23 May 2025
On 13 May 2025, Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) hosted “Japan Day: Flower of Culture” – a lively celebration co-organised by the International Business School Suzhou (IBSS) and the School of Languages (SoL). Themed “Feeling the Charm of Japanese Culture,” the event invited students and staff to experience traditional costumes, music and dance.
The celebration began with an opportunity for attendees to try on brightly coloured Yukata, a traditional form of Japanese dress. The South Campus was transformed with Japanese-style photo booths, which quickly became popular check-in spots for students and teachers taking photos.
Dr Linke Chen, a lecturer at the School of Languages of Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, served as the host of this event.
It was followed by the cultural performances that featured renowned Japanese dancers Mutsunoya Kimiei and Mutsunoya Reika. Before the official opening, Dr Nimesh Salike, Associate Dean for Learning and Teaching at IBSS, gave an opening address. He first thanked the behind-the-scenes team for their hard work. He mentioned that as an international university, XJTLU brings together scholars from around the world, including many alumni from Japanese institutions, and that this event was an important practice in promoting cross-cultural exchange. He also highlighted the Business School's achievements as the youngest ‘triple-crown’ accredited business schools – recognised by AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA – and reaffirmed its student-centred approach, integration of technology and global outlook.
Dr Nimesh Salike
The performance showcased Japan’s rich cultural heritage, particularly its traditional dance forms. The two distinguished artists travelled from Tokyo to present authentic Japanese folk dances. Ms Kimiei began her dance training at the age of five, has mastered several genres of traditional Japanese dance, and served as an assistant producer for the Osaka World Expo. Ms Reika, who began her apprenticeship at nine, and has been active on international stages. Together, they presented classic works such as Edo Nihonbashi and the Aomori Celebration Dance, bringing elegance and expressive storytelling to the stage. The event was structured into multiple segments, each introducing different regional and historical dance styles. It included an educational segment, where the emcee, Lin Ke, explained the distinctions between Kabuki dance, Kamigata dance, and modern Shin Buyō. Attendees learned how Japanese dance incorporates storytelling, nature motifs, and intricate gestures, making it a captivating art form.
Dr Xinyi Zhou, the Programme Director of the International Business with Language at IBSS, highlighted the dynamic nature of the programme, which seamlessly integrates international business studies with language proficiency. Currently offering Spanish and Japanese as language options, this event was specifically designed to support and celebrate students pursuing Japanese language studies. Nobuhiko Tazoe from the School of Languages delivered the closing remarks, bringing the event to its formal conclusion. He encouraged the audience to explore the depth of Japanese culture beyond anime and games, highlighting the university’s resources for Japanese language learners including online exchanges with the University of the Ryukyus and planned in-person exchanges with students from Soochow University, in Taiwan.
Dr Xinyi Zhou, praised students’ enthusiasm and ability: "I was amazed by the students' Japanese proficiency at this event. I hope students in the International Business Japanese track will continue to work hard."
Dr Xinyi Zhou
Xu Meng, second year BA International Business student, tried on a Yukata for the first time and said excitedly, "The moment I put on the yukata, I suddenly understood that clothing is not just layers of fabric but a carrier of cultural memory." This hands-on experience transformed her perception of Japanese culture from an abstract concept in books into a tangible and perceivable living experience.
Wang Yinghe, a third-year student of Japanese, attended the event out of curiosity about traditional dance and left with a new appreciation. “I thought Japanese dance was limited to styles like Fuji Musume, but the live performance combined Edo-period banquet music with exorcism steps from Aomori.”
The evening concluded with a kimono photo session, allowing guests to immerse themselves further in Japanese culture. This event was a microcosm of XJTLU’s promotion of cross-cultural education. Looking ahead, IBSS and the School of Languages will continue to collaborate on events that bring global traditions to campus, integrating different cultures and uniting knowledge with practice. This springtime cultural gathering not only provided visual and auditory enjoyment – it was a celebration of broader understanding.
23 May 2025