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10 May 2007
Students celebrate Japanese culture and traditions
Students from the University of Sheffield are celebrating the rich culture and traditions of Japan, with a special day dedicated to all things Japanese. Organised by the Japanese society, Japan Day – ‘Dive to Japan’, will give the local community a chance to experience Japanese culture and food and to take part in a series of activities and games.
The event, which is free to attend and open to the public, will be held on Saturday 12 May between 12pm and 4pm at the University’s Union of Students on Western Bank in Sheffield. It is organised by students and supported by the University’s International Office and the Union of Students.
The day will include a rare opportunity to experience a unique culture through live performances, including Japanese drummers, martial arts and dancing. There will also be an opportunity to take part in Japanese games and activities and the chance to dress up in a kimono and pose for a photo.
Other highlights will be a fashion show, showcasing old and new Japanese fashion, and the opportunity to learn the art of origami and calligraphy. People will also get the chance to visit a selection of cultural stalls and sample takoyaki and sushi.
The organisers, who are mostly Japanese students studying at the University of Sheffield on exchange programmes, wanted to give something back to the community as thank you for the excellent hospitality and opportunities they have received in Sheffield. They also wanted the event to be family orientated, with activities aimed at people of all ages.
Yoshikazo Hongo, from the Japanese Society and who is studying Economics at the University of Sheffield, said: “The theme of the day is ‘Dive to Japan’, and we wanted to create a range of activities and displays that would allow local people to get absorbed in Japanese culture without having to travel too far. Myself and my fellow Japanese students from the society have thoroughly enjoyed our time in Sheffield and we hope by organising this event for the people of Sheffield we can express our thanks as well as highlight our vibrant culture.”
Gosia Wells, Director of the International Office at the University of Sheffield, said: “The University has a very good relationship with Japan and Japanese students make an important contribution to University life and add to the richness of cultures and traditions on campus and in the city. We are therefore delighted to be sponsoring an event which gives them the opportunity to express their culture and share it with the local community. “
She added: “I wish the students every success with the event and I would encourage local people to go along to what, I am sure, will be an exciting, interesting and fun-packed afternoon.”
This is the second year students from the University have organised a Japan Day, after it was such a great success last year. In 2006 over 1,000 people from all over the UK attended the event.
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