We are delighted to report that the
6th Annual International Children's Day Celebration was very
successful as we had 102 children and over 400 people attending
the event, which this year was held for the first time at UNICEF
House, Labouisse Hall. Family and friends of the participating
children, beautifully dressed in traditional kimono or formal
wear, received their special blessings at four different ceremonies.
Due to the severe weather conditions, and for the safety of
all participants, we decided not to take everyone to the UN
Peace Bell Garden for photos, but rather took them within UNICEF
House. Again this year, we are happy to make a contribution
from a portion of the International Children's Day Celebration
participant's fee in the amount of $1050 to UNICEF NGO Division,
($10 from each participants fee of $30) which will be used for
the causes of needy children. Also, as in the past, we were
honored to have as community co-supporters the Japan Mission
to the UN, the Consulate General of Japan in New York, The Japan
Foundation of New York, Japan Society and Nippon Club, as their
endorsement has enabled ISF to continue to present Shichigosan
as a part of the Japanese culture for all children. Further,
as in past years, the Japan Society presents a Shinto Workshop
and as part of their program, the teachers (this year 15) attended
the afternoon International Children's Dad Celebration ceremony
to experience the culture in person. Also, joining us this year
was Prof. Michael Como, newly appointed Shinto Professor at
Columbia University and Ms. Kazuko Minamoto from Japan Society
Education Department. We were very fortunate to have the services
of many volunteers to assist us in making the two-day event
a success. |
*Please click to see photos of the event
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