Mii-dera (Onjo-ji Temple)We visited Miidera Temple during its peak autumn foliage. Mr. Toshitaka Fukue, the temple steward, provided a detailed guided tour in the National Treasure Kojo-in Reception Hall. Afterward, we received a blessing in the inner sanctum of the National Treasure Main Hall (Kondō). We also learned about the world's oldest passport, recently registered as a UNESCO "Memory of the World." Together with 20 guests from 7 countries, we enjoyed the resonant sound of the Evening Bell in Mii-dera, echoing under the autumn sky.
Our 40th anniversary partyWe held a party at Hakusasonso Hashimoto Kansetsu Garden & Museum to commemorate the 40th anniversary of founding of the Kamogawakai. We invited all those who have supported our activities and those who have helped us. We had a great time looking back on our 40 years of activities. The party was also graced with a beautiful duet by mandolinist Mr.Masayuki Kawaguchi and cellist Ms.Akiyo Narukawa. We received many heartwarming congratulatory messages from the attendees. There were many international students who participated for the first time, and we believe it was a good opportunity for them to get to know Kamogawa-kai. We had 23 foreign guests, 19 Japanese guests, and 19 members.
Sanadahimoshi EnamiWe visited the workshop of Sanadahimoshi Enami who has been making sanada-himo since the Sengoku Period. Mr. Wada, the 15th generation head of the family, gave us a lecture on how to make the cord, its history, its use as a tool of warfare in those days, and how it is used in modern times, showing the video clips. He gave a very interesting talk about the culture of cord tying, which is deeply related to the sensitivity and customs of the Japanese people. 9 foreign guests, 5 Japanese guests and 13 members gathered at the event.
SOUSOU "Creating New Japanese Culture"We visited SOUSOU which is celebrating its 21st anniversary this year. The participants seemed very satisfied with colorful and cute clothing and tabi socks that SOUSOU produces, which are suitable for modern life. During the lecture, President Wakabayashi spoke passionately about the importance of active use of traditional materials and dyeing techniques that suit the Japanese climate, which was very impressive. We learned about the beauty of Japanese traditions through this program, 14members and 14 guests gathered.
Matsumoto Myokei Buddhist Sculpture MuseumWe visited the Matsumoto Myokei Buddha Sculpture Museum. At first, his wife, Matsumoto Kamei, talked about his career and then we watched the video featured the inheritance of technology from Mr. Matsumoto Myokei to three generations of his children and his grandsons. After that, we moved to the exhibition room and saw a number of Buddha statues created in Matsumoto Myokei's workshop studio. We could get a close look a large number of various splendid Buddha statues and have a valuable experience by receiving various explanations from the grandsons of Mr. Matsumoto Myokei who are his disciples. There were 13 guests and 10 members.
Hosotsuji Ihee MuseumWe visited Hosotsuji Ihee Museum. The lecture by Mr. Ihee Hosotsuji the 14th head of Eirakuya, which has a history of over 400 years, was valuable time for the participants as they were able to learn tenugui manufacturing process based on the tradition unique to a long-established store directly from the owner. He is currently active in collaboration on tenugui with people of different genre as well. He calls himself Tenugrafer and while preserving the long-established tradition, he develops his theory that tenugui is an art form. We believe that the passion of the 14th generation is the power that supports this long-established store. 18 guests and 12 members joined this event.