Seton Hall's annual Japan Week program will take place from Monday, April 9 to Friday, April 13. Japan Week 2018 events have been planned in celebration of Japanese culture, fashion, cuisine, cinema and language and coincide with the emergence of the Japanese Cherry Blossoms. This year's Japan Week 2018 program will be hosted by the Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures, chaired by Shigeru Osuka, professor of Asian Studies.

The five-day celebration aims to give students the opportunity to obtain a better understanding of Japanese culture and demonstrate the University's ongoing commitment to building bridges between cultures and bringing together people of different customs, religions and ethnic backgrounds. Seton Hall seeks to continue to promote diversity and unity and hopes that participants will become leaders in a flourishing dialogue between Japan and the United States and will work towards building a more peaceful global community.

"The goal of Japan Week is to support an inclusive environment for students of all backgrounds," said Osuka. "There are always going to be barriers that exist between the people of different countries. We look to break down those barriers through celebration of that which makes each nation different."

The Japan Week 2018 schedule is as follows:

Monday, April 9, 2018

Program: Ramen Tasting
Time: 1:30 - 3:15 p.m.
Location: Beck Rooms, Walsh Library
Description: Explore the popular and commercialized ramen cuisine through its origins and rise to fame. This event is hosted as a collaboration of the Department of History, the Asian Studies Program and the History of Modern Japan class.

Tuesday, April 10, 2018

Program: Cosplay Contest
Time: 2 - 3 p.m.
Location: Pirate’s Cove, University Center
Description: Dress up as your favorite anime character and compete to win small prizes. Participants are judged on their costume’s accuracy, cuteness and creativity. This event is hosted by the Business Japanese Class.

Program: Japan Week Movie Night
Time: 5 - 7:30 p.m.
Location: Room 113, Nursing Building
Description: Watch the Japanese film Ramen Samurai, the story of an unsure man who leaves his job to take over the operations of a thriving ramen shop. This event is hosted by the Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures.

Wednesday, April 11, 2018

Title: Japanese Language & Digital Storytelling Awards Ceremony
Time: 12:15 - 1:45 p.m.
Location: Beck Rooms, Walsh Library
Description: Attend the Japanese Language & Digital Storytelling Awards where the Asian Studies Program will recognize the best and most motivated students in the Japanese language curriculum. This event is hosted by the Language Resource Center.

Program: Kendama Play & Experience
Time: 2 - 3 p.m.
Location: Pirate’s Cove, University Center
Description: Experience Kendama, a famous traditional Japanese toy, which has three cups and a spike that fits into the hole in the ball. Compete to win a variety of prizes.

Thursday, April 12, 2018

Program: Kyoto, Karuta, & Japanese-Style Parfaits
Time: 12:30 - 1:45 p.m.
Location: Beck Rooms, Walsh Library
Description: Hear from Kyoto Takamatsu, a student who serves as a volunteer guide to people visiting Kyoto - previously the capitol of Japan – during a virtual tour of the famous temples and cultural places. Afterward, participants can play Karuta, a Japanese card game, and create their own Japanese-style parfait. This event is hosted by Japanese language classes.

Program: Karaoke Night
Time: 8:30 - 10:30 p.m.
Location: Beck Rooms, Walsh Library
Description: Take part in a night of Karaoke and sing your favorite songs. Food and drink will be provided, sponsored by the Asian Cultural Association.

Friday, April 13, 2018

Title: Graduate Student School & Teacher Symposium on Japanese Students
Time: 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Location: Room 118, Jubilee Hall
Description: Observe graduate student presentations on their research papers and participate in discussions. Yasuhiro Makimura will deliver the keynote address on Placing Japanese History within Global History. This daylong event is hosted by the Asian Studies Program.