Workshops

Sat 26 & Sun 27 at 11:15-12:00 am

What is Chado?

The act of serving a guest a bowl of tea along with a sweet is, at its core, a simple act of hospitality. In Japan over the last five centuries, this most basic practice has evolved into a rich tradition of social communion, art, design, and spirituality, called Chado - the Way of Tea. This term “the way of tea,” also known as “Japanese Tea Ceremony.,” emphasizes that studying tea is an ongoing practice, a way of life, and a means of seeing the world anew. Students of the way of tea learn the procedures of preparing and serving sweets and tea - as well as guests behaviors for receiving tea and appreciating all the details of the tea event in, a mindful manner that focuses all the participants on the present moment and place. While at its heart, the most important aspect of the way of tea remains the simple and sincere exchange of refreshment between host and guest, tea study also encompasses art, architecture, literature, Zen philosophy, history, and the crafts of metal, wood, bamboo work, ceramics, flower arrangement, textiles, and incense appreciation.

26th Saturday presenters:
Clayton Sokyu MYERS, Megumu MABUCHI, Adam SHAMASH

27th Sunday presenters:
Clayton Sokyu MYERS, Miho Soho MACHIDA, Miko Soboku BRAIS

Sat 26 at 12:15-12:45 pm

Ikebana is a Japanese word that means “ikeru” to arrange and “hana” (bana) meaning flower. It is known as the Japanese art of flower arrangement. Its origin can be traced back to the 6th century when simple floral arrangements were made as offerings for Buddhist ceremonies. Over the centuries the style and presentation evolved into many schools.

An Ikebana arrangement follows the fundamentals of structure, space, and naturalism. Emphasis is placed on linear movement, color harmony, and form. All types of flowers and plant material can be used and Ikebana usually contains the foliage and flowers of the current season. On April 26, a member of the Boston Ohara Study Group will make two flower arrangements illustrating the Ohara style. This style of flower arranging was established in 1895 by its first headmaster, Unshin Ohara. It is an art form that centers around nature and the changing seasons. Its goal is to capture the essence of the natural world and bring it into your living space. This is done through a series of arrangement forms that provide the student with a good structural understanding and sensitivity to the beauty of flowers.

Sat 26 at 1:00-1:30 pm

Noh is a traditional form of Japanese theater that took shape in the Muromachi period (14th century). It combines dance and music to tell stories, much like a Japanese-style musical. Because Noh uses poetic language chanted in classical Japanese, it can be challenging to understand. Rather than focusing on every word to grasp the meaning, however, we hope you will simply immerse yourself in the elegant movements, the rich, resonant voices, and the uniquely Japanese atmosphere that Noh embodies.

Minami

Born in 1984, Minami graduated from Waseda University’s School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Faculty of Japanese Traditional Arts. She has been performing on stage since her teenage years, focusing primarily on Kanze-ryu Noh and shinobue (Japanese bamboo flute) performances. Beyond the stage, she lectures on Japanese traditional arts, offers kimono and yukata dressing workshops, and demonstrates ikebana. Open to collaboration with various artists, she has worked with belly dancers and a variety of musicians. After performing in Singapore from 2012 to 2020, she moved to Boston in 2024, where she continues her mission to share the beauty of Japan’s classical performing arts across borders.

Contact: minamikwanze.usa@gmail.com

Sat 26 at 1:45-2:15 pm

Kimono Mom is a Japanese influencer who shares the heart of Japanese home cooking with the world. A former geisha turned YouTuber and entrepreneur, she inspires millions of followers by bringing traditional flavors into everyday kitchens. She is also the founder of UMAMI SAUCE, a seasoning crafted with love to help anyone cook Japanese meals easily. Currently, Kimono Mom is traveling across the U.S. in an RV with her daughter, sharing her culture and family life with people all over the country—one meal at a time.

At this year’s Japan Festival, Kimono Mom will be demonstrating how to make Gyudon, a classic Japanese beef bowl. Known as Japan’s beloved fast food, gyudon is warm, savory, and full of umami—yet surprisingly simple to make at home. It’s one of the most popular and accessible dishes for anyone just starting out with Japanese cooking.

Come watch Kimono Mom bring this comfort food to life at the cultural booth—and maybe get inspired to try it yourself!

* Tasting reservations begin at noon on April 26 at the Culture Booth. Limited to two per group/family.

Folded paper airplanes soar surprisingly in the wind. That’s the magic of ‘Origami Plane.’ Ever wonder how they fly? Our certified instructors, trained by the Origami Aircraft Association, incorporate principles of flight into folding techniques. Join JAL Origami Aircraft Workshop, where you can learn and play simultaneously, fostering communication and experiencing the joy of playing together. Participants will receive a small gift.

Gyotaku, combining the Japanese words for "fish" (gyo) and "rubbing" (taku), is a distinctive Japanese art form that uses fish as a printing plate. Gyotaku originated in the 1800s when Japanese fishermen created impressions of their catches as records. Today, gyotaku has evolved into a recognized form of nature printing. While traditional practitioners use sumi ink (made from pine soot) on washi (mulberry paper), contemporary artists have expanded the medium to include acrylics, oils, and screen printing inks on various papers and fabrics.

Maine artist Nate Garrett honors the traditional roots of gyotaku while pushing its boundaries with both conventional and experimental approaches. His work focuses on capturing Maine's diverse wildlife through this unique art form, but he also explores non-traditional subjects and materials that extend beyond the classic fish impressions.

Nate's art aims to create personal connections between viewers and his subjects. The gyotaku technique presents both the subject itself and a canvas where viewers can project their own experiences and memories. By presenting his subjects without environmental context, Nate invites viewers to interpret the artwork through the lens of their own personal experiences.

https://www.bigfishgyotaku.com/

What is Shodō?

Shodō, also known as calligraphy, is an art form in which characters are elegantly written using a brush called “fude” (筆) and ink on paper. Through the characters and various writing styles, individuals express their thoughts and emotions. Shodō goes beyond mere writing; it serves as a means of self-expression, making it both an art and a form of communication. To excel in Shodō, practitioners must cultivate concentration and master the skill of creating aesthetically pleasing characters. It is considered a form of mental discipline and self-improvement. For demonstration, Michiko Imai, Japanese Calligrapher, will write large characters and a haiku, Japanese poem.

Sun 27 at 1:00-1:30 pm
Hosted by Eri’s Tea House Senchado School- Ogasawara Senchado Master Eri Pace

Drinking Nihoncha (Japanese tea) has been an integral part of daily life in Japan for centuries. Sencha (a steeped Japanese tea) culture, which flourished during the Edo period, was cherished by artists and scholars before gradually spreading to the general public.

In Senchado, water is gently heated using a small brazier called a Ryōro, and tea is carefully brewed in a Kyusu (Japanese teapot) before being gracefully poured into small cups. When preparing Gyokuro — the finest and most delicate of Japanese teas — water is poured with special care, allowing the tender leaves to unfurl gently. Guests are invited to savor the subtle differences in flavor between the first and second infusions. Various preparation methods are used for different types of tea, such as Sencha and Hojicha, each accompanied by graceful, mindful movements that embody the spirit of hospitality. 

Beyond the refined procedures, Senchado celebrates the beauty of small, exquisite utensils and the quiet elegance inspired by traditional scholarly culture. Following the prescribed steps naturally leads to brewing a delicious cup of tea, combining aesthetic grace with practical wisdom. Each gesture expresses respect and mindfulness toward the guest.

We warmly invite you to experience Senchado — a living tradition where the beauty of classical Japanese culture and the spirit of modern life come together.

Sun 27 1:45-2:15 pm

Have you watched the anime “Chihayafuru?” Want to learn more about Karuta? Well, Boston Nakamaro Karuta Club will be hosting a workshop on the competitive style of Hyakunin-isshu Karuta called Kyougi Karuta. The Ogura Hyakunin-isshu is a collection of classical Japanese short poems called waka, written from the 7th century to the 13th century. Yes, a game that uses classic Japanese literature seems intimidating at first, but we are here to make it easy and fun!

No Hiragana knowledge, no poem memorization, no Japanese language background is required!!!

In this workshop, you will:

Watch a Competitive Karuta demonstration match by officially ranked players.

Play a short Karuta game and “whack ’n take” the cards yourself!!

Once you take your first card with a powerful hit, you’ll surely want to keep playing more and more!

For more information, please feel free to inquire:

https://sites.google.com/site/bostonnakamaro/

bostonnakamaro@gmail.com

Sun 27 at 2:30-3:15 pm 

The game of Kamizumou, or “Paper Sumo,” is as old as the professional sport of sumo itself, dating back roughly 400 years. Kamizumou’s official rules and standards were first established in 1954, when Yoshiyuki Tokugawa, a direct descendent of the Owari Tokugawa family, founded the Japan Kamizumou Association. The game garnered widespread attention in 1975 when it was featured by many media outlets, causing a boom in its popularity. The wrestlers, referred to as rikishi, and the sumo ring, called dohyō, are made entirely of paper, making it an analog game that is easy and fun and inspires creativity.

References:

https://kyomen.wixsite.com/kamizumou

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgchtNsIJT4rprDDdctPq9g

Sun 27 at 3:30-4:00 pm

Shogi is a 2 person strategy board game that has traveled from India’s game called Chaturanga. Then the game evolved to Chinese board game Xiangqi and Thai board game Makruk, and across the sea into Shogi. Shogi means General Piece.

In Japan it is known to have about 4.6 million shogi enthusiasts. 7 years ago, a 14-year-old Fujii Sota arrived in the pro circuit and has dominated the professional league. Fujii now holds all 8 major shogi titles, and his accomplishment has boosted not just the shogi world but the entire country. The shogi population has got this big boost from Fujii’s dominance and population amongst the youth has grown. Also the play on the internet against many shogi apps and internet shogi playgrounds has also pushed the popularity of the game not just in Japan but internationally.

Boston Shogi club is an accredited group that meets once a month and to be able to play live and just to keep the shogi tradition going.

Please feel free to contact us at: shun2guchi@yahoo.com