UEFers Excited to Explore the Traditional Japanese Game Fukuwarai
With the aim of introducing UEFers to the unique world of Japanese culture, inspiring creativity, and fostering teamwork through traditional folk games from the Land of the Rising Sun, the Faculty of International Languages and Cultures at UEF, in collaboration with the Hikari Club, organized the “Fukuwarai – The Lucky Face-Matching Game” workshop on the morning of September 20. This event marked the first activity of the Japanese Language Department for the new academic year and attracted enthusiastic participation from numerous first-year students.
The event welcomed notable attendees such as Dr. Vo Van Thanh Than, Director of UEF Center of Vietnam-Japan Human Resources Development and Deputy Dean of Faculty of Languages and International Cultures; Mr. Cao Đỗ Quyền, Assistant to the Japanese Language Department; and Ms. Miyazaki Kyoko, a Japanese Language lecturer and the workshop’s keynote speaker.
During the workshop, UEFers had the opportunity to explore two unique symbols of Japanese culture: "Okame" and "Hyottoko." "Okame" is an ancient mask depicting a benevolent woman with a full face, round cheeks, and a high nose, believed in Japanese culture to hold the power to ward off evil spirits and protect peace. Alongside this, "Hyottoko" is a humorous mask representing a man with a wide-open mouth, symbolizing the “god of fire protection.”
According to Ms. Miyazaki Kyoko, the game Fukuwarai began to gain popularity in the late Edo period (1603-1867) and reached its peak during the Meiji period (1868-1912), becoming a traditional New Year’s game. It is considered a fun and auspicious activity to welcome the new year.
UEFers Showcase Their Artistic Skills, Creating Portraits with Playful and Whimsical Designs
Though simple in gameplay, the activity brought plenty of joyful moments for UEFers. Students were divided into seven groups, blindfolded, and tasked with placing separate parts—such as eyes, nose, and mouth—onto a blank face provided by the organizers. Amid cheers and laughter from teammates, each blindfold was removed to reveal quirky, whimsical faces that filled the workshop with a lively, festive atmosphere.
This activity was not only entertaining but also a meaningful cultural experience for the students. Through the game, UEFers immersed themselves in an aspect of Japanese cultural heritage, where joy and good fortune are celebrated and shared. They not only explored unique elements of Japanese culture but also strengthened bonds with friends, while expanding their vocabulary and cultural knowledge along the way.
