Please join us for a beautiful cherry blossom season-themed furoshiki workshop led by the wonderful Cathy Hughes from Zusetsu, to celebrate The Japanese Art of Living Seasonally by Natalie Leon, which is publlished on May 14th.
Starting at 2pm in Ichiba, participants will have the chance to learn Furoshiki wrapping techniques, and a ticket also includes a copy of Natalie's new book, where you can learn more about the secrets of Japan's seasonal culture, helping you relish the seasons wherever you are.
Each ticket includes a signed copy of the first edition of Natalie's debut book, The Japanese Art of Living Seasonally, which she will be available to sign after the workshop.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Since the Heian period, nature has permeated every aspect of Japanese culture in myriad ways; the Japanese literally eat, sleep and wear the seasons, from kimono motifs to seasonal sweets and annual festivals dedicated to the moon's beauty or the blooming of flowers. This celebration of nature leads to a deep awareness of the seasons, called kisetsukan.
In The Japanese Art of Living Seasonally, Japanologist and seasonality expert Natalie Leon explains the hidden depths of kisetsukan and shares how seasonal living can be incorporated into our own lives. Through 12 key concepts, such as shun, focusing on eating seasonally, Kasane, the language of colour, and mottainai, zero-waste living, this treasure trove of folktales, recipes and activities is an invitation to mark and appreciate each passing season:
— Design your own beautiful new year's cards, make a snow rabbit, and watch out for the first plum blossoms of the year during Oshogatsu (New Year).
— Practise hanami, the ritual of flower viewing, and celebrate spring blossoming trees around the world. Make edible dried petals for sweets or compose a haiku to celebrate the ephemeral beauty of spring.
— Discover the way of the water, or mizu, through Japanese river spirits and ocean goddesses. Try spring rain rituals or take an onsen-inspired bath in the winter.
— Experience the seasons through your local trees by trying shinrin yoku, the self-care practice of forest bathing. Learn unique Japanese tree-related words, including korembi, which refers to the rays of light that filter down through leaves.
