On Thursday, October 17, 2024, the Gifu University Organization for Promotion of Glocalization (GU-GLOCAL) held an exchange event on campus, welcoming the folk-dance group "Nemunas" from Kaunas University of Technology (KTU) in the Republic of Lithuania. Nemunas is one of the largest folk dance ensembles in Lithuania, and KTU has been a partner university of Gifu University since the two institutions concluded an interuniversity agreement in March 2010.
The group is visiting Japan to perform at the "Lithuania NOW 2024" event from October 18 to November 15, hosted by the Gifu Prefectural government. To deepen our friendship, the group kindly visited Gifu University and interacted with students and staff. On October 17, approximately 80 people participated, including Nemunas members, Gifu University students, and academic and administrative staff.
The event started with opening remarks by President YOSHIDA Kazuhiro and a group photo session. This was followed by the Gifu University English Club's English presentation on the history and features of Gifu University and Gifu Prefecture. Next, the members of Nemunas gave a presentation on KTU, along with dance and song performances. Participants were also invited to join in Lithuania's traditional singing and dancing to honor the nation's cultural heritage. During a Q&A session, questions were raised about the situations where traditional songs and dances are performed and how they are taught in Lithuanian schools. Later, Nemunas members, Gifu University students, and other participants spent some time enjoying free conversation in a relaxed, friendly environment.
It is hoped that this exchange event will further accelerate student and faculty exchanges between Gifu University and KTU long into the future. GU-GLOCAL will continue to hold international events that provide opportunities for students and faculty members to experience unique cultures and traditions from around the world firsthand.
People enjoy dancing
Group photo
