On Sunday, Yumi, Makoto, my parents and I made the three hour trip to Orlando for the ‘07 Japan Festival.

I believe I mentioned this here (or at least at TJP) before, but just in case I didn’t, Sakurada-sensei a Japanese teacher in Orlando told me about the festival last month. I immediately decided we should go especially since she was kind enough to allow us to place our business cards and bookmarks on her table.

I will add some more pictures and video later, but here is a lesson using words found at the Orlando ‘07 Japan Festival!

祭り matsuri Festival—today’s main vocabulary word! Japan has many matsuri scattered across the calendar and across Japan. Many people plan Japan trips around certain matsuri.

オランダ oranda Holland—has nothing to do with matsuri. Just sounds like Orlando. I remember being surprised that the first guy I met from オランダ didn’t really speak English.

太鼓 taiko Taiko drums—Taiko is simply awesome. I went to a few competition Taiko festivals in Japan where players from all over competed on stage. It was quite an experience that I’d love to repeat.

居合い iai drawing out (and sheathing) a sword—as with other everyday activities (drinking tea, trimming brushes, etc) Japan has created an art form out of pulling out a sword.

茶道 sadou the tea ceremony (I had it as chadou which also seems to be in use somewhat, but the standard is sadou.  Thanks for the correction Haf!)

舞踊 buyou Japanese dance

抽選 chuusen raffle—to win prizes.