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The University of Oklahoma Japanese Student Association (JSA) has been
a part of the OU community for over twenty years. The purpose of the JSA
is to promote learning and sharing of Japanese culture, encourage a more
multicultural view of Japan and other countries, prepare students for life
in the global community, and to provide a forum for mutual cooperation
and information exchange. The JSA is not an organization for only Japanese
nationals or those of Japanese descent, but for anyone who has interest
in Japanese culture.
We are trying each year to
accomplish these goals more fully and openly. By providing an atmosphere for
Japanese and American students to meet and talk with others with similar
interests, we are cultivating interest in areas related to Japan. It is commonly
accepted that most of the international and racial problems of the United States
are caused by ignorance. In some small ways, the JSA is helping solve this
problem by encouraging interactions between Japanese and American people.
Hosting our yearly Japan Week, and participating in Asian Oklahoma Night, as
well as other projects, we hope to alleviate commonly held misconceptions of
Japan and its people.
A few years ago, Japan Night grew into Japan Week. This newly extended
event includes Japan Night, as well as other events that focus on things
like Japanese culture, language, film, or business. We invited the Hitachi
Cooperation to deliver a lecture on working business relations between
Japan and the United States. Another evening that week was dedicated to
famous Japanese films. Of course Japan Night has also been a great success.
Over 300 people attend our flagship cultural event, and the night tends
to take on the atmosphere intended, a cultural festival. Japan Night features
live music and fashion shows, as well as humorous skits, martial arts demonstrations
and many booths. The booths feature everything from traditional ceremonies
to Japan's popular culture, and give a real insight to the rich complexities
that make the culture so fascinating.
Through our efforts, the JSA is
preparing OU students for life in our increasingly global community, and
provides a means by which to promote the understanding of different cultures and
a value for diversity.
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