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Treasures of Japan

An experience of the artistic culture, the magic, and the wonders of Japan

The Pleasanton Cultural Arts Council, with financial assistance from the Pleasanton Civic Arts Commission and the Japan Foundation (LA), and nominal support from the office of the Consulate General of Japan (SF) presented Treasures of Japan at the Pleasanton Senior Center on May 4-5, 2019.  This free event showcased Japanese culture through bonsai, sumi-e, kendo, photo-haiku, origami, ikebana, youth games (including abacus), fashion, language, tea ceremony, and music.  The opening ceremony included Taiko Ren Drums and local and regional dignitaries.  Participants enjoyed a variety of workshops, exhibits & demonstrations, and entertainment.

Ongoing Exhibits 

  • Bonsai (dwarf trees) – by Valley Bonsai Society & Charles Harder
  • Sumi-e (ink  painting) – by Fumiyo Yoshikawa
  • Photo-haiku (poetry)- by Lisa Rigge/Dave Wright
  • Ikebana display (floral arrangements)- by Hiroko Pauling and Yuko Nagata
  • Japanese fashions + hands-on activities with Makiko Mochizuki Bonev
  • Youth table + hands-on crafts, games, origami with Ayumi Bonev

Scheduled Demonstrations

Saturday May 4th:

  • 10:15  Taiko Ren Drummers
  • 10:45  Opening Ceremony Dedications
  • 11:05  Music performers  by Masako Udagawa Studio
  • 11:30  Ikebana by Hiroko Pauling and Yuko Nagata
  • 12:05 Kendo by Hiroshi Ichimura
  • 12:40  Sumi-e  by Fumiyo Yoshikawa
  • 1:35    Bonsai by Charles Harder 

Sunday May 5th:

  • 11:00  Music performers by Masako Udagawa Studio
  • 12:00  Origami (paper folding) Talk by Robert Lang
  • 12:40  Koto instrument by  Toriya Masakazu
  • 1:00  Kimono demonstration by Hitoko Hagiwara
  • 1:30  Sakura Gakuen School; Language and Abacas Demo by Sachi Monastiero
  • 2:00 Tea Ceremony by Hitoko Hagiwara  

Workshops 

Attendees loved the workshops!  Click on the links below for more information about the instructors of these classes.