NOVEMBER 27, the Japanese Language Department of the Faculty of Languages and International Cultures organized the workshop "The Flavors of Japanese Autumn". This event provided UEFers with a passion for the Land of the Rising Sun an opportunity to embark on a journey to explore the unique characteristics of Japanese autumn through captivating cultural stories, customs, and engaging hands-on experiences.
UEFers experienced the essence of Japanese autumn through its distinctive features in cuisine, scenery, and weather
Drawing from her personal experiences, Ms. Watanabe Yumiko, a faculty lecturer, guided students through the unique highlights of Japan's autumn charm. With its full spectrum of four seasons, Japan becomes especially enchanting in autumn, thanks to the changing colors of nature—from the vibrant red forests to the gentle golden hues of grass and trees. Autumn in Japan is not only visually stunning but also deeply intertwined with special cultural and traditional values.
Ms. Watanabe Yumiko brought the autumn of the Land of the Rising Sun to UEF through engaging hands-on experiences
Ms. Nguyen Tran Vu Thu, took on the role of interpreter to ensure the information was effectively conveyed to the UEFers
Ms. Watanabe Yumiko introduced the customs of celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival and the moon-related legends in Japanese culture, helping students gain a deeper understanding of the profound significance of this festive season. Additionally, autumn in Japan is also known as the "season of sports," "season of reading," and "season of creativity and art," as it is an ideal time for engaging in beneficial activities and exploring personal potential. Japanese autumn is also fondly referred to as the "season of food" with the appearance of various specialties such as chestnuts, Matsutake mushrooms, and sweet potatoes, all contributing to the unique flavor of this special season.
Beyond the captivating sharing sessions, the program also offered practical experiences for UEFers. These hands-on activities not only fostered teamwork but also skillfully applied cultural knowledge into practice, resulting in creations that were both visually appealing and rich in traditional essence.
The workshop "Flavors of Japanese Autumn" left a lasting impression on UEFers in general, and Japanese Language majors in particular, offering them the opportunity to gain hands-on experiences and a deeper understanding of the culture of the Land of the Rising Sun. Through this event, students expanded their knowledge and cultural experiences, broadened their perspectives, and developed a more diverse mindset in an increasingly globalized environment.