#Japan #Tokyo #Chinese culture #Hao Chinese Academy #Traditional Workshop

Celebrating Chinese Culture Through Engaging Workshops

On September 23, 2025, the Hao Chinese Academy, operated by the AEON Corporation, marked its 20th anniversary by hosting an immersive workshop titled "Enjoy Chinese Traditional Culture with All Your Senses!" The event was attended by 49 participants, including both current students and members of the community interested in learning about Chinese culture and language.

The Aim of the Workshop

The workshop coincided with the Mid-Autumn Festival, a significant Chinese tradition celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month. This year's festival falls on October 6, 2025. The goal of the workshop was to not only show that learning Chinese can be enjoyable but also to provide a firsthand experience of cultural practices distinct from those in Japan.

Activities and Experiences

The workshop featured a variety of activities, including:
1. Mooncake Making: Participants learned to craft mooncakes, a traditional delicacy enjoyed during the Mid-Autumn Festival.
2. Chinese Tea Experience: They were introduced to the art of tea preparation, including the nuances of handling tea utensils and the history behind this essential aspect of Chinese culture.
3. Crafting Chinese-style Magnets: Participants created beautiful magnets that reflected iconic symbols of Chinese culture.
4. Scratch Art: This activity allowed attendees to engage creatively while exploring famous Chinese landmarks.

An additional highlight of the day was a speech presentation by students preparing for an upcoming Chinese speech contest. The audience was deeply moved, with many instructors shedding tears of joy as they witnessed the students' progress.

To conclude the event, a breathtaking performance of Bian Lian (face-changing) by Wang Wenqiang captivated everyone present, followed by insights into the history and significance of this traditional art form.

Media Coverage

The event was prominently featured on TOKYO MX's news program, TOKYO MX NEWS, showcasing the rich cultural exchanges that took place. For those who missed it, the broadcast is available for viewing on YouTube here.

Participant Feedback

Attendee reactions were overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing gratitude for the chance to participate in a unique cultural experience. Comments included:

• - "It was a wonderful experience full of learning and creating. I loved being able to come with friends who aren't students."
• - "I felt much closer to Chinese culture after trying various traditional activities in one day!"
• - "I appreciated learning conversational Chinese that isn’t in textbooks."

This workshop not only provided a refreshing diversion from routine but also highlighted the importance of cultural exchange in language education. Feedback showed a strong desire for more such events in the future, emphasizing a blend of practical language skills with cultural knowledge.

Looking Forward

As Hao Chinese Academy continues its mission to enhance Chinese language education, it plans to organize more events like this workshop to foster a deeper connection between students and the rich heritage of China.

For more information on Hao Chinese Academy and its offerings, visit their official website.

The AEON Corporation, established in 1973, also remains dedicated to breaking down language barriers, facilitating educational experiences for individuals of all ages, while integrating modern technology into their language learning systems for optimal engagement and effectiveness.