Since 1988, the Center for Asia Pacific Studies has gained a reputation for conceptualizing and hosting events that promote greater understanding of the peoples and cultures of the Asia Pacific region. Our events attract diverse audiences, consisting of faculty, staff, students and members of the public from the San Francisco Bay Area and throughout the world. As the holiday season begins, the center is excited to share highlights from our events this past spring semester.
Infusing Culture into Chopsticks
Workshop by CHOPSTICKSTORY
Tuesday, September 16 | 11:45 AM–12:45 PM PT | Privett Plaza
The Center for Asia Pacific Studies welcomed CHOPSTICKSTORY to campus for an experiential cultural education session highlighting Korean identity and heritage through the everyday object of chopsticks. The workshop introduced differences in chopstick design and dining culture across Korea, China, and Japan. Participants learned about the historical evolution of Korean chopsticks, from Baekje-era bronze and Goryeo/Joseon brass styles to contemporary stainless-steel versions.
2025 Relaunch of the USF Center for Asia Pacific Studies
Friday, October 3rd | 6:00–8:00 PM PT | LM 100 & Koret Lodge
In partnership with the Center for Business Studies and Innovation in Asia-Pacific
USF faculty, supporters, students, and community members, along with foreign dignitaries and California State Senator Scott Wiener, joined the Center for its relaunch celebration. The Center relaunched in partnership with the Center for Business Studies and Innovation in Asia Pacific (CBSI), forming a dynamic interdisciplinary platform connecting social sciences, the humanities, business, and technology. The event featured keynote remarks by Janet Yang (former president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences), a Global Horizons panel, and a concluding reception and networking event.
Ikebana Workshop: Flowers with Intention
Workshop by Tomoko “Hoyu” Lee, Floral Designer and Sogetsu Instructor
Thursday, October 9th | 3:00–5:00 PM PT | Lone Mountain 100
Tomoko Hoyu Lee brought her expertise to campus for a hands-on workshop on Ikebana, the traditional Japanese art of flower arranging. Participants were introduced to key design principles and then created their own arrangements with personalized feedback from the instructor.
Finishing Business in the Chinese Diaspora
Nan Z. Da, Johns Hopkins University
Monday, October 20th | 5:00–6:15 PM PT | Fromm Hall, Berman Room & Online
Nan Z. Da explored the immigrant TV dramas of the 1990s that captivated audiences in China and abroad. These multi-episode dramas, often written by Chinese expats, portrayed the realities of immigrant life in North American cities, addressing language barriers, labor struggles, family separation, domestic conflict, and interpersonal tensions.
Pictures Run Riot: Exhibiting Manga at the British Museum and at the de Young Museum
Curator talk by Nicole Rousmaniere, Ph.D.
Thursday, October 23rd | 5:00–6:30 PM PT | Fromm Hall, Xavier Room & Online
The Center and the Museum Studies Master’s Program hosted Nicole Rousmaniere for a discussion on the Art of Manga exhibition at the de Young Museum. She shared curatorial insights and reflected on what the exhibition reveals about the future of manga globally.
Musubi Madness
Event led by the Asia Bridge Junior Fellows
Tuesday, November 11th | 3:30-4:30 PM PT | UC Cafe – Sambal Station
The Center, together with the Asia Bridge Fellows and Bon Appétit, hosted Musubi Madness, a food-culture workshop where students learned to make Spam musubi with vegetarian and vegan variations. Participants also enjoyed other local treats from Hawai’i and explored the cultural history of musubi.
Mahjong: What’s Old is New
Book talk by Nicole Wong
Thursday, November 20th | 5:00–6:15 PM PT | Fromm Hall, Berman Room & Online
Nicole Wong explored mahjong’s rich history, its evolution across communities, and the forces driving its renewed popularity. She discussed the diverse styles of play and the need for their preservation and documentation. She also highlighted how mahjong serves as a lens into community and cultural identity, and how its enduring resonance connects to broader contemporary challenges, including life in a tech-saturated world, political and cultural divides, and emotional wellbeing.
If you would like to support events like these, please consider making a donation here. Your contribution helps us continue offering engaging programs that celebrate and explore the diverse cultures, histories, and issues of the Asia Pacific region.