A Transpacific Journey
The Columbia women's basketball team embarked on an ambitious foreign tour that took them from the historic streets of Kyoto to the bustling avenues of Tokyo, touching down in Hiroshima along the way. Over ten days they balanced competitive play with deep cultural immersion, traveling between cities on the iconic Shinkansen bullet train.
Exhibition Games
Their schedule featured two collegiate matchups that tested their mettle against Japanese talent. On August 14 they faced Ritsumeikan University and emerged victorious with a 53‑35 win, a performance highlighted by Riley Weiss's 17 points. Four days later, against Rikkyo University, the Lions posted 24 assists and 13 steals, underscoring their teamwork and defensive intensity.
Cultural Highlights
Beyond the court, the squad explored Kyoto's UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the golden silhouette of Kinkaku-ji and the serene vistas of Kiyomizu-dera. They walked through Fushimi Inari's endless vermilion torii gates, participated in a traditional tea ceremony to absorb Zen philosophies, and paid respects at Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Museum and the A‑Bomb Dome, reflecting on the city's resilient history.
Tokyo and Return
The final leg of the tour brought them to Tokyo, where they navigated the neon chaos of Shibuya, captured the skyline from the Skytree, and ventured into the digital wonderland of teamLab Planets. Before heading home, the team enjoyed a night of karaoke, bonding over music and laughter. On August 21 they boarded their flight back to New York, carrying with them a blend of athletic triumphs and unforgettable cultural experiences.