During BC Japan Week, OLS students took part in hands-on workshops and cultural events that brought Japanese traditions to life. From shaping onigiri and learning Taiko drumming to experiencing a traditional tea ceremony and reflecting on the legacy of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, students gained a deeper appreciation for Japan’s history, art, and values through immersive, educational experiences.
For the past nine years, Bellevue College has hosted Japan Week, presented by the BC Japanese Culture Exchange Club. Japan Week aims to introduce and nurture multiple facets of Japanese culture, including its rich history. This annual event is often a favorite for OLS students, and many students participate in the activities for some of their courses.
During this year’s event, OLS students immersed themselves in a range of enriching cultural experiences that deepened their understanding of Japanese history, tradition, and contemporary issues. Students in the Nutrition, Health and Fitness I class attended either the Onigiri (Riceball) Making Workshop or the Tea Ceremony – Urasenke Style, while those in the Cultural Awareness course participated in both the Taiko Workshop and the Hiroshima and Nagasaki Legacy Presentation.
At the Onigiri Making Workshop, led by Chef Uruma, students got hands-on experience crafting one of Japan’s most beloved foods. Known as Japan’s original finger food, onigiri has been a part of the country’s cuisine for more than 2,000 years. Participants learned how to properly portion rice, add fillings (including vegan options) and shape their own rice balls. The workshop not only introduced practical culinary skills but also offered a window into everyday Japanese food culture and its connection to history and community.
The Taiko Workshop, taught by Ringtaro Tateishi, Founder and Artistic Director of Japan Creative Arts, gave students the chance to explore the art of Taiko drumming. Through step-by-step instruction, they learned about the cultural significance, techniques, and discipline behind this dynamic form of percussion. The rhythmic, high-energy session was both an engaging physical experience and a deeper look into the collective spirit at the heart of Taiko performance.
Students who attended the Tea Ceremony, Urasenke Style, presented by the Chado Urasenke Tankokai Seattle Association, experienced a quieter side of Japanese culture. The ceremony centered on the principles of Wa (harmony), Kei (respect), Sei (purity), and Jaku (tranquility), which guide every movement and gesture of the ritual. Participants observed and practiced mindfulness through each step of the process, culminating in the sampling of matcha tea and a traditional sweet treat, giving OLS students an opportunity to reflect on simplicity, respect, and the beauty of tradition.
In the presentation 80 Years Since Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Stan Shikuma of Tsuru for Solidarity led a thoughtful and impactful discussion about the legacy of the atomic bombings. Students learned about the historical context of these events, the global nuclear arms race that followed, and how their effects continue to resonate today. The session encouraged reflection on the human cost of war and modernization, prompting meaningful conversations about peace, resilience, and responsibility across generations.
Together, these experiences offered OLS students an opportunity to engage with Japanese culture from multiple perspectives—through food, art, tradition, and history—creating a week of connection, learning, and reflection.
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