Join Azumi Uchitani’s next talk about Yakuza, also known as ‘necessary evil’ and explore its complex image in society.
Video Category: Japanese culture
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.
Winning and losing in Japan: what does success mean?Â
Success in Japanese culture is almost an enigma for a Western mind. What is its secret ingredient?
What Makes Us Human: Unique Emotions in Japanese LanguageÂ
Every language has untranslatable words, claiming something very important to its community, giving it a distinct name. In this talk, we will discuss unique words explaining special states of mind or emotions in Japanese language which have no equivalent in English.
Japanese Social Hierarchy: Order or Constraint?
As we discuss all aspects of freedom, this event aims to open up a conversation about hierarchy, order, authority and discipline as an essential part of a functioning society. We will study Japanese social structure as an example of such a model.
Consumption of Space and Time in Japanese Aesthetics
We will explore ideas of beauty as intellectual endeavors through mastery of Geisha and see how Japanese aesthetics and consumption of arts relate to everyday life: tea ceremonies, creation of flower arrangements, playing musical instruments, traditional singing and declamation, classic Japanese dancing, etiquette and deportment, the art of donning a kimono.
Finding Inner Peace with Japanese Haiku
Japanese philosophy Yasuragi teaches us to take a moment and be present, to notice wonders we are surrounded with. Join our talk on Japanese philosophy Yasuragi and explore Haiku poems as a way to find harmony and peace.
Wisdom of Martial Arts: Transforming the Mind, the Body and Spirit
In this talk you will be introduced to one of the principles, SHU HA RI, the three stages of developing and mastering any techniques and transforming the mind, body and spirit to bring unlimited potential.