Most students have not visited China or Japan, but today they can experience eastern Asian culture without leaving campus at the Asian Heritage Month Showcase.

“If students can’t go to that country or continent, at least we can bring a little bit of the culture to them,” said Jessica Porritt, Grand Blanc sophomore and member of the Asian group 12 C.A.R.A.T.S. (Celebrating Amity and Reflecting Asian Traditions through Sisterhood).

The showcase will feature a Tae Kwon Do demonstration, performances of Asian music, a fashion show and a taste test of sushi and bubble tea, and will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Bovee University Center Rotunda.

“I hope students come to the event and learn something about Asian culture they may not have previously known,” said Shawn Wilson, assistant director of Minority Student Services.

“It’s a good opportunity to expose parts of Asian culture that students may not see or be exposed to day-to-day,” Wilson said.

In addition to the sushi, Wilson said he is looking forward to the students’ performances.

Japan sophomore Shotaro Hakoyama will play the guitar as Thailand freshman Kavita Kalra dances. There will also be a Hmong dance demonstration.

Hakoyama, president of Tae Kwon Do at CMU, also will demonstrate board breaking and basic kicking exercises. Hakoyama said he looks forward to sharing his knowledge of the martial art form.

Members of 12 C.A.R.A.T.S . will be modeling cultural dresses and outfits from different regions of Asia.

South Lyon senior and 12 C.A.R.A.T.S. President Nikki LaBelle, who will be wearing either a Hmong dress or an outfit from the Philippines, said the fashion show will be a good experience for the organization’s new members.

LaBelle said many members of the Asian group were raised in the United States and are learning about Asian culture themselves.

The organization has participated in Asian Heritage Month events in the past.

“It’s really fun to experience this with other students who may not know a lot about Asian culture,” LaBelle said.

Alexandra Taylor, president of Asian Cultural Organization and Kentwood senior, will speak about Japanese culture and the history of the samurai, the Japanese warriors.

“Any time you can bring culture to the campus and community is an enriching experience for college life,” she said.

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