Global Awareness Collaborative Colloquium
Every term, the Global Awareness Collaborative Colloquium (GACC) showcases a distinct area of the globe. Spanning multiple days, sites, formats, and spheres of interest, each GACC offers a deep dive into a region's culture, topography, and historical narrative. The roster of events varies, featuring webinars with international panelists, retrospectives on study abroad journeys, academic presentations, trivia contests, film viewings, tech demos, fashion shows, and poetry recitals. The subjects are diverse, with past discussions encompassing music, cultural practices, ecological responsibility, educational systems, media literacy, philanthropy, and history.
Winter 2025: Japan
Naoki Kanaboshi Keynote Presenation and Lunch
February 17, noon, University Club (DEV107C)
Associate Professor of Criminal Justice Naoki Kanaboshi presents “Adventure into the Japanese Criminal Justice System.” He will discuss his research and study abroad experiences related to Japan.
Lunch includes Japanese Rice Bowl, a Wakame & Cucumber Salad, and Matcha Roll Cake.

Trivia contest: Win Dr. Kanaboshi's Candy!
February 17, 1 pm, University Club (DEV107C)
Hello, I'm Naoki Kanaboshi, and today, I'm going to make confectionary history. I have an amazing stash of delicious Japanese candy. And I am putting it all on the line in a grueling test of knowledge. But be warned! I will defend every piece of my delicious candy to the best of my full and bright abilities. So, if you're smart enough, fast enough, and lucky enough, you can win Kanaboshi's candy!

Yamada Overture in D / Tony Gu's Anime Symphonic Suite
February 19, 7:30 pm, Louis Armstrong Theatre, Haas Center for Performing Arts
The GVSU Symphony Orchestra conducted by Joel Schut:
- Kōsaku Yamada's Overture in D, composed in 1912, is considered the very first piece of Japanese orchestral music. This short 3.5 minute work reflects the strong German influence on Yamada's early compositions.
- The world premiere of Tony Gu's Anime Symphonic Suite. This work highlights the rich visual and sound tradition of Japanese Anime.
CECI will sponsor a reception after the concert.

The Art of Narrative in Japanese Prints
March 19, 6 pm, Meijer Regency Dining Room (DEV102E)
Joel Zwart presents “The Art of Narrative in Japanese Prints,” which serves as a primer for the works of Japanese ukiyo-e artists Utagawa Kunisada, Utagawa Hiroshige and Utagawa Kuninaga on displayed in the in Richard M. DeVos Center Wall Gallery (Building B) through July 2025.

Closing Celebration at Japanese Garden
Closing Celebration at Japanese Garden TBA, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
