Idaho State University Japan Night set April 13

The Idaho State University Japanese Club will present its annual Japan Night from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. April 13 in the ISU Pond Student Union Ballroom.

This cultural event is the annual celebration of Cherry Blossom season with the sounds, sights and food of Japan. This year's Japan night will observe the second anniversary of the earthquake and tsunami that devastated northeastern Japan in March 2011. Although two years have past, much work remains.

In 2011 the ISU Japanese Club, with the generous help of ISU students and staff as well as Pocatello residents, raised more than $15,000 that was sent to the Japanese Red Cross to help victims of the devastation. In 2012, the Japanese club sent $3,500 to the summer camp that the Japanese universities held for victims' children.

This year's event features fabulous authentic food cooked by the ISU Japanese faculty and students and will include: makizushi, inarizushi, miso soup, teriyaki chicken, potato salad, cake, fruits and drink.

Entertainment to follow will feature  an opening Mikoshi parade and Japanese song, yosakoi sooran dance, demonstrations of martial arts, origami with audience participation, magic show and Taiko (Japanese drum) performance.

During the event, Japanese goods will be available at a club shop and a silent auction of goods and services donated by local businesses will be available.

Tickets for Japan Night are available in the ISU Pond Student Union Lobby and Rendezvous Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. They may also be purchased directly from Japanese Club students. Tickets can be purchased the night of the event, April 13, beginning at 5:30 p.m., but they will cost one dollar more at the door.

The event is open to everyone. Ticket prices are $9 for general public, and ISU faculty and staff; $7 for students; and children under 5 free.

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