JAPAN HOUSE

Ichi Go Ichi E

Hello everyone! I’m Riki Bongen, a junior in biology at the University of Illinois. I also study Tea Ceremony and give tours at Japan House.

When I was asked to write blog posts for Japan House, I was honored and very excited. However, as I actually sit down to write my first one, it’s a bit overwhelming. This is my opportunity to share my love for Japan House as well as my knowledge of Japanese arts and culture with the world. I have to do it right. Once this is posted, there’s no going back. Sure, I’ll write more posts, but this one will be beyond any editing. The moment will be gone.

Thus, I have decided to write about the Japanese saying, “一期一会,” (pronounced ichi go ichi e). It means “One time one meeting”. It is one of my favorite concepts that I’ve learned at Japan House. Practically, it tells us to appreciate every moment for itself. Even the things we do every day (such as making a cup/bowl of tea) have meaning in a different way each time we do them--we must recognize that. This phrase motivates us to do everything with our whole heart. No moment will ever come again so we must make the most of it!

So, I will make the most of my posts here and do my best to share with you what I know of Japanese traditions and the happenings of 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.

                                                                                                                                              post by Cynthia
Assistant Director, Japan House

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.