March. 2, 2008 Dazaifu - Principal Officer Margot Carrington took part in a traditional "Kyosui-no-en" ceremony, which was started by the nobility of the Heian Period in Japan. All of the participants wore traditional Heian style kimono and composed Japanese tanka poems under plum trees in bloom, heralding the coming of spring. Taking part in an event like this gives the participants a unique glimpse at the culture of the Heian period. Ms. Carrington’s poem in Japanese describes how the experience of wearing period clothes and taking part in this traditional event allowed her to experience old Japan.

The Kyokusui no-en ceremony originated in ancient China and was said to have started at Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine in 958 AD. After a long hiatus, the tradition resumed in 1963. During the ceremony, a cup filled with sake comes floating down a small stream. Each participant is asked to compose a short poem or "tanka" in the time it takes the sake cup to reach them.