[Date and Time] Saturday, June 25, 13:00~16:00
[Spots] Yokomizo Residence in Yokohama
[Visitors] 33 foreigners from 17 countries, with 5 from Uzbekistan, 4 each from Japan and Indonesia, 3 from China, 2 each from the U.S., Algeria, Nigeria, and Myanmar, 1 each from the Philippines, Sweden, Korea, Mongolia, Germany, Egypt, Vietnam, Sudan, and England
[Attendants] 9 KSGG members
We KSGG members could dress our visitors in yukata or a cotton kimono neatly, because we had practiced how to have others put on yukata and a sash beforehand. Satisfied with themselves in yukata, the visitors took pictures each other. After everyone put on yukata, we listened to “Sakura” performed by an Algerian visitor and an Uzbekistan visitor, who had been taught how to play the koto or the Japanese zither by a KSGG member several times before their performance. The other visitors looked on them with respect. Then we all sang together accompanied by the koto. At the end of the party, the visitors introduced themselves and expressed their impressions of Yukata Party. Everyone seemed to be satisfied with their experience of Japanese culture. Thanks to the cooperation of Ms. N., Yokomizo Residence’s custodian, who had prepared yukata and sweets for us, the party ended on a high note.
◎ Impression of Ms. G from Algeria
We had a great time at KSGG’s annual Yukata party which was a nice opportunity to dress up in summer yukata and enjoy authentic Japanese music performed live using Kotos. Very nice Japanese ladies helped us getting dressed and we all sang sakura sakura that was played by koto. This event was held in a wonderful old Japanese house whose manager, a very kind lady, did everything to make us feel comfortable. Many thanks to her and all KSGG members.