Japan House London introduces events programme highlighting hidden charms of Japan's diverse regions

LONDON, Oct. 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Japan House London, in cooperation with the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), is pleased to announce the first wave of events taking place as part of its 'Spotlight on Local Japan' programme – a series highlighting the charms of regions of Japan as yet undiscovered by many in the UK.

Following an open invitation calling for event proposals from a wide range of organizations including local regional tourism associations, the first two events series are announced below.  Applications are now also open for events taking place in 2024.

The first two event series encompass talks, demonstrations, performances and workshops showcasing Toyama and Okinawa Prefectures, covering themes including art, craft, design, manufacturing, food, innovation and technology.

The events (detailed below) run across October and November 2023 and are presented in collaboration with the Okinawa Bureau and Visitors Convention (OBVC) and the Toyama Prefectural Government. Many events are free and booking is required for each. To find out more and to book please visit: www.japanhouselondon.uk/whats-on 

From Okinawa Prefecture

• Friday 27 October and Sunday 29 October - WORKSHOP: An Introduction to Bingata Dyeing Techniques (Fully booked)

Participants will try their hand at creating their own bingata coaster or placemat during this hands-on workshop led by Ueda Miki, a dyer from Chinen Bingata Laboratory and Odo Azuza of the Ryukyu Bingata Preservation and Expansion Consortium based in Okinawa Prefecture.

Bingata is a resist dyeing technique which originated in Ryūkyū Kingdom (present day Okinawa). The design of bingata textiles is inspired by the natural beauty of the subtropical Ryukyu archipelago. Its turquoise seas and diverse fauna and flora are represented in these vibrantly coloured and meticulously crafted textiles.

• Saturday 28 October - TALK AND DEMONSTRATION: Bingata – Patterns of Nature. In conversation with Odo Azusa and Ueda Miki. 

Discover the intricate beauty of bingata textiles from Okinawa Prefecture with this talk and demonstration by Odo Azusa and Ueda Miki. The distinct culture of Okinawa has long been influenced by trade links with China, Korea and Southeast Asia.

During the event, dyer Ueda Miki from Chinen Bingata Laboratory and Odo Azusa of the Ryukyu Bingata Preservation and Expansion Consortium discuss the aesthetics and production process of bingata, as well as its history, current forms and possible futures. The speakers elaborate on their efforts to preserve the dyeing technique and foster appreciation for this Okinawan craft among the younger generation. The talk is followed by a demonstration.

From Toyama Prefecture

• Tuesday 31 October - WORKSHOP: Making Wagashi with Confectionary Artist Hikiami Yasuhiro (Fully Booked)

Guests will be guided in making their own edible work of art with a hands-on wagashi sweet-making workshop led by Hikiami Yasuhiro, the fourth-generation owner of Hikiami Kōgetsudō, a leading confectionary manufacturer based in Toyama Prefecture.

Kneaded and sculpted from a mix of sweet bean paste, glutinous rice flour and Japanese yam, nerikiri are a type of wagashi often served during chadō (the Japanese Way of Tea), their delicate sweetness complementing the bitter taste of matcha. They are characterized by their exquisite shapes and colours, which often express one of the four seasons.

• Wednesday 1 November - TALK AND DEMONSTRATION: Wagashi – An Edible Art

Discover the delicate craftsmanship of wagashi, an art that can be enjoyed with all five senses, with a talk and demonstration by Hikiami Yasuhiro.

Toyama Prefecture boasts the second largest percentage of practitioners of chadō (the Japanese Way of Tea) in Japan and the making of wagashi has flourished there together with the development of tea culture. Founded in 1919, Hikiami Kōgetsudō is one of Toyama Prefecture's representative confectionary shops and the exquisitely sculpted nerikiri sweets in which it specialises are popular at local chadō tea gatherings.

The Okinawa Convention and Visitors Bureau, OCVB, said:

"The Okinawa Convention and Visitors Bureau was delighted to hear about the Spotlight on Local Japan Programme. We were keen to get involved as it gives us a chance to share some of the lesser-known aspects of Okinawa's rich culture, history, and crafts with the UK public and we hope it inspires many to visit the prefecture in the coming months and years. We decided to showcase bingata for this event because it is such a cultural icon and directly connected to and identified with Okinawa through its designs and colours. The bingata craft technique does not require looms or bigger equipment, which makes it accessible to all members of the public regardless of their level of experience."

Toyama Prefectural Government, said:

"We held the first 'Toyama Week in London in 2022. We decided to showcase our prefecture's top wagashi artisan, Chef Yasuhiro Hikiami, fourth-generation owner of Hikiami Kōgetsudō, a renowned Japanese wagashi confectionery shop in Toyama, with a 100-year history. We chose Japanese confectionery as, unlike sushi, wagashi are rare in the UK. Through wagashi we can tell the story of Toyama's rich tea culture, and introduce the history, craft, and gastronomy associated with it. His wagashi are truly edible works of art, and we believe they will bring astonishment and joy to people in the UK. During Toyama Week in London 2023, a selection of design and craft products produced in Toyama will be available at Japan House London."

Sam Thorne, Director, Japan House London, said: 
"We are delighted to be working with JNTO and our regional partners on this exciting new initiative. We look forward to hosting a dynamic events programme at Japan House London that allows us to realize our aspirations around showcasing Japanese cultures from every corner of Japan."

Notes to editors

Spotlight on local Japan and how to get involved:

Application Guidelines (Japanese): https://www.japanhouselondon.uk/spotlight-on-local-japan/

About Japan House

Japan House London is a cultural destination offering guests the opportunity to experience the best and latest from Japan. Located on London's Kensington High Street, the experience is an authentic encounter with Japan, engaging and surprising even the most knowledgeable guests. Presenting the very best of Japanese art, design, gastronomy, innovation, and technology, it deepens the visitor's appreciation of all that Japan has to offer. Part of a global initiative, there are two other Japan Houses, one in Los Angeles and the other in São Paulo.

Further events hosted by Japan House London can be found here: https://www.japanhouselondon.uk/whats-on/

Press Images: www.japanhouselondon.uk/media-centre
Press contact: press.office@japanhouselondon.uk  

Event collaborator profiles

Ueda Miki

Born in Naha, the capital of Okinawa Prefecture, Ueda joined Chinen Bingata Laboratory in 2018. The Chinen family was one of the main families specializing and excelling at creating bingata textiles during the time of the Ryūkyū Kingdom. The family also played an important role in reviving the craft after World War II. Ueda studied bingata dyeing techniques under Chinen Toma, the 10th-generation craftsperson of the Shimogiho Chinen family. Currently, she not only creates textiles, but also teaches online courses and conducts workshops to promote bingata.

Odo Azusa

Born in Naha, Okinawa, Odo Azusa has been involved in the management of the Ryukyu Bingata Preservation and Expansion Consortium. Her responsibilities include utilising intellectual property of bingata designs, collaborating with craftsmen, and the popularisation of the craft through design competitions.

Hikiami Yasuhiro

Hikiami Yasuhiro is the fourth-generation owner of Hikiami Kōgetsudō, a renowned confectionary manufacturer founded in 1919 in Takaoka City, Toyama Prefecture which creates a wide range of confections from sweets for chanoyu tea gatherings to more experimental creations. Hikiami is a highly skilled wagashi craftsman whose mission is 'to make Japanese sweets more interesting'. He is active in a wide range of activities to promote the appeal of Japanese confectionary culture, giving demonstrations and teaching workshops throughout Japan and overseas.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2256342/Bingata_making_workshop.jpg