<![CDATA[Balinese shadow puppetry functions not only as a ritual and performative medium but also as a cultural learning space that is open to international participants. This article aims to describe the learning process and participation of foreign students in Balinese shadow puppetry practices under the guidance of puppeteer I Dewa Agung Sutresna Mesi in Bangli, with particular attention to Takahito Kawate from Japan as the primary participant. Participants from China and Italy are positioned as part of the broader context of intercultural interaction emerging within the performance environment. The study employed a qualitative approach based on participant observation, interviews, and documentation conducted during training sessions and performances. The learning process involved direct mentoring, imitation, dialogue practice, participation as katengkong, and active involvement in performances. Takahito Kawate, who received the Balinese name I Gede Darma Mesi, actively participated in voicing the punakawan characters and accompanying the puppeteer in both Wayang Lemah and wayang peteng performances. Intercultural interaction was reflected in the use of Balinese, Indonesian, and Japanese languages, as well as in the involvement of participants from different national backgrounds within the performance space. These practices demonstrate that learning Balinese shadow puppetry takes place through direct, participatory, and contextual engagement rather than through formal instruction alone. The participation of foreign students thus demonstrates the capacity of Balinese shadow puppetry to function as a cross-cultural learning medium and as a space for the internationalization of traditional Balinese performing arts through embodied participation and performance-based cultural learning.]]>
