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Intergenerational Activities
A Point Of View by Jack Fujimoto
The Taiko Group has activated ties among the various generations that we have in the Temple. From pre-teens to seniors, and for active and sometimes, anxious, drummers, Rev. Fumiaki Usuki has instilled a spirit that causes a bridging of generations.
The Obon Festival this year has been a fine focal point for bringing together the young and old. Sushi making found a few younger ladies helping their seniors in the fine art of rolling maki-zushi.
Rev. Usuki and Tosh Ishioka invited the community to join in helping this effort of bridging generations with participation from the local Nikkei community. The JIS community center, the local Y, the Hui Aikane group from Betsuin, and Scouts were another aspect of bridging the generations.
The Obon dancing on La Grange truly brought many of the young and old together to culminate in the joy of working together.
Another Temple activity that seeks to bring intergenerational goodwill has been the Gourmet Academy. Thanks to Mrs. Torako Akutagawa and Mrs. Yoshiko Iwashita, several sessions of food-making demonstrations have brought enjoyment to some of our younger Temple members. But, we need to continue to cultivate the seniors to present their art of fine cooking. As Mary Hahn told me, her yomogi plant that was given to her after Mrs. Akutagawa’s mochi session is now thriving beautifully, and she wishes to learn more ways to use the plant as well as preparing some Japanese foods for New Year’s Day.
The Academy wishes to learn what food preparation activities Temple members can demonstrate to bridge the young with old. Ideas can be shared with Rev. Usuki.
These are some of the intergenerational activities that come to mind. Some will continue to flourish and enhance the joy of belonging to the Temple while others may languish. But, there is no doubt that more and different ideas should be shared to cultivate the spirit of bridging the generations.
© 2009 West Los Angeles Buddhist Temple Online
