Students Connect with Japanese Ambassador During Special Campus Visit

On October 28, Carleton University welcomed His Excellency Ambassador Nakagome, Ambassador of Japan to Canada, for an engaging, intimate, and enlightening conversation with students studying Japanese. Having recently assumed his post, Ambassador Nakagome was looking forward to meeting with our Japanese language students and learning about their interests in the Japanese language and culture.

Ambassador Nakagome opened the event with words of encouragement, which were followed by remarks from Don Myles, Director, of the School of Linguistics and Language Studies.

Afterwards, students had the opportunity to share their experiences of learning Japanese with the group. Lawrence Barss and Marian Zazulya, students in 4th year Japanese, and Fatima Ibrahim, a student in 2nd year Japanese, gave presentations about their Japanese language learning journeys and what they find appealing about the language and culture.

The highlight of the event was an informal question-and-answer session between the Ambassador and students. In a warm and welcoming atmosphere, students asked questions and the Ambassador responded thoughtfully. Topics ranged from places to visit in Japan and aspects of Japanese culture, to diplomacy. Students participated in either/both Japanese and English.

For the students, the event was an invaluable opportunity to meet and speak directly with the Japanese Ambassador, share their perspectives, and learn more about Japan beyond the classroom. The session also provided a meaningful opportunity for Ambassador Nakagome to connect with the next generation of Japanese speakers and learn about their interests, aspirations, and enthusiasm for Japan.

The event was an engaging and memorable experience for all involved, strengthening the connection between Japanese language learning and cultural exchange, as well as the broader relationship between Japan and Canada.