Just before our students began their winter break, Meko came together for a special end-of-semester celebration that combined Japanese tradition, language learning, and holiday celebration.

The event began with a traditional kyōgen (狂言) performance by our N3-level class, performed entirely in Japanese. Kyōgen is a traditional Japanese comedic theater style that relies on clear dialogue and expressive performance, giving our students a unique opportunity to challenge their Japanese skills in a cultural and creative way.

After spending the entire semester preparing, memorizing lines, and practicing timing and expression, the students delivered a wonderful performance that showcased not only their growing Japanese ability but also their confidence and teamwork. Students from all our classes gathered to watch the play, along with several visiting teachers, making it a truly shared campus experience.

Following the performance, the celebration continued with a Secret Santa gift exchange. As students exchanged gifts, those from different classes were able to connect—many meeting for the first time thanks to the Secret Santa. In total, more than 50 students, teachers, and staff members were present for the students’ Secret Santa exchange.

Seeing students connect across classes, celebrate each other’s hard work, and enjoy Japanese culture outside of regular lessons was the perfect way to wrap up the semester. Events like this remind us that language learning is not only about studying; it’s also about building community and developing a deeper understanding for Japanese culture.

Lastly, we also had the opportunity to celebrate our most recent Meko graduate, Ria Kumar, who has been studying with us since October of 2024. Ria successfully secured employment in Japan and will continue on building her life in Japan. We are very proud of her growth and excited for her future ambitions. 

To all our students, we hope you enjoy a restful and joyful winter break. We look forward to welcoming everyone back in the new year!