Thursday, June 25, 2015

Japanese Culture Day

The Yokosuka International Association hosted a Japanese Culture Day last weekend. It was an entirely free event, with the exception of the kimono dressing and the ikebana (flower arranging), which were 500 yen each.

 Japanese tea ceremony (we didn't have the greatest view--the lady with her back to us is preparing the tea).

 After the tea ceremony, we were all invited to try making the green tea ourselves. The tea at a Japanese tea ceremony is powdered green tea, called Matcha. You use a tiny bamboo stick to scoop out some green tea powder and place it in the bottom of the tea bowl. You then add hot water, using the bamboo ladle that's perched on top of the tea kettle in this photo. You must then use a bamboo whisk to vigorously whisk the tea until it is foamy.

 Chickadee dressed in a kimono (they even styled your hair for you). She enjoyed it immensely. 

 Calligraphy. You could choose either character. Chickadee made the left one (north/kita), and Millinophile made the right one (south/minami). The red stamp indicated that it is official calligraphy. 

 There was also an origami table. Chickadee chose to make this rose (hers is the top one and the other one is the instructor's).

 Millinophile made this adorable cat.

Some other origami you could choose to make.

2 comments:

  1. Chickadee, you look beautiful in that kimono! And I love the calligraphy and origami you and Millinophile made. It looks like a fun time was had by all.

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  2. I agree! kimono and you = very lovely and beautiful! so vivid!!! How fun the calligraphy and origami! well done! What a nice time you had!

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