Last month, Chateau School diplomats got to experience the sacred customs of the Japanese New Year, visiting Meiji Jingu to make a wish and participate in the Kigan ritual. They waited patiently with many visitors, also looking forward to starting the year, before walking behind the curtains and into the shrine building where people were praying. They listened to the sounds of the big drum and the beautiful flutes, and watched the Yamato-Mai dance.
After returning to Chateau School, the diplomats cut green leafy vegetables into small pieces to make the seven-herb porridge (nanakusa-gayu); it is meant to bring longevity and health. The scent of the herbs was quite unusual and everyone had a different reaction to it.
Later, diplomats enjoyed a Japanese tea ceremony, preparing their first cup of “matcha” green tea in handmade ceramic bowls decorated with bamboo paint. The drink was accompanied by traditional Japanese pastries from Kyoto, placed on gold foil in appreciation of the coming year.
This month, diplomats will celebrate the Chinese New Year, and explore Chinatown in Yokohama, enjoying the dragon parade and festival. — SHIORI ANDO & DIANA MOTYOVSZKI
