The Rinker Center for International Programs hopes to prove that Ball State University can be culturally dynamic with Friday's and Sunday's series of Japan-related events.
Booths featuring anime, manga, calligraphy and origami will be open from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday in the Atrium. Michael Roemer, assistant professor of religious studies, will give a presentation titled "Festivals: Fun and Fantastic in Modern Japan." Information for students wanting to study abroad in Japan will also be available.
Sunday's events will include Japanese food, a traditional dance group, martial arts presentations and koto performances. Koto is a traditional Japanese stringed instrument.
Trevor Foley, events coordinator for the Rinker Center, said there are plenty of Japanese students and faculty on campus, and Japanese culture should be explored by the entire university.
The week of events has been scheduled to coincide with a visit by Japanese Consul General of Chicago George Hisaeda. Hisaeda will be presenting "Japan in America: Building for the Future," an invite-only seminar, Thursday morning in Sursa Music Hall.
Ben Hancock, vice president for University Advancement, said President Jo Ann Gora invited Hisaeda because it seemed fitting.
"We had been working with the consul's staff for some time," Hancock said. "We thought it was appropriate to have him visit the campus. We've been looking for ways that we can reach out to Japanese companies and create connections with them in Indiana."
Foley said the Rinker Center has acknowledged that Japanese popular culture has become increasingly well-known worldwide and hopes that their events are well received.
"We hope he [the Consul General] sees us highlighting cultural opportunities on campus," he said.
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