Getting up later every day, Saturday started out slowly. We didn't get up until about 9am (not sure what happened to me). We had some coffee and tea, and got ready to go over to the Takamura's house. Mizue, Haruna, Eve and I have an invitation for lunch!

We met Mr. and Mrs. Takamura about one year ago. Their son, Daiki, was an exchange student going to Westwood Collegiate enrolled for the grade 12 year. Pam and Daiki were in the same graduating class. It was wonderful Mr. and Mrs. Takamura could travel to Winnipeg for the graduation. They were only in Winnipeg for 3 days so our time with them then was limited.

We made a brief stop to pick up some flowers for our hostess - so many beautiful flowers, it was difficult to choose! The Takamuras live in the Ube neighbourhood of Yamaguchi, about 15 minutes from the Daikoku residence. Along the way we saw more agricultural mixed with residential and business areas - driving by the 7-11 and the Okonamikyaki shop Haruna used to work in during past summers.

The Takamuras live in a beautiful home close to the beach. We were warmly greeted by Mr. and Mrs. Takamura. Daiki is off studying at the University of Kobe and his sister Sachika was in junior high school. We did some catching up, chatting about our families, our stay in Japan so far and general business conversation. Mrs.Takamura must have spent all morning preparing lunch as it was as delicious as it was wonderful in presentation. She prepared a local dish of lightly grilled green tea noodles topped with shrimp, peas, beef and seaweed, a tasty dish of tonkinsen (deep fried) pork and cabbage, chicken with greens and a lovely salad. The women remarked their dishes had more vegetables eaten than the ones on the men's end of the table. We saved a wee bit of space for the sweet cake dessert. I was delighted Mr. Takamura wanted me to try his favourite Japanese beer, Suntory Premium Malt.

After lunch we talked for a while more and then jumped into the Takamura van. The Japanese have a very stiff fine for drinking and driving, so people do not drink and drive here. Mrs. Takamura drove all of us to a local renowned pottery artisan's shop. We were greeted by Mr. Kansetsu Suetsugu and his wife. He was in attendance today. We were fortunate as he does travel to do exhibitions from time to time. We perused his wares in his showroom, filled with beautiful unique pieces, including wall hangings, many varieties of cups, bowls, lamps and vases. We were also given a lesson on Japanese pottery and especially Hagi-yaki pottery, which originated at the beginning of the 17th century.

After some instruction, we got a rare opportunity to try our hand at making some pottery on the wheel in his workshop. Mr. Suetsugu made it look sooo easy, but it wasn't quite so easy for us amateurs! He had three pottery wheels set up, for myself, Eve and Haruna. Eve and Haruna were much better than me. I think I ended up with as much clay on the floor and myself, as was left on the wheel. We all made a few items, which we left at his shop to dry, then be painted and fired. Wet clay has a 20% shrink factor and if too thin may be very fragile. If they survive, Haruna will bring them back to Canada, if she has room.

We also tried making pottery by hand, not on the wheel. It was a different kind of clay, this time more yellow (rather than the previous red) colour. Eve and I made two plates each, which again will need to be dried painted and fired and also brought back by Haruna. This technique was far easier (and cleaner) for me!

Mr. and Mrs. Suetsugu treated us to some cold coffee and sweets after our workshop session. Some of the sweets served were like ones used for the traditional Japanese Tea Ceremonies. We bought a few pieces before departing - some were beautiful, but would have been a "bit" difficult to fit in our already brimming suitcases!

On the way back to the Takamura residence, this we took a drive down by the Sea. The tide was out, but many people were out clam digging. Mr. Takamura, Eve, Haruna and I, got out of the car and walked the last little way back, stopping to look at the beach, the hospital and the beautiful walkway filled with cherry trees. We are sad to have missed the cherry blossoms season (we missed it by about 3 weeks), as the walk way would have been all pink with blossoms and very fragrant. We made our way back up to the house, where Mrs. Takamura had coffee, tea, green tea ice cream sandwiches, and apple pear slices waiting. We were also delighted to meet Daiki's sister, Sachika. She will be travelling on the one month Labo exchange to a home stay family in North America this summer. Regretfully, after many thanks and lots of bowing, it was time to leave, back to the Daikoku house.

Mizue's best friend, Mrs. Kodama, whom we had met yesterday at the Labo tutor lunch, came to visit and show us some special cultural demonstrations. She is affectionately known as "Labo gon" ("gon" meaning dinosaur or monster), as she has been with Labo for over 20 years.

Mrs. Kodama brought some beautiful silk kimonos.

Eve was the lucky one who got to be dressed up. The layering of garments and kimonos is an art unto itself. It is said if not properly put on and tied, it can easily come unravelled before too long, causing embarrassment. Mrs. Kodama was very skilled! Well the pictures will show you have lovely both the Kimono and Eve looked. Here's an interesting note - Mrs. Kodama told us younger girls wear the longer kimono sleeves while the older or married ladies wear the shorter sleeves.

The traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony, meant as a time for peace, was next. Mrs. Kodama was gracious to provide us with a pamphlet (which she wrote!) showing the steps and dialogue used throughout the centuries. She used powder green tea, which was "de-lumped" with a special whisk, before serving. There is also a traditional way to present and drink the tea.

Mizue cooked another wonderful supper for everyone before the arrival of some more friends.

Mrs. Irie and her youngest (of three) daughters, Hiroko, came over to meet us and to make bead jewellery. The Irie family hosted my daughter Elizabeth for a one month home stay two years ago. We hope to see Mrs. Irie's oldest daughter Mizuki and middle daughter Honami tomorrow. Eve and I each tried some beadwork, I made some earrings and Eve made a bracelet. Mrs. Irie was most gracious and also made a matching necklace for Eve - very beautiful!

When all was said and done, it was 10 p.m. and it was time to say goodnight after a busy day.

Tomorrow, Labo Day!
day.