GSS Intercultural Workshop " Gifts from Latvia" 1

On Sunday, March 6, GSS Intercultural Workshop was held in Nakameguro, Tokyo.

First of all, we introduced Mr. Dmitrijs Belousovs of the embassy of Latvia in Tokyo to children. His Latvian names seemed difficult for them.

However, everybody was relaxed when he said in Japanese, “Please call me, Zima!”
His Japanese is excellent!

They learned about Latvia with many pictures.

The beautiful seasonal pictures were really impressed.

And the colorful paintings and interesting decoration of buildings in Latvia were beautiful. Especially, animal decoration such as a cat, dragon, and honey bee on the top or walls of buildings were interesting for children.

The last part of his lecture was about the national festival of songs and dances for students and children. The next festival will be held in 2015. In Latvia, they have another festival of songs and dances for people which will be held in 2013.

Before coming the day, I heard that they have surprises for us from Zima.

We looked forward them!

Surprise 1>>> Animation from Latvia

The animation with soft touch coloring has a warm story in beautiful nature.

Children asked me, “We want to watch more! Do they have other stories? Do they have a picture book of this story?” They were excited. I promised them to tell them about this after asking the embassy of Latvia in Tokyo.

Surprise 2>>> Latvian Song

The beautiful and powerful voice of Victor, the student of Tokyo University

The warm sounds of guitar by Zima

The wonderful sounds of Latvian words

Our room were filled with the full of beautiful harmony of traditional Latvian song.

The handmade stuffed animals introduced to children on the day.
These are made by the doll artist living in Latvia.

Continued...