As part of their global business education and preparation for the upcoming World Expo 2025 in Osaka, our students took part in the Konomi Festival Basel—a weeklong celebration of Japanese culture, art, and taste right here in Switzerland.
Konomi is more than just a festival — it’s a community-driven platform dedicated to bringing Japanese culture to life in Basel through food, art, music, and hands-on experiences. The word konomi (好み) itself means “taste” in Japanese, reflecting their mission to help people explore and enjoy Japanese culture in their own way.
Throughout the week, students participated in several events hosted by Konomi, including sake tastings, calligraphy workshops, tatami dining experiences, and a traditional tea ceremony. These activities gave students the opportunity to experience Japanese culture firsthand, building valuable intercultural awareness that will serve them well on their upcoming trip to Japan and beyond.
One of the highlights of Konomi Festival Basel was attending the vernissage of Swiss artist Kaspar Schumacher. His playful yet meaningful artwork explores themes of impermanence and transformation—two important concepts in Japanese art and culture. His bold designs mix traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern storytelling, inspiring students to reflect on cultural influences in contemporary art and business.
Speaking with Kaspar in person gave students direct insight into how artists bring cultural heritage to life through creative expression. It was the perfect opportunity to connect art, business, and cultural learning in preparation for their global study tour to Japan.
Experiences like these help students move beyond classroom theory, building the global mindset and cultural literacy needed for success in international business.
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And you can learn more about Konomi’s events and community activities at www.konomi.ch.
