On Sunday, April 28th, Dōjin Arts is pleased to be presenting several programs 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.
Scroll down to view our individual program details, including links to sign up.
Hanami (花見 lit., "flower viewing") is the Japanese tradition of viewing cherry blossoms and appreciating their transient beauty in the spring.
Sakura-themed Kumikō (Incense Ceremonies)
Sunday April 28, 2024
Sessions at: 11:00am-12:30pm & 2:30-4:00pm
Location: Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre (second floor: Matsu Room)
Dōjin Arts is pleased to present an opportunity to engage your senses while learning about kōdō, the Japanese Way of Incense. Join us for a sakura-themed kumikō (incense appreciation exercise), where we will experience and compare several types of highly fragrant woods in a game that incorporates seasonal and literary references. Led by Hitomi (Tōkō) Ginnan of the Senzan Goryu school, these sessions will be held in the ryūrei 立礼 style -- seated at long tables rather than on tatami mats -- and are suitable for those brand new to kōdō as well as experienced kumikō guests.
Tickets $35+GST
National Treasure, Cherry Trees by Hasegawa Kyūzō, 16th c., Kyoto Chishakuin Temple
Cherry Blossoms in the Visual, Poetic, and Performing Arts of Japan: Lecture by Maiko Behr
Sunday April 28, 2024
Time: 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Location: Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre (First floor Intergenerational Room)
Dive into the world of sakura, one of Japan's most beloved symbols, and gain a deeper understanding of how cherry blossoms have been depicted and celebrated across different art forms in Japan. 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) will share insights into the cultural significance of sakura and its role in shaping Japanese aesthetics and sensibilities.
About the Educator
Maiko Behr has worked as a Japanese-to-English translator, curator, and consultant specializing in Japanese arts for over 20 years. She is the founder and Executive Director of Dōjin Arts and the owner of SaBi Tea Arts, where she teaches chanoyu (Japanese tea ceremony) in the Omotesenke tradition and kōdō (Japanese incense ceremony) in the Senzan Goryū tradition.
Free Lecture
Sign up to save your spot
Sakura-Mochi Wagashi Workshop
Sunday April 28, 2024
Workshops at 11:00am-2:30pm & 2:30pm-4:00pm
Location: Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre (first floor Community Kitchen)
In this wagashi-making workshop led by Sen Sakamoto of Kintoki Sweets, participants will learn to make two types of sakura-mochi enjoyed in the spring o-hanami season.
Open to all skill levels, learn some of the history and science behind these favourite spring wagashi as you are guided through the process of making two of your own sakura-mochi to take home.
About the Educator
Sen Sakamoto is a Vancouver-based creative designer, wagashi maker, and passionate educator on traditional Japanese foods and culture. Follow her at Kintoki Sweets for regular deep dives into the world of wagashi and other Japanese traditions.
Tickets $35+GST
Be sure to check out the other O-Hanami events happening during the month of April by visiting the Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre website.
We gratefully acknowledge support from the Community Fund of the Japanese Canadian Legacies Society.