In December, iCLA students participated in a comprehensive visit to Kofu City Hall as part of the iEXPerience Program. The program organized in cooperation with Kofu City Hall familiarized students with the various activities and services of the city and provided critical information on disaster preparedness in Japan.
The iEXPerience Program is organized by iCLA to enrich students’ understanding of Yamanashi’s culture, art, and history by offering workshops and field trips outside of the classroom. All iCLA students are welcome to participate in these programs which are offered throughout the semester. This visit marked the final iEXPerience program for Fall Semester 2024.
The program began with an overview of Kofu City Hall by its staff members. To start, the tour introduced the vibrant international exchange activities of Kofu City, such as those in collaboration with its sister cities around the world, such as Chengdu in China and Lodi in the United States. Following that, students visited departments to learn about the services that support residents, such as residential procedures, health insurance, disability support, and property tax management. The tour also highlighted the role of City Hall as the venue for Kofu City Assembly meetings to discuss municipal matters. Concluding the tour, students enjoyed panoramic views of the city from the 10th-floor observatory, offering a breathtaking sight of Mount Fuji, the city, and the surrounding mountains of the Kofu basin.
Following the tour, City Hall staff conducted a comprehensive disaster preparedness lecture. The lecture addressed the various natural disasters that can occur in Japan, such as earthquakes, typhoons, floods, and landslides. The importance of awareness and preparation was emphasized, drawing on examples of past events across the country. Students learned how to identify evacuation sites near Yamanashi Gakuin University, assemble an emergency supply kit, and understand essential safety precautions. Importantly, they were also informed about multilingual resources available to foreign residents.
Finally, students were gifted Alpha Rice, an emergency food that can be prepared simply by adding hot or room temperature water.
This informational iEXPerience program provided students with valuable insights into the various functions of Kofu City Hall and equipped them with crucial disaster preparedness knowledge, essential for navigating life in Japan.
“I liked that we got a tour of the city hall, that was useful. I learned about the city hall’s functions and where to go if needed. Also learned about how to prepare for any disaster events.” – Daniel, iEXPerience Program Participant
Read about Past iEXPerience Programs:
From Vine to Glass: Exploring Yamanashi’s Wine Industry
Exploring Kofu’s Historical Temples and Haiku Art
Discovering Japanese Traditional Culture Through Tea and Flowers
Immersing in Viniculture, a Hands-On Experience at Yamanashi Winery
Wadaiko with Nirasaki Technical High School
Local Temple Tour and Haiku Workshop