Today's session started with a short talk and introduction of our volunteers from the Japan Society, Mrs Kyoko Delaforce, Mrs Hisako Fukushige, Mrs Naomi Ishikawa, Mrs Hiroko Tanaka, Mr Shigeo Tanaka and Mrs Naoko Heckle of the Society. Our special guest, Mr Michael Hodge, incoming Rotary District Governor of London was welcomed and he expressed his pleasure to be with us.

This was followed by rajio taiso, (radio exercise ) a mild warm-up exercise which improves circulation and flexibility, energises and improves overall health. Members joined the volunteers from the Japan Society, London in the exercise.

Next was the demonstration of origami, the Japanese art of folding paper into decorative shapes and this art has been found to stimulate the brain, improves cognitive skills and has overall therapeutic benefits. Again, members were engaged and produced helmets which they placed on their heads in excitement.

A presentation on Japanese lifestyle and culture was made by Mrs Delaforce and then members were dressed in Kimonos, the Japanese cultural attire. This part of the session was followed by exercises, singing and dancing as usual. 

Many thanks to Annette for organising today and thank you to our volunteers Tija, Theresa and our new volunteer Darica who is doing a medical degree and of course appreciation to Ms Hiroko Kimura, Head of Education Department, the Japan Society for coordinating the volunteers and Abi Ajoni for helping with the equipment and power point presentation.

The Time Series of Newspapers did an article on the Japanese day, click on the image below to read.