Join us for a night of story-telling when Azumi Uchitani will take you on a journey into the intriguing world of yokai, the supernatural entities deeply ingrained in Japanese culture.
Video Category: Japanese culture
Parallel Horizons: Blending Tradition and Modernity in Japanese Culture
Join Azumi Uchitani for an enlightening lecture that delves into the unique balance of traditional and modern culture in Japan. Discover how traditional arts and crafts have evolved to embrace modern techniques and aesthetics, how ancient philosophies influence present-day lifestyles, and how traditional ceremonies and rituals continue to hold significance in the fast-paced modern society.
Tying the Knot: Japanese Wedding Traditions and Romance in Japanese Courtship
Join Azumi Uchitani’s review of Japanese traditions and modern influences related to Japanese weddings and courtship.
Isolation and Innovation: Japan’s Closed Country Period and Its Legacy
The influence of Japan’s isolation reverberates through time, enhancing cultural diversity and fostering a deeper appreciation for the richness and interconnectedness of global culture. This talk will explore the legacy of the period of isolation in Japan and its impact on the global cultural landscape.
Folding Your Way to Discipline: the art of origami in Japanese family
Origami requires precision and attention to detail, reflecting the Japanese belief in the importance of meticulousness and quality. This talk explores how origami encourages kids to take pride in their work and strive for excellence in all aspects of life.
Mottainai – Japanese Art of Repurposing
This talk will explore ways how Japanese people make a conscious effort to preserve what we already have and recycle as much as possible.
Yakuza in Japan: criminals or humanitarians?
Join Azumi Uchitani’s next talk about Yakuza, also known as ‘necessary evil’ and explore its complex image in society.
Wabi Sabi: the impermanent beauty of imperfection
Wabi-sabi teaches us to accept what is not under our control, to strive for excellence rather than perfection, to appreciate failures and flaws, to live simple and slow down our pace. Join Azumi Uchitani in the conversation about Japanese ideas of wabi-sabi and what ‘beautiful’ means.
Imagination and Creativity in Japan: from erotic art (shunga) to anime
Shunga offered unashamed, non-violent, liberating and sometimes humorous approach to sexual pleasure. Despite technological advances, the popularity of the original Shunga artworks has never changed. In fact, this genre has had a significant impact on Japanese video games and especially inspired anime and manga.
Collective Memory: honouring deceased in Japan
Every summer Japan celebrates a festival, Obon, to commemorate ancestors, whose spirits are believed to temporarily return to this world in order to visit their relatives. Join Azumi Uchitani’s talk to dive into the traditions of Obon and explore its spiritual meaning.