Experiencing Japanese culture firsthand seems close to impossible without splurging on a trip to Japan. Luckily, members from the Japanese National Honors Society (JNHS) found a way to emulate the authenticity of the Japanese culture right here in Basking Ridge,
For the first time in Ridge High School history, members of JNHS hosted a celebration for the Japanese Culture Festival (also known as the Bunkasai Festival) on Friday, February 6 at the Ridge High School cafeteria from 5 PM to 8 PM.
Upon completion of a survey regarding opinions on the cultural festival, students and parents were welcome, free of cost, to experience authentic Japanese foods and drinks as well as a Haunted House madey the hardworking members of JNHS.
Members in charge of hosting the event dedicated their efforts to a creating a ramen noodle-eating contest, a sushi-making contest, and a movie screening of My Neighbor is Totoro. Along with the various sources of entertainment, the event included a “Maid Cafe” where Japanese pancakes and other snacks were available for a minimal fee.
Anita Yang ‘16, the current secretary of JNHS and a member who worked at the Maid café, comments, “I’m involved in the preparation for all of the events, such as the haunted house, our main attraction, and the sushi making contest. We [were] excited to host this event for the first time at Ridge.”
The Bunkasai Festival is a common event in Japanese high schools. The Japanese Culture Festival is usually a two-day celebration that serves as a social occasion for many students. In Japan, preparation for the event starts well in advance. Students dedicate their efforts toward a particular event and set up booths accordingly in separate classrooms and gymnasiums. The fun-filled attractions serve to display their academia as well as to act as anutlet for social interactions with various students, sometimes from different schools. Ridge was lucky enough to experience the same event on February 6.
Jessica Booth • Feb 27, 2015 at 2:02 pm
This article was very well spoken and described the festival very well. It sounds like a lot of fun!
Rebecca Lee • Feb 27, 2015 at 1:42 pm
I think Japanese culture is very important and I think it is amazing that it is getting spread and get awareness from other cultures. EXPANDING KNOWLEDGE IS AWESOME
Christine Sheng • Feb 27, 2015 at 1:39 pm
As the President of the JNHS I am proud to say that the Japanese-styled School Festival was great success. Although the preparations were time consuming, difficult and a very big commitment, I am glad that our hard work paid off when over 200 people attended our event.
Gordän • Feb 27, 2015 at 12:37 pm
I agree that expanding the knowledge of cultures is amazing! Russian culture 5 life
Rana Shahani • Feb 27, 2015 at 12:07 pm
I was at this event and I thought it was an AMAZING experience. The amount of sushi available was actually beast. Definitely one of the best school events around, it would be a real pity if it went away for some reason.
Christine Papas • Feb 27, 2015 at 11:55 am
I participated in the organization of this event and was really excited that we were able to create such an event. I think that this event was a huge success. I hope that everyone enjoyed the event as much as I did
Cameron Montag • Feb 27, 2015 at 11:53 am
So glad the Bunkasai was such a huge success! It’s great to see Ridge getting more involved in Japanese culture – hopefully this will be a continuing trend!
JoshuaYekelchik • Feb 27, 2015 at 11:11 am
I really liked the frestival, since i cant take japanese i think its intresting to be able to see the culture in another method other than just sitting and learning the culture. I found the introduction to the japanese culture fun and interesting.
David Edward • Feb 26, 2015 at 2:06 pm
Learning about other countries is really good, it will help you learn more about the world
Anina Ku • Feb 26, 2015 at 2:03 pm
I got to go to the Bunkasai festival.. I was so impressed with the decorations, activities, food, and knowledge of the staff at the Maid Cafe. I was having a great time with friends. I learned a lot about Japanese culture and especially enjoyed the screening of the movie.
Tyler Lee • Feb 26, 2015 at 10:10 am
I think learning about other cultures is great, especially a country as cultured as Japan
Anita Yang • Feb 26, 2015 at 8:53 am
The Bunkasai Festival was very successful! The Bunkasai is a recreation of cultural festivals held by Japanese high schools, so I hope everyone had fun and learned a lot about Japanese culture.