We head west.
The first snow of winter had settled on Mt Bandai, dying it a dazzling white color, and combined together with the autumn colored leaves in the distance, painting a picture of deep autumn.
 After some time, we arrive in Kitakata City, one of the prominent destinations in the Aizu Region.
At the end of a narrow farm road lies the Kitakata City Senior Citizen Production Activity Centre. Here under the guidance of our elderly teachers (that being said, they worked with more energy even than us), we painted our own Okiagari-koboshi, a traditional handicraft of the Aizu Region.
  There were some who had difficulty with the unfamiliar paint brushes.
Even so, everyone put in their upmost effort, showing their respect for this traditional Japanese culture.  
  
  
  
 
Thanks to the guidance of each expert, the session ended with everyone succeeding in making their own lovely Okiagari-koboshi.
Holding the Okiagari-koboshi I made in my hand, I realized that they were of a different weight. Even though they are similar, if you look closely you can see their faces are different. When you think about it they are just like us humans. It is said that ‘an artist breathes life into their art’, I feel like I understand what this means now.
 Our teachers told us that Senior Citizen Production Activity Centre is a place of creation. Home to the production of handicrafts, and woven goods, it serves as the livelihood of the local elderly community. As they rarely have a chance to interact with younger people, we were welcomed very warmly.
We all overcame not only a generation gap, but also the language barrier, and our hearts were warmed by the kindness we were shown. There are times when a simple smile can convey so much more than some fancy words.
Just like the smiles of the Okiagari-koboshi. Thank you to all the teachers at the Senior Citizen Production Activity Centre! （Posted by：Xu） | 
