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Japanese Day Packed With Culture And Entertainment

An insight into preparing Sashimi, a visiting Japanese calligraphy master demonstrating his art form, and a dynamic drumming performance from Wadaiko Rindo are among the highlights to be enjoyed on Sunday 14 October,

By Latrobe City - 4th October 2007 - Back to News

when Latrobe City’s annual ‘Japanese Day’ takes place at Kernot Hall in Morwell.

Now in its fourth year, Japanese Day is a unique community day enjoyed by people of all ages who delight in exploring Japanese culture and discovering more about our sister city of Takasago and the Japanese people.

Latrobe City’s international relations officer, Yuki Poole, said the day’s program will provide the community with numerous opportunities to ‘experience’ Japan.

"Japanese Day this year is going to be packed with exciting entertainment. The martial arts come to the fore with Japanese karate demonstrations by the Traralgon Kyokushin Karate Club, and judo will be presented by the Traralgon Judo Club.

"The Japanese drumming performances of the Melbourne based group Wadaiko Rindo are spectacular visual displays of stamina, strength and humour, with the vibrations produced on stage energising the whole audience. Once again we’re excited that Wadaiko Rindo will be performing at Japanese Day," Ms Poole said.

"Many people find the opportunity to sample Japanese cuisine an irresistible attraction at Japanese Day. This year, visitors will not only be able to sample sashimi, sushi, gyoza and a host of other treats, but can watch demonstrations of sashimi being prepared. A variety of raw fish are creatively presented in a sashimi dish and the preparation is an art form in itself.

"We are also very fortunate this year to have Takasago-born calligraphy artist Takeo Fujita demonstrating this ancient and beautiful art form at Japanese Day. There will be many stalls and workshops featuring Japanese art and craft, intrinsic to the Japanese lifestyle for everyone to enjoy.

"Other stalls will offer a variety of Japanese products that people can purchase on the day. There will be a kimono fabric stall, Japanese lollies and snacks and a host of intriguing and unusual products and gifts," Ms Poole said.

"Children are certainly not forgotten, because there will be plenty of activities, games and competitions to enjoy, and lots of stalls with goods as Japanese toys that will appeal to the younger mind," Ms Poole added.

Latrobe City mayor, Cr Tony Zimora, said this year’s Japanese Day will welcome 11 members of the ‘Latrobe Friendly Society’ based in Takasago.

"Our municipality established its sister city relationship with Takasago in 2000, but our community’s friendship and links developed much earlier. Over the years many people from our own community from schoolchildren to business people have visited our sister city and established lasting bonds. It is wonderful to think we will be welcoming such a large delegation of visitors from Takasago who will participate in this year’s event," Cr Zimora said.

Japanese Day is sponsored by Latrobe City Council, TEPCO, and Loy Yang Power. Further information is available from Yuki Poole, telephone 1300 367 700.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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