WAKI TOWN, Japan -- Home-schoolers from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, and members of the Calligraphy Club from Kannon High School in Hiroshima, participated in a calligraphy event at the Waki General Community Center, Waki Town, Japan, Jan. 4, 2016.
The event celebrated the New Year by having the participants write the hopes and aspirations they have for the year in Japanese characters.
First, participants watched members of the Calligraphy Club perform various styles of calligraphy using paints that glow, and brushes as big as mops.
Calligraphy Club members then taught the home-schoolers how to write their own calligraphy. Home-schoolers learned how to write Japanese characters such as monkey, light, money and peace of mind.
Charlotte Landry, a home-schooler at MCAS Iwakuni, said she found the experience to be insightful and fun.
“I think everyone should try events like these because they are cultural and very educational,” said Landry. “I couldn’t understand what the Japanese students were saying, but that didn’t stop me from enjoying this event, and I didn’t have to go to school.”
Finally, participants cleaned up their work stations and headed downstairs where they indulged on snacks like sushi, sandwiches and soft drinks.
Margaret Peterson, representative of the home-school community on station, said this is a great experience for the children and it allows them to discover a culture other than their own while they are here.
“This helps the station residents and Japanese locals bridge our gaps and become familiar with one another and build camaraderie,” said Peterson. “This was a great way to start off the new year and socialize with our Japanese neighbors.”
All the participants selected their favorite piece of work to be displayed at the Waki Art Museum from Jan. 28-30.