The Japanese Student Organization (JSO) hosted a fall festival with hands-on activities, traditional food and lively games, transporting attendees to a festive Japanese autumn celebration. 

The festival was held Friday at the Wolflife Center.

Many students were welcome to enjoy activities including calligraphy lessons where students learned how to write their names or some basic words in Japanese, and participated in traditional games such as Kendama, a classic Japanese skill toy involving putting a ball in the center by measuring the strength and gravity of the toy. 

To add to the cultural immersion, students had the opportunity to dress in yukata, traditional lightweight robes evoking the spirit of Japanese festivals.

Daniela Flores, a senior biotechnology major from Celaya, Mexico, said that she discovered the event from her friends and that the festival was an enjoyable cultural experience. 

“I really enjoyed the Miso soup and had a nice time,” Flores said. 

Flores said she found the interactive games and writing her name in Japanese particularly interesting, as well as the opportunity to wear traditional attire. Although she appreciated the event, she said she wished it had lasted longer to extend the fun.

Reika Sakai, a sophomore creative media production major from Tokyo, said she attended to support her friends and help teach aspects of Japanese culture.

 “I enjoyed teaching calligraphy and sharing traditional food,” Sakai said. 

She said the event was a valuable opportunity for students to learn and teach Japanese and international cultures. 

Sakai was impressed with the range of activities, which surpassed her expectations.

Yuna Nakagawa, a sophomore computer science major from Tokyo, worked as an organizer behind the scenes for the event and said everyone worked to create a truly authentic experience. 

Nakagawa said the planning and cooking aspects of the event were fun, but the biggest challenge was gathering enough participants; she said serving more food to accommodate the enthusiastic crowd would have made the event better.

Categories: Life