JOCV Volunteers held an exhibition and cultural event on Friday, 9th and Saturday, 10th May, 2008, to share with the people of St.Vincent and the Grenadines the customs and culture of Japan.{{more}}

This event called Japan Day, is the third time that JOCV has presented an exhibition to Vincentians since the organization began its operation here in St.Vincent five years ago. This year, the exhibition had new performances never done before brought about by the close interaction of the JOCV volunteers with their Vincentian colleagues and peers. Not only did they come to share their knowledge but they also learned from Vincentians parts of our culture that can be incorporated into their own.

This year, the volunteers took part in the traditional Shan Shan Umbrella dance which is done every August in Tettori city in Japan. Its origin comes from the sounds of tin and a hot spring. The umbrella has many tins and decorated with gold and silver. The Kiai Dojo Karate group performed for the third time in support of the volunteers Japan Day activities. Ms. Sachiyo Yamada, JOCV volunteer and Music Teacher at the Girls’ High School, performed with the Lio & SVG Jazztet band that she has been a member of since March 2008. Other performances were done by the Potential Steel Orchestra who list among its members four JOCV volunteers since January 2008. All Volunteers were dressed in the traditional dress of Japan the informal Kimono called the Yukata.