Forging Connections: RWU Graphic Design Students Explore Japan Through Culture and Creativity

In the cities of Tokyo, Yokosuka, and Shimoda, 10 Graphic Design majors explored the visual culture of Japan and the history of U.S.-Japan relations as part of a course collaboration between the Graphic Design and Education departments that included an experiential global learning opportunity this summer. Upon their return, the young designers created projects to showcase the theme of friendship and international relations between the two countries, which they presented at the Japan-America Society of Rhode Island’s Black Ships Festival in August.

Here’s a look into some of their work.

Hannah Caple, a junior Graphic Design major and Global Communication minor, created a 10-page pre-departure guide full of tips for visiting Japan.

“I love to travel but also know that it can be difficult. I wanted to create something that recognizes the excitement and challenges of international travel. This guide offers practical advice and cultural insights to ensure a smooth and enriching experience, enabling travelers to fully embrace opportunities for learning and personal growth. I enjoy seeing how design and visual arts contribute to cultural understanding and help foster friendship and community.”

Senior Emily Eichner, a Graphic Design major and Psychology minor, designed a sticker collection featuring Japanese foods that represent significant memories from the trip.

“I focused on food, diving deeper into how friendship is built through food. In Japan, I saw that food was a big part of the culture and building connections. Every sticker has a story behind it that represents friendship-building. One is a bowl of udon for a meal we had in Shimoda with the Japanese students who acted as translators and guides. They taught us how to grate our own wasabi and how to eat udon properly. Each sticker is a digital illustration of a photo I took.”

Brandon Nelson, a junior Graphic Design and Marketing double major and Photography minor, designed and printed a postcard set featuring one image from each city the class visited and of his hometown.

“Postcards are a nice way to remember the places you traveled to, so I made postcards of what I want to remember from this trip featuring photos I took. For Yokosuka, there was a side street that I photographed on the way to a tea ceremony; I know I wouldn’t be able to find a postcard of that specific memory. On the backs of the postcards, I included cultural tips for people traveling to Japan such as tipping at restaurants is impolite and remembering to bow when you meet someone.”

Sherisa Smith, a senior Graphic Design major and American Sign Language, Chinese, and Photography triple minor, created a series of buttons that illustrate dance moves reflecting a favorite memory from the trip.

“One of our tour guide’s families owns a small dance studio and asked if I wanted to dance with her family. It turned out to be a full-blown performance in front of an audience. I’m the president of Rhythm and Roots (Cultural Dance Club at RWU), so I pulled choreography from a song I already knew. On stage, I realized that even though we don’t all speak the same language, we still clap and laugh at the same parts. My project looks at how we can communicate across language barriers and still form connections. The different poses on the buttons are from that dance.”