Month: January 2016

The Japanese Zodiac Demystefied!

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What’s your sign? For many of us, this question calls to mind the Western zodiac: Aries, Taurus, Gemini, et al. Throughout most of Asia, however, the zodiac refers to a cycle of twelve years—not months—with each sign represented by an animal. Though this is often referred to as the “Chinese Zodiac,” it is used in many different countries, some with slight variants. [twocol_one]Traditionally, the twelve animals of the Oriental Zodiac, with some of their corresponding years, are as follows: Rat / 子: 2008, 1996, 1984, 1972, 1960 Ox / 丑: …

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Artist Spotlight: Ryudaibori

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We had the privilege of interviewing renowned tattoo artist Ryudaibori prior to the opening of the exhibition Perseverance: Japanese Tattoo Tradition in a Modern World at Morikami where his Japanese tattoo work is featured. Here’s what he had to say… Q How long have you been tattooing? I have been tattooing since 1998. Q How did you get interested in the art of Japanese tattoos? My first memory of Japanese tattooing was the chambara television show Toyama no Kinsan, which is actually about a historical figure – a tattooed magistrate. …

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Morikami Makes – Okonomiyaki!

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[divider_flat] We are thrilled to introduce this exciting new series! The Morikami staff is just bursting with information and knowledge of Japanese cuisine, crafts, arts and more to share with our friends and supporters through the “Morikami Makes” series. We have now opened a window to experiencing Japanese culture in the comfort of your own home! We hope you enjoy yet another wonderful Morikami offering with the exciting “Morikami Makes” videos and articles featured in our membership newsletters and on our blog. Our inaugural recipe for okonomiyaki is the first of …

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Scream, Sweat and Hit a Big Drum at The Morikami

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[twocol_one]Before taking a workshop with Fushu Daiko on “The Way of Taiko: The Heartbeat of Japan,” one must leave all preconceptions at the door. This is not a workshop in which you learn to beat a drum. It is, in fact, a workshop where you learn how to connect your energy with a powerful communications instrument and channel your spirit into a collective work of thundering art. Simply put, this is not your grandfather’s drumming lesson. Ben Miller, a practitioner of Chinese medicine, acupuncture physician, and artistic director for Fushu …

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Morikami Explores the Psychological Cost of War

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“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it” – George Santayana, The Life of Reason, 1905. The Morikami Museum seeks to jog the memory of the ravages of war with its current exhibitions and upcoming documentary screening, all three of which explore the long-lasting psychological effects of decisions made during international conflicts. Last Chance for Current Shows, Closing Jan. 31 Students of history, culture and the human psyche are invited to experience The Morikami’s exhibitions, “Wendy Maruyama: Executive Order 9066,” and Jimmy Tsutomu Mirikitani, before they close …

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