Published: September 27, 2007 11:27 pm      

Meridian library brings Japanese language, culture to youth

The Japanese greetings “Konnichiwa” — Good day — and “Konbanwa” — Good evening — will soon resonate throughout Meridian/Lauderdale County Public Library as participants of a new program engage in conversation.

Geared to children 6 and older, The Library Cultural Club is a fun way for youth to not only learn about the language, but also the culture of Japan, said Donna McLendon, children’s services director at the library.

Guest instructor will be Eiji (pronounced “A—G”) Takano, a native of Tokyo who is now a Meridian resident. Takano is a graduate of Meiji University in Tokyo, where he received a bachelor of arts degree in English and American literature. He has served as an interpreter for the East Mississippi Business and Development Corporation to Japanese auto parts company visits.

Takano said that instead of teaching a class that focused only on the Japanese language, he will teach the students key phrases and conversational aspects. He also will focus on Japanese culture.

“It will be educational and fun,” he said “I will teach them Japanese games, songs with gestures, dance and some of the language.”

Takano said interest in Japanese has grown in recent years among American youth because of animation.

“They are really interested in Japanese ‘manga’ or comics and ‘anime’ or cartoons and animation, which have become very popular in this country,” he said. “If you go to Books-a-Million, you’ll see a whole section with nothing but Japanese comics.”

The Wednesday afternoon sessions will be held from October through December at the library. Sessions are scheduled every other week; participation is free.