The Japanese Literature Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Sumatera Utara (FIB USU), conducted a community service activity at Al-Farabi Integrated Vocational High School, located at Jalan Perjuangan No. 177, Tanjung Selamat, Sunggal, Deli Serdang Regency, on September 26, 2026. The activity featured two inbound students from Kitakyushu University, Japan, Hitomi Abe and Yuzuki Himeno, who introduced students to Japan's regional diversity, social life, and education.

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. The presence of the two Japanese students provided an opportunity for participants to learn firsthand about the educational experiences and daily lives of young people in Japan.

The school welcomed the implementation of the activity. This support was demonstrated by the attendance of the foundation chairperson and the Principal of Al-Farabi Integrated Vocational High School, Muhammad Arroji Lubis, S.Pd.I. As a newly established school that has offered Japanese language classes since the beginning of its educational operations, Al-Farabi Integrated Vocational High School provides a relevant environment for enriching language learning through cultural introductions and insights into education in Japan.

In their presentation, Hitomi and Yuzuki introduced Oita and Tokushima Prefectures as examples of Japan's regional diversity. Oita 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.

Meanwhile, Tokushima was introduced through its Awa Odori dance tradition, the Naruto whirlpools, and Tokushima ramen. Through these materials, students gained an overview of the diverse characteristics of Japanese regions as reflected in their traditions, cuisine, and geographical conditions.

The introduction continued with a discussion of the Kyushu region and Fukuoka Prefecture, located in southwestern Japan. The two students also introduced Fukuoka's connections with the Asian region and its local specialties, such as Hakata ramen, mentaiko, and motsunabe. The materials broadened students' understanding of the relationship between geographical location, social life, and a region's cultural identity.

Kitakyushu City was also included in the presentation, particularly its steel industry development and experience in addressing pollution as it evolved toward becoming an environmentally conscious city. This example provided insights into the importance of considering environmental quality in urban development. The topic was thematically related to SDG 11 on Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Next, students were introduced to Kitakyushu University, located in Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture. The presentation covered various fields of study, foreign language learning, and international exchange activities. This information provided initial insights into the higher education environment in Japan and broadened students' perspectives on opportunities to pursue further studies after completing secondary education.

The presentation also covered senior high school life in Japan. Hitomi and Yuzuki shared insights into students' daily routines, from preparing to leave for school and attending classes to enjoying lunchtime and participating in after-school activities. Students were also introduced to activities such as cleaning the school environment, joining clubs, completing assignments, and resting at home.

The two students also explained various annual school events, such as entrance ceremonies, welcoming events for new students, sports competitions, cultural festivals, sports festivals, study trips, and graduation ceremonies. Club activities, known as bukatsu, were also part of the presentation. These materials illustrated how educational life encompasses the development of interests, teamwork, and responsibility in addition to classroom learning.

In addition to the presentations, the community service activity included an origami session, the Japanese art of paper folding. Hitomi Abe and Yuzuki Himeno guided students in folding paper into the shape of a crane. Students enthusiastically followed the demonstrated steps and participated in the hands-on activity.

The origami activity provided students with an opportunity to experience Japanese culture firsthand. It also enriched the learning process through a creative activity that encouraged precision and the ability to follow sequential instructions. Combining presentations with hands-on practice meant that cultural learning took place not only through the delivery of information but also through students' active participation.

This community service activity aligns with SDG 4 on Quality Education, particularly the spirit of Target 4.7, which promotes understanding of global citizenship and appreciation of cultural diversity. Introducing Japanese society and conducting the origami activity formed part of cross-cultural learning that is expected to broaden students' perspectives and foster mutual respect.

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 Al-Farabi Integrated Vocational High School. Support from the foundation and school strengthened opportunities for knowledge exchange and enriched students' learning experiences, particularly in Japanese language learning, which the school already offers.

Through this community service activity, the Japanese Literature Study Program, FIB USU, hopes to further motivate students to develop their language and academic skills, explore Japan's cultural diversity, and consider opportunities to pursue further studies in Japan. This collaboration is expected to support quality learning, strengthen cross-cultural understanding, and foster a spirit of lifelong learning.