One day. Three classical Japanese arts taught by senior teachers invited from Japan. Charitable opportunity to support Japanese culture.
（日本語テキストは英語のあとに続きます。）
Experience three of Japan's most revered traditional arts in a single day: Kōdō (the Way of Incense), live Koto performance, and Tea Ceremony. Hosted at Kanso-an, the intimate cultural salon of Hokka Nichi Bei Kai in San Francisco.
Wonderful charitable opportunity to support Japanese traditional arts. Proceeds of this event will support preservation of Japanese culture, including maintenance of Kanso-an, one of the most authentic Tea Houses in California.
◆ Program
I｜Kōdō — The Way of Incense
Gyōyū Yashima, Licensed Senior Instructor of Oie-ryū Kōdō
Precious aromatic woods from Southeast Asia are gently warmed over charcoal, and participants quietly "listen" to the rising fragrance — a meditative practice refined over centuries. Guests will experience "kumikō," a traditional incense-matching game.
II｜Live Koto & Kaiseki Bento Lunch
Kō Ishikawa, Grand Senior Instructor, Ikuta Chikushikai
Enjoy a specially crafted Japanese Kaiseki bento lunch by a local acclaimed chef from Sora, accompanied by a live koto performance.
III｜Tea Ceremony Lecture & Thick-Thin Tea Sessions
Teruko Hatakeyama, Certified Teacher, Omotesenke-ryū
Observe the preparation of both "koicha" (thick tea) and "usucha" (thin tea), savor matcha, and learn the history of the Way of Tea — tracing its connections to Zen, political power, and Japan's unique aesthetic of harmony.
◆ Admission
Tatami seat $250 per person (10 seats available)
Bench seat $220 per person
*Hokka Nichi Bei Kai members enjoy 10% discount — please contact us before purchasing.
*Tatami seating places you inside the tatami room (Rinwa-ken), where you'll have an unobstructed, up-close view of the teachers at work — the most immersive experience of the day. Note that this is floor seating with no chairs, so please choose accordingly. Bench seating is located just outside the tatami room with a bench seating, and you'll have the opportunity to step inside during the Kōdō demonstration. All guests must bring white socks or white tabi (split-toe socks).
◆ Included
Kōdō incense experience
Japanese Kaiseki lunch
Matcha & wagashi (Japanese sweets)
A take home gift
◆ Schedule
Doors Open at 10:00AM
Event Begins at 10:30AM
*Please contact us if you will be late to join or leave early.
◆ Capacity Limited to 35 guests — advance reservation required
Questions? Contact us at
nichibeikaievents@gmail.com
Presented by Hokka Nichi Bei Kai (Japanese American Association of Northern California) www.nichibeikai.org