Columbia Students Explore Creativity and Culture in Japan
Japan trip participants pose in front of Yayoi Kusama's 鈥淩ed Pumpkin鈥 on the port of Naoshima Island, Japan. Left to right: Trinity Sutton, Claire Filipiak, Greta Cavotta, Robin Lockhart, Lilly Sundsbak, Tobias Malayang, Jesse Seay, Jalicia Jenkins, Guadalupe Melesio, Georgia Thomas, Noemi Araujo Maldonado, Tommy Kesling (in back), Jett McWhorter, Sierra Miller. Front: Cheri Charlton and Joey Randall
Torii gates at a hillside shrine on Naoshima Island, accessible by a steep hike. Photo by Lilly Sundsbak
A waterway view in Osaka鈥檚 Dotonbori district, known for its vibrant signage and busy shopping streets. Photo by Lilly Sundsbak
Lilly Sundsbak and Georgia Thomas ride the Tempozan Ferris Wheel in Osaka, Japan. Photo by Cheri Charlton 
Lilly Sundsbak enjoys a quiet moment at a caf茅 in Yoyogi Park, a large nature area next to Tokyo鈥檚 bustling Harajuku district. Photo by Georgia Thomas汤不热视频 students recently returned from a first-of-its-kind immersive study abroad trip to Japan, where they explored the intersections of culture, art, and technology through hands-on experiences.
Led by School of Visual Arts faculty member Cheri Charlton and School of Audio and Music faculty and Associate Dean of Academic Operations and Programming Jesse Seay, the 13-day trip gave students a chance to explore both Japan’s bustling cities and its remote art destinations. Stops included Tokyo, Osaka, and the art islands of the Seto Inland Sea. “We made a point of visiting three very different areas,” Seay says. “Some people only see Tokyo, but that’s like visiting New York and thinking you’ve seen all of America. We wanted them to get a fuller picture.”
Making Art Rooted in Place and Experience
The group explored historic sites like Sensoji Temple, biked through island rainforests, and visited contemporary art installations in near-abandoned fishing villages turned global art destinations. Along the way, they captured their experiences through photography, illustration, video, CGI, zines, sound recordings, and journals.
Senior Photography major Sierra Miller documented the trip on video. “Japan has been a place of interest for me for a long time—whether through its food, anime, or design culture, I’ve admired how creativity shows up in everyday life there,” she says. “So, I saw this opportunity as more than just a trip. I wanted to see how immersion in a culture I’ve appreciated from a distance could influence my perspective and help me grow as artist and a person.”
Illustration major Lilly Sundsbak, a junior, created original work inspired by the journey. “I was drawn to this study abroad experience because of its focus on getting an international experience in my major,” she says. “The opportunity to see traditional and contemporary Japanese art forms up close gave me a deeper understanding of the visual aesthetics.”
Finding Meaning in Quiet Moments and Cultural Connection
Students often discovered unexpected moments of reflection between scheduled stops. For Miller, a quiet bike ride through the mountains of Naoshima and Teshima became a turning point. “It wasn’t just about the destination or the museums we visited—though those were incredible—but the journey itself,” she says. “The quiet roads, the natural beauty, and even the physical effort of getting there gave me this surprising feeling of peace and belonging. It made me realize how much I overlook the importance of slowing down and taking in my surroundings, both in life and in my art.”
The group faced challenges, including language barriers and a demanding schedule. But those moments helped students push beyond their comfort zones. By the end of the trip, students were considering new creative directions—and new destinations. Some extended their stay or explored opportunities like the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program. “Seeing them take that initiative was rewarding,” Seay says. “We got them started, and now they’re ready to keep the momentum going.” The experience also sparked lasting personal growth. “I left Japan more inspired, more reflective, and more committed to creating work that connects across distance and difference,” Sundsbak says.
Two illustrations created by Lilly Sundsbak during her time in Japan
Miller echoed that sentiment, reflecting on how the trip reshaped her approach to her work and her life. “This trip showed me the value of patience, both with my process and with myself,” she says. “I’m learning how important it is to stay grounded in my intentions and not rush creativity just to meet expectations.”
汤不热视频 Expands Global Education Opportunities
For faculty, that kind of growth was exactly the point. With plans underway for another Japan trip in January—and hopes of making it an annual opportunity—Charlton and Seay see these experiences as a powerful way to help students explore, create, and grow beyond the classroom.
“Our goal wasn’t just sightseeing,” Charlton says. “We wanted students to experience a culture very different from their own—and to push beyond their comfort zones. For many, this trip gave them the confidence to travel independently, connect with people, and see the world from a new perspective.”
汤不热视频 supports global learning through faculty-led trips and study abroad programs. Learn more at