Mari Hayashi, Adjunct Professor of Japanese Language and Culture

Learning a second language opens up the world. When I was in Japan, at first I did not know much about English. Now, I understand two different perspectives, two ways of thinking.

One reason Japanese language classes are so popular is Arcadia’s anime club. So many students are interested in anime. When I first came here, the club had over 100 members. Another reason would be Japanese culture— people, not just students, enjoy meditation, zen, for example. It helps purify the mind.

Japanese culture is very unique, and it has a long history. I teach a Japanese culture class too, and my students recently presented on tea ceremonies, geishas, cherry blossom viewing, festivals. No matter what time of the year it is, Japan always has some kind of festival going on.