On Saturday this week the East Asian Studies class will be attending a workshop of Kyoto Wagasa, traditional paper umbrellas. This shop is the only one remaining in Japan that still produces these umbrellas for outdoor tea ceremonies. After the workshop, we’ll be able to see some finished Wagasa drying in the sun (if there is any) near Hokyoji Temple. From there we’ll visit the nearby Nishijin Textile Center. Nishijin is an area historically well known for the production of handwoven silk for kimono, at one time for the Imperial family. From there, if there’s time, we’ll visit Aizen Kobo to see the syle of indigo dyeing known as “aizome.”

The date for the Okinawa fieldtrip has been set for March 13th to March 17th. More details will become available as we move closer to March 13th.

Below are some photos of various EAS events taken by Kristine Magrini. Hope you enjoy them.

From the Sweetmaking workshop, Sweet Bean Pastry

Ryoanji Zen Garden

Graveyard at Shinnyodo

Wishes for the Dead

1001 Statues of Sanjusangendo

Japanese Odori at Setsubun Festival

At Kitano Shrine

Nigatsudo in Nara

Wishes for Happiness, Safety, Health, Graduation

Kasuga Taisha

Horyuji in Nara

Horyuji in Nara

Horyuji in Nara

Garden at Nijo Castle in Kyoto

Nijo Castle in Kyoto