The Japanese Literature Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Sumatera Utara (FIB USU), conducted a community service activity at Harapan Private Senior High School, Medan, on Saturday, September 12, 2026. The activity featured two inbound students from Kitakyushu University, Japan, Hitomi Abe and Yuzuki Himeno, who introduced students to Japan's regional diversity, student life, and educational environment.

The activity was led by the Head of the Japanese Literature Study Program, FIB USU, Alimansyar, S.S., M.A., Ph.D., with the support of two Japanese Literature students from FIB USU who are alumni of Harapan Senior High School, Medan. Through this community service activity, students had the opportunity to learn about Japanese society firsthand through the experiences of university students who had pursued their education in Japan. The activity was expected to broaden students' perspectives, increase their motivation to learn the Japanese language and culture, and foster their interest in pursuing further studies in Japan.

In their presentation, Hitomi and Yuzuki introduced their hometowns and the cultural diversity of Japan. Oita Prefecture was introduced through its hot spring destinations, Beppu and Yufuin; traditional foods such as toriten and dango jiru; and the natural beauty of the Kuju Mountains and the Yabakei area.

Tokushima Prefecture was introduced through its location in the eastern part of Shikoku Island, the Awa Odori dance tradition, the Naruto whirlpools, and its signature dish, Tokushima ramen. The introduction to these two prefectures gave students an overview of how each region in Japan has its own diverse natural characteristics, traditions, and cuisine.

The presentation continued with an introduction to the Kyushu region and Fukuoka Prefecture. The two students explained Kyushu's location in southwestern Japan and Fukuoka's role as one of Japan's centers of interaction with the Asian region. Students were also introduced to several local specialties, such as Hakata ramen, mentaiko, and motsunabe. These materials illustrated the connections between geographical conditions, community life, and a region's cultural identity.

In addition to regional diversity, students received information about Kitakyushu City, which is known as a steel industrial city. During the presentation, Hitomi and Yuzuki explained the city's experience in addressing pollution issues and its development toward becoming a more environmentally conscious city. The materials provided insights into the importance of balancing industrial development with efforts to maintain environmental quality. This introduction also related to SDG 11 on Sustainable Cities and Communities.

The two students introduced Kitakyushu University as a public university located in Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture. The information covered various fields of study, foreign language learning, and international exchange activities. This introduction provided students with an initial overview of higher education opportunities and the academic environment in Japan.

One of the topics that particularly attracted students' attention was the experience of senior high school life in Japan. Hitomi and Yuzuki shared insights into students' daily activities, from preparing to leave for school and following class schedules to lunchtime and after-school activities. Students were also introduced to routines such as cleaning the school environment, participating in club activities, completing assignments, and resting at home.

In addition to daily routines, the presentation also covered various activities throughout the academic year, such as entrance ceremonies, welcoming events for new students, sports competitions, cultural festivals, sports festivals, study trips, and graduation ceremonies. The two students also explained bukatsu, or club activities, which are an integral part of Japanese student life.

Through these materials, students had the opportunity to compare school life in Japan and Indonesia. Learning experiences take place not only in the classroom but also through group activities, interest development, and the cultivation of responsibility in everyday life. This comparison helped students understand the similarities and differences between the educational cultures of the two countries.

The community service activity aligns with SDG 4 on Quality Education, particularly Target 4.7, which promotes education for sustainable development, global citizenship, and appreciation of cultural diversity. Direct interaction with Japanese students served as a means of cross-cultural learning that enriched students' perspectives and introduced new insights into the lives of international communities.

In terms of SDG 17 on Partnerships for the Goals, the activity demonstrated collaboration between the Japanese Literature Study Program, FIB USU, inbound students from Kitakyushu University, and Harapan Private Senior High School, Medan. This knowledge exchange aligns with the spirit of Target 17.16, which emphasizes strengthening multi-stakeholder partnerships to support sustainable development.

Through this community service activity, the Japanese Literature Study Program, FIB USU, hopes to broaden students' access to knowledge of the Japanese language and culture while motivating them to continue developing their academic abilities. Collaboration between universities and schools is expected to strengthen educational relations and cultural understanding between Indonesia and Japan.