Visiting Aoyama Gakuin University: Planning a Local Event with International Students

"I want to fit into the local community and do something here. But it's hard to get started." We have heard this from short-term international students studying in Sagamihara.

On Monday, October 19, 2026, NPO Red Look visited a class for short-term international students taught by Professor Mori at Aoyama Gakuin University's Sagamihara Campus. We introduced Red Look, answered questions, and then joined the students' group discussions to plan an event for local residents on Monday, January 11, 2027 (a national holiday).

Aoyama Gakuin University, Sagamihara Campus

Overview

Why we visited: students who want to join in, and a community that needs people

Professor Mori spoke at our Sagamihara Global Future Session 2026 in September, and since then we have been working together to connect international students with the local community.

The words at the top of this article came from short-term international students at "ME wa Nani shini Aogaku e!?" ("What did YOU come to Aoyama Gakuin for?"), an event where international students welcome local residents, held in January 2026. Many students want to take part in local life, but language worries and a lack of opportunities make the first step hard.

At the same time, local groups we work with tell us they have few young people and need more helping hands.

Students who want to join in, and a community that needs people. Connecting the two is exactly what we mean by one of Red Look's missions: revitalizing local communities through international connections.

In the classroom

Introducing Red Look

In about ten minutes, we explained our idea of a "third place" (a place to belong outside work or school) for Japanese and international people, and introduced our in-person events in Sagamihara and Shibuya and our weekly online sessions. Then we took questions from the students, including:

• "It's hard to make friends I can speak Japanese with every day."
• "What kind of local events do you hold?"
• "Who usually comes to them?"

Red Look's in-person events are small language exchange gatherings where Japanese and international people talk, switching between English and Japanese.

Planning the January 11 event together

Professor Mori explaining past activities and the plan for January 11

Professor Mori led the second half, and the students split into groups around two themes:

• Introducing their home countries — how to share their culture and daily life with local residents
• Games from their countries — games local people can enjoy with them, even without a shared language

Red Look joined each group. Many students are still learning Japanese, so the discussions moved between English and Japanese as everyone looked for ways to make local residents feel welcome.

After the discussions, the students got up and tried out the games they plan to play with local residents on January 11.

Testing a game for the January 11 event

What students told us

Besides the questions, here is what we heard in class (no individuals are identified):

• "I want people to speak Japanese with in daily life."
• "I want to be more involved in the local community."

If this sounds like you, you are not alone. Having people and places to use Japanese, not just study it, is often the first step to feeling at home in a new town.

January 11, 2027 (holiday): "ME wa Nani shini Aogaku e!?"

International students will introduce their countries and play games from home with local residents. Short-term students change each term, so a new group of students will welcome you this time.

Red Look will take part on the day, helping run the event and supporting the students.

Families with children, neighbors, and Japanese students who want to try international exchange are all welcome. No foreign language skills needed.

We are also talking with the local government and local libraries about working together. We will share updates on this site.

From the Red Look team

What matters most to us is that the students themselves lead. Red Look will support their ideas through preparation, promotion, and the event day.

Thank you to Professor Mori and to all the students who welcomed us into their discussions.

More international opportunities for Japanese people. More chances to know Japan for people from abroad. Red Look will keep building a third place for both, here in Sagamihara.

Want to practice Japanese before January?

Red Look holds language exchange events at Unicom Plaza Sagamihara, near Sagami-Ono Station. You can speak English or Japanese, and beginners are welcome. Dates are posted on Meetup. See In-person events for details.

Related articles

• Event Report: Sagamihara Global Future Session 2026
• How to Make Friends in Japan as a Foreigner
• Passed the JLPT but Can't Speak Japanese? How to Practice Speaking for Free