THE WINNER OF THE 'WIN A TRIP TO JAPAN' WAS...

Luis got to experience real Japan under the guidance of Akemi Solloway Sensei, the eldest daughter of an old samurai family and lecturer of Japanese Culture.

Luis and his mother Ann were given a once-in-a-lifetime trip as you can see from the photos!

The competition prize was sponsored by Akemi Solloway. Please visit her website at www.solloway.org to discover more about her unique Japan culture trips.

She is organising a Japanese Art Exhibition on 11-12th July 2009.

HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT WINNING?

Luis: ‘I was amazed to hear that I’d won a trip to Japan. I was so excited about it.  I couldn’t wait to see Mount Fuji, go on the bullet train and find out more about Samurai culture.'

WHAT did you enjoy about the trip?

Luis: 'I loved everything. Loved the food, loved staying with the really kind host families, playing chess, seeing the Cormorant fishermen in Gifu, watching the tea ceremonies, exchanging gifts and making new friends, learning Japanese with Akemi, drumming on the enormous taiko drums.' 

Luis: 'So many things I’ll never forget!  I would really like to go back again’.

AKEMI SOLLOWAY SENSEI

Akemi Solloway Sensei is descended from the Karo of Iwatsuki Castle (near Tokyo) in the time of Lord Ota Dokan (1432-1486).

The name Akemi means ‘bright and beautiful’ and because she has no brothers, Akemi has a special responsibility to keep alive the traditions of her samurai ancestors.

Her website is www.solloway.org