Savor a taste of the Orient

Students, faculty are invited to learn about Japan's rich culture

By: Laura Huhn

Posted: 3/27/07

We often get so caught up in our own culture that we forget the global community outside of the periphery that is just brimming with culture.

On Wednesday, April 4, ECU students and faculty will have an opportunity to learn about one of the most advanced cultures in the world, when the Japan Center East hosts the seminar entitled "Work in Japan," which will be followed by a performance of the traditional Japanese dance, Bon Odori. This evening-long event will give the ECU community the ability to experience the traditions of a relatively unknown culture.

"Work in Japan," which will be held from 3:30 - 5 p.m. on the second floor of the Murphy Center, will provide information on both work opportunities in Japan and with Japanese companies in eastern North Carolina. The seminar will be followed by a light Japanese meal for all who attend.

The event will feature Scott Ralls, the president of Craven Community College, who spent several years in Japan following his graduation, and who has been instrumental in bringing Japanese companies into the professional landscape of eastern North Carolina.

Some may wonder why it is so important to build such strong professional and personal ties with the Japanese culture. Chikako Massey, director of the Japan Center East, explained the main reason for the growing link between America and Japan.

"Japan's economic impact on the United States is substantial," she said. "Japan is a major U.S. trade partner, with American companies exporting 11 billion dollars worth of goods to Japan each year," said Massey

Furthermore, North Carolina is responsible for exporting 1.56 billion dollars worth, more than 10 percent of the total amount of goods. These facts clearly show why our economies are
becoming increasingly connected, and why further business
dealings are essential.

Beyond the economic reasons for working in Japan, those who participate have the opportunity to gain invaluable insights into one of the richest cultures in the world, and into the greater global community as a whole. Global awareness is such an important mainstay in America, and it is important to begin to gain a greater understanding even as students. Julie Freeman, sophomore biology major, spoke of why global awareness is so
relevant today.

"It is important to have a different perspective on issues than what is comfortable to us," she said. "That will allow us to be open-minded and be able to think more critically about what we hear on the news," said Freeman.

Massey spoke of the Japan Center East's mission in
nurturing a greater awareness. "Our goal is to assist the students to grow into a more globally competent workforce."

Following the seminar will be the third annual Bon Odori, which is a traditional Japanese festival dance. The dance will be held from 5:30 - 8 p.m. Everyone who attends the dance will be invited to learn the simple steps, so as to join in with the festivities.

Not only will the participants be able to experience the culture through the dance, but the will also be exposed to both the traditional and contemporary Japanese music which will accompany it.

"The Bon Odori is backed by 500 years of history, but we are still able to make it enjoyable for everyone and anyone," Massey said. "It is truly a hands-on cultural experience. Everyone who has come before has enjoyed it."

The cost of attending just the seminar is $15 (which will include dinner), and the cost of attending just the Bon Odori is $8. The cost for both of the events is $20. The registration deadline for "Work in Japan" is Thursday, March 29. To register, go online to ecu.edu/japancentereast and click on "Upcoming Events."

Treat yourself to a cultural experience unlike any others that have been offered, and begin the steps towards a greater global awareness.

The writer can be contacted at pulse@theeastcarolinian.com.