Japan House educates community on Japanese culture

By Tianxin Li Contributing Writer

The Japan House provides an opportunity to embrace Japanese culture and educate the community, according to their website.

One of the most popular aspects of the Japan House is its cherry blossoms; however, the sakura, or cherry blossoms, are not the only piece of nature visitors can appreciate.

According to their Instagram, the weather has greatly affected the blooms of the trees this season. Yet, the lack of sakura blooms did not dim people’s drive to visit the Japan House.

Linna Niu, freshman in LAS, came to the Japan House several weeks ago to appreciate the scenery.

“I didn’t see many cherry blossoms,” Niu said. “But I saw many blooming magnolias, and I still had a great time there with its beautiful plant landscape and cute ducks.”

Sakura Watch is not the only event taking place through the Japan House. There are also tea ceremonies and garden tours taking place regularly to inform the community about traditional Japanese practices.

In a tea ceremony, visitors kneel on the tatami and learn Chado or the Way of Tea, which is one of the most ancient and revered arts of Japan. Visitors can also taste matcha and Japanese sweets, according to the Japan House website.

Skylar Mu, senior in LAS, once attended the tea ceremony with her Illini Kendo Club members.

“I learned a lot of many interesting things in Japanese culture,” she said. “For example, the tea has to be served in order. And when I got my bowl of tea, I had to move it between me and the next guest, and then saluted while saying, ‘Please excuse me for drinking first.’”

Even the bowls of tea have many intriguing details, according to Mu.

“In spring, the first guest’s bowl usually has sakura patterns because it is the season of sakura blooming,” Mu said. “When drinking (matcha), the host told us that the bowl’s side with the pattern should face outward, towards others, so that other guests can also appreciate the pattern on the tea bowl.”

Barrett Li, senior in LAS, did not only participated in the tea ceremony, but also in the garden tour.

“I’ve long found Japanese culture fascinating,” Li said. “Watching how the host gracefully prepared tea for us, I felt as if the world had slowed down, allowing me to find a moment of tranquility from the fast-paced academic life. It really helped me relax.”

The garden tour was led by a gardener who explained the designs of the Japan House along the way.

“The garden itself is not huge,” Li said. “But it tells me a lot about Japenese culture. For example, there is a small jar placed in front of the house. The gardener told us that, in ancient Japan, tea houses often served samurai. Generally, samurai wait outside. If a pair of large bamboo chopsticks is placed on the jar, it means that the tea house is ready to entertain guests.”

Li was also impressed by many exquisite designs of the Japan House. The design of a small lantern in front of the house holds Buddhist significance.

“The lantern has five layers, each representing earth, water, fire, air and spirit,” Li recalled. “They are the five elements of Buddhist cosmology.”

Besides these regularly scheduled activities, the Japan House also holds special programming.

Japan House had its annual Spring Open House April 15. This year, they invited Kevin Faris, a bonsai prac - titioner and landscaper. He gave a presentation to introduce bonsai art and did a potting demonstration for the visitors.

Diana Liao, Japan House’s education and engagment specialist, said she appreciates the positivity the house brings.

“It’s just nice to see everyone going out and enjoying the garden with their family and friends,” Liao said.

Japan House’s Matsuri Festival, a celebration of Japanese dieties, will be held May 6.

The festival will also coincide with the 25th anniversary of the Japan House.

On that day, there will be many Japanese cultural performances, such as Ho Etsu Taiko drum group, martial arts demonstrations and hula.

Traditional Asian cuisine and desserts will also be availible for the visitors.

The visitors can also experience art such as origami and ikebana, which is flower arranging.

Visitors can also get a chance to create a piece of art with Japanese artist Zenkyu Niwa or large-scale calligraphy artist Seiran Chiba.

At night, this day of celebration will end with dazzling fireworks.

“We hope everyone comes and has a great time,” Liao said.