How did you welcome the brand new year? A year ago I introduced to you how people in Japan welcome the New Year. It’s still on my wish list to experience that serene moment again… Instead of physically visiting a temple in Japan, I listened to the 108 bell sounds on the YouTube video. In …
The crowd that visited Japan Fair became even larger this year. Many thanks to those who came to the two-day event celebrating Japan’s community, culture and business. As a volunteer, my role was to coordinate three cultural booths: Ikebana, tea ceremony, and bonsai. I teach Sogetsu ikebana, and I practice Urasenke tea ceremony. But I …
As I introduced to you in my previous blogpost “What is ‘Shokunin’,” Portland Japanese Garden’s exhibition focusing on five young artisans in Kyoto will end this weekend. I was fortunate to make a trip down there on Independence Day! The Pavillion Gallery was filled with the artworks created by these five artisans. Bamboo basketry, pottery, …
Whose Work Was My Favorite at Shokunin Exhibition Read More »
As I mentioned in my previous blog post, there will be bonsai demonstrations at one of the mini stages on the show floor at Japan Fair. Since I often write about tea ceremony and ikebana in this blog, let me mention about bonsai today, for a change. What does bonsai “盆栽” really mean? Bon (盆) …
This year marks the third anniversary of Japan Fair. Taking over Aki Matsuri, this two-day community event celebrates Japan’s culture with people living in the greater Seattle area. With over 20,000 visitors, it has become one of the largest events that is held at Meydenbauer Center in Bellevue. On the main stage there will be …
The word Shokunin (職人) means “artisan,” a word that signifies a person who has achieved a high level of accomplishment and a deep commitment to carry on the legacy of a traditional craft. A shokunin who works in the 21st century is an artisan whose work shows respect for the traditions of fine craftsmanship that have been handed down …
The three days of Senses from Japan – Spring 2018 event went by so quickly. For those of you who came to see the tea ceremony demonstration or tried making your own matcha green tea, thank you very much. I hope you also enjoyed beautiful items available at Heiando America’s pop-up store. In this blog …
Thank You for Coming to Senses from Japan – Spring 2018 Read More »
The event Senses from Japan – Spring 2018 is starting today. Many thanks to Fran’s Chocolates for their generosity to host this event at their store. To prepare for the event, I installed the welcoming flowers on Tuesday. Cherry, crabapple, pieris, tulip, primula, carnation, spirea….. Spring flowers in different colors and shades are collaborating to …