On Thursday, May 16, the Walnut Springs Middle School Japanese Culture Club (J-Pop Club) concluded the school year with its annual spring Japanese food festival. Members gathered to make and sample various Japanese foods, including yakisoba (stir-fry noodles), harumaki (spring rolls), and matcha cake (green tea cake). Students had the opportunity to practice using chopsticks and common Japanese terms and phrases.
The club began in 2014 when a group of pupils expressed a shared interest in the Japanese culture. It has been led by teacher Heather Sunday, along with an appointed group of student leaders each year. J-Pop Club meets twice a month during the school year to learn about various Japanese games, crafts, holidays, food, and language/writing. Each meeting also features a different Japanese anime for students to watch and discuss.
J-Pop Club is open to all students in the school and has grown in size and popularity over the years. The club hit a new record this year with 40 members! Walnut Springs hopes to expand the club and its activities even further in future years.