The day Japan came to town

Japan Day on Saturday coincided with World Judo Day and the Gisborne Judo Club put on demonstrations of the martial art that was born in Japan in the late 19th century by combining ju-jitsu, a form of close combat, with elements of mental discipline . . . pictured here, Gisborne Judo Club member Johan Jacobs throws head coach Jason King to the mat. Picture by Liam Clayton

Gisborne’s Japanese community brought a touch of Tokyo to Treble Court on Saturday, with the city’s inaugural Japan Day.

And the Gisborne community responded, with crowds turning up to enjoy the activities.

The event was organised by Tairāwhiti Cultural Festival and Events (TCFE), in partnership with Tairāwhiti Multicultural Council (TMC), and provided the opportunity for all community members to feel, experience, and enjoy Japanese culture.

The  event comprised workshops, performances, and food.

The workshops include a tea ceremony, origami, yukata costume experience, Japanese calligraphy, language exchange, Tanabata Wishing Tree, and a kids’ sushi-making experience.

The performance area featured Japanese Taiko drum performances and public workshops by Narukami Taiko of Wellington, judo demonstrations and public workshops by Gisborne Judo Club, Bon-odori Japanese folkdance, and Japanese songs by local musicians, with MC, Walter Walsh The Wiz.

Yoko Sushi also provided the community with the tastes of Japanese cuisine.

There was also a booth exhibiting bonsai (miniaturised trees) and ikebana (Japanese flower arrangement).

The event was not for profit, with funding support from Gisborne District Creative Communities Scheme Festival Funding, Trust Tairāwhiti, Ethnic Communities fund, and Tairāwhiti Multicultural Council (TMC).