URI Japanese Community

♟️ Play Hard, Learn Well, Enjoy Onigiri 🍙

We had a great turnout at our special Japanese Game Day on April 1st! More than 30 participants from all JPN levels and their friends came together for a day of food, games, and conversation.

🍙 Onigiri Making – 10 lbs of rice disappeared FAST! Participants learned how to make triangle-shaped onigiri (rice ball), which is a comfort food in Japan.

🎯 Game Time – Kendama challenges, Sushi Jenga with chopsticks, and more!
Huge thanks to Hana-san (our international student from Niigata University) for leading a fun, interactive Japanese Food Quiz and sharing all about Niigata Prefecture.

This is what our community is all about: bringing people together through language, culture, and food!

Japanese Game Day meets every Wednesday 4:30-5:30 at the Language Center for the rest of semester! 🎮 See you next time!

🌸 A proud moment for our G.L.A.S community! 🌸

G.L.A.S/Japanese alumna Mya MacNeil ’25 was recently selected as the Rhode Island Cherry Blossom Delegate through the NCSS Cherry Blossom Program —an incredible honor that highlights her passion for cultural exchange 🌸✨

📸 As the delegate, she attended Japan Day at the Rhode Island State House, participating in a special reception with the Consulate-General of Japan in Boston , supported by Senator Linda Ujifusa and Speaker Pro Tempore Brian Patrick Kennedy.

Mya will also be attending The George Washington University this fall, where she has earned a scholarship and will study national security.

Congratulations, Mya! We’re so proud of you and all that lies ahead 💙🐏

Last week, our beginning Japanese students participated in an exciting Scavenger Hunt at the
Language Center (Swan 301) as part of their “mini class field trip." Guided by our student tutor, students
worked in teams to collect Hiragana letters hidden within four puzzles. By rearranging the letters, they uncovered a secret message from their instructor!

This activity not only introduced our beginning students to the Language Center as a vibrant hangout space for language learners, but also encouraged team building and active learning through a fun and interactive activity!

🎬🇯🇵 Japanese Movie Nights are back this semester!
Join us for cozy screenings, great films, and good company—snacks included🍿✨