austraLasia 1468

Salesio matsuri in Hamamatsu 
From our Tokyo correspondent

NAGOYA: 28th February 2006 -- Matsuri is a magical word in Japan. It is used for feasts tied to Japanese tradition (from the verb matsuru meaning to honour, venerate, hold a feast in honour of). Usually matsuri has strong local connotations when, for example celebrated in honour of a local kami (god), or as an annual feast of a shrine. Often the high point of matsuri involves a procession where a float representing the temporary home of the kami  is accompanied by flutes and drums.  This brief explanation of Japanese culture is necessary for understanding what comes...
    In  Hamamatsu last Sunday,  not far from Nagoya where Fr Hiha worked for 13 years and Fr Angel Yamanouchi since last year, more than 1500 people gathered in a spirit of camaraderie in Don Bosco's name. The main participant groups were Brasilians and Peruvians. There were many Japanese, obviously,  as well as Filipinos, Vietnamese,  Chinese, Bolivians and many other nationalities working in nearby industries with well-known names like Yamaha (of musical instrument fame),  Honda,  Suzuki, Toyota. 
    The celebration began with Mass in four languages with plenty of participation encouraged by Fr Angel. Brasilian volunteers saw to well-stocked stalls with food for lunch afterwards, at a reasonable price as is the custom in Japan for these occasions; games for the kids, singing, various youth groups performing and then the crowning moment - the famed Caritas Sisters of Miyazaki Choir all the way from Tokyo, a good four hours drive away.  There was Bingo to fill in the dull moments and keep everyone busy till late afternoon.  The proceeds of the day were on behalf of the young, especially those who come to the Hamamatsu Salesian Centre.  The kami carried in procession at the end of the feast, to the sound of drums and the sight of ballerinas, was one all Salesians would recognise - none other than Don Bosco!
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