Today, World Campus – Japan members along with the Mito City LOC, host families, and members of the community in the Furesia Center in Mito City enjoyed a day of fun and learning. “Furesia” is a combination of the Japanese characters for ‘interaction’ and ‘happiness’, and today’s activities matched that sentiment. The morning started with a presentation on the art of flower making using carved and peeled radishes. Three gentlemen from the Committee for the Preservation of Radish Flower Making demonstrated their skills by making three different flowers for everyone to see. Radish Flower Making is a Japanese tradition going back 150 years, and it was wonderful to see this beautiful art and also to know that this committee is working hard to keep the tradition alive in Japan.
Afterwards, WCI members got together with host families and community members to learn and participate in Japanese style arts and sports, including pottery, washie, fukiya and shodou. All of our sensei’s were masters of their craft and very helpful to us all. We had a lot of fun while learning so much about Japanese culture, and spending time with the community. The day ended with a fantastic demonstration of Japanese drum dancing, and we even were able to wear costumes and participate in the dance! WCI then thanked the Furesia Center and all the participants by performing a medley of songs. All the WCI members hope that through these songs, we were able to convey our appreciation for such a wonderful day. Thank you to everyone!!
(Meghan Kutz, U.S.A.)
