Japanese Culture 1.Kimono Wearing A chance is provided for both males and females to try on traditional Japanese clothing, taking a look at the art of putting on a kimono plus the history and culture behind its origin. Simple step-by-step instructions allow even a novice to wear the intricate silk gowns with dignity, and the resulting photographs will surely serve as a unique reminder of your time in Japan. 2.Sado (Japanese Tea Ceremony) Japanese green tea actually originated in China and was brought to Japan in the 12th century, where it developed into a ceremony that has become one of the countrys traditional art forms. Learn a little of the history behind sado, or the way of tea, and join in a ceremony dedicated to the making and drinking of this Zen-influenced drink. 3.Ikebana (Japanese Flower Arranging) Ikebana originates from early Buddhist teachings and places emphasis on the balance of the floral designs with respect to the vessel and the entire surrounding space, rather than just on the arrangement of the flowers themselves. There are many schools of thought in the art of Japanese flower arranging, but by viewing even one you can grasp the basic common features of ikebana and experience a deep sense of spirituality. 4.Origami (Paper Folding) An integral part of Japanese culture, origami is a great way to learn about the objects and animals that are featured in Japan's cultural history, while experiencing the traditional art of paper folding. Enjoy the company of others while you laugh, talk, and fold, perfecting your new party favor in the form of a samurai helmet, crane, or frog! 5.Shodo (Japanese Calligraphy) More than just a form of calligraphy, shodo can be said to be an art form created by the contrast between black and white. Learn about the balance of the characters, graduations of ink, and subtle differences in brush strokes, while creating your own works of Japanese literary art. 6.Traditional Japanese Music Appreciation Rather than a hands-on workshop, this cultural experience is a performance of traditional Japanese music by professional musicians. Enjoy this rare opportunity to observe and hear skilled performances of the koto, a Japanese stringed instrument, and the shakuhachi, a type of Japanese bamboo flute, and savor their elegant, distinctly Japanese sound. 7.Traditional Japanese toys A look back to what Japanese children did before Sony invented the Play Station, in the form of a hands-on workshop involving traditional Japanese toys such as otedama, a type of beanbag; taketonbo, a wooden blade that flies when twisted; ayatori, a string figure game played using a length of cord; takeuma stilts; koma spinning tops; etc. 8.Chigirie (Japanese Paper Collage) By combining the many and varied colors and textures of Japanese paper called washi, pictures come to life in the shape of a unique collage that has a heart-warming feel about it. 9.Japanese Crafts The natural surroundings of Sapporo Art Park create the perfect backdrop for workshops involving Japanese crafts in fully equipped studios. Skilled craftspeople are on hand to give easy-to-understand instructions in the basic skills of ceramics, , dyeing, etc. The work you create also makes a unique souvenir of your time in Sapporo. 10.Karate A dynamic display of the martial art thought to have been introduced into Japan, via Okinawa, from China. Karate literally translates into "empty hand" and developed from the ancient art of Kung Fu. Marvel at the speed and grace of offensive and defensive strikes, thrusts, and kicks performed by highly trained and artistic athletes as they carry out moves that have now become familiar worldwide. 11.Zen Begin to understand the thoughts behind Zen, the school of Buddhism that originated in India and was developed in China and, later, Japan. Zen, like all forms of Buddhism, holds that separate things exist only in relation to one another, and is a Sino-Japanese way of accomplishing the Buddhist goal of seeing the world just as it is. Discover Zen and maybe even discover yourself!   Sapporo Convention Bureau For more information, please contact us at: TEL:+81-11-211-3675 FAX:+81-11-232-3833 E-mail : office@conventionsapporo.jp Copyright (C) 2005 Sapporo Convention Bureau All Rights Reserved.