Malaspina’s international students host Japanese Festival March 18

Japanese culture and traditions will be on display at Malaspina University-College during the third annual Japanese festival on Saturday, March 18 from 11 am to 4 pm at the Nanaimo Campus.

"We’re really excited about introducing Japanese modern and traditional culture to people living in Nanaimo and other mid-Vancouver Island communities," said Masaya Shimazaki, Japanese international student and festival organizer.

"The Japanese festival is a cultural event presented by Malaspina’s Japanese international students and other volunteers who are keen to interact with students from different countries," he said. "It’s a chance for the public to experience Japanese traditions and art first-hand."

The day-long festival takes place in Malaspina’s Upper Cafeteria (Building 300) and in the Malaspina Theatre (Building 310). In Building 300, students will introduce visitors to rich Japanese culture, including origami, calligraphy, and the art of bonsai. Other booths will feature displays of Japanese ornaments, artifacts, magazines and cartoons. Children can play Japanese video games, and with traditional and modern Japanese toys. Tasty Japanese cuisine prepared by students will be available for sale.

Cultural performances in the Theatre (Building 310) will include a Taiko show (Japanese-style drumming), traditional dance, Japanese folk music, a 1970s to 1990s fashion show and folk and pop songs performed by Malaspina’s Japanese students.

"The festival is our way of saying thank you to Nanaimo for the warm welcome we’ve received here," added Shimazaki. "We’re proud to share our Japanese culture with the community. Mostly, we hope our guests will have a good time."

The Japanese festival has attracted more than 1,400 people to the Nanaimo campus in the past two years. Profits from selling food have been donated to Nanaimo Arts Alive, Malaspina University-College Global Studies Friends of Paraquay project and Tsunami Relief through the Canadian Red Cross.

For more details about the Japanese Festival, visit the website at www.jfestival.net or contact the festival organizers at j-fes@hotmail.com.

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