Workshops

Sat 25 at 11:15-12:00 pm 

Participation in the incense-listening experience will be limited to the first 25 attendees.
Those who wish to participate are kindly requested to refrain from wearing or using strongly scented items such as perfume, as well as from consuming strongly flavored or aromatic foods beforehand.

Koh-do is the traditional Japanese art of appreciating the fragrance of incense consisting of aromatic wood called Agar Wood or Jinkoh.  The wood contains aromatic resins, and is different from joss stick incense and perfumes with which many people may be familiar.  This kind of wood is only found in South East Asian countries like India, Indonesia, Vietnam.

In Koh-do, a small piece of wood is heated on a small mica plate placed atop a mound of ash in a small cup.  Participants hold the cup with two hands near their nose to experience the subtle fragrance.  This is typically referred to as “listening” to the incense.

During a Koh-do ceremony, a few different pieces of incense wood are usually used, each with subtly different fragrances.  Distinguishing between these fragrances is often the basis of a game based on Japanese poems or stories.

Please come and enjoy the new experience of listening to incense!

Sat 25 at 12:15-1:00 pm

“Anytime, anywhere, by anyone, and with any material” that captures the essence of Sogetsu Ikebana. Ikebana serves as a powerful medium for expressing your true self through flowers. That is what makes it infinitely vast, profound, and captivating. No matter how times change, ikebana remains an art form that can only be brought to life by human hands. Sogetsu Ikebana heartfelt wish is to share the joy of creation, flowers in hand, with people all over the world.

The Sogetsu School of Ikebana was founded in 1927 by Sofu Teshigahara (1900-1979). Next year, Sogetsu Ikebana will celebrate our 100th anniversary.

Cosplay - the hobby for everyone! Cosplay can be as simple as purchasing an outfit online, grabbing pieces from your everyday wardrobe, or as skilled (and expensive) as spending 1000+ hours hand-making every embellishment on an elaborate outfit. Regardless, this hobby has a skill and budget entry point for everyone. We’ll cover the basics skills of working with fabric and foam, talk about the importance of safety when working with common craft tools and materials, and provide helpful resources along the way. At the end, we’ll talk about all the fun cosplay events and activities you can participate in, like cosplay chess or masquerade.

About The Cosplay Collective New England: We are a 6 person group of New England-based cosplayers who met through cosplay craftsmanship competition. We each have honed a unique set of skills that we use to help teach people new to the hobby including Sewing, Foamwork, 3D printing, Wig styling, Embroidery and needlework, fabric dying, painting and weathering. Our group enjoys presenting panels at local conventions, getting together to enjoy community activities, and recording our cosplay-centric podcast (new episodes every Sunday)!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenecosplaycollective/
Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/5fbcYLZJGXTPLkQw07W0s9?si=9c4a0fcf1f284f0e
Email: necosplaycollective@gmail.com

Sat 25 at 1:15-2:00 pm

Vit is a visionary contemporary artist whose life and work bridge the cultures of Europe, the Middle East, and Japan. Having served as the Chief of Protocol for the Czech Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, Vit developed a profound connection to the Japanese spirit, particularly the concept of Ichigo Ichie—the belief that every single moment is a unique occurrence that will never happen in exactly the same way again.

In his signature performance, ICHIGO ICHIE 一期一会 - The Circle of Peace -, Vit translates this philosophy into a captivating visual experience. Moving in a slow, meditative dialogue with the canvas, he creates a bold abstract work that embodies the harmony of the “now.” The performance culminates in a powerful, shared ritual: the completed painting is ceremoniously divided into individual pieces and gifted to the audience. These “fragments” serve as a physical reminder of the encounter, ensuring that the spirit of peace and connection lives on. Join us for a quiet, human moment and witness the beauty of the present through Vit’s unique artistic lens.

Sat 25 at 3:15-4:00 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

Sun 26 at 10:15-11:00 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.

Sun 26 at 12:15am-1:00 pm

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.

Sun 26 1:15-2:00 pm

Experience the Thrill of Competitive Karuta!

Fans of the anime Chihayafuru and newcomers alike are invited to join the Boston Nakamar Karuta Club for an immersive workshop on Kyōgi Karuta.

This unique sport is based on the Ogura Hyakunin Isshu, a prestigious anthology of one hundred classical Japanese waka poems compiled between the 7th and 13th centuries. While playing a game rooted in classical literature may seem daunting, our workshop is designed to be accessible, fast-paced, and engaging for everyone.

No prior knowledge of Hiragana, poem memorization, or Japanese language skills is required!

Workshop Highlights:
- Live Demonstration: Witness the speed and precision of an official competitive match played by ranked players.
- Hands-on Play: Learn the “whack and take” technique and compete in a modified short-form game.
- Instant Connection: Experience the satisfaction of your first successful “sweep,” once you hit that first card, you’ll be hooked!

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

Sun 26 2:15-3:00 pm

What is Mugai-Ryu iaihyodo? Have you ever marveled at the lightning-fast sword draws of Zenitsu in Demon Slayer or the historical techniques of Saito Hajime reflected in Rurouni Kenshin? Mugai Ryu is the real-world classical Japanese martial art (koryu) that brings these incredible movements to life. Founded in 1693 by Tsuji Gettan, it focuses on the art of drawing the sword (Iaihyodo). Characterized by its practical, no-nonsense movements and deep philosophical ties to Zen Buddhism, it teaches practitioners to achieve a state of calm awareness before resolving a conflict in one fluid, decisive motion.

About MugaiRyu USA & The Presenter: MugaiRyu USA is dedicated to preserving and sharing authentic martial arts traditions. The group is led by USA Director Ryan Yonaitis. Ryan brings over 30 years of extensive martial arts experience across disciplines including Iaido (Japanese Swordsmanship), Jodo (Jo-Staff), Taekwondo, Kung-fu, Karate, Aikido, Judo, and Kenpo. Having lived and trained in Japan for 7 years, he studied directly under the Japanese head of MugaiRyu - Grandmaster Okazaki Hiroto (Soke), in addition to Tanaka Sensei (Renshi), and other masters in the MugaiRyu Shiokawa-Ha lineage, ultimately becoming a World Champion in both Iaido and Jodo. The two main styles being taught at Mugai-Ryu USA are Iaido (swordsmanship) and Jodo (Jo-Staff).

At this year’s Japan Festival, MugaiRyu USA will kick off their session with an introductory visual presentation and demonstration, followed up by an interactive Workshop.

Interactive Workshop: 

Step onto the Dojo Floor! We believe the best way to understand an art is through hands-on, experiential learning. Following the demonstration, we invite the audience to participate in a safe, interactive mini-workshop! Open to all ages, participants will have the opportunity to hold a bokken (wooden practice sword), learn the core stance, and practice fundamental sword cuts.

Website: MugaiRyuUSA.com 
Email:Ryan@MugaiRyuUSA.com

Sun 26 3:15-4:00 pm

“Uncompromising Quality” and “Evolution of Tradition” — Nanbu Bijin Co., Ltd., a venerable sake brewery with a 120-year history rooted in Iwate Prefecture.

Nanbu Bijin is led by its fifth-generation brewery owner and President, Kosuke Kuji, and proudly carries forward the refined techniques and spirit of the Nanbu Toji, regarded as the foremost of Japan’s three great master brewer traditions. Guided by the belief that “No matter how many years you make sake, each year you begin again as a first-year student,” the brewery has remained sincere and deeply committed to its craft. This program introduces Nanbu Bijin’s philosophy of craftsmanship, its meticulous brewing process, the attention to detail behind each bottle, and the brewery’s own vision of the ultimate way to enjoy sake at its best.

Kimoto Glassware Co., Ltd., a long-established glassware wholesaler with over 100 years of history in Tokyo’s traditional downtown neighborhoods.

Built upon techniques passed down since the Edo period, Edo Kiriko and Edo Glassware are carefully handcrafted one by one by skilled artisans of Tokyo’s old quarters. Under the leadership of President Seiichi Kimoto, the company has long championed Japanese vessel culture, preserving tradition while creating new value that resonates with contemporary lifestyles. This program highlights Kimoto Glassware’s world-first, simple yet modern jet-black Edo Kiriko, along with sake vessels designed to enhance both flavor and enjoyment, and introduces “Tripling”—a new lifestyle concept that harmonizes cuisine, sake, and glassware as one integrated experience.