(Event Report) Japan Week 2021 at Bellevue College

From October 4 to October 9, Bellevue College presented its second virtual Japan Week, marking the fifth year for this celebration of Japanese culture. The Consulate-General of Japan in Seattle was pleased to offer our support once again, and the Bellevue College Japanese Culture Exchange Club was able to create another interesting and engaging mix of live and pre-recorded programs.


4,400 viewers tuned in this year to explore and learn about Japan by navigating fifteen different topic buttons on the Japan Week website. Recorded performances and demonstrations covered a wide range of topics including travel, home and garden, history, food, martial arts, pop culture, fashion, and more. Viewers for the live Zoom sessions were entertained by the talented Japanese Rakugo comedian Tozaburo Yanagiya, inspired by motivational speaker and pilot Shinji Maeda, and enticed by delicious Buddhist recipes prepared by Rev. Taijo Imanaka.


Popular features of Japan Week, the kendama, cosplay and live trivia contests, returned again this year. In addition, two more exciting contests were added that featured delicious and creative character bento and intricate origami creations. Photos of the entries and winners can be viewed on the Japan Week website.


The organizers are already looking forward to next year’s event and are truly hoping to be able to welcome visitors back on campus for an in-person event in 2022. If you did not have a chance to attend this year, many of the programs will remain available for viewing. Please visit the Japan Week website to learn more about Japan and enjoy the wonderful performances and videos:

Japan Week 2021 Website