WKU News

Join us for an unforgettable celebration of Cherry Blossoms, Japanese Culture & Career Fair at the Ohanami Event on March 26^th from 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM in Centennial Mall at Western Kentucky University. This vibrant event will bring together the beauty of Japan’s cherry blossoms, cultural exhibits, career opportunities, and study abroad programs in one afternoon.

The Ohanami event is designed to immerse participants in the rich culture of Japan while offering opportunities to connect with local Japanese businesses and explore career pathways. The event is open to all students, faculty, and community members interested in learning about Japanese culture, career opportunities, and how to experience Japan firsthand through study abroad programs.

Event Highlights:

Cherry Blossom Celebration – Experience the beauty of Japan’s iconic cherry blossoms in bloom! Ohanami (お花見) is the Japanese tradition of enjoying the beauty of cherry blossoms (sakura) in spring. In 2006, WKU planted 100 cherry trees to celebrate the centennial of the University’s founding.

Japanese Culture Fair – Dive into Japanese traditions through music, art, and activities that showcase the rich culture of Japan.

Japanese Businesses Career Fair – Meet local businesses with Japanese ties, explore career opportunities, and network with professionals from Japanese-based companies.  Representatives of the Consul General of Japan in Nashville will share opportunities to teach in Japan – JET.

Study Abroad Program Promotion – Learn about exciting study abroad opportunities in Japan and how to immerse yourself in a unique educational experience in one of the most fascinating countries in the world.

A Taste of Japan – Delight in a variety of traditional Japanese dishes, offering a true "taste" of Japan for attendees to sample throughout the event.

Workshops:

After the main event, we invite attendees to join two specialized workshops:

3:00 PM - Blossom in Your Career at a Japanese Company
This session, led by two esteemed professors, will provide students with valuable insights on preparing for careers in multicultural offices, specifically focusing on working with Japanese businesses in the USA.

4:00 PM - Study Abroad in Japan Workshop
This workshop features a panel discussion with students who have studied abroad in Japan and program providers offering study abroad opportunities to Japan soon. Learn about the best ways to plan your study abroad experience in Japan.

Whether you're interested in exploring career paths with Japanese companies, tasting Japanese food, or gaining insight into study abroad opportunities, this event offers something for everyone.

Event Details:
Date: March 26th
⏰ Time: 12:00 PM - 2:30 PM (Main Event), 3:00 PM & 4:00 PM (Workshops)
Location: Centennial Mall at WKU
Admission: Free and open to all students and WKU community members

Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to connect with Japanese culture, businesses, and study abroad programs. We look forward to seeing you at Ohanami!

For more information, please contact:
John Sunnygard, Associate Provost WKU Global