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 a Reading Room, stocked with language learning materials, and an Advising Lounge where international students can receive advising services.
KIZUNA also hosts its own events, providing opportunities for participants to interact with peers from different countries.
Open hours
- Reading Room: Monday-Friday 12:00-15:30 (excluding holidays)
The latest calendar is available here.
No smoking. No eating. Drinks with lids or caps permitted. - 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'
The Reading Room 'KI-ZU-NA', located to the left of the entrance, is the main room of the building.
KIZUNA's student tutors (office assistants or OAs) are available every day to help visitors in various languages. No reservation is required. Feel free to come and chat with them.
Language learning materials
The Reading Room houses an extensive collection of materials for learning Japanese and preparing for English-language tests, such as TOEFL, TOEIC, and IELTS. The Japanese-learning resources include classroom textbooks, books on Japan written in various languages, illustrated introductory textbooks, DVDs, and other visual and audio materials.
Each user may borrow up to 3 items for 2 weeks. Students are encouraged to make use of these resources to hone their language skills.
Borrowing from the Reading Room library requires a membership card, available by application to KIZUNA.
There are also magazines and free newsletters to provide visitors with the latest information.
Resources for studying abroad
Japanese students interested in studying abroad will find a wealth of useful resources in this room, including brochures on Kyoto University's student exchange partners and other overseas academic institutions.
There are also firsthand accounts from past participants of the student exchange programs, as are guidebooks and magazines covering relevant topics.
Anyone with an interest in study-abroad opportunities is encouraged to visit and browse these materials.
Language exchange
Attention: The physical language-exchange bulletin board described below is unavailable for use until further notice.
In the KIZUNA building, there is a bulletin board for those looking for someone to teach them a language in exchange for lessons in their own languages. For example, English speakers may use this board to find a Japanese student who might be interested in teaching them Japanese while learning English from them. Messages may be handwritten, and be in English or any other language. Posting is free of charge and does not require prior registration.
Language exchange is recommended for those preparing to travel abroad for study, research, or pleasure, and for anyone with a desire to learn a new language.
Feel free to drop by to leave or check messages.
KIZUNA consultation desk for studying abroad
Those who are considering studying abroad can have a chat with KIZUNA tutors who have studied abroad at the University's partner institutions as exchange students. No reservation is required. Feel free to drop in.
Audio Room
The Audio Room is equipped with a TV set and DVD player for watching movies or practicing listening comprehension. A carefully selected collection of Japanese movies and cultural documentaries are available for rent. Students are encouraged to make use of these materials for learning and fun.
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