A chance to explore Japanese Children’s Day and learn to make carp shaped windsock – Koinobori

Japan has always had a reputation for its distinctive cultures and unique traditions. Most Japanese festivals are celebrated through many intriguing activities which are deeply rooted in their rich variety of local history and values.

JUNE 6 - The Faculty of Languages and International Cultures in cooperation with Tatosa Japanese Language School, held a themed workshop “An introduction to Japanese Children’s Day and Koinobori decoration contest” in order to create an occasion for UEFers, especially Japanese majors, to dive into and explore the fascinating folk games from the “Land of Rising Sun”.
 

UEFers had the chance to learn more about Japanese cultures

The workshop featured the presence of Ms. Nguyen Huynh Mai – Teacher, Tatosa Japanese Language School; Dr. Vo Van Thanh Than – Dean, Faculty of Languages and International Cultures; Ms. Nguyen Tran Vu Thu – Faculty member, Faculty of Languages and International Cultures; Ms. Ly Nhu Quynh – Faculty member, Faculty of Languages and International Cultures. These are also the judge panel of the Koinobori decoration contest.
 

The Faculty of Languages and International Cultures’ representative gifted the special guest from Tatosa Japanese Language School

Ms. Ly Nhu Quynh gave an opening speech: “Children’s Day in Japan is a national occasion to respect and honor their individual convenience and happiness is wished upon them. No matter where we are or how old we become, there is always a child spirit inside each of us. I hope that in this contest, UEFers will fully utilize both the adult spirit to flawlessly complete the koinobori and your child spirit to cherish these childish yet memorable moments.” Ms. Nhu Quynh also showed her gratitude towards the faculty members and the supporting units for helping the making of this wonderful workshop.
 

Ms. Ly Nhu Quynh emphasized the role of everyone’s “inner child”
 

Dr. Vo Van Thanh Than showed his appreciation to the corporations for accompanying UEF in the event

At the workshop, UEFers were able to see the bigger picture of Japanese Children’s Day. It is one of the national festivals in Japan which is celebrated on May 5. Its central value revolves around showing respect for children’s personalities and wishing them happiness. Children usually celebrate this event by participating in many activities such as eating Kashiwa mochi, taking baths sprinkled with iris leaves and roots, ornamenting Kabuto and Children’s Day dolls as well as decorating koinobori. Aside from Kahoot games, participants were also presented with videos and photos of this unique festival.

In Japanese culture, the carp symbolizes bravery and strength for their ability to swim against the current and achieve success through preservation, which is the essence that the Japanese determine to deliver to their young generations. For that reason, koinobori are often displayed on Children’s Day.
 

The festive cultural activities got the full attention of UEFers

After watching the instruction video, all of the groups began to craft their own koinobori with the provided materials including sugar paper, color pencil, tape, etc. UEFers were free to let their imagination fly in the making of these colorful carps. Both the heat of lively discussion and the quietness of contestants’ concentration when they drew each individual line can be observed during the contest.

After 30 minutes of non-stop crafting, many unique koinobori were created and displayed for the Panel judges to evaluate.
 

UEFers made big effort to create unique koinobori
 

The final products of all of the groups

Each koinobori is a physical embodiment of the students’ passion, effort, personalities and even the stories they want to convey. After some careful consideration, the Panel Judges had found the worthy groups for awarding.

To be more specific, the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in this contest will receive the following scholarship from Tatosa Japanese Language School: 100%, 80% and 50% scholarships.
 

The grand winners of the scholarships had been revealed

At the end of the event, the students not only learned more about the fascinating cultural features in the “Land of the Rising Sun”, but also gained many valuable memories and experiences. This truly was a festival dedicated to the "inner child" of UEFers to set aside all pressures from studying and daily life.
 

Anh Thy

Photos: Tuan Anh