In September 2008 we hosted calligrapher Umon Tachibana, a living national treasure, who gave a demonstration and invited some attendees to try for themselves. Tachibana works for the Agency of Cultural Affairs for the Government of Japan.

On a musical note, earlier this year guests were treated to a Koto performance by Mineko Yamaguchi who is with the Ikuta School. Ms Yamaguchi resided in the UK for a couple of years and was invited by the Birmingham Japan Society to play one last concert before returning to Japan.

We still have a number of events planned for the rest of 2010 including another calligraphy event and kimono dressing demonstration. Our ever popular film nights will continue in February 2011 with Kurosawa¡Çs Kagemusha. Also in 2011, we have our annual hanami party and a trip to Tatton Park to take a look around the Japanese garden.

To find out more about our activities, keep an eye on our website http://www.eiwakai.org/ or find us on Facebook - just search for Eiwakai!

Events for 2010-2011:
October 15th - Calligraphy evening, ¡ò2 includes supplies and refreshments
December 10th - Christmas Party and Kimono dressing demonstration, bring your own refreshments to share
February 11th - Film night, Kurosawa's Kagemusha, ¡ò2 includes refreshments
March 25th - Japanese meal out in Birmingham, details to follow
April 29th - Ohanami party, bring your own Japanese drinks and snacks
June 25th - Saturday trip out to Tatton Park

April Boyd