The Japan America Society of St. Louis offers several regularly recurring programs. General descriptions of these are below. To register for a specific program, please visit our Events page. |
Chanoyu (Tea Ceremony)
Chanoyu (Chado), or the Way of Tea, is a spiritual practice formalized by Sen no Rikyu in the 16th century. You will learn about the Way of Tea from an introductory lecture, watch a demonstration, and enjoy a bowl of matcha (green powder tea)
with some Japanese confections. This experience will soothe the mind with each methodical step.
All events are held on Sunday, 1:30-3:00pm. Each event will be conducted by Junko Ikeda, Urasenke Tea Instructor, in a chashitsu (Japanese tearoom) of a private residence. We have two locations: St. Charles and University City.
Ikebana Workshops
Ikebana (生け花) is the Japanese art of flower arrangement that dates back to the 15th
century. Ikebana emphasizes natural beauty of flower materials including the stems and leaves as well as the shapes, lines, and forms. It expresses the beauty of flower materials using an asymmetric composition, empty space, and the principle of minimalism. Ikebana is also known as “kado” (華道) (the way of flowers), involving the spiritual practice of understanding nature, tranquility, harmony between all living things and oneself.
Each workshop introduces you to a different style of flower arrangement. Beginners are welcome. Workshops are held at the instructor's house located in U-City. Larger classes are held at 331 SSB at UMSL.