. So many people were kind and eager to help! Locals assisted me with navigating the city and helped me find foods that fit my dietary needs. I was especially touched by how open they were in sharing the history of Kanazawa and in showing genuine interest in learning about my own culture.

プログラム期間中の活動で特に印象に残ったこと
Please write about what left a strong impression on you during the program period. 

One of the things that really stood out to me was how well Kanazawa balances historical preservation with community engagement. Walking through the historic districts truly felt like stepping back in time. The city does an amazing job at preserving and I am impressed at how actively the community is involved in city planning. In many places, residents often have little say in urban development, but in Kanazawa, their voices are clearly heard and considered before any new project takes shape.

プログラム中の経験で将来のキャリアのために役立つと思うこと
What was a useful experience for your future career among your experiences during the program?

Visiting the city hall’s planning department was a highlight for me. As a planner myself, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of new ideas and innovative projects. But this experience reminded me how important it is to stay grounded and to genuinely involve the community in the planning process. Speaking with local planners and developers gave me a fresh perspective on what it means to build with a community.

次年度以降、同じプログラムに参加する学生に伝えたいこと
Comments for students who will participate in the same program next year.

今後参加される方には、道順やおすすめを聞くだけでもいいので、地元の人と交流してみることをぜひお勧めします。地元の方々はとても有効的で、自分たちの文化を共有することに熱心です。また、訪問する場所の歴史的、文化的重要性をより深く理解するために、訪問する場所について少し調べておくことをお勧めします。可能であれば、日本語の基本的なフレーズをいくつか学んでみてください。とても役に立ちますし、喜ばれます。

渡航前・渡航後のCOILを含め、プログラム全体を通しての感想
Feedback on the program, including COILs before and after trips to the US/Japan.

For future participants, I’d really encourage you to engage with the locals, even if it’s just asking for directions or a recommendation. People are incredibly welcoming and eager to share their culture. I’d also suggest doing a bit of research on the sites you’ll visit to better understand their historical and cultural significance. And if you can, try to learn a few basic phrases in Japanese it goes a long way and is appreciated.

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      • The grounds outside of Kanazawa Castle, you wouldn’t even be able to tell that this area houses a castle from the 15th century, it is so  easily integrated into the cityscape! The stone walls were preserved, and additions such as the stairs and road were built around them over the years. Nature overtakes the areas of transport, giving it the appeal of  a natural terrain so effortlessly!
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        A samurai’s home turned into a museum. These are actual items that were used during the Edo period that have been carefully maintained  and set aside to be viewed, not too closely to be accidentally  damaged but not too distant that you aren’t able to get a accurate understanding of its usages.