Japanese Cultural Activities
The Japanese Cultural Centre provides programs for school excursions and other events. The teachers are all very experienced in their areas and are a mix of Australian and Japanese people, who are all passionate about sharing Japanese culture. Some of the activities the JCC offers are below.
Koto Demonstration
An introduction to the Koto (6 foot long, 13 stringed Japanese Harp), followed by some traditional and modern Japanese Koto pieces. Opportunity for some student interaction and playing of the instrument.
Shakuhachi Performance
An introduction to the Shakuhachi (Japanese Bamboo Flute), followed by a short performance of some Shakuhachi pieces. It is possible to combine the Koto and Shakuhachi demonstrations.
Origami
Learn how to make various origami such as cranes, balloons, turtles and other traditional and modern folded-paper creations. A great activity for younger students, and challenging for older students with more advanced origami.
Tea Ceremony
Watch a demonstration of a traditional Japanse Tea Ceremony. A student is chosen to be the 'guest' of the ceremony and the hostess presents Tea Ceremony in front of the class. Samples of the green tea (macha) and tea sweets are provided to the students to try.
Calligraphy
Watch a demonstration by a Japanese calligraphy expert and learn some principles of brushwork. A chance for some students to have their names written in katakana (Japanese script).
Japanese Kites
Students have a chance to make their own Japanese kites, and fly them. The paper kites have a traditional image on them which can be decorated. There is a chance to learn about traditional box kites and other kites in Japanese festivals.
Kimono Wear and Traditional Dance
Students have a chance to dress in a Yukata (for girls) and a Happi coat (for boys), and are taught a traditional coalminer's dance, which they then perform to music in their kimonos.
Koto Demonstration
An introduction to the Koto (6 foot long, 13 stringed Japanese Harp), followed by some traditional and modern Japanese Koto pieces. Opportunity for some student interaction and playing of the instrument.
Shakuhachi Performance
An introduction to the Shakuhachi (Japanese Bamboo Flute), followed by a short performance of some Shakuhachi pieces. It is possible to combine the Koto and Shakuhachi demonstrations.
Origami
Learn how to make various origami such as cranes, balloons, turtles and other traditional and modern folded-paper creations. A great activity for younger students, and challenging for older students with more advanced origami.
Tea Ceremony
Watch a demonstration of a traditional Japanse Tea Ceremony. A student is chosen to be the 'guest' of the ceremony and the hostess presents Tea Ceremony in front of the class. Samples of the green tea (macha) and tea sweets are provided to the students to try.
Calligraphy
Watch a demonstration by a Japanese calligraphy expert and learn some principles of brushwork. A chance for some students to have their names written in katakana (Japanese script).
Japanese Kites
Students have a chance to make their own Japanese kites, and fly them. The paper kites have a traditional image on them which can be decorated. There is a chance to learn about traditional box kites and other kites in Japanese festivals.
Kimono Wear and Traditional Dance
Students have a chance to dress in a Yukata (for girls) and a Happi coat (for boys), and are taught a traditional coalminer's dance, which they then perform to music in their kimonos.