Events
"Japan Week in Saku“ October 13-17, 2014
Saku Municipality in Estonia and Saku City in Japan enjoy friendship city relations. In order to celebrate and deepen this relationship, the Embassy of Japan and Saku Municipality organized a „Japan Week in Saku“ in cooperation with local schools, kindergartens and many other organizations to introduce Japanese culture to local people. The Embassy was happy to see so many enthuasiastic people enjoying workshops, demonstrations and lectures.
Monday, October 13
Origami Workshops in Saku Day Center and two kindergartens
Origami Workshop held at the Saku Day Center was very popular and approximately 30 people gathered to learn how to make Japanese origami. Ms. Reet Reidak, an Origami teacher, first showed everyone how to make a Japanese box and then a cute neko (cat) bookmark. Later she taught the Origami to the kindergarten teachers and upon their request showed how to make a crane, which is probably the most well-known Japanese origami figure. Although it was a bit challenging for all, everyone finally did a great job.
Tuesday, October 14 & Thursday, October 16
Shodo Workshop at Saku Recreation Center, Kajamaa School and Saku Gymnasium
In Shodo Workshop the participants tried writing Japanese characters with brush and ink on special Japanese paper, under the guidance of Japanese teachers, Sonobe Sensei and Tamura Sensei. Both adults and children did very well, though it was the first experience for the most participants.
Japanese Music Lecture at Saku Music School
On Tuesday afternoon the Japanese conductor, Mr. Ryosuke Kurahashi, gave a lecture about Japanese music at Saku Music School. The lecture was open to all.
Wednesday, October 15
Movie showing „The Garden of Words“ at Saku Youth Center
In cooperation with Japan Foundation and the Embassy of Japan, everyone was welcomed to attend a free showing of a popular Japanese animation movie by Makoto Shinkai, titled „The Garden of Words“. Feedback from those who watched the movie was very positive and many young people seemed to be looking forward to attending more Japan-related events in the future.
Thursday, October 16
Aikido Demonstrations at Kurtna School, Kajamaa School, Elementary School and Saku Gymnasium
Aikido club Taikikai members, Mr. Ausmees, Mr. Lepik, Mr. Eha and Ms. Kagovere, in cooperation with Saku Municipality, gave several exciting demonstrations to students at various schools. Students were excited to see skillful Aikido practicioners and were given some useful tips about how to solve difficult situations without resorting to violence.
Presentation About Japan at Saku Gymnasium
Mr. Ato, the First Secretary (Info & Culture) from the Embassy of Japan gave a presentation on Japan to Saku Gymnasium students on Thursday afternoon. Mr. Ato talked about Japanese culture and Japan-Estonia relation. He also answered many questions from the students.
Ikebana Workshop at Saku Gymnasium
In Ikebana Workshop Ms. Ingrid Allik, an Ikebana teacher, talked about ikebana´s history and taught the basics of Moribana-style flower arrangement. Many particpiants had brought their own branches, so the teacher showed how ikebana arrangements can be made using all kinds of materials. Some arrangements remained in the Saku Gymnasium as decorations for the evening concert.
Other Events
In addition to the above events, Saku Municipality and local schools arranged a Skype session between Mr. Priit Jõe- Kurtna School´s director and teacher, who is currently studying in Japan with the support of the Japanese Government´s „Teacher Training Students“ scholarship.
Also Mr. Riho-Bruno Bramanis, a professional handball player who had lived and worked in Japan with his family for many years, visited Saku and talked about his experiences to Kurtna School´s students.
A Japanese-themed exhibition was on diplay at the Saku Library from Monday to Friday.
You can read more about Saku Japan – Saku Estonia Friendship City relations here.