Yuan Ze Hip-Hop × Kendo Club Ignited SOGO Japan Fair, Blending Youthful Energy with Tradition

The “Autumn Japan Fair” hosted by Zhongli SOGO Department Store on September 13 and 14 invited Yuan Ze University’s Hip-Hop Club and Kendo Club to perform, presenting “Japanese Street Dance” and “Kendo Culture.” The fusion of trend and tradition offered a unique cultural feast that attracted continuous crowds and created a lively atmosphere.

Yuan Ze University and Zhongli SOGO both belong to the Far Eastern Group and have long maintained a close partnership. This invitation not only showcased the creativity of university student clubs but also deepened the collaboration between academia and industry, promoting both youth and Japanese culture while enriching the scope and depth of the event.

On September 13, the Hip-Hop Club took the stage first, delivering eight exciting performances featuring dance styles such as Locking, Hip-Hop, and Popping. The team infused Japanese street dance trends with youthful energy, igniting the crowd. Club president Zhi-Teng Chen said that through dance, the club hoped to showcase the diversity of youth culture, share joy and passion with the audience, and bring greater recognition to Yuan Ze University and street dance culture.

The following day, the Kendo Club opened with a solemn and powerful demonstration, highlighting the essence and spirit of kendo. A simulated match then displayed speed and precision, with the echoes of shouts and clashing swords astonishing spectators, especially children. The finale invited the audience to experience basic kendo movements firsthand, engaging them in the spirit of “making friends through the sword.” Vice President Jing-Hua Gao remarked that the performance was not only about practicing sword skills and spirit but also a test of expression, proving that kendo was no longer a sport limited to a few but a discipline that the public could also embrace.

Yuan Ze University noted that it encouraged students to combine their expertise and passion to give back to society. Through cooperation with Far Eastern Group enterprises, students were able to present themselves and promote culture on diverse platforms. The university added that it would continue to promote cross-boundary activities in the future, linking campus culture with community life to fulfill its social responsibility.