UW students ask questions about life in Sapporo/Hokudai by Dr. Jason Frederick Lambacher

Dr_Jason — 2025-05-14 14:08:32 UTC

I used to live in Japan for three years (Fukushima), but I never had a chance to visit Hokkaido. I love seafood and hear that Hokkaido has amazing seafood. What is the most unique seafood in Sapporo and why?

Memes and Pop Culture

2025-05-14 18:11:24 UTC

A large piece of young peoples sense of humor comes from tik tok, specifically the genre of "brain rot". There also is a very rapid trend cycle where memes and references are constantly being created its almost hard to keep up. What are some major influences on culture and humor in Japan, and how much crossover is culture based around the internet? Is there a difference pre-covid pandemic vs. today?

Merna

2025-05-14 18:15:27 UTC

When I'm bored and want to go on a late night drive or walk, I like to go to downtown Seattle, specifically Kerry Park because I get a great view of the space needle. What's your favorite spot to go to when you're bored?

Ayla Tahamzadeh

aylatahamzadeh — 2025-05-14 18:50:41 UTC

A lot of high school and college students in the U.S. have jobs in addition to being in school, is that also common in Japan? if so what kinds of places do Japanese students typically work?

I know a lot of people I've gone to school with have visited or studied abroad in Japan and was wondering is any of you have visited the U.S.? if so what cities have you been to?

Shera :)

sheram3 — 2025-05-14 19:24:11 UTC

One of my favorite things about Seattle is the views.Here's a picture I took at my favorite park! What's your favorite view, and could you share a picture? :)

Jennifer Ramirez

jennifer_ramirez4_1 — 2025-05-14 19:30:15 UTC

What do you like about going to school in Japan? If you had the opportunity to study somewhere else, where would you go and why?

What is something that interests you about the education system in the U.S.?

Where is your go-to study spot and why?

Sophia

2025-05-14 20:44:10 UTC

Something I love is trying new food in the Seattle area. Recently I fell in love with an Asian fusion restaurant located in one of the Seattle suburbs called Chops.

What is your favorite place to eat in Japan? What is your go-to cuisine from that particular place?

Study Spots

2025-05-14 20:50:09 UTC

When I really need to lock in and get work done, I head to a coffee shop somewhere near where I live. I like to go to different ones and try the same drink at new places.

What's your favorite place to study? If it's a cafe, what's your go-to order?

Lidia

lidiar24 — 2025-05-14 21:59:35 UTC

What would you say is your go-to activity to destress from school work?

I know whenever I need to take a break from my homework, I like to go out and get a drink from one of the many coffee stands near me. In particular, they sell these energy drinks, which are a mixture of different flavored syrups, an energy drink like redbull and I like to add orange juice too. If it's not a coffee stand drink, I usually just go get some sort of sweet treat.

Isaiah Villavicencio

2025-05-14 22:02:58 UTC

For the international students, why did you choose to study in Japan and what were the steps that you took to do such a thing.

Onigori at 7 ELEVEn and FamilyMart

2025-05-14 22:45:43 UTC

Hey, I was wondering what your favorite onigori snack you like to buy in Japan? My favorite onigori is the kelp flavor! Onigori in my experience isn't as good as buying one in Japan so reading your response will definitely bring back some nostalgia

Thanks,

-Frank

Jack M

2025-05-15 01:01:17 UTC

I love going on hikes and experiencing nature. Experiencing the outdoors is a great thing and I try to get outside as much as I can. Where I live it is very temperature with lots of trees. I live near the Cascade mountains which offer some great views.

What do you love best about the nature and geography in Japan?

Dominic

2025-05-15 01:10:29 UTC

What’s one thing about living in Sapporo or studying at Hokudai that surprised you the most? Whether it’s a cultural experience, the campus vibe, or just daily life in Japan.

Dillon

dgonzo03 — 2025-05-15 03:18:48 UTC

I have been reading online that Japan has good hiking trails and areas to explore, so I am seeking confirmation from you guys!

Where is your favorite place to hike or where do you know of that has a nice view similar to the image I attached?

Scenery

2025-05-15 04:23:03 UTC

What is the overall scenery and nature like in Hokkaido? In Washington we have a very biodiverse environment with so many different areas that we can visit all within an hour drive from each other. From my home I'm able to drive to the mountains, visit dense national forests, the city, farmland and so much more. How does it compare in Japan when travelling around the country?

Food at Conveince stores

2025-05-15 04:23:30 UTC

When my brothers and I feel snackish, we go to our nearest convenience store or 7-11. Compared to Japanese convenience stores, there are minimal options, that is, when compared to images, dramas, or vlogs.

My question is, if you were to look up images or see an American convenience store such as a 7-11 in real life, what WOULD you want to try, and what is something you would stay away from?

Campus Favorites

2025-05-15 04:24:05 UTC

What would you say is a favorite about your university? Whether it is certain locations like libraries or nearby cafes, your favorite tree or favorite professors and courses. I would love to hear anything that makes you happy to attend Hokkaido University.

Jack Foley: What does the weekly dinner schedule look like for you guys?

2025-05-15 04:24:10 UTC

In America eating at home is usually the cheap option and going out to eat is something you only do if you have money to spare, what does that dynamic look like in Japan? Do you guys go out to eat a lot? Cook at home? Grab instant meals from the 7/11?

Harshavardhan Kurmapu

2025-05-15 04:51:25 UTC

My 2 questions are how does like to live in Japan as an International student? AND How is the car Community in Japan like? How many car shows happen?

Martin N

2025-05-15 05:12:40 UTC

A lot of people here always dream of travelling to another country for school. have you ever considered studying abroad?

Ani

2025-05-15 05:13:47 UTC

I’ve heard Hokkaido gets insane snow, and as someone who loves snowboarding, I gotta ask what’s it like being a student in Sapporo with all those ski resorts nearby? Do you hit the slopes often?

Also, how do you balance student life with riding powder all winter?? I feel like I’d be skipping class every time it snowed haha

Campus Activities and Resources

2025-05-15 05:24:45 UTC

Ive recently pushed myself to try to participate in more campus activities and make more use of the resources for students like the gym. What kinds of campus events/activities do you have?

Seth

2025-05-15 06:04:41 UTC

I had the opportunity to study at an international university in Prague, and it's my understanding that a lot of you are international students yourself.

What made you decide to study abroad, and why specifically at Hokudai? Also, how do you feel your international studies have defined how you view the world, especially regarding geopolitics?

Is there any specific place do you want to go in America and why?

reihaittya — 2025-05-15 06:19:01 UTC

I've been to Texas, CA and Montana so far.

I enjoyed to see the view that we can't see in Japan. Like yellow stone, Mt Rainier and just simply horizon of flat land!

Ryan

rdaly701 — 2025-05-15 06:19:48 UTC

Something I've noticed as a byproduct of globalization and international migration as a whole, is the cultural adoption of international foods to fit the palettes of the home country, we for example have teriyaki in the U.S which only originated from Toshis Teriyaki here in Seattle during the 1970s. I wonder if there is any sort've cultural adaptation of American food or any fusion cuisine that has caught on to the same extent?

Leslie Gilbraith

2025-05-15 06:24:19 UTC

Here is a cool waterfall I saw hiking this last break! What I would like to ask you all is, are there any natural environments in Hokkaido or Japan as a whole that feel irreplaceable? As in, when I go to these temperate rainforests in Washington it feels one-of-a-kind. What is a place like that for you?

2025-05-15 06:39:25 UTC

I've been wanting to visit Japan, and I probably will eventually. Before I do however, what are some customs or things to keep in mind before I go, and is there a possibility of tourist scams?

Mallak

2025-05-15 06:57:57 UTC

What are the best things you’ve found about studying in Japan? What are things that may be different from other programs around the world or that may surprise us?

What are "American" foods that are better in America? (Meredith)

2025-05-15 20:47:39 UTC

This question is mainly because I know that many Asian food are better in their respective Asian countries then if they are made here, like sushi, teriyaki, udon, dumplings, etc. So are there "American" foods that any of you have tried both in Japan and in America and they're better in America or better in Japan?

And if you haven't been in America and have been somewhere else, was food from that country better there than in Japan?

Trends?

2025-05-16 03:23:36 UTC

At UWB, sometimes I see people who are very, very well-dressed. I know that some parts of Japan are very noted for their street-styles. I was wondering if you see any of this on campus? What fashion trends do you see?

reem charaf

reemcharaf7 — 2025-05-16 18:04:47 UTC

What’s one Japanese habit, food, or custom that you’ve adopted since coming to Japan—and now can’t live without?

2025-05-16 21:40:13 UTC

Do a lot of you guys play sports like soccer? ⚽
Are there popular campus clubs, gym facilities, or outdoor stuff around Sapporo you guys do?

Also, since winters in Hokkaido get pretty intense, do people still get outside and stay active when it’s snowy? 🏂❄️

Would love to hear what student life is like from a sports or fitness perspective if you have any photos or cool places to be active around campus, feel free to share them!

Shaughn

2025-05-18 22:47:34 UTC

One of my favorite things to do in Seattle is go to coffee shops and cafes to hang out, draw, and have some good coffee. What is your go-to cafe order?

Cauldon Brewster

2025-05-19 07:58:06 UTC

For the international students. When I visited Japan last spring I really loved just how useful the train system was. Did you also feel the same way when you first got there?

What's the music scene where yall are at?

alexbmih — 2025-05-19 20:19:33 UTC

How's the music scene in Hokkaido? Any clubs or music festivals or anything like that?

2025-06-04 06:37:48 UTC

Hi! What is your favorite thing to do in the city? I've always wanted to visit!

CATHY DUNLAP

s6cvdrsdyv — 2025-06-16 22:37:42 UTC

To International Students .

I have always been in China in shangai for a dance performance as this above representing my country in cultural exchange;

What always comes to my mind is a question that,

Qn 1. How do we differentiate between Japanease people and chinease, because most of us Africans really get confused and look at you all like the same and same similarities in cultures.

Qn 2. How are you prepared for climate disasters that are coming and are said to mess up the all Earth Continent, in my African Continent, most of us look at this like propaganda and do not know the reality but rather think that this countries complaining are just running crazy with many discoveries that dont pertain the world right now.

Although we got many African people who are Educated about Climate problems now and international issues as well.