Crafts and food, a role play contest and a dance performance come together to celebrate Japanese culture. Wichita State University's Modern and Classical Languages and Literature Department's (MCLL) Japanese program and Japanese Culture Association will hold the second annual WSU Japan Festival from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. today (Friday, April 24) in Lindquist Hall, Room 100 and in the lobby and in front of the building.
Japanese language students and members of the Japanese Culture Association collaborated for this event. A major feature of the festival is the role play contest performed by Elementary Japanese I and II students to demonstrate their creativity and language skills. Booths and activities include anime, judo, origami, games, calligraphy and more -- all designed to give attendees a window into various aspects of Japanese culture.
Showcased in the Lindquist Hall lobby will be projects presented by the students in the Japanese conversation class, as well as information on the MCLL Japanese language program and Study Abroad programs in Japan.
“It’s a great opportunity to meet new Japanese friends,” said Austin Redetzke, president of Japanese Culture Association. “You can see all kinds of new things and try different kinds of games and activities that come from Japan. It’s a lot of fun.”
Additionally students from Japan will serve a Japanese snack. They spent several months perfecting their recipe for the festival.
Wichita Asian Association members will perform the Lion Dance as a cheer for this year’s festival. The Consulate General of Japan in Chicago and The Office of Diversity and Inclusion are co-sponsoring the event.
“Wichita State is a culturally diverse community,” said Marie Yoshimizu, a student majoring in aerospace engineering at WSU and a member of JCA. “I want students to know more about Japanese culture through this festival.”
Admission is free, and the festival is open to the public.
For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/nihongobunkakurabu or contact acredetzke@wichita.edu.