Marion County Japanese Cultural Day...

 

Marion County Japanese Cultural Day is held in Lebanon at the Centre Square Convention Center each year to educate citizens of Kentucky to better understand the traditions and customs of the Japanese people. Central Kentucky has been blessed in past years with several successful Japanese companies locating here and providing jobs for our citizens and improving the local economy.

At Japanese Cultural Day, you get the opportunity to dress in a traditional Japanese kimono and a photographer is on hand to take instant photos. Throughout the afternoon, you can sample traditional Japanese food and have your name written in Japanese calligraphy.

Young and old alike are amazed by the craft of origami (Japanese paper folding) and you get the chance to make your own origami and paper planes.

With extreme dedication to detail, skilled choreographers are brought from Japan to ensure the ancient steps and body movements are not lost. The Indianapolis Minyo Dancers wear kimonos and accessories tailored to match historically correct samples. The graceful Japanese fold dance is used to tell stories about people, history and nature. Some relate children's tales. The Dancers - typically women - act out the stories, which can range from the blooming cherry blossom to the work of those toiling in the rice paddies.

 There are demonstrations of Ikebana (living flowers), the Japanese art of floral arrangement. Ikebana is demonstrated throughout the day and, upon request, individual lessons are given.

 You can compete for prizes in traditional Japanese games and competitions such as chopsticks and Fukuwarai.

 The Cincinnati-Dayton Taiko Group demonstrates Japanese-style Taiko drumming, which started as folk music for Japanese matsuri or festival. It has developed into a performance art that combines drumming with dance-like movements and coordination. The thundering rhythms from the chudaiko and odaiko drums are powerful and memorable.

 Japanese martial arts are also demonstrated. Kendo, which translates from Japanese as "The Way of the Sword," is the Japanese art/sport of fencing. John Cox also utilizes his adult and youth students to demonstrate Karate, Judo and Jujitsu. Students also demonstrate breaking techniques.

 There are also numerous exhibits with activities, traditional Japanese toys, dolls, books, photos and more.

 Although our traditions and customs are quite different, there are more similarities than what meets the eye. One undeniable likeness is the pride we all take in our heritages. This day is devoted to promoting the business and cultural ties between America and Japan.

For more information, contact Mary Lou Brock at 877.692.6002 (toll free) or e-mail mlbrock@marioncountyky.com.

 

Download Marion County Japanese Cultural Day Brochure

 

2008 Schedule

Sat., March 29

♥10 a.m. – Set-up.

 

Sun., March 30

♥1 p.m. – Show opens to the public.

♥1:15 p.m. – Kendo demonstration.

♥1:50 p.m. – Koto (traditional music).

♥2:10 p.m. – SōRan Bushi (dance).

♥2:30 p.m. – Indianapolis Minyo Dancers performance.

♥3 p.m. – Cincinnati-Dayton Taiko Group (Japanese drumming).

♥3:30 p.m. – Karate demonstration (youth and adult).

♥4 p.m. – Drawing for prizes (must be present to win ).

 

**Find directions to Lebanon from your town under the About Us tab!

Centre Square is the visitors  center in downtown.

All roads lead to Lebanon, the geographic center of the state and the true

Heart of Kentucky! Call 270.692.0021 or e-mail visitlebanonky@alltel.net

for more information or a FREE Welcome packet.