Since its launch in 2015, Japan@MIT has grown into a vibrant and anticipated campus event that brings together students, faculty, and partners to explore Japan-related opportunities at MIT. Organized through the collaboration between Global Languages and MISTI Japan, the event reflects a shared commitment to connecting academic study, cultural engagement, and global experience.
The idea for Japan@MIT was first developed by Christine Pilcavage, who joined MISTI in 2014. At the time, information sessions for MISTI programs were typically held in conference rooms and focused primarily on program logistics. Recognizing an opportunity to create something more engaging, Pilcavage envisioned a broader, more dynamic event—one that would showcase the full spectrum of Japan-related opportunities at MIT.
Inspired by the lively atmosphere of a traditional Japanese festival, or omatsuri, she partnered with colleagues in Global Languages, including Senior Lecturer in Japanese Takako Aikawa, to bring this vision to life. Their goal was to create a welcoming, interactive space where students could learn, connect, and experience aspects of Japanese culture firsthand.
From that first iteration, Japan@MIT combined academic and cultural elements in a way that set it apart from traditional information sessions. Alongside presentations on Japanese language offerings, Japan-related courses in the School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences (SHASS), and the MISTI Japan internship program, the event featured cultural demonstrations such as a tea ceremony and yukata kimono dressing.
Over the years, Japan@MIT has continued to evolve while maintaining its core mission. Interactive elements such as trivia games using Kahoot!—where students test their knowledge of Japan for prizes—and raffle drawings have added energy and engagement to the program. With each new class of students and active links to Japan, the event has consistently found meaningful ways to bring contemporary elements of Japanese culture to the MIT community.
A particularly meaningful thread of continuity for 2025 was the return of the tea ceremony instructor who lead the ceremony demonstration at the inaugural event, highlighting the lasting relationships and traditions that Japan@MIT has cultivated over time.
Today, Japan@MIT is one of the most popular events organized with the support of Global Languages. It serves as a central hub for students interested in Japan, whether they are exploring language study, considering a minor or concentration, or applying for internships through MISTI Japan. The event also highlights student life and community engagement opportunities, including activities such as the MIT Aikido Club, Japanese Lunch Table, and language conversation exchanges.
The Consul General of Japan in Boston has also been a frequent participant, reinforcing the event’s broader mission of strengthening ties between Japan and the United States and encouraging students to engage in international collaboration.
What began as an effort to reimagine a traditional information session has become a dynamic and enduring platform for connection and discovery. As Japan@MIT continues to grow, it remains rooted in its original vision: to create an engaging, inclusive space where students can explore Japan from multiple perspectives—academic, cultural, and professional.