Club engaging students in Japanese culture

Stephanie Montes De Oca // Contributing Writer

Florida International University is known for its diversity in students. There are students from all over the world. For instance, students from China, Japan, Korea and other Asian countries come to FIU to study.

There are students who share an interest in these countries as well and love to learn more by befriending classmates from those respective countries and attending organizations events to learn more about their interest. FIU has a variety of organizations and societies. There is the Japan Club, Korean Culture Club, Chinese club, Vietnamese club and Asian Student union.

Erica Phillips is one of the students who joined the Asian organizations and is now part of the executive board for the Japan Club.

The Japan Club encourages the learning of Japanese culture through the means of entertainment, activities and scrumptious food. Their events allows for the FIU community and the organization’s members to meet and create friendships, enjoy food and learn more about Japan without having to leave Miami.

Phillips stated that their past events included Jdrama/anime showings, Pocky decorating event on Valentine’s Day, origami workshop, Japanese language study sessions from beginners to advanced and more Japanese culture related activities. Just recently, they worked with the consulate general of Japan in Miami to bring FIU a week long, Japan: Food in Film movie event.

In regards to upcoming events, they plan on hosting a roundtable discussion on the topic of studying abroad in Japan. At this event, students will have the opportunity to ask past study abroad students questions on their experience. In December, they will be helping out with Japan Immersion day which is an annual celebration of Japanese culture featuring workshops on Japanese bracelet making, hachi/chopsticks decorating, sumie (Japanese brush painting), Kimono try-on and much more. The event will be held on Monday, Dec. 14, 2015 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and is open to the public.

Students who are interested in learning more about the club can go on OrgSync and look up the Japan Club.