Thursday, April 4, Izumisano Cross-cultural Association

Seven junior high school students (five boys and two girls) from Töv Province, Mongolia, with which Izumisano City has a friendly relationship, visited ica to experience wearing yukata. They enjoyed playing Japanese games such as Bozu Mekuri and activities including origami, with members of the Kimono Club and 17 volunteers from ica.

Souvenirs from Mongolia

Along with Mongolian milk chocolate and a dish depicting traditional Mongolian life, was a small yurt​ (bottom left) containing a Shagai, a Mongolian folk game. Shagai is made of sheep’s ankle bones and is played in a similar way to the Japanese game of Ohajiki.

Saturday, March 2, Kansai International Center

Hinamatsuri Event (Girls’ Festival) was held at the Kansai International Center. A total of 125 people, including 47 foreign residents (25 of whom were trainees), participated in the event. The venue was decorated with hina dolls and everyone enjoyed traditional Japanese games and a tea ceremony.

Saturday, December 9, Izumisano Cross-cultural Association

Ninety-six people, including 34 foreigners, attended the End-of-the-year Gaya Gaya Party. Many families attended, and people of various ages and nationalities enjoyed dancing, games, and chatting.

Summer Festival in Izumisano
Saturday, September 2, Rinku Open-Air Cultural and Music Hall

The 46th Izumisano Local Performing Arts Gathering was held, and the ica booth sold “lemonade with a message” (see below). Foreigners including 6 men, 7 women, and 4 children, were dressed in yukata. Thirty-eight people turned out for the event making it a great success.

Participants’ Comments

• When I wear a yukata, I can’t extend my legs. So when I walk I naturally walk in a graceful manner. (China)
• At first I had the obi loosely tied, and when I ran after my child, it came loose and fell off. I thought I should have had it tied tighter. After tightening the obi, I felt my back being straightened and felt I became more beautiful. My child was happy to wear a yukata for the first time. (Mongolia)