University students study Japanese communication theory at Shimane

Nine University students and a professor endured 13-hour flight, cramped quarters and sleep deprivation to participate in a communications class that featured a trip to Japan.

Dr. Naomi Kagawa, a professor in the Communications Department, offered the students an opportunity to experience the Japanese style of communication first-hand in her homeland.

After landing at Narita International Airport in Tokyo, the group visited many educational and culturally significant sites in Tokyo, Matsue, Izumo, Hiroshima, Nara and Kyoto.

The longest portion of the trip consisted of a week-long stay in Matsue, where the University students spent time with students from Shimane University, learning about the Japanese communication and culture.

Students said they gained a lot from the experience.

"Japan was an amazing country. Having the opportunity to travel there was a life altering experience," said Hubert Kidd, a senior communications major. "Their culture is very different from ours, but I believe that we as a group learn a lot from them. I would encourage everyone to go to Japan. It is worth the long flight. The people we met at Shimane University will be our friends for life."

Upon their return to the United States, University students are expected to write two papers about their preconceived notions about Japan and what they learned about Japanese communication.

Other participants included Staci Birchell, Erin Glenn, Christina Nicole, Jacob Cates, Sheryl Sylvie, Ryan Pinkham, Kelley Shorette, Ryann LeVrier and Dr. Kazem Mahdavi.