JAPAN HOUSE

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.

 

Tea Ceremonies on the Third Saturday of the Month

We are delighted to announce that tea ceremonies will now be offered to the public on the third Saturday of each month at 3:00 p.m.  Tea ceremonies will continue to be offered every Thursday at 2:00 and 3:00 but due to many requests we are adding these monthly Saturday teas to accommodate those that aren't able to attend during the week.  Please join us and find a moment of peace as you experience the Way of Tea.

Take part in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony this Saturday, January 21 at 3:00 p.m.  Reservations are required.  The ceremony begins with a brief tour of Japan House and will last approximately an hour.  There are plenty of opportunities to ask questions and photographs are allowed. The fee of $8 will cover your participation in the ceremony, your bowl of matcha tea and a traditional Japanese sweet. Tea ceremonies are limited to only 20 participants so don't hesitate to make your reservation at 217-244-9934 or japanhouse@illinois.edu!

Chado, the Way of Tea, is one of the most time honored Japanese traditional arts. It encompasses all of the different Japanese art forms, aesthetics, and philosophy. Codified almost four hundred years ago by Sen Rikyu, the greatest tea master, the four spirits of tea signify the highest ideals of the Way of Tea: harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility. Its core elements involve the acts of serving and receiving a bowl of tea with the utmost sincerity, appreciation, and attentiveness, while bearing an attitude of single-mindedness and a keen awareness of the concept ichigo, ichie (one life, one opportunity).

Calligraphy and Cooking Workshops Offered at Japan House Spring Semester 2012

Professor Emeritus, and Founding Director of Japan House, Shozo Sato, returns to campus this spring.  His final directorial performance at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts will be of his  highly respected Kabuki adaption of Shakespeare's Macbeth from March 29-April 7, 2012.  He will also be narrating a free kabuki performance by children from the Damine elementary School and adults from their small community near Nagoya City, Japan.  Professor Emeritus Sato will also be working with ARTD 299 class at Japan House and conducting a presentation on Kabuki at the Japan House Spring Open House on April 7, 2012 at 11:00 a.m.

He has also graciously agreed to conduct a series of five workshops on calligraphy to be offered at Japan House on Sundays at 1:00 p.m.  The five Sundays are January 29, February 12 and 26, and March 11 and 25, 2012.  Space is LIMITED to 20 participants.  You may sign up for any number of the workshops.  If you sign up for all five, one workshop will be free.  NO previous experience is necessary.  The cost is $20 per workshop for Tomonokai members or $25 for non-members.  There is also a supplies fee of $5 per session for brushes and ink.  Call Japan House at 217-244-9934 with your credit card information.  Space is limited----reserve your place now!

Japan House is also pleased to offer a very special series of Cooking Workshops conducted by Tamaki Levy.  Japanese appetizers will be featured in the first workshop on Tuesday, February 7, 2012 at 5:30 p.m.  The cost is $25 for each workshop for Tomonokai members and $30 for non-members.  Space is limited to 16 participants to ensure lots of hands-on participation!  The second workshop is on Tuesday, March 6, 2012 at 5:30 p.m. and will focus on Japanese entrees, while the last workshop, on Tuesday, April 3, 2012 at 5:30 p.m. will teach to create delicious Japanese sweets!

Reservations are made when we receive payment.  You may call with your credit card information (217-244-9934) or send a check (payable to Japan House) to Japan House, 2000 S. Lincoln Avenue, Urbana, IL 61802.

Holiday and New Year Wishes

Best wishes for the holidays and a joyful New Year.  The Japan House offices will reopen on Tuesday, January 3, 2012 and tea ceremonies will begin again on Thursday, January 19, 2012.  We hope you can visit us in the New Year.

Kaiseki and the End of the Semester

ARTD 209: Chado, the Way of Tea culminates in a weekend of kaiseki dinners in which the students utilize the Zen aesthetics and principles they have learned throughout the semester.  The dinner is held on two different nights.  The class is split into two groups, with one group preparing and serving the dinner while the other group are the guests.  The next night they switch roles so they are all able to fully experience kaiseki.  In addition, honored guests are invited both nights.  Thanks to photographer Charles Hannon for his photos!

 

Frost Comes to the Gardens, Tea Ceremonies Available

The frosty mornings are beginning in the Japan House gardens.  We have had to close the walled tea garden.  Unfortunately it is not safe in icy weather.  The rest of the gardens---and the rest of the Arboretum---are open all year round, dawn to dusk however.  One of the greatest joys of the Japan House gardens is that its beauty is just as strong all year long----through spring, summer, fall and now winter.

There are four tea ceremonies scheduled through the end of the year:  2:00 and 3:00 on Thursday, December 8 and Thursday, December 15, 2011.  We have open spots in all at the moment.  Just $8 per person----it is a wonderful way to find a moment of peace for yourself----or to share one with somebody special.  Call 217-244-9934 or email japanhouse@illinois.edu for reservations.

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Fall Open House Pictures

We are fortunate to have a wonderful photographer who documents many of our Japan House events.  Charles Hannon has a beautiful touch as you can see in these recent pictures of the gardens, and our Fall Open House in early November.  You can find more at the Japan House facebook page, as well as the facebook page of the Tea Study Group.

You can also find pictures of many Japan House events over the years on our Flickr page.  We hope you enjoy perusing them!