Date & Time: Monday, November 15, 5:00 p.m. – 6:50 p.m.
Spot: Kanagawa University International Center
Class: Interactive over Zoom
Participants: Eight Students ( two Chinese, one Spanish，and five Japanese)
Lecturers : five KSGG members
Languages: English and Japanese
Report by Junko
As a part of Japanese culture course, the KSGG held an online class to learn furoshiki and its use. The class intended the students to learn the aesthetic sense of Japanese culture through furoshiki wrapping. English written materials were sent to the students beforehand.
The class included:
1. History of furoshiki
2. Its various sizes and materials
3. Its use and treatment
4. Square knot fashion—the basic
5. Box wrapping—the most common
6. Bottle and ball wrapping—the advanced
7. The etiquette of giving a congratulatory gift
The lecturers explained and demonstrated how to wrap with strings and furoshiki. Then the students practiced wrapping with furoshiki twice by themselves. The Zoom furoshiki class was a first trial for the KSGG members, so they experienced a lot of difficulties in explaining through a camera. The students said, “This is an interesting experience. I like to use furoshiki. It’s compact and eco-friendly.” I was glad that the class was useful to spread the Japanese culture of furoshiki overseas. I myself recognized the full worth of furoshiki as I participated in the class.
