Spotlights

Harvard Summer School in Kyoto 2026

Harvard Summer School (HSS) in Kyoto was successfully held at Doshisha University's Imadegawa Campus. The program lasted approximately eight weeks, from June 8 to July 31.

This year, ten Harvard students participated in this program, and took two academic courses: “Cinema in Japan” taught by Professor Alexander Zahlten and “Japanese Architecture” taught by Professor Yukio Lippit. In addition to classroom lectures, students went on various field trips related to the course content. Through visits to Nara, Byodoin Temple, and Tairyu Sanso, as well as activities such as wearing yukata and trying pottery making, students deepened their understanding of Japanese history and culture.

The study partners contributed to the program not only by sharing their perspectives and insights as local students in class, but also by helping HSS students learn about Japanese culture and day-to-day life. The study partners were greatly inspired by the HSS professors and students and learned a great deal from them. Outside of classes and field trips, they actively interacted with one another and strengthened their friendships. HSS students and Doshisha study partners built strong bonds and friendships by spending a fulfilling eight weeks together.

On the last day of the program, the farewell party was held at the French restaurant “Will” in the Kambaikan Building. HSS professors, HSS students, Doshisha study partners, and host families who welcomed the HSS students attended the party. All the participants shared their memories and laughed together until the very last moment. The program concluded in a cheerful atmosphere filled with smiles and fond memories.