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.

Immediately after this event there will be a screening of Kusama Infinity, a documentary on the life and art of Yayoi Kusama. This craft is intended for teens and adults.

This event is part of Japan Week.

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!

This event is part of Japan Week.

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).

This event is part of Japan Week.

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.

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 Wagashi are traditional Japanese confections originally made to be served at tea ceremonies.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.

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 Wagashi are traditional Japanese confections originally made to be served at tea ceremonies.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.

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 and 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! 

This event is part of Japan Week and is in partnership with the Japan Society of Detroit Women's Club.

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.  

Join the Sakura Japanese Instrumental Group for a mini concert of festival and folk music followed by a Bon Dance. Bon Festivals celebrate life and bring community together. After the performance, join in on the interactive dance. Participants will learn a simple series of moves to be performed standing or seated and dance along with the musicians!

This event is in partnership with the UM Center for Japanese Studies.

Shodō is a form of calligraphy, or artistic writing of the Japanese language. Shodō expert Kyoko Fujii started learning the art of Japanese calligraphy at the age of six in her hometown of Hiroshima. While in college she earned the “master instructor,” or shihan license and the 5th level of 8 ranks (dan). She taught a variety of seminars on shodō basics, practical shodō, and creative shodō. She also has created many commercial designs, including company and product logos and brochure graphics.