2009

With "In-Progress," USC Nikkei's FIRST EVER Culture Night Show, in the history books as a SUCCESS, we're more than ready for this year's Culture Night! (YAY for culture in show form!)

Now, some of you may ask, what is a culture night, why should I care about a culture night, and how can I be a part of culture night?

Well, here's the answer!

Culture Night (or CN for short) is our chance to do two things. First, it lets the larger USC community know what being a Japanese American is all about. Second, it shows them that we know how to put on an AWESOME show. For those who may think that being a Japanese American is the same as being a Chinese American or Korean American, or for those who confuse being Japanese American with being Japanese, CN is our means of clarification.

In order to do that, we'll be renting out Bovard Auditorium on APRIL 11 (so mark your calendars now!) to put on the best Culture Show you'll ever see in your life! Our show will feature a student-produced skit, taiko drumming, hip hop dances, and an awesome traditional Japanese dance (with a bit of a modern twist)!

Skit Main Cast 2008

Kazan Taiko 2008

KBD 2008

Traditional Dance 2008

I know all this talk about CN has gotten you pumped up and ready to be a part of it.

If you want to learn more about getting involved in this year's Culture Night show please click HERE in order to get on Culture Night mailing lists for SoTrad, KBD, Taiko, or Crew/Set Construction!

Check out the Culture Night Blog HERE and the POSTER HERE!

But if you have questions or anything CN related that just can't wait, contact our CN Chair, Chantelle Takata at ctakata@usc.edu.

2008

USC Nikkei's VERY FIRST Culture Night: April 26^th

This year was USC Nikkei's very first Culture Night entitled, "In Progress." It featured taiko performances, hip hop routines, a traditonal dance, and a skit.

The skit followed five high school students in a Japanese language school who were in danger of failing. Given one last chance to bring their grades up, they were charged with putting on the school's first culture show. Everything was easier said than done, however, as they had to figure out what belonged in their culture show (and what didn't) and why they should even care to begin with. -"In Progress" program

Victor Lee, the year's CN Chair, headed this student produced show. Sean Miura, the year's Publicity Chair, coordinated all dances. Over 50 people had a hand is making this such a successful endeavor.

Are you a paid Nikkei member yet? Download the Nikkei application here and become a member today for awesome discounts and a spiffy FREE T-shirt!

If you haven't signed up to be on our mailing list already, please send an email to usc.nikkei@gmail.com to get on it and get updates on our GM dates and activities.