All programs are open for registration on August 1st of each year for the upcoming season. Each season runs from October through the summer of the next year.
The Art of Bonsai
Sunday Sessions
Bonsai means “a tree in a tray.” The art of bonsai creates the illusion of age and maturity of a tree which has developed and sustained the effects of nature for many years. Students of bonsai learn to artfully trim and train a tree in a container. Beginners and Intermediate Students welcome!
9:00AM, Sunday, October 1, 2023
Oki Education Center
Educational Programming
NEW Season Starts Today
All programs open for Registration and Ticket purchase(s).
The season runs from October of the present year through the summer of the following year. The season is available for registration and ticket purchases on August 1st every year.
Introduction to Japanese Language
Nihongo Language: Level I & II
Sunday Sessions
These preliminary levels introduce basic survival Japanese, grammar, and hiragana writing and reading. Topics include, but are not limited to, meeting people, shopping, and dining. Each level has 3 parts (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3) which should be taken sequentially before you can move on to the next level.
10:15AM, Sunday, October 1, 2023
In-Person or Virtual
Introduction to Japanese Language
Nihongo Language: Level III & IV
Sunday Sessions
Level III introduces kanji and starts with a review of hiragana and katakana. Part 1 focuses on reading and writing kanji before moving into the textbook in Part 2. Topics include, but are not limited to, planning a trip, talking about past experiences, and getting advice. Part 1-3 sessions of each level should be taken sequentially as a series. Each level has 3 parts (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3) which should be taken sequentially before you can move on to the next level.
Level IV, the concluding level uses a more complex sentence structure and introduces new kanji and a review of kanji from previous levels. Topics and grammar points include, but are not limited to, using quotations, expressing potentiality, and making hypothetical statements.
5:00PM, Sunday, October 1, 2023
Virtual
Craft activities for kids of all ages.
Virtual Family Fun Days
Virtual craft activities for kids of all ages.
12:00AM, Monday, October 2, 2023
Virtual
Ikebana Flower Arrangement
Ikebana Ikenobo Class
Tuesday Sessions
Flower arranging, ikebana, is a traditional Japanese art form spanning centuries. Ikebana has various different schools of study, each with unique philosophies and aesthetics. Dating back to the 15th century, the Ikenobo School is the oldest and most traditional. Students in this course learn the basic principles and style of Ikenobo, creating fresh flower arrangements each week to take home and enjoy. Beginners welcome!
1:00PM, Tuesday, October 3, 2023
Oki Education Center
Experience the Garden Early
Member Morning Walks
Open to all Morikami Members
We are excited to announce the start of a unique program - Member Morning Walks. This is an exclusive opportunity for our valued members to experience the gardens in the calm of morning, before the hustle and bustle of the day begins. Starting June 7th, every Wednesday, you can escape into the serene beauty of our …
9:00AM, Wednesday, October 4, 2023
Morikami Gardens
Ikebana Flower Arrangement
Ikebana Sogetsu Class
Wednesday Sessions
Flower arranging, ikebana, is a traditional Japanese art form spanning centuries. Ikebana has various different schools of study, each with unique philosophies and aesthetics. The Sogetsu School is a contemporary school which focuses on the creativity and individuality of ikebana. The idea is that ikebana can be done by anyone, anywhere, with almost anything. Students will learn the basics of Sogetsu and create pieces each week to take home and enjoy. Beginners and Intermediate students welcome!
10:30AM, Wednesday, October 4, 2023
Oki Education Center
Ink Painting | Beginner & Intermediate
Sumi-E Floral
Thursday & Friday Sessions
Sumi-e is a form of Japanese ink painting brought from China in the 12th century. Primarily done in black ink, the name literally means “charcoal drawing” in Japanese. Students grind their own ink using an ink stick and a grinding stone and learn to hold and utilize brushes to create the primary sumi-e brushstrokes. Floral and landscape classes will start with a review of the basic techniques before moving on to the main subject. Beginners welcome!
10:30AM, Thursday, October 5, 2023
Oki Education Center
Ink Painting | Beginner & Intermediate
Sumi-E Floral
Thursday & Friday Sessions
Sumi-e is a form of Japanese ink painting brought from China in the 12th century. Primarily done in black ink, the name literally means “charcoal drawing” in Japanese. Students grind their own ink using an ink stick and a grinding stone and learn to hold and utilize brushes to create the primary sumi-e brushstrokes. Floral and landscape classes will start with a review of the basic techniques before moving on to the main subject. Beginners welcome!
10:30AM, Friday, October 6, 2023
Oki Education Center
Ink Painting | Beginner & Intermediate
Sumi-E Landscape
Friday Sessions
Sumi-e is a form of Japanese ink painting brought from China in the 12th century. Primarily done in black ink, the name literally means “charcoal drawing” in Japanese. Students grind their own ink using an ink stick and a grinding stone and learn to hold and utilize brushes to create the primary sumi-e brushstrokes. Floral and landscape classes will start with a review of the basic techniques before moving on to the main subject. Beginners welcome!
1:30PM, Friday, October 6, 2023
Oki Education Center
Japanese Traditional Music
Koto: Beginner & Intermediate
Saturday Sessions
Koto is a traditional Japanese stringed instrument first introduced to Japan from China in the 7th-8th centuries. Learn about the history, culture and techniques in how to play this exquisite instrument in this 5-week course. Instruments will be provided for participants to use in the class. *Beginner II courses are for students with prior experience or have taken Beginner I courses. Beginners and intermediate students are welcome!
10:30AM, Saturday, October 7, 2023
Morikami Theater
GAMBATTE! Legacy of an Enduring Spirit, Triumphing over Adversity: Japanese American Incarceration Reflections, Then and Now
Speaker Series: GAMBATTE! Legacy of an Enduring Spirit
Lecture by photographer Paul Kitagaki, Jr.
Explore the lasting impacts of Japanese American incarceration through the lens of renowned photographer, Paul Kitagaki, Jr
2:00PM, Saturday, October 7, 2023
Morikami Theater
Tickets are first come, first served on the day of the event.
Tea Ceremony Class
Sado: Beginner I & II
Thursday or Sunday Sessions
Expand upon your knowledge of Japanese tea ceremony in this hands-on class. Perform traditional Japanese tea ceremony, with its ever-evolving seasonal subtleties, in the authentic Seishin-an Tea House under the guidance of instructor Yoshiko Hardick. The tea ceremony changes from month to month and from season to season.
10:15AM, Sunday, October 8, 2023
Tea House
Tea Ceremony Class
Sado: Intermediate Classes
Expand upon your knowledge of Japanese tea ceremony in this hands-on class. Perform traditional Japanese tea ceremony, with its ever-evolving seasonal subtleties, in the authentic Seishin-an Tea House under the guidance of instructor Yoshiko Hardick. The tea ceremony changes from month to month and from season to season.
1:00PM, Sunday, October 8, 2023
Tea House
Experience the Garden Early
Member Morning Walks
Open to all Morikami Members
We are excited to announce the start of a unique program - Member Morning Walks. This is an exclusive opportunity for our valued members to experience the gardens in the calm of morning, before the hustle and bustle of the day begins. Starting June 7th, every Wednesday, you can escape into the serene beauty of our …
9:00AM, Wednesday, October 11, 2023
Morikami Gardens
Morikami Book Club
Open to all Morikami Members
Embark on a thrilling literary journey with Benefactor member Christine Carton and fellow Morikami members as they kick off a brand new season of riveting book explorations! To join the Morikami Book Club, please reach out to Christine Carton at christinec@gate.net. Morikami Book Club 2023-2024 Selection October 11 - Dead-end Memories Stories: By Banana Yoshimoto A collection of 5 …
12:00PM, Wednesday, October 11, 2023
Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens
Tea Ceremony Class
Sado: Beginner I & II
Thursday or Sunday Sessions
Expand upon your knowledge of Japanese tea ceremony in this hands-on class. Perform traditional Japanese tea ceremony, with its ever-evolving seasonal subtleties, in the authentic Seishin-an Tea House under the guidance of instructor Yoshiko Hardick. The tea ceremony changes from month to month and from season to season.
10:15AM, Thursday, October 12, 2023
Tea House
Tea Ceremony Class
Sado: Intermediate Classes
Expand upon your knowledge of Japanese tea ceremony in this hands-on class. Perform traditional Japanese tea ceremony, with its ever-evolving seasonal subtleties, in the authentic Seishin-an Tea House under the guidance of instructor Yoshiko Hardick. The tea ceremony changes from month to month and from season to season.
1:00PM, Thursday, October 12, 2023
Tea House
Japanese Traditional Tea Ceremony
The Way Of Tea: Sado Demonstration
Observe Japanese sado, an ever-changing demonstration rich in seasonal subtleties. Your involvement in the true spirit of sado — harmony (wa), reverence (kei), purity (sei), tranquility (jaku) will help you bring a calm perspective into your busy life.
12:00PM, Saturday, October 14, 2023
Morikami Theater
Experience the Garden Early
Member Morning Walks
Open to all Morikami Members
We are excited to announce the start of a unique program - Member Morning Walks. This is an exclusive opportunity for our valued members to experience the gardens in the calm of morning, before the hustle and bustle of the day begins. Starting June 7th, every Wednesday, you can escape into the serene beauty of our …
9:00AM, Wednesday, October 18, 2023
Morikami Gardens
Take a cinematic journey through Japan with the Morikami Film Series
Film: After the Storm
Underwritten by Linda and Michael Sonnenreich
Dwelling on his past glory as a prize-winning author, Ryota (Hiroshi Abe) wastes the money he makes as a private detective on gambling and can barely pay child support. After the death of his father, his aging mother (Kirin Kiki) and beautiful ex-wife (Yoko Make) seem to be moving on with their lives. Renewing contact with his initially distrusting family, Ryota struggles to take back control of his existence and to find a lasting place in the life of his young son (Taiyo Yoshizawa) - until a stormy summer night offers them a chance to truly bond again.
Experience the Garden Early
Member Morning Walks
Open to all Morikami Members
We are excited to announce the start of a unique program - Member Morning Walks. This is an exclusive opportunity for our valued members to experience the gardens in the calm of morning, before the hustle and bustle of the day begins. Starting June 7th, every Wednesday, you can escape into the serene beauty of our …
9:00AM, Wednesday, October 25, 2023
Morikami Gardens
Take a cinematic journey through Japan with the Morikami Film Series.
Film: Summer Days with Coo
Sponsored by The Rubens Family Foundation
One day, Koichi Uehara, a fourth-grader living in the suburbs of Tokyo, picks up a fossil that looks like a large stone while on his way home from school. To his surprise, he has picked up a baby Kappa (a Japanese mythical water creature), who has been asleep underground for the past 300 years. Koichi names this baby creature “Coo” and brings him to live with his family, and soon the two are inseparable friends.
Sponsored by JM Family Enterprises
Butoh: Japanese Avant-garde Dance
Talk and dance demonstration by Pinar Sinka
Butoh, a type of Japanese dance theater came on the scene in 1959 and over the decades has grown beyond Japan and onto the international scene. Join us for an enlightening experience that explores the depths of Butoh’s essence. Learn about the history, philosophy, fundamental elements and aesthetic ideals of Japanese Avant-garde dance theatre Butoh and Post Butoh, followed by a demonstration by speaker Pinar Sinka.