Japanese koto

Brandon Lee is a Japanese koto (zither) performer based in Melbourne, Australia. Originally from Malaysia, he started the koto while attending university in Melbourne. He eventually moved to Japan and was a live-in apprentice for koto virtuoso Kazue Sawai in Tokyo. In 2011, he officially obtained his teaching and performance license from the Sawai Koto School. In 2014, he graduated with a Masters of Music from Monash University.

Performing time:TBA

Shinobue

Ayako Fujii is a  Melbourne based multi instrumentalist from Osaka, Japan. She graduated Osaka College of Music in 1990 and began playing Japanese traditional instruments (Taiko drums and Shinobue Flute) in 1998. Ever since, she has been composing and arranging original music in this genre. Ayako has also been teaching herself Sanshin (Okinawan Banjo) since 2010.  She had the opportunity to take Taiko, Shinobue and Sanshin workshops in 2011, 2013 and 2014 whilst on tour in Japan. She currently teaches Shinobue in Melbourne.

Japanese Choir

The Japaneasy choir was formed in 2009 by Ayako sensei and a group of current and former students of Japaneasy. It started off as a hobby and grew into a full-blown choir. We now have around 20 members who meet twice a month, and more frequently leading up to major performances & recordings. We sing Japanese songs and sometimes popular English songs. Performances are usually at school related & cultural events.

Timetable: TBA

Sanshin – Japanese guiter

Ayako Fujii is a Melbourne based multi instrumentalist from Osaka, Japan. She graduated Osaka College of Music in 1990 and began playing Japanese traditional instruments (Taiko drums and Shinobue Flute) in 1998. Ever since, she has been composing and arranging original music in this genre. Ayako has also been teaching herself Sanshin (Okinawan Banjo) since 2010.  She had the opportunity to take Taiko, Shinobue and Sanshin workshops in 2011, 2013 and 2014 whilst on tour in Japan.

Ukulele

Christmas carol with Ukulele… just amazing.

Timetable: TBA

Sumi-e Japanese ink painting

Let’s experience Sumi-e (Japanese ink painting) and create a piece of art to take home. You will prepare your own ink then learn to use different ink tones and brush techniques to create some paintings of bamboos, dragonfly and Koi fish. You will express the objects variously with brush pressure, rhythm, tones and confidence in your strokes. You’ll not only learn brush stroke techniques but also experience the whole process.

Mizuhiki earrings

Mizuhiki Christmas card

Magic Snow Ice Pack

Family friendly activity from age 5 to adult by J-kids LAB. A Japanese science mum Yukiko will take you to a frozen wonderland. Magic snow powder will absorb water forming artificial snow flakes in seconds. Then you can pour some more water to turn them into icy jelly that can be packed in Christmas themed ice packs to take home!

Ceremonial Matcha Taste Explosion

Join us to enjoy premium matcha prepared in two styles by a Japanese tea master. Don’t miss this chance to sample the formal “koi-cha” and the more informal “usu-cha” in a casual setting. Koi-cha is rarely served in Australia, and this is an excellent opportunity to try the thick, creamy drink prepared by a qualified Japanese tea master. Drinks will be served with a small confectionary. Age 12+

Easy Origami – make as many as you like

Let’s Make special and unique ORIGAMI crafts for Christmas. You choose the designs and origami papers, then your Origami masters will guide you how to make it step by step. You can make as many as you want within 30 minutes. There are many beautiful origami papers to choose from and there are a variety of crafts to make –  Christmas wreaths, Santa clause, Poinsettia and more.
Very easy and fun for all ages. Great for Christmas gifts for your friends and family. 2 instructors will help you in this workshop.

Origami Garland

In this workshop you will make an origami garland with fairy lights. Learn to fold “balloon/waterbomb” using origami papers of your choice and the cost includes papers and fairy lights. It is a very simple origami model and perfect for origami beginners. The finished product is so effective and you will be happy to take them back home to decorate the house for this Christmas.

Chirimen Hair Accessories

In this one-hour workshop you will make two floral hair accessories using Chirimen, a crepe fabric traditionally used in kimono. One is a hair tie featuring a poinsettia flower, perfect for the festive season. The other is a clip adorned with three mini floral motifs. You will also receive a cute little pincushion to take home. No prior sewing experience is required, but we will be using scissors and needles, so ages 12 and above only please. Brought to you by Sachi Japanese Handcrafts.

Traditional Japanese massage

Have you got authentic Anma, the traditional Japanese massage? Anma is mother of Shiatsu. The rhythmical massage instantly magically releases the muscle tension. Yoshi from Chudo Japanese Acupuncture and Massage is a licensed Anma-Massage-Shiatsu practitioner (in Japan) with 25 years of experience. In our 20min workshop, you will learn some of the very traditional Japanese massage techniques so you can pumper your loved one with your hands, while you get Anma massage on your neck, shoulders and more in a 20min Anma session. Anma massage gift vouchers are also available on site. Age 18+

Framed Origami Butterflies

Origami is an art originated in Japan and becoming so popular in all over the world. Today, many people are attracted to the idea of learning how to fold origami. In this workshop, you will learn how to fold an origami butterfly and not only learn to fold, we will frame it up so you can make and take a small piece of your own artwork. The class is 50 minutes of maximum of 4 people and the cost includes all the materials (papers and a frame). It can be your own piece to keep or a gift for a someone special.