NIST Celebrates Japanese Cultural Day

On Thursday 10 March, the NIST Japanese-Parent Group organized a special cultural event to celebrate, promote and share their unique Japanese culture with the NIST community. Coming together, the whole community of students, teachers, parents and friends enjoyed a wonderful day filled with cultural activities, games and performances. In addition, representatives at various nicely-decorated booths offered face painting and handed out traditional items, such as candies and samurai hats, providing interactive ways to learn about Japanese culture.

The traditional performance of ‘Soran Bushi’, performed by NIST Japanese students, was the highlight of the event. ‘Soran Bushi’ is one of the most famous traditional songs in Japan, originated by the fishermen of Hokkaido, in the northern part of the country. The name ‘Soran Bushi’ derives from a chant that herring fishermen used while fishing in the rough icy winter sea. As the fishermen pulled in their heavy herring-laden nets by hand, they would sing, ‘soran, soran’ to keep each other awake and focused. Therefore, the dance depicts fishermen dragging nets, pulling ropes and carrying luggage over their shoulders.

Everyone who attended the event had fun, learned something new about Japan, and, as always, felt blessed to be part of a community where cultural differences are cherished, celebrated and appreciated.

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