NEWS

Exchange Students x Local Community collaboration @ ICU: Connected through shumai, bringing people and the local community together

Update: August 25, 2026

On May 19, 2026, in the Wisteria Hall of the Momi・Maple House (student dormitories), shumai expert "Shumai Jun" was invited to this special event to introduce Japanese food culture to exchange students.

This event was made possible through a connection between Uyama Junko, a member of the "Michinaka Farmer Project" based in Mitaka city, and Eda Sanae, director of the Middlebury School of Japan. Through "shumai", a food familiar to many, new connections between people, the local community, and food cultures were formed.

First, the event began with Shumai Jun talking about shumai. Within the exchange students, there were students from various parts of Asia including Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, and the Philippines. Although they have eaten shumai before, none of them had made it themselves.
In this event, farmers based in Mitaka offered their locally grown fresh vegetables. They also participated in the event and cooked alongside the exchange students. Participants were able to gain insight into the work behind growing vegetables typically seen in supermarkets, and experienced cooking them as well, making this a memorable experience.

Although the students were a little nervous at first, once they got used to the wrapping technique, shumai with various shapes such as "rose shape", "heart shape", "love letter shape" came one after another. The venue was filled with a lively atmosphere where everyone made, ate, and laughed together.

At ICU, there are many learning opportunities outside of the classroom. Encounters with people who work in the local community, dialogue rooted in everyday food culture, reflect the spirit of a Liberal Arts education.

In this event, understanding the importance of coincidental encounters and interpersonal connections, it was indeed a "once-in-a-lifetime encounter". To everyone who helped make this event possible, and to everyone who participated, thank you very much. Lastly, the "shumai pose"!
English translation by Leung, Nathan Tak Ho, Student Intern from Middlebury College