Graphic Design students look back on international trip to Tokyo

University of Lancashire partner students on the FdA Creative Industries and BA (Hons) Creative Practitioner (Graphic Design Pathways) courses at The University Centre Wigan and Leigh College took part in a week-long residential visit to Tokyo earlier this year.

The trip, aimed to give students insight into how the design industry operates on a global scale. It also aimed to broaden their cultural horizons.

Amongst a packed itinerary, the students visited Whatever, a top Tokyo design agency. There, they discussed their diverse work for a range of major international and Japanese clients. They visited the Tokyo Advertising and Fuji film Museums, Ginza Graphic Gallery, Mid-Town Design Hub, and Imperial Palace.

The students got the opportunity to spend some time in the main districts of Tokyo. This included Akihabara (the tech district) and Shibuya (the modern centre of Tokyo, known for its famous crossing). They also visited Shinjuku, Ginza, Harajuku (which is for its unique boutiques), as well as Nippori (Tokyo old town).

Partner student Lewis Pickersgill commented on his experience in Tokyo.

“One of the best parts of my trip was speaking Japanese. I always learn a few phrases when I travel, but Japanese felt completely new and exciting.”

“A favourite moment was in a small local shop, where I spoke to an elderly woman. I couldn’t understand her fast Japanese, but through gestures, I realised she was telling me to pick a different item because mine was damaged.

I wasn’t too culture-shocked thanks to research beforehand, but I was surprised by the lack of smiling. In Japan, bowing almost replaced it. If I bowed, others bowed back, quiet, respectful acknowledgement. The trains were a bit crazy. When the doors close, they don’t wait. A few friends got stuck trying to squeeze in. Despite the language barrier, getting around was easier than expected. A few polite phrases went a long way.”

“The food was incredible, and we even found a cheap local spot, that I nicknamed “Japanese Spoons” (after Wetherspoons) with robot waiters, that we visited twice.

At first, the culture felt almost lonely. People didn’t interact much during the day, but after work, the vibe shifted, restaurants and bars were full of energy and conversation.

Normally I stop learning and forget a language after a trip, but I enjoyed Japan so much that I’ve kept learning through Duolingo and YouTube. It also made me reflect on home, I barely saw any litter in Japan, while back in the UK it felt like the opposite. There’s a real sense of civic pride there, like people sweeping the street outside their homes.”

Partner student Cian Tierney commented:

“Visiting Japan feels like stepping into a world that runs on quiet respect, everything’s calm, tidy, and beautifully thought out. From the peaceful temples to the spotless streets, there’s this deep-rooted sense of care in how people treat their surroundings and each other. It’s a place where even the rush of a city like Tokyo feels strangely serene.”