Faces of FIUTS: Let’s Meet the Japanese Booth Captain

What is your name?

Katsumi

What country are you representing?

Japan

What inspired you to participate in Cultural Fest this year?

Participating in the FIUTS CulturalFest is a way for me to share my Japanese heritage while also connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. As an exchange student, I’ve been learning so much about other cultures, and I wanted to give something back by introducing Japanese tradition. I believe cultural exchange helps us grow, and this event is a perfect opportunity to build mutual understanding and friendship.

What does it mean to be a Booth Captain?

Being a Booth Captain means leading the effort to share and represent Japanese culture. When I studied abroad in high school, I realized that Japan isn’t as well understood as I expected—especially beyond major cities like Tokyo or Kyoto. With tourism growing, I want to showcase unique aspects of regional Japan and help others discover its charm. This role also allows me to improve my leadership and communication skills while connecting with people from diverse backgrounds.

Can you describe the cultural aspects you are showcasing and why they are important to you?

I’m going to showcase shuriken, the throwing stars used by ninjas. A lot of people know ninjas from movies or anime, but not many know the real stories behind their weapons. I picked shuriken because it’s fun, eye-catching, and a cool way to get people interested in Japanese history and culture.

In what ways do you believe events like CulturalFest contribute to fostering cultural understanding within the community?

I believe events like this can really help people understand each other better. When we see different cultures up close—not just in textbooks or on screens—it makes us more curious and respectful. I think CulturalFest gives us a chance to connect, appreciate our differences, and maybe even find some unexpected similarities.