USU PUBLIC RELATIONS – The Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) of Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) held the Aotake Matsuri 2026 Japanese Cultural Festival from Friday to Saturday, October 23–24, 2026. Held at the FIB USU campus, the event provided a platform for students and visitors to learn about Japanese culture while strengthening the bonds of friendship between Indonesia and Japan.

USU Vice Rector for Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, and Alumni Prof. Dr. Poppy Anjelisa Zaitun Hasibuan, S.Si., M.Si., Apt., representing the USU Rector, expressed her appreciation to the Aotake Japanese Literature Student Association, the Japanese Literature Study Program, FIB USU, and the Consulate General of Japan in Medan for their collaboration in organizing the festival.

“Aotake Matsuri is not merely a celebration of Japanese culture. More than that, it is a space for intercultural encounters, where we can learn to understand differences, build friendships, and broaden our perspectives on the world,” she said.

Prof. Poppy also noted that activities such as Aotake Matsuri provide students with opportunities to learn beyond the classroom. Through the event, students can develop their creativity, learn to work collaboratively, and hone their communication and organizational skills.

“Behind a lively festival lies a lengthy process that requires ideas, teamwork, discipline, creativity, and commitment. All of these are important parts of the learning process that are not always acquired in the classroom,” she explained.

Dean of the USU Faculty of Cultural Sciences Mhd. Pujiono, S.S., M.Hum., Ph.D., also expressed his appreciation to everyone who supported the organization of Aotake Matsuri 2026. He hoped that the event would provide valuable experiences for students while introducing cultural diversity to the public.

“Aotake Matsuri is not merely a cultural celebration, but also a platform for students to develop their creativity, broaden their horizons, and strengthen the bonds of friendship between Indonesia and Japan through language and culture,” he said.

Representing the Governor of North Sumatra, the Governor’s Expert Staff for Education, Health, Infrastructure, and Community Empowerment, Ir. Alfi Syahriza, S.T., M.Eng.Sc., stated that cultural festivals play an important role in introducing the values and traditions of other countries. He noted that such activities can also help younger generations better understand and appreciate cultural differences.

“The Governor hopes that Aotake Matsuri Universitas Sumatera Utara 2026 can serve as a space for cultural encounters that strengthen the friendship between Indonesia and Japan, broaden the horizons of the younger generation, and foster a spirit of getting to know, appreciating, and learning from the strengths of each culture,” he said.

He also expressed hope that cultural activities such as Aotake Matsuri could continue to be developed and create opportunities for broader collaboration, particularly in education, tourism, the creative economy, and human resource development.

“For this reason, I hope that cultural activities like this can continue to be developed and serve as a bridge for broader collaboration in education, tourism, the creative economy, and human resource development.”

Consul General of Japan in Medan Furugori Toru welcomed the organization of Aotake Matsuri 2026. He said the festival provided an opportunity for the public, particularly younger generations, to experience Japanese culture firsthand through the various activities held over the two-day event.

“I am very pleased that Aotake Matsuri has been held. It is one of the largest Japanese cultural festivals in North Sumatra and its surrounding areas,” he said.

Furugori also explained that the event could help strengthen the friendship between Japan and Indonesia. Through performances, competitions, exhibitions, and Japanese food bazaars, visitors were expected to gain a closer understanding of Japanese culture and language.

“I am confident that this event will provide a good opportunity for visitors to experience Japanese culture and language more closely.”

Through Aotake Matsuri USU 2026, students are expected not only to gain new experiences in learning about Japanese culture, but also to become more open to differences while maintaining pride in Indonesian culture. The event is also expected to strengthen the bonds of friendship and create opportunities for future collaboration between USU and Japan.