Japanese Arts & Crafts Fair to be held March 3

Only three hours away, Guam is a popular overseas travel destination for many Japanese. If you are stationed on the island, it’s common to see Japanese tourists flock to the island’s popular tourist attractions, such as Two Lovers Point, Plaza de España and Chamorro Village.

Although you see them around Guam, do you know much about Japanese people and their arts and culture?

If you don’t, you’ll soon have an opportunity to learn about Japanese culture. The Japan Club of Guam will host its annual Japanese Arts and Crafts Fair on March 3, offering a great chance for those on the island to check out traditional Japanese performances, martial arts and tea ceremony demonstrations, as well as view collections of Japanese handicrafts.

According to Satoko T. Tenorio, spokesperson of Japan Club of Guam, the main purpose of the annual event is to strengthen the friendship between Japanese and local communities.

During this admission-free event, 20 booths will be selling various Japanese handicrafts, such as traditional dolls, hand-sewn bead accessories, quilts and origami.

While you’re there check out the martial art skills and techniques of an Aikido group. Also take some time to participate in a traditional tea ceremony and learn the elegant manners of enjoying “matcha.” On the center stage, the Notre Dame High School choir and a group of Taisho-koto (a modernized version of the Japanese traditional harp) musicians will also perform. Then, dancers of all ages will perform traditional Japanese dances to fill the event with cheers.

This opportunity to have a little taste of Japan in Guam is one you won’t want to miss.

The 21st Annual Arts & Crafts Fair – ‘Kagayaki - HIKARI’
When: March 3, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: Hotel Nikko Guam “TASI” Ballroom
Admission: Free
URL: www.jcguam.org/
Tel: 646-8066
Program
Arts and Crafts Fair
10 a.m. Opening remarks (center stage)
10:10 a.m. Taisho Koto (Japanese harp) performance (center stage – 20 min.)
10:35 a.m. Aikido demonstration (center stage - 30 min.)
11:05 a.m. Japanese tea ceremony demonstration (40 min.)
11:45 a.m. Notre Dame High School Choir (center stage – 10 min.)
12:05 p.m. Hula dancing (center stage - 15 min.)
12:25 p.m. Japanese dance performance (center stage -25 min.)

INTERMISSSION (40 min.)
1:30 p.m. Guam Aikikai demonstration (center stage -30 min.)
2 p.m. Japanese tea ceremony demonstration (40 min.)
2:35 p.m. Japanese dance performance (center stage – 25 min.)
3:05 p.m. Hula dancing (center stage - 15 min)
3:25 p.m. Taisho Koto (Japanese harp) performance
(center stage - 20 min)