Image: The Japanese Language Program hosted a Hanami Celebration for anyone interested in Japanese language or culture on Friday, March 29. Hanami is a long standing Japanese tradition of welcoming spring, also known as the "cherry blossom viewing festival." Participants were invited to taste Japanese food, play games such as kendama, practice origami and calligraphy, listen to traditional music of Japan and more! Students in the Japanese language classes competed in a Haiku writing contest and the winners were announced and prizes awarded at the festival. The winners and their poems are: Top Awards in the Haiku Competition, 2019 In English The 3rd Awards (2) By Alysa Matsunaga (Sexton, 1001) Pollen The Yellow Haze Moves To bring Spring, flowers, life, bees Teary, tingling eyes By Samantha Hentz (Sasaki, 2002) Cool air of the night I leave my window ajar Remember winter The 2nd Award By Trung Duc Bui (Sasaki, 2002) Amidst the cold A flower blooms at the peak With firm resolve The 1st Award By Andrew Benzinger (Yagata, 1002) Winter's night carries A jazzy song on the wind Promising spring's dawn 日本語 (In Japanese) The 3rd Award By Gregory Woolsey (Yagata, 1002) 鳥の歌 音が聞こえる もう一度 The 2nd Award By Trung Duc Bui (Sasaki, 2002) 踊る花 時を忘れる 楽な夢 The 1st Award By Hyunu Hwang (Yagata, 1002) 黄の空気 きのくうき 息苦しいな いきぐるしいな 夏はまだ なつはまだ If you missed the festival this year, please join us next year! Type of News/Audience: Faculty Staff Student Kendama Game at Hanami Festival Students at Hanami Festival Sexton Sensei Announces Haiku Winners Tipton Sensei Reads Haiku Poems Yagata Sensei Announces Haiku Winners for JPNS 1002 Caldwell Sensei Announces Haiku Winners for JPNS 2002
