2025.09.12
On Monday, July 7, 2025 (Reiwa 7), students and international students from the Ube College of Technology Interact Club (IAC) visited the Mazda Hofu Plant.
There were 36 participants in total, including 11 students from our Interact Club (IAC), 8 long-term international students, 13 short-term international students from Taiwan and Vietnam, and 4 accompanying faculty members.
 Students listening to an explanation from staff at the Mazda Hofu Plant. |  A Vietnamese student from the College of Technology test-driving a Capella in the lobby of the Mazda Hofu Plant. |
The group visited the Mazda Hofu in the morning. They first received an overview of Mazda’s unique car manufacturing features and the Hofu Plant’s role. Afterwards, guided by Mazda employees, they toured the facility following the production line and observed the entire process from sheet metal forming and painting to assembly and completion of the cars.
 Commemorative photo after the Mazda Hofu Plant tour(1) |  Commemorative photo after the Mazda Hofu Plant tour(2) |
After lunch, the group visited Hofu Tenmangu Shrine and split into two groups for a traditional tea ceremony experience. Although the international students found it challenging to sit in the traditional seiza position, they were very interested and excited to experience their first tea ceremony.
 Tea Ceremony Experience (1) at Hoshōan Tea Room (Hofu Tenmangu Shrine) |  Tea Ceremony Experience (2) at Hoshōan Tea Room (Hofu Tenmangu Shrine) |
At Hoshōan Tea Room
This time, the Japanese students planned the afternoon activities, including the visit to Hofu Tenmangu Shrine and sightseeing at Ohirayama, to ensure that the international students would fully enjoy the cultural experience.
 Visit to Hofu Tenmangu Shrine |  Group photo at the summit of Ohirayama |
Through the day’s activities, friendships between Japanese and international students deepened.