February 14th, AIU President Dr. Mineo Nakajima passed away at the age of 76. A fellow student snapped this photo just before the memorial service. 

Clicking the image will direct you to the official announcement and photos of the service.

Photography by Phil Nguyen

February 14th, AIU President Dr. Mineo Nakajima passed away at the age of 76. A fellow student snapped this photo just before the memorial service.

Clicking the image will direct you to the official announcement and photos of the service.

Photography by Phil Nguyen

First Snow in Yuwa

ONE love

Photography by Hanna Mitsutomi

ONE love

Photography by Hanna Mitsutomi

Just the guys.

Photography by Simon Chua

Just the guys.

Photography by Simon Chua

All of us in the summer program wearing yukata.

Photography by Simon Chua

A yukata 「浴衣」 is a casual kimono worn in the summer when attending a matsuri (festival) or hanabi (fireworks display); however, it is not uncommon for a young woman to wear one in public simply as a fashion statement. These were traditional everyday summer-wear in pre-westernized Japan. They are often made of cotton or linen or a blend of the two. Women’s yukata are brightly-colored and quite ornate, whereas men’s are traditionally navy and have a either simple pattern, or none at all. Prices vary greatly depending on the fabric, texture, and quality. I picked up a cotton/linen blend one at a Daimaru (Japanese equivalent of Bloomingdales) in Osaka that set me back over $300 (and it was one of cheaper ones!), but I’ve seen them go for as low as $75. Keep in mind though that the

All of us in the summer program wearing yukata.

Photography by Simon Chua

A yukata 「浴衣」 is a casual kimono worn in the summer when attending a matsuri (festival) or hanabi (fireworks display); however, it is not uncommon for a young woman to wear one in public simply as a fashion statement. These were traditional everyday summer-wear in pre-westernized Japan. They are often made of cotton or linen or a blend of the two. Women’s yukata are brightly-colored and quite ornate, whereas men’s are traditionally navy and have a either simple pattern, or none at all. Prices vary greatly depending on the fabric, texture, and quality. I picked up a cotton/linen blend one at a Daimaru (Japanese equivalent of Bloomingdales) in Osaka that set me back over $300 (and it was one of cheaper ones!), but I’ve seen them go for as low as $75. Keep in mind though that the

Taking a closer look.

Photography by Simon Chua

Taking a closer look.

Photography by Simon Chua

A small lake shrine in Oga.

Photography by Simon Chua

A small lake shrine in Oga.

Photography by Simon Chua

I just survived my first training session with AIU’s Aikido Club. Although I was too busy trying to catch my breath to take any pictures, I do happen to have a fantastic shot in the archives from AIU’s 2012 Summer Program.
Photography by Simon Chua

According to Ōsensei (lit. Great Teacher) and founder of Aikido,Morihei Ueshiba 「植芝盛平」 

“Aiki is the way of the Kami and was born of the will of the Kami.

Rise early in the morning to greet the sun. Inhale the breath of heaven and let the cosmos inside. Next breath up the rich vibrance of the earth. Blend these breaths with your own breath and become the breath of life itself. Your mind and body will be gladdened, heartache and disappointment will dissipate and you will be filled with gratitude.

The movements of Aikido which unite human being with great nature are all given by Sarutahiko-no-Ōkami. Aikido is Misogi..a purification of ourselves…the way of the universe.”


If you are ever presented with an opportunity to participate in Aikido, I highly recommend you give it a try. It’s difficult, and I’ll admit I wanted to quit after the first hour, but it was not long after that I found myself truly enjoying it. It’s a great way to master one’s mind, body, and spirit as well as get out and make some friends.

I just survived my first training session with AIU’s Aikido Club. Although I was too busy trying to catch my breath to take any pictures, I do happen to have a fantastic shot in the archives from AIU’s 2012 Summer Program.

Photography by Simon Chua

According to Ōsensei (lit. Great Teacher) and founder of Aikido,
Morihei Ueshiba 「植芝盛平」

“Aiki is the way of the Kami and was born of the will of the Kami.

Rise early in the morning to greet the sun. Inhale the breath of heaven and let the cosmos inside. Next breath up the rich vibrance of the earth. Blend these breaths with your own breath and become the breath of life itself. Your mind and body will be gladdened, heartache and disappointment will dissipate and you will be filled with gratitude.

The movements of Aikido which unite human being with great nature are all given by Sarutahiko-no-Ōkami. Aikido is Misogi..a purification of ourselves…the way of the universe.”

If you are ever presented with an opportunity to participate in Aikido, I highly recommend you give it a try. It’s difficult, and I’ll admit I wanted to quit after the first hour, but it was not long after that I found myself truly enjoying it. It’s a great way to master one’s mind, body, and spirit as well as get out and make some friends.
Although Japan seems to be synonymous with futuristic gadgets and assembly lines, much of it’s tradition is preserved even today, like this carpenter in Oga.

Photography by Greg Stoll

Although Japan seems to be synonymous with futuristic gadgets and assembly lines, much of it’s tradition is preserved even today, like this carpenter in Oga.

Photography by Greg Stoll

秋空に黄色輝く稲穂かな

Under autumn sky

their yellow color is shining

ears of rice


収穫に稲穂傾く黄色かな

For harvest

ears of rice bending down

how yellow!


金色の稲穂に感謝秋の空

A lot of thanks

for golden ears of rice

autumn sky


秋の風黄色の海原稲実る

Autumn wind

rice ripen in fields

like a yellow sea

Teijun Itoh 「伊藤貞順」