102nd Gaigosai Festival Announcement
In these times when ongoing wars, conflicts around the world, and economic uncertainties like the depreciation of the yen make foreign countries feel more distant, we are holding the 102nd Gaigosai Festival with the hope that people will feel closer to various regions. As a school festival with a history spanning 101 years, we aim to connect the world with our visitors this year as well, and hope to provide opportunities to think about various global issues and gain new insights. We invite you to join us at the Gaigosai Festival from November 20th (Wed) to 24th (Sun), 2024.
What is the Gaigosai Festival?
The Gaigosai Festival at Tokyo University of Foreign Studies is a unique, internationally diverse school festival that attracts around 40,000 visitors each year. Freshmen set up “food stalls” for about 30 different countries and regions they are studying, offering authentic cuisine. Sophomores create and perform plays in their major languages, handling everything from subtitles to sound. Additionally, there are numerous unique activities organized by students studying various languages and regions, such as experiencing traditional clothing from around the world, reading foreign language picture books, and cultural introductions. It also serves as a venue for academic presentations showcasing students’ everyday learning.
Note: The content of each event may change. Please check the official Gaigosai website (GAIGOSAI WEB) and various social media channels for the latest information.
Participation in the Gakuen-sai Grand Prix
Each year, Gaigosai participates in the “Gakuen-sai Grand Prix” (organized by Let’s Enjoy Tokyo), a competition to determine the MVP of school festivals in universities and junior colleges in the Tokyo metropolitan area. Although we narrowly missed first place last year, we achieved second place. For the 102nd Gaigosai this year, we will continue to aim for a top-three finish and the MVP of the school festivals.
Event Overview
Dates: November 20th (Wed) – 24th (Sun), 2024
Venue: Tokyo University of Foreign Studies Fuchu Campus and the official Gaigosai website GAIGOSAI WEB and official YouTube channel
Admission: No prior reservation is required for entry this year.
This year’s festival will be held in person, featuring the following key events:
Food Stalls
One of the two main attractions of Gaigosai is the food stalls where freshmen serve dishes from their respective major regions. Without having to travel abroad, visitors can experience food and drinks from around the world at the Fuchu campus.
Plays in Major Languages
The other main attraction is the plays performed by sophomores in their major languages. This event, which began with the first “Lecture Meeting” in 1900, has a history of over 120 years. We also plan to upload recordings on YouTube afterwards, as we have received favorable feedback on this in previous years.
Other Events
From experiencing traditional clothing from around the world to painting various national flags with students, we have many events that families can enjoy together, as well as events to support prospective students. Additionally, there will be panel exhibits and various activities by different clubs and organizations. We offer numerous “unique to Gaigosai” activities without relying on beauty contests or celebrity talk shows.
Online Events
We will also hold an online event where prospective students can receive advice from current students of the university. This allows participation from those living far away.
For more details about each event, please refer to the official Gaigosai website GAIGOSAI WEB, which will be updated regularly. The event content is subject to change. Please follow our official social media channels and GAIGOSAI WEB for the latest updates.
The Gaigosai Executive Committee will continue to value connections with local residents and other university festival committees until the festival period, fostering deeper exchanges.
Local Collaboration
Restaurants around the Fuchu campus will offer special collaboration menus for the Gaigosai Festival. Original Gaigosai goods will be available as a first-come-first-served bonus. These menus are limited-time offers, so be sure to try them.
Collaboration with Hitotsubashi Festival
Continuing from last year, we will collaborate with Hitotsubashi University’s school festival “Hitotsubashi Festival.” We will produce two collaborative videos with their festival committee and distribute cards featuring information about both festivals.
Collaboration with Tokyo Institute of Technology’s Festival
Starting this year, we will collaborate with the Tokyo Institute of Technology’s festival “Koudai Festival,” which is held around the same time. This includes plans for a dialogue between the committee chairs and social media collaborations. This is a new initiative that has not been undertaken before, and we hope you look forward to it.
COVID-19 Measures
The Gaigosai Executive Committee will continue to take measures against COVID-19 to ensure that visitors can attend with peace of mind, while remaining flexible in our approach. For details, please refer to our social media channels and GAIGOSAI WEB. The entire Gaigosai Executive Committee will work hard to ensure thorough infection control measures, so that everyone can visit safely.
102nd Gaigosai Festival Overview
Dates: November 20th (Wed) – 24th (Sun), 2024
Venue: Tokyo University of Foreign Studies Fuchu Campus, GAIGOSAI WEB, official YouTube channel
Organizing Body: 102nd Gaigosai Executive Committee
Catchphrase: “Someday, let’s go there now”
Gaigosai Festival Awards History
2011: Gakuen-sai Grand Prix 3rd Place, Energy Saving & Eco Encouragement Award
2012: Gakuen-sai Grand Prix MVP
2013: Gakuen-sai Grand Prix 3rd Place
2014: Gakuen-sai Grand Prix MVP
2015: Gakuen-sai Grand Prix PR Video Award, Gourmet Division 1st Place, Best of School Festivals Runner-Up
2016: Gakuen-sai Grand Prix Unique Planning Award, PR Video Award 6th Place, Best of School Festivals Runner-Up
2017: Gakuen-sai Grand Prix MVP, University & Student Unique Planning Award, International Exchange Planning Award
2018: Gakuen-sai Grand Prix 3rd Place, Keio Electric Railway Award
2019: Gakuen-sai Grand Prix 2nd Place
2020: Our Online School Festival, Video Division: Unique Award, Poster Design Division: 1st Place, WEB Design Division: 1st Place
2021: Our Online School Festival, Video Division: General Like Award
2023: Gakuen-sai Grand Prix 2nd Place
