Bring the whole family and delve into the world of Japanese folklore or stories through kamishibai, Paper Theater. Join us for a reading of these classic stories. Reading starts on the hour with a short related activity to follow.
Koto is a traditional Japanese stringed instrument first introduced to Japan from China in the 7th-8th centuries. Learn the fascinating history of this exquisite instrument and how to play it in this one-day introductory workshop. Instruments will be provided for participants to use in the workshop. To further your studies on the koto, sign-up for our koto class series or summer guest artist workshops.
Learn brush strokes using sumi (charcoal) ink and a brush to write Japanese characters. After practicing on paper you will create a final calligraphy piece on shikishi board to take home. Just bring your curiosity!
Make a wish for the Star Festival, Tanabata! Write your wish on a strip of colored paper, or tanzaku, and tie it to a branch of our Tanabata bamboo to celebrate.
Chirirenge in Japanese is the name of the soup spoons from Asia and used as ramen spoons in Japan. Unlike the western spoon, it has a flat bottom and is deep to hold more soup. The handle is curved upwards and the shape mimics a fallen petal of the lotus flower called renge in Japanese. The word chiri means “to fall off.”