exhibit

Otagaki Rengetsu – Lotus Moon

by

Our current exhibition, Poetry In Clay: The Art of Otagaki Rengetsu, is a glimpse into the life and work of one of Japan’s most famous female artists, but why was Rengetsu such a sensation? What made her work so popular and sought after? Read on to find out a little more about this prolific artist, and be sure to join us at our upcoming symposium – with guest speakers Prof. Yukio Lippit and Prof. Sayumi Takahashi Harb – to learn more. [threecol_two] Otagaki Rengetsu (1791-1875)  was born in the spring of 1791, …

Read more

Kit Kat Craze at Morikami

by

KitKats were introduced to Japan in 1973. However, it wasn’t until 1996 that the first flavored KitKat, almond, appeared, followed by strawberry and orange in 1998. In 2005, regional KitKats that featured the unique flavors of various cities and prefectures in Japan became popular, and the number of flavors increased dramatically. Since then, over 100 different flavors have been produced, and the list continues to grow. Japan is famous for its regional specialties, and KitKats are no exception. Our KitKat exhibit features flavors from Hokkaido (the northernmost of Japan’s four …

Read more

Guest Post: The Girl with a Cat and Other Paper Tales by Kyoko Hazama

by

Today, we’re pleased to present a guest post from our Curator of Japanese Art, Susanna Brooks. If you haven’t yet had a chance to see this awe-inspiring exhibit, we HIGHLY recommend it! It’s the perfect addition to any summer outing, especially when the South Florida weather turns a little sour. Kyoko Hazama may just be Japan’s most imaginative doll paper sculptress. Using traditional Japanese paper (washi) made from the fibers of the bark of a Japanese tree (gampi), shrub (mitsumata), and various plants and grasses (hemp, rice, wheat, bamboo), a …

Read more

We Asked, You Answered: The Top Samurai Movies of All Time

by

Japan’s infamous ancient warriors are the inspiration for Morikami’s newest exhibit and countless classic flicks. We asked YOU for your favorite Samurai film, and came away with a list of decades-old stand-bys and ultra-modern interpretations.  In no particular order, here’s the final Samurai film round-up: 1. The Last Samurai (2003) Why it topped your list: According to Jennifer, “The choice of actors/actresses was perfect and you could tell the amount of time and precision that went in to making the movie. Also, the sets and scenery are breathtaking and just made me want …

Read more