August 3, 2009
Japan Experience! 2009 - Day 6 - Tea Ceremony, Shibuya, & Akihabara
Nakao Sensei giving her final Japanese lesson. Next week will start off with a new Sensei.
It is hard to believe the first week of the Japan Experience program is already over. Everyone has been having a blast trying new things and visiting different parts of Tokyo and Friday was no exception.
As usual we began our day with a Japanese lesson courtesy of Nakao Sensei and Richard Sensei. Following the lesson, the students filed into Seiritsu’s tatami (straw floor mat) room to take part in Chado. In English, Chado, is known as Japanese Tea Ceremony and it is a highly ritualized method of serving green tea. With the help of Yano Sensei and the Chado club, the group got to experience this ancient Japanese ceremony.
A member of the Chado club preparing the tea.
The JE09 students at the end of Chado. Pictured with Yano Sensei, the Chado club, and myself (Nick Sensei).
Next on the list was an excursion to the young, chic district of Shibuya. Known for its youthful clothing stores and rapidly changing fashion, Shibuya is the center of attention for those between their teen years and adulthood.
Everyone at Hachiko; the statue of a famous dog that waited at the station everyday for her owner, even after he passed away.
The group gathering at the end of the Shibuya excursion. The meeting place was the 109 building, a tower devoted entirely to women's fashion.
Rounding out the day was the much anticipated visit to Akihabara, the heart of the Japanese manga and anime culture. Many of this year's participants are big anime and manga fans. For them, the chance to get their hands on their favorite series was a large cause for excitement.
At the train station, getting ready to set out into Akihabara.
One of the main streets of Akihabara. The district itself is actually quite compact so tons of shops are jam-packed into a relatively small area.