The Japanese Club has been an organization at SRU for over 15 years. The club requires no language experience, encouraging all students to join, learn and engage with the culture in a variety of ways. A few activities the club hosts are kimono paper designs, anime night and tea night ceremonies, to list a few.
President of the Japanese Club, Clarissa Spahr, senior early education major and communication minor has been involved with the club for three years.
“Our goal is for the immersion experience in promoting diversity and global learning through Japanese culture on campus, but led and organized only by students,” said Spahr.
Spahr said the activities held by the Japanese Club change depending on who is president of the club and depending on the interests of the club overall.
“Since I focus on education, I look to more art-based activities like designing paper kimonos and the history of kimonos,” said Spahr. “I know some members were interested in traditional Japanese music so we will have a meeting focused on the information that way.”
Since back on campus, the Japanese Club has involved themselves on campus more than ever before. Last week was the first time the Japanese Club had participated in the homecoming events on campus. The club decorated a window by Weisenfluh for the window wars event and created a float for the parade.
Next semester the club hopes to hold a “Demon Slayer” movie event and other cultural events based upon that. The Japanese Club also hopes to partner with different clubs with the purpose of appreciating other cultures.
On Friday, Oct. 29, the Japanese Club is hosting Yokai by the Fire. The event will be held in the Greater Room of Building F from 7:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Students who are interested in joining Japanese Club at SRU can find more information through CORE. Students can also connect with the Japanese club on Instagram @japanese_club_of_sru. Meetings are held weekly and alternate between in person and online via Zoom.
