JICE hosted a Study tour of the State Guest House, Akasaka Palace located in Tokyo (designated as a national treasure) for 8 JDS Fellows on February 26, 2020 with the cooperation of the Cabinet Office of Japan.

This study tour aims to enhance non-academic experiences and encourage new ideas and broader perspectives by deepening their understanding of Japanese history and diplomatic attitude, and eventually have a positive effect on their daily research activities and work after returning each countries.

JDS Fellows received a lecture of the history about the State Guest House from the Cabinet Office at first, then visited to each facilities of Akasaka Palace. All participants admired and impressed with the spirit of hospitality for guests when they saw gorgeous architectures and decorations from the entrance hall to the grand stairway. In each guest room built for ceremonies, state banquets and conferences, there are many elaborate features in architectures and decorations to mix Western and Japanese style.

After visiting Akasaka Palace, we moved to the Japanese style annex “Yushintei” and were given an introduction of Japanese design elements and pure Japanese style hospitality in the architecture. This tour was great opportunity for the JDS Fellows to learn Japanese history and the spirit of hospitality in diplomatic activities from each architectures.

Following are some of the comments from the participants.

-“Western and Japanese style architectures and decorations mix wonderfully.” (Cambodia)

-“I understand Japanese diplomatic attitude and activities well from architectures.” (Myanmar)

KURAYAMA Sayoko
International Student Programs Division
International Student Programs Department I