Seasonal Event Plan
（Introducing Japanese Culture）
Jan：Mochitsuki
Feb：Mamemaki
Mar：Hinamatsuri
Apr：Hanami
May：Kodomo no Hi
Jun：Tsuyu
Jul：Tanabata
Aug：O-bon
Sep：Tsukimi
Oct：Ocha-festa
Nov：Momijigari
Dec：Bonenkai
Mamemaki is a traditional event to drive away bad spirits. In this ceremony, roasted soybeans are thrown at an Oni (demon) with the chant "Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi" ("Out with the demon! In with the good luck!"). The gathered international students enjoyed a lecture about the origin of the tradition and then were able to practice mamemaki by throwing beans at two devils in the room (well played by Japanese graduate students). We were happy to welcome Dr. Ohyama, TMDU president, and Mr. Tanimoto, TMDU Trustee to this event, the first IEC Cultural Day.
Mochitsuki (Pounding mochi rice) is a very traditional Japanese event. Mochi is made from crushed and pounded rice and was considered a sacred food in ancient days in honor of the importance of rice, a staple food in Japan for thousands of years.
We held a Hinamatsui Party (Girls' Day Party) at the International Student Lounge on March 3rd, 2011. The attendees enjoyed traditional Hinamatsuri food and drink as well as an explanation of the Hinamatsuri doll set that was on display.
TMDU students (3 international and 6 Japanese) enjoyed cherry-blossom viewing at Kanda Myojin and the Okujo Park near TMDU. The cherry blossoms are in full bloom in Tokyo.
IEC WEB site
http://www.tmd.ac.jp/TMDU-e/isc/hanami2011e.html
Tango no sekku (Boy's festival) party was hold on April 28th, 2011 at IEC lounge. After Prf. Izutani expkained about Tango no sekku, international students enjoyed Kashiwa mochi (Kashiwa rice cake) which is a traditional sweets in Tango no sekkku.
