Hands-on Cultural Workshop Committee

Traditional Japanese arts and cultural practices such as tea ceremony, calligraphy, and flower arrangement have been refined and passed down through generations over hundreds of years. They have developed in close connection with Japanese people’s daily lives, knowledge, experiences, and relationships with one another.

MUA works to promote meaningful interaction and mutual understanding between Japanese residents and foreign residents of the local community. As part of this mission, the Hands-on Cultural Workshop Committee has introduced a wide range of traditional Japanese cultural practices, including yukata (summer kimono), bonsai, bonseki (sand and stone art), Japanese folk songs and folktales, and kite-making and kite-flying. In recent years, we have focused primarily on tea ceremony, calligraphy, and flower arrangement, offering hands-on workshops several times a year. Our series of tea ceremony classes, originally launched for foreign residents, has also attracted many Japanese participants each year.

“Yukata dressing class”

Contents:

1.  Demonstration of yukata dressing by the instructor
2.  Exercise of wearing yukata with obi until you can wear yukata by yourself
3.  Commemorative photo of all the participants
4.  Exercise of how to fold the yukata once it was taken off

☆ Yukata and obi are available for free to attendees.

“Calligraphy exercise class”

Contents:

1. Explanation on the history of calligraphy and writing tools
2. Exercise kanji and hiragana calligraphy writing, while looking at the model letters
3. Write your favorite characters finally on a colored paper

☆ Participants can use calligraphy tools free of charge.

“Tea ceremony exercise class”

Contents:

1. Explanation on the history of tea ceremony and tea utensils
2. Exercise how to bow and walk on tatami mats
3. Demonstration by the instructor
4. Have sweets and light tea
5. Exercise individually any part of the entire process

UNESCO has repeatedly emphasized that mutual understanding, respect, and dialogue among different cultures are essential to constructing lasting peace. In keeping with this vision, our committee provides Japanese participants with opportunities to deepen their understanding of their own cultural heritage, while offering foreign participants opportunities to discover and experience Japanese culture.

Through these experiences, we hope that participants will gain insight into the wisdom and values underlying traditional culture, while developing greater interest in and understanding of both their own culture and those of others.

Why not join one of our events and experience Japanese culture for yourself?