After the Osaka-Kansai Expo, it’s the TUFS Gaigosai!
The 103rd Gaigosai Festival is coming in 2025!
The 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo, which lasted for 184 days, has recently come to a close. While many may still be feeling nostalgic, now is the perfect time to experience another unique and unforgettable international event — the Gaigosai at Tokyo University of Foreign Studies (TUFS). If you’re still craving that sense of “the world,” your next stop should be Gaigosai!
Held over five days from Thursday, November 20 to Monday (national holiday), November 24, 2025, we look forward to welcoming all visitors to this vibrant celebration.
TUFS’ annual campus festival, Gaigosai, welcomes approximately 40,000 visitors each year and is known for its rich international flair. First-year students set up food stalls, each offering authentic cuisine from around 30 different countries and regions, corresponding to their language of study.
Meanwhile, second-year students perform language plays (Gogeki)—dramatic performances entirely in their major foreign language, with subtitles and sound produced entirely by the students themselves. Other attractions include ethnic costume try-ons, storytelling sessions of international picture books, and cultural exhibitions.
Gaigosai serves as a platform for TUFS students to present what they’ve learned and share their insights into languages and cultures from around the world.
[Overview of the 103rd Gaigosai Festival]
Dates: November 20 (Thu) – November 24 (Mon, public holiday), 2025
Venue: Tokyo University of Foreign Studies, Fuchu Campus
& Online via the Gaigosai Official Website
and YouTube Channel
Admission: No prior reservation required
Main Events
■ International Food Stalls
One of the two major highlights of Gaigosai. First-year students operate food stalls representing their language of study, serving authentic dishes and drinks — including alcoholic beverages — from countries around the world. Come and enjoy global flavors right here at Fuchu Campus, without needing a passport!
■ Language Plays (Gogeki)
Another signature event of Gaigosai, Gogeki features theatrical performances in students’ major languages, primarily produced by second-year students. Dating back to the very first TUFS “Lecture Event” in 1900, this is the longest-running tradition of Gaigosai, now with over 120 years of history. Some performances will also be available for later viewing on YouTube.
■ Online Events
The University Entrance Consultation Session, where prospective students can ask current TUFS students about exam prep and university life, will also be held online. Perfect for those living far from Tokyo.
■ Other On-Campus Attractions
Try-on Ethnic Costumes: A fun hands-on experience for families.
“Face Paint the World”: Paint flags on your face or hands to represent different countries.
Student Club Performances and Exhibits: A wide variety of projects only possible at TUFS, celebrating global understanding and creativity.
Community Engagement
The Gaigosai Executive Committee is committed to fostering connections with the local community and other university festivals.
■ Local Collaboration Project
During the festival, special collaboration menus will be available at restaurants near the TUFS campus. Limited-edition Gaigosai merchandise will be offered as a first-come, first-served bonus. Don’t miss this exclusive chance to try themed dishes!
Participating Restaurants:
Wine Bar Kakashi (2-20-7 Asahicho, Fuchu, Tokyo – 1F N Casablanca)
Kyofu Takoyaki Momiji (2-22-7 Asahicho, Fuchu, Tokyo)
Chinese Restaurant Beni (2-13-3 Momijigaoka, Fuchu, Tokyo)
Dig Bowl Kichijoji (B1 Jo-ji PLAZA, 2-4-14 Kichijoji Honcho, Musashino, Tokyo)
■ Collaboration with Hitotsubashi University’s Festival
Continuing from last year, TUFS and Hitotsubashi University will once again collaborate for joint projects during their respective festivals. Two special collaborative videos will be produced by the executive committees of both universities.
Additionally, for the first time ever, a digital signage advertisement for Gaigosai will be displayed at Keio Line’s Shinjuku Station from Monday, November 10 to Sunday, November 16.
Note: Event content is subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please visit the Gaigosai Official Website
and follow our official social media channels. Details for the 103rd Gaigosai will be released gradually as they are finalized.
[Festival Summary]
Event Name: The 103rd Gaigosai Festival
Dates: November 20 (Thu) – November 24 (Mon, public holiday), 2025
Venue: Tokyo University of Foreign Studies, Fuchu Campus
Organized by: The 103rd Gaigosai Executive Committee
Tagline: “A Day When the World Feels Closer”
[Gaigosai Awards History]
2011: 3rd Place – Gakuensai Grand Prix / Energy-saving & Eco-friendly Award
2012: MVP – Gakuensai Grand Prix
2013: 3rd Place – Gakuensai Grand Prix
2014: MVP – Gakuensai Grand Prix
2015: PR Video Award, 1st Place in Gourmet Category, Runner-up for Best Campus Festival
2016: Unique Planning Award, 6th Place PR Video Award, Runner-up for Best Campus Festival
2017: MVP – Gakuensai Grand Prix, Original Project Award, International Exchange Planning Award
2018: 3rd Place – Gakuensai Grand Prix, Keio Corporation Award
2019: 2nd Place – Gakuensai Grand Prix
2020:
“Our Online Campus Festival”
Video: Unique Award
Poster Design: 1st Place
Website Design: 1st Place
2021: “Our Online Campus Festival” – Video: Most Liked Award
2023: 2nd Place – Gakuensai Grand Prix
2024: EF Award for Study Abroad – Giving Campaign 2024
