日本語ページは こちら (Japanese)
About KI-ZU-NA
Student Lounge 'KI-ZU-NA' (KIZUNA), meaning "bonds" in Japanese, opened in the spring of 2002 as a place for students to create bonds of friendship across borders. KIZUNA now welcomes all members of the community -- including staff, faculty, and researchers, as well as students -- to spend time together and join or organize cross-cultural activities.
The facility features an Advising Lounge where international students can receive advising services.
Open hours
Advising Lounge: Monday-Friday 10:00-17:00 (excluding holidays)
No smoking. No eating. Drinks with lids or caps permitted.
Reading Room 'KI-ZU-NA' (closed from the end of August 2024)
The Reading Room 'KI-ZU-NA', located to the left of the entrance, was closed at the end of August 2024.
The services provided there will continue to be available as follows.
Language learning materials
A selection of reading materials on Japanese language and culture is available at the University's Japanese Language Resource Room (details below). Eligible students may borrow up to three items for a period of two weeks to support their language learning.
- Days and hours: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 10:00-13:15 and 14:15-17:00
- Location: 1st floor, Former Main Building of the Petrochemistry Course
- Flyer
Consultation
Consultation by Peer Tutors (student office assistants [student OAs]) will resume in the middle of September 2024 at the desk in front of the International Education and Student Mobility Division (IESMD) office.
- Days and hours: Monday–Friday from 9:00 to 17:00
(except on holidays and the Peer Tutors' days off, such as during the New Year's break) - Location: 2nd floor of the Institute for Liberal Arts and Sciences (ILAS) building, Yoshida-South Campus
If you are an international student with questions about life in Japan, please feel free to take this opportunity.
Those interested in studying abroad may also benefit from chatting with the tutors, many of whom have studied at Kyoto University's partner institutions as exchange students and may therefore be able to offer firsthand advice on relevant topics. Feel free to drop by the IESMD office to find out.
Language exchange
The language exchange service remains available online.
For details on how to register and utilize it, please follow the link below.
Online Language Exchange
This service is intended for students looking for someone willing to practice a language in exchange for lessons in their own languages. For example, English speakers may use it to find a Japanese student who might be interested in speaking Japanese while learning English in return. Messages may be in English or any other language.
Language exchanges are recommended for those preparing to travel abroad for study, research, or pleasure, or for anyone with a desire to learn a new language.
Events
International exchange events -- opportunities for students from around the world to get to know each other -- are held on an ad hoc basis. See the link below to learn about past events and visit KULASIS for upcoming event announcements.
KI-ZU-NA events
Advising Lounge 'KI-ZU-NA'
Advising Lounge 'KI-ZU-NA' is staffed with advisors offering consultation services to international students. All students are encouraged to seek assistance concerning any problems or concerns with their studies or personal lives that they feel may be too difficult to handle on their own. The advisors can also refer students to relevant professional services, counselors, doctors, and other offices, both on- and off-campus.
The Advising Lounge is furnished with sofas, chairs, tables, and houseplants to offer a comfortable space, ensuring privacy and confidentiality. Reservations are not required; students can drop by during office hours whenever they feel in need of help.
Advising Lounge 'KI-ZU-NA' is located on the right side of the entrance inside the 'KI-ZU-NA' building.
Getting to KIZUNA
To reach KIZUNA from the Main Gate (1), turn left, walk past Cafe-Restaurant "Camphora" (2) and the Center of Student Health/Kyoto University Infirmary (11, also known as Health Clinic), and enter the one-story brick building on your right (13).
1. Main Gate／2. Cafe-Restaurant "Camphora"
3. Clock Tower／11. Kyoto University Infirmary (Kyoto University Health Clinic)
13. Student Lounge 'KI-ZU-NA' (KIZUNA)
14. University Head Office／15. International Seminar House
16. International Education and Student Mobility Division and others