The AJM of Monaco, the Association Jeunes Monégasques (Association of the young Monégasques) invited The Riviera Woman to see some of the splendours of Japanese culture in an exhibition "Discover Japan".

Bonsai

The art of growing bonsai in Japan started around 1200 AD. It means 'pot plants'. Bonsai are real trees in minature form.

Sushi

Sushi, introduced to Japan in the 7th century from China, consists of small parcels of traditional Japanese sticky rice with a core of raw fish, wrapped in a vine leaf.

A demonstration of martial arts was presented. Japanese Martial Arts can be learned for various reasons, such as to develop combat skills, maintaing fitness, self-defence, sport, self-cultivation, mental discipline, character development and for building self-confidence.

The Japanese written language uses three alphabets. The first and oldest is the pictogram system called called Kanji, which was brought from China at a time when the Japanese language had no written form. Kanji comprises hundreds if not thousands of characters. Later, the Hiragana writing system of 46 symbols was developed, apparently to bring reading to women who were at the time excluded from higher education. Separately, the angular and still simpler Katakana alphabet was developed, to be used mainly for imported words and representation of unfamiliar sounds.

The art of Calligraphy was so captivating and demonstrated to us by Yoko Takenami. We learnt that Yoko means 'Ocean Spray'.  Wendy and I were delighted to have our names written using Katakana. I could not resist asking for an exclusive of The Riviera Woman.

Wendy and Anna

The Riviera Woman

There will be a further Japanese exhibition at the Grimaldi Forum from July to September 2010.