I am planning to work in Japan in the future. But I didn't know how the local economy and culture are. I can understand the superficial culture through traveling but it is not real culture sometimes. For example almost travelers love to do tea ceremony but actual Japanese don't do it often.

Then I was considering how I can reach locals not as traveler but as local foreigner. Then, this program fit my expectation. We enjoyed the cultural sessions and business sessions. All of programs focused on meeting local Japanese and knowing to each other.

I was interested in Japanese architecture. Not urban style but traditional style. But I don't know how to find it and approach it. Then, I found this program saying that we can enjoy not only business sessions but also cultural sessions focusing on art crafts and architecture.

My priority was architecture and traditional techniques by local artisans. The program satisfied my expectation because local guide took us to exclusive areas and explained the characteristics like town plannings in Samurai period.

It was so amazing experience to enter a very old house with them.

I enjoyed visiting Japanese sword smith and Old gun smith museum.
I was interested in Japanese culture especially about smithy. So this program was the very fascinating me. And that was what I wanted to do!
The observation at his laboratory is like entering different world. You found Katana under construction, his daily work to make knives with hammer and fire and the most impressive moment was that he passed the real Katana to me! I was so moved and took a lot of photo. It was unforgettable moment in Japan.