Undokai (Field Days)
This electrifying annual event is based on the Japanese tradition of UNDOKAI. Throughout Japan, schools, cities, and other organizations promote unity, team work and friendship through the UNDOKAI. In this same spirit, the Japanese school divides into teams and holds a series of competitions such as three-legged relays, human wheelbarrow races, egg relays, a scavenger hunt competition, and the classic tug-of-war. In addition, the not-so-familiar YOPPARAI relay, where participants run to one end of the field, spin themselves in circles as they look down at a bat, and then runback, provides good laughs and a unique touch. Other fun events are the watermelon bust, the balloon toss, and the pass-the-prize four-person relay.
Karaoke
Students gather together frequently in small groups during the nine-weekperiod to practice singing karaoke songs in Japanese. In addition, a school-wide karaoke party is held once during the period. Students perform by class, as small groups of friends, or even in solos. This activity gives students the opportunity to enjoy the karaoke tradition while also improving their Japanese. The Japanese school owns a state-of-the-art karaoke machine which instantly plays nearly 1,000 songs, and which is available for student use at nearly any time.
Karate Club
The karate club is lead by Professor Yoshiko Uchida, a blackbelt in karate. Students with absolutely no background in karate are welcome to participate. Those with advanced knowledge often act as assistants, but are also welcome to simply participate and review the basic skills.
Radio Program
Students from the Japanese school put on a radio show for several hours a week that is broadcast in Japanese throughout the state of Vermont. This provides an opportunity for individuals to become more familiar with Japanese pop music, to practice interviewing skills, and to simply have a good time with music once a week.
SHODO (Calligraphy)
Club Students are tutored in the basics of SHODO once a week by Professor Takahiko Hayashi, a specialist in Japanese arts. Calligraphy brushes, inks,and other materials are available at any time during the week for student use.
Obon & Tanabata Festival Celebrations
The Japanese annual Obon and Tanabata festivals are celebrated in traditional Japanese style here at Middlebury. Traditional barbecued foods, kimono (yukata) wearing, and the customary Obon dance are all part of thefestivities.
Soccer
The soccer team traditionally competes quite rigorously every summer against teams from other language schools. The mutual language pledge makes it possible for competing schools to avoid English and to enjoy learning how to compete, cheer, and participate in the Japanese language.
Weekend Parties
Each class will hold several parties during the summer. Students get to know their fellow students and their professors and practice socializing in the language. Japanese meals are usually prepared by teams of professors and students, providing opportunities for individuals to learn more about Japanese cooking and to taste a variety of authentic Japanese foods.
Volleyball Tournament
Students and teachers form teams and spend an enjoyable afternoon of recreation together. Action, intensity, and excitement abound as each team gives its best. Important teamwork and language skills are learned by both participants and fans.
Talent Show
Skits, solos, group musical performances, and traditional Japanese dances and instrumental solos have all been part of past shows. The main requirement for performances is that they be either in Japanese or without words. Student and teacher performances have produced memorable evenings of entertainment each year.
Weekly Films
The weekly Japanese films, shown in theaters on campus, are among some of the best and newest movies available in the U.S. 1998 films included such recent movies as "Shall We Dance" and "Hanabi," as well as the traditional "Tora-san goes to Vienna," and other classics.
Rakugo Club
Opportunities to learn and practice traditional Japanese storytelling are provided weekly.
Tea Ceremony Practice
CHADO, the art of the traditional tea ceremony, offers much to learn about Japanese culture and arts, as well as language. Professor Takahiko Hayashihas provided demonstrations and basic instruction in the tea ceremony forabsolute beginners as well as more experienced participants.