​​Ridgeview Middle School Students Get Lesson in Japanese Culture​

From bean-throwing to ogre mask crafting, students from Ridgeview Middle School celebrated Japanese culture with the Office of the Consulate General of Japan. On Friday, February 7th, students were taught the significance of Setsubun, also known as a Bean-Throwing ceremony, which is a traditional festival that marks the transition from winter to spring. This event highlights the longstanding partnership between Ridgeview’s International Baccalaureate curriculum and the Japanese Consulate’s School Caravan initiative. Part of the Japanese Consulate’s School Caravan, or Japan Caravan, mission is to share Japanese holidays to American students annually.

This year, students learned the history and cultural importance of Setsubun. Setsubun is honored through rituals that welcome good fortune and ward off negative and evil spirits. Young scholars participated by creating their very own ogre mask, a traditional and essential piece of the celebration of the holiday. Students also participated in a symbolic bean-throwing activity using rice crackers to mimic the authentic ceremony.

Kathleen McCaffrey, the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program Coordinator for Ridgeview Charter Middle School, expressed,” After the event, students were even more enthusiastic about learning more, not just about Japanese culture, but also about Japan as a country.”