Inaugural Japanese Spring Festival to Celebrate Japanese Culture

by Katie Brooks, student newswriter, (254) 710-6805

Baylor University's Japanese Student Association is hosting its inaugural Japanese Spring Festival to introduce Japanese culture to the Baylor and Waco community from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, April 12, at the Mayborn Museum.

"We wanted to introduce Japanese culture to everyone," said, Yuko Prefume, lecturer of Japanese. "It is my strong belief that learning a foreign language is not only about learning the language, but also learning its culture. It is important for people to learn about different cultures in order to respect and appreciate diversity in the world," she said.

The festival will feature performances, games and activities. Demonstrations will include a Taiko, Japanese drum performance by the Dallas-based group "Kiyari Daiko"; a traditional Japanese tea ceremony; Japanese-style karate called Wado performed by a local Wado Karate school and a power point presentation about Japanese culture made by the Japanese Student Association.

Games and activities for participants will include Shodo (Japanese calligraphy), Origami, chopstick games, Jyanken poi game and Onigiri rice ball. Picture opportunities will also be available for people to dress in traditional Japanese costumes and use the picture booth for a small fee.

The event is open to the public. Tickets are $6 for adults, $5 for seniors and $4 for children. Admission is free for Baylor students.

For more information, contact Prefume at Yuko_Prefume@baylor.edu.