Ikebana at JACCC

My teacher of Japanese Culture is Hirokazu Kosaka Sensei.
He is the Artistic Director of the JACCC (Japanese American Community & Cultural Center) in Downtown Los Angeles' Little Tokyo District.
So, of course when he has an event there, I try to attend.

This weekend we had what is now an annual Ikebana Exhibit.
This began as a 3/11 memorial event and continues as one today.

All 3 of the major schools were represented: The earliest, Ikenobo School; also the O'hara School; and the youngest of them, the Sogetsu School of Ikebana.

There was a beautiful Ceremony and offering performed by Professor Yoichi Mizutani from Ikenobo Headquarters in Kyoto.

There was a delightful welcome to Professor Mizutani and everyone from the JACCC's President & CEO, Leslie Ito. She welcomed a standing room only crowd... we kept adding more and more chairs as people continued to arrive.

I will have to say that since Ms. Ito took charge, and the gallery spaces were returned the programs at the JACCC have really come to life again.

Professor Mizutani performed an elegant ceremony; from walking in, placing the try, and having the arrangement come to life, every movement was done with great awareness and mindfulness. It reminded me of tea ceremony and all the other geido arts are really interrelated with a zen like practice. The completed piece was simple and clean and almost as beautiful as the ceremony itself.

After Professor Mizutani was finished all the guest also had the opportunity to contribute to a vase of flowers to offer as a memorial to 3/11.

I originally intended just to post my favorites of the many wonderful examples of ikebana shared at the event. But it's impossible to pick favorites with an event like this. So here are some almost random selections to end the post.

www.jaccc.org

JACCC Ikenobo Exhibit March 2014

The JACCC has a lot of little displays here and there.
From the basement is access to their garden, and a garden room for banquets and events.
A great resource for the Japanese Community in Los Angeles.

Not so hidden on one trip was these beautiful flower arrangements in the lobby window.
Ikenobo can be very modern sometimes.
These two pieces, obviously be a great arranger, have both the past, present, and future displayed.

March 12th JACCC/JAT Michio Ito

$15.00 General Admission

2014 World Taiko Gathering

http://worldtaikogathering.com/info/press-release/

Ukelele at JACCC

On a recent trip to the JACCC the Ukulele shop caught my eye.
They even serve coffee.

They have classes and can repair other ukulele too I think.

About JACCC Mission From the Director History Facilities Overview Board Departments & Staff Tenant Directory Contact Us Programs Upcoming Events Refund & Exchange Policies Plan an Event Conference & Meeting Rooms Rental Theatre Rental Plaza Rental Weddings & Special Events Gallery Contact Media Room Gallery Press Releases Season Brochures Community Links Get Involved! Become a Member Membership Benefits Member Discount Program Employment Volunteer Opportunities Donate Now! Visit Us Hours, Map & Directions Vicinity Landmarks

Lecture & Workshops Ukulele Sundays at the JACCC Lead Instructor: Jason Arimoto, Ph.D. Curriculum designed by Grammy winner, Daniel Ho Transition from Music-Playing to Music Creation on the 'Ukulele Hands-on learning, seamless application of music theory as you play! Innovative educational tools in an engaging multimedia format! 'Ukulele Sundays at the JACCC -- 244 S. San Pedro St, Los Angeles, CA Ukulele Class 2:00 - 3:15pm In these weekly classes, you will learn tips and techniques while playing popular songs to help you get the most out of an 'ukulele jam session. These classes are designed to be fun and non-cumulative and will be offered throughout 2014 as well. Cost: $12 for 1 class, or $40 for 4 classes. (Classes will continue through 2014) To register, contact: JMAmusic@hotmail.com Jam Session 3:30 - 5:00pm Bring your ‘ukulele and jam as a group led by a professional back-up band! Invite your friends! This one's on us! Free admission. ‘Ukulele Store @ JACCC is open 2:00 – 6:00pm! Check out a selection of ukuleles, accessories, services, and more! Presented by Anacapa Ukulele (anacapaukulele.com). To register for sessions, contact: Jason@ukulelecreations.com Visit: UkuleleCreations.com Save the date!!! The L.A. Ukulele Expo at the JACCC Saturday, June 28 2014

March 2, 2014 PJCI Annual Luncheon

PJCI Annual Luncheon March  2 2014.
PJCI - Pasadena Japanese Cultural Institute.

Every year the PJCI hosts a beautiful little Bento Box Luncheon.
As always the host of volunteers at the PJCI did a great job!
The PJCI is a completely 100% volunteer organization.
Today was well done and coordinated.

The event was opened by their resident taiko group 'Kodama Taiko'.

The current and previous Nissei Week Miss Pasadena JCI Queens, Princesses, and Candidate were there.

Other members of the Nissei Week 2013 Court came out to support the event as well.

The New Officers and Board members were introduced. www.pjci.org for details.

Councilman Gene Masuda and his wife attended again, it's always great to have a representative from the local goverment take their time and energy to show support for a local group.

Outstanding Service Awards were presented to 7 Community members.

 I was lucky enough to sit across from one of the receipients, Mrs. Mary Uchiyama. Well into her 80's she still goes to work, and also finds time to Volunteer with the PNS (Pasadena Nikkei Seniors); she's been on the board there for 25 years, she began there helping to translate the newsletter, served as Secretary, and also as Vice President. I was amazed by her youthfulness and vitality. The other recipients were all like this as well, volunteering tirelessly, and looking great. They were all humbled and surprised by the attention; they truly embodied all of the great aspects of Japanese Culture.

2 Youth Achievement Awards were given. One to a Pasadena Gakuen student name Akiko Akanuma, and the other to Cedrik De Guzman from the Kendo Kai..

Entertainment was provided on the Koto by Ms. Hiroko Masuda.

The 10th annual Amy Utsunomiya Memorial Youth Community Service Award was presented  to Nancy Izumi Chin. Just as the seniors example this young girl volunteered tirelessly. If she's like this at 16 years old, what a great role model she's going to be for all of us.

The volunteers put all of this together in a 2 hour program. Another great afternoon for me in the Japanese Community.

JANM - Perseverance - Traditional Tatoo's in a modern age - March 8th

March 7, 2014 - Taiko Center Los Angeles - Grand Annex

Hinamatsuri JACCC 3-1-2014

Hinamatsuri at the JACCC:

I expected a nice talk about the history and meaning of Hinamatsuri, perhaps by the Artistic Director Mr. Hirokazu Kosaka. You know, 'Hinamatsuri is Girl's Day or sometimes called Doll's Day. It's celebrated in Japanese Communities around the world. Today the usual date is March 3rd.

Hinamatsuri started in Japan during the Heian period (approx. 800-1200AD, at least that's how I remember it). The set of dolls dress and style are reminiscent of the period even today. It was thought that by putting up the dolls they would absorb any 'bad energy', or something like that. I suppose it must be somewhat true, the Heian Period or period of 'peace and tranquility' as it is literally translated.

We were, instead, treated to a beautiful Ogasawara Sencha Tea Ceremony. Simply a splendid way to spend a few minutes on a rainy day in L.A..

March 13, 2014 Santa Monica Museum of Art

GOOD EGGS AT SMMOA

Art Buzz: Veggie Prints and Patterns with Good Eggs

THURSDAY, MAR 13, 2014
6PM–8PMiCAL

General Admission: $5
All Members: Free

Avoid rush hour traffic and wind down at the Santa Monica Museum of Art! Make your own set of notecards using inventive stamps made from ...

http://smmoa.org/visit/hours-admission/