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Show UVU REVIEW LIFE B4 wiD Club members performed an authentic Japanese dance to raise money for the Phillippines. The event featured game booths, a children's choir and two dance numbers featured Japanese cowhide drums. PHOTOS COURTESY OF AYUKO SAIGO UVU club helps typhoon victims Japanese music, food and dancing helps fund Typhoon Haiyan relief By Ryan Muir Staff Writer ramuir12@gmail.com On Feb. 15 in the UVU ballroom, the Japan club shared the culture of Japan and the kindness of its people. For the past four years, Japanese culture nights have raised money for charity organizations. This year's event focused on raising money for victims of the Typhoon Haiyan, which hit the Phillipines on November 2013 . The culture night was filled with music, food dancing and other activities. While there were lighthearted moments, the reason for the night was to help a country and a people recover from a storm. In previous years Japan club has raised money for Japanese Tsunami victims, including friends and family that had been affected. With the more recent typhoon in the Phillipines, club members felt empathy towards the victims and to wanted use their resources to help. "[Charity] events help the students to think about others and become leaders," said Junko Watabe, Japan club adviser. As the event began, there was a presentation showing the devastation and the victims of the typhoon that hit the Philippines. Following this, there was a brief explanation of the purpose of the event and then the performances began. The ballroom was lined with booths and each one featured a game. The games ranged from ancient games to more recent activities, but each celebrated Japan and its culture. A children's choir, with each child holding a flower, performed a number that was sung in Japanese and written to provide encouragement and hope to the victims of the Japanese tsunami. Members of the Japan club performed two dance numbers. These dances encompassed the more modern aspects of Japan in everything from music to dress. One of the highlights was that of the Japanese cowhide drums which stood near two feet off the ground. In total there were more than a dozen of these drums. Many of the event guests appreciated the drums the most. "I love the drums," said Tanner Olsen, an international business major at UVU who returned from living in Japan for 2 years. Accounting student Amy Moellen added, "They were so powerful." The band Kenshin Taiko performed three compositions. The rhythms included one called the Dragon and another inspired by the Japanese art form of anime. There were many reasons to attend the culture night but for some students, this night helped relieve homesickness. "[Japan culture night] helps me realize how beautiful my country is and it gives me a desire to share with others," said Tina Richards, a Japanese club member. PHOTOS COURTESY OF AYUKO SAIGO UVU's Japan club has helped raise money for Japanese tsunami victims in the past. Following the recent typhoon in the Phillipines the club felt a desire to use their resources to help. |