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! Join us for an origami workshop!

 

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.

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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 2010 Summer Semester in Japan program will be hosted by Tokyo Belle epoque College of Confectionary, a member of the Jikei Group of Colleges in Japan.

More information about the 2010 Summer Semester in Japan program can be found on the Japan Center Programs webpage.

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, will travel 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 is 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 is 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

You are invited to attend a Japan House spring 2010 tea ceremony demonstration. There will be 3 spring demonstrations to choose from that are free and open to the public: Friday, February 19, 3:00-4:00 p.m., Friday, March 19, 3:00-4:00 p.m., and Friday, April 16, 3:00-4:00 p.m. There will be limited space for participation available. All sessions will be RESERVATION ONLY - first come, first served. For more information or to reserve a place in one of the spring demonstrations, call the UWF Japan Center at 850-474-3363 or email japan@uwf.edu.

For those who are interested in learning more about the Japanese tea ceremony, you can participate in special tea ceremony workshops conducted by Mrs. Kazuko Law. There will be two spring workshops -- Workshop 1: Saturdays, March 6 & 13, 1 - 2:30 p.m. and Workshop 2: Saturdays, April 3 & 10, 1 - 2:30 p.m. Registration fees are $15 for each workshop (2 day workshop: $15 total). The registration deadline for the March workshop is March 3. The registration deadline for the April workshop is March 31. Workshop participants are encouraged to attend the spring tea ceremony demonstrations on Fridays February 19, March 19 and April 16. For more information, contact the UWF Japan Center at 850-474-3363 or email japan@uwf.edu