From June 9 to 20, 2025, the National Technical University of Ukraine “Igor Sikorsky KPI” hosted the first Japanese summer school for children of employees. It was organized by the university's trade union committee and the Ukrainian-Japanese Center of Igor Sikorsky KPI.
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For two weeks, the children had a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the multifaceted culture of Japan – a country with centuries-old traditions, refined arts, and a unique atmosphere. Every day at the Summer School was filled with new experiences, knowledge, and fun. The organizers put together a rich program that included both an introduction to the Japanese language and practical classes in traditional arts.
The children learned how to fold origami, paint using the suminagashi technique (floating ink painting), wrap gifts in the Japanese furoshiki style, create harmonious compositions in the art of ikebana, participate in a tea ceremony, and write hieroglyphs in calligraphy.
Teachers from the Ukrainian-Japanese Center conducted interactive Japanese language lessons, taught polite forms of greeting, and also taught lively traditional dances, which were met with genuine enthusiasm by the children.
In the photo: School participantsThe cultural program was complemented by equally interesting activities. The young participants visited the zoo, watched anime, played games in the pine park on campus, and went rock climbing at the KPIskala climbing wall.
The project was made possible thanks to the coordinated support of the university's departments. The student dining center provided delicious and balanced meals for the school participants every day. The Igor Sikorsky KPI Sports and Health Complex welcomed young visitors to rock climbing classes. The Boris Paton State Polytechnic Museum conducted tours for children, adding a technical touch to the artistic atmosphere of the camp. The H.I. Denisenko Scientific and Technical Library welcomed children to its locations in a modern shelter.
The Japanese summer school for children is a good example of how the joint efforts of the university community can create a warm, meaningful, and inspiring space for children's development.
For the KPI Trade Union Committee, this is another step in the development of educational and cultural initiatives aimed at employees' families, and for the Ukrainian-Japanese Center, it is an opportunity to expand the circle of those interested in Japanese culture among the youngest.
The school left behind sincere impressions on the children, new acquaintances, lots of smiles, and a desire to meet Japan again.