Tuesday, July 8, 2014

7 July 2014: The Star Festival~!

7/7

Rivercity Taiko Group performing for the GJA Students

Today we celebrated the annual Japanese summer festival of Tanabata, held every year on June 7th (7/7). There’s a legend behind the festival where two lovers, Orihime and Hikoboshi, get separated by the gods. Only on June 7th can they see each other again, and the Japanese celebrate their reunion on this day. The festivities usually consist of yukata (summer kimono), bon odori (dancing in a circle), games, lots of food, and fun activities for all. We also had the opportunity to watch a performance from River City Taiko, a taiko drumming group from Richmond. Everyone enjoyed the performance thoroughly! Afterwards, we sang the traditional Tanabata song as a group, and witnessed a short skit from the Tanabata company. It is also a Tanabata tradition to write down your wish on the tanzaku (wish paper) and hang it on the sasa (type of bamboo tree). Then we proceeded to the games, prizes, and fun. All of the sensei declared this festive event the highlight of the academy!


-Amy

Lindsey and Suyun playing on taiko drums, performing the skills they've learned in taiko culture class

GJA Students wearing yukata, summer clothing and playing the taiko drums together

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