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Experience Japanese culture here in Latrobe CityLatrobe City is organising a Japanese Day for the whole community at Kernot Hall Morwell, this Sunday 10 October, from 10am to 3.30pm. By Latrobe Shire Council - 30th September 2004 - Back to News Entry to Japanese Day is free and the event will incorporate many aspects of Japanese culture including food, arts, crafts and music.
Latrobe City Mayor, Councillor Darrell White, said that Latrobe City’s Japanese Day will be an event for discovering the depth and variety of Japanese life, offering an insight into the contrast of old and new ways that make Japan so intriguing to Australians and the rest of the world.
"There will be stalls for visitors to browse, with Japanese toys, groceries, crafts, books, cards and fabrics, as well as holiday packages and photographs. Displays from local schools and clubs will also feature at the event, including karate, kimonos, antique toys and an exhibition of works from the Arai Primary School in our sister city, Takasago," Cr White said.
"Whilst visitors enjoy the stalls and displays, they will also be entertained by Japanese flutes and drumming as well as performances by the Latrobe City Youth Band. Students from St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School and Elizabeth Street Primary School will also be singing Japanese songs," Cr White explained.
Latrobe’s International Relations Officer, Yuki Poole, said that there will be opportunities at Japanese Day to experience traditional Japanese activities, such as origami and bonsai.
"We also want to allow visitors to get really involved in Japanese activities, so we have arranged a number of demonstrations and workshops where visitors will be able to watch or take part in traditional Japanese arts and crafts," Ms Poole said.
"Those who enjoy arts can learn to write their name in Japanese calligraphy, create intricate origami (paper folding), clip and shape a beautiful bonsai tree or learn manga a form of anime or Japanese cartoon.
"Other hands-on activities, for both children and adults, include Japanese toy making such as kendama (cup and ball toy) and yo-yo tsuri (hook a balloon in water), face painting and sumo wrestling or visitors can even have their photo taken wearing a kimono," Ms Poole said.
"The grace of the Japanese tea ceremony is something not to miss, and if this whets your appetite, there will be plenty of food on offer. Many people will already be acquainted with the delights of sushi, but why not try okonomiyaki (cabbage omelette) or yakisoba (noodles). Or for those who like a barbecue there will be Japanese and Australian varieties.
"A raffle at Japanese Day will offer a prize of a Shizuka Mid Week One Night Indulgence Package, which includes accommodation in a traditional Japanese style guest room in Hepburn Springs, complete with a double spa ensuite and a private Japanese garden, choice of a traditional Japanese or full western breakfast, and a four course Japanese dinner.
"Money raised from the raffle will be donated to the Gippsland Cancer Care Unit appeal. There will be also be a colouring competition with a prize of a $50 toy voucher," Ms Poole said.
"With the sights, sounds and aromas of Japan on offer, there will be something for all ages to enjoy, so we hope that the residents of Latrobe City will be tempted to come and join in the fun," Ms Poole added.
Cr White said that the idea behind the Japanese Day had stemmed from a reunion held last year for students involved in the sister city program and the Takasago Friendly Society.
"We thought that an event such as this was something to benefit the whole community. Our links with Japan, through Takasago, are strong. Whilst many residents are unable to visit the country themselves, with the help of our partners Loy Yang Power and JW and HL O’Connor Pty Ltd, as well as many other local schools and community organisations, we can at least bring a taste of Japan to our residents," Cr White concluded.
For more information on Japanese Day, contact Yuki Poole at Latrobe City Council on 1300 367 700.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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