Connecting Through English: Temple International Exchange Event 'English 1-Day Camp' to be Held on July 25 at Ichibansan Yakushiji Okazaki Main Hall

Ichibansan Yakushiji Temple (Okazaki, Aichi Prefecture) will hold the 'English 1-Day Camp' on Saturday, July 25, 2026.

This international exchange event aims to connect diverse people through English, featuring an 'English Speech Contest' in the morning and 'Japanese Culture Experience in English' in the afternoon. The speech contest marks its 6th iteration. Reflecting its growing popularity, the cultural experience program has been held concurrently since last year. The event has become an annual gathering for English learners, foreign participants, local residents, and volunteers.

Why host an international exchange event at a temple?

Since 2003, Ichibansan Yakushiji has run an English conversation circle through the Maruichikai group to foster personal development and local connection.

Temples are traditionally places where people of all generations and nationalities gather to nurture relationships. By creating opportunities for English learners, those interested in Japanese culture, and visitors from overseas to interact, the temple aims to create a space for mutual understanding of cultures and values.

While the English speech contest began as a venue to present learning outcomes, it has evolved into a diverse exchange space bringing together international participants, residents, and volunteers.

English Speech Contest

The 'English Speech Contest' will be held in the morning.

With divisions open from toddlers to adults, the contest offers challenges tailored to various levels, ranging from presentation divisions for beginners to competitive divisions for experienced speakers. Under the theme 'Japanese Culture,' participants will showcase their daily learning achievements.

Additionally, a prayer service for healthy growth and English improvement will be held in the main hall to wish for the participants' further development.

Japanese Culture Experience in English

The 'Japanese Culture Experience in English' will take place in the afternoon.

The program offers hands-on experiences with Japanese traditions, including tea ceremony, flower arrangement, Zen meditation, bell ringing, yukata dressing, Goeika (Buddhist chanting), Bon Odori dancing, and temple worship etiquette. By communicating in English, both Japanese and international participants can enjoy learning together.

An Exchange Venue Set in a Temple

While the speech contest and cultural experiences serve different purposes, both share the core theme of 'exchange through English.'

The event aims to be a place of new encounters and learning for English learners, cultural enthusiasts, and those interested in international exchange. Through these opportunities, Ichibansan Yakushiji continues its efforts to cultivate connections as a temple open to the community.

Spectators and Volunteers Wanted

Currently, Ichibansan Yakushiji is recruiting:
- Participants and spectators for the English speech contest
- Participants for the Japanese culture experience
- Interpretation and planning volunteers

Anyone interested in English or international exchange is welcome to join.

For details and registration, please check the form below.

[Application Form]
https://forms.gle/X998QQPXu76WiYv18

Detailed Information

Event Name:
'English 1-Day Camp'
English Speech Contest & Japanese Culture Experience in English

Date:
Saturday, July 25, 2026

Time:
9:00 - 14:00

Fees:
Full day: 800 yen
Speech contest only: 500 yen (Spectators free)
Culture experience only: 500 yen
*Additional cost: 100 yen for sweets in the tea ceremony, 500 yen for flowers in the flower arrangement (Viewing only is free).
*Payment is accepted at the reception on the day of the event (exact change appreciated).
*Members receive discount benefits.

Benefits:
1. Seasonal meal available for 1,000 yen upon request
2. Three complimentary tickets for the hot spring (Goreisen)

Application Deadlines:
- For Speech Contest participants: By Saturday, June 20, 2026
- For Spectators and Culture Experience participants: By Wednesday, July 15, 2026

Venue:
Ichibansan Yakushiji Okazaki Main Hall (Okazaki City, Aichi Prefecture)

Schedule:
8:30 Reception (Basement Lobby)
9:00 Prayer service for healthy growth and English improvement (Main Hall)
10:00 English Speech Contest (Hall)
11:30 Lunch (Seasonal meal: 1,000 yen for those interested)
12:00 Afternoon Reception (Basement Lobby)
12:30 Japanese Culture Experience in English (Okazaki Temple Grounds)
Group activity: 'Greetings of the World'
14:00 End

Organizer:
Ichibansan Yakushiji Maruichikai

Inquiries:
Ichibansan Yakushiji Maruichikai
Phone: 052-761-2105

About Ichibansan Yakushiji:
Ichibansan Yakushiji (located in Fujikawa-cho, Okazaki City, Aichi Prefecture) is a temple of the Myoshinji branch of the Rinzai Zen sect.