News

2008.0222

Ritsumeikan Students Explore More About Taiwan

By Angeline Sun and Sabrina Lin Campus Reporters A Japanese classical Chinese literature lover eventually had a chance to visit her favorite scenery attraction in Taiwan since she joined the Ritsumeikan University’s international program delegation that arrived in Taiwan on Feb. 12. "I always wanted to visit Jiufen (九份) in Taipei County because it is the location that was mentioned in the ‘Spirited Away,’ one of the famous Japanese animations," said Yoko Takahashi, a Chinese Literature major from Ritsumeikan. Takahashi made her remarks when she participated in a welcome party along with another seven fellow Japanese students at the International Lounge this morning.  She is currently a Chinese Literature major at Ritsumeikan.  She said that she is fond of Chinese history and culture ever since she had a chance to read Fenshen-Yanyi, the renowned Chinese literature story.  In addition, she also enjoys reading the Three Kingdoms, which is another major Chinese classical literature piece. The delegation arrived in Taiwan on Feb. 12 and will stay until March 17.  Learning more Chinese language and experiencing more Chinese culture were the two main focuses for the trip. In addition to the fun parts, the Mandarin Training Center also arranged courses, including Chinese language learning, calligraphy and tying Chinese knots, for the delegation during their staying here. These Japanese students said that Ritsumeikan would actually compose delegations every year to learn different languages and different cultures in different countries, such as Taiwan, China, Korea, Canada, France, Germany, the U.S., etc.  Eight of them decided to come to Taiwan this year. Yoshimi Nomura, a freshman who majors in International Relationship, said that she would decide to come to Taiwan instead of China for her further study of Mandarin because Taiwanese people are more friendly. "Kind people everywhere!” she said. Noriaki Watarai, the only male in the delegation, said that National Taiwan Normal University’s (NTNU) Mandarin Training Center is famous and that was why they decided to spend their trip at NTNU. "Friendly Taiwanese people, delicious Taiwanese dishes and NTNU’s renowned Mandarin Training Center are the reasons why I am here today,” he said.