Onigiri Party 2008!

As 7pm neared, my wife and I were paying a visit to the new Super Walmart on 6th Ave. We quickly departed and headed to the Student Center. Why, you may ask? To have a free Japanese dinner of onigiri and miso soup!

We entered the large, open room and found members of the Japanese Club--President Katie Salter, Vice President Shawn Brown, and Secretary Danielle Labuda among them--finishing setting up.

Several others were there who were not members of the Japanese Club, nor were they Japanese, either. Granted, the exchange students from Saitama University (Yasuko and Shinpei) were present, along with Natsu and Satoko who are also from Japan. But there were at least a dozen others there to eat, drink (Coke products), and be merry with one another. Of course, a party isn't a party without the legendary Maeda Sensei there!

The legendary Maeda Sensei

Just after 7, Katie gave an awesome demonstration of how to create onigiri, which followed by everybody promptly getting in line to gorge themselves on Japanese tabemono (food) goodness!

Katie's smile beams for the camera while Sean meditates before consumption.

Photo Credit: Toshihiro Maeda

Coincidentally, Lost in Translation (a phenomenal movie, btw!) was on TV, meanwhile J-Pop pumped through computer speakers, creating a near-restaurant like ambience. Over the next 2 hours, people met and greeted one another; some by sharing tales of past visits to Japan, and others by dispensing advice on how to prepare for the taste of this new food. It definitely proved to be an enjoyable time shared by all.

Danielle shows Kelsey how to do the "Thriller" dance while Katie wonders, "Wtc, mate?"

Ashley, meanwhile, smiles for the camera.

Katie and Danielle smile for the camera while Sean is still meditating!

Photo Credit: Toshihiro Maeda

Next time around, however, it may be necessary to hold the party as a fundraiser. But it would be a very cheap fundraiser (a buck a piece ain’t bad, is it?)—the Japanese Club must be able to thrive.

The food was excellent and the attendees were a pleasure to be with. I look eagerly forward to our next party and will keep you all posted as to when that will be.

Until next time… jyaa mata! (see you soon)

~ Nick