Kyoto Seishu Netsuke Art MuseumWe visited the Kyoto Seishu Netsuke Art Museum, a specialized museum dedicated to netsuke - small, three-dimensional decorative toggle worn in Edo-period Japan. We had the opportunity to appreciate numerous pieces, including netsuke used during the Edo period and works by contemporary artists, all showcasing delicate and exquisite craftsmanship. We also received a special lecture on netsuke from Mr. Kousuke Onishi, the Vice Director and a netsuke researcher. The participants listened intently and were captivated by the wonderful world of netsuke. It was a very enriching experience, shared with 8 international guests from 7 countries and 5 Japanese guests.
ChisoWe visited the flagship store of Chiso Co., Ltd., a long-established Kyo-yuzen kimono company. We welcomed participants from distant parts of Japan, and a total of 28 people - 15 guests and 13 members - were divided into English and Japanese groups to tour the store and gallery and attend a lecture. During the gallery's exhibition explanation, we learned that kimono motifs are not simply designs, but that many patterns are inspired by literature and other sources. We were also shown a video of a part of the production process of high-grade hand-painted Yuzen, and received a detailed explanation while viewing an actual kimono up close. This time, we had a participant from Algeria, bringing the total number of countries our association has exchanged with to 57.
Ippodo TeaWe held a sencha brewing workshop at Ippodo Tea Co., a long-established tea shop in Kyoto. Under the theme "Sencha in Everyday Life", the wife of the Ippodo owner kindly gave a lecture and demonstrated how she brews sencha at home. Each participant used a tea pot, kyusu to brew sencha and enjoyed the fragrant taste of the tea. We would like to thank all the guests who took the time to participate in this hot weather, and the whole Ippodo family for their support. We welcomed 20 guests from overseas and 7 Japanese guests.
Asahi Shimbun Kyoto FactoryWe visited the Asahi Shimbun Kyoto Factory, which the first edition was published in Osaka about 150 years ago. We saw a replica of their first issue, observed their latest printing systems including advanced rotary presses, and learned about the newspaper's publication, printing, and distribution processes. At the end of the tour, guests were delighted to receive souvenirs, including a special edition newspaper featuring a group photo taken before the tour. We had 17 international guests from seven countries and six Japanese guests.
Ando Japanese Doll ShopAndo Japanese Doll Shop is one of the most famous manufactures of hina dolls in Kyoto. It was founded over 100 years ago and since then it complies with "Kyoto-style dolls" while also a modern sense has been added, too. Mrs. Keiko Ando told about the history and Japanese culture relating to hina dolls. Mr. Keiho Ando showed us his remarkable skill in doll dressing. We welcomed 8 foreign guests from 5 countries and one Japanese guest. Surrounded by the beautiful and gorgeous hina dolls, we really enjoyed spring mood.
Kyoto Confectionery MuseumWe visited Tawaraya Yoshitomi,a long-established confectionery that represents Kyoto , and had a traditional Japanese sweets making experience. Making Japanese sweets requires delicate techniques, and while participants struggled at times, they enjoyed the challenge of creating three types of sweets inspired by camellias, peonies, and moonlit nights. After making the sweets, we visited Kyoto Confectionery Museum to appreciate art sweets and historical materials related to Japanese confectionery. Finally, we enjoyed matcha green tea and sweets in the tea room. We welcomed 20 foreign guests from 10 countries and one Japanese guest, and had a fun and relaxing time together.