UNAIR NEWS – Student Association Student Association held a Japanese World (JW) Faculty of Humanities (FIB) on July 20-21 at FIB UNAIR. Haira Catur Nurul Candraningrum, Head of JW committee said that the primary goal of the festival was to introduce the UNAIR Japanese study program to the public. Besides, JW also aims to introduce Japanese culture and strengthen relations between Indonesia and Japan.
The student, familiarly called Haira said that JW each year had a different theme. This year JW picked up the theme of Natsu no Eien no Monogatari which means “Eternal story in summer.”
“Icon JW itself symbolizes the gods and goddess Tanabata (star festival in Japan, red) who are separated and we unite them on JW stage,” he said.
JW’s main stage area features significant shows such as band performances, Japanese dance, and cosplay. Meanwhile, around the main stage area, there were many Japanese-themed booths. The stands provide Japanese-style food and drinks as well as merchandise and accessories dominated by anime characters (Japanese animation).
Japanese World also offers various competitions for high school and general students. The academic competition consists of Shodo (Japanese calligraphy), Kuizu Taikai (quiz), Katari (storytelling), Sakubun (composing), Kakikikitori (listening and writing), Kanji Taikai (kanji competition) and Rodoku (speed reading). There are also general competitions consisting of cosplay competitions (playing costumes), coswalk (cosplay and catwalk), okeru (karaoke), tabetaikai (eating competition), seiyuu (voice acting), comic design, character design, band, dance cover, and photography.
“Now specifically for academic competitions, the competition can only be attended by high school students,” he added.
Besides various competitions, JW also held a Japanese workshop. Among them are workshops of Wagashi (Japanese cakes), Yukata (traditional Japanese clothing), Kanzashi (traditional Japanese hair ornaments) and Kendo (one of the Japanese martial arts).
The closing of the 2019 Japanese World that night was closed by a hanabi (fireworks) party. Under the light-colored night sky, Haira hopes JW next year can be better than this year.
“Hopefully the JW next year will be better and more festive,” concluded Haira. (*)
Author: Sandi Prabowo
Editor: Khefti Al Mawalia
