JAPAN HOUSE

Want to Bet on the Cherry Blossoms? Free Tea Ceremony Vouchers!

We just spent some time gathered outside with a few colleagues from the University Arboretum talking about upcoming plans for the gardens and what will be happening this spring and summer.  Look for more planting of native grasses along the edges of the ponds by the Arboretum and placement of some trees and benches by Japan House.  It is exciting to think of and hard to believe how soon the cherry trees will be blooming.

Does anyone want to make a bet on when the cherry trees will bloom this year?  Will the mild winter throw off their regular schedule?  Perhaps not a bet....but a guess anyway....  And I'll throw in two vouchers for a free tea ceremony to whomever is closest!  Pick the date that at least 50% of one of the cherry trees is in bloom.  Only the first correct guess gets the vouchers!  Leave a your guesses in the comments!

Ready, set, GO!

 

Old Friends, New Friends and Calligraphy

It's been such a pleasure and honor to have Professor Shozo Sato here on campus, holding calligraphy workshops here at Japan House as well as preparing for Lady MacBeth: A Kabuki Play at Krannert Center (don't forget, he will also be at our Spring Open House on April 7, 2012).

One of the many pleasures has been welcoming back former students of Professor Sato.  Last weekend, Lori Moritz Leland, a former student of both Shozo Sato and Kimiko Gunji, came back to campus so that her daughter could attend the calligraphy workshop.  Its is wonderful to see these connections and see the ripples of Japan House's teachings and spirit continue to spread.

Winter Morning in the Gardens

There haven't been many snow mornings here this winter so you have to appreciate the beauty while you can.  That's what I told myself when I decided to take a walk around the Japan House ponds this morning.  Gloves made picture taking a little clumsy but the walk left me feeling energized and peaceful.

If you haven't yet taken advantage of the new walkway around the ponds that the Arboretum put in this summer you must try it.  It affords absolutely beautiful new views of Japan House and the gardens.  This morning the geese appeared to be having an altercation of some sort and as I watched them I saw some kind of furry animal swimming through the pond.  Anyone have an idea of what it might have been?

Welcome to Erika Bongen!

I am happy to introduce Erika Bongen to the readers of this blog.  Erika is a junior majoring in biology, but also taking classes in Japanese language.  She's from Batavia in the western suburbs of Chicago. Her interest in Japan began when she took Japanese in high school. As a freshman here she took Kimiko Gunji-sensei's class about Tea Ceremony, Zen, and traditional Japanese arts. That class led to a two week trip to Japan with Gunji-sensei. Now, Erika is not only a member of the Japan House Tea Ceremony Study Group and learning the how to perform Tea Ceremony, she is also volunteering at Japan House, leading tours before tea ceremonies and helping in many ways.  She will occasionally be posting on this blog with her thoughts and experiences at Japan House.  Welcome Erika!

Below, after introducing a group to the tea ceremony and Japan House, Erika waits in a chair as Sumie Burten conducts a tea ceremony for staff members of the Native American House.

 

The Week Begins Begins With Fog and Food and Black Ink

Walking up to Japan House this morning was breathtaking---the fog floating around the frosted branches in the garden---just stunning. I could barely see Japan House from a distance and a group of geese were honking from the center of the ponds as though they were complaining about the fog.

Now the fog has receded a bit however and we are getting ready for a busy week here. Today, Tamaki Levy will be doing final preparations for her cooking class tomorrow (unfortunately, or fortunately, it is completely full but there are still spots in the April 3, 2012 desserts class).  I look forward to wonderful aromas coming from the kitchen and hopefully getting a chance to steal a sample or two of different Japanese appetizers.  After that ARTD 299 will meet for a class studying the art of calligraphy with Professor Emeritus Shozo Sato.  Tuesday will see our evening cooking class, Wednesday another ARTD 299 session and on Thursday there will be tours, tea ceremonies and then in the evening our Tea Study group, more properly known as Chado Urasenke Tankokai Association of Urbana-Champaign will meet. In between we will be busy with meetings and preparations for all our other upcoming events.  And no doubt some more beautiful moments in the gardens.

Spring and Sharing

For such a quiet, peaceful place Japan House can also be very busy!  Yesterday was one of those days.  The weather outside was gorgeous and people were ready to visit and celebrate Setsubun with us! Professor Kimiko Gunji shared the tradition of Setsubun and mamemaki with us, complete with traditional masks and the throwing of soybeans.  Afterwards we all shared some toasted soybeans and laughed as we shared in the feeling of welcoming spring and banishing demons!

Before the Setsubun, we were honored to welcome Native American House director Jamie Singson and his staff to Japan House for a tea ceremony.  The diversity of cultures on this campus and the humble respect we have for them is something that is a joy to share.

After the Setsubun we offered another tea ceremony and then later on the Tea Study Group met for their weekly evening class.  A very busy, full...and good day at Japan House.

Setsubun and Mamemaki at Japan House Thursday, February 2, 2012!

"Demons out! Luck in!"

鬼は外! 福は内!

Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!

Join us at Japan House to celebrate Setsubun, the day before the beginning of spring in Japan.  At 3:00, this Thursday, February 2, we will hold the special ritual of mamemaki, or bean throwing.  Mamemaki is held to expel all of the evils and bring good luck to those that attend this ritual!

After that you can stay and participate in the tea ceremony for only $8 per person.  Email japanhouse@illinois.edu or call 244-9934 to make a reservation for the tea ceremony. 

All are welcome to come watch the mamemaki for free however!

Tea ceremonies will also be held at 2:00.

 

Damine Kabuki

The free performance by the Damini Kabuki held at Krannert Center and narrated by Shozo Sato made for an extraordinary afternoon! 

Guests who were Japan House Tomonokai members were allowed backstage to see the transformation from the group that enjoyed tea at Japan House into the striking performers they all---from very young to adult---became.  This is just one example of some of the special experiences available to Tomonkai members!  Thanks to Shozo Sato for making this possible....and thanks to all the members of the Damnie Kabuki for their artistry.

Check our facebook page for even more photos and video!

Winter Afternoon Tea at Japan House

On Saturday, January 21, 2012 we held our first Saturday afternoon tea and welcomed 16 guests to enjoy the warmth and peace of the Japanese tea ceremony.  We will continue, on the third Saturday of each month, to offer these tea ceremonies at 3:00 p.m.  Japan House is always open on the third Saturday of the month from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. offering tours.  However now, that will be augmented by the opportunity to participate in a tea ceremony at 3:00.  Reservations are recommended as these may fill up quickly.  The cost is $8 per person.  If you'd like to make a reservation call Nancy at 217-244-9934 or email at japanhouse@illinois.edu.  We will continue to offer tea ceremonies on Thursday afternoons at 2:00 and 3:00 as well.

This most recent Saturday was made even more special because we also welcomed Shozo Sato and the children and adults of the Damine Kabuki group who were performing at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts the following day. 

I'll have some pictures from their incredible performance coming up soon in another post so check back!

 

Special Opportunity for a Backstage Tour with Shozo Sato!

Are you a Japan House Tomonokai member?

Professor Emeritus and Founding Director of Japan House Shozo Sato is offering a special backstage tour for Tomonokai members prior to the Damine Kabuki children's performance at Krannert Center this Sunday, January 22, 2012 in the Tryon Festival Theater. Tickets are free for everybody for the 3:00 p.m. performance but at 1:00 p.m. Shozo Sato will bring Japan House Tomonokai members backstage for an exclusive tour! Just look for the 'Japan House tour' in the lobby of the Tryon Festival Theater and Professor Emeritus Sato will meet you there. There is no need to make a reservation----just be in the Tryon Festival lobby, by the 'Japan House tour' sign a few minutes before 1:00 p.m.

 

Would you like to become a Tomonokai member to take advantage of this unique backstage experience? Membership levels begin at just $25 and you will then be able to take advantage of special rates for our upcoming calligraphy and cooking workshops, as well as an invitation to a members-only  cherry blossom celebration. And that's just SOME of what's happening this semester! If you are interested in joining, please call Japan House at 217-244-9934, or click here to join online.

And don't forget----even if you aren't a Japan House Tomonokai member---you can still attend the Damine Kabuki performance for free at 3:00 p.m. 

AND on this Saturday, January 21, 2012, we will begin offering tea ceremonies on the third Saturday of each month at 3:00 p.m. Call or email japanhouse@illinois.edu to make a reservation.