On 24 October 2023, Ateneo de Davao University’s Arrupe Hall was graced with Japanese culture’s vibrant and captivating essence as the Nihongo Partners Program, a collaborative effort between the Japan Foundation, Manila, and the key university departments — the Department of Languages, Literature, and Arts (DLLA) and the Ateneo Language Center (ALC), came to life. This partnership underscored the university’s commitment to fostering cultural exchange, promoting language and diversity, and emphasizing the appreciation of Asian neighbors.
Further, the Japanese visitors, Mr. Masaaki Fukase, Ms. Yuna Ogake, and Ms. Aki Imoto, brought their expertise and enthusiasm for sharing Japanese culture with the students and attendees. Among the highlights of their presentation were two traditional Japanese dances, Soran Bushi and Uraja Odori.
Soran Bushi, a lively and energetic folk dance, originates from the Hokkaido region in northern Japan. Fishermen originally performed this dance as they celebrated their catches, and it imitates the movements of rowing and hauling in nets.
The students experienced the joy of expressing this Hokkaido tradition and felt the connection to the sea and its bountiful gifts.
Uraja Odori, on the other hand, hails from Okayama city during the Momotaro festival. It involves participants dressing up in eccentric costumes and donning devil-like makeup. This dance is based on the story of the myth of Ura, which has been passed down through the years in the Kibiji District.
Both Soran Bushi and Uraja Odori reflect the diversity and richness of Japanese culture, showcasing how local traditions and expressions can vary significantly from one region to another. By sharing these dances with the students, the Japanese teachers conveyed the importance of preserving these cultural gems while also highlighting the unity of Japan’s cultural heritage.
Also, by bringing Japanese teachers and traditional dances to the university, the event contributed to language education and celebrated the richness of Japanese culture. It served as a testament to the university’s dedication to providing holistic education, encompassing language, culture, and the arts, and fostering a global perspective among its students and the broader community. The collaboration between the Japan Foundation, DLLA, and ALC exemplified the power of partnerships in achieving educational and cultural goals.
Lastly, the Nihongo Partners Program is an initiative by the Japan Foundation, Manila, which has been actively engaging educational institutions and communities in the Philippines to promote the Japanese language and culture. Its primary goal is to cultivate a deeper understanding and appreciation of Japan, its language, and its rich cultural heritage among Filipino students and enthusiasts. The program is an excellent avenue for students to learn the Japanese language more engagingly and practically while immersing themselves in the fascinating world of Japanese traditions and customs.
The students who had the opportunity to learn and perform Uraja Odori discovered the depth of emotions and storytelling encapsulated within the dance.
Article and Photos by Dr. Jose Marie E. Ocdenaria
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