The 3rd “Seeing the World from Various Perspectives” Held on Hungary: Stories of Sound and Color Woven through Encounters

The 3rd "Seeing the World from Various Perspectives" on Hungary – Stories of Sound and Color Woven Through Encounters - was held on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at the Research and Education Hub on the Minoh Campus.

UOsaka Global Campus (Minoh Campus) is engaged in initiatives to share language and cultural studies from around the world with the local community, and “Seeing the World from Various Perspectives” is one of its flagship events. Minoh Campus was entirely transformed into a Hungarian-themed venue for the entire day of the event.

Approximately 220 people attended the first part of the event, a lecture titled “Stories of Sound and Color Woven through Encounters.”
The event began with an opening address and introduction to Hungary by Professor Mari Okamoto of the Hungarian Language Department, followed by a lecture delivered by Ms. Seiko Tanizaki, a graduate of the same department and an active researcher of traditional embroidery. Participants listened attentively as Ms. Tanizaki, who has lived in Transylvania, Romania, for many years, shared her insights on traditional handicrafts and embroidery in local villages.

Next, a panel discussion was held with four Hungarian language major graduates, including Ms. Tanizaki. Each spoke about how they came to encounter Hungary and in what way their studies in the Hungarian language major influenced their lives.
Finally, there was a talk and concert by István Kohán, a clarinetist from Hungary, a country known for its music. The audience was captivated by the beautiful timbre, with his lively talk filling the venue with laughter.

(Comments from lecture participants)
“The stories they shared about their experiences at the School of Foreign Studies, their career paths, and their positive outlooks on life all cheered me up.”

“It was a wonderful time to experience Hungarian culture and gain an international perspective!”

“The speakers' passion for Hungary was incredible, which got me even more interested in the country.”
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Following the lecture, the second part of the event featured a gathering to enjoy Hungarian cuisine and Minoh Beer.
Participants gathered at UOsaka Plaza with the Hungarian Embassy's special “pogača” (a traditional Hungarian pastry) distributed as a lecture perk, enjoying Hungarian cuisine, music, and dance as well.

On stage, Karin Wakai, who has roots in both Japan and Hungary, gave a performance on the citera, a traditional Hungarian instrument, with powerful singing, sparking enthusiastic applause from the audience. In addition, the Kyoto-based Hungarian dance group “Odoriba” gave a dance performance. Dancers in vibrant costumes demonstrated their graceful steps, while locals, students, and faculty members joined in, dancing together hand in hand in a circle to the rhythm. This was truly a unique sight of the Minoh Campus, everyone united enjoying the world.

Food and beverages provided by Minoh Beer Inc. & Minoh Association for Global Awareness (MAFGA)

The venue also featured a stall for Hungarian handicrafts run by graduates of the Hungarian language department, a Hungarian wine tasting booth, a photo exhibition by Hungarian photographer László Lisztes, and an exhibition section for Hungarian souvenirs curated by Hungarian language department faculty members, allowing visitors to enjoy Hungary from various perspectives.

Many locals visited the event throughout the day, serving as an opportunity to share the research achievements and activities at the Minoh Campus, thereby bringing UOsaka and Hungary closer. Next year's “Seeing the World from Various Perspectives” event will put a spotlight on Mongolia. We ask you to stay tuned!