News shared by Pauline on behalf of Friendship Force. Ed
Members of Isle of Wight Friendship Force have just returned from a superb visit to four Japanese Friendship Force clubs.
Highlights included our hosts’ guided tours giving us insights in both ancient and modern Japan. We loved the traditional tea ceremonies, the beautiful spring cherry blossom, and the magnificent formal gardens, while also being fascinated by the contrast with city skylines.
Immersed ourselves in traditional culture
We relished immersing ourselves in traditional culture, by dressing up in kimonos and trying our hands at calligraphy. We were delighted to hear a traditional harp recital on the instrument known as the Koto. The instruments were beautifully played by high school students in Ota Gunma.
In contrast, we enjoyed watching an energetic group of Taiko drummers, followed by a short drumming lesson. Like calligraphy, traditional drumming proved to be somewhat challenging!
Temples and shrines
Around one of several shrines visited, the Fushimi Inari, we were fascinated to see many fox statues. Foxes are messengers of Inari, the Shinto god of fertility, rice, tea and sake. The Sake, rice wine, we tried at the Gekkeikan Brewery was delicious.
Our favourite temple was the Todaiji temple, which reportedly has the largest Buddha in the world. It is in Nara Park. The only downside was the ‘overfriendliness’ of the deer who nipped several of us, as we walked around. Ouch!
Carnival
Inuyama has its own version of the Sandown carnival. Its dates back to the 17th century. Ancient puppets and automaton are pulled through the town on huge floats. weighing over three tons.
Whilst on our travels we met many traditionally dressed girls and brides and grooms, taking advantage of the sunny weather and blossom to have their photos taken.
Modern Japan
We also had fascinating insights into modern Japan. Ota Gunma is also known as Subaru city, as Subaru is the main employer; there are at least three factories there. The deputy mayor welcomed us in a ceremony of some pomp, giving us gifts which included an official vest of the Gunma Crane Thunders, the town’s professional basketball team.
We visited another town linked to a car manufacturer, Toyota. Toyota Town is on the outskirts of Nagoya. We were interested to learnt that Toyota originally made weaving looms. It started making cars in 1933 after taking apart a Chevrolet car and looking to see how they could improve it.
We were astonished to discover in many of the cars in which we travelled that the sat nav, when not in use, could double as a television screen. An innovation not likely to be welcomed into our Highway Code!
Mount Fuji
A final treat, for those returning by train to Haneda airport, was a glimpse of iconic Mount Fuji. It was a magnificent site and a fitting end to a wonderful visit to Japan.
A final treat, for those returning by train to Haneda airport, was a glimpse of iconic Mount Fuji. It was a magnificent site and a fitting end to a wonderful visit to Japan.
Become a member
New members are always welcome to join our IW Friendship Force (FF) club. Our membership secretary is Marjo [email protected]
Find out more on our IW Friendship Force website.
Future trips
We are looking forward to receiving visits from two FF North American clubs this year: one in May from Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada and the second in October from Kalispell, Montana, USA.
