SJMC
An emotional trip
To be completely honest, I didn’t know how I felt about going to Japan. As someone who’s been interested in various aspects of East Asian culture nearly my whole life, I’ve seen a lot of discourse between people who romanticize/admire Japan far too much and those who demonize it because of its bad traits. Both […]
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How I found my way back to reality in Japan: a traveler’s memoir
I signed up for the School of Journalism and Mass Communication study abroad program in Japan having no idea what opportunities would arise for my future self. I have not always been a person that wanted to branch out and take risks. When Dr. Gilbert D. Martinez spoke in my MC 1313 Media Writing course […]
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Inner peace for my inner child
My life has been changed by this study abroad experience— and my inner child is happy.
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Unveiling the serene majesty of Ryōzen Kannon
In the heart of Kyoto, a serene sanctuary silently stands, captivating travelers with its ethereal presence. The majestic Ryōzen Kannon is a renowned Buddhist temple that exudes tranquility and reverence. Nestled amidst the lush greenery of the Higashiyama mountains, this hidden gem invites visitors to dive into a world of spiritual solace and contemplation. Approached […]
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SJMC Japan Team presents work on Friday
Now that all members of the SJMC Japan Team have returned home to Texas safely, they are gearing up for final presentation day, and you’re invited! Students will share their mini-documentaries, highlights of the stories they wrote and insights about what the SJMC Japan program meant to them starting at 10 a.m. Friday, June 30, […]
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Forget the sushi, we’re going to McDonald’s
When traveling overseas, the last place one might think about eating at is McDonald’s. Sure, they have burgers, nuggets and fries like in the United States, but there are quite a few notable differences. The restaurant Unlike the restaurants in the United States, the ones in Kyoto don’t have drive-thrus. In addition, most people opt […]
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The significance of Japanese cranes – origami and otherwise
Visitors to some popular destinations in Kyoto may wonder: what’s with all the cranes? Known as the “tsuru,” the crane’s historical and cultural significance can be traced back to ancient times. It has deep roots in Japanese folklore, art and tradition. In Japanese mythology, cranes mate for life and are believed to live for 1,000 […]
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Traditional Japanese clothing: kimono and yukata
While visiting Japan, the first thing you might notice is a lot of people styled and dressed in traditional Japanese kimonos and geta (wooden clogs). In Kyoto, this might be a more noticeable sighting since geisha culture is more prominent and is still active among the Japanese locals. Tourists are also interested in traditional clothing […]
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Locating the perfect shops in Kyoto
Kyoto is a beautiful blend of traditional and modern cultures, which makes it a wonderfully versatile place to go shopping. Like Tokyo, Kyoto has areas with completely different vibes within a 10 minute walk of each other; one can go from praying at a shrine or temple to enjoying multi-story gachapon stores within half an […]
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Kiyomizu-dera: The temple on the hill
In Japan, there are two main religions: Buddhism and Shintoism. In Buddhism, the main place of practice is a temple, for Shintoism it is a shrine. Kiyomizu-dera is labeled as a temple, but it also houses a shrine. The temple At the temple, there are many buildings for prayer and each one is for something […]
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