KIZUNA
(KIIT Japanese society)
A Peer Learning Forum and Cultural Society for Japanese Language and Culture
INTRODUCTION
In today’s interconnected global environment, proficiency in foreign languages and intercultural competence has become a critical component of holistic higher education. Among global languages, Japanese occupies a position of strategic importance due to Japan’s leadership in science and technology, management practices, innovation, cultural industries, and its long-standing academic, economic, and cultural partnership with India.
At KIIT Deemed to be University, Japanese language education has steadily grown through structured academic programmes offered by the KIIT School of Language & Literature (KSLL), supported by experienced Japanese faculty and native language experts associated with JICA. However, classroom instruction alone is not sufficient to fully internalize linguistic competence and cultural understanding.
To address this need, KIZUNA – Japanese Society of KIIT has been conceptualized as a peer-learning forum and student-driven co-curricular society, co-founded by students who graduated from the JR–IR Programme (2023 batch)under the guidance of KSLL, Japanese faculty members of KIIT, and native Japanese teachers.
The word Kizuna (絆) signifies enduring bonds between people, symbolizing relationships built on mutual trust, cooperation, and shared growth. True to its meaning, the society seeks to foster strong academic, cultural, and human connections among students, faculty, and the larger community through Japanese language and cultural engagement.
KIZUNA aims to serve as a bridge between structured academic learning and real-world cultural engagement. By nurturing peer learning, intercultural dialogue, and collective participation, the society will contribute meaningfully to KIIT University’s mission of global education, social responsibility, and holistic student development. Rooted in the philosophy of Art of Giving and the spirit of Kizuna, the society envisions building enduring bonds that transcend classrooms and contribute to academic excellence and global harmony.
VISION
To establish KIZUNA as a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable Japanese language and cultural society at KIIT Deemed to be University that nurtures global competence, intercultural sensitivity, and lifelong learning.
MISSION
- To promote Japanese language learning through peer interaction and experiential activities beyond the classroom
- To create a collaborative ecosystem involving students, faculty, and staff for the promotion of Japanese culture and values
- To align Japanese language education with the Hon’ble Founder’s philosophy of Art of Giving and collective learning for social empowerment
- To encourage cross-cultural understanding between India and Japan in diverse fields such as science & technology, art & culture, sports, and management
- To support students from varied academic backgrounds in accessing Japanese language learning opportunities
Scope of Activities
KIZUNA will function as a structured yet informal learning platform with the following key activity domains:
A.Language-Oriented Activities
- Weekly peer-learning sessions for conversational Japanese
- Vocabulary-building games, role plays, and situational dialogues
- Listening and pronunciation practice using authentic Japanese materials
- JLPT-oriented practice activities and guided discussions
B. Cultural and Intercultural Activities
- Japanese film screenings and anime discussions
- Celebrations of Japanese cultural events and festivals
- Demonstrations of Japanese customs, etiquette, and everyday practices
- Interactive sessions on Indian–Japanese cultural parallels and shared values
C. Academic and Co-curricular Engagement
- Workshops and short-term training programmes on Japanese language usage
- Guest lectures and interaction sessions with Japanese experts and professionals
- Orientation sessions on higher education and career opportunities related to Japan
- Conferences and seminars promoting Japanese studies and intercultural research
D. Outreach and Collaborative Initiatives
- Language and cultural outreach programmes across KIIT campuses
- Inclusion of students from Engineering, Management, Law, Polytechnic, ITI, KISS, and other institutions under KIIT & KISS
- Collaboration with university clubs, departments, and international partners
- Participation in university-level cultural, academic, and international events
Membership Policy
Full Membership of KIZUNA shall be open only to students who have studied and graduated from any Japanese language course offered by KSLL.
Students from ongoing Japanese language batches may actively participate in KIZUNA’s weekly academic and cultural activities for learning enhancement.
Eligibility for formal membership shall be considered only after successful completion of the Japanese language course.
Membership guidelines shall be periodically reviewed under faculty supervision to maintain academic integrity and inclusiveness.
Organizational Structure and Office Bearers
KIZUNA shall function as a student-driven society under faculty mentorship, following a structured governance model:
A. Faculty-in-Charge (FIC)
- A faculty member from the KIIT School of Language & Literature (KSLL) shall serve as the Faculty-in-Charge, providing academic guidance, mentorship, and institutional oversight.
B. Academic Guidance
- Japanese faculty members of KIIT
- Native Japanese language teacher(s) associated with JICA
C. Student Leadership
- Student Coordinator – from graduating or senior batch
- Student Co-Coordinator – from junior or ongoing batch
D. Core Committee
The Core Committee shall consist of 8–12 student members, representing different academic backgrounds, responsible for planning, organizing, and executing KIZUNA’s activities in alignment with university norms.
Faculty –In-Charge (FIC) of Klub Lumière:
Dr. Sukanto Mazumder
Assistant Professor (Japanese)
Email: [email protected]
Mr. Satkar Tripathi
Faculty Associate (Japanese)
Email: [email protected]