Social Programs
Cultural Experiences
Tokyo during the Edo period was at the very heart of the flowering of distinctively Japanese forms of art. The following are some of the many distinctive traditions that developed during this period. Events that offer a taste of the cultural delights of the capital are perfect for delegates and accompanying guests. Delve into Japanese culture and be astonished and impressed.
IKEBANAFlower Arrangement
© Ohararyu © Sogetsu Foundation
Ikebana is the Japanese art of flower arrangement established in the 16th century. In contrast to the decorative form of flower arrangement in the West, Japanese ikebana attempts to create harmony and balance among the elements of heaven, earth and humankind.
At schools of ikebana in Tokyo, lessons or demonstrations can easily be arranged.
SOGETSU KAIKAN
7-2-21 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-8505
http://www.sogetsu.or.jp/english/index.html
Ikebana classes for up to 60 persons.
OHARARYU KAIKAN
5-7-17 Minami-aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-8607
http://www.ohararyu.or.jp/english/index_e.html
Ikebana classes for up to 15 persons.
CHA-NO-YUTea Ceremony
© JNTO
The custom of drinking tea was introduced to Japan from China, initially for medicinal purposes. Influenced by Zen Buddhism, it became a ceremonial ritual in the 15th century, and further refined as an art form in the late 16th century.
There are many tea ceremony halls in Tokyo where guests may experience the beauty and elegance of cha-no-yu. Major hotels also offer cha-no-yu facilities.
CHADO KAIKAN
3-39-17 Takadanobaba, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 169-0075
A variety of experiences, demonstrations and explanations can be provided for up to 60 persons.
SHINJUKU GYOEN RAKUUTEI
11 Naito-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0014
Tea rooms for up to 30 persons.
KITSUKEKimono Wearing
The kimono is famous as Japan's traditional style of clothing. Its long, fluid lines and simple yet elegant design can be traced back to the 16th century. They are still worn on special occasions and ceremonies, and the staff of many traditional hospitality establishments can still be seen wearing this traditional form of attire.
Guests can either attend a lesson at a kimono school, or a specialist can be dispatched to provide demonstrations and instruction in the art of the kimono.
ORIGAMIPaper Folding
Origami is the Japanese art of paper folding developed during Edo Period (1603-1867). Using only a sheet of paper, a variety of folding techniques are employed to create intricate designs. Scissors and glue are not used in origami.
In Tokyo origami classes are available at the International Origami Center for guests to sample this unique art form. Alternatively a teacher can be dispatched to provide lessons and demonstrations.
INTERNATIONAL ORIGAMI CENTER
1-7-14 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0034
http://www.origamikaikan.co.jp/origami/e_frame.html
Origami or Japanese paper dyeing classes can be arranged.
EDO-MOKUHANGAUkiyoe Woodblock Printing
Katsushika Hokusai and Utagawa Hiroshige are the two artists famed around the world as masters of the ukiyoe woodblock printing genre. Ukiyoe first garnered attention in Europe, and have had an influence on a number of schools of art and artists, starting from the Impressionists in the 19th century. Ukiyoe are characterized by their detailed and colorful depictions of the lives and work of the everyday citizen in the Edo period. These images are brought vividly to life with this simple yet startlingly effective woodblock technique that has been perfected by the masters and passed down to the present. Ukiyoe have a world-wide following of fans. At the Adachi Institute of Woodcut Prints visitors can enjoy a demonstration and explanation of the process, and watch as an ukiyoe master adds layers of color one at a time.
THE ADACHI INSTITUTE OF WOODCUT PRINTS
3-3-17 Shimo-ochiai, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 161-0001
http://www.adachi-hanga.com/en_ukiyo-e/
BONSAI
The word Bonsai literally means "planted in container". It is simply the art of cultivating miniature trees in a pot. Each plant is maintained in miniature by constant pruning and shaping. The beauty of bonsai is based on elements such as its age and appearance (some bonsai are reputed to be 1,500 years old), the imitation of nature, and the balance of style.
At bonsai class in Shunkaen Bonsai Museum, guests can learn all about bonsai, and enjoy a display of artistic bonsai also.
SHUNKAEN BONSAI MUSEUM
1-29-16, Nihori, Edogawa-ku, Tokyo 132-0014
http://www.kunio-kobayashi.com/english/index.html
SUMO
© Nihon Sumo Kyokai
Sumo is Japan's national sport and the image of a sumo wrestler is one that is instantly recognizable. It is a form of wrestling that has an ancient tradition, being mentioned in Japan's oldest historical texts written in the 8th century. Three out of six annual Grand Sumo Tournaments are held in Tokyo. These take place in the second or third week of January, May and September, and last for 15 days.
When tournaments are not taking place visitors can view wrestling practice at a sumo stable.
KOKUGIKAN SUMO STADIUM
1-3-28 Yokoami, Sumida-ku, Tokyo 130-0015
http://www.sumo.or.jp/eng/index.html
The Sumo Museum is also located at the Kokugikan sumo stadium.
