Japanese Culture

Explore, Wish, Taste, Create: Celebrating Tanabata at Morikami

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Friday evening’s Sushi & Stroll is especially festive as we gear up for Tanabata, Japan’s Star Festival. We’re excited to offer you a couple of ways to get in on this whimsical celebration. Explore The galleries will be open all evening to give you a glimpse at our current exhibit Tanabata: Japan’s Star Festival – Views of Tanabata In São Paulo, Brazil by Jade Matarazzo. The exhibit features a selection of photographs by Jade Matarazzo, who captured the Tanabata festival as it’s celebrated in São Paulo, Brazil, home to the …

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Collecting Japan: Q&A with Veljko Dujin, Curator of Collections at Morikami

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Morikami’s Curator of Collections, Veljko Dujin, recently traveled to Japan in search of interesting artwork, little-known details of the life of Japan’s most famous nun, and the regionally favored cookie at every stop along the way. From May 1 through 19, Veljko hit Kyoto, Tokyo, Okayama, Kurashiki, Osaka, Nishinomiya, Nagoya, and Seto. Here’s what we learned about his whirlwind journey: What was the primary purpose of your trip? I set out to research Otagaki Rengetsu, a painter, calligrapher and ceramicist, and arguably the most famous nun in Japanese history. She …

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Rain or Shine, Sake is Always a Good Time!

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Picture this: you’re strolling through Roji-en, taking in the sights and sounds of bamboo rustling in the wind, wildlife scampering over the path and Morikami Lake gently lapping at the shore of Yamato Island. You’ve just filled your belly with delightful sushi and Pan-Asian cuisine from the Cornell Café that paired perfectly with a crisp and cool sip of sparkling sake. As you round the lake and your stroll comes to a close you make your way to the theater for the rousing beats of Fushu Daiko’s taiko drumming. Now, …

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The Galleries Are All Dolled Up! Morikami Introduces Kokeshi & Tanabata Exhibits for Summer

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We know you’re looking for great summer activities that’ll let you enjoy the great out doors, but give you an indoor option for the unpredictable South Florida weather, and we think we’ve got just what you’re looking for. This summer Morikami is debuting two new exhibits, so you can come for the gardens and stay for the galleries. Both exhibits, “Wood Be Kindred Spirits: The Kokeshi Dolls of Bob Brokop,” and “Tanabata: Japan’s Star Festival – Views of Tanabata in São Paulo, Brazil by Jade Matarazzo” will be featured in …

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Morikami Hems In Tokyo Fashion Exhibit This Fall

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Harajuku, an area between Shinjuku and Shibuya in Tokyo, has risen to the highest ranks of Japanese fashion. In the late 50s and early 60s the neighborhood was transformed from U.S. soldiers’ housing into a well-spring of youth culture (similar to the likes of Haight Ashbury in 1960’s San Francisco) that solidified into what many call the Harajuku-zoku, or the Harajuku tribe. The neighborhood was overtaken by photographers, models, artists, fashion designers and local youth, and has become the ultimate youth stomping ground. Some of the most visible and popular …

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