BUKATSU(club), SAKURU(circle)
Groups that perform extracurricular activities in areas such as academic, culture, art and sports in Japanese universities are called BUKATSU or SAKURU. There is a big difference in the activity policy between groups.
Federation of Liberal Art Circles and Athletic Association
Nagoya University officially recognizes cultural circles which belong to Federation of Liberal Art Circles, and athletic clubs which belong to Athletic Association.
There are many other groups(*) which do not belong to neither of the associations.
(*)Groups recognized by departments of Nagoya University or other groups
Finding a club/circle
Website/SNS:
- Nagoya University HP, “Club Activities“
- Websites and SNS of each group
Booklet:
- 文サ連報 (BUNSARENPOU) by Federation of Liberal Art Circles
- 濃緑 (NOURYOKU) by Athletic Association
Places to browse:
- Help Desk, 1F International Center
- ACS office, Rm 739 7F, West Wing, IB Bldg.
Event:
- Introductory events held by clubs and circles.
- Welcome events held by Nagoya University 全新歓(ZENSHINKAN), mainly in April.
* Website of ZENSHINKAN Committee (in Japanese only) - 名大祭 (MEIDAISAI)
A university festival planned and managed by the Meidai Festival Executive Committee, usually in June. There are also many events and plans for each club and activity.
*Website of MEIDAISAI Committee (in Japanese only)
Making contact
- E-mail, SNS, phone
- Go directly to the place where each welcome event or activity is held.
*If you have any concerns about your Japanese language ability, you can let them know.
About forceful solicitations and suspicious invitaion
You should be firm towards forceful acts of solicitations to join extracurricular activities, and be careful not to be involved in any trouble.
There may also be occasions when unknown people talk to you very kindly and invite you to their parties and gatherings. Some of these groups may ask you to become a member of antisocial organizations, or to be involved in illegal works, or force you to buy expensive goods.
Please be cautious about these invitations from unknown people and never give them your personal information.
If you are persistently solicited to join a club or circle, or invited by a suspicious group on campus, please contact the Student Support Division immediately.
Contact: Student Support Division(TEL: 052-789-2164)
FAQ
Q1. How much does it cost?You will have to pay an admission fee and an annual membership fee, but the amount varies froｍ organization to organization. Be sure to check in advance.Q2. How much activity? How much should I participate?It depends on the clubs. Many clubs provide opportunities to practice, participate in games, perform and join in events, so make sure you know well in advance how much you will have to participate and how much you can attend.Q3. What should I do if I don’t speak Japanese very well?There are some international exchange groups that use Japanese and English, as well as groups that welcome students with Japanese language concerns to participate. Most of them are only in Japanese, so it is essential that you try to ask for help, speak slowly and clearly, use gestures, and study Japanese.
Useful words
- 先輩 Senpai:A person who is older than you in age or grade. Also, a person who joined before you in the same school, workplace, club, or circle.
- 後輩 Kohai: A person who is younger than you in age or grade. Also, a person who joined later in the same school,workplace, club, or circle.
- 新歓 Sinkan: To welcome incoming students. Also, welcome events for new students. Mainly held in April.
- 合宿 Gasshuku: Club and circle camp.
- インカレ Inkare: A club that works with members from other universities. It is also the common name for the All-Japan Student Championship.
