If you love Japanese culture, from the traditional to the mainstream to the sub-genres, then don’t miss out on Super Japan — Japanese Festival of Arts presented by the Esplanade this 13 to 22 May. While most of the events are paid — even though they are still very affordable – there are a number of free workshops and shows that are still totally worth your time.
Here are the five events you should check out at Super Japan that will not affect your wallet at all:
The Art of the Tea Ceremony
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Today, we get to drink ocha (Japanese tea) any time we like in any form we like, be it tea packets, bottles or cans. We can even get ocha candy, cakes and other snacks if we fancied it. But in the past, that was not always the case.
In Japan, where there is a deep appreciation for tea preparation, people refer to the ceremony of brewing and serving tea as chado, which also translates to “the way of tea”. This workshop will explain the way the host of the ceremony prepares tea, and the significance of how it is being served.
If you are lucky, you may even enjoy a sip of the tea prepared! 15 to 20 bowls of tea prepared at the ceremony will be shared with the audiences on a first-volunteer-first-served basis.
This event will take place on the 21 of May 2016, at 2 pm and 3 pm. It will last 45 minutes. It does not require advance registration.
The Art of the Tea Ceremony
Date: 21 May 2016
Time: 2pm and 3pm
Duration: 45 minutes
Address: Concourse area at Esplanade — Theatres on the Bay, 1 Esplanade Drive, Singapore 038981
Tel: +65 6828 8377
Cloth Koinobori
Do you know that in Japan, the carp is a symbol of courage, strength and success? According to one Japanese legend, the carp, which swims upwards, is thought to become a dragon as it beats the oncoming current. In the past, and now kept as a tradition, the families of the Samurai warriors would fly koinobori — carp streamers — as a way of honouring their children who are on the battlefield.
In this workshop, you will learn to make koinobori — carp streamers — and design it with stamps and paint. This event will take place on the 21st of May 2016 at 4 PM, and will last for an hour and 30 minutes. No advance registration is needed.
Cloth Koinobori
Date: 21 May 2016
Time: 4pm
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Address: Theatre Meeting Point at Esplanade — Theatres on the Bay, 1 Esplanade Drive, Singapore 038981
Tel: +65 6828 8377
Kumihimo Bracelet Braiding
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Looking for something new to adorn your wrist? What about a hand-made kumihimo bracelet? Kumihimo, a traditional Japanese technique of braiding, was previously used by Samurai warriors to lace their armour, and today, people use it for many other functional and decorative purposes! For example, you can use it to create belts and friendship bands, if you are interested.
This workshop will take place on the 22nd of May 2016 at 3 PM and 5.30 PM. Each session will last for an hour and 30 minutes. No advance registration is needed.
Kumihimo Bracelet Braiding
Date: 22 May 2016
Time: 3pm and 5.30pm
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Address: Theatre Meeting Point at Esplanade — Theatres on the Bay, 1 Esplanade Drive, Singapore 038981
Tel: +65 6828 8377
Kuruma Ningyo Puppet Theatre
If you have never seen Japanese puppet theatre, despite previous trips to the Land of the Rising Sun, what are you waiting for? Created more than 150 years ago, at the end of the Edo era, Kuruma Ningyo is a style of puppetry that is considered a National Intangible Folk Custom Cultural Asset of Japan. Plus, before each show, the performers put on a sanbaso, a dance meant to bring luck, success and good bounty to its audience!
The show will take place on the 17th of May 2016 at 5.15 PM, 7.15 PM, and 8.15 PM. Each show will last for 30 minutes. No advance registration is needed.
Kuruma Ningyo Puppet Theatre
Date: 17 May 2016
Time: 5.15pm, 7.15pm, 8.15pm
Duration: 30 minutes
Address: Concourse area at Esplanade — Theatres on the Bay, 1 Esplanade Drive, Singapore 038981
Tel: +65 6828 8377
Kimono Lessons
If all you know about the kimono is that it’s worn by ladies… then you’ve got a lot to learn! Different styles of kimono are worn during different occasions and seasons. For example, the kimono worn by a woman during a tea ceremony is quite different from the one donned on to perform a traditional dance. Not only will you learn about the appropriateness of various kimono at different events, you will also learn how to wear them properly at this event.
This workshop will take place on the 22nd of May 2016 at 4 PM, and will last for an hour. No advance registration is needed.
Kimono Lessons
Date: 22 May 2016
Time: 4pm
Duration: 1 hour
Address: Concourse area at Esplanade — Theatres on the Bay, 1 Esplanade Drive, Singapore 038981
Tel: +65 6828 8377
With these free events happening at the Esplanade, it is so much easier (and more affordable) to fall in love with Japanese culture. Head on down to learn about Japanese culture and traditions this week. Also, don’t forget to check out the Japanese funfair that will be happening soon!
Also read: Keong Saik Carnival: The Event All Hipsters Shouldn’t Miss
