Moto visits from Japan

Konnichiwa!

This week the Hoonah Elementary had a visitor from Japan, Hirose Motohisa, or "Moto" as the students call him. He spent five days visiting the three combined classrooms sharing many fun and engaging Japanese customs with the children.

They dressed up in colorful kimonos. They took sips of bitter green tea. They observed Moto and Mrs. Bidiman act out the ancient ritual of the “Tea Ceremony.” The students were taught some basic Japanese vocabulary and over lunch one afternoon they sampled bits of sweet rice and Nori (type of seaweed used in sushi).

I was pleased to join in on the activities during the time when Andrew's class was learning a simple Japanese children’s song about an Elephant and were shown how to write their names in the Japanese characters. Moto showed us the three different alphabets: katagana, hirigana and kangi. He took the time go to each child and translate their names into katagana characters.

Here is Andrew painting his name, later to be displayed in the hallway.

The kids were also given the opportunity to watch a black belt Karate demonstration.

Moto is a 3rd degree black belt. Another gentleman in Hoonah, John Murray, is also is a black belt. They asked Andrew to join them in performing a demonstration for a school assembly.

Andrew is a “double stripe” black belt (belt only given to his specific age group). It was a very exciting opportunity for Andrew and he thrilled to be involved. The three "black belts" had a rehearsal the afternoon before the assembly and the next day performed for the elementary school students.

They began with a standard warm –up: blocks and kicks. Then they performed the same “kata,” or form together. Andrew was able to demonstrate some self-defense moves with John. Moto and John performed some “One-Step Sparring” and individual, more advanced “katas.” John and Moto talked about the different styles of Karate and the principles that are necessary in training and keeping up their black belt skills. The assembly was well received and Andrew felt so honored to be part of the demonstration.

Moto is 23 years old. In Japan he is a pharmacist. A couple in Hoonah, Dr. Rory Schneeburger and her husband, make frequent trips to Japan to teach English. About a year ago on one of their trips they met Moto. He visited Hoonah for the first time during Christmas vacation and now he is back sharing his culture with our kids. It has been a delightful week.

Arigato Moto! (thank you, Moto)

Kangi character for stars...