Japanese sailors introduce Japanese culture to Tacloban pupils

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 7): Japanese sailors introduce Japanese culture to Tacloban pupils

Some 40 Japanese sailors shared their expertise with some 120 pupils of the San Fernando Central Elementary School on traditional Japanese character writing and origami paper sculpting as part of their contribution to the Pacific Partnership 2014 held here in this city.

The Japanese cultural event teaches pupils how to do the origami, a folding paper craft; shodo calligraphy or the art of Japanese writing; ken-do or the martial arts with sword and how to play ken-dama, a Japanese traditional toy.

Takashi Inoue Japan deputy director of the Self Defense Force Public Affairs Office said that pupils will have two hours in the morning to study their craft starting Monday until July 11 as the activities need constant practice.

He said that the event is very helpful in terms of improving the psychological well-being of the pupils.

Capt. Yoichi Matsuri, commanding officer of the Japanese Self Defense Force who join the personnel in a courtesy call with Mayor Romualdez early Monday morning also said that they would like to bring cheer to pupils through the cultural engagement.

Aside from sailors who are serving as teachers, some 40 personnel from the Japanese medical team are also joining their counterparts from Malaysia, Australia, United States and the Philippines in the medical mission.

The medical mission kicked off Monday until Wednesday at the Diit District Health Center and at the San Jose District Health Center, July 10-12.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=660179