Our Southern Az Japanese Cultural Coalition (SAJCC) Director Yuki Ibuki passed away on December 3, 2023 in his hometown of Kyoto, Japan. Funeral services will be held there on December 6 at Koeki-sha Minami-Bright Hall. He was 64 years old. A Tucson memorial service is pending.

Yuki served honorably and enthusiastically as our Director since May, 2017 and also performed Japanese songs at many of our Festivals. He often gave the welcome at our events and was one of our 2012 founding Council members. For many years he also organized Japanese community meet up lunches at various restaurants in Tucson. Yuki also participated in many tea ceremonies and haiku readings at Yume Japanese Gardens here in Tucson. He won honorable mention at several AZ Matsuri haiku contests.

Yuki was a practitioner for the Johrei Fellowship Tucson Center in Tucson, Arizona for many years, and was employed as a research specialist at the UA Respiratory Center for 10 years (University of Arizona/Dept. of Medicine/UAHS Center for Sleep and Circadian Sciences.)

He is survived by his four children Hiroto, Yuko, Miiku and Masahiko and two grandchildren. Condolence messages can be sent to his son Hiroto Ibuki at:143 Yoshidakaguraoka-chou, Sakyou-ku, Kyouto-shi, Kyouto-Fu, Japan, Zip is 606-8311.

Rest In Peace Yuki, and we at SAJCC will miss you, and are grateful for your many years of service to our Tucson community.

“Come join us for a Taste of Japanese Teas, an educational and delicious tea tasting led by tea scholar and certified tea practitioner, Eric Carr. Guests will enjoy (and learn to brew) a selection of Japanese teas from everyday sencha to refreshing mugicha — and even get to taste a rare and little-known tea from Eric’s personal collection! 

Admission to the event includes a tasting of five teas, brewing lessons, as well as a ceramic tasting cup.”

Sign up for tea tasting at https://www.tickettailor.com/events/yumejapanesegardens/1072687

Also later that same evening, a reception for Peter Fuhrman, photographer for new exhibit “Land of the Rising Sun” which opened on Nov. 9 and continues to May30, 2024.

“The exhibit features a diverse array of photographs taken during the artist’s immersive journey through Japan in 2015.
With a keen eye for detail and a profound understanding of the art of photography, Peter captures Japan’s culture and daily life presenting intimate indoor spaces and meticulous architectural elements beautifully encapsulated in each frame.

The reception will include light refreshments and a chance to discuss the exhibit with the artist.
Art also available for purchase. No admission required, this event is free for the public.”

Enjoy all three events at Yume Japanese Gardens on December 8, 2023, 2130 N. Alvernon Way in Tucson.

“Ukulele master and jolly ambassador of aloha, JAKE SHIMABUKURO, will bring joy to the world this upcoming 2023 Holiday Season by delivering a special gift for all with the debut of his highly anticipated holiday show, JAKE SHIMABUKURO – CHRISTMAS IN HAWAI’I.

With only four strings, Jake is a humble master whose mission is to connect and inspire people. Whether one on one or in front of an audience of thousands, Jake shares a deep emotional connection with the listener that is open, magical, and transcendent. Jake’s genuine love for people, the spirit of Holidays, and his beloved home of Hawaii are at the forefront of JAKE SHIMABUKURO – CHRISTMAS IN HAWAI’I. It will be a warm welcome of merriment and wonder for the season.

In addition to his signature show favorites, this special show will draw on a vibrant catalog of holiday classics such as We Three Kings, Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer, O Holy Night, I’ll Be Home For Christmas and selections from his “Jake & Friends” released in November 2021 (Willie Nelson, Bette Midler, Jack Johnson, Michael McDonald, Vince Gill & Amy Grant and more).

Along with bassist Jackson Waldhoff and special Guests, singer-songwriter, Justin Kawika Young – JAKE SHIMABUKURO will spread good cheer to all with his world-renowned live show in a fun take on the holidays sure to keep spirits bright. Exceptional and spirited JAKE SHIMABUKURO’S CHRISTMAS IN HAWAI’I is sure to become an eagerly anticipated annual family event.”

Tickets $20 to $42.50, plus backlot Luau starting at 5 p.m. Fox Tucson Theatre is at 17 W. Congress St. Concert is at 7 p.m.

International School of Tucson is at 1701 E. Seneca St. (west of Campbell Avenue). Parking is free around the school.

• Saturday, November 18, 2023
• 12:00 PM  1:30 PM
• Yume Japanese Gardens of Tucson (map)
• Google Calendar  ICS

“Haiku, the iconic Japanese short poem, is the definition of brevity.

Elegant due to its compactness of expression, its typically unrhymed versus only take up a few lines and a handful of syllables. As you can imagine, every single word counts. Revolving around seasonal topics and nature but often holding double meanings, these poems are a pleasure not only to read and understand, but also to try your hand at writing.

Our autumn haiku writing walk is a time to observe, reflect on, and collect perceptions and images both of nature and life which are used in the appreciation and creation of a 
haiku.

Led by award-winning haiku poet Kenneth Francis Pearson, this workshop will discuss the history, form, and aesthetics of haiku, followed by time in the Gardens to gather personal images and impressions (along with gentle Japanese music from Paul Amiel) which we will share afterwards in an informal time together.

About Kenneth F. Pearson:

Kenneth F. Pearson has established himself as an award-winning haiku poet with several distinguished awards and many notable publications. His work offers glimpses of truth and beauty discovered through a lifetime of exploration. Each poem is a mindful concentration of experience in a brief yet impactful format. Through his writing, teaching, and tireless promotion of the art form, Kenneth F. Pearson has demonstrated a strong passion for haiku. He uses it as a means to share insights and inspire mindfulness in others.”

Date/Time:

Saturday, November 18 @ 12pm – 1:30pm

Tickets:

$20 general/$10 Members 

Space is limited. Please reserve your spot!Purchase Tickets