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From June 22 to July 11, 2026, Nanzan University held its fourth Nanzan Anime Study Tour, a three-week summer program for international students. This year, anime enthusiasts from Australia, the United Kingdom, and Hong Kong came together to explore Japanese anime while experiencing Japanese culture firsthand.

The program combined lectures, discussions, cultural activities, and exchanges with Nanzan Anime Buddy students, allowing participants to deepen their understanding of anime and the society and culture that surrounds it. Through these experiences, students also gained broader insights into contemporary Japan and developed friendships that crossed cultural boundaries.

Each day began with classes. Morning sessions explored topics such as the history of anime, gender, and the anime industry, while lively discussions encouraged students to share examples and perspectives from their own countries and communities. In the afternoons, participants experienced everyday life in Japan through sightseeing, shopping, and activities with their Anime Study Buddies.

The Anime Study Buddy program played a central role in the tour by bringing together Nanzan students and international participants who shared a passion for anime. Whether visiting Nagoya Castle and local hidden gems, singing karaoke, introducing Japanese customs, or simply spending time together, these exchanges created memorable opportunities for intercultural learning. Both the international participants and Nanzan students gained a deeper appreciation of different cultures through their shared experiences.

The tour also featured field trips to destinations closely connected to Japanese anime and culture. Participants visited Ghibli Park to experience the world of Studio Ghibli and travelled to Kyoto, including the Kyoto International Manga Museum. For the first time, the program also included a visit to Shiga Prefecture, where students explored locations associated with K-On!. These excursions highlighted the close relationship between anime, Japanese society, history, and contemporary culture while providing valuable firsthand experiences beyond the classroom.

By combining academic study, cultural immersion, and meaningful interaction with Nanzan Anime Buddies, the Nanzan Anime Study Tour offered far more than a typical visit to Japan. It provided participants with an unforgettable opportunity to deepen their understanding of Japan, broaden their perspectives, and build lasting connections across cultures.

For more information about the tour, please visit the Nanzan Anime Study Tour webpage: https://www.nanzan-u.ac.jp/English/anime_study_tour/