Japan Bowl

Who’s known as the father of manga? What did Nintendo first sell before it became known for Mario and Animal Crossing? Where can you find a place similar to Mitsuha’s hometown in Your Name? If you can answer all of these questions or want to know more, join the Japanese program for Japan Bowl!

Japan Bowl’s a national Japanese language and culture competition held every year in early-mid April during the National Cherry Blossom Festival. It covers Japanese history, daily life, popular culture, etc! It places a special emphasis on links between the US and Japan since they have a long history of cultural exchange.

During in-person Japan Bowl, there’s a lot of activities like martial arts lessons and making your own traditional Japanese sweets (wagashi), as well as a raffle. Virtual Japan Bowl has a bunch of Japanese culture-related Kahoot quizzes that you (and your teammates) can win for prizes! Some past Kahoot prizes include a cherry blossom Pikachu plushie and a One Piece Playstation 4 game. Virtual Japan Bowl also had special remarks from Japan’s former ambassador to the US, Ambassador Sugiyama, as well as from famous Japanese American actor George Takei and Japanese American Olympic figure skater Mirai Nagasu!

Winners of the National Japan Bowl get an all-expenses paid trip to Japan. They also get to meet in-person with the Japanese Imperial Family sponsor of Japan Bowl, Princess Takamado.

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TJ has a long history of placing in the Top 5 for Japan Bowl. Most recently, the Level 4 team has kept the National Champion title for two years in a row!