Day of activity: July 16th 2014
Today we left suita station by bus to go to OYC, the Oriental Yeast Company. The OYC was Japan’s first baker’s yeast manufacturer (since 1929) and thus one of the trendsetters that made bread as popular as it is today in Japan. After a lengthy and informative PowerPoint on the fermentation of yeast we went on a tour of the Osaka Branch. On this tour we got to see a bit of the manufacturing process, mainly the packaging, and also saw a shrine where one can pray for good business. We did so maybe one of us will become a business tycoon. After the tour we had lunch, which consisted of bread – made with their yeast, of course – and some delicious Curry Rice.
After the factory we went to Kansai University, which had the grand campus. Of course we didnt see it all but the map was indication enough. They gave us information about their exchange program as well as two student-made presentations; one on jokes and the other on Japanese fashion, and wow are some styles unique and flamboyant. After having a discussion about the different styles present in our countries we went to see a Kendo presentation.
It was given by an Australian who’d been doing it 20+ years and was 7th Dan. He told us about Kendo’s history and how it was more than just a sport but also a way of life. The two girls, both 3rd Dan, faced each other and their sensei, giving us a taste of Kendo. Their Kiai was more high pitched than id expected and it painted a rather interesting image, especially because of the sensei’s baritone. In any, case it was fun to see but probably not for me. This was the last activity of the day and, in my opinion, a good ending to our 5th day here in Osaka.
Vincent Potman (the Netherlands)