Tucson artist Fukumi Zapp will demonstrate the art of furoshiki (cloth folding), tamari (thread art) and origami (paper art) in the historic Charles Brown House courtyard at Ben’s Bells (40 West Broadway) — with Monica Surfaro Spigelman and Maribel Alvarez.” Free “Digging Deeper” workshop by Tucson Meet Yourself. RSVP to 520-621-4046 or info@tucsonmeetyourself.org.
“When most of us think of May 5, the Mexican-American festivity of Cinco de Mayo comes to mind. But in Japan May 5 is a national holiday — Children’s Day — set aside to respect children’s personalities and to celebrate their happiness. It was designated a national holiday by the Japanese government in 1948.
This May 5 Yume Japanese Gardens will celebrate girls and boys with yukatas (light summer kimonos) for youngsters, goldfish netting, origami, traditional toys from Japan, Taiko drumming, and much more. Flying above it all at the entrance to the Gardens will be koinobori — colorful, streaming wind socks shaped like carp. Best of all admission to the Gardens is free May 5 for all children 12 and under. We hope to see you there!”
Info at: www.tucsonjapanesegardens.org, the gardens are open 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (new hours for month of May), at 2130 N. Alvernon Way.
Tucson Bonsai Society’s spring show for the first time will be at the new Yume Japanese Gardens, 2130 N. Alvernon Way, on April 27 and 28, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Bonsai miniature trees will be on display throughout the gardens on both days, with demonstrations throughout the weekend. “View dozens of artfully trained miniature trees and shrubs, to see pruning demonstrations, and to receive helpful tips on plant selection and care from dedicated Bonsai enthusiasts. Learn about choosing containers and display pots, grafting and root reduction, which species are easiest to train, and the history of this 1,000-year-old Japanese tradition.”
See: www.tucsonbonsaisociety.com, and www.tucsonjapanesegardens.org.
Public invited to the 11th Annual Japanese Speech Contest at PCC West on April 20, from 12 noon to 5 p.m. There will be numerous Japanese cultural exhibits, along with three levels of Japanese language proficiency. Schedule is below of this event sponsored by the Southern Arizona Association for Japanese Education:
Program
Exhibitions: 12:00 – 4:00
Opening Ceremony / Speech Presentations (Category A): 12:30 – 1:00
15 Minute Break
Japanese Traditional Dance by Suzuyuki-Kai: 1:15 – 1:35
Audience Contest / Speech Presentations (Category B): 1:40 – 2:10
15 Minute Break
Aikido Demonstration by Sonoran Aikikai: 2:25 – 2:45
Audience Contest / Speech Presentations (Category C, Group 1): 2:50 – 3:15
10 Minute Break
Audience Contest / Speech Presentations (Category C, Group 2): 3:30 – 3:50
Taiko Performance by Odaiko Sonora: 4:00 – 4:30
Awards Ceremony: 4:35 – 5:00
Two origami workshops on March 30 and 31 will kickoff two week exhibition
Tucson Japanese Culture & Origami Meetup Group founder M Craig will be teaching origami to children & parents on March 30, 9 to 10:30 a.m. at Yume Japanese Gardens, 2130 N. Alvernon Way. An adults-only workshop will be held the next day March 31 at 2 to 3:30 p.m. at the same location. These workshops are a kickoff for a two week exhibition of over-size paper creations and sculptures at the Gardens from March 30 to April 14. Regular admission prices to Yume Japanese Gardens will apply during the outdoor show, but the exhibition will be free to view. This origami exhibition will feature life-size and larger paper cranes, koi, roses, butterflies, and other paper sculptures placed throughout the gardens.
rose origami creation by M Craig
To enroll in the workshops which cost $10/adult, $5/children, call M. Craig at 520-331-0602. The workshop fee does not include admission to the gardens. For information about the exhibition, contact Yume Japanese Gardens at 520-445-2957.
(Photo of origami crane below taken at preview of Yume Japanese gardens by M Craig).
3/31/13 UPDATE: View enchanting photos of this origami exhibit at Tucsoncitizen.com/community.
March 11, 2013 Piano concert to benefit Tohoku, Japan tsunami relief:
Shiho Takeda and Aika Tatebe will perform a classical & jazz music concert at Sushi Yukari Japanese restaurant, 5655 E. River Rd. (NE corner of Craycroft) at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6;30 p.m. Cost is $7 which includes cake and a soft drink. Please RSVP to Katayama-y@msn.com.
March 10, 2013 Piano Recital at Japanese Christian Community of Tucson:
Shiho Takeda and Aika Tatebe will perform solo and duet jazz & classical music, by Faure, Ravel, Piazzola and more. Free admission to 1 p.m. recital, donations/tips appreciated. Location is at Japanese Christian Community of Tucson, 5199 E. Farness, Pima County Medical Society Bldg. Potluck at 12 noon preceding concert. Artist’s website: www.shihopiano.yolasite.com. 
Shakuhachi bamboo flute concert with world renowned musician Alcvin Ryuzen Ramos at the beautiful new Yume Japanese Gardens, 2130 N. Alvernon Way on March 8, 2013, 7 to 8 p.m. Call 520-445-2957 for tickets,
website: www.tucsonjapanesegardens.org.
Also private flute lessons at the same day and location, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. by Alcvin Ramos. Call Richard Conway at 520-405-5665 to sign up, $80 for two hours, $50 one hour. All levels, flutes will be provided. Biographical info on Ramos at:
Tucsoncitizen.com/community.
koi pond
For more photos go to “Carolyn’s Community” blogsite: Yume Japanese Gardens Grand Opening Photos.
Yume Japanese Gardens, 2130 N. Alvernon Way, opens to the public today, January 19, 2013, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. It is just due south of the Tucson Botanical Gardens, south of Grant Road in Tucson. The photos are from the VIP/media grand opening on January 15.
This will be the new website of the Southern AZ Japanese Cultural Coalition. Thank you for taking notice and be sure to visit again soon for updated content and directories!
