Drums of the Divine: Taiko and Tradition: A Powerful Performance by Nen Daiko
Thursday, April 3, 2025 | 7:30pm| Heslep Ampitheatre (Seacobeck Hall 145 if it rains)
Experience the thunderous energy and spiritual rhythm of Taiko drumming with Nen Daiko, the dynamic ensemble from Ekoji Buddhist Temple in Fairfax Station, Virginia. Rooted in the traditions of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism, their performance blends precision, power, and passion, bringing the cultural and musical spirit of kumi-daiko to life. Join us for an unforgettable journey through rhythm, movement, and tradition! All are welcome – Come feel the beat!
Educational Trip: Swaminarayan Akshardham
Saturday, March 29, 2025 | 7am-11pm | Travel from UMW to Akshardham, NJ
The Leidecker Center for Asian Studies would like to invite you to join a field trip to BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham in Robbinsville, NJ—a modern marvel of spiritual, cultural, and artistic excellence. This breathtaking architectural marvel, built by 12,500 dedicated volunteers from the USA and hundreds of stone artisans from India, embodies centuries of Hindu art, culture, and spiritual heritage. Akshardham includes design elements from ancient Indian culture including 10,000 statues and statuettes, carvings of ancient Indian musical instruments and dance forms. Experience intricate carvings, majestic stonework, and timeless traditions brought to life in this monumental tribute to peace, unity, love, and devotion. Do not miss this unique opportunity to witness a fusion of history, craftsmanship, and cultural splendor. Register here by March 20, 2025: Akshardham Trip Registration
Lessons of Reconciliation in the U.S.-Japan Context
Thursday, March 27, 2025 | 5-6:30pm | Zen Garden (reception), James Farmer Hall 204 | Registration Requested
The year 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and offers an ideal time to reflect on how the U.S.-Japan relationship has transformed from enemies to close allies and friends. UMW’s Leidecker Center for Asian Studies will host a reception and guest lecture by David Janes ’94, Ph.D. Dr. Janes is vice president, North America, at the International House of Japan and also executive director of the American Friends of the International House of Japan. Dr. Janes will present “Lessons of Reconciliation in the U.S.-Japan Context: Sadako Sasaki, John D. Rockefeller III, and Shigeaki Mori.” In sharing the stories of these three people, he will examine the role they played in building reconciliation between Japan and the U.S. A reception with light refreshments will be held (weather-permitting) in the Zen Garden next to James Farmer Hall at 5 p.m., with the lecture beginning at 5:30 p.m. in Room 204. This event is free to attend. Registration is requested, as spaces are limited. Registration link
Mindfulness Workshop: How to Stay Calm amid College Chaos
Monday, March 24, 2025 | 6-7pm | Seacobeck Hall 145
Led by Neva Trenis, a student of Thich Nhat Hanh, the “Father of Mindfulness” and one of the most influential figures in global Buddhism. Please come and discover the power of mindfulness to navigate the stresses of college life.
Zen Buddhist Art and Culture in Japan
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 | 4-5pm | The Leidecker Center for Asian Studies (next to James Farmer Hall Library)
Presenter: Suzie Kim, Associate Professor of Art History, UMW
Dr. Suzie Kim, Associate Professor of Art History and Co-Director of the Leidecker Center for Asian Studies, will deliver a lecture on Zen Buddhist Art and Culture in Japan to the Zen Garden Club (President: Aidan Emery).
Framing the Cold War: Korean Photography and the US Connection
Tuesday, March 11, 2025 | 5-6pm | Seacobeck Hall 145
Presenter: Jeehey Kim, Assistant Professor of Art History, School of Art, University of Arizona
Dr. Jeehey Kim, Assistant Professor of Art History at the University of Arizona, will deliver a public lecture on Korean photography and the US connection during the Cold War. This event is free and open to the public.
The Miraculous Journey of Chests and Screens: Edwin Vernon Morgan (1865–1934)’s Collection of Korean Art
Thursday, November 14, 2024 | 5-6pm | Seacobeck Hall 145
Presenter: Jiyeon Kim, Curator of Korean Art, Peabody Essex Museum
Moderator: Suzie Kim, Associate Professor of Art History, UMW
Dr. Jiyeon Kim, Curator of Korean Art at the Peabody Essex Museum, will deliver a public lecture titled on Edwin Vernon Morgan (1865–1934)’s collection of Korean art at the Peabody Essex Museum. This event is free and open to the public.
Movie Night: Parasite
Thursday, October 31, 2024 | 7 pm | Ball Circle
Once the sun sets, come embark on a cinematic journey with the Asian Student Association. Our movie night will feature Bong Joon-Ho’s Parasite (2019). Follow a low-income family whose lives have always been handed the short end of the stick. Now that they have an opportunity to live among the wealthy, they’ll do anything they can to stay there. Not only has Parasite won several awards in Korea, but Joon-Ho’s film also won 2020’s Academy Award for Best Picture.
Asian Cultural Celebration Major Performance: Somapa Thai Dance Company
Wednesday, October 23, 2024 | 3 pm | Dodd Auditorium, George Washington Hall
Co-Sponsored by the UMW Music Department and the Leidecker Center for Asian Studies
The Somapa Thai Dance Company, based in the Washington D.C. Metropolitan area, has been actively giving dance and music performances, presentations, classes, and workshops since 1999. Key performers have over 30 years of performance experience, having been trained in Thailand with the most celebrated dance masters including National Artists and others from the prestigious Department of Fine Arts in Bangkok, Thailand. The group has performed extensively in the D.C. Metropolitan area and has been invited to perform in many prestigious locations in and outside the U.S. The Somapa ThaiDance Company’s mission is to preserve and promote Thai culture and arts in the Americas. Through performances and workshops, the Company hopes to encourage understanding and appreciation of the arts between people of different countries, cultures and ethnicities in the communities in which we are invited.