Every year, the Japanese language classes host their Fall Festival to raise money. This year the Japanese class was able to donate over $2,500 to UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital in Oakland.

This is the tenth year that the classes have hosted the Fall Festival. It started when a former student was hospitalized at the UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital. When the student’s sister realized how many children weren’t able to get the treatment they needed because of financial issues, and she realized she needed to help.

Many students really enjoy the festival and the food provided. 

“My experience at the festival was very interesting because of the exposure to Japanese culture. Even the music was very interesting to listen to and I will definitely be going next year. My favorite part was the food, teriyaki chicken, and calligraphy” says Mia Delgado (‘21).

However, some students do believe that there could be improvements to be made. 

“ I found it very entertaining that they used cotton candy for motivation which was smart, and I think it would be awesome if you could pay with your ID card, therefore people could donate more money to the hospital,” says Cease (‘21).

Mrs. Murphy, the Japanese teacher, was proud of its improvement over the years. She has been participating in Japanese Festivals since she was a child and has a large background in the topic.

“Everything there was student and teacher-funded. This year was much more organized and

more put together. Our main motivation is to help children at the UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital and there is a very rewarding feeling once we donate. We start planning two months prior. In Japan, there are many festivals that I enjoy participating in” says Mrs. Murphy.

The most popular item at the fair would have to be the Instant Ramen.

“I prepared and sold the food, and once we ran out of cup noodles everyone was devastated and people quickly left. Even though we made a little less than we did last year we still did fantastically,” says Flora Chen (‘21).

The activity booths were also well received, though some students tried to cheat the stamp system. 

“I worked at the origami booth and my only complaint was that people kept trying to turn in the same premade origamis. But we stamped the ones that were already made so we could tell who was trying to cheat” says Hanna Owens (‘21).

Overall, no matter who you ask the festival was a huge success and both participants and vendors had a memorable time. Since all proceeds go to a good cause it is always worth spending money and hopefully next year they earn record money.