SAPPORO -- An event was held here March 2 to promote traditional Japanese culture to foreign residents and others ahead of the annual Hinamatsuri, or Girls' Day, festival.

The "Hinamatsuri party" for foreigners working or studying in Japan was held by the Sapporo Chuo branch of global volunteer movement Soroptimist International. Hinamatsuri is celebrated on March 3 every year with hopes for girls' healthy growth, typically with displays of traditional dolls.

This was the 35th time the event was held. Around 20 students and others from 12 countries got to try out traditional cultural activities such as origami, playing with "kendama" cup-and-ball toys, writing Japanese calligraphy and wearing kimonos.

Farjana Nowshin, a 28-year-old Bangladeshi student at Hokkaido University who said she came to Japan in 2022 commented that she had had few chances to enjoy traditional Japanese culture due to being busy with studies. Participating in the event, she said, allowed her to get to know more about Japan.

Meanwhile, 5-year-old American girl Cassia, who was there with her mother, smiled and said that wearing a kimono made her feel like a princess, and that doing Japanese calligraphy was the most fun.

Toyomi Kosukegawa, the head of the Sapporo Chuo branch of the organization said, "We'd like to create opportunities for foreigners to learn more about Japan through events."

(Japanese original by Jangrae Kim, Hokkaido News Department)