Japan is known as a country with a long-lasting traditional culture such as: Sadou (Japanese tea ceremony), Manga, Origami (traditional Japanese art of paper folding), the Kimono, Samurai spirit etc. This experience was organized by the cultural activities of FPT University Personal Development Planning (PDP) Department. This program of experiencing Japanese culture gained a lot of attention and attendance from many students as well as staff members of FPT University. Here, two guests  from  the Tokyo International Exchange Center introduced typical features of the culture of Japan – “Land of Rising Sun”;  they spoke about about greeting customs, how to walk while in communication, how to express thanks or apologize, how to choose outfits  to wear in different  situations.

Mr. Shimano is  directing  students in the greeting customs  of Japan

There is no doubt that the most attractive part during the program was when FPT University students were taught how to wear and try on  the traditional costumes of Japan. Ms. Yamanaka, a  teacher from Tokyo International Exchange School, introduced the Kimono, which is the  symbol, as well as the pride of Japan nyone who wears the  Kimono  should feel  sophistication and nobleness in every seam. There are many kinds of Kimono for each person in different circumstances, for example: Furisode is for a girl who hasn’t married yet.;  simple Yukata is used in summertime. Women who  are already married would wear  the Houdongi or Tomsode, the Mofuku is worn  for  funerals and  the Hakama is a kind of Kimono for men  only. Steps to  put on the costume are the most sophisticated part of all; you  have to put 2 to 3 layers over your shoulders from left to right, tie the ribbon with lots of accessories such as: a small pillow behind the back, sashes, “obi”, small purse etc.

Video clip Guide how to wear Kimono by Ms. Yamanaka

FPT University students were so enthusiastic because this was the first time they could wear a Kimono which costs up to thousands of yen, Ms.Ta Khanh Hoa shared: “It’s so complicated but interesting. I had only seen the  Kimono via television and magazines, however,  today, under the instruction of Ms. Yamanaka, I have learned how to wear this Yukata, I know now that there are so many meticulous steps to be taken. Wearing the Kimono requires meticulosity, patience, and it seems very useful to reduce my carelessness.

FPT University students and staff members in the traditional costume of Japan

The program presented us with many different shades  of Japanese culture, gorgeous girls in Kimono and Yukata; strong boys in Ninja costumes, Hakama; they were in discussion with guests from Japan. “Despite the lingual boundary, the enthusiastic attendance of students seems like blowing all distances between the two countries. Through these meeting, we expect to introduce and give the younger generation opportunities to experience wonderful Japanese culture, in order to get familiar easily with the working environment of Japanese enterprises. This will be  one of  the strategic alliances of Vietnam Information Technology, in the near future”, spoken  at  the end of  the program by Mr. Shinoku – Director of Tokyo International Exchange School.