The Japanese Cultural Exchange held a second meeting this month. On February 28, we were the guests of Ambassador Shigeo Yamada at the official residence. The morning included a presentation by Ms. Virginia Soenksen, a specialist in Japanese textiles, on a form of historic dress known as the twelve-layered kimono. When fully assembled, we learned that this kimono weighed an amazing 45 pounds. Following the talk, we enjoyed a lovely tea, including a seafood bowl and an assortment of Japanese sweets. Our group included diplomats from 14 countries as well as CED volunteers.
