J a p a n B o w l

Think you really know your Japanese? Japan Bowl offers a cool opportunity to test your grasp of this complex language and culture in a competition between students from different schools. There are a total of three levels, 2, 3, and 4 corresponding to your own year in Japanese. Not only do you get to meet several others who share the same passion for Japan, but you also have the chance of winning a trip to Washington D.C. to participate in the Nationals. Winning at the National level would mean a free trip to Japan!

This year our school Morse had teams in all levels competing in the regionals, placing 3rd in Level 4 and 1st in Level 3. This year there was also a Sumi-e workshop to attend during the preliminary rounds. In case you didn't know, Sumi-e means black ink and I believe it is a style of painting in which you only use black ink and brushes to communicate your vision on paper. Definitely a lot tougher than it sounds, but fun.

@ the Regionals

This year Morse also had the opportunity to compete at Washington D.C. and while we didn't win at the Nationals, we had a great time touring the capitol. It was amazing to witness students pitted against each other in a match of knowledge and skills. After the competition, all contestants were driven to the beautiful residence of the Japanese ambassador for a delicious dinner. Also, lucky for us, the National Cherry Blossom festival was being held during the week we stayed. All in all, it was great!

@ the Nationals:
Day ONE
Day TWO
Day THREE