About Us

The primary purpose of this club is to inspire, promote, and further the learning, research, appreciation, and fun practice of Classical Japanese, along with the culture, philosophy, and aesthetics of ancient Japan. This club’s mission is to foster a love for Classical Japanese amongst UC Davis Aggies. We: 1. learn, research, promote, and appreciate both Classical Japanese and kanbun essays, poems, tales etc. 2. compose Classical Japanese poems, essays, letters, stories etc. 3. write Classical Japanese poems or text in calligraphy and stick them around campus, with a reading guide beside each work. 4. learn how to translate Classical Japanese text. 5. promote the literacy of Classical Japanese. 6. dress up like the Japanese from antiquity. Clothing from Japan’s ancient past, for example those that were worn from the Nara period up to the Edo period, are all acceptable. Modern forms of such clothing is also acceptable e.g. cosplay clothing. Since ancient Chinese attire (robes from Cathay) and culture were universal in ancient Japan and the rest of the Sinosphere, ancient Chinese clothing, and even ancient Korean and Vietnamese clothing, are also acceptable. 7. learn and use historical kana orthography—rekishiteki kanazukai. 8. appreciate the beauty of historical Old and Middle Chinese onyomi. 9. hold poetry recitations and Classical Japanese workshops. 10. conduct paleography, or the study of ancient text and writing, of various Japanese primary sources. 11. promote the study, understanding, and appreciation of kyūjitai and hentaigana. 12. organize kanji etymology sessions. 13. write Classical Japanese calligraphy in front of the Memorial Union. 14. paint ancient Japanese paintings. 15. have weekly club meetings on Discord or Zoom if everyone is busy with examinations. 16. invite guest speakers to lecture on Classical Japanese. 17. enjoy video games, films, shows and other forms of media that feature the use of Classical Japanese, or the culture of ancient Japan.