2024/7/26

At the request of the Gion Matsuri Yamaboko association , Kyoto University of Foreign Studies (KUFS) sent 24 of its students registered in the LinguaLink translation and interpretation human resources database as volunteers at events held as part of the “Yoiyama” celebrations immediately before the start of the Gion Festival, one of the largest and most famous festivals in Japan . In preparation for volunteer interpreter services, participating students received training in advance to learn about the Gion Festival's culture and history*1 and to acquire useful interpretation skills.*2

*1 Training conducted by Associate Professor Kotaro Murayama (Department of Global Tourism, Faculty of Global Engagement)
*2 Training conducted by Professor Akiko Sato (Department of British and American Studies, Faculty of Foreign Studies)

On the day of the event, the student volunteers were assigned to three garbage disposal "Eco Stations" set up as part of the Gion Matsuri Gomizero Daisakusen (Gion Festival zero garbage strategy) , where they provided interpretation and guide services in English and Chinese to visitors from abroad.

Related Links
Gion Matsuri Yamaboko Association

KUFS LinguaLink translation and interpretation human resources database

MBS NEWS's YouTube channel feature: "Assisting the rapidly increasing numbers of foreign tourists at Kyoto's Gion Festival: Kyoto University of Foreign Studies students serve as interpreters, enjoying opportunities to put their foreign language skills to use and learn more about the festival " (July 16, 2024)

"Int'l, Japanese students to interpret for foreigners in 1st at Kyoto's Gion Festival" (The Mainichi, Kyoto; Thursday, July 11)

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