By Jesika Henson
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For many, a class is simply a class. However, for the Japanese students, the annual creation of nengajo, or Japanese New Year’s cards, was their ticket into a way of life for the Japanese people.
“For one, it’s bringing awareness to Japanese culture and traditions, which the nengajo actually are,” said Japanese teacher Corey Zukeran. “The Japanese send millions upon millions of nengajo every year and so, kind of that awareness of things culturally that are done.”
Through this contest, the students were not only able to create their own nengajo, but also learned of their significance. Junior Rachel Yasunaga, who placed first in the comedy category, said, “It is a connection to my Japanese (heritage) in doing something that my family currently living in Japan does.” Sophomore Michelle Hanna, who placed first in the artistic category, added, “I feel like the nengajo is kinda like Christmas cards, where it’s about spreading joy or such to your friends.”
This new year marks the beginning of the Year of the Ram, an entirely new period for the Japanese culture and also the subject for the most recent nengajo contest. “The sheep or ram is a yin energy and a symbol of peace, harmonious coexistence and tranquility,” explained Zukeran. “It says, ‘Though there are cries for war and a countdown is soon to begin, war will be averted and a period of mending and compromise will be undertaken to assure that peace is maintained,’ and it also says the sheep is a symbol of the arts.”
Despite this being a requirement, the students enjoyed themselves. “The nengajo tradition is just kinda a thing that makes me ‘in the mood’ for New Year’s, the same way (that) decorating a Christmas tree makes people excited for Christmas,” Hanna explained. “Every year, my sisters and I used to spend days making nengajos to send and being able to continue a little bit of that even in Hawaii makes me a bit happy.” Yasunaga added, “I like seeing all the different nengajos and everyone’s creativity. It’s a fun project.”
Both incoming and returning Japanese students now look forward to next year’s nengajo contest for the Year of the Monkey.
