7 July 2015: Tanabata Matsuri

Today, the students celebrated the much anticipated July 7th Japanese summer festival, "Tanabata Matsuri".  The students were dressed in traditional Japanese summer wear called "Yukata".
A student-led group organized and planned the festival's activities which included bottle fishing, Menko, ring toss, and many others.  In addition, students put on a play depicting the traditional Tanabata legend of Orihime and Hikiboshi, a couple that was separated and only permitted to meet once a year on July 7th.  After that, students enjoyed a live Taiko drum performance by River City Taiko, a local Taiko group that the academy's own Uchisawa Sensei has been a long-standing member of.  The whole academy enjoyed the event: "It was absolutely splendid," said Rahi, an academy student.
The Tanabata festival was a relaxing, and fun way to conclude the day.

-Conner San

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 7^th (7/7). There’s a legend behind the festival where two lovers, Orihime and Hikoboshi, get separated by the gods. Only on June 7^th 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