日本文化体験を楽しみました。/ We had a great time experiencing Japanese culture.
2026.01.10
2026年1月10日（土）、GLFP 12期生と14期生の有志が「日本文化体験」のプログラムに参加しました。
普段は入ることのできない閉場中の国立劇場で、日本の伝統芸能を体験できる特別プログラムです。日本文化に精通した一流の専門家による解説や、日本舞踊・邦楽などの本格的な体験を通じて、日本の伝統芸能の奥深さを再発見できました。
On Saturday, January 10, 2026, a group of interested students from the 12th and 14th GLFP cohorts participated in a Japanese Cultural Experience program.
This special program offered a rare opportunity to experience traditional Japanese performing arts at the National Theatre, which is normally closed to the public. Through expert commentary by leading specialists deeply knowledgeable about Japanese culture, as well as authentic hands-on experiences such as Japanese dance and traditional music, participants were able to rediscover the profound depth of Japan's traditional performing arts.
浴衣を着付けてもらい、日本舞踊の体験です。日本のことわざにある「礼に始まり、礼に終わる」は稽古事の基本であることや、「礼」は自身の心を落ち着かせ、他者へのリスペクトを示す意味があるという説明を受けます。
After being dressed in yukata, they took part in a Japanese dance workshop. They were first introduced to the saying, "Practice begins and ends with courtesy," which is a fundamental principle of traditional arts. The instructors explained that rei (bowing) helps calm one's mind and expresses respect for others.
扇子の使い方や歩き方の説明の後は、実際に日本舞踊の体験を行います。日本舞踊では扇子は扇ぐためではなく、花びらが散りゆく様、富士山、食べ物、お酒のお酌を表現する道具として使われます。全員初めての経験とは思えないほどのみ込みが早く、先生方も教え甲斐があります。 短い時間でしたが、音楽に合わせて一節を踊りきることができ大変貴重な経験となりました。
Following explanations on how to use a folding fan and how to walk properly, they moved on to the actual dance practice. In Japanese dance, the fan is not used simply for fanning; rather, it serves as a versatile prop to represent falling flower petals, Mount Fuji, food, or even pouring sake. Although it was everyone's first experience, they learned remarkably quickly, making the lesson both enjoyable and rewarding for the instructors. Despite the short duration, everyone was able to dance an entire section to music, making it a truly valuable and memorable experience.
午後は新国立劇場にて、国立劇場主催初春歌舞伎公演を鑑賞しました。歌舞伎を実際に鑑賞する機会は、US生だけではなく日本人学生にとっても初めての経験で、独特の言い回しのため内容を理解することに苦労しましたが、幕間に互いに確認するなど助け合いながら鑑賞を続けました。
In the afternoon, they attended the Kabuki performance hosted by the National Theatre at the New National Theatre. For many participants—both U.S. students and Japanese students alike—this was their first time watching Kabuki. While the unique language and expressions made the story challenging to follow, they supported one another by discussing and confirming their understanding during intermissions.
日本文化の魅力を存分に味わうことができ、また、期や国籍をまたいで交流を深めることができた1日となりました。
It was a day in which everyone was able to fully appreciate the appeal of Japanese culture, while also deepening connections across cohorts and nationalities.
