Japan Society - Education Programs

Budding artists can try their hand at block printing at our Family Art Day on Sunday, April 16th at 11:00 am, located at Japan Society! Participants will visit our latest gallery exhibition, Kyohei Inukai, then create unique works of art inspired by the artist’s vibrant colors and dynamic shapes. Afterwards, you can continue exploring the gallery at your own pace with an Activity Card full of fun activities to spark the imagination. Go to http://ow.ly/1tR750NxwWL to get your tickets today!

Photo Credits:

Kyohei Inukai, Untitled, c. 1980–85
© Kyohei Inukai. Courtesy of Inukai Estate. Photograph by Nicholas Knight

Kyohei Inukai, b=a+c, c. 1980–85
© Kyohei Inukai. Courtesy of Inukai Estate. Photograph by Nicholas Knight

One kuma-san onigiri, please? 🍙 🧸

Last weekend, we partnered with Table For Two USA to host , a hands-on workshop where families learned about Japanese culture and cuisine through our favorite comfort food—onigiri (rice balls).

The best part? Seeing you work together to create your very own tasty, adorable & versatile snack. Thank you to all the families who attended & a huge thanks to TFT for launching innovative programs that promote cultural awareness + healthy habits!

川床 or Kawadoko is a unique dining experience in Japan where you are seated on a floor right over or next to a river! Check out more about this stylish and soothing restaurant experience below 👇

http://ow.ly/tzOz50JZlgM

‘Kawadoko’ riverside dining offered again in Osaka Prefecture | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis MINOO, Osaka Prefecture--More than a century ago, the

Indoor mapping exhibits are a radical new way to interact with art and are especially popular in Japan. A new museum focusing on the impressionist school has opened in Tokyo for the summer and it will blow you away!

http://ow.ly/7sG750KaGoo

Immersive Museum offers impressive impressionist fun this summer in Tokyo Become one with the strokes.

Kanazawa City is seeking to revitalize its tourism industry by promoting its historical teahouse and geisha cultures. If you are interested in visiting Japan or in Japanese culture be sure to check this out!

http://ow.ly/VFux50JZk84

Kanazawa in push to promote its teahouse, geisha cultures | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis KANAZAWA--Authorities here have mounted a campaign to lure back tourists in the post-pandemic era by celebrating the charms of the Ishikawa prefectural capital’s local history and geisha, known as “geigi.”

In Matsushima bay, you can find a unique festival where large boats shaped like Dragons and Phoenixes parade around the bay carrying portable Mikoshi (神輿) shrines. See for yourself below! 👇

http://ow.ly/pAO650JZgsF

Portable shrine cruise returns to Miyagi city SENDAI — Two boats carrying mikoshi portable shrines paraded around the beautiful Matsushima Bay off Shiogama, Miyagi Prefecture, on Monday, the date of the Marine Day national holiday.

At Karasawayama shrine in Tochigi Prefecture, over 500 chimes are hung throughout the grounds. Read more and listen to the chime's soothing melody below!

http://ow.ly/tLvH50KaG72

Tochigi wind chimes offer relief from summer heat | NHK WORLD-JAPAN News The soothing noise of wind chimes has been welcoming visitors to a shrine in Tochigi Prefecture, north of Tokyo. The chimes feature locally made metal bells.

As food delivery services become more popular, companies in Japan are experimenting with autonomous robots that deliver groceries straight to your door. Check out this robot delivery service in Tsukuba city!

https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14638837

Autonomous robot delivers the goods to homes in Tsukuba | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis TSUKUBA, Ibaraki Prefecture--A self-driving wheeled robot can now deliver groceries and daily necessities to about 1,000 households in central Tsukuba.

Recently a race took place in Aomori city, but it wasn't just any kind of race— it was a dinosaur race. Participants raced in T-rex costumes in a light-hearted race and brought joy to onlookers. Watch the race below 🦖👇

http://ow.ly/4uH150JOJ3U
# aomori

T-Rex racers in a sprint with a difference | NHK WORLD-JAPAN News Costumed runners lift spirits in northern Japan

Gorgeous view of the Tokyo sky as the tip of the Tokyo Skytree rises through dense clouds and sits atop the backdrop of a setting sun. ☀️
http://ow.ly/is1s50JsWvc

Sky scraping above Tokyo | NHK WORLD-JAPAN News Above the sea of clouds, only one tiny part of Tokyo is visible.

Last week students got to try their hand at Sumi-e (墨絵), meaning black ink painting, and Shodō (書道), or calligraphy. They did a great job and we hope we can see them again soon!
-e

Owing to its vibrant feudal history, Japan is a land of castles. From the towering walls of Himeji castle that overlook the city of Himeji, to the historic Edo castle which now stands in the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, learn more below 👇
http://ow.ly/9b4N50JoktG

Japan's best castles to visit at least once During Japan's Sengoku "Warring States" era (1467-1615), castles were constructed, bolstered and fortified all across the Japanese archipelago, resulting in approximately 5,000 individual keeps.

Nya~ 🐱! From Aoshima (青島), where humans are outnumbered by cats 6-1, to Yakushima (屋久島), a gorgeous, densely forested island that inspired Ghibli's "Princess Mononoke", check out some of Japan's most interesting islands below.

http://ow.ly/2GOX50Jsukl

Japan's best islands to visit, from Okinawa to cat sanctuary Aoshima Fewer than 10% of Japan's 6,852 islands are inhabited. But among those 400 or so, travelers are treated to a rich tapestry of natural treasures, deep-seated mysticism, thriving cultural assets and stretches of sprawling urbanity.

Beautiful calligraphy by students of the character 春 (haru), meaning Spring, done during a calligraphy workshop. We can't wait to visit them again! 🖌️😄

To connect students to both the deep history and dazzling pop culture of modern Japan, Japan society is offering both K-12 gallery tours and Arts & Culture workshops in a new school partnership initiative.

Learn more here:
http://ow.ly/gFKx50Jh0Pc

After a COVID hiatus, all 3 Mikoshi (神輿) shrines returned to the streets of Asakusa for Sanja Matsuri (三社祭), one of Tokyo's largest Shinto festivals. 🎉

Sanja Matsuri festival with 3 ‘mikoshi’ returns to Asakusa area | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis The huge Sanja Matsuri festival featuring three portable “mikoshi” shrines returned on May 22 for the first time in three years to crowded streets in Tokyo’s Asakusa district and with some anti-virus restrictions applied.

Wan, wan! 🐾 Japan Railways recently tested a new type of pet-friendly carriage on Japan's famous Shinkansen (新幹線), or bullet train. See more below 👇

Pampered pooches ride Japan's Shinkansen in style Paws aboard! A pet-friendly service premiers on the iconic train as calls grow for easier pet travel.

Last week, students attended a tour of Japan Society's new exhibition Kazuko Miyamoto: To perform a line.
Learn more about our K-12 gallery tours and other school programs here: http://ow.ly/zrZ250JgZgR

Happy Children's Day everyone! We hope to see you all IN-PERSON this Sunday as we celebrate one of Japan's holidays, Children's Day! Come join us and learn more about Japan through art and culture.

More info:

Children’s Day: Kodomo no Hi Children's Day is on its way! Come share Japan’s national holiday with us, where all children are stars and their happiness is celebrated.

Approaching its grand opening in April, Fukuoka's Gundam Park will feature additional attractions to be enjoyed by fans and the public.

https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14556974

Gundam Park Fukuoka to offer interactive attractions | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis FUKUOKA--Gundam fans have yet another treat in store with the planned opening in April of Gundam Park Fukuoka in the new LaLaport Fukuoka shopping complex here.

Those who love hiking and photogenic scenery should check out Lake Nojiri in Nagano. It offers great scenery, hiking trails and an escape from Tokyo urban life.

https://japanjourneys.jp/nagano/shinanomachi/japan-journeys-style/lake-nojiri-loop-course-15km-around-the-lake/

Nojiri Loop Course: 15km Loop Around A Glacial Lake The 15km Lake Nojiri Loop Course offers quiet vistas, ancient trees and glimpses into rural life as you walk around an idyllic glacial lake.

This fall, Studio Ghibli will open its doors to their new theme park. Located in Aichi, Japan, the park will feature themes from Howl's Moving Castle, My Neighbor Totoro, and other signature films.

https://www.polygon.com/22916735/studio-ghibli-theme-park-opening-date-location-images

The Studio Ghibli theme park opening date, images, and everything we know In 2022, Totoro can be all of our neighbors

In Osaka, a local business owner's edible-flowered spring rolls have become all the rage. Learn more about the specialty spring rolls here:

https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14543611

Budding success in Osaka: Spring rolls made with edible flowers | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis OSAKA--Business is booming at a new specialty shop here that serves colorful spring rolls using edible flowers as ingredients.

With kimono-wearing opportunities diminishing in Japan, dyers and crafters turn to the Indian market for growth and expansion.

https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14534616

Kyoto kimono dyers turn their craftsmanship to Indian sari | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis KYOTO--Alarmed at decreasing opportunities to wear kimono in modern Japan, dyers specializing in Kyoto-style

It's time to get glam! ✨ With purikura, take one of a kind selfies that you will remember for a lifetime. 🤳 Find out more about these unique photo booths here:

https://japanjourneys.jp/tokyo/things-to-do/the-ultimate-guide-to-purikura-japanese-photo-booths/

Say Cheese! The Ultimate Guide to Purikura Japanese Photo Booths If you’re looking for a fun activity that doubles as a memorable keepsake and great social media content, you really can’t go past Purikura photo booths!

If you are a fan of hiking, nature, history, or all of the above, here is a new adventure to embark on. 🗺️🧭 Kumano Kodo is a mystical trail, shrouded in towering trees and other greenery.
🌄⛩️Find out what draws over 30,000 visitors to this location each year.

https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/kumano-kodo

Hiking Kumano Kodo, a Remote Ancient Pilgrimage Route in Japan Follow in the footsteps of 10th-century emperors.

Who doesn't love ramen?! 😍
One of the most popular dishes from Japan, it is no surprise that each region has its preferred style for preparing this dish. 🍜🍥Next time you're craving it, consider these delicious ramen styles.

https://matcha-jp.com/en/ramen/2945

Ramen Guide: Types, Regional Varieties & Tokyo's Best Ramen Restaurants | MATCHA - JAPAN TRAVEL WEB MAGAZINE Ramen is one of the most popular dishes in Japan. We introduce the best-known ramen types, from shio to shoyu, to tonkotsu and miso, and take a look at regional variations, In this article, you will also find ramen restaurant recommendations in Tokyo and more.

Ever wanted to befriend a deer? 🥺 Well, have no fear! The easiest way into a deer's heart is snacks of course! Learn more about the food-loving deer of Nara! 🦌

https://www.travelcaffeine.com/deer-nara-japan/

Devious Deer of Nara, Japan - Travel Caffeine Nara, Japan is an excellent place to visit, and a big part of this is the wild deer that roam the city. If you’ve ever thought to yourself, “gee, I really want to go to a park where I can interact with and feed over one thousand deer” then it’s time to book your trip …

Hey! Are you familiar with those farmer's markets all around the city? Now, imagine one of those...but bigger and with a lot of fish! 🐟 The Tsukiji Outer Market offers a vast supply of seafood and so much more. 🍣🛍️🍴

https://www.nippon.com/en/guide-to-japan/gu900170/

Tokyo’s Tsukiji Outer Market Comes Back to Life When the Tsukiji Wholesale Market was moved to Toyosu there were concerns about what would happen to the neighboring Tsukiji Outer Market, open to the general public. It seems that there was no need for worry. The Tsukiji Outer Market and the adjoining Tsukiji Uogashi wholesale fish market and eater...

Universal Studios Japan kicks off the holiday season by installing their Christmas tree for the first time in 2 years.

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20211126/p2a/00m/0et/002000c

Christmas tree set up at Universal Studios Japan for first time in 2 years - The Mainichi OSAKA -- Universal Studios Japan (USJ) in this west Japan city has set up a Christmas tree for the first time in two years, and its Christmas events w

The life, struggle, and redemption of famed Edo-period artist Ogata Korin is outlined in a new book. Check out this brief biography of Korin and how his near bankruptcy led to the changing of the Japanese art landscape forever.

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2021/11/07/books/book-reviews/ogata-korin/

‘Ogata Korin’: The libertine artist who made beauty his business Curator Frank Feltens’ informative monograph illustrates how the inability of a youthful Ogata Korin to manage his affairs had a profound impact on Japanese art.

Godzilla, one of the oldest film series in the world, celebrates its 67th birthday in 4k with a brand new remastering. Read more about the history, culture, and context behind Godzilla here:

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2021/11/13/films/godzilla-67th-anniversary/

Godzilla fetes 67th birthday with 4K remaster of iconic 1954 film The highly anticipated remaster of the original "Godzilla" film debuted in Los Angeles to celebrate the 67th birthday of the pop culture icon and the world's longest-running movie franchise.

Itching to boost your Japanese skills? Check out these 5 Japanese dramas on Netflix that can improve your while keeping you entertained! GaijinPot

https://blog.gaijinpot.com/5-japanese-dramas-on-netflix-to-study-japanese/

5 Japanese Dramas on Netflix to Study Japanese Looking for something new to watch on Netflix and want to brush up on your Japanese at the same time?

Thank you to all the students who joined us for our workshop this past week, and a special thank you to our wonderful instructor RF3RD! It's always great to have opportunities like these for our education programs.

To schedule a manga workshop for your class, visit: https://www.japansociety.org/education/teacher-and-k-12/school-tours-workshops

Have you ever been to a convenience store? 🍙🍱 How about a convenience store in Japan? Learn about these important mini markets here:

https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20190610-the-unique-culture-of-japanese-convenience-stores

The unique culture of Japanese convenience stores The true star of the Akutagawa Prize-winning novel Convenience Store Woman is the convenience store itself. But what is it that makes these shops so magical?

Never before seen sketches of Hokusai's works are being shown to the public in London's British Museum. Read about the details here:

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2021/09/29/arts/hokusai-london-sketches/

Hokusai exhibit featuring publicly unseen sketches to open in London The postcard-sized images were created by Hokusai in the 1820s to the 1840s and were intended to become woodblock prints for a visual encyclopedia.

Though public baths are more of a cultural symbol than an essential need these days, can they be transformed to interest a modern audience? Read one man's efforts to revitalize the sento.

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/backstories/1788/

Public bathhouses revamped for modern Japan | NHK WORLD-JAPAN News Japan’s bathhouses were once vibrant hubs of public life. People would visit the local sento as part of their daily routine, not just to soak but for a chance to catch up with neighbors. Modern homes put an end to this tradition—and to more than 80 percent of Tokyo's sento. Those that remain are...

Thanks to all the students who attended our first in-person tour since the pandemic! We look forward to welcoming more students in the near future!

For more info on our K-12 Tours & Workshops: https://www.japansociety.org/education/teacher-and-k-12/school-tours-workshops