Since my friends, Nathan and Atsushi, attend Sophia University, they invited me to the Sophia University festival. It was somewhat bewildering when I entered the Sophia University campus. Going to class at Temple University, I usually see students of ranging ethnicities and ages. Once inside Sophia University, I was surrounded by only Japanese students who were all around my age. Coming to Japan from America, I had to adjust from being in a multi-cultural society to being surrounded by only Japanese people who would stare at the "gaijin." Although at this time I was already used to being in that kind of situation, the number of Japanese students that were all my age took me off guard.
Most of the booths were selling food for their clubs. Many of the students were dressed up in various costumes, walking around with signs attempting to advertise their booths. I went to Nathan's kendo group's booth and help him there for a short period of time shouting, "Takoyaki wa ikaga desu ka?" After going to Nathan's kendo group's booth that was selling takoyaki, I went to a classroom where Atsushi's club was performing. Atsushi was in the jazz club, so he performed a piece on the saxophone with his peers for the visiting audience. I found it interesting how the group would always say, "Kiite kudasai," (please listen) before each of their songs. When I watch my younger brother's jazz band perform, they usually just say the name of the song and then being. I enjoy observing the differences between my culture and the Japanese culture.
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