KIFA FESTA began with lively Bolivian dancers in Bolivian costume. After their performance, the 6 dancers came down from the stage and started teaching the participants how to dance in Bolivian style. The dancers and the participants all enjoyed it and the hall became livelier with excitement.
These young dancers are all 2nd or 3rd generation descendants of Japanese and working in Japan to send money home to their parents. It's their way of showing appreciation for what their parents had done for them to support them. Because their parents also had worked in Japan to support their family when they were younger. I found it very touching because nowadays the practice of sending money to support parents has almost forgotten here in Japan.
In the 2nd part of program, I toured various booths in the hall prepared by the guest from many countries. All of exotic soup and food were delicious and very satisfying. There were some greetings such as "Good morning" , "Thank you!" put on the board at each booth. I tried using them immediately.All of hosts of the booths spoke fluent Japanese. And when I greeted them in their native tongue , they corrected my pronunciation kindly, which broke the ice of conversation. I enjoyed talking about culture and tradition with them.
At the Korean booth I tried the kicking of the ball which is similar to "Kemari" in Japan. The Korean lady at the booth taught me how to do it and I could manage to kick the ball 6 times in a row. Did "Kemari" in Japan originate in Korea? I wondered.
At this FESTA, I had a chance to know some of its recent activities and was deeply impressed by them, such as holding a bazar to support sending stationaries to Nepal, supporting the Philippines through AKAY project, supporting Japanese garden being built in Kawachinagano's sister city, Carmel, and raising fund for that, etc.
Today's experience made me begin wondering if there is anything I can do on the field of supporting international exchanges, because I'm retired from work and have a lot of free time now.
Thank you all for good time, both those who were in charge of this event today and all those who participated.
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