Kiri, Matsuyama Elementary School and an Onsen

Kiri is the Japanese wood for Paulownia wood. I have never heard of Paulownia and so it is easier for me to just use the Japanese name of Kiri. Kiri is a strong wood that is also very light. It is used to make many items including furniture, dishes and serving pieces, Japanese masks and geta or Japanese sandals. There is a great museum in Kitakata that is all about Kiri.
In the video, Miki is turning the crank to make the dragon that is made out of kiri move. At the end there is gong sound but the camera didn’t pick it up very well.
We all tried on various types of geta.

Next we went to Matsuyama Elementary school in Kitakata. We got to eat with the students and join them in some of their activities.

There was a nice sign welcoming us when we arrived.

Nick presented a gift to the principal, Yoshiyuki Matsuyama.


The kids were so cute. After lunch they all brushed their teeth for 3 minutes. Also, they cleaned the school at the end of the day in about 15 minutes.
Next we went to an Onsen (Japanese bath and soaking tubs) just outside of Kitakata.

Of course cameras were not allowed inside the spa, but it was so relaxing.
Another great day in Kitakata.

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