Separated by the Milky Way, the stars Orihime and Hikoboshi align once every year on the seventh day of the seventh month; originating from Chinese folklore, Tanabata is a holiday that celebrates the meeting of the two stars.
As part of Tanabata festivities this year, the San Diego Go Club was invited to the Japanese Friendship Garden in Balboa Park on July 7, where chapter members taught go to hundreds of children. “The way to Go” booklets were handed out and kids played on a big go board made on the plaza surface. Some children were so interested in go that they went to the following SDGC chapter’s weekly gathering for lessons.
“Several other children’s activities that day at the Japanese Friendship Garden filled the plaza, reports SDGC president Ted Terpstra. Demonstrations every hour included the San Diego Japanese Hulu Club, the San Diego Kimona Club, Masazumikai (Japanese Brush Painting), and the San Diego Kendo Bu (Japanese martial arts).
photo by Ted Terpstra
