(October) Tsubasa 2023

Iho: Nice to meet you and thank you for responding to this interview. My name is Iho from Korea. I am working as a general department at this year's Soka University Festival.

Mai: Nice to meet you!

Iho: Before we start the interview, please introduce yourself first!

Mai: My name is Goto Mai, and I am a 50th batch at Soka University. I am a senior in the Faculty of International Liberal Arts, and I am working as the head of the Korean group in this year's festival NichiStar department. I'm going to take a leave of absence this semester, and I started an internship every Tuesday and Wednesday to concentrate on job hunting. I participate in NichiStar activities every day, but I participate late on days when I have internship activities.

Iho: I think you have a lot to do with foreign students in the NichiStar department, but have you gotten along with the foreign students you work with?

Mai: We became quite close. In the first icebreaker, we paired up to introduce each other and played games in which we memorized the names of our group mates in circles. Thanks to those games, I learned names and felt that the relationship would deepen.

Iho: Sounds like fun!

Mai: It was really fun. It's the most fun time for NichiStar activities.

Iho: That's a relief. Besides Koreans, there are foreign students from many different countries in NichiStar. How do you feel?

Mai: I felt that everyone is open-minded, kind, and cooperative. I'm working hard as a leader, but it seems to be made up of everyone's cooperation.

Iho: Have you ever participated in the International Student Cafe before?

Mai: This was my first time and I wanted to participate in Nichistar because I happened to see the activities of the International Students Cafe during the Soudai festival last year, and it really moved me to tears (lol). I have also been to study abroad, and I was moved and encouraged to see them working hard as foreign students in a foreign country. Next time, as a supporter of foreign students, I applied because I wanted to make good memories at the festival.

Iho: It's true that the performance at the International Students Cafe last year was wonderful. I think everyone did their best. I'm looking forward to this year's performance too. I am so excited for your involvement!

Mai: Please look forward to it. (lol)

Iho: Do you have any concerns or worries about this year's Soka festival?

Mai:One of the concerns is the performance. I'm planning to perform three songs, but I have less than a month to practice, which feels like a short time. Managing the schedule and meeting everyone's availability is challenging. However, I want to do my best with everyone to convey Korean culture through dance and cuisine to the people who come to see us on the day of the festival and those who support the International Students Cafe. I hope that we can bring joy to everyone until the end.

Iho: Three songs! Even though it's a short time, practicing every day is amazing!

Mai: That's right. I have to do my best (lol)

Dongu: Have you tried Tteokbokki before?

Mai: I had it at a tasting party. The dish packed a spicy punch, tailored to satisfy Korean taste buds. (laughs) . I'm planning to offer it to Japanese people at the Soudai Festival, so I'm thinking of making it a little sweet.

Iho: All Koreans love tteokbokki, so I'm going to eat it this time. (lol)

Mai: Please eat a lot. It's free of charge. (lol)

Iho: I'm looking forward to it. Next question, What is the image of the International Students Cafe from the perspective of Japanese people?

Mai:Although it's not a large campus, various international students from different countries celebrate together. I felt that we are actually experiencing what the founder referred to as the "Microcosm of World Peace." While we all come from different cultures, and there may be misunderstanding at times, the image of us cooperating with each other is something I find truly remarkable.

Iho: Everyone is full of energy, haha.

Mai: That's right! All are energetic and creative, and it's really fun as a viewer.

Dongu: Thank you (laughs) That's right. I think all the foreign students who participate in the international student cafe will be encouraged.

(Yushokutai brought Takoyaki)

Iho: Yeah, everyone is full of energy, and they are working hard in the next classroom (haha). That's the last question! I would like to hear your determination as the national director of the NichiStar this year.

Mai: I've never been in the position of leading before, so I was rather supportive, but I want to lead everyone and support them at this year's festival. Because of the language barriers, it may not be easy to understand what I want to say or I may have communication problems during my activities, but I would like to support them thoroughly. Also, I would like to deepen our relationship through dialogue and ice breaking during activities. I would like to cook delicious food again so that we can all create the best performance of the day.

Iho: It became like an interview. HAHAHA That's it for today. Thank you so much for this interview again!

Mai: Thank you!

Interviewer/Secretary：Iho, Dongu