A celebration of Japanese culture once again brought members of the Lancashire community together at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan)’s Preston Campus

The annual event on Friday 3^rd February, now in its ninth year, allowed people to experience a variety of exciting activities for free, including Origami, Taiko Japanese drumming, a Japan-themed fashion runway and Okinawa Karate and Jujitsu performances.

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There was also a range of stalls for visitors to explore, where they could try their hand at calligraphy, Ori-gami and Ori-towel and sample authentic Japanese food, including in Bento boxes with edamame rice, chicken kara-age, Lotus root sandwich, sushi, and strawberry mochi. 

Minister Yasuyuki Okazaki, from the Japanese Embassy, opened the event with UCLan’s Vice Chancellor Graham Baldwin, speaking about the similarities between Japan and the UK with their rich histories and culture, and the bright future between the two island nations.

Families with young children were there to enjoy the event’s sights, smell and sounds – among them was 10-year-old Cherry Jones, who is home-schooled and interested in all things Japanese. Cherry said, “I do Karate already, and it’s been great to see those demonstrations. Next year I think I’d like to be in the fashion show too!”.

Meanwhile, Kirsten Raey, who herself studied at UCLan and is now mum to four-year-old Joshua – who loved the drums display – said: “Events like this are brilliant – it’s great for Joshua to be here learning about something new. I also hope that one day he’ll come to university too, so he’s getting an early look at what’s on offer!”

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Takako Amano, Senior Lecturer in Japanese at UCLan, said: “It’s wonderful to see so much interest in our Japan Day, which has become a firm favourite amongst our students, colleagues and the community alike. It’s great to be able to share some aspects of Japan to Lancashire, and I’m already thinking about how we mark the 10^th Japan Day at UCLan with just as much enthusiasm and fun!”

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