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DepartmentsFeatures
the temple, we enjoyed several Julie Anderson is a
sister to International
fabulous cultural activities. The first President LeBlanc
was listening to two women play and her frequent
several songs on a Japanese Koto, travel partner.
or one-string harp, in a centuries- jlanderson1025@
old craft that is now only played in gmail.com
Kochi. The harps were hand-carved Dr. Debbie LeBlanc,
in the 1800s, and the craftsmanship DKG International
was stunning. Next, we watched President 2022–2024,
Taeko Ogawa, Beta Chapter member is a member of Illinois
and renowned calligraphy artist, State Organization.
create a calligraphy story on scrolls debbiel@dkg.org
about Hiroshima. She gave each of
us a book, The Spirit of Hiroshima
5: Transcending Generations from
Hiroshima to the World, in which
she is featured. We were completely
enthralled by her moving story and
artwork illustrating her passion for
world peace. She gifted members of
Iya Kazura-Bashi Bridge our group the calligraphy scrolls. After
her demonstration, we all created our
River below is breathtakingly beautiful, own calligraphy pieces of art to take
crossing is not for the faint-hearted home. Lunch was served, we browsed
as the bridge sways and creaks with the bazaar, and we had traditional
each step one takes. About half of us Japanese tea. The final cultural activity
made the trek across, gripping the was the incredible experience of getting
vine side rails tightly as there was no to wear the most beautiful Japanese
turning back, while the other half took traditional costume: kimono! Six
pictures from afar. We were happy to professional women dressed each of
conquer this challenge and breathed a us in a different kimono. Chikurinji Temple
sigh of relief taking that final step off We all gathered for a
the bridge! That evening, we headed group photo and reveled
to Kochi to meet up with the JSO in the opportunity to
members for a casual dinner. It was experience this amazing
so exhilarating to see both the United part of Japanese culture.
States and JSO DKG ladies reunite after Sunday, the big day
so many years with warm hugs, tears, was upon us! We began
and lots of catching-up chatter. One with a walk to Kochi
could feel their strong connection! A Castle, first constructed
highlight of our dinner was being served in 1601 and Japan’s
by a robot. only castle where all the
On Saturday, no stone was left structures constituting
unturned as DKG JSO treated us to a its main building have
Japanese cultural day at the Chikurinji been preserved. On our
Temple, established during the 8th way back, we strolled
century and very sacred. Once inside through Sunday Market,
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Collegial Exchange · 9
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Collegial Exchange
