This is a series of workshops designed by Azumi Uchitani to explore Japanese culture through the art of calligraphy and language. We will meet bi-weekly, slowly moving from season to season and uncovering new characters, rituals, concepts and beliefs deeply rooted in Japanese lifestyle. Each event we will centre around a new symbol: we will learn its meaning, discuss a poem about it, meditate and experience the power of the concept through calligraphy practice.
Paper: kami (ç´™)
In Japanese, the character ç´™ (kami) refers to paper, which is used for writing, printing, drawing, or wrapping. Throughout Japanese history, paper has played a significant role in the country’s culture and traditions, and has been an essential part of daily life, from Japanese art and crafts like calligraphy and origami, to Japanese interiors such as shoji.
Traditional Japanese paper, known as washi, is made from natural materials such as bamboo, mulberry, or rice straw. It is known for its strength, durability, and beauty. Today, paper remains an essential material in Japan for various purposes, including packaging, stationery, art, and crafts. In everyday language, the word ç´™ (kami) is used to refer to any type of paper, whether it is handmade, recycled, or machine-produced.
The colour white, which is the colour of most traditional Japanese paper, represents purity and sacredness. As a result, ç´™ (kami) is widely used in Shinto, not only in the interior of shrines, but also in various rituals.
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GUIDE – AZUMI UCHITANI
Azumi Uchitani is an Intercultural business consultant, keynote speaker, writer, artist and founder of Japanese SALON art & culture, based in the Netherlands. She is a two-times TEDx speaker, appearing Dutch TV and media and delivering talks to an international audience in Europe and in the US. Azumi is on a mission to build an essential bridge between Japan and Europe, helping global leaders discover Japanese ancient wisdom beyond culture, teaching how to apply its wisdom in everyday life, act with inner peace and create conscious leadership and fulfilling life. Azumi decodes the complexity of Japanese culture, tradition, philosophy, spirituality and unspoken rules into a simple essence of wisdom. She was born into a traditional spiritual Japanese family and raised with the teachings of Shingon Buddhism and Shinto. The spiritual and cultural practices, such as tea ceremony, flower arrangement, calligraphy have always been a part of her life, besides that, her grandmother was a kimono maker. Her insights, a series of talks are available on her YouTube channel ‘5 minutes on Japanese Wisdom’ on YouTube.
http://www.azumiuchitani.com
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