CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Japanese arts and culture will be alive and thriving on the campus of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign this spring.
The first of three events planned in April and May to showcase traditional Japanese art forms is the annual spring open house at Japan House, 2000 S. Lincoln Ave., Urbana, on April 12. The public is invited to attend the open house from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tea ceremony demonstrations will take place throughout the day at the facility, home to classes, workshops and other activities sponsored by the university’s School of Art and Design. At 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., a formal tea ceremony will be conducted by guest artist Shozo Sato, a professor emeritus of art and design and founding director of Japan House.
On May 3, Japan House opens its doors to the public again for Children’s Day festivities, from 1-3 p.m. The free event offers an opportunity for adults and children to learn about Japanese arts and culture. Featured artist Dan Keding, an internationally acclaimed storyteller and musician, will perform at 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. Other activities will include origami and calligraphy.
Also on May 3, the Japan Intercultural Network will host Japan Festival. The festival will feature a day market, from 3-6 p.m., on the grounds outside Foellinger Auditorium, 709 S. Mathews Ave., Urbana. Activities planned include a flea market and food and craft sales. An entertainment program, featuring the St. Louis Osuwa Taiko drum ensemble, shakuhachi (bamboo flute) music, a kimono fashion show and Japanese folk dances, is planned later, from 6-9 p.m., inside Foellinger Auditorium.
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