ROMANIAN-JAPANESE STUDIES CENTER “Angela Hondru”

OUR MISSION

The Romanian-Japanese Study Center “Angela Hondru” (CSRJ-AH) was founded in May 2005 within the Romanian-American University, with the support of the Japanese Embassy in Bucharest and JTI. Our studies center wants to promote the study of the Japanese language, culture and business environment for those concerned, students of the Romanian-American University (therefore future business people, diplomats or international law experts) and those passionate about Japan. Our courses are held in a friendly and relaxed environment, supported by our proactive attitude professors. Another important objective of our center is to develop partnerships with Japanese

universities, research institutes with similar profiles, but also with remarkable representatives of the Japanese business environment. A major benefit for our students is the study trips and summer schools in Japan, organized annually, which have the role to make them experience the culture and history of both countries. Our Center has created a tradition by offering a clear image of the Japanese traditional cultural elements such as: Tea ceremony, Shodo, Ikebana, Taiko, as well as Aikido and Ninjutsu. CSRJ-AH is part of the Department of Asian Studies of the Romanian-American University.

Courses

JAPANESE LANGUAGE

In the last decades, Japanese language was the asset of a small community in Romania, formed especially by professionals whose specialty is the Japanese language and culture. These professionals are the product of an education system, public or private education, which has as a main objective forming Japanese professors, who will enter the system of forming new professors and professionals and on goes the circuit. Until recently, there weren’t any centers which addressed those who, out of pure passion, wish to study the Japanese language and culture. In 2005, the “Angela Hondru” Romanian-Japanese Study Centre was created within the Romanian-American University, which primarily organized Japanese courses for students from profile universities: future economists, lawyers and informatics experts. Obviously, for these students, the program developed for professionals is not so efficient, and the need for real adaptation of the studying process to the needs of the students is felt. On the other hand, the system in which the courses are held must encourage the creative manifestations and the personal initiatives, which will facilitate the creation of a relaxed atmosphere. This familiar or friendly atmosphere eliminates the stress of “not knowing the answer” or the fears related to “what will my colleagues say if I am wrong?” and unlocks some subconscious zones useful for the learning process. The study program used within CSRJ courses was built on the need to offer students a way to learn comfortably and naturally, being adapted to the target audience: active persons of Romanian origins with little time on their hands and of another specialty than Japanese language and culture. The “Angela Hondru” Romanian-Japanese Study Centre organizes Japanese language courses for beginners, intermediaries and advanced. The course is held throughout a university year under the guidance of two professors, a Romanian one and a Japanese one.

TAIKO DRUMS

Starting with October 2012, the “Angela Hondru” Romanian-Japanese Study Centre organizes Taiko (traditional Japanese drums) courses. One of the first uses of taiko drums was on the battle field, for intimidating and frightening the enemy. Taiko was also used in cultural environments. As time went by, taiko started to be used in traditional Japanese festivals. These festivals created a variety of traditional taiko rhythms, which represent an endless source of inspiration for modern musicians.

KENDO

Kendo “The Way of the Sword” The martial art of sword manipulations, cultivated since ancient times by all Japanese warriors and by the 13th century by samurai. Forbidden in 1876 since the samurai were no longer allowed to wear the sword was turned into sport by Sakakibara Kenkichi for the physical and mental training of young people. The Japanese Federation of Kendo was founded in 1928. Until 1955 this sport remained essentially reserved for Japan. In 1955 he was introduced in France and the USA where the first international meeting took place. “The practice of the Kendo discipline aims at shaping the spirit and body, the cultivation of a determined character, the striving to progress without interruption in the art of kendo through an authentic and rigorous training, the appreciation of politeness and honor, the association with others in the spirit of sincerity and uninterrupted pursuit Self-fulfillment.

ORIGAMI

The “Angela Hondru” Romanian-Japanese Studies Center organizes origami courses, a Japanese art that involves folding paper. The course will be held by Alexandra Baranyi and will be taking place every Saturday between 14:00 and 16:00 for the duration of 10 weeks. The participants must be at least 7 years old.

AIKIDO

Aikido is a traditional Japanese martial art that promotes nonviolence. Aikido doesn’t organize competitions, contests, fight, etc. Aikido follows physical aspects, mental, ethical and spiritual aspects. Aikido is practiced for health, education, self-defense, personal development. It is a means of physical and moral education. We can achieve a state of well-being, more harmonious relations, solving conflicts. In training, motor skills (strength, strength, speed, elasticity, coordination, balance) are developed, attacks are performed by gripping or striking, without weapons or weapons, by one or more aggressors. Aikido’s specific processes are throws and immobilizations, less blows.

http://www.cavaler-aikido.ro/

TEA CEREMONY

The “Angela Hondru” Romanian-Japanese Studies Center organizes Japanese Tea Ceremony courses. Also known as chadou/sadou ( The Way of Tea) or Chanoyū (Hot water for tea), the Japanese Tea Ceremony contain the Japanese culture. The student will learn about ceramics, flower arrangement, calligraphy, kimono, lacquering, charcoal, incense and many more. If you are interested in learning more about Tea Ceremony, please send an email to [email protected].

TEAM

Director & coordinator

  • ȘERBAN GEORGESCU

Teachers

  • CONF. UNIV. DR. SANDRA ISTRATE – Japanese Language
  • CHINATSU KAWAMOTO – Japanese Language
  • ALEXANDRA BARANYI – Origami
  • PROF.UNIV.MIRELA MURGESCU – The history of the Japanese movie
  • DAN TEODORESCU – Taiko
  • ANDREEA STANCA – Tea Ceremony

Colaborators

  • LAURA KARAMAN – Fashion Designer
  • GEORGE FURTUNA – Kendo
  • SABIN DUMITRESCU – Aikido
  • ANA-MARIA APOSTOL – Japanese Language

Consultative committe

  • PROF. UNIV. DR. ANGELA HONDRU
  • PROF. UNIV. DR. OVIDIU FOLCUT
  • CONF. UNIV. DR. MIHAI SEBEA
  • PROF. UNIV. DR. BOGDAN GLAVAN
  • PROF. UNIV. DR. MIRELA MURGESCU
  • ALINA MARINESCU – Corporate Affairs Manager

Staff

  • TEODORA ROSU – Volunteer
  • BOGDAN RUSS – Volunteer
  • RADU MIRON – Volunteer
  • ALEX DUDESCU – Volunteer
  • ALEXANDRA PANAITE – Volunteer
  • ALEXANDRA PETRE – Volunteer
  • ANA-MARIA ANTON –  Volunteer
  • IOANA OPRESCU – Volunteer
  • ROCKYU HAN – Volunteer
  • OANA DUMITRU – Volunteer
  • DAN LUIZA – Volunteer

CONTACT

If you want to enrol for one of our courses or you have any question regarding our center, feel free to send us an email at [email protected] or call us at (+40) 372 120 185

Program: Monday – Friday: 9:00 – 17:00