Kawashima Selcon TextilesWe saw a variety of tapestries which had been produced by Kawashima Textiles which was established in 1843. We were impressed by the skills of experienced craftsmen of Kawashima Textiles. We were also amazed at a huge curtain for theater which was being made in their factory.
We were specially permitted to see the buildings in Nishihongwanji Temple. We had 40 overseas guests from 12 countries. We were much impressed by the magnificent buildings and the splendid pictures on fusuma (a framed and papered sliding door).
We held the 13th Bazaar at the Kenshu-Dojo in Shimogamo-jinja Shrine. We would like to sincerely thank all the people who came to it. Proceeds from this bazaar will be used to interact with our overseas friends staying in Kyoto.
We saw the exhibition of the paper collage works by Saburo Yuasa at The Museum of Kyoto and learned a great deal about the form of paper art. Mr. Yuasa, the artist, kindly showed us how he constructs his work as a special treat for all of us. During his demonstration, a lot of questions were asked. We could sense Mr. Yuasa's gentle and broad - minded personality from his lively answers. Seeing his work lifted our spirits and made us happy for the rest of the day. His art and his attitude toward life surely moved everyone.
On Wednesday when the rain was lulled in the rainy season, we met at the gate of Nagaoka-tenjin Station and got into the public bus to the direction of Suntory Kyoto Brewery with having an enjoyable conversation with guests. At the end of the standard tour to see how beer was produced with the well-examined ingredients, we could taste the best brand-name beer called "Suntory Malts", then as a good souvenir we took a picture together in front of the factory being mellow and saying loudly "Ichi, Ni, Suntory!" That's how all of us are smiling in the picture.
We visited Kamigamo-Jinja Shinto Shrine, being favored by beautiful sunny weather and fresh green leaves. A shinto priest, Mr. Inui explained about the history of Kamigamo-Jinja, the spirit and manner of shinto, a wonderful architectural design of the main shrine, and so on in beautiful English. All guests listened to his explanation earnestly. After that, Ms. Clancy, who is our interpreter, took us to Ohta-Jinja nearby to see the iris garden.
We held a cherry blossom party in one member's traditional Japanese house by the Kamo River. It was a beautiful sunny day and the hanging cherry tree in the garden was in full bloom. Participants from 19 countries enjoyed homemade dishes and green tea. English rakugo performed by a Kamogawa-kai member and her friend was well-received by our guests.
We visited Miyai Furoshiki and Fukusa Gallery. The company's manager explained us about the history of furoshiki and fukusa. And we learned how to use them. We also enjoyed seeing many different varieties of beautiful fukusa.
* Fukusa is a kind of Japanese textile for wrapping or draping over the gift.
The company's managing director, Mr. Kazuhisa Takahashi gave us a lecture about the history and the characteristic of Kyoyuzen. He also explained the process of Yuzen-dyeing step by step. After that, we toured the dyeing studio in the same building. All participants were impressed by the master craftsmen's delicate techniques.
We were generously invited to the mochi-making party which was held by the local people of the Ogawa School District. 21 overseas friends joined us. Some of them enjoyed pounding mochi with a mallet. Above all, we really enjoyed various kinds of delicious mochi dishes.
