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Autumn Notes: Kaki, Cold Weather, and Canada

By Jenka Eusebio

There is a single tree that can be seen from the second floor dance studio where I practice. In April, its branches were filled with little pink flowers. By the time July rolled around, the flowers had been replaced by thick foliage. These days, when I see these leaves turning orange at the edges, it begins to sink in that autumn has finally reached Yamanashi.

 In the Yamanashi basin, it’s still too early for the explosion of color that accompanies Koyo, a term that refers to the yearly changing of the leaves. Nevertheless, early autumn in Yamanashi does have its own character. Kaki (persimmons) are now in season, and the days are beautifully cool compared to the region’s stifling summer weather. The first snows have fallen atop Mt. Fuji. The wine festivals are in full swing. A steady, cold rain falls every so often.

 

 

Weather aside, the chilly weather in Yamanashi heralds more than just dried leaves, fall jackets, and the end of the “cool biz” season.   

With Japan and Canada having just celebrated 80 years of diplomatic relations, the Yamanashi International Association hosted a Canadian culture day to commemorate the occasion. Over a hundred people attended the event, which featured activities such as dream catcher making, ice hockey at Kose Sports Park, book readings, Thanksgiving dinner, cultural lectures, a speech by Canadian Embassy First Secretary Eric Petersson, and a Canada Box Discovery Corner.    

 “It was very good opportunity for people in Yamanashi to learn about Canada, its multiculturalism and unique characteristics,” said Mandy Lin, the Canadian JET CIR who proposed this event. “I wanted to create an activity for the Japanese residents to interact with the prefecture’s international community. It was the first Canada-focused event set up by the Yamanashi International Association and I think it was a great success.”

Erica Tanaka, one of the main event coordinators, chimed in with an assent. “It was a great chance for Japanese people to reflect on what multiculturalism is about. My warm thanks to all the volunteers who came to help out and those who participated in the event. I hope to see everybody again during the International Center’s Charity Christmas event in December.”

The writer of this article did her part by cooking up pancakes in the kitchen (to be served, of course, with maple syrup) but once that was done I put on a traditional Inuit costume made of seal and fox fur, and greeted the guests. Granted, it was extremely warm in there, but it was certainly a once in-a-lifetime experience!

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