NUCB International College in Aichi Prefecture Celebrates Art Week, Promoting Cultural Exchange and Education

NUCB International College (NIC) in Nisshin City, Aichi Prefecture, held its Art Week from March 20th to 25th, immersing students in a wide range of artistic disciplines and traditional Japanese cultural experiences. Participants explored various art forms, such as fine arts, music, and architecture, as well as engaged with traditional Japanese activities, including tea ceremonies, archery, and Japanese drumming.

The school aims to develop global leaders, offering a diverse learning environment where students from around the world come together. It is authorized as a one-track school by Aichi Prefecture, and all courses, except Japanese language, are taught in English. As of December 12th, 2022, the school was recognized as an IB World School, becoming the first international boarding institution of its kind in the Tokai region and one of the few in Japan.

Students at NIC come from various linguistic and cultural backgrounds, both from Japan and overseas. In addition to their academic studies, they participate in vibrant international events and activities in the boarding community, fostering respect for individual identities and broadening their perspectives. During Art Week, not only were the art and music courses showcased, but all subject lessons also incorporated elements of art. For example, students used their knowledge of the Pythagorean theorem and trigonometry to create treasure maps in math class, designed tourism brochures and created manga in English class, and translated Western song lyrics into Japanese in Japanese language class. All works from Art Week were displayed on the final day, the Art Performance Day, where parents listened attentively to their children's explanations of their work in class.

Furthermore, on March 22nd, a special class on urban design was held by Takafumi Inoue, COO of KUROFUNE Design Holdings. The class presented two design examples, one emphasizing economic aspects and the other focusing on the natural environment. Students then engaged in discussions on "good design for citizens" and used LEGO blocks to create their designs in groups. Through this exercise, they learned the importance of understanding various constraints, community needs, and social responsibility in creating better cities and communities.

The Art Performance Day on March 25th invited parents to enjoy exhibitions, musical performances, and Japanese cultural experiences. First-year high school students at NIC choose either fine arts or music as their elective. The musical performances showcased students' talents and personalities, featuring an oboe presentation of an original composition, a guitar and vocal jazz performance, and Japanese drumming. Additionally, students demonstrated their growth in the critical thinking, knowledge, and communication skills emphasized in the International Baccalaureate program through music analysis presentations and explanations of their practice methods.

Students, teachers, and parents all participated in an art-making experience led by the fine arts faculty, creating a collaborative artwork based on the concept of "accidental beauty." Participants dropped their photographs from the second floor onto a large piece of paper, then affixed them where they landed. The faculty explained the significance of this activity from an artistic perspective, highlighting the impossibility of recreating the unique artwork created in that particular space with those specific people.

During the Japanese cultural experiences, students participated in yukata dressing, tea ceremonies, and archery. Many international students wore yukatas for the first time, and the school was filled with a vibrant atmosphere. Participants also learned the traditional folding method for yukatas, struggling but enjoying the experience. In the tea ceremony, students practiced tea preparation and serving beforehand and then entertained their parents on Art Performance Day. Parents expressed their appreciation, saying that the tea and sweets were delicious and heartfelt. Finally, everyone enjoyed the archery experience, as students taught their parents the etiquette and techniques they learned as part of their physical education curriculum.

Through the week-long Art Week, students broadened their perspectives by engaging with various forms of artistic expression. For the NIC students, who aim to become future global leaders, understanding their own and others' cultures and traditions, encountering diverse values and expressions, and expanding their sensibilities and thought processes are paramount. Art Week, along with other school events, daily lessons, and boarding events, incorporates international elements, helping students to maintain pride in their own countries while broadening their global horizons. The various experiences during this Art Week will undoubtedly have a significant impact on how students perceive and approach the world around them in the future.

NIC Advantages

NUCB International College is designed to provide a world-class education with excellent facilities and a rich natural environment, on its 200-acre campus, in Nisshin city, Japan.

Excellence in Education

The case method, first developed at Harvard Business School in 1922 and now commonly used in elite academic institutions worldwide, is incorporated into the teaching approaches for leadership education at NIC. Small classes enable personalised supervision by multinational faculty members with master's or doctoral degrees and faculty from affiliated top business schools. In addition, the Summer School for prospective students (July) and a preparatory course (the Bridging Programme) for September admission are also offered.

Safe Boarding Environment

The school provides a safe and secure co-educational boarding environment with reference to international boarding standards. 'House Supervisors', who are well versed in psychological and health management, provide daily support and regular individual counselling to ensure optimal support and guidance for each student. Through living together with peers from different cultures and experiences, students develop the qualities required of the next generation of leaders.