Alyssa Hurley ‘26 and Aleema Kelly ‘26 Navigate Cultural Exchanges Through Technos International Week in Japan
Photos courtesy of Professor Seth Markle
Alyssa Hurley ‘26 and Aleema Kelly ‘26 were invited to participate in Technos International Week, an event held in June by the Technos International College of Japan in Tokyo which promotes international exchange and appreciation of Japanese life and culture. In this setting, Alyssa and Aleema researched projects focusing on tea ceremonies and music, respectively.
Alyssa came to Trinity from Everett, Massachusetts, focusing on history and minoring in Asian studies with a focus on Japan. Her interest in applying for the Technos program stemmed from her belief that while one can learn abundantly in a classroom, it is important to gain hands-on historical and cultural experiences. “Being a first-gen student able to go on these opportunities and to travel and learn at the same time is huge,” Alyssa remarked.
Aleema came to Trinity from Hartford, Connecticut, studying economics and public policy & law. First introduced to the Technos program by Professor Seth Markle, she was curious to learn about Japanese culture and to immerse herself in the environment of a Japanese vocational school. “I feel like every time you go to a different environment, you learn more about yourself. I was able to do that while I was in Japan,” Aleema recalled.
In their first week at Technos, Alyssa and Aleema explored cultural practices like a tea ceremony, exploring calligraphy, and wearing yukatas, a lighter version of the traditional Japanese kimono. As the week unfolded, they focused on their culture projects, exploring topics connecting deeply with their personal interests and local culture. Professor Markle and their classmates provided valuable support and insight for their projects.
Alyssa’s project explored tea ceremonies and the shift from its historical gendered dynamics. The research investigated whether this development is recent or resulting from a gradual process. She received support and help from peers and staff who left an enduring impression. Alyssa says, “They wanted to leave a lasting impression with us for how we talk about Japan.”
Aleema analyzed cultural attitudes and trends in music. “I feel like the music was sort of a blast to the past at the bars when you’d go out. It would be like they’re playing One Direction. I don’t like 2000s pop and thought it was funny. Then, I was asking the students what music they listen to.” Fellow students shared they listen to Japanese jazz, 2000s American music, and Spanish language music. Hip-hop music was taboo with negative stereotypical perceptions coming from mainstream culture. However, she noted she met many people who had interests in traditionally taboo forms of expression, such as graffiti. Aleema recalls, “You sort of go in with expectations about what Japan is like. And the students were so quick to be like, no, this is what we’re actually like.”
Together in the first week, they, along with their classmates traveled across the Tokyo region. “We were open to everything, because there were days where we accidentally got on the wrong bus, and then we ended up at like the coolest town ever.” Aleema’s favorite town was Shimokitazawa and she remarked, “It’s the cutest little homey town.”
“We woke up early in the mornings and went to the mountains, shrines and cafes. Squeezing in those cute small outings was great,” Aleema reflects.
On the weekend, they traveled to Nagano outside of the Tokyo region. “We went on a retreat to Nagano. It was like a communal rural type of living style that helped with forming connections with the other people on the trip,” noted Alyssa.
Aleema noted participating in Technos International Week reignited her passion for traveling. She recalled, “The tea ceremony touched me with a sense of patience. I think I am an impatient person and each movement like turning the bowl a quarter of the way in one direction means so much. I got more comfortable being very slow and being intentional with my movements. I took that back to America and felt comfortable.”
Coming back to campus, Alyssa’s interest in Japanese language and culture has flourished. She is vocal about the Japanese program on campus. She says, “There is so much you can learn if you join Japanese classes. Then you can go on these trips or if you find interest, go to Japan. There’s so much to learn academically, but also just like Aleema was saying, about yourself. It’s great to open yourself up to the opportunities.”
Taking part in Technos International Week and traveling in Japan nurtured their passions and they returned to Trinity with an invigorated passion and knowledge. The opportunity to engage in a cultural exchange made Alyssa and Aleema excited to see where their passion and learning take them!
