Japan Club of Guam to host annual fair

The Japan Club of Guam will host the 21st Arts and Crafts Fair at the Hotel Nikko Guam’s Tasi Ballroom on March 3, 2019. (Contributed Photo)

The Japan Club of Guam will host the 21st Arts and Crafts Fair with the theme of hikari (briliance) at the Hotel Nikko Guam’s Tasi Ballroom on March 3, 2019.

The main purpose of this event is to strengthen the friendship between the communities of Japan and Guam by sharing the unique Japanese culture of arts and crafts with the people of Guam.

The Consulate-General of Japan will host a demonstration of the ancient Japanese tea ceremony.

“It will be an excellent opportunity to experience this tea ceremony because even in Japan, we seldom have occasions to experience this ancient tea ceremony,” said the consulate in a statement. “All day during this fair, they will also serve you tea, prepared with this special, ancient technique, along with Japanese sweets. Everyone is welcome to taste the special tea and experience this elegant ceremony.”

There will be several performers from Japan. “We are especially grateful that Mr. Kuga and his Tokyo students will return to play several songs” with the taisho-koto (a modernized version of the Japanese traditional harp), added the statement. “They will fill this fair with their cheerful music. They will open their booth for you to try playing this unique and simple musical instrument.”

There will be a traditional Japanese dance performance. The instructor, Yaeko Smith, has been studying under a prestigious master in Japan for many years. Smith received the honorable name of “Wakayagi” from the traditional dance authorities of the same name. Dancers, from Kindergarteners to adults, will perform various kinds of traditional Japanese dance on the stage.

Aikido is a martial art that does not have any competitions. It trains your mind and spirit as well as your body. Aikikai (Aikido school) will demonstrate various techniques and rituals by all students.

This year, we will have a special chorus group from Notre Dame High School. They will sing several Japanese songs and their school anthem. This represents the first time a Guam high school will participate in this fair.

Our sales and exhibition booths provide traditional Japanese arts and crafts as well as modern fashion arts and crafts to suit various tastes. You are likely to find something interesting. Perhaps it will be the traditional Japanese doll collections, hand-sewn bead accessories, beautiful quilt works, origami arts, or many more possibilities. They also will sell “Akimatsuri Happi”—Japanese festival jackets.

Admission is free as we hope to welcome as many people as possible to visit. The Japan Club of Guam looks forward to spending a fun and happy time with the people of Guam. (PR)