Month of O-Hanami at Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre
Hanami (花見 lit., "flower viewing") is the Japanese tradition of viewing cherry blossoms and appreciating their transient beauty in the spring.
Image credit: Xun Yu 六入處感官美學研習社 The Six Sensorial Lab
On Sunday, April 28th, Dōjin Arts was honoured to present an entire day of programming as part of Nikkei National Museum and Cultural Centre’s Month of O-Hanami - a series of Japanese cultural programs throughout the month of April celebrating the essence of Japan's cherry blossom season.
Sakura-themed Kumikō
Image credit: Xun Yu 六入處感官美學研習社 The Six Sensorial Lab
We were very pleased to be able to offer two sessions of a sakura-themed kumikō (incense appreciation exercise), where guests had a chance to experience and compare several types of highly fragrant woods in a game that incorporates seasonal and literary references. It was a wonderful opportunity for guests to engage their senses while learning about kōdō, the Japanese Way of Incense.
Images: Xun Yu 六入處感官美學研習社 The Six Sensorial Lab
Led by Hitomi (Tōkō) Ginnan of the Senzan Goryu school, these sessions were held in the ryūrei 立礼 style -- seated at long tables rather than on tatami mats. This accessible format made for a perfect introduction for those brand new to kōdō as well as a different style of experience for seasoned kumikō guests.
Cherry Blossoms in the Visual, Poetic, and Performing Arts of Japan: Lecture by Maiko Behr
Image credit: Xun Yu 六入處感官美學研習社 The Six Sensorial Lab
In this densely illustrated slide lecture, Maiko Behr (Japanese traditional arts specialist and Founder/Executive Director of The Dōjin Japanese Arts Society 同仁文化会) led us on a visual journey into the world of sakura, one of Japan's most beloved symbols. By sharing insights into the cultural significance of sakura and its role in shaping Japanese aesthetics and sensibilities, participants gained a deeper understanding of how cherry blossoms have been depicted and celebrated across different art forms in Japan.
Sakura-Mochi Wagashi Workshop
Dōjin Arts was also pleased to offer two sessions of popular wagashi-making workshops led by Sen Sakamoto of Kintoki Sweets. In accordance with the month’s theme, participants learned to make two types of sakura-mochi enjoyed in the spring o-hanami season. Guests learned some of the history and science behind these favourite spring wagashi before being guided through the process of making two types of sakura-mochi (Kansai style and Kanto crêpe style) to take home.
Images: Xun Yu 六入處感官美學研習社 The Six Sensorial Lab
We were delighted that all three programs proved to be so well attended and received! Thank you to everyone who was able to participate this year — your curiosity and enthusiasm made for such joyful and engaging sessions. A huge thank you to Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre for inviting us to participate in this event and to everyone who worked hard to make it such a success!
We gratefully acknowledge support from the Community Fund of the Japanese Canadian Legacies Society.