Upcoming Events
Year at a Glance
February
Japanese Meal Etiquette
Japan House intiated a Japanese meal etiquette event with Japanese exchange students who wanted to introduce their culture in a lively and delicious manner. The first etiquette event took place in 2014 and has been an overwhelming success every year. Highlighting either breakfast or lunch, students introduce traditional Japanese foods and basic etiquette rules — how to properly use chopsticks, hold dishes, eat certain foods, and much much more.
March
Hinamatsuri (Girls' Day)
Celebrate Girls’ Day at Japan House! Various types of Hina dolls are displayed representing the Emperor, Empress, attendants, and musicians in traditional court dress of the Heian era. In the past, we have offered traditional Japanese tea ceremonies for all ages and crafting sessions. Come join us to honor the growth, good health, and happiness of girls of all ages!
April
Spring Open House
Typically coinciding with the University of Illinois Mom’s Day Weekend, we welcome the mothers of U of I students. Guest presenters have included Japanese musicians, artists, crafts people, and much more. We offer tea ceremonies throughout the day at a reduced price featuring a seasonal Japanese wagashi (Japanese sweet) and free garden tours. Come celebrate the blooming flowers of the season.
April
Hanami
Hanami (flower viewing) is the Japanese traditional custom of enjoying the transient beauty of flowers; hana, in this case, refers cherry (sakura) blossoms. Due to the weather, we are never sure when these beautiful blossoms will open for all; but we keep an attentive eye on the buds and report daily their status. It is overwhelmingly beautiful and should not be missed!
May
Children's Day
Kodomo no hi, or Children’s Day, traditionally lands on fifth day of the fifth month. Originally, this was known as Boys Day, and celebrated the health and strength of young boys until 1948. In the past, we have had storytelling, origami, calligraphy, ikebana and many other traditional Japanese crafts. Come celebrate the growth and happiness of children!
May
Japan House Days
Most of the time Japan House is only open for our special events. Every May, during Finals Week, we open Japan House up so people can visit throughout the day to view the space set up as a gallery with items such as tea bowls, kimonos, and scrolls on view. There are also daily tea ceremonies and demonstrations of arts such as calligraphy and kimono dressing.
September
Matsuri
Matsuri is the Japanese word for festival and is a classic summertime Japanese celebration. Held at the beginning of the school year, Matsuri brings together performers of Japanese music, martial arts, bonsai and ikebana, children's activities, fireworks and lots of food. Local food businesses present Japanese or Asian influenced varieties of their food and drink. Admission is free; tickets are sold for the purchase of food and drink.
September
Moonviewing
Tsukimi, or the viewing of the full moon in September, is a traditional Japanese festival that celebrates the beauty of the Harvest Moon. In the past, viewers have received manjyu (traditional Japanese sweet) and participated in a paper lantern parade around the Arboretum on the Dr. Frank W. Kari Walkway. Tsukimi is free and open to all!
October/November
Fall Open House
Join us in the tradition of Japanese leaf viewing culture at our Fall Open House! We offer special guest lectures, garden tours when the leaves are most beautiful, and reduced rate tea ceremonies. Japan House will introduce a seasonal fall sweet for all to enjoy. Bring your friends and family and explore the beauty of Japan House in the Autumn!
December
Mottainai Holiday Bazaar
Mottainai is a Japanese phrase that is built from two words “mottai” and “nai.” The first word denotes “value” or “importance” and the second word signifies an “absence” or “lack” of something. When merged together, the phrase expresses a sense of remorse over being wasteful. Thus, we have embraced this concept and hope that what might no longer bring some people joy or is no longer necessary to keep, may be a new treasure for another person! All of the proceeds from items sold at this Bazaar support the Japan House Internship program.