Every summer Japan celebrates a festival, Obon, to commemorate ancestors, whose spirits are believed to return to this world in order to visit their relatives. It is believed that memorial ceremonies not only help people to pay their respect to spirits of deceased relatives but also serve as healing rituals helping families and communities to process their grief and disturbing memories.
Zen Buddhism brought an idea of ‘beginner’s mind’ (shoshin) which means one looks at every situation as if it’s the first time he sees it. Beginner’s mind (or a mindset) allows us to approach everything with an attitude of openness, constant learning and a lack of preconceptions.
Success in Japanese culture is almost an enigma for a Western mind. What is its secret ingredient? In this session Azumi Uchitani will examine the success and failures of international companies operating in the Japanese market and shed light on values which contribute to the concept of ‘success’ for Japanese people.
Although the combination of characters means 'ending', but it also signifies a connection to a new beginning. Join Azumi Uchitani’s Calligraphy class for a contemplative session on kanji Shu.
Japanese gardens, meditation practice, tea ceremony or origami folding - Japanese culture offers countless possibilities to bring our attention to the moment and find roots and comfort in the mundane. Join the next Calligraphy class with Azumi Uchitani as she takes you on a journey seeking for comfort.
Gi is one of the basic principles that applies to samurai (a warrior) it's an attitude to serve to the higher, to the family, to the community where you belong by making a moral decisions with compassion. Join our next Japanese Calligraphy class with Azumi Uchitani and discover different shades and meanings of Gi in traditional and modern Japan.
Japan has a beautiful language of colours in art, fashion, verbal expressions and rituals. Even colours of kimono are carefully selected according to season and cultural colour code. Join this Calligraphy session with Azumi Uchitani and contemplate about a significance of colour while practicing character Iro.
Just like the tradition to enjoy cherry blossoms in spring, it is a Japanese’ favourite seasonal outing to view and celebrate koyo 'rouge foliage' and momiji-gari ‘red leaf hunting’ with observing a fleeting nature of life. Join this calligraphy session to enjoy the autumn season and ink drawing.
In this session, Azumi Uchitani will focus on character Toki, the transient moment which has a huge cultural significance.Understanding how we consume every moment of our lives, how we engage with our surroundings, how much attention and awareness we bring into the present moment become central to this Calligraphy session.
The autumn moon has been regarded as the most beautiful by the Japanese, and as September arrives, celebrations are held all over the nation to show appreciation for a successful harvest. Join the next Japanese Calligraphy class with Azumi Uchitani to enjoy a meditation session and practice creating character Tsuki.
