Camp Zama Girl Scouts experience Japanese traditions

CAMP ZAMA, Japan (Feb. 27, 2017) - Five Camp Zama Girl Scouts assisted with setting up Hina Dolls Feb. 23 in the Camp Zama Library in preparation for Hina Matsuri - a Japanese Doll Festival celebrated each year on March 3.

Harumi Kondo, library technician for Camp Zama Library, briefly explained to the participants about the Hina Dolls.

"We celebrate Hina Matsuri (the Doll Festival) every year on Girls Day, which is March 3, and families set up Hina dolls on this day to wish their daughters health and happiness," said Kondo.

Kondo said CZ librarians have been hosting the event for about five years, and the preparation gives them an opportunity to revisit and share their Japanese culture, teaching the girl scouts about the festival.

Lena Cook, 11 years old, one of the participants, said she enjoyed her first year to help set up Hina Dolls.

"I really like setting up something that has been tradition," said Lena.

Lena said they helped each other to figure out where to put each doll and tiny accessories.

Ava Gay, 10 years old, another participant, said it was hard to put little accessories in the right position.

James Lacombe, supervisory Librarian for CZ Library, said the Hina Dolls were donated to CZ Library by a Soldier who was stationed on Camp Zama a long time ago.

"I thought it would be a great opportunity for them to experience a piece of Japanese culture," said Lacombe, "and the staff enjoys sharing the information."