Cultural Experience: UTokyo Amgen Scholars Program 2025

On June 19, scholars participating in the UTokyo Amgen Scholars Program 2025 enjoyed a unique cultural immersion featuring a guided tour of Hōmeikan and a traditional koto (筝) music lesson.

Located within walking distance of the Hongo Campus, the Hōmeikan Main Building is a registered tangible cultural property with over 120 years of history. During the tour, the participants learned about the area's past – once a vibrant district of boarding houses and inns. They also explored the exquisite architectural details of the building, as well as its intricate craftsmanship and the use of rare wood materials.

The koto lesson was led by three student representatives from the University of Tokyo Koto Music Club. The group learned to play the traditional piece “Sakura Sakura.” Although they initially struggled with techniques such as fitting the plectra, plucking the strings, and using the “oshide” (a method pressing the left side of the bridge to raise the pitch), by the end of the session, they were able to perform the piece together.

These rich cultural experiences engaged all five senses and offered a valuable opportunity to connect with Japanese architecture and traditional musical instruments.

You can watch the video from the day here.