We welcomed 37 overseas friends from 14 countries to our party. This time, Mr. Hiroshi Fujibayashi who is the chief of the Kyoto Branch of the Nippon Taiko Foundation, and all-female Wadaiko performers gave us their excellent wadaiko (Japanese drum) performance. We enjoyed the fine energetic tones of the wadaiko in the glorious autumn air at the beautiful villa in Sagano. Kamogawa-kai members served homemade delicacies for lunch.
We visited the old post town of Tokaido Highway in Hirakata City which developed in the Edo period. We, together with 11 foreign and 6 Japanese participants, took a walk for about 2.5km, listening to the guide's explanation. And we saw the ancient documents, folk crafts and unearthed ceramics displayed in Kagiya Museum.
We visited Shimadzu Foundation Memorial Hall. There were 23 of us attended including 9 overseas friends. The manager of the Memorial Hall, Mr. Hideo Hayase explained about the history of Shimadzu in English and Ms. Misako Kawakatsu in Japanese, and they guided us through the hall. We enjoyed watching their demonstration on reflection and shock. We were impressed by Shimadzu's philosophy of wishing to "Contribute to the World through Science and Technology", a principle they wished to pass on to the next generation.
Our program in June was a visit to the Neesima Residence. Twenty-four guests attended this event, including 14 guests from overseas. We visited the residence and also watched a film about it shown by projector, hosted by Ms. Ochiai. Guests and Kamogawakai menbers made a donetions for Tohoku Earthquake.
36 overseas and Japanese friends joined in the meeting at the dining room of Utano Youth Hostel. Under the guidance of the chief director and 4 members of the Kyoto noodle maker's union, we tried to make Japanese noodles (udon). Though it was difficult to make noodles, we really enjoyed a special experience. We also enjoyed to eat the two kinds of noodle dishes. We are grateful to the union for their kindness.
We held an annual cherry blossom party at a member's house by the Kamo River. We welcomed 19 foreign and 14 Japanese guests, and enjoyed French mini concert by Ms.Reiko Omura, and English rakugo, shamisen play, Japanese dance, and songs, by the guests and the members. We spent a good time in a friendly atmosphere.
The master of Koutaro Vinegar Shop explained us about history of vinegar in Japan and their business principle of brewing safe and high quality vinegar. We appreciated the display of the family's antique set of hina dolls, and enjoyed tasting variety of different drinking vinegar.
Kyoto Seishu Netsuke Art MuseumWe visited Kyoto Seishu Netsuke Art Museum with 14 foreign guests and 2 Japanese guests. We appreciated various beautiful netsukes, which were carved by sophisticated technique, and we enjoyed the magnificent building itself, which used to be a samurai house. And we also were given an explanation about history of netsuke and how to make netsuke.
We were generously invited to the mochi-making party which was held by the local people of the Ogawa School District. 18 overseas friends joined us. They enjoyed pounding mochi with a mallet and taking various kinds of delicious mochi dishes. We also talked about special food on Christmas or New Year's Day in each country. We are grateful to the people of Ogawa School District for their kindness.
