Spotlight of Japan: Maoko Umeda
こんにちは！My name is Maoko Umeda, and I am from Kanagawa Prefecture in Japan. Kanagawa is located just next to Tokyo, and it is a region where the ocean, mountains, modern cities, and historic streets all exist side by side.
At UNI, I have truly enjoyed sharing Japanese culture with students and community members through workshops, cultural events, language activities, and conversations as a JOI coordinator. One of my favorite parts of cultural exchange is seeing people connect through food, traditions, games, and stories. I believe these shared experiences help bring people closer together, even across different backgrounds. I am very grateful for the past two years I have spent sharing Japan with the UNI and Iowa community.
Japan is an island country in East Asia made up of four main islands: Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu. It is known for its blend of modern technology and deep traditions, beautiful seasonal changes, and strong sense of community. Its capital city is Tokyo, one of the largest and most vibrant cities in the world.
Some of my favorite places in Japan include Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hokkaido, and Okinawa. My home prefecture, Kanagawa, is also very special to me, especially Yokohama for its waterfront views and Chinatown, Kamakura for its historic temples and Great Buddha, and Enoshima for its beaches and ocean scenery.
Japanese culture is also deeply connected to food and tradition. Popular dishes include sushi, ramen, okonomiyaki, takoyaki, udon, soba, and wagashi (traditional sweets). Cultural practices such as tea ceremonies, calligraphy (shodo), visiting shrines and temples, and relaxing in onsen (hot springs) are also an important part of everyday life. Seasonal traditions like cherry blossom viewing, summer festivals, autumn leaves, and New Year celebrations are especially meaningful in Japan.
Some fun facts about Japan include that it has over 6,000 islands, trains are famous for their punctuality, convenience stores are extremely high quality, manga and anime are popular worldwide, and bowing is an important form of respect.
Thank you for taking the time to learn about Japan with me. Over the past two years at UNI, I have been very grateful for the kindness, curiosity, and support from everyone I have met. Sharing Japanese culture has been one of my most meaningful experiences, and I hope it encourages you to continue learning about new cultures and exploring the world with openness and curiosity.
ありがとうございます！