Oriental Studies Students experience Japanese culture

(VLU, 26/05/2023) – On May 26, 2023, Van Lang University Library and Kansai Japanese Language Center co-organized the program "Experience Japanese culture, creating a playground for Oriental Studies students (Japanese Studies major) to experience aspects of Japanese culture, especially the art of Ikebana flower arrangement.

On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Japan (1973 - 2023), May 26, 2023, Van Lang University Library cooperated with the Kansai Japanese Language Center to organize the program " Experience Japanese culture" with the companionship of Ms. Yukiko Yoshiyaka – a teacher from Japan and Ms. Nguyen Thi Thu Thuy – Kansai Japanese Language Center. The program created a playground for students of Oriental Studies (Japanese Studies major) to experience aspects of Japanese culture, especially the art of the Ikebana flower arrangement.

The land of Japanese cherry blossoms is famous for many long-standing traditional cultural values, especially with art forms containing life philosophies such as origami, kimono costumes, tea ceremony culture, bonsai, and Ikebana flower arrangement. At the meeting, Van Lang students experienced the Ikebana flower arrangement with the guidance of Ms. Yukiko Yoshiyaka.

Ms. Yukiko Yoshiyaka shared: "Ikebana flower arrangement is not only an entertainment art, but also hidden deep in it is the personality and the delicate arrangement of Ikebana artists. Through Ikebana's works, participants can understand artists' feelings via the arrangement of the layout and the decorative objects used in the work."

Ikebana is also known as Way of Flowers, one of the traditional beauties of the Japanese people that appeared about 600 years ago. In ancient times, the art of Ikebana originated from the ritual of offering flowers to the departed souls. Gradually, Ikebana became common and often appeared in Japanese greetings and ceremonies.

Besides the Ikebana flower arrangement, the speakers also introduced games associated with Japanese traditions, which also appeared in many popular comics with Vietnamese children - the Kendama game. Kendama is one of the traditional games handed down and taught by the Japanese in elementary schools. Kendama is associated with Japanese culture and helps children practice sharp observation skills, decisive thinking, and concentration. Ms. Nguyen Thi Thu Thuy, Kansai Japanese Language Center, shared: "In the social context in Japan, the philosophies coming from these traditional cultural beauties like guidelines for the Japanese people to help them find peace and serenity at work, to practice solidarity and improve the national spirit."

Through the session, Oriental Studies students (Japanese Studies majors) can enrich their specialized knowledge and prepare for their upcoming academic and career goals. In addition, students can gain insight into the diversity and core values of cultures through experiential activities.

News: Trong Dat – Tri Quan
Photo: Gia Minh