The Daily Egyptian is published by the students of SIU at Carbondale. Except during vacations and exam weeks,
The Daily Egyptian is published Monday through Friday during the fall and
spring semesters and TWThF during the summer semester."
New RSO provides fun, informative look into the Japanese lifestyle
Sushi, kimonos, Pokemon and Godzilla are all associated with Japan, but there is so much more to the country than images of pop culture. For example, tattoos, or inezumi, are not a fashion trend but an indication for the Japanese mafia.
This factoid is among the topics discussed at the Japanese Table meetings. Each Friday, members of the organization talk about various subjects regarding the country's lifestyle. Meetings take place at 6 p.m. Fridays near the McDonald's in the Student Center.
The Japanese Table is also referred to as "JapaTei," which means bringing people to the table. According to the preamble of the organization's constitution, the Japanese Table offers "complementary sessions to teach, learn, speak and enjoy Japanese language and culture."
The Japanese Table is one of the newest registered student organizations on campus. The organization strives to present a fun and informative atmosphere for students who want to learn about the Japanese way of life.
Kathy Bury Swindell, associate director for SIUC Niigata, said the Japanese Table tries to be a model organization with diversified members and attempts to cultivate appreciation for the Japanese culture.
Takeshita also stresses that the Japanese Table is open to anyone, regardless of cultural background.
"It's for everyone who wants to teach, learn, speak or enjoy the Japanese language or culture," Takeshita said.
The idea of coming together to discuss Japanese lifestyle is not a new concept. For several years, a group of people met each week at various locations, but it was not until this semester that the Japanese Table became independent from Japanese Student Association. Founding members of the organization transferred to SIUC from the Nakajo campus.
Bury Swindell mentioned aviation student Yusuke Konoma as playing an instrumental role in helping get the Japanese Table off the ground. Konoma, who currently is serving an internship, helped compose the constitution along with Kae Takeshita, who is the event coordinator for the organization.
Takeshita said a typical meeting consists of discussions about Japanese news, culture, announcements and activities. During its Sept. 5 meeting, members talked about the inezumi, showed the correct way to use chopsticks and reviewed the character style Katakana.
"It's not a lecture at school," said Takeshita, a sophomore in aviation. "We can do anything we want and they want to do. We just want to have fun."
She also said as understanding of the Japanese culture grows, the organization's activities could touch on more advanced activities.
One proposed activity would be "Survival Japan." As part of this activity, members would complete a mission on how they would live in Japan. They would learn how to order sushi at a restaurant, call a taxi and reserve hotel rooms all while speaking the native tongue.
