In the hall of NHK, an extremely inspiring cultural event took place, which presented the depth of Japanese aesthetics through an academic narrative and musical art. The initiative, organized by the Burgas branch of Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski", attracted the attention of a numerous audience eager to discover new horizons of intercultural understanding.
The evening's host, Chief Assistant Dr. Stela Zhivkova, masterfully revealed the evolution of female beauty through the prism of traditional Japanese ukiyo-e prints. Her lecture traced the aesthetic transformations that mark different historical periods in Japanese visual art, revealing the fine nuances of femininity and beauty.
The musical part was entrusted to the distinguished sensei Yoko Takigawa, who performed classical compositions on the koto - an ancient Japanese string instrument. Her virtuosity enchanted those present, transporting them to a meditative world of silence and deep contemplation.
The event was not just another cultural event, but a strategic step in expanding academic horizons. In response to the growing interest in Asian languages and cultures, Sofia University announced the introduction of two new bachelor's programs - "Foreign Language Teaching Methodology - Japanese Language" and "Foreign Language Teaching Methodology - Chinese Language" starting from the 2025/2026 academic year.
These innovative educational directions provide a unique opportunity for young people to combine their language interests with modern pedagogical training. They are a natural continuation of efforts to create bridges between different cultural traditions and affirm international educational dialogue.
The evening ended with warm applause and an atmosphere of mutual respect, leaving a lasting impression of the richness and depth of Japanese culture.