Born out of a tragedy that drew World War II to a close, contemporary Japan is unfamiliar to many students
as Hollywood attempts to define the country in terms of ancient traditions like geisha and samurai. But Japan is a forerunner in the modern world, stepping ahead of Europe and even the United States in technological advances and modernized architecture.
The University’s Japanese Student Organization is attempting to exemplify the qualities that define seven modern-day Japanese cities through their Japan Night 2006, taking place this Saturday at 6:30 p.m. in the EMU Ballroom.
“I think that our goal is to show people what Japan really is because I think a lot of people have some preconceived ideas about what Japan is,” JSO Co-President Kellen Wertz said. “Japan is a vibrant, modern society and perhaps one of the most unique first-world societies in the world because it arose out of this vacuum. It was sort of a miracle – because of the speed in which it modernized, westernized and grew economically after World War II.”
This year’s Japan Night theme is “Tour Japan.” Through a stage show performance, members of the JSO will demonstrate the distinctive traditions and characteristics of Tokyo, Hokkaido, Sapporo, Nagoya, Kyoto, Nagasaki and Naha.
“Japan is made up of islands but we’re explaining the cities and what the differences are between them,” JSO Co-President Sayuri Satofuka said. “There are a lot of differences between them, and it is really interesting to learn about Japan’s culture and traditions. Many people can’t go because it’s really expensive, so this is the cheapest way to experience Japan.”
Although it would be easy to assume that experiencing one city in Japan is just like any other, it would be like comparing the cultures of New York City and Honolulu.
“Japan is a really small country, only about the size of California, and yet there’s so much history connected with each place,” Wertz said. “Each city has its own kind of culture, customs, food and dialects. So it’s going to be a really interesting show.”
Following the performances, the JSO has a haunted house planned. But this isn’t the typical haunted house that Americans associate with Halloween. The Japanese-style haunted house, known as “obake yashiki,” is a tradition that Wertz felt was important to include in this year’s Japan Night.

“The haunted house is a tradition with Japan Night- (but) it’s not like a haunted house populated with Frankenstein and mummies and vampires. It’s a very Japanese haunted house,” Wertz said. “It’s traditional to have obake yashiki at festivals and this is sort of a festival.”
Satofuka, who is an international student from Japan, explained the differences between what most Americans and Japanese would consider horror.
“American horror comes instantly, like a surprise, but Japanese horror really creeps on you,” she said. “So we’re doing that kind of thing in our haunted house. It’s not like ghosts or anything, but it’s a really freaky haunted house.”
Dinner will be provided, with traditional Japanese dishes like yakisoba, nikujaga (beef and potato stew), oshitashi (a spinach salad) and of course rice. Vegetarian dishes will also be available.
There will also be booths set up that allow people to experience traditional Japanese customs such as origami, calligraphy and different Japanese games.
“Japan is modern but still there are traditions and cultural things that are still important,” Satofuka said. “You see temples between tall buildings. … We are very modern, but still we have our traditions in our hearts.”
Japan Night takes place Saturday in the EMU Ballroom. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the show begins at 6:30. The cost is $5 for students and $7 for general admission.
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