Welcome to Learning English, a daily 30 minute program from the Voice of America.

I'm Ashley Thompson.

And I'm Mario Ritter Jr.

This program is designed for English learners,

so we speak a little slower and we use words and phrases especially written for people learning English.

On today's program, John Russell reports on the return of an ancient Japanese art that was once in danger of dying out.

Then Brian Lynn presents this week's science report. We close the show

by hearing the lesson of the day. But first, Aiko Araki is an expert of the Sanuki Kagari

Temari, a Japanese traditional craft.

The craft has been passed down for more than 1,000 years on the island of Shikoku.

Araki is at the center of a small circle of women who are working hard to make Temari.

These balls are small artistic objects that have colorful designs.

They can take weeks or months to finish.

Some cost hundreds of dollars, although others are less costly.

The balls are not for sports.

They are created as special objects, carrying prayers for health and goodness. They might be treasured like a painting in a Western home.

Out of nothing, something this beautiful is born, bringing joy, said Araki about the Temari.

I want it to be remembered there are beautiful things in this world that can only be made by hand.

The area where Temari began was good for growing cotton. The round creations continue to be made out of that material.

At Arakee's studio, which also serves as head office for Temare's Preservation Society,

there are 140 colors of cotton thread.

The women dye them by hand using plants, flowers, and other natural ingredients.

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