Spring in Tokyo means cherry blossoms, new beginnings, and at Science Tokyo, the return of the S-TISA Spring Welcome Party, where international and Japanese students come together to kick off the new semester. This year’s event was our biggest yet, bringing together over 230 participants from all corners of the world.
Behind the magic was a dedicated crew of volunteers: Reception Staff, Food Managers, Campus Guides, MCs, DJs, and Cameramen. Each team played a vital role in turning the event into a vibrant, and welcoming experience.
A few years ago, I stood on stage as the MC, alongside fellow Student Ambassadors Alex and Vinayak. Back then, I was the one hyping up the crowd, switching languages mid-sentence, and making sure the night ran smoothly from the mic. Now I was behind the scenes, leading the team that gave every guest their first impression of the event.
Yes, if you guessed correctly, I had the honor of serving as the Reception Team Leader. From organizing the guest flow to making sure every newcomer felt seen and welcomed, my team and I were the first friendly faces you’d meet when walking down the stairs. Those nametags, bingo sheets, and the game prizes? That was all us.
The energy was incredible. Students from dozens of countries showed up dressed in everything from streetwear to national dress, and you could hear conversations in five different languages just standing in line for snacks. There was an aikido performance, an inclusive food corner, games, and lots of photos taken by our amazing photographers.
But the best part? Seeing the spark when people who were strangers an hour ago exchanged Instagrams and started planning weekend adventures together. That’s what S-TISA is all about: building community in a new university (or even a new country!) that can feel overwhelming at first.
What I love most about this event is how it brings people together. Whether I’m on stage or at the door, the goal has always been the same: help people feel at home in this big, bustling city. Judging by the buzz in the room, we nailed it.
So here’s to new friends, shared stories, and a spring full of possibilities. If you missed it, don’t worry! S-TISA still has tons of fun events ahead. Stay tuned!
S-TISA HP: S-TISA (Science Tokyo International Students Association)
Science Tokyo News: A Warm Welcome: S-TISA Hosts Science Tokyo’s Spring Welcome Party
