Wichita State University’s Modern and Classical Languages and Literature Department will hold its first Japan Festival from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday, May 2, with booths demonstrating Japanese crafts, anime, cosplay and tea culture in Lindquist Hall, Room 100, 101 and the lobby. Admission is free and open to the public.

One major feature in the festival is the role play contest, which Japanese language students started preparing for three months ago. First-level students chose their own topics for the role play, while second-level students learned the story of Momotaro, the son of a peach, and adapted the story to showcase their creativity and language skills. Later in the program, participants will view a popular Japanese movie, “My Neighbor Totoro, at 1 p.m.”

Two guests will attend the event, Erika Norikami and Jennifer Beachy. Norikami is the Japan Outreach Initiative coordinator from the University of Kansas. She will speak about education in Japan and demonstrate the Japanese headband, Hachimaki, at one event booth. Beachy is currently a Japanese teacher at the Butler County Community College and will demonstrate Origami.

The festival was organized by Yumi Foster, WSU Japanese language instructor since 1999, in collaboration with the Office of Multicultural Affairs, the KU Outreach Program and the Consulate General of Japan, Chicago.

“I want students to learn more about the Japanese culture along with their language learning process,” said Foster. “Hopefully, through students’ performances and engagement, we will show the WSU community that learning a language is more than just language training. It can be fun too.”

Go to Wichita State’s Japanese language and culture program website for more information.