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Japanese Day draws the crowdsMore than 3000 people attended Latrobe City’s Japanese Day held at Kernot Hall on Sunday, enjoying the mystery and colour of the Japanese culture on their very own doorstep. By Latrobe City Council - 27th September 2005 - Back to News Latrobe City Mayor, Councillor Bruce Lougheed said that as well as celebrating all things Japanese, a delegation from Latrobe’s sister city in Japan, Takasago, commemorated the fifth anniversary of their relationship.
"We were honoured to host 25 delegates from Takasago, who have arrived in Latrobe City not only to enjoy and help with our Japanese Day celebrations, but also to attend the Australian Sister City Association conference being held in the municipality this week.
"Their arrival enabled us to mark the fifth anniversary of the signing of our sister city relationship by planting a magnificent Japanese maple tree in the grounds of Kernot Hall," Cr Lougheed said.
Cr Lougheed said that the Japanese Day celebrations saw a mix of traditional and modern Japanese customs.
"The people from Takasago also entertained the crowd with a couple of renditions of a traditional Japanese Bon dance, where locals were invited to join in. They also set up stalls and demonstrated activities such as traditional Japanese games, origami, Japanese kite making and Japanese calligraphy," Cr Lougheed added.
"Along with the many stalls and activities, there were some outstanding performances on the stage. These included a karate demonstration by Traralgon Kyokushin Karate Club and a judo demonstration by the Traralgon Judo Club.
"Mitchell Naughton from Albert Street Primary School also delivered a magnificent rendition of a Japanese song titled ‘Shiisai Aki Mitsuketa’, and the Latrobe City Youth Band was again warmly received. However the biggest applause was reserved for the renowned Japanese drumming group - Waidako Rindo," Cr Lougheed explained.
"Children visiting the event were entertained by face painting, a jumping castle, colouring competitions and were enthralled with the Japanese toys given away, such as yo-yo tsuri (water filled balloon yo-yos) and taketombo (wooden ‘dragonflies’)," Cr Lougheed said.
"The beautiful weather only helped to make the day even more enjoyable and the large crowds are testament to the fascination and respect for the Japanese culture here in Latrobe City," Cr Lougheed concluded.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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