The International Center and the Consulate General of Japan in Miami partnered to present the Japan Spring Festival @ UF last week. Hundreds of staff, faculty and students participated in this activity at the Reitz Union. Participants enjoyed Japanese cultural live music, tea demonstrations, origami, and calligraphy, and learned about educational and professional programs in Japan. The Consul General of Miami, Kazuhiro Nakai delivered remarks on friendship and future collaborations. Big thanks to the following collaborators!

Consulate General of Japan Guests
Consul General Nakai
Cultural Attaché – Consul Irisawa
JET Coordinator – Chris Brickey

Artists
Friends of Koto musical group – Chieko Rambo and Satomi Hirano
Kimono try-on – Fujinoya
Kasuza Hirokane – exchange student assisting with Kimonos
Calligraphy – Shizue Cortez
Origami – Fumika Komatsu (exchange student)
Origami and calligraphy – Kanako Otsui (visiting research scholar from Japan working with Dr. Ashley MacSuga-Gage at the College of Education; tabling with Luis)

Student Groups
Japanese Student Association – Shota Konno, President
Tea Club – Audrey DeHoog, President
VISA – Mombu Ngu, President

Other Participants
Greater Gainesville International Center – Lauren Poe
CLAS and ENG faculty:
Ann Wehmeyer
Rick Stepp
Jeremiah Blanchard
Chris Smith

Screenshot 2023-03-04 at 10.35.32 AM