On 16 May 2025, the International Education and Student Mobility Division (IESMD) held the international exchange event “Zen Garden”.
The event aimed to promote interaction among international exchange students and KyotoU students, while also giving the latter an opportunity to introduce aspects of Japanese culture in English.
The program began with a brief English presentation by Peer Tutors from IESMD on Zen as a globally recognized concept. The talk covered topics such as the origins of the term, the history of Zen gardens, and the purpose behind creating them.
Following this presentation, the participants — 17 exchange and 20 KyotoU students — formed pairs to create miniature Zen gardens using special kits. The session unfolded in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, with the students engaged in thoughtful discussions about what they hoped to express through their gardens.
For the international students, the event served as a meaningful introduction to the deeper significance of the word “Zen”. For KyotoU students, meanwhile, it provided a rare chance to discuss spiritual and abstract concepts in English.
Above all, the experiences of each individual from different cultural backgrounds, exchanging ideas in English and shaping a shared vision through the theme of Zen and Zen gardens, proved to be truly meaningful.
The completed miniature gardens were all uniquely creative, reflecting each team’s interpretation of Zen. Participants enjoyed viewing one another’s works and exchanging thoughts in a warm and lively setting.
A Peer Tutor presenting the event’s timetable
Sharing ideas and shaping them into a Zen garden — a joyful and meaningful experience
Task for each pair — choosing a theme and bringing it to life in a Zen garden
Participants showing great interest in each other’s creations
Bringing ideas to life, one stone at a time — the duo who won hearts with their creation
AloJapan.com