Activities
Origami
The ancient art of paperfolding, origami, is believed to have its origins in China. Origami takes its name from “oru” meaning to fold, and “kami” meaning paper. For centuries, in Japan, origami design was handed down generation to generation. This form of art became part of the cultural heritage of the Japanese people.
Learn this ancient art from an expert! SUMMER 2013 Origami workshops are scheduled for Saturdays, June 8 and 22, July 6 and 20, August 3, 17 and 31. Classes are 1-4 p.m. Reserve a seat in the workshop(s) of your choice by contacting the Japan Center at 850-474-3363 or email japan@uwf.edu.
The 1000 Cranes by 1000 People project began in November 2006 as part of ongoing origami workshops conducted by the UWF Japan House. The project was completed in September 2008. We would like to thank everyone who participated in the 1000 Cranes by 1000 People project. The streamers of 1000 cranes were delivered to Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park on October 10, 2008 by Mrs. Columba Bush, former First Lady of Florida. Learn more about the project.
Thousand Cranes Project 2010
Five UWF students and one UWF professor participating in the 2010 Summer Semester in Japan Program accompanied Shigeko Honda, director, UWF Japan Center/Japan House to deliver 1000 cranes to the Children's Peace Monument in Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park on Monday, June 28, 2010. While visiting the park, the students met with Mr. Steven Leeper, chairman of the Hiroshima Peace Culture Foundation. Among the contributors to the 1000 Cranes Project 2010 were Mrs. Columba Bush, former First Lady of Florida, Dr. Kunihiko Ukifune, Chairman, Jikei Group of Colleges, origami workshop participants, and local Japanese volunteers.
We are now working on the third 1000 Cranes project! Join Mrs. Gunn in an origami workshop and make a crane for the project!
Field Trips
The UWF Japan House invites area students and organizations to visit the Japan House for hands-on culture. A tour of Japan House, geography and culture, origami, music and dance, calligraphy, and tea ceremony demonstrations are just a few of the activities that are enjoyed on a field trip excursion. Field trips can be customized by school grade level or your group’s interest. For more information, contact the Japan Center at (850) 474-3363 or japan@uwf.edu
Summer Semester in Japan
The Summer Semester in Japan program provides UWF students the opportunity to study Japanese language and culture and a related academic discipline in the Japanese environment. The program seeks to provide a multifaceted international educational experience which will help American students better understand the Japanese people and their culture.
The 2013 Summer Semester in Japan program will be hosted by Tokyo College of Sports and Recreation, a member of the Jikei Group of Colleges in Japan.
More information about the Summer Semester in Japan program can be found on the Japan Center Programs webpage.
Essay Contest - Win a Trip to Japan in Spring 2013
The UWF Japan Center will send a student to Gero, Japan (Pensacola's Sister City in Japan), during Spring Break 2013. The student will experience a home-stay (4-5 days) with a local family, learn about the history and culture of Gero, experience Japanese language in a native setting, and share with the citizens of Gero information about UWF and the City of Pensacola. Applicants will submit an essay in English on environmental issue(s) in America and/or Japan and be interviewed by a panel of judges. Deadline for essay submission is Feb. 1. All degree seeking students enrolled at UWF in the Spring 2013 term with a 2.8 GPA or above and a Japanese language proficiency equivalent to JPN II are eligible. The winner will receive an award in the amount of $1500 to be used toward airfare to Gero. Click here for eligibility, selection criteria, and process of essay contest details and contest application form.
For more information, contact the UWF Japan Center Office at (850) 474-3363 or by e-mail:japan@uwf.edu
Japanese Speech Contest
The 2009 Japanese Speech Contest focusing on environmental issues was held at the UWF Japan House on Saturday, December 5, 2009. The event was hosted by the Japan Center and the Jikei-American Center at the University of West Florida. Seven contestants presented their speeches in Japanese. The topics and presenters were:
The Effects of Harmful Algai Bloom on Aquatic Ecosystems by Ms. Kristin Emerick
Differences and Similarities between Tokyo and Pensacola in Recycling by Ms. Alethea Flores
Environmental Issues and Resolving Such Issues on a Local Level in Pensacola and Japan by Mr. Matthew Harley
Environmental Awareness in Japan and America by Mr. Caleb Oakes
The Death Rate of Frogs by Ms. Shannon Shell
Recovering Our Forests: Nature's Way of Cooling by Mr. Todd Daniel
Possibilities of Solar Energy by Mr. Devin White
Speeches were judged 50% on technical skills, 50% on ambassadorship skills. The grand prize winner, Mr. Matthew Harley, traveled to Gero during spring break in March 2010 to represent the other contestants, UWF students, and the citizens of Pensacola, Gero's sister city.
The trip to Gero was made possible by a donation from Mr. and Mrs. Tsuneji Taguchi. Mr. Taguchi, former Superintendent of Hagiwara School Board, has been involved in the Pensacola and Gero sister city project since its beginning in 1993 (Gero is formerly known as Hagiwara). The City of Pensacola designated March 17 as Tsuneji Taguchi Day commemorating his dedication to the sister city relations. The Board of Education of the City of Gero was actively involved in the planning and activities of Matthew's visit to Gero.
Chado, the Way of Tea
“Chado, the Way of Tea, is based on the simple act of boiling water, making tea, offering it to others, and drinking of it ourselves. Served with a respectful heart and received with gratitude a bowl of tea satisfies both physical and spiritual thirst.”
Soshitsu Sen, Urasenke Grand Tea Master XV
Summer 2013 Tea Ceremony Demonstrations by Ms. Kayoko Hirota, Tea Teacher, Urasenke Chanoyu Center of New York will be held on Saturday, May 25 at the UWF Japan House. There will be two sessions to choose from: 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. and 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. The demonstrations are free and open to the public. Limited space will be available! RSVP required no later than 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 23. To RSVP call the Japan Center at at 850-474-3363 or email japan@uwf.edu
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