September 28th was a beautiful Halifax Sunday afternoon. The organizers of Japanesque decided Mother Nature's offering of good weather was too good to pass and the event was moved to the gardens of The Oaks on the southern tip of the St. Mary's University campus.
Japanesque was co-organized by the Japanese Language and Culture Program, Department of Modern Languages and Classics of St. Mary's University and the Consulate General of Japan at Montreal, with the support of the Japan Foundation.
Festivities were opened with a taiko performance. That got everyone's attention!
The event was graced with the presence of Dr. David Gauthier, Vice President, Academic and Research at St. Mary's University and Mr. Tatsuo Arai, Consul General of Japan at Montreal.
Mr. Tatsuo Arai, Consul General of Japan at Montreal sharing a few words.
Shihobarai--the purification of the four directions.
Serene and graceful bugaku dance (Japanese court dance).
Chanoyu (tea ceremony) demonstrated by Dr. Alexandre Avdulov, coordinator of the Japanese Language and Culture Program at SMU.
Our very own, Miyako, creating ikebana arrangements.
We were lucky that it was not a windy day! All the arrangements stayed put. :-)
Matcha green tea was served. They made a LOT of bowls so everyone could enjoy tea in this peaceful setting.
Learning about calligraphy and Japanese paper inside the Oaks Mansion.
Miyako chatting with Consul General Arai.
Alexandre-sensei making tea late in the afternoon.
We hope you all enjoyed the afternoon of Japanesque. Till next time!