Japan Day will be held on Saturday, May 16, at the Lähde library. The event will take place in the 1st-floor lobby, the Kuvasto room on the 1st floor, the 2nd-floor lobby, the Väite room on the 2nd floor, and the Päätelmä room on the 2nd floor.
This year’s theme is “MATSURI (祭)”
As in many other cultures, various traditional community festivals called matsuri, have been held in Japan. Traditionally these events involved prayers for a good harvest, abundant catches, and good health, as well as expressions of gratitude after the harvest.
Today, however, the word matsuri does not refer only to these traditional rituals or events. It is also used more broadly to describe all kinds of community events, such as school activities and cultural festivals.
At Japan Day, a poster-style matsuri presentation will introduce some of Japan's traditional community events in more detail.
Language Cafe
Come to the cafe of the university library Lähde to discuss and learn about Japanese language and culture, regardless of your level! You can learn some basics of the Japanese language, ask about Japanese studies at the university, or practice speaking Japanese at your own level with Japanese students, teachers, or freely with other visitors.
Calligraphy Workshop
You can join at any time that suits your schedule to try Japanese calligraphy! All materials will be provided, and our instructors will be happy to help you. You can use a brush to write your name, a word that is meaningful to you. Warmly welcome!
Sōran Bushi
Sōran Bushi (ソーラン節) originates from Hokkaido, a large island in the northern part of Japan. The song was originally created long ago as a work song used during fishing, helping everyone pull up the nets in perfect rhythm.
Today, the original piece has been slightly arranged and a dance has been added. It is often performed during sports days at many schools. The main part of the dance is easy, so feel free to come and dance together with us!
Japanese popular music
A duo and a band made up of students will perform two identical sets of modern Japanese music during the day. You will hear recent popular songs, some of which are familiar from anime, for example Zenzenzense（前前前世) ja Silhouette (シルエット).
Shōgi - “Game of Generals”
Shōgi (将棋) or Japanese chess, literally means the "game of generals" and has been played in Japan since the 11th century, meaning for almost 1,000 years. Visually and in terms of its rules, shōgi resembles chess, but with small, albeit significant, differences. The key difference reflects Japan's bloody 16th century, when warriors' loyalties could change overnight. Similarly, in shōgi, pieces removed from the board - that is, "eaten" pieces - do not stay out of the game forever. Instead, the player who removed them can return them to the board as their own. In shōgi, you can therefore truly challenge your tactical thinking. At the shōgi presentation, you will get to hear more about this game and its history, as well as try playing it yourself.
Japanese Tea Workshop
While matcha (抹茶) has become a popular drink it is only a small part of the richness of Japanese tea culture. The workshop proposes an introduction to Japanese tea history and culture with a tea tasting.
Remote-controlled hydrogen car and new track
Have you ever driven a hydrogen car? Now is your chance – with miniature hydrogen-powered RC cars! At the Cefmof foundation's stand, you can try out a Toyota Mirai on a miniature city track and learn more about hydrogen vehicles.
Cefmof, or the Central Finland Mobility Foundation, is an independent, non-profit foundation established by the City of Jyväskylä, the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing World Rally Team, and the Toyota Mobility Foundation. Cefmof supports carbon neutrality goals by carrying out practical experiments and developing solutions together with its partners. Hydrogen is one of the foundation's key focus areas. Cefmof wants to help people understand the practical possibilities of hydrogen and support its integration into everyday life by sharing information, making hydrogen something you can experience, and providing inspiring experiences.
Travel tips for Japan and interactive activities
Welcome to the Japan Airlines stand to fly paper airplanes and ask about traveling to Japan!
Come try making two different types of paper airplanes – we will guide you step by step. You can also test how well your airplane flies on the spot. This activity is perfect for crafters of all ages!
Do you need tips for your vacation plans? Ask us about traveling to Japan as well as domestic destinations within Japan!
