26 May 2009

Spend the Weekend Learning More About Japanese Language and Culture

May 2009 Intensive Japanese Language and Culture Event

By Shirley Ghozalli. Edited by Moira Blake.

The IPC Taiko Drum Team welcoming performance

A Japanese class session taught by Chitose Kawata

A Japanese Language and Culture Intensive Weekend, in short an "Intensive Weekend", was held once again on Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th May at IPC Campus. For this first Intensive Weekend for this year, 56 students came to IPC from high schools around the North and South Islands. Among the participants were 2 exchange students from Germany who were studying at a high school in Otaki. Not only students, but also 2 teachers from a high school in Tauranga joined in as well. This number of participants was much higher than last year's and they were in for a treat. A special performance from the IPC Taiko Drum Team welcomed them in the Senior Common Room.

Kendo activity

Shodo activity

One of the IPC bands performing on Saturday night

The students stayed in IPC Halls of Residence for the weekend. They were divided into 6 small groups with IPC student buddies assisting each group. As indicated by the title of the event, the theme of all the activities is Japanese language and culture.

To begin the weekend, there were 3 Japanese language classes taught by IPC lecturers who are native Japanese speakers. In each class, the participants learnt more about Japanese language through songs and games, including correct pronunciation. They also learnt how type email in Japanese characters.

Then there were group activities focusing on Japanese culture, such as practising the martial art Kendo, attending a tea ceremony, wearing Yukata, making Onigiri (Japanese food), learning Shodo (Japanese calligraphy) and Origami (paper folding), and an unusual session, brainstorming for the Fashion Show, which was the highlight of the Intensive Weekend and was scheduled as its closing session. Each group had to come up with a clothing design based on the theme 'Matsuri' (Japanese festivals) such as Hina Matsuri (Dolls Festival/Girl's Festival), Sakura Matsuri (Cherry Blossom Festival), and Kodomo no Hi (Children's Day). All of these outfits were to be made using only rubbish bags, balloons and newspaper.

As no culture is complete without food, Japanese foods, such as kareeraisu (curry rice), takoyaki (made from octopus) and okonomiyaki (Japanese pancakes), were served as part of the menu of the Intensive Weekend. Also, a BBQ party was held on the Saturday night and the participants were entertained with special performances by IPC clubs. There were dances by members of the Tahitian club, Latino club, and Indian club, as well as live music from 2 bands whose members were of many nationalities. These added not only a Japanese flavour but also an International flavour to the whole event.

In the activities of the second day, many participants (and also IPC students) had the opportunity to improve what they had learnt by receiving feedback and going over the first day's lessons. A Japanese lecturer Taku Saito said, "On the first day, some students were very excited and others looked nervous. However, by the end of day two, everyone became more comfortable and they started asking me many questions."

Towards the end of the second day, the long-awaited Fashion Show was held in the Senior Common Room. Using several tatami mats (rectangular Japanese mats made from rice straw) as the catwalk, each group presented their 'Matsuri' creation. The audience included the parents who had come to pick up some of the students. Laughter and rounds of applause filled the room with each presentation. Six models with Japanese-style outfits strutted down the tatami catwalk, complete with anime-style actions. Some rather 'new' Matsuri themes came up such as the 'Emperor Matsuri' and 'I love IPC Matsuri'! The judges of the show, who were one IPC staff member, one of the teachers and the members of the tea ceremony club, chose the 'Emperor Matsuri' outfit as the winner. The Fashion Show closed with a prize giving ceremony.

One of the participants, Manesha Smith from Wanganui, said, "I had such an amazing time meeting new people and learning more about the language I love and the Japanese customs." Another participant., Lucy Ross from Hawke's Bay, commented, "Thanks so much for having us this weekend. It was amazing! We had great fun, learnt a lot and met some great friends... I will definitely come back again!"

Chitose Kawata, one of the Japanese lecturers, commented, "I think it was a great opportunity for them (the high school students) to re-affirm their achievements. I do hope that we can keep in touch in the future." She also added, "I appreciate the contribution of the IPC students who helped me in the classes. They did a great job over the two days! Thank you."

There will be 2 more Intensive Weekend events this year, in July and in September. Call 0800 FOR IPC (367472) or email us now for more information.

The models with their catwalk actions for the Fashion Show

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