FEATURE EVENTS
Monday (June 17) 6-7 pm | Downtown Library
Japan Week | Japan Block Print Demonstration with Artist Nobuko Yamasaki
Join us for a demonstration and talk by artist Nobuko Yamasaki. Nobuko learned woodblock printing as a student at Seika University in Kyoto, Japan. After graduation, she studied with Richard Steiner, a noted woodblock print artist and teacher, in his Kyoto studio. Mokuhanga is a traditional Japanese technique for woodblock printing. It is best known for the ukiyo-e style prints popular in Japan during the Edo period (1603–1868).
Tuesday (June 18) 2-3 pm & 6-7 pm | Downtown Library
Japan Week | Wagashi Confectionery Making Demonstration with Toshiko Sugii Steffes
Join us for a demonstration on making and decorating nerikiri representing the four seasons by Toshiko Sugii Steffes. Wagashi are traditional Japanese confections originally made to be served at tea ceremonies. They are considered a visual and culinary art form and are often enjoyed during special occasions or seasonal transitions. Nerikiri is a type of Wagashi that is created using white butter beans, sugar, mochi, and food coloring.
Wednesday (June 19) 2-3 pm | Downtown Library
Japan Week | Kimono Demonstration & Viewing with the Japanese Society of Detroit's Women's Club
Kimono is the national dress of Japan and can be traced back in their history for 1000s of years to the Heian period. Kimono have a distinct style, fabrics and construction are worn in a very particular way. Representatives from the Japanese Society of Detroit's Women's Club will demonstrate how to wear a Kimono and you will get a chance to see some beautiful examples up close!
Wednesday (June 19) 5:30-7:30 pm | Downtown Library
Japan Week | Letterpress Lab - Japanese Family Crests
Jillian Locke, Project Coordinator, Center for Japanese Studies will present a short talk about the history of traditional Japanese family crests, and share information about the selection of crest plates that are part of AADL's Letterpress collection.
Wednesday (June 19) 6-7 pm | Downtown Library
Japan Week | Sakura Instrumental Group
Join us for a Japanese Festival with SAKURA Japanese Instrumental Group. The performing artists, hailing from hometowns in both Japan and the Midwest USA, come together to share the soundscapes of traditional music as expressed through the compositions of their mutual mentor Yamada Mizue from Kanazawa, Japan, some pieces from the Kodo One World collection as well as traditional folk music pieces. We will begin our journey by filling the room with the signature sounds of Japan's national instrument, the Koto, then enjoy the melodies of other festival music and the beat of the explosive sounds of the drums of Japan called Taiko, as we celebrate the art of traditional Japanese music together.
Thursday (June 20) 1-2 pm | Downtown Library
Japan Week | Star Festival Paper Lanterns
Tanabata, or the Star Festival, starts on July 7th every year in Japan. Come learn about the festival and make some paper lantern decorations to celebrate.
Saturday (June 22) 11-11:30 am | Downtown Library
Japanese Storytime with Momo Kajiwara
Local music teacher Momo Kajiwara will lead us in song, movement, and storytelling in Japanese!
Saturday (June 22) 4-6 pm | Downtown Library
Japan Week | Mini Shoebox Obliteration Rooms
Create a miniature version of Yayoi Kusama's famous interactive art installations. Hand assemble paper dollhouse-sized furniture, use it to furnish a white-walled shoebox 'room', then add tiny colorful stickers to your heart's content.
Saturday (June 22) 6-7:30 pm | Downtown Library
Japan Week | Kusama Infinity: The Life and art of Yayoi Kusama
The top-selling female artist in the world, Yayoi Kusama overcame impossible odds to bring her radical artistic vision to the world stage. People are experiencing her installation Infinity Mirrored Rooms, as she continues to create new work every day. This 76-minute documentary is unrated.
