Performance And Workshop Of Japanese Traditional Arts: LOVE JP Project

Being able to take a closer look at Japan's traditional culture, which encompasses the various ways through which people have been interacting with their environment through the eras, is one of the joys of visiting this country. The Japanese traditional arts can be enjoyed not only passively, by watching performances and demonstrations by professionals, but also actively - through hands-on experiences.

A unique event designed to introduce Japanese culture to visitors to Japan, comprising both the passive and the active sides of experiencing Japanese culture, will take place on May 13th, 2017 in Tokyo. The LOVE JP Project is a private initiative born out of the desire to bring traditional Japanese culture closer to the ones who would like to enjoy a live experience of it.

What is LOVE JP?

LOVE JP is an event comprising a performance and a workshop of traditional arts, featuring Japanese calligraphy, origami, traditional music and the art of the kimono. This project has gathered young talented performers who would like to introduce Japanese culture to foreign visitors.

The world of Japanese calligraphy or that of traditional musical instruments such as the koto (Japanese harp) and the shamisen may seem too sophisticated and out of reach for many travelers from abroad. However, for the Japanese youth who practice these arts on a daily basis, they are a source of fun and true joy. These arts are part of their lives and they enjoy them while striving to become masters of their art.

The six young talented performers who joined their efforts to create this event will hold a demonstration and a workshop of traditional arts for those who would like to deepen their knowledge about Japan.

Let us introduce some of the arts featured at the LOVE JP event.

Origami

Origami is a delightful pastime which can be enjoyed anywhere in the world. Few people would think of origami as performance, but those who aim to become masters of this art are expected to be able not only to create beautiful origami works but also to fold them as fast and as elegantly as possible. It is a demonstration of skill that is impressive in itself.

The LOVE JP event features Tomoki Sakurai, who will hold a demonstration of origami and an origami workshop. Tomoki has been involved with origami since childhood and aspires to become a master of the art.

In addition to the speed and dexterity which can be seen in his performance, you will be able to see Tomoki's original origami creations - works of origami that he himself has designed.

At the origami workshop, gorgeously patterned Japanese paper is provided for the participants. Moreover, everyone will be able to take their creations home as souvenirs from the event!

Kimono

No demonstration of Japanese traditional arts would be complete without kimonos. Those who wish to try on a kimono will be assisted by Fumiko Kanai, a licensed kimono professional. Fumiko has received acknowledgments for her skills at national kimono dressing competitions where she registered the record of dressing over one hundred persons in one day.

At the workshop, you will be able to learn more about the art of the kimono, as well as about the many aspects that one needs to pay heed to when choosing a kimono and an appropriate obi for it. Participants will also be able to choose a kimono and get dressed up by Fumiko. It is a great opportunity to enjoy wearing a kimono and have your picture taken.

Shamisen

The sound of the shamisen can be heard traditionally in the musical background of the Japanese puppet theater or kabuki theater. Lately, shamisen performances have become more frequent and can be enjoyed even overseas.

If you would like to enjoy a shamisen performance up close and feel the power of this musical instrument, the LOVE JP event is an ideal occasion. The event will feature a performance by Mori Toshiaki, a performer whose repertory includes traditional and modern pieces.

Highlights of the Japanese Arts Workshop

LOVE JP is a two-hour event comprising a performance and a hands-on experience of traditional arts. The participants will be able to try their hand at Japanese calligraphy and origami, as well as get dressed up in kimonos.

The kimono workshop will be held for an hour, so the number of participants will be limited. If there is a kimono you like in particular, you will be able to purchase it on the spot along with an obi (kimono belt). Prices will range between 3000 yen and 4000 yen.

After the workshop, the participants will be able to take the brushes used for calligraphy and their origami works back home as souvenirs.

The guests are free to enjoy one or two workshops of their choice after the demonstration. The explanations will be given by the performers in English and there will also be an interpreter available. It is the hope of the organizers that these workshops of traditional arts will enrich the visitors' experience of Japanese culture.

In Conclusion

The LOVE JP event will be hosted by Mejiro Garden, one of the most beautiful Japanese gardens in Tokyo. After enjoying the performance and workshop of traditional arts, how about taking a walk around this garden? Its beautiful pond and carefully maintained seasonal flowers are a sight to behold.

Both through its concept and its location, LOVE JP promises to be a wonderful event that will allow visitors to enjoy an authentic experience of Japanese culture.

Event Information

LOVE JP - Performance and Workshop of Japanese Culture
Date: May 13th, 2017.
Hours: 18:00 - 20:00
Place: Mejiro Garden (Tokyo, Toshima, Mejiro 3-20-18)
Tickets: 2500 yen
Reservations and information: https://www.facebook.com/lovejp2017/