Two of our middle school students have been recognized in the prestigious Nengajo Contest, a nationwide competition organized by the American Association of Teachers of Japanese (AATJ). The contest invites students from elementary to university levels to create original New Year’s greeting cards, known as Nengajo, incorporating the zodiac animal of the year—this year, the Snake. Hana Smith ’29 won first place in the Comical category, while Olivia Domingo Galiano ’31 earned second place in the Computer Graphic category. Below, we asked Aya Tachiki, the middle-school Japanese teacher, some questions about the contest and its impact on students.
How does this contest align with the Japanese curriculum at Gulliver?
The Japanese New Year Card contest aligns with several key aspects of the Japanese curriculum at Gulliver. It provides students with a hands-on opportunity to engage with Japanese cultural traditions, a key part of our language and cultural studies.
What was the creative process like for the students when designing their Nengajo?
The creative process for students designing their Nengajo was a combination of research, artistic expression, and language application. We started by exploring the tradition behind Nengajo, such as the use of zodiac animals and traditional greetings. Then, they brainstormed ideas, choosing themes that reflected both the Japanese New Year and their own personal styles.
How do you think participating in this contest benefits students beyond the classroom? How do you think participating in this contest benefits students beyond the classroom?
First, it fosters cultural awareness and global citizenship by giving students insight into Japanese traditions, customs, and values, helping them to understand a culture different from their own. Second, the contest boosts their creativity and artistic expression. Finally, being recognized for their achievements in the contest helps build students’ confidence and pride in their work, further motivating them to continue exploring and appreciating the Japanese language and culture. We nominated Hana’s cards three years in a row and she won twice!
