Part of the .01 percent in Kyoto.

It’s so trite, but it’s also so true: having the opportunity to connect with people in a different country, regardless of the language you speak, is always the best part of traveling.

This experience in Kyoto was one of our rewarding connections. The email really says it all, so I’m going to let it speak for itself:

Dear Joshua

I hope you enjoyed the stay in Japan and have now returned home safely.

Attched is a snap of Kemari practice at Shiramine Shrine, Kyoto.

We are pleased to have a visit of you and your children there on July

27 Sunday.

I am sure you did have somewhat “extraordinary” experience, joining

us in practice. Probably fewer than 0.01% of present Japanese ever

“practised” Kemari in a way you did.

Kemari was once popular and enjoyed everywhere in Japan, first  among

aristocrats, samurai, buddhist priests, then in later days merchants and

common people. It sharpely declined after the  Meiji Restoration (1867)

and has been always at stake of extinction. You saw then at a glance

about two thirds of all players (Kemari-freak) in Japan.

They commented you did very well and must be a good player of hackey

sack.

Take care,

(name edited), Director

Kemari Preservation Society

I love that photo. A memorable moment for sure.