Report on the Kyoto International Student Summit 2025

Overview

Kyoto Prefecture invited students from seven of the overseas regions with which it has friendly relations, and held the “Kyoto International Student Summit 2025,” an international exchange event featuring workshops and other programs with university students from Kyoto Prefecture, coinciding with the timing of the Osaka–Kansai Expo.

Dates

•  August 1^st (Fri) ～ August 4^th (Mon), 2025

Participants

• 14 students from seven of the overseas regions with which Kyoto Prefecture has friendly relations 
  Two students each from Shaanxi Province in China, Yogyakarta Special Region in,Indonesia, Oklahoma State in the United States, Edinburgh City in the United Kingdom, Occitanie Region in France, Province of Quebec in Canada, and Hue City in Vietnam
• 14 university students from Kyoto Prefecture (with one student absent)

Entire Schedule

• August 1^st (Fri) — Site visit to the Osaka Kansai Expo
• August 2^nd (Sat) — Participation in the student workshop of the KYOTO Earth Hall of Fame “Future Forum”
• August 3^rd (Sun) — Site visits to “Keihanna Expo 2025,” International Student Summit, and exchange session
• August 4^th (Mon) — Reflection session and conclusion

Organaizers

• Main organizer: Kyoto Prefecture
• Co-organizer: Keihanna Expo 2025 Management Council
• Management: Glocal Human Resources Development Center

Language

• English

Site visit to the Osaka Kansai Expo

Participants, divided into six multinational groups, broadened their global perspectives and deepened their exchange through activities including experiencing the exhibits in the Kansai Pavilion’s Kyoto Zone, interviewing staff members from seven country’s pavilions.

• Date: August 1^st 2025（Fri）
• Venue: Osaka Kansai Expo

（Students interacting with pavilion staff）

Participation in the Student Workshop of the KYOTO Earth Hall of Fame “Future Forum”

The students took part in the student workshop planned by the KYOTO Earth Hall of Fame “Future Forum.” Using uniquely Japanese classical literature (such as Tsurezuregusa, The Pillow Book, and waka poems) as an entry point, they explored the coexistence and harmony of Kyoto’s culture and natural environment such as through workshops about appreciating insect sounds, visiting various literature-related sites in Kyoto City, composing waka, and experiencing Japanese confectionery making.

• Date: August 2^nd 2025 (Sat)
• Venue: Saga Arashiyama, Kyoto Imperial Palace, Kyoto State Guest House, SASAYAIORI+ Kyoto Gyoen National Garden

（The students visiting Kyoto State Guest House）

Site visits to “Keihanna Expo 2025,” International Student Summit, and Exchange Session

After the site visits to the Keihanna Expo 2025, which included hands-on activities such as the Avatar and Ishiusu (stone mill grinding) experiences, students discussed the question “What is the potential, value, and role of regions in creating a peaceful and sustainable society in an unpredictable global environment?” based on what they had learned through the summit’s events. At the end, each participant declared an action they could start taking from tomorrow.

• Date: August 3^rd, 2025 (Sun)
• Venue: Keihanna Commemorative Park, Fukujuen CHA Experience Park, Keihanna Plaza

（The students declaring their actions to be taken from tomorrow）

Participants’ voices

The attractions of Kyoto

• I was able to feel that Kyoto is a city in which the elements of tradition and diversity coexist.This experience further deepened my pride and attachment to studying and living in Kyoto.（a Japanese student）
• I felt drawn to how tradition and modernity are harmoniously integrated in Kyoto. In particular, I was impressed by how Kyoto preserves its rich cultural heritage while adapting to modern changes without losing its identity.（an international student）

New discovery and new knowledge learned through this summit.

• The international participants shared perspectives and realities unique to their countries, which people cannot find on the internet.Through this experience, I became convinced once again that even if relations between countries are not always positive, friendships between individuals can transcend national borders.（a Japanese student）
• I learned about Japanese people’s commitment to punctuality, and I was impressed by the kindness and enthusiasm of my Japanese friends. In addition, through our discussions, I was able to understand the perspectives of my international peers, and this experience became an unforgettable learning opportunity for me. (an international student)

Others

The activity report is also featured in this article( External link ).