INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE · GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE

Kyoto Creative Arts and Cultural Exchange Programme

Profound Art and Cultural Investigation Tour to Japan

29 June-4 July, 2015
Tour Co-ordinators: Ms. Iris CHAN, Dr. Sheren CHENG

Lecturers of Division of Communication and Division of Arts and Languages led a cultural study tour to Kyoto and the West District of Biwako Lake in Shiga Prefecture, Japan. 24 Associate Degree students joined to investigate the interwoven relationship between traditional Japanese culture and art creativity. Students were deeply impressed by the hospitable local people and their simple living style, which fully illustrate Japanese philosophical, cultural and artistic thinking. From the modern architecture in Kyoto JR railway station to the beauty of traditional gardens such as Murin An, and natural water purification systems in Harie, it was totally an eye opening experience. Interesting activities also included staying in local households in the village near terraced rice fields, learning the bamboo art and tea ceremony, visiting hand dye artist Mr. Gensho Yamamoto. Students also participated in group discussions and presentations to reflect on what they have found during the trip. Fruitful memories together with true friendships were earned, as well as knowledge and exposure.

入住農家民宿　體驗風土人情

劉泳彤（專業中文，二年級）

日本的景色美得動人。作為一個香港人，你意想不到保育自然竟可成為城市發展一部份。在這裡的花草樹木因著人們的愛惜，生得青春宜人，天然裝飾著京都這地方，讓遊經的人都讚歎其美。

除了風土當然還有人情，此次難得可與當地農家一同生活，他們的熱情款待令作客的我非常窩心。在不依賴電子科技的日子，他們在告別時說，雖然沒有我們的照片，卻已把我們的臉都記在腦裡去。這是當今別樣的情話吧。

面對這樣的景致與人，確是令我依戀不捨……

Enjoy the simplicity of life

LAW Ching Lam, Janice （Cultural Studies, Year 2）

I had experienced a lot in this six-day tour, such as catching the running somen noodle, visiting the water system in Harie, Seian University of Art and Design… Words are not enough to express my whole feeling.

After this trip, I understand how Japanese respect their traditions, culture and also nature in different aspects. In rural areas, they still keep the traditional sustainable farming method and lifestyle. They believe in the natural water from Lake Biwa, rather than the tap water, it shows their respect and pride in their nature. In today’s tea ceremony, they still keep all those complicated steps to make a traditional delicious cup of tea. Primary school students still learn how to play Karuta, a Japanese card game from the Edo period. Simple lifestyle show their conscientiousness towards their traditions. Japanese respects their traditions and nature; however, Hong Kong people will focus on economic development and sacrifice precious natural resources.

Finally, I have learned one simple, but important philosophy – “to be my primitive self”, which means using the most pure heart to feel everything.