Students showcase talent and traditions at the 2025 Japanese Cultural Festival (文化祭)

Sponsored by the Department of Modern Languages, the annual Carthage Japanese Cultural Festival was successfully held on April 9.

More than 40 Japanese language students, international students from Japan and other countries, as well as a local Japanese family from Kenosha, attended the event. Students showcased their talents through J-pop performances, instrumental music, and fun group games. A highlight of the festival was the Japanese song “Lemon,” performed by Tyler Hunter ’25, Owen Powers ’28, Gavin Wallace ’28, Takuma Asaoka ’28, and Kako Nakazawa ’28 — it was a big hit! Japanese senior Isabelle Hunter ’25 also gave an insightful and well-received presentation on studying abroad.

The Japanese TLEs, Rena Shimizu and Yui Nakamura, dedicated an incredible amount of time to organizing and preparing for the event. Together with their students, they made delicious curry rice, sushi rolls, and potato salad. Japanese Club President Shaharazad Shahin ’26 also baked a beautiful and tasty cake for everyone to enjoy!

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the performers, our MCs Autumn Heide ’26 and Julia Garner ’28, and our talented poster artists Gabriela Maldonado ’28 and Britney Notsch ’26. We are also deeply grateful to the administrative assistant of the MLA Department, Gloria Cairo. This event wouldn’t have been possible without all of your effort and support.

We look forward to celebrating the Japanese Cultural Festival again next year!

Sponsoring Department, Office, or Organization:

Department of Modern Languages