2011 Sakura & Aid Japan
-->(Preliminary)
We
enjoyed
a
delightful
Sakura
at
the
Greenwich
Japanese School again. Early cherry blossoms and
better weather than expected graced our day. In spite of the earthquake
we chose to hold our annual ohanami event but use it to benefit our
Earthquake and Tsunami Relief Project. We were joined by Norwalk
school
groups from Ponus Ridge Middle School and Roton Middle School whose two
week trip
to Japan was canceled. Because
it was
expected to be very rainy, we held our activities in the GJS
Auditorium. Mayumi Kleinman served as Master of Ceremonies.
President Harry Sakamaki opened our event. Yasuhisa Kawamura,
Deputy
Consul General and Director of Japan Information Center,
Consulate General of Japan in New York addressed us. Yasuyuki Uchino,
the newly appointed principal of the Greenwich Japanese School
gave a welcoming
speech. We then enjoyed our ample lunch Bentos, prepared
by Sonobana Restaurant of
Hamden, Connecticut.
We
had
a
full
entertainment
program
which
began
with an Okinawa Dance
Performance
by Junko Fisher of Kanayo (A Beloved one) by Miyagi Ryu
Nosho-kai followed by an Okinawa Music Performance by Junko
Fisher of Tinsagunugubana. We then
enjoyed a riveting Taiko performance by the New York Taiko Aiko Kai.
To close our entertainment program, we sang We are the World to
a video by society members and friends to honor Japan's losses.
Treasurer Diane Caminis and Karen Fisher conducted our
raffle. This year we had
many gift certificates from local Japanese restaurants: Hajime-Harrison,
Kujaku-Stamford, Sakura-Westport, and Matsu Sushi-Westport.
IACE Travel donated a
discount travel voucher;
Sukura Shoji donated 9
designer items including women's bags,
brooches, and plates.
Junko Fisher donated a Japanese silk bag of Nishijin brocade.
Our members contributed additional prizes including wood block prints,
plants,
liquors, and photographs. This year the raffle proceeds of
$1220.10 were
donated to our earthquake relief project rather than being used to
cover our
expense of Bon Odori. Vice
president
Vernon Beck closed Sakura 2011 and announced
upcoming events.