We visited Gangoji Temple in Nara which was built about 1300 years ago in Nara period and designate as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Reverend Taido Minematsu gave us an explanation about the history and the treasures of Gangoji Temple in the national treasure Gokurakudo, and we also experienced zazen under the guidance of Reverend Yudo Sakata in the national treasure zenshitsu. We spent a really good time on the beautiful sunny day with 38 participants including 20 foreigners.
18 overseas friends, 4 Japanese guests, and 15 members of Kamogawakai visited Rokuharamitsuji Temple. The 65th chief priest Mr. Junsho Kawasaki made a speech about the history of the temple. Then, we visited the main hall which was built in 963 and designated as Important Cultural Property. In the treasure house, we looked at the numerous statues with listening to the explanation. We were interested in the statues of Taira-no Kiyomori and Holy Priest Kuya. As Mr. & Mrs. Kawasaki appreciated our voluntary activities, they warmly welcomed us. They were so kind enough to help us and give us the charms of Kannon . We are grateful for them to their generosities.
13 guests and 12 Kamogawakai members, 25 people in total visited the museum. The museum is used to be a residence of a cloisonné artisan, Yasuyuki Namikawa. In the museum, we could see some works and designs and tools for cloisonné, tangible cultural property. We also enjoyed excellent garden in the museum, which was designed by Jihei Ogawa the 7th. Museum staff explained us about the works or history of cloisonné and the museum, and we are so moved.
27 of us including 12 foreign participants visited Murai Hand Loom Factory in Nishijin. At the present time, there are only a few factories that produce golden fabrics which are used to make “kesa”kimono for priests. Mr.Murai took us around the factory and showed us a gorgeous ceremonial kesa. Besides, a few foreign guests had a wonderful opportunity to try kesa on. We are grateful to him and his family for their kindness and generosity.
We took a cooking lesson of Japanese home style dishes from Ms. Yuko Nishikawa, who runs B and B with a small restaurant called Maggie.B. 30 participants cooperated to cook Spinach Goma-ae, Teriyaki Chicken and Sushi Rolls. After the cooking practice, they tried the dishes of their own cooking. We are sorry we could not accept some of applications because of limited seating.
The event this month was held at Ippodo Tea Company. In all, forty nine people came,including thirty one from overseas. We learned how to enjoy making good ｓencha tea.
We held a spring party to celebrate the 30th anniversary of foundation of Kamogawa-Kai. We welcomed 22 foreign participants from 17 countries and 27 Japanese participants, including members, and enjoyed traditional Japanese culture, kyogen and tea ceremony. Mr. Katsumi Yanagimoto and Mr. Noboru Hashimoto who performed kyogen, gave an explanation about kyogen and instructed the characteristic move of kyogen for us. And we also had lunch together at the end of the party. It was a really good day for the celebration of 30th anniversary.
28 of us including 15 foreign participants visited the gold leaf art studio "Hakuya Noguchi". Mr. Noguchi talked us many topics on life in Nishijin and the use of gold leaf in the kinpeki paintings of the Muromachi and Edo periods.
30 of us including 13 foreign participants visited Suzuki Shofudo paper craft shop. We were explained about "katazome" stencil dyeing method of washi and the history of this company. And we experienced making a kaleidoscope using favorite washi paper.
34 of us, including 17 participants from foreign countries, visited the studio of Mr. Kanjiro Shibata, a 21st generation yumi (Japanese traditional bow) maker. He demonstrated us how to make yumi, and gave an explanation about the history of it and Japanese martial arts.
