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Event Recap January 22, 2024

BDS Scholars Celebrate the Japanese New Year at the Japan Information & Culture Center, Embassy of Japan

A group of BDS students traveled to D.C. to celebrate the Japanese New Year at the Japan Information & Culture Center, Embassy of Japan this past weekend.  They learned about Nenjago, an early  tradition in Japan where people would send New Year’s wishes to loved ones. 2024 marks the Year of the Dragon, so nengajo designs must […]

A group of BDS students traveled to D.C. to celebrate the Japanese New Year at the Japan Information & Culture Center, Embassy of Japan this past weekend.  They learned about Nenjago, an early  tradition in Japan where people would send New Year’s wishes to loved ones. 2024 marks the Year of the Dragon, so nengajo designs must include a Dragon, the kanji for Dragon (辰) found on the Zodiac animal calendar, as well as the year 2024 (or Reiwa 6/令和六年 in the Japanese calendar).  

Each year the JICC hosts a Nenjago contest that features 3 categories, from children through adult submissions.  The BDS Community School Coordinator encourages students to participate every year, but this is the first time we’ve ventured to see the winning submissions.  Scholars were able to observe as Mochi was prepared onsite, and sample the sweet treat along with warm green tea.

The BDS Community School Specialist was excited to connect with Ms Headly, the JICC Educational Programs Coordinator who gave students a book about Japanese culture, and also sent a book about studying abroad in Japan for a senior that has applied to an international college to do just that!