Want to learn how a formal tea gathering, also called Chaji (茶事) is conducted? In Chaji, the guests first enter the waiting room. Leaving their belongings (coat, bag, ect.) that are not used during Chaji in the waiting room, the guests then move to the waiting bench. Normally the bench is situated in the tea …
The first Senses from Japan in Whidbey Island was held on June 6. As a trial, it was a private event with 6 guests. Two of my friends who are now permanent residents of this island filled with nature and artists helped me put it together. The event, I would say, was a great success! …
At this time of the year, Senses from Japan Spring would be happening. Last year it was canceled. This year it’s not happening….. At least can I replicate the 20-30 minutes demonstration that would normally occur at the event on this blog post? Introduction “Welcome to Senses from Japan. Many thanks to Fran’s Chocolates for …
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In my high school history textbook, there were only 4things that were associated with Ii Naosuke (1815 – 1860): Tairo (大老)… He became a Tairo, which is a very high-ranking post in the Tokugawa Shogunate late in the Edo Period. Harris Treaty… He signed this treaty with the US without the Emperor’s consent. Ansei Purge… …
March 3rd, the day of Hinamatsuri, is coming up! As I explained in my previous blog post, Hinamatsuri is a Japanese celebration especially for girls. Since it’s about the season that peaches are in bloom, Hinamatsuri is also called “Momo no Sekku 桃の節句”. Momo means peach in Japanese. How do you celebrate this occasion in …
First Ikebana flower arrangement, and then tea ceremony… Now my two main practices are both conducted online. I use my old iPhone as an external webcam. I connect the webcam to my computer so that I can see what the webcam is capturing on my computer screen. Before the class starts, I double check the …
This old Japanology video on NHK made me almost cry… It’s a rather long video, but I hope at least you watch the part starting at 19:00 and 26:26. Please let me know what you thought after watching these parts. “The important thing is that the host and the guests get together and enjoy each …
People are angry. They are occupying streets everywhere in the world, demonstrating, protesting, and marching. People have every right to demand social justice, end of police brutality, end of racial discrimination. To whom am I to demand? How do I achieve these changes? Discrimination doesn’t exist on the street nor in the city hall. It …