Bazaar-Our Autumn Attraction
In primitive society, when people lived in the forest, storing things was essential for survival. Women looking after the house after men went hunting had to pay every attention to the amount of food still left, which presumably cultivated their instinct to store up things.
Women want more no matter how much they have at home ? almost as much as they could sell. Is their hunger for things an instinct that has been incorporated in DNA since primitive times? Or is it a reaction against the women in the older generation who have lived frugal lives? Perhaps memories of something they could not afford to buy years ago tempt them to pick up a mysterious item from bazaar treasures, without knowing why they need it now.
That was what came to my mind as I worked as a staff member of the 24th Meguro UNESCO Bazaar held at St. Paul’s Church on October 13, a beautiful autumn day.
The lunch menu, including Nepalese curry cooked by Ms. Gyanu Menandhar, chirashi sushi and cookies made by some members, was well loved.
The bazaar was held on the 2nd floor and was a great success with people of various nationalities gathering at a mountain of donated items. There was a corner of handmade brooches, where customers could also learn how to make one. We placed three donation boxes in the hall to assist Pakistan earthquake victims, and the total of 11,626 yen was kindly contributed. Proceeds from the bazaar (approximately 220,000 yen) will be used for international support such as the World Terakoya Movement.
“I deeply appreciate everyone’s cooperation that made this event an enjoyable and successful one. I’d like many of you to join with us in holding such a fair next year too,” said Ms Kimiko Shibutani, steering committee member in charge of the bazaar.
Before the bazaar, for many days, the Meguro UNESCO office was filled with donated goods just like a room scattered with toys. It was also filled with chattering voice and laughter of the volunteer staff sorting those items day after day, and when the phone rang, it was hard to hear the voice on the phone. I’d also like to add that there are regular customers who look forward to our bazaar.
- reported by Masumi Saito, PR committee