Japan-related
Fall 2023 – Spring 2024
Join us for the Japanese “taiko” workshop and performance by Casual Fifth
Taiko Workshop and Performance We are excited to announce our first Taiko Workshop and Performance on Sunday, April 28, from 2:30-3:30 p.m., at Amado Recital Hall located at Irvine Auditorium, 3401 Spruce St, Philadelphia, PA 19104. Some participants will have the unique opportunity to play the taiko during the workshop. The event is open to the public and supported by the Penn Language Center and the UPenn Japanese Language Program. Feel free to bring your family, friends, etc. For questions, please contact nanatk@sas.upenn.edu. Casual Fifth is a Philadelphia-based ensemble that merges taiko drumming with modern dance. Led by Alex Pfister and Mac Evans since 2005, the group’s dynamic performances and workshops have been highlighted at the cherry blossom festivals in Washington D.C. and Philadelphia, Shofuso‘s Obon festival, various Fringe Festivals, and the educational events in local schools. This event will delve into the history of pioneering taiko groups in Japan, such as Osuwa Daiko, Sukeroku Daiko, and Ondekoza, spotlighting how their performances are influenced by various Japanese festivals. |
![]() |
Japanese Language Program Presents: Spring 2024 Japanese Karaoke
The Japanese Language Program hosted its 4th annual Spring Japanese Karaoke event in March. Eight Japanese language classes showcased their passion for Japanese pop culture through singing karaoke! Some teams performed with a pre-recorded karaoke video to accommodate those who were unable to participate in-person due to a scheduling conflict. All participants worked very hard to practice for over a month, despite their busy schedule, so every student received an award–congratulations to everyone! For the second time, all Japanese instructors formed a team and performed an opening act! みなさん、本当によくがんばりました!
![]() 1st Prize (Gold) JPAN800 (taught by Tomoko Takami) “Koi” (恋 by 星野源) |
![]() 2nd Prize (Silver) JPAN400-002 (taught by Ryo Nakayama) “Hikarunara” (光るなら by Goose House) |
![]() 3rd Prize (Bronze) JPAN410 (taught by Akiko Barnes) “Yume O Kanaete Doraemon” (夢を叶えてドラえもん by mao) |
![]() Special Prize 楽しかったで賞 JPAN400-001 (taught by Ryo Nakayama) “Zen Zen Zensei” (前前前世 by RADWIMPS) |
![]() Special Prize 美声だったで賞 ケイト・アディティア・ケビン “GIRI GIRI” (by 鈴木雅之) |
![]() Special Prize いいチームワークだったで賞 JPAN600 (taught by Megumu Tamura) “Sun” (by 星野源) |
![]() Special Prize がんばったで賞 JPAN200-all sections (taught by Nana Takeda) “Mayonaka no Door/Stay with me” (真夜中のドア/Stay with me by 松原みき) |
![]() Special Prize 感動したで賞 JPAN1085/6085 (taught by Nana Takeda) “Mixed Nuts” (by Official髭男dism) |
![]() Team Instructors (from the left) Megumu Tamura, Nana Takeda, Tomoko Takami, Akiko Barnes, and Ryo Nakayama “Zankoku na Tenshi no Teze” (残酷な天使のテーゼ by 高橋洋子) |
We are excited about hosting our annual Japanese Karaoke Showcase on Tuesday, March 19 at 3:30-4:30 p.m. at Stiteler Hall 261 (STIT 261). Our students from different Japanese language classes will sing their favorite songs as groups live at the event! For questions, please contact Ms. Nana Takeda at nanatk@sas.upenn.edu.
We hosted the second annual Japanese dance event (Pikachu Bon Odori) at UPenn’s campus!
We are hosting the Fall 2023 Japanese dance event (Pikachu Bon Dancing) at UPenn’s campus!
Date: Thursday, September 21, 2023, from 5:15 – 6:00 p.m.
*The rain date is Thursday, September 28*
Location: College Green
This event is open to the public, and your family and friends are welcome to join us! We will practice the Pikachu Bon Dance (Bon Odori) on the day of the event, but it will be even more enjoyable if you can practice it beforehand. The following videos will be helpful for your practice of the Pikachu Bon Dance (Bon Odori):
Please consider wearing a yukata, jinbei, or happi if you have one. If you don’t, we will have some happi available on the event day on a first-come, first-served basis. For tips on how to wear a yukata and jinbei, you can watch the following videos:
Additionally, traditional Japanese toys such as Kendama, Otedama (bean bags), Mangekyoo (kaleidoscope), Taiko, and more will be available at this event. We also plan to do watermelon splitting games!
You can watch some videos of our Fall 2022 Pikachu dance event by scrolling down this page! We look forward to seeing you there and dancing the Pikachu Bon Odori together! For questions, please contact Ms. Takeda at nanatk@sas.upenn.edu.
Fall 2022 – Spring 2023
Students from High Intermediate Japanese visited Shofuso Japanese House and Garden to deepen their knowledge about the Japanese perspective on nature
With the sponsorship by CEAS, High Intermediate Japanese (JPAN600) class visited Shofuso Japanese House and Garden. Through the guided tour, we learned about the history of Shofuso and deepened the understanding of the Japanese perspective on nature that we had learned in class. It was a very rewarding experience on such a beautiful day!
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Eight Japanese language classes showcased their passion for Japanese pop culture through singing karaoke!
The Japanese Language Program hosted its 3rd annual Spring Japanese Karaoke event in April. The participants worked hard as teams to practice for over a month, despite their busy academic schedule, so all participated students received the awards – congratulations, everyone! For the first time this year, the Japanese instructors formed a team and performed an opening act!
![]() JPAN200-003 (taught by Nana Takeda) “Let It Go” (ありのままで by まつたか⼦) |
![]() 2nd Prize (Silver) JPAN600-002 (taught by Megumu Tamura) “DADDY! DADDY! DO!” (DADDY! DADDY! DO! f/ 鈴木あいり by 鈴木まさゆき) |
![]() 3rd Prize (Bronze) JPAN800 (taught by Tomoko Takami) “Matsuri” (まつり by ふじいかぜ) |
![]() JPAN600-001 (taught by Megumu Tamura) “Lipstick Message” (ルージュの伝⾔ by まつとうやゆみ) |
![]() Special Prize 美声だったで賞 JPAN400-001 (taught by Akiko Barnes) “When Enveloped in Tenderness” (やさしさに包まれたなら by まつとうやゆみ) |
![]() Special Prize いいチームワークだったで賞 JPAN400-002 (taught by Akiko Barnes) “Hanataba No Kawari Ni Melody O)” (花たばの代わりにメロディーを by しみずしょうた) |
![]() Special Prize がんばったで賞 JPAN200-002 (taught by Nana Takeda) “Night Dancer” (by imase) |
![]() Special Prize 感動したで賞 JPAN200-001 (taught by Nana Takeda) “Hadaka No Yuusha” (裸の勇者 by Vaundy) |
![]() Team Instructors (from the left) Megumu Tamura, Nana Takeda, Tomoko Takami, Akiko Barnes, and Ryo Nakayama “Ashita Ga Aru” (明日がある by ウルフルズ) |
Japanese Language Program Presents: Spring 2023 Japanese Karaoke
We are thrilled to host our annual Japanese Karaoke event on Friday, April 14 at 4:00-5:00 p.m. at Leidy Laboratories 10 (LLAB 10). The event will feature performances from eight student teams singing Japanese Karaoke. Please feel free to bring your friends and family members, too, as this is a public event. We look forward to seeing you and singing together! For questions, please contact Ms. Nana Takeda at nanatk@sas.upenn.edu.
Mr. Koichi Ai, Minister of the Embassy of Japan, spoke to our Advanced Japanese students
We were very honored to have the special guest speaker to our Advanced Japanese classes – Mr. Koichi Ai, Minister, Embassy of Japan in the USA, on February 22, 2023. Minister Ai gave a talk in Japanese about his life as a diplomat, living in different countries, and working on foreign affairs. It was such a rewarding experience for students to meet him! Thank you very much, Minister Ai, for coming all the way and talking to us!
|
|
|
|
We hosted the first Japanese dance event (Bon Odori) at UPenn’s campus, featuring “PIKACHU Bon Dance”!
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
We are hosting the Study Abroad in Japan Information Session (online) where the students can learn about the one-of-a-kind study abroad opportunities available at Penn!
Date: Friday, November 4 @3:30-5:00 p.m.
This event will take place online via Zoom and is open to the public.
Please click here to pre-register. The Zoom link will be sent after your registration.
If you have any questions regarding this session, please contact Akiko Barnes at akiko18@sas.upenn.edu.
We are hosting the first Japanese dance event (Bon Odori) at UPenn’s campus, featuring “PIKACHU Bon Dance”!
New Date: Thursday, October 20 @5:15-6:00 p.m. (We have unfortunately postponed the event from 10/13 THU to 10/20 THU due to a high likelihood of wet weather)
Location: College Green (outdoor), University of Pennsylvania
This event is open to the public. Family and friends are welcome, too.
We will practice the Pikachu Bon Dance (Bon Odori) together at the event. But it will be more fun if you can practice the Pikachu Bon Dance (Bon Odori) before the event. The following videos will be helpful for your practice of the Pikachu Bon Dance (Bon Odori):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PE0S6PQNz-E
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3zE1j1OI8I
Wear the yukata or jinbei or happi! Don’t have any? No worries! Students in the Japanese Language Program can rent one from us, on a first-come, first-served basis. Just come to WILL 401 on Tuesday, October 11, between 1:30 and 2:00 p.m. For any questions, contact Nana Takeda @ nanatk@sas.upenn.edu
We look forward to seeing you and dancing the Pikachu Bon Odori together! ♫
More than 60 students expressed their passion for Japanese pop culture through singing!
Seven Japanese language classes and three individual contestants volunteered and showcased their talent at the in-person Japanese Karaoke contest hosted by the Japanese Language Program in April! While all participants did an awesome job, here are the prize winners and participants. Congratulations, everyone!
![]() JPAN112-001 (taught by Nana Takeda) “Zankoku na Tenshi no teeze” (残酷な天使のテーゼ) |
![]() 2nd Prize (Silver) JPAN382 (taught by Tomoko Takami) “Marigold” (マリーゴールド) |
![]() 3rd Prize (Bronze) JPAN012-003 (taught by Nana Takeda) “Pretender” (プリテンダー) |
![]()
3rd Prize (Bronze) |
Participation
|
Participation |
![]()
Participation |
Participation
|
![]() Participation Limashi Molligoda & Daniel Gross-Loh (taught by Chihiro Hanami) “Tonari no Totoro” (となりのトトロ) |
Information Session on Study Abroad in Japan (on Zoom)
Date: Tuesday, January 25, 2022 @5:00 – 6:00 p.m.
More than 30 students expressed their passion for Japanese pop culture through singing!
Six Japanese language classes and five individual contestants volunteered and showcased their talent at the Zoom Japanese Karaoke contest hosted by the Japanese Language Program in April! While all participants did an awesome job, here are the prize winners. Congratulations, everyone!
1st Prize (Gold) JPAN382 (taught by Tomoko Takami) “Tenbyoo no uta” (点描の唄) |
2nd Prize (Silver) JPAN112-003 (taught by Megumu Tamura) “Sakura〜Anatani aete yokatta〜” (さくら〜あなたに会えてよかった〜) |
3rd Prize (Bronze) JPAN022 (taught by Akiko Barnes) “Baka mitai” (ばかみたい) |
Film screening of “Alone Again in Fukushima ナオト、いまもひとりっきり” in conjunction with a special panel discussion with Penn faculty
Date: Sunday, March 7, 2021 at 12:00 a.m. to March 8, 2021 at 7:30 p.m.
Streaming online on March 7th-8th for pre-registrants only! Register here for the film by March 5 at 12:00 p.m., and register here for the panel discussion event on March 8 at 6:00 p.m. (EST)
Ostriches, cows, hogs, cats, a pony, and a dog…and a single person remain in the nuclear zone in Fukushima. Naoto Matsumura lives alone with these animals in Tomioka, a town located only 12 kilometers away from the melted-down nuclear power plant.
It has been over five years since Alone in Fukushima was released in 2015. Covered by CNN, ARTE, and other major overseas network, the story has remained largely untold in the Japanese media. Alone Again in Fukushima is the sequel to the 2015 release. What has happened to Naoto since 2015? The singular life of a man who has been at the mercy of the nuclear accident is revealed.
The film will be available streaming online from March 7th-8th, held in conjunction with a special panel discussion on March 8th at 6 p.m. with Linda Chance (EALC), Caitlin Adkins (EALC), and Eric Feldman (Law).
Co-sponsored by the Center for East Asian Studies (CEAS) and Japanese Language Program at the University of Pennsylvania
Special Guest Speaker: Matthew Stavros, Ph.D.
Date: Tuesday, March 3, 2020 @4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Location: Williams Hall 205, University of Pennsylvania
The first half will be about Dr. Stavros’ journey on learning Japanese, pursuing a Ph.D. in Japanese studies and his career as a historian of Early Japan. The second half will be an information session and Q&A on the Kyoto Consortium for Japanese Studies, which is a Kyoto-based Japanese program with summer, semester-long, and academic-year long programs.
Student Panel: What do I do with BA in Japanese?
Date: Monday, February 17, 2020 @5:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Location: Williams Hall 25, University of Pennsylvania
Let’s hear Senpai’s stories! Ph.D. students in the Department of East Asian Languages and Civilizations will discuss their experiences of studying Japanese language and Japan studies at Penn. Why did they choose to major in Japan studies? How was their experience of studying abroad in Japan? How did they find an internship and a job in Japan? What is a specialized area that they are interested in? How are their lives as undergraduate and graduate students different?
Presenters: Caitlin Adkins and Patrick Carland
This panel will be chaired by Tomoko Takami, Director of Japanese Language Program and Senior Lecturer in Foreign Languages.
Co-sponsored by the Japanese Language Program and Center for East Asian Studies.
The 12th Annual Student Panel: Career and Internship Opportunities in Japan
Date: Friday, October 25, 2019 @2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Location: Annenberg 111, University of Pennsylvania
1. First Session @ 2:00
Student Panelists:
Michelle Khang, Come On Out
Michael Williams, JET Programme
Anita Yang, Daimler/Mitsubishi FUSO/PABCO
2. Second Session @ 4:00
A recruiter from DISCO International
Are you interested in an internship and/or a job opportunity in Japan? Join us for the panel where we learn from our fellow students and experts on the job hunting for Japanese-English bilinguals. The talk will include topics such as job hunting, work, use of Japanese language at work, cross-cultural issues, challenges, and accomplishments. You can ask more questions at the talk, too!
The panelists from the first session (2-3 p.m.) are students and alumni of Japanese language classes at the University of Pennsylvania. The panelist from the second session (3-4 p.m.) is a recruiter for English-Japanese bilingual students. She will provide an overview and tips for job hunting. The panel is conducted in English. It is open to the public. The panel will be chaired by Tomoko Takami, Director of Japanese Language Program and Senior Lecturer in Foreign Languages.
This event is sponsored by the Center for East Asian Studies and the Japanese Language Program at the University of Pennsylvania.