A Taste of Japan takes place monthly over January, February and March. There are 3 separate event dates you can book or you can book all three.
Wednesday 27th January
Language - For many people, Japanese Language is a mystery. Based on two sets of phonetic syllabaries combined with ideograms known as Kanji, learning it can be a fascinating, sometimes frustrating challenge. This talk will give some insights into the basic structure and use of the language.
Festivals and Celebrations - There are countless festivals celebrated throughout the year, some are calm and meditative, others are boisterous and loud. This is a personal look at a few of the many festivals (Matsuri) and celebrations including Golden Week, New Year, Children’s day, and special occasions, giving Hilary the opportunity to learn more about their traditional values.
Wednesday 24th February
Wa = Harmony - Derek will discuss the ethos of the Japanese ,referring to aspects like their aversion to conflict, collective not individual (but belief in individual responsibility) non-intellectual more practical: a non-religious society, but ancestor/spirit worship Derek
Haiku - Although Haiku is considered an old, traditional style of Japanese verse, it was actually preceded by other forms. The talk will explain a little of the history and development of Haiku and show the structure and content with some samples. There will also be a challenge for those willing to try it.
Wednesday 24th March
Zen in everyday life - Derek will explain more covering aspects such as ikebana displays and bird song at stations; Tea ceremony & food presentation, small present giving & present wrapping. Order/cleanliness; 2 sides/faces to culture…public/private; Japan a traditional society but celebrates innovation
Temples, Shrines and Gardens – The main religions in Japan are Buddhism and Shinto, the many temples and shrines are an important part of their culture. Japanese gardens offer peace and tranquillity and try to capture the beauties of nature in a natural way as well as being works of art. This talk shows examples across the country.
Speakers:
Derek Beddow - Insights into many aspects of Japan by Derek who has lived and worked in Japan for 5 years. He has been visiting Japan every year for the last 30 years, he and his Japanese wife have a house in Yokohama. Having travelled the world extensively, and worked for three years in Peru, Derek thinks Japan is still the most unique country he has ever been to for a variety of reasons, many of which will be covered in these talks.
Gill Russell – Gill lived in Japan with her family for four years and while her husband worked in Tokyo, she taught at the Yokohama International School. She developed a keen interest in the culture and language of this amazing country and has revived that since retiring by joining a Japanese language class. She returned to Japan recently and found that although some things had changed, much of the traditional Japan remained. She enjoys sharing her experience with U3A groups and has used her interest to run a course for the North West Summer school.
Hilary Jones – personal experiences of Japan by Hilary whose son has a Japanese wife and lives in Kawasaki. Hilary has visited Japan on a number of occasions and has appreciated the insight into the life of a modern Japanese family.
