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Yamaguchi |
Our trip south began with a monorail trip to Haneda Domestic Airport in Tokyo.
From there we caught an ANA domestic flight to Yamaguchi.
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Yamaguchi Prefecture is
home to Itsuka's father's family and we first went to the family
home. We were met by Itsuka's grandfather who honoured us by
presenting us with the family's ceremonial sword. It is at least
700 years old! Under the watchful eyes of several generations of family
portraits we were able to look at the Yamasaki flower emblem on the
saya (sword case) and
even had the opportunity of holding the sword in
our hands! |
Later that day we also had the opportunity of meeting Itsuka's great-grandmother, Yukiko Hamada, aged 97.
She welcomed us warmly and chatted over a cup of green tea.
The day finished with an amazing meal at the grandparents house in which we were also able to meet more members
of the family. Clockwise from top: Itsuka's grandparents; cousin-in-law and daughter;
other cousins; and uncle.
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