We had a great time experiencing Japanese culture.
Jan. 10, 2026
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
