This paper examines the discussion activities that were incorporated into the "Japanese Studies" class to create opportunities for mutual understanding and exchange between international and Japanese students from three perspectives: (1) international students' evaluation and learning, (2) Japanese students' learning and awareness, and (3) friendship building.
International students generally evaluated their discussion activities positively, and there was a change in their image of Japanese people. In addition, the students felt that their Japanese language skills had improved in terms of communication and vocabulary related to the topic, indicating that discussions with Japanese students may lead to learning of vocabulary that cannot be learned simply from textbooks. Japanese students who participated in the program for the first time described "the language ability of foreign students" and "their own changes and growth". Japanese students who continuously participated in the program felt that the activities to find common ground in the orientation led to exchanges outside the classroom, but on the other hand, they felt "difficulties in deepening exchanges".
It was suggested that this was due to the fact that they lost the opportunity to meet face to face due to classes being held remotely and the fact that the international students were in a "group", separate from the Japanese group.