UNI's Japan Festival Blossomed this Spring!

Students from both the Iowa State University Japan Association and Wartburg College were in attendance, continuing the partnership between the schools’ international communities. Their presence reflected an ongoing commitment to collaboration, bringing students together to share cultural traditions and create a more connected campus experience. ISU students showcased “Wanatabe,” a classic Japanese game similar to horseshoes, inviting guests to try their hand at the activity and learn through participation. 

Wartburg students also contributed by introducing additional traditional games, including “Kendama” and “Koma,” each offering a unique look at Japanese play and skill. These interactive elements encouraged attendees to engage directly with the culture in a fun and approachable way. One student, Yuka Ninomi, organized the creation of a “Sakura Message Board,” inviting guests to write their names and short messages on paper cherry blossoms. As the event continued, the board gradually filled with notes, creating a visual symbol of community, connection, and shared experience inspired by the imagery of sakura. Finally, students Arisa Suzuki and Hibiki Watanabe performed piano versions of popular anime music throughout the entire event. Their playing provided a continuous musical backdrop, blending familiar melodies with a live performance element that added warmth and atmosphere to the space, helping tie together the various activities of the evening. 

OIE also welcomed various partners from the Des Moines area to Cedar Falls, including the Japan America Society of Iowa (JASI), Soten Taiko, and Professor Kiyo Matsuyama from Simpson College. JASI hosted a tea stall, giving guests insight into the deep tea culture and variety that thrives in Japan. Executive Director of JASI, Yoko Tanaka was able to be in attendance and noted that “...hosting Japanese cultural events like this in Iowa is important because it creates opportunities for people to experience culture directly. These experiences help deepen understanding, foster appreciation, and build stronger connections between communities." Building on the opportunity for the public to engage with tradition; Professor Kiyokazu Matsuyama from Simpson College performed a traditional tea ceremony for guests, showcasing the quiet glamour of this historical tradition. After his performance, Professor Matsuyama hosted a booth, inviting guests to take part in mini tea ceremonies themselves. 

Soten Taiko, a taiko group hat is focused on sharing traditional Japanese music and culture with the wider community also performed. Known for their powerful rhythms and synchronized movement, Soten Taiko brings the art of Japanese drumming to life. Soten Taiko wowed audiences with a dynamic performance that combined precise choreography, expressive movement, and the resonant sound of taiko drums. The performance offered a glimpse into the cultural significance and discipline behind taiko drumming.They even brought out a “Shishi-mai,” a traditional lion that added an interactive and symbolic element to the performance. As the lion moved through the crowd, playfully “biting” audience members, it carried with it a sense of joy and tradition. When it “bites” someone during the performance, it is said to bring good luck, protection, and wisdom, making it a memorable and meaningful conclusion to the evening.

From farther away, OIE also welcomed fellow JOI Coordinator Miho Kawashita from Johnson Community College in Kansas. Kawashita specializes in large-scale calligraphy, called “shodo,” a traditional Japanese art form that emphasizes both precision and expressive movement. Known for its bold brushstrokes and flowing composition, shodo transforms written language into a visual experience that reflects the artist’s energy and intent. Kawashita performed during the event, creating a piece alongside players from Soten Taiko in a dynamic performance. The collaboration between calligraphy and taiko brought together visual and performing arts, highlighting the ways in which different traditions can intersect and enhance one another. Her finished piece was written in Japanese, reading “Love Connects Us,” a testament to the heart that lies at the center of cultural events such as these. The phrase underscored the spirit of connection and shared experience that defined the performance, leaving a lasting impression on those in attendance.

Partners from the Cedar Valley also could be found amongst the booths, with both the Cedar Falls Public Library and the Hearst Center for the Arts taking part in the event. Their involvement added a strong sense of local connection, highlighting how community organizations can play a role in celebrating and sharing international culture.The Cedar Falls Public Library hosted its very own Manga Cafe, a space designed for guests to read, recharge, and relax amongst the energy of the event. Filled with a selection of manga and comfortable seating, the area offered a quieter corner where attendees could slow down, browse stories, and engage with Japanese media in a more laid-back setting. The Hearst Center for the Arts asked guests to take part in creating tea bowls out of clay to later be fired and glazed. This hands-on activity invited participants to connect with the artistry behind traditional ceramics, giving them the opportunity to shape their own pieces while learning about the cultural significance of tea vessels. The process added a creative and tactile element to the event 

Finally, Deitrich and Umeda found support right here on campus with collaborations through the International Club of Business Students and the UNI World Music Club. The International Club of Business Students hosted a booth introducing Japanese business etiquette, while the UNI World Music Club performed taiko drumming, adding both educational and performance elements to the event. Their contributions helped create a dynamic and engaging atmosphere throughout the evening.

The Office of International Engagement Staff also hosted various tables including our much loved “yukata try on” station, omamori making, traditional fortunes, origami, gacha gacha, and calligraphy; filling out the already well rounded booths offered different activities. Together, these interactive stations gave guests the opportunity to not only observe but actively participate in Japanese culture, creating memorable, hands-on experiences for attendees of all ages.