Josho-ji TempleWe visited Jyosho-ji Temple in Takagamine having 27 overseas friends from 9 countries. After We watched a video about Yoshino Tayu and the artworks of Rinpa-school, the chief priest, Mr. Shoei Okuda gave us a speech about sukiya architecture and wonderful artworks which are exhibited in the temple. And we also enjoyed a bowl of green tea in the peaceful garden colored by autumn foliage.
Kamogawa-kai Tea GatheringWe held a tea ceremony at a chashitsu (tea room) in Midori-no-Yakata in Umekoji Park. The participants learned how to get in the tea room, how to appreciate the shitsusrai (setting up the room) and the utensils, and experienced making tea by themselves. In spite of rainy weather, 20guests from 8 countries joined us, and we shared a great time with the spirit of ichigo-ichie (once-in-a-lifetime meeting) in the tea room with a beautiful view of the garden.
Horiki Eriko & Associates ShowroomWe went to the showroom of the washi designer, Eriko Horiki. Her staff presented her works to us on a screen and some of big size washi. We realized how the washi is marvelous material. Ms. Horiki has exhibited her works overseas. Thanks to her diligence and the quality of her work, Japanese hand-made paper has been introduced all over the world. She has played an important role contributing to the vitality and spread of Japanese culture. In all, 27 people came, including 8 from overseas.
Tenryu-ji TempleWe visited Tenryu-ji Temple in Arashiyama, which is the highest-ranking zen temple in Kyoto. After we were given an explanation about what a life in a zen temple is like, and how to meditate etc. by an American zen monk, Mr. Thomas Kirchner,we experienced zen meditation for about 20 minutes. 46 people including 28 overseas people joined the event.
We held an annual cherry blossom viewing party having 66 participants from 14 countries at one of our member’s house by the Kamo River. The beautiful cherry blossoms in the garden welcomed us, and we enjoyed tow kinds of live music performance,shichigenkin,one of the oldest instruments in China, by Ms. Pingxing Zhang and classical guitar by Mr. Jun Matsushima. And after that we had dinner of homemade dishes also enjoying the performances by the foreign guests. We really had a good time together on a beautiful spring day.
USAGI JUKU (Yoroinoya)We visited YoroinoyaUsagijuku, Japanese armor designers studio founded by Mr. Nagatoshi Uzuki and Mrs. Ako Uzuki in Nishijin, Kyoto in 2007. The armors and helmets are made by today's design using silk cord, while following the skills of past artisans which has been passed down from the Heian Period.
We were given an explanation about the materials and dying technique, and one of the participants tried on armor and helmet and was finished to be a handsome warrior,
32 people including 11 from overseas joined us.
KungyokudoWe visited Kungyokudo ,a traditional incense maker which has sold incense to Nishihonganji Temple for over 400 years. We had a lecture about incense and enjoyed making a sachet. 43 people including 25 from overseas joined us.
Kiyomizu Sannenzaka MuseumWe visited the Kiyomizu Sannenzaka Museum which was opened in 2000. They exhibit metalwork,cloisonne, makie lacquerware, Kyoto Satsuma Ware artworks of the late Edo and Meiji period. We had a gallery talk by the director. We appreciated beautiful and exquisite artworks. 23 people including 6 from overseas joined us.