NY de Volunteer Newsletter Vol.11

The after-school program, “Explore Japanese Culture” started in October 2007. We introduce Japanese culture to New York natives, ages six to thirteen, covering about 50 children at recreation centers administered by the City of New York, using two hours after school every week. Consisting of 8 sessions, this program provides a diversified cross-cultural experience, aiming to broaden children’s their perspectives, respecting people’s differences, and moving into the future as “a member of the world,” by being exposed to other cultures. From October, we held this program at St John Recreation Center in Brooklyn.

Part 1 Introduction of Japan & Asian Countries

As an introduction, we explained the differences and characteristics of Japan and other Asian countries, covering as geographical locations, national flags, and ethnic costumes.

Part 2　Japanese Sport “Kendo”

With corporation of people from “Ken-Zen Institute” & “NYU Kendo Club”, we introduced Kendo to the children. They learned the importance of courtesy & Japanese spirit through this sport that they had never seen before. They tried Kendo holding bamboo sword and shouting out “Me-ehn! (Face)” with full of energy. They really enjoyed it.

Part 3 Su-ji Asobi (Number Game) and Origami

With NYdV original fun game “Su-ji Aso-bi”, children learned how to count 1 to 20 in Japanese (ex 1 is “i-chi” which sounds like “itchy”). In addition, they learned how to make an origami helmet out of newspaper.

Part 4　Japanese Tea Ceremony & Kimono

Ms Kyoko Gasha, a TV journalist from Reuter and a qualified teacher of Japanese tea ceremony (from Sohen School) taught etiquette in tea ceremony to about 40 children with Kimono. And then the children experienced making and tasting tea. It was interesting that lots of children were surprised with the color, taste, and flavor of the Green tea!

Part 5　Japanese Traditional Music

Japanese Sanshin Musician “Kossan” performed Okinawa folk songs in front of children.
At the beginning, they were surprised with the sound of Sanshin and Japanese songs, which they have never heard. But they slowly became fascinated by the sounds and in the end they enjoyed the unique Japanese music that is totally different from American music in terms of sounds and rhythm, and they applauded enthusiastically.
Later on, COBU, a performance group integrating tap dance and Taiko, a traditional Japanese percussion instrument, demonstrated its powerful performance to children in a large gym. The children actually tried playing the Japanese drum Taiko and they all were really excited.

Part 7 Japanese Food - Sushi

Our program was held with support from Ms Manami Nishiide, Japanese cuisine chef and teacher. For the food, we received support from Ms Satomi Kitahara and Sunrise Mart. The program started with a quiz about three kinds of rice (guessing each type of the kind). An explanation of i-tadaki masu and go-chisoh-sama desu was given. This was followed by a demonstration of making sushi. Afterwards, children made sushi rolls by themselves. For them, it was the first time to make sushi, even to eat one! Some were afraid to touch sheets of black sea weeds and use boiled rice, but they were enjoying making sushi rolls. When they could not eat everything they made, these sushi were given to NYDV volunteers and recreation center staff.

Part 7 Japanese Food - Sushi

Our program was held with support from Ms Manami Nishiide, Japanese cuisine chef and teacher. For the food, we received support from Ms Satomi Kitahara and Sunrise Mart(in Japanese). The program started with a quiz about three kinds of rice (guessing each type of the kind). An explanation of i-tadaki masu and go-chisoh-sama desu was given. This was followed by a demonstration of making sushi. Afterwards, children made sushi rolls by themselves. For them, it was the first time to make sushi, even to eat one! Some were afraid to touch sheets of black sea weeds and use boiled rice, but they were enjoying making sushi rolls. When they could not eat everything they made, these sushi were given to NYDV volunteers and recreation center staff.

Part 8　Origami and Role Model Speech

Guided by Origami expert Mr Marcio Noguchi, each student made a small creation from different colors of Origami. Then 12 pieces from the students were incorporated to make “Modular Origami”. Modular Origami was created as a global symbol. Various colors of Origami create harmony from each piece and make the piece prettier than how a single color can do. Also, this piece, for which the children made a united effort, symbolizes and delivers the importance of cooperation.
Respect differences!
With different colors, we gather together as ONE.
Next, two Americans from JETAA, Marc　Carroll and Adren　Hart, who have lived in Nagano and Gifu prefectures, shared their experience in Japan. Listening to their speeches, we hope that Japan now seems to have become a closer world to the children and someday the children may dream to become internationally a English teacher in Japan.