In the Fall Semester of 2026, Meiji University welcomed more than 200 international students from countries and regions around the world. The "Meiji Meet-up" and a Welcome Party were held at Academy Common for the newly arrived students.
The Meiji Meet-up was operated by students from six campus organizations and groups involved in international exchange activities: Campus Mate, MuBO (both are student exchange groups approved by the International Student Center), Supporters from the School of Political Science and Economics, the Student Committee of the School of Global Japanese Studies, the Japanese Language Cafe (The Noriko Kurosaki Seminar, School of Commerce), and Meicom (Meiji Academic English Community).
Through self-introductions and games, the international students and Meiji students enjoyed lively interaction in a friendly atmosphere. Participants could be seen laughing, running around, and engaging enthusiastically with one another throughout the event. By the end of the program, many students were exchanging contact information and making plans to meet again, creating a memorable opportunity for new friendships and connections.
The event was planned by Hiroki Tsuji (3rd year, School of Interdisciplinary Mathematical Sciences), and Jang Jaehoon (3rd year, School of Business Administration). During the event, Tsuji oversaw the operations while Jang facilitated the program in English. Their close teamwork helped ensure that the event ran smoothly from start to finish.
After the event, Tsuji commented:
“It was a great honor to be entrusted with organizing an event of this scale. Although many participants had never met before, they became remarkably close by the end of the event. As one of the organizers, I am truly delighted to see that. I hope to meet everyone again at future exchange events on campus”. Jang added, “Despite the unfavorable weather, I would like to thank the many international students who joined us. It was wonderful to see people naturally connecting through the shared topic of Japan, and I am especially pleased that those connections have continued after the event. I hope opportunities like this will continue to grow in the future.”
Following the Meiji Meet-up, a Welcome Party for international students was held.
The ceremony opened with welcome remarks from Vice President Kyoko Koma and proceeded in a warm and friendly atmosphere under the lively moderation of Ibuki Enya (2nd year, School of Law) and Honoka Kato (2nd year, School of Interdisciplinary Mathematical Sciences), both members of Campus Mate.
Representing the newly arrived international students, Raape Leo Malte (exchange student, Graduate School of Business Administration) shared “As we begin our study abroad experience, we may encounter various challenges along the way. I hope that we can support one another, overcome those challenges together, and grow through our experiences”. His remarks were met with enthusiastic applause and cheers from the students.
During the reception, students from a wide range of countries, regions, and backgrounds naturally formed new circles of conversation, enjoying refreshments while building friendships in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
The event concluded with a warm message to the new international students from Professor Hideki Eto, Director of the International Student Center. Even after the official closing, many students remained at the venue, continuing their conversations and enjoying their newly formed connections.
All staff and faculty members sincerely hope that the relationships fostered through this Welcome Party will serve as the first step toward a fulfilling and enriching student experience for the new international students at Meiji University.
