Key points

On October 24, 2026, an international exchange event was held at the JICA Kansai Center in Kobe. Nineteen organizations participated, featuring booths selling handmade products created by Ukrainian evacuees and a corner for experiencing Japanese yukata dressing. The event also included a fashion show of traditional costumes and musical performances, serving as a venue for multicultural exchange. Admission was free, and the general public could participate until 4:30 p.m. This event is expected to continue as an opportunity for interaction between the local community and foreigners. [1] [2] [3]

Overview of the International Exchange Event Held in Kobe

On October 24, 2026, an international exchange event was held at the JICA Kansai Center in Kobe. The venue is located about a 10-minute walk from Hanshin Iwaya Station and Kasuganomichi Station, and the event ran until 4:30 p.m. Admission was free, and the general public was welcome to participate. The event was organized by JICA Kansai as part of its international cooperation efforts. Many visitors attended, contributing to the promotion of cross-cultural understanding. [1] [3]

The JICA Kansai Center serves as the Kansai branch of the Japan International Cooperation Agency, functioning as a hub for accepting human resources from developing countries, providing technical support, and dispatching volunteers. This event marked the fourth time the center held its autumn festival, aiming to promote interaction between the local community and foreigners. The indoor facility allowed the event to proceed even in rainy weather. [3]

Diverse Exhibitors and Handmade Products by Ukrainian Evacuees

Nineteen organizations exhibited at the international exchange event held on October 24, 2026. Among them was a booth selling handmade products created by Ukrainian evacuees, which attracted considerable interest from visitors. The exhibiting organizations were mainly involved in international cooperation, presenting cultural introductions and activity reports from various countries. [1] [3]

The event also featured a problem-solving game simulating the experience of being a JICA Overseas Cooperation Volunteer and a fashion show of traditional costumes. Foreign residents currently in Japan showcased their traditional attire, and musical performances included the morin khuur and Ukrainian music, providing a rich cultural experience. [3]

Introduction to Cultural Experiences and Stage Events

A yukata dressing experience corner was set up at the event, allowing participants to wear yukata and experience Japanese culture firsthand. This activity was enjoyed not only by foreigners but also by Japanese participants, and it was well received as part of the multicultural exchange. [1] [3]

The fashion show of traditional costumes featured foreigners currently residing in Japan displaying their native traditional clothing. The music stage included performances of the morin khuur and Ukrainian music, enabling visitors to engage with diverse cultures. Additionally, a problem-solving game simulating the role of a JICA Overseas Cooperation Volunteer was conducted, allowing participants to experience aspects of international cooperation firsthand. [3]