The Kaetsu Centre’s Japan Day was initially co-hosted with the Embassy of Japan’s Information and Cultural Centre in March 2003, under the direction of the late Ambassador Katsuhiko Oku. Since then it has become an annual event which showcases local participants and contributors. Each year, around 400 people come to the centre to enjoy this Japanese cultural experience. One thing that always proves popular is the Japanese Food Court which sustains visitors for the entire day.
This year will see the return of many of our regulars. Visitors can try their hand at our calligraphy (Mrs Reiko Cooke), oriental painting (Mr Peter Cavaciuti) and origami (Nihongo Club) workshops as well as discover more about tea ceremony and ikebana at demonstrations by the Kaetsu Chado Society and Mrs Sawada of Ikebono.
Alongside our regular features, we also have some new, more ‘tropical’ events for this year.
There will be a performance of ‘Hyottoko’ dance by Wakaba-ren from Miyazaki, where a National Hyottoko dance festival is held annually. The dance tells the humourous tale of a fox, a lady and some village men and will be performed by an unbelievably fit group with an average age of 74! The audience will also have chance to join in the workshop. |
