Left-right. Kazu Sato and Shota Yasui demonstrating Japanese calligraphy to visitors during Japan Fest 2009, as part of the Western Michigan University International Education Week at Wesley Foundation, Monday Nov. 17. (Chyn Wey Lee/Western Herald )
By Kibet Hosea
Western Herald
Japanese students, members of Japan Club, and students curious about Japanese culture came to the basement of Wesley Foundation Monday night for the annual Japan Festival as part of International Education Week.
The event was fully sponsored by Detroit-based IACE Travel USA. According to Shohei Shibuya, the event was intended to showcase Japanese culture, history and economic activities in Japan.
The event began with Japanese music and dancing. Several dancing styles were displayed by a team of students wearing costumes that vividly displayed artwork. Students also displayed Japanese fashions.
The event also included free food as audiences were served several types of food like Inaruzushi, prepared using rice, vinegar and sesame. This variety is traditionally served during diner, according to WMU student Mike Jahncke. Japanese potato salad and chocolate bananas were among other dishes served.
There were games as well, like wanage, a popular game with children who throw “fishing hooks” to trap candies and chocolates.
Another interesting part of the event was the calligraphy as students from outside Japan had an opportunity to learn how there names are written in Japanese language.
About Fritz