On July 3, 2026, 48 second-year students from the International Inquiry Program at Miyagi Daiichi High School visited the Graduate School of International Cultural Studies (GSICS). Through exchanges with faculty members and graduate students, the participants learned about graduate-level research and gained insight into academic careers.
The visit was organized to support the high school's inquiry-based learning objectives, including developing international and interdisciplinary perspectives and strengthening students' skills in academic research. The program provided an opportunity for the students to experience graduate education and research firsthand.



The program began with welcoming remarks by Dean Jeongsoo Yu, who invited the students to consider the question, "What is international culture?" Introducing GSICS's interdisciplinary approach to research spanning culture, language, society, and the environment, he encouraged the students to view graduate study as an accessible and rewarding path for pursuing intellectual inquiry.


 
The students then attended research presentations by two faculty members.

Associate Professor Kanako Kimura, whose research focuses on the international history of East Asia, spoke about the appeal of historical research. She described scholarship as "an academic baton," explaining that historians explore the past and pass on their findings to future generations—even those living a hundred years from now. Her presentation highlighted the enduring role of historical research in preserving and transmitting knowledge.
(Department of Asian and African Studies)

Lecturer Ryo Maie, whose research specializes in applied linguistics and English language education, introduced his research on addressing social issues through language studies and discussed projects undertaken in his field. He also shared, with humor, what everyday life as a researcher is really like, contrasting common perceptions with the realities of academic work.
(Department of Theoretical Linguistics)



The program concluded with small-group discussions between the high school students and GSICS graduate students. In addition to introducing their research topics, the graduate students shared their experiences of pursuing research, discussing the rewards and challenges of academic life and the factors that shaped their educational and career choices.
The students actively asked questions about research methods, graduate student life, and future career paths, leading to lively and engaging discussions throughout the session.

GSICS remains committed to fostering the next generation of intellectually curious learners through educational outreach and academic exchange programs such as this.