Sunday, Feb. 4, 2007

Seminar on the art of wearing kimono

Osaka Sister City Network is organizing an interactive cultural seminar on "kitsuke," or the art of wearing kimono, from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. March 17 at International House, Osaka, in Tennoji Ward.

There will be an explanation and display of various types of kimono for women. Participants will have a chance to try on a kimono of their choice.

Participation is 500 yen. Twenty-five women will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. Reservations must be made by Feb. 12.

For reservations and more information, call the organizer at (06) 6772-9670, fax (06) 6772-9790 or e-mail cir@sisterc.net

Free tickets for flute and guitar concert

Flanders Center, a liaison office for the Flemish government of Belgium, is offering readers of The Japan Times a chance to win one of 10 free tickets to its flute and guitar concert, which will be held at 7 p.m. Feb. 23 at the center in Tennoji Ward, Osaka.

The concert will be by internationally acclaimed Belgian guitarist Yves Storms and Japanese award-winning flutist Yukari Yamamura, who is now active in Belgium. The program includes "Aria No. 5" (Bachianas Brasileiras) by Heitor Villa-Lobos and "L'histoire du Tango" by Astor Piazzolla.

Those wishing a free ticket should send a postcard stating their name, address, phone number, age, profession and the name of the medium (The Japan Times) to "Flute Guitar Kakari" of Flanders Center at 8-2-6 Uehonmachi, Tennoji-ku, Osaka, 543-0001. The application deadline is Feb. 15.

Concert tickets are also available for 2,500 yen at the center.

For more information, call the organizer at (06) 6773-8850.

Class on how to make 'temari' handballs

Osaka YWCA Senri Center's Bridges program is organizing a one-day class on Japanese "temari" handball for English-speaking foreigners from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 24 at Osaka YWCA Senri in Suita, Osaka Prefecture.

Temari is a traditional toy ball that Japanese mothers made for their children to play with. The thread balls are typically decorated with intricate embroidery. Participants will try their hand at embroidering on the surface of the balls using colorful threads. The instructor is Hiroko Nakao, a member of Bridges program.

Participants are required to bring their own sewing kit.

The fee is 1,200 yen. Reservations must be made by Feb. 13.

For reservations and more information, call the coordinator at 090-9253-7150 or e-mail usagi9999@yahoo.co.jp

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