Treehouse students watching the “lion men” in awe during their traditional New Year Culture Week. TREEHOUSE MONTESSORI SCHOOL
2011 began on a high note with the start of Japanese Culture Week at Treehouse Montessori School. This special oshogatsu week is a tradition at this Yokohama-based international school, during which students are introduced to the wonders of Japan.
The highlight of the week was the shishimai performance given by three local gentlemen who dressed up in full gear to perform the spectacular lion dance, accompanied by the Japanese taiko and flute. The children were amazed to see men dancing while dressed as a lion.
Many other events were organized throughout the week, including the cooking of oshiruko with shiratama. The children of the upper class impressed everyone with their cooking skills and presented each of the younger children with a bowl of red bean soup. The younger children reciprocated by making toasted mochi for their elders.
The children were also introduced to the concept of otoshidama and learned Japanese phrases relating to this tradition of giving money at New Year.
Japanese toys were brought in to school to play with, and the children made their own taketombo and origami cranes for good luck.
By the end of this very special week, the students of Treehouse were overjoyed with all the new discoveries that they made — the teachers were sure these new elements of Japanese culture made a lasting impression.
— JENNY VYVIAL
