Story by Katherine Marrone
Photos by Thao Bui
When one thinks of the country of Japan, delicious sushi, colorful anime, and fighting ninjas may come to mind. However, after walking out of the EMU Ballroom on Saturday night, these images were replaced with ones of synchronized Japanese-style drumming, enchanting traditional instruments, and somber historical dances, vibrant with the adornment of elegant kimono robes.
This year Japan Night fell on Saturday, January 15. An annual production put on by the Japanese Student Organization (JSO), the event aims to shorten the distance between the “land of the rising sun” and western Oregon.
“We want to show the community more about Japan, while putting aside Japanese stereotypes,” says Zachary Yamada, president of the Japanese Student Organization.
The night took its audience on a vast journey through Japanese culture, from native Japanese cuisine to performances filled with authentic dances and drumming styles to modern retellings of ancient Japanese legends. There was also a Japanese fashion show, displaying the clothes one might see while walking down the streets of Tokyo, along with a Japanese-style haunted house, created with allusions to original Japanese horror films such as The Ring and The Grudge.
“I love Japan’s pop culture,” says Kiley Tanabe, a UO senior and performer at Japan Night. “They have great video games, fashion, and anime. After the show, I hope the audience leaves with a broader understanding of Japan, and perhaps more of an interest in the culture.”
The event also focused on the meaningful, and sometimes ancient, traditions of the country.
“When people think of Japan, they usually think of anime and sushi,” says Saki Shibata, a Japanese exchange student at the UO. “I want them to know the real Japan.”
At Japan Night, there was no anime to be heard, no sushi to be tasted, and certainly no fighting ninjas to be seen. And after unveiling the beauty, elegance, and mystery of a few unknown Japanese traditions, the UO and community of Eugene can feel that much closer to the “real” Japan.
