Different Backgrounds, United Understandings

Wednesday, March 5th,

Our Loyola Marymount University and Pomona-Pitzer College cohorts got the opportunity to attend the Miraikan, The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, which was an extremely immersive and interactive museum dedicated to engage students and visitors through interactive exhibits and educate them on the fast developing technological advancements, not only in Japan, but around the world. The museum had exhibits covering a wide range of topics from space exploration to human aging and memory. I personally enjoyed the museum’s interactive aspects a lot, as it allowed me to learn in a fun way and made me feel the wonder I would have felt as a child.

Earth-display at Miraikan

It also explained advacements in technology in a fun way with language that was easy to comprehend, allowing for museum visitors to really learn and apply the information to our everyday lives. Additionally, it gave me a sneak peek at the new and upcoming technology of Japan, such as the use of robots for agricultural support.

The TOMODACHI Inouye Scholars and I got the privilege of learning about Sophia University and the students also involved in the program in Japan! I personally felt very excited to meet my fellow Sophia scholars, as we will be welcoming them to our hometown, Los Angeles, and onto our Loyola Marymount University Campus.

Following some interactive ice breakers and an informational session on Sophia University's campus, we had the fun opportunity to explore Tokyo’s exciting night life and train station with the Sophia students. They guided us through town, specifically Shibuya, and recommended fun places to shop and eat.

Harajuku

I feel like, although we were all very different people coming from very different cultural backgrounds, upbringings and values, we had the amazing opportunity to bond over differences and gain new awareness and knowledge of other people’s perspectives, and how they may differ based on background.