Listen HereEmma Smith
@Emma2000Smith
Throughout this week, the University of Findlay has been holding events that have Japanese influences. This week is known as Japanese Week. From a film showing to a concert, UF is hoping to bring the Japanese culture to Findlay. These events are put on by the Japan Foundation.
The events were kicked off by a concert by Yumi Kurosawa with special guest Anubrata Chatterjee. Kurosawa performed the Koto, a traditional Japanese instrument that has 13 strings. Kurosawa played western-influenced and eastern-influenced music for the crowd.
The Japanese Foundation at the University will be putting on a free event showing the movie, Where I Belong. Where I Belong is a Japanese Film that stars Kento Hayashi.
The synopsis of the film:
“Abandoned by his parents as a child, Shoto Izumi (Kento Hayashi) has grown up a thief and mugger preying upon defenseless women and the elderly. After inadvertently stabbing a victim, he escapes into the remote hills of Miyazaki Prefecture where he assists an injured elderly woman, Suma (Etsuko Ichihara). He plans to rob her of all her money but is embraced by the warmth of the townspeople who mistake him for Suma’s grandson. Seeking redemption and a “do over” in life, Shota finds himself facing a critical decision”
The movie will be shown at 7:30 p.m. at the Marathon Performing Arts’ Armes Event Hall. It is free to attend the event.
On Saturday, Oct.19, there will be two events that students can attend. The first event is a Japan Week Inspired Activity at the Children’s Museum of Findlay. The Children’s Museum is a non-profit organization that teaches children about science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. The Children’s Museum of Findlay is located in the Findlay Village Mall at 1800 Tiffin Ave., Findlay, OH. This event will be from 11-1 p.m.
Rounding out the events will be Rakugo Performance with “Showto,” The Laughing Man. Rakugo is the Japanese traditional way of telling a story. Instead of telling a story with visuals, they tell the stories with their words, according to nippon.com. This event will take place at 1 p.m.
Professor Hiroaki Kawamura is hopeful that students will go, as the performers are renown for the way the perform Rakugo.
“The performers will come from NY. They are very well-known performers in the field. This will be a very good opportunity for UF students,” says Kawamura.
These events will be a great opportunity to learn more about different aspects of Japanese culture. The Marathon Performing Arts Center is near campus located at 200 W. Main Cross St. Kawamura encourages everyone to get involved and come to the free events.
Kawamura is hopeful that these events can hope bring awareness of Japanese culture to the area.
“[My hope is that these events] promote communication between the Japanese and local communities in the Findlay area,” said Kawamura
If you want to learn more about Japanese culture but can’t make any of these events, there will be a showing of a Japanese movie on campus in November. This event, much like the rest of these, will also be put on by the Japan Foundation.
