On Saturday, the Japanese Culture Club presented its annual "Japan Knight" in the Union Ballroom. The event was characterized by a variety of Japanese dishes accompanied by a skit that told the tale of an American student's trip to Japan. The night was cultural, informational and a treat for everyone who attended.
Six dollars earned students a chance to enjoy a humorous show and chow down on Japanese dishes prepared by members of JCC. The buffet-style dinner included traditional Japanese dishes like white rice and teriyaki chicken as well as some foods that most had never tried before. The miso soup included a perfect blend of tofu and seasoning and the steamed Japanese pumpkin was especially mouth-watering.
The meal closed with two dessert choices: green tea ice cream and rice cake with sweetened soy sauce. "My favorite parts of the meal were the two vegetable dishes," said freshman Katy Boland. "I'm a vegetarian, and I was surprised that there were still so many options for me." Another freshman, Victoria Kuberka agreed; "The dishes were great. I'm pretty sure that everyone could find something they liked," she said.
Once dinner was done and everyone's stomachs were full, JCC began its show. The skit opened in an airport as a college student, played by sophomore Evan Palmer, got ready to depart for his dream voyage to Japan with his long-time girlfriend. Just before he boarded the plane, however, he received a call from his girlfriend telling him that she wouldn't be joining him on the trip. Though heart-broken, he was unwilling to let the news ruin what could be the best time of his life.
Upon landing in Japan, the student went through many twists and turns ranging from an embarrassing karaoke night with new friends to a rock concert of the band "Hump of Chicken." The story was spiced with a romance between Palmer's character and a Japanese girl who showed him the ins and outs of Yokohama. The girl did not go back to America with him, but the two promised to be reunited someday. Within the storyline were various Japanese cultural performances from the Shibuya Girls and a demonstration of iaidō – an ancient Japanese sword art used by samurai.
The night was a fabulous success. The food was pleasing and the show was humorous, entertaining and touching. Those in attendance had an enjoyable night, and those who missed this feast shouldn't fret: JCC doesn't plan on this being the last "Knight" it hosts.