Participation of International Students in Sumo Volunteer Activities - January Grand Sumo Tournament

For the first time, international students joined the sumo volunteer activities, which Jissen Women's University students have been participating in for some time. Sumo, an aspect of Japanese culture not encountered in daily life for many Japanese, drew a significant number of spectators from overseas to the venue.

Recognizing this situation, there was a discussion about providing more opportunities for international students to contribute, leading to the realization of their participation in this volunteer initiative. Engaging in customer service in an unfamiliar setting, using an unfamiliar language, and dealing with unfamiliar matters presented a significant challenge for the international students.

However, despite these hurdles, the international students actively supported and assisted the spectators in a manner that belied their first-time involvement. Following the conclusion of the volunteer activities, thanks to the generous offer from the Japan Sumo Association, the international students were given the opportunity to watch the sumo matches from the spectator seats. This experience provided them with a unique perspective to learn about "Japan" from a different angle.