GlobE Komaba hosted the "Bon dance & Tanabata party"

On Friday, July 3, GlobE Komaba hosted the "Bon Dance & Tanabata Party" on Komaba I Campus.

Throughout the event, international students and foreign researchers had the opportunity to experience Japanese seasonal traditions and festivities, and also interact with other UTokyo participants. Over fifty participants from twenty-one countries and regions enjoyed the event together.

We were honored to welcome a Bon dance instructor, Mr. Ukon TAKAFUJI, a dancer/Bon dance choreographer and a part-time lecturer at College of Arts and Sciences, UTokyo. Participants from around the world enjoyed dancing one dance after another under the instructor’s attentive guidance, from traditional Bon Dance to lively routines set to popular anime songs. They enthusiastically shouted “Yoi! Yoi!”, struck poses together with fellow participants, and shared many joyful moments.

Later, they hung wish strips on bamboo branches for Tanabata and sang the festive song "Tanabata-sama." This event provided a valuable opportunity to experience Japanese seasonal traditions and foster intercultural exchange among members of UTokyo. It was a lively and memorable gathering that brought people closer through shared cultural experiences.