Languages News
Japanese Calligraphy Workshops
In week 8 of Term 3, Japanese language students were fortunate to receive workshops in traditional Japanese calligraphy (Shodo) from Junko Azukawa, a professional Japanese ink artist based in Melbourne. The workshops were centred around the history of Japanese Kanji characters and the opportunity to personally experience Shodo.
Junko sensei demonstrated the rules and movements of Shodo, allowing students to develop a deeper appreciation for the skill required to make calligraphy and a better understanding of Japanese culture. Using hand-made traditional paper and brushes, students were able to attempt writing pre-selected Japanese characters for themselves, paying attention to each stroke on the paper and recognising Shodo as more similar to an art than to just plain writing. Though the workshop atmosphere was lively and fun, traditional Japanese calligraphy had a meditative effect and everyone ended the session feeling satisfied and focused.
Junko sensei hosts many traditional Japanese ink painting or calligraphy workshops for all ages and skill-levels, please visit her website to explore sessions. Nossal Japanese language students highly recommend the experience.
Website: https://www.junkoazukawa.com/homeInstagram @junkoazukawa
Junko Azukawa | Japanese ink art
Junko Azukawa - Japanese calligraphy (Shodo) Japanese painting (Sumie) artist based in Melbourne Australia & Toyama, Japan.
Sandra Gao
Year 11
Japanese Speech Contest
On September 2, a number of students represented Nossal at the Frankston-Susono Friendship Association Japanese Speech Contest, which took place at Monash University's Peninsula campus. Entering various divisions in the contest to reflect our year levels and Japanese experience, we each practiced and prepped to the best of our abilities in the hopes of challenging our Japanese and public speaking skills, as well as potentially achieving a positive result- which, indeed, we all did! The organisers of the competion were incredibly supportive, and were keen to share their passion for Japanese language and culture, and that passion certainly inspired us to give it our all during our speeches. Our Year 9 representative Lavanya demonstrated great skill and dedication as she delivered, by heart, a rousing rendition of her assigned set piece: an excerpt from the popular Japanese folk tale 'Momotaro', which earned her second place in her division. However, all participants currently studying VCE Japanese Units 3/4 were required to present a speech on their chosen oral examination discussion topic. This proved to be extremely helpful in furthering our preparation for the exam, as the contest motivated us to consolidate our research, polish our Japanese expression, and deepen our knowledge on our respective topics. Kai, who accelarated in VCE Japanese, was awarded second place in the Japanese Environment division with his informative speech on Japanese baseball ('yakyuu') culture. Cecilia also shared her passion for story-telling with her speech dedicated to 'Mukashi Banashi' (Japanese folk tales), and I presented my speech on 'Bunraku' (traditional Japanese puppet theatre)- both of us taking 3rd and 1st place in our division respectively. Everyone that participated worked hard to write, memorise and rehearse their pieces with the invaluable support of Kamimura Sensei, our teaching assistant Kaori Sensei, and former Nossal Japanese student Arnie. In the end, the Frankston-Susono Friendship Association Japanese Speech Contest was a great opportunity to challenge our language skills and self-discipline, and a memorable experience in our journeys as Japanese students. I hope that Nossal's Japanese students continue to participate and give it their all in years to come!
Minuki SATHARASINGHE
Cultural Liaison Leader
Year 12