For being eligible to apply, do I have to be a university student?
どういった人が入居できますか?
大学、大学院や専門学校などの高等教育プログラムに在籍している方であればどなたでもご応募頂けます。
At U Share, we kicked off the new year with exciting cultural experiences! From a peaceful shrine visit to hands-on calligraphy and mochi-making, our residents got a taste of Japan’s rich traditions. Here’s how we celebrated Oshogatsu (New Year’s) together!
On January 5, we visited Anahachiman Shrine for hatsumōde, the first shrine visit of the year. As we walked to the shrine, we shared fun facts about shrine etiquette, the differences between shrines and temples, and the meaning of lucky charms. The shrine was bustling with energy, and our residents loved browsing stalls filled with maneki-neko, zodiac figurines, and other lucky items.
After making our prayers, we drew omikuji (fortune slips). Since they were in Japanese, we translated them on the spot! This sparked deep conversations about Shinto traditions, and we were amazed by the insightful questions our residents asked. We wrapped up the trip with taiyaki (sweet fish-shaped pastries) and a hearty ramen lunch near U Share.
On January 7, we gathered at U Share Nishi Waseda for kakizome, the first calligraphy of the year.
We started with a quick brush tutorial and let everyone choose a kanji from five pre-printed examples. At first, the strokes felt tricky, but soon everyone got the hang of it! Some even wrote their own New Year’s resolutions, making the experience more personal and meaningful.
Our international residents were thrilled to see their names written in katakana, a fun introduction to Japanese writing! The careful brush movements and flowing ink created a calming atmosphere, helping residents focus and appreciate the beauty of Japanese calligraphy.
Next, we rolled up our sleeves for some mochi-making fun! Using pre-cooked glutinous rice, we mashed and pounded it into the perfect chewy texture. It was a true teamwork challenge—one person held the rice cooker while another pounded away with a pestle!
We had a spread of toppings—sweet red bean, kinako (roasted soybean flour), soy sauce, seaweed, and zunda (sweet mashed edamame). The freshly made mochi was a hit, vanishing in minutes as everyone tried different flavor combinations! The hands-on process made the experience even more satisfying.
At U Share, you don’t just live in Japan—you experience it! Whether it’s visiting shrines, trying calligraphy, or making mochi, we love bringing people together to celebrate Japanese traditions in an interactive and meaningful way.
If you want to dive into authentic cultural experiences and connect with a global community, come join us! We can’t wait for more fun, learning, and new friendships in 2025!