| We were handed
a hefty program - souvenir book, filled with information
about the club and its activities, photos of its members, and
sponsor advertisements.
The program was chock-full
of surprises that were in store for us:
Not only did the program
include four taiko numbers by the Jodaiko
ensemble,
but a full-on skit that told a touching,
yet humorous story of two families of American
of Japanese Ancestry (AJA) who were interned (a euphemism for imprisoned)
during World War II and their reassimilation into American
society after life in the camps/prisons; a hip hoppin'
dance number by a nine member group of "hot guys and
sexy girls" called Tomo Modern; three traditional
Japanese dance numbers by gals and guys under the
tutelage of Sensei (Teacher) Hisame Wakayaki; and a
delightful slide show that chronicled club
activities.
From the outset, it was
obvious that many hours of dedicated work went into this
event. Besides the hours that went into the performances,
lighting and backstage preparation, much planning, time and effort also went into the food concession
(with sushi!), t-shirt design and sales, program and advertisement sales.
By their participation in
this event, these energetic students are learning valuable
life skills in organization and coordination, team work,
and having a great time, BESIDES keeping up with
their primary purpose of being in college: being the
best students they can be.
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