On Wednesday 15 August the Frankston Susono Friendship Association and Derinya Primary School were delighted to host Taisho Goto, a musical group playing Japanese harp (koto) from Mishima City. Mishima is located a short distance from our sister city Susono, and is where the shinkansen (bullet train) stops, so many of us who have travelled to Susono have visited Mishima City.
Taisho Goto are a group of citizens from Mishima and surrounding cities (including Fujinomiya), an area located at the foothills of Japan's iconic Mount Fuji. Comprising of both adults and children, who range in age from 5 to 10 years old, they are on a short stay tour of Melbourne and arrived Wednesday morning from Tokyo after flying overnight. During their brief time in Melbourne they will also be performing at the bi-lingual school in Caulfield, an aged care facility, as well as some shopping and sightseeing which will include a visit to Puffing Billy. All this before returning to Japan by the end of this week!
After a welcome and tour of the Derinya facilities and classrooms, the tour party were joined by FSFA executive members for a light lunch before preparing for their performance. The school's gymnasium was a hive of excitement as classes arrived after lunchtime and final preparations were in full swing. Taisho Goto entertained the students with koto - performing traditional Japanese songs, as well as delightful dancing and singing by the younger members of the group.
Six Derinya students were then selected to exchange gifts with members of Taisho Goto, which included the presentation of two koto to the school and a commemorative framed plaque. The six Derinya students then got the opportunity to play the group's koto before their grand finale which included performing 'Waltzing Matilda' and 'Kookaburra Sits In The Old Gum Tree'.
The entertainment was over all too soon and it was time for a hasty pack-up and departure before school pick up time! There was just enough time for group photos and the promise to meet again when our delegation travels to Susono in late September this year. We hope to see members of Taisho Goto in Susono (and possibly Fujinomiya) for the Australian Fair on Sunday 30 September.
 |
| Ladies of Taisho Goto performing Japanese traditional folk song "Sakura Sakura" |
 |
| Koto (Japanese harp) and singing |
 |
| A study in concentration! |
 |
| The girls are aged between 5 and 10 years old |
 |
| Koto, singing and dancing! |
 |
| Derinya students enjoying the grand finale |
 |
| Group photo of Taisho Goto from Mishima City, Shizuoka, Japan |
