Cultural Experience Workshop Journey into Japan: A Workshop of Cultural Discovery

August 4th is Chopsticks Day. It is a day to offer gratitude and hold a memorial service for chopsticks, which we use almost every day without much thought. About 30% of the world's population use chopsticks, but it is in Japan where the culture of cherishing chopsticks and putting intricate craftsmanship into their details has truly flourished. Additionally, since chopsticks come in pairs, they have many uses, and there are also manners and taboos associated with them. These are taught from a young age and have become deeply ingrained in Japanese food culture. Through this workshop, we hope you can experience a part of Japanese culture through the lens of chopsticks.

Wind chimes originated as religious tools in ancient China and were introduced to Japan along with Buddhism. Since ancient times, the sound of wind chimes has been believed to ward off evil spirits. From the Edo period to the present day, they have become a cherished part of Japanese culture, often described as “a stylish summer tradition that brings coolness through the sound of the wind.” The Japanese have cultivated a refined aesthetic, listening intently to the sound of wind chimes and connecting with one another through it.
This year, we will be painting Imari porcelain wind chimes, which are known for their beautiful, high-pitched tones. We hope that the soothing sound of these wind chimes will help you relax during the hot summer, and perhaps even inspire you to reflect on the hearts and minds of the Japanese people from long ago.

Egg art represents the beauty of the four seasons and traditional Japanese events through miniature eggs. It began in the 16th century during the Christian Easter, when people would gift painted eggshells. The “Imperial Eggs” of the Romanov dynasty in Russia are considered some of the most exquisite and luxurious egg art pieces in the world, adorned with jewels. This time, we bring you a fusion of Western culture and Japanese elegance. Through creating miniature egg art dolls, representing the Emperor and Empress, you can experience a heartwarming and unique artistic journey.

The prototype of the folding fan, the uchiwa (rigid fan), was born in China and was introduced to Japan in the 7th century. The Japanese invented the folding fan, known as the “hiougi,” which is made by binding thin wooden strips together. Over time, the folding fan was used to compose and record poetry, and was highly valued by the samurai class, who regarded it as important as their swords. It was also used in celebratory ceremonies, tea ceremonies, and traditional performing arts. The common use of fans for cooling purposes by fanning oneself began in the late Edo period. The compact and foldable design of the folding fan has been highly praised worldwide, and it represents the collective wisdom, etiquette, and aesthetic sense of the Japanese people.

The Japanese archipelago, surrounded by the sea on all sides and blessed with deep mountains, has greatly influenced the sensibilities of the Japanese people. Yuzen dyeing, a unique craft of Japan, is a technique that uses delicate brush strokes and rich colors to depict the changing seasons, natural landscapes, and plants on fabric. There are many motifs that represent the deepening of autumn, such as autumn leaves, autumn grasses, the moon, and migratory birds. Each motif requires intense focus and meticulous attention to detail, making the Yuzen dyeing experience a calming and centering activity that resonates with the quietness and depth of autumn.

Few cultures in the world love the moon as much as the Japanese. It was about 1,000 years ago during the Heian period that the custom of admiring the mid-autumn moon began. People would offer the year's harvest and moon-viewing dumplings as a way to give thanks and pray for a bountiful harvest. The art of traditional Japanese mounting, which started with the binding of Buddhist scriptures, was introduced to Japan from China along with Buddhism. Over the course of more than a thousand years, it has been refined through changes in lifestyle and architectural styles. We invite you to write your own postcard with a brush, and have it mounted in a traditional Japanese style that is unique to Japan. The mounted postcard can be rolled up like a scroll, making it compact and easy to take home.

It is said that the origins of Japanese seasonal festivals (sekku) vary, but they are derived from the Chinese philosophy of Yin and Yang and the Five Elements. When the month and day are the same odd number, and their sum is an even number, it is believed that Yang transitions into Yin, and events are held to ward off evil spirits. Among these, the festival on the ninth day of the ninth month, known as Choyo or the Chrysanthemum Festival, is a time to pray for longevity and good health. Since ancient times, chrysanthemums have been believed to have the power to ward off evil spirits and promote longevity. There were customs such as drinking chrysanthemum sake, which was infused with the fragrance of chrysanthemums, and purifying the body with chrysanthemum cotton. When you see chrysanthemum arrangements, please take a moment to think of the chrysanthemum viewing party held in the heart of Nara, Miyako.