40 th Anniversary JAPANE SE FESTIVAL SEPTEMBER 3–5 labor day weekend Welcome Admission Celebrating the history, culture, and people of Japan, the Japanese Festival $15 for adults at the Missouri Botanical Garden is one of the largest and oldest festivals $5 for children (12 and under) and Garden members of its kind in the United States. Since 1977 the Garden has proudly hosted Members’ children (12 and under) are free Regular admission rates apply for the Doris I. Schnuck Children’s Garden. All this unique event at one of the largest Japanese gardens in North America. activities at the Japanese Festival are included with admission except Teahouse A fruitful collaboration with several local Japanese-American organizations Island Tours. Trams will not run during the festival. provides authentic Japanese music, art, dance, food, and entertainment for thousands of visitors each year. We hope you enjoy your experience. Yokoso!
Festival Hours Information JOIN DURING THE FESTIVAL Saturday, September 3: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Festival information tents are and get your admission credited toward a membership! Sunday, September 4: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. located on Spoehrer Plaza Visitors who become Garden members or renew an existing Monday, September 5: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and near the Kemper Center membership during the Festival receive free admission to Japanese Grounds open at 9 a.m. and then remain open until for Home Gardening. Festival applicable to the new membership level. Present your ticket- 10 p.m. for candlelight walks on Saturday purchase receipt at the Membership Tent in front of the Ridgway and Sunday.
Visitor Center, and we will credit the amount toward your purchase of a Information General Garden membership. Annual Garden membership begins at $50 for an individual and $75 for two adults and children. Join at the new Festival level to receive free admission for up to six adults to the Garden’s annual festivals, including the Best of Missouri Market and Garden Glow! | Omikoshi |
Garden Gate Shop From bonsai trees to collectible figurines, the Garden Gate Shop is your source for Japanese Festival merchandise. Check out our koi windsocks, fans, rice paper parasols, Japanese snacks and candy—including an all new line of Japanese noodles, sauces, and cookbooks—jewelry, bonsai trees and tools, kimono robes, CDs, toys, sculptures, books on many Japanese topics, Pokémon items, and more. Open Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Monday, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
First Aid Sassafras In case of an accident or medical Soups, salads, sandwiches, and emergency, please locate anyone Japanese specials will be available. wearing Garden identification, Open Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Monday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and they will contact Security immediately to tend to your emergencies. Emergency services are provided by the St. Louis Fire Department.
1 | JAPANESE2 FESTIVAL 22 New This Year! Ancient traditions and modern choreography blend into thrilling performances as the Garden welcomes Luck Eisa and Samurai Sword Soul!
at the 30th Annual Korean World Travel Fair (KOFTA) in 2015. Additionally, Mr. Shimabukuro has recently undertaken a project called Densougeiran Yui that portrays the Luck Eisa Year! This New The Luck Eisa group was formed in evolution of the Okinawan spirit 2007 by Takuya Shimabukuro. This using Eisa and other medium to tell group is one of the most talented this story. and recognized Eisa groups in The St. Louis Eisa Okinawa Kenjinkai Okinawa. The group has performed and the Missouri Botanical Garden in several countries throughout the are pleased to host Mr. Shimabukuro world, like South Korea, Vietnam, and the Luck Eisa group at this SAMURAI Taiwan, and several locations within year’s Japanese Festival. The the U.S. and Japan. inclusion of the Luck Eisa group In 2009 the Luck Eisa group during this year’s festival is made Sword Soul received the Special Recognition even more special in that the award at the World Eisa Festival St. Louis Okinawa Kenjinkai is Samurai Sword Soul is a samurai performance in the United States. in Okinawa. And then in 2013, celebrating their 20th Anniversary theater company founded by Yoshi Samurai Sword Soul is the only Mr. Shimabukuro won the Silver and the Japanese Festival is Amao in 2003. theater company that uses tate in medal for his solo performance in celebrating its 40th Anniversary. Since then, Samurai Sword Soul’s their demonstrations and samurai the World Eisa Championship held Saturday, 1:30 and 4 p.m.; Sunday, 4 p.m.; numerous performances—an dramas. Their mission is to spread in Okinawa. The Luck Eisa group Monday 10 a.m., noon and 4 p.m., engaging mix of comedy routines, the Bushido, the way of the was awarded the best performance Cohen Amphitheater humanistic-themed drama, warrior, and to introduce tate to and thrilling sword fights—have people who are not familiar with it. been attracting a wide range of Samurai Sword Soul believes their audiences in New York. Their samurai spirits reach audiences of sword technique is based on Waki all ethnicities, ages, and genders. Ryu Tate, which was created by They regard the samurai virtues— 義 勇 Keihei Wakisaka; the spirit of seido rectitude ( gi), courage ( yu), 仁 礼 karate; and kendo (Japanese benevolence ( jin), respect ( 誠 fencing) technique. Now imbuing rei), honesty ( makoto), (名誉 忠 traditional Japanese sword fighting honor meiyo), and loyalty ( 義 arts with a more contemporary chugi)—as the code of conduct essence and their own artistry, they that is still relevant in our time. Saturday, 7 p.m.; Sunday, 4 and have established a unique “Samurai 6 p.m.; Monday, noon and 3 p.m., Sword Soul Style.” Shoenberg Theater It is very hard to find authentic tate (Japanese sword stage fighting)
3 | JAPANESE FESTIVAL 44 SEIWA-EN The Japanese Garden Welcome to Seiwa-en, the the patterns in the gravel to “garden of pure, clear harmony look as if wind has rippled and peace.” One of the largest the surface of the water. traditional Japanese gardens in Four islands rise from the North America, Seiwa-en covers lake. Tortoise Island and 14 acres, including a 4-acre lake. Crane Island take the names Modeled on the chisen kaiyu- of symbols of longevity in shiki, or “wet strolling garden,” Japanese lore. Paradise a style developed by wealthy Island (Horai-zan), formed landowners of the late Edo period by three large stones, is the in 19th-century Japan, Seiwa-en symbolic center of the garden, incorporates many principles of representing everlasting
Japanese aesthetics drawn from happiness and immortality. Garden Japanese The Zen Buddhism, such as suggestion, Teahouse Island is a serene site, naturalness, and asymmetry within dedicated in a Shinto ceremony, the landscape. closed to the public except for Water resides in every Japanese the tours offered during the garden actually or symbolically. Japanese Festival. 2016 Japanese Festival Logo In Seiwa-en, the lake is the main Designed by the late Koichi water feature, complemented by Kawana, a renowned professor Chrysanthemum (Kiku) waterfalls, streams, and water-filled of environmental design and basins. The dry gravel gardens landscape architecture at the Yellow chrysanthemums symbolize distant memories of long ago. Reds symbolize islands surrounded by University of California, indicate romantic passion. Chrysanthemum blossoms of deep russet or gold the sea. Caretakers frequently Los Angeles, Seiwa-en was are professions of sincerity. Such are the conventions of ikebana, Japanese rake the dry gardens, changing dedicated in 1977. flower arranging, regarding the use of this autumn flower. Its sturdy flowers suggest rejuvenation and longevity. Kiku appear frequently in Japanese design, including on Japanese passports. The 16-petal chrysanthemum | Seiwa-en | design is the official seal of the Imperial Family.
5 | JAPANESE FESTIVAL 6 | Cooking Demo | | Ikebana | | Ice Sculpture | | Bon Odori | | Origami | | Kimono Fashion Show | SATURDAY, September 3 SUNDAY, September 4 10 –11 a.m. Bonsai Demonstration Orthwein Floral Display Hall 10–11 a.m. Bonsai Demonstration Orthwein Floral Display Hall 10 a.m.–noon Origami Demonstration Jordan Education Wing 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Origami Demonstration Jordan Education Wing 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Guided Walking Tours Japanese Garden 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Guided Walking Tours Japanese Garden (every half hour) of the Japanese Garden (north entrance) (every half hour) of the Japanese Garden (north entrance) 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Balloon Art Kemper Center for Home Gardening 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Children’s Activities Spink Pavillion 10 a.m.–7 p.m. Bonsai and Ikebana Display Orthwein Floral Display Hall Balloon Art Kemper Center for Home Gardening 10:30–11 a.m. Festival Procession Spink Pavilion 10 a.m.–7 p.m. Bonsai and Ikebana Display Orthwein Floral Display Hall (Bon Odori, Dashi, and Omikoshi) 10:30–11:30 a.m. Martial Arts—St. Louis Ki Society Lehmann Lawn 11 a.m.–noon Opening Ceremony/Taiko Drums Japanese Garden/Yagura Stage 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. !! Tozan Ryu with Luck Eisa Shoenberg Theater noon–1 p.m. !! Syodo Shoenberg Theater noon–1 p.m. Martial Arts—Karate Chinese Garden Lawn noon–1:30 p.m. !! Cooking Demonstration Kemper Kitchen noon–1:30 p.m. !! Cooking Demonstration Kemper Kitchen Schedule Of Events noon–7 p.m. $ Teahouse Island Tours (hourly) Japanese Garden noon–7 p.m. $ Teahouse Island Tours (hourly) Japanese Garden 12:30–1:30 p.m. Martial Arts—Kendo Lehmann Lawn 1–1:30 p.m. Ice Sculpture Bottlebrush Buckeye 1–1:30 p.m. Ice Sculpture Bottlebrush Buckeye 1–2 p.m. !! Kimono Fashion Show Shoenberg Theater 1–2:30 p.m. Ikebana Demonstration Orthwein Floral Display Hall 1–2:30 p.m. Ikebana Demonstration Orthwein Floral Display Hall 1–5 p.m. Children’s Activities Spink Pavilion 1:30–2 p.m. Dashi Procession Spink Pavilion Origami Demonstration Jordan Education Wing 1:30–2:30 p.m. Martial Arts—Kendo Lehmann Lawn 1:30–2 p.m. !! Hana Children's Chorus Shoenberg Theater 2–3 p.m. St. Louis Osuwa Taiko Cohen Amphitheater 1:30–2:30 p.m. St. Louis Eisa and Luck Cohen Amphitheater 2–4 p.m. Origami Demonstration Jordan Education Wing 2–3 p.m. Martial Arts—Karate Chinese Garden Lawn 2:30–3:30 p.m. !! Kimono Fashion Show Shoenberg Theater 2:30–3:30 p.m. !! Niji Choral Group Shoenberg Theater 3–3:30 p.m. Dashi Procession Cohen Amphitheater 3–4 p.m. Martial Arts—Koryu Bugei Knolls 3–4:30 p.m. Ikebana Demonstration Orthwein Floral Display Hall 3–4:30 p.m. Ikebana Demonstration Orthwein Floral Display Hall !! Cooking Demonstration Kemper Kitchen !! Cooking Demonstration Kemper Kitchen 3:30–4 p.m. Japanese Storytelling Yagura Stage 4–5 p.m. !! Cosplay Fashion Show ✳ Shoenberg Theater 3:30–4:30 p.m. Martial Arts—Koryu Bugei Knolls St. Louis Eisa and Luck Cohen Amphitheater 4–5 p.m. !! Samurai Sword Soul Shoenberg Theater 5–6 p.m. Martial Arts—Judo Lehmann Lawn St. Louis Eisa and Luck Cohen Amphitheater Gaku Music Jordan Education Wing 4:30–5:30 p.m. Gaku Music Jordan Education Wing 5:30–6:30 p.m. !! Introduction to Kimono Shoenberg Theater 5:30–6:30 p.m. Bon Odori Dancing Yagura Stage Bon Odori Dancing Japanese Garden/Yagura Stage 6–7 p.m. !! Samurai Sword Soul Shoenberg Theater 5:30–7 p.m. !! Cooking Demonstration Kemper Kitchen 5:30–7 p.m. !! Cooking Demonstration Kemper Kitchen 7–8 p.m. !! Samurai Sword Soul Shoenberg Theater 7–8 p.m. St. Louis Osuwa Taiko Cohen Amphitheater Martial Arts—Aikido St. Louis Lehmann Lawn 7:15–7:45 p.m. Sutra Blessing Japanese Garden St. Louis Osuwa Taiko Cohen Amphitheater 7:30–10 p.m. !! Karaoke Shoenberg Theater 7:15–7:45 p.m. Sutra Blessing Japanese Garden 8–8:30 p.m. Toro Nagashi Japanese Garden 8–8:30 p.m. Toro Nagashi Japanese Garden 8–10 p.m. Candlelight Walk Japanese Garden 8–10 p.m. !! Anime Movie–The Girl Who Leapt Through Time Shoenberg Theater Candlelight Walk Japanese Garden ✳ We welcome all cosplayers to the festival, !! Limited Seating—Please Arrive Early but please make sure that your costumes are $ Additional Fee family appropriate and leave your weapons at home—even if they are harmless props. 7 | JAPANESE FESTIVAL 8 MERCHANDISE VENDORS ART EXHIBITS Animeggroll Bonsai and Ikebana Anime St. Louis Orthwein Floral Display Hall | Niji | | Aikido | | Toro Nagashi | Arise, Inc. Calligraphy Exhibit Bonsai Society of Greater Monsanto Exhibition Hall St. Louis MONDAY, September 5 Cass Bonsai Gardens FOOD VENDORS 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Guided Walking Tours Japanese Garden Copper Crane Pottery BBC Asian Bar and Café (every half hour) of the Japanese Garden (north entrance) East Link Gifts & Design Café Roji 10–11 a.m. Martial Arts—Koryu Bugei Knolls Far East Emporium Drunken Fish St. Louis Eisa and Luck Cohen Amphitheater Gilbert Chen Ed’s Foods 10–11:30 a.m. Bonsai Demonstration Orthwein Floral Display Hall Heavenly Cranes Jewelry Japan America Society/ 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Origami Demonstration Jordan Education Wing Japan America Society Seinen Kai Committee 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Japanese Craft Demonstrations Jordan Education Wing Women’s Association Japanese American Children’s Activities Spink Pavilion Japanese American Silver Circle Citizens League The Marketplace Balloon Art Kemper Center for Home Gardening Kodomo No Asobi, La Patisserie Chouquette Bonsai and Ikebana Display Orthwein Floral Display Hall Japanese Language School Kampai Sushi Bar 10:30–11:30 a.m. !! Syodo Shoenberg Theater Natsukashi-ya Niji Choral Group Martial Arts—St. Louis Ki Society Lehmann Lawn Pomegranate Designs Ozark Forest Mushrooms 11 a.m.–4 p.m. $ Teahouse Island Tours (hourly) Japanese Garden Raku Yaki Sushi Kitchen 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Ikebana (hands-on experience) Orthwein Floral Display Hall SumoFish Design United Provisions noon–1 p.m. Samurai Sword Soul Shoenberg Theater Suwa/St. Louis Sister City St. Louis Eisa and Luck Cohen Ampitheater Committee noon–1:30 p.m. !! Cooking Demonstration Kemper Kitchen 1–1:30 p.m. Ice Sculpture Bottlebrush Buckeye 1:30–2 p.m. Dashi Procession Spink Pavilion 1:30–2:30 p.m. Martial Arts—Judo Lehmann Lawn !! Ishinomaki Tomodachi Yukata Show Shoenberg Theater | Marketplace | 2–3 p.m. St. Louis Osuwa Taiko Cohen Amphitheater 3–3:30 p.m. Dashi Procession Cohen Amphitheater 3–4 p.m. !! Samurai Sword Soul Shoenberg Theater 3–4:30 p.m. !! Cooking Demonstration Kemper Kitchen 4–5 p.m. St. Louis Eisa and Luck Cohen Amphitheater
!! Limited Seating—Please Arrive Early $ Additional Fee
Find the top spinner, candy artist, and stilt walker throughout the festival
97 | JAPANESE FESTIVAL 10 KEMPER CENTER FOR COHEN TAIKOBASHI HOME GARDENING AMPHITHEATER YATSUHASHI BRIDGE (DRUM) Cooking Demonstrations, Luck Eisa, Taiko, Balloon Art BRIDGE (ZIGZAG) Dashi, St. Louis Eisa TEAHOUSE Okinawa Kenjinkai TOGETSUKYO ISLAND YAGURA STAGE BRIDGE (FLAT), KOI Opening Ceremony, Bon Odori, Storytelling
PLUM VIEWING ARBOR BOAT-SHAPED BASIN RIDGWAY VISITOR CENTER Teahouse Island Ticket Sales* Japanese Garden Tour, JORDAN EDUCATION WING Candlelight Walks, Japanese Crafts, Gaku Music, Origami Toro Nagashi MONSANTO HALL SEIWA-EN Syodo Exhibit JAPANESE GARDEN CHINESE GARDEN Martial Arts–Karate ORTHWEIN FLORAL DISPLAY HALL Bonsai, Ikebana SHOENBERG THEATER Raku Yaki Anime Movie, Cosplay Fashion Show, Karaoke, Kimono Fashion Show, Hana, Ishinomaki Tomodachi Yukata Show, Introduction to Kimono, Niji, Tozan Ryu, BOTTLEBRUSH Samurai Sword Soul, KEY BUCKEYE Syodo Performance, Yukata Show Ice Sculpture CLIMATRON Amezaiku Map of the Festival Map of Restrooms Dining LEHMANN LAWN Martial Arts–Aikido, Japanese Judo, Kendo Marketplace Family Beverage Restroom Vending
Accessible Drinking KNOLLS Bon Odori, Dashi, Restroom Fountain Martial Arts–Koryu Bugei and Omikoshi SPINK PAVILION Children’s Activities, ATM Hydration Station Dashi Procession, Food Natsukashi-ya Court Parade First Aid Route
* Teahouse Island tickets available only at the entrance to Plum Viewing Arbor. 40 th Anniversary In the following decades, Japanese arrivals in St. Louis, many employed JAPANE SE by international firms, added a Pokémon at the Garden new dimension, and performers and artisans from Japan were One of Japan’s most beloved exports, Pokémon, has taken FESTIVAL added to the event. What started hold at the Garden. Bellsprouts, Beedrills, and Bulbasaurs St. Louis has been home to a as a small celebration with local abound! Pokémon Go players are encouraged to visit all of our Japanese Festival for more than half focus has evolved into the largest 43 PokéStops, compete to be the very best at one of our three a century. Early festivals were held in Japanese Festival in the US, in both gyms, and hatch an egg or two along the way. Be sure to check out the church basements and parking lots. attendance and the size of Anime St. Louis booth in Monsanto Hall to participate in the PokéStop As Seiwa-en, the Japanese Garden, the program. and Smell the Roses scavenger hunt. While you’re on the prowl to fill your began taking shape in the seventies, Pokédex, please do not walk in any mulched or planted garden beds. the Garden and the Japanese- MBG’s 40th Japanese Festival is There will be plenty of Pokémon on the paths. Happy hunting! American community worked a time to reflect on its dedicated together to bring the Festival to originators and to enjoy its the Garden. meaningful and exciting present. 11 | JAPANESE FESTIVAL 12 TOURS Teahouse Island The private Teahouse Island of the Japanese Garden will be open for guided public tours. Across a narrow cove and dobashi, or earthen bridge, is Teahouse Island. At the end of the bridge stands a snow-viewing lantern, yukimi-doro, a gift from St. Louis’s sister city of Suwa, Japan. The teahouse itself, a gift from Missouri’s sister state of Nagano, Japan, is sacred in Japanese culture. This soan, or “farm hut” style teahouse, was built in Japan, reassembled here by Japanese craftsmen, and dedicated with a Shinto ceremony in 1977. The teahouse is screened by hedges to create a sense of remoteness. | Opening Ceremony | Teahouse Island Tour Schedule Sat. and Sun., September 3 and 4 Mon., September 5 Set 1: noon, 1, 2, 3 p.m. Set 1: 11 a.m., noon, 1 p.m. 2016 Festival Events Set 2: 4, 5, 6, 7 p.m. Set 2: 2, 3, 4 p.m. OPENING CEREMONY Tickets are $5 per person and will be sold twice daily at the Plum Viewing Honored guests, including government officials and dignitaries from Arbor. Tickets go on sale one hour before the first scheduled tour of each sponsoring organizations, will officially open the Japanese Festival. set, and are sold for all tours in that set at once. There are only 20 spots Opening ceremonies will include music, remarks by distinguished available for each tour. Tours begin on the hour. guests, the ritual of kagamiwari (breaking into the sake barrel), and a Cash only. Maximum four tickets per person. performance by the St. Louis Osuwa Taiko drummers. Sake cups are available for purchase at the site for $10. Japanese Garden Guided Walking Tours Saturday, 11 a.m., Japanese Garden Tours begin every half hour near the boat-shaped basin at the north entrance to the Japanese Garden, for no additional charge. All three days, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (see map on pages 11–12)
During the Heian period, the art Candlelight Walks of amezaiku was imported from Enjoy self-guided evening tours around the Japanese Garden, splendidly China and was probably first used illuminated by shoji lanterns. AMEZAIKU in Japan for candy offerings made Saturday and Sunday evenings, 8 to 10 p.m. Candy Artist Amezaiku is Japanese candy craft at temples in the former capital city artistry. Artists take multi-colored of Kyoto. The amezaiku craft spread taffy and, using their hands and beyond the temple during the Edo | Teahouse Island | other tools such as tweezers and period, when many forms of street scissors, creates a sculpture. performance flourished in Japan and Amezaiku artists also paint their when its base ingredient, mizuame, sculpted candy with edible dyes became widely available. In the city to give the finished work more of Edo, it emerged in its present character. Animals and insects are artistic form. common amezaiku shapes created Throughout the festival, Climatron to appeal to children. Intricate animal characters are created with expert speed. 13 | | JAPANESE JAPANESE FESTIVAL FESTIVAL 14 cares about. By the time she realizes the damage she’s done, she’ll have ANIME to race against time to set BON ODORI BONSAI Cartoon Animation things right. Saturday, 8 p.m., Shoenberg Theater Summer Festival Dancing Ornamental Trees and Plantings Anime is the term for Japanese During the heat of late summer, Bonsai is the art of growing trees cartoon animation, a celebrated the Buddhist festival of Obon and plants on a scale that makes entertainment industry in Japan that celebrates the return of the spirits the plants far smaller than they has gained popularity overseas. of the dead to Earth. They wander would be if they were left in the Distinguished by stylized, doe-eyed BALLOON ART through their ancestral villages wild. Bonsai plants are not special characters and frenetic action, The Sanders family balloon artists offering prayers to homes and varieties, but rather specially pruned examples of anime include Speed have been twisting Japanese- businesses they pass. This ritual and kept in small containers to limit Racer and Pokémon. Typically, themed balloons at the Japanese has evolved into bon odori, a their growth. anime are inspired by comic books Festival for the last seven years. festival dance that marks the end First developed in ancient China, (called manga in Japan), which are The balloon art is inspired by of summer all over Japan. The often very sophisticated and appeal Japanese themes and icons. Their bonsai achieved remarkable dancers wear colorful cotton after- sophistication once imported to to adults as well as most popular sculpture by far is bath kimonos called yukata with younger audiences. the giant octopus, known as tako. Japan. Bonsai are classified by the 2016 Festival Events sandals and a fan. Music is played general shape of their trunks (formal
The octopus is a very common Information General from the yagura, or elevated stage, upright, slanting, and cascading), The Girl Who Leapt ingredient in Japanese cuisine. and today it may be electronic, but as well as by size. Some are so Through Time A traditional method of catching there is always a taiko drum to set Mamoru Hosoda’s breakout film, octopus in Japan is by the use of a large they require two to three the beat. people to move them, and others The Girl Who Leapt Through Time, tako tsubo. Come visit the balloon Saturday, 10:30 a.m. (Festival Procession) was the first film in history to win the artists’ station to see an octopus and 5:30 p.m.; Sunday, 5:30 p.m., are so tiny they can be balanced, Japan Academy Prize for Animation balloon hiding in a tsubo! Yagura Stage pot and all, on a fingertip. Demonstrations all three days, 10 a.m.; of the Year. While the film contains The artists have several other Displayed throughout the festival, some supernatural elements, the balloon designs inspired by Orthwein Floral Display Hall story stays grounded in reality and Japanese culture and folklore. They focused on the relatable human have a display that features photos traits of his heroine Makoto Konno. of the inspiration for each balloon That focus on creating engaging and includes a description as well as characters has become a Hosoda the name of the balloon in Japanese | Bon Odori | signature that gives each of his films (hiragana and katakana). The balloon genuine heart and lasting appeal. artists are also very pleased to be After discovering she can leap able to offer authentic Japanese through time, high school student water yo-yos at the festival. Makoto Konno does what any teenager would do. She retakes These are very traditional Japanese tests, corrects embarrassing toy balloons and have been found at situations, and sleeps in as late as summer festivals (matsuri) in Japan she wants, never thinking that her for as long as balloons have carefree time traveling could have been made. a negative effect on the people she Daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Kemper Center for Home Gardening, $ minimal charge
1516 | || JAPANESE JAPANESEJAPANESE FESTIVAL FESTIVALFESTIVAL 1617 | Dashi |
COOKING DEMONSTRATIONS Each day of the festival, cooking demonstrations will feature a member of the St. Louis Japanese community cooking authentic Japanese meals as they would for their families at home that can easily be prepared using ingredients found at any local food store. Saturday and Sunday, noon, 3, and 5:30 p.m.; Monday, noon and 3 p.m., Kemper Kitchen Limited seating—Please arrive early
2016 Festival Events
COSPLAY CRAFT DEMOS DASHI Parade Float Pulled by Children FASHION SHOW & SALES The dashi is a beautiful parade float Cosplay is an amalgamation of Origami, hari-e (Chigiri-e, torn that is typically pulled through the the words “costume” and “play.” pictures), paper crafts, embroidery, town by children. In Japan, dashis In cosplay, participants dress up kimekomi dolls, kumihimo, temari, are used at festivals, where the as characters from films, books, ikat, oshi-eh, and more. Participate drums provide a fun street beat. and comics using costumes in the creation of various Japanese Our dashi is pulled by the students and accessories. There is also crafts in an ongoing workshop of the Japanese Language School an element of role-play among offered by several crafters, and children attending the festival. “cosplayers”; the objective in including the Weavers Guild of It can also be found at Spink cosplay is to replicate the character St. Louis. Pavilion for any children that would rather than just dressing in Monday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., like to try out the drum. Jordan Education Wing costume. The number of people Saturday, 10:30 a.m. (Festival Procession); involved in cosplay as a hobby Sunday, 1:30 and 3 p.m.; Monday, 1:30 has rapidly expanded, and it has and 3 p.m., Spink Pavilion and become a significant aspect of Cohen Amphitheater popular culture, especially in Asia, where the influence of cosplay has reached into Japanese | Cosplay Fashion Show | street fashion. Attention to detail is essential to We welcome all cosplayers to the festival, cosplay, as is the celebration but please make sure that your costumes are of creativity. family appropriate and leave your weapons at Saturday, 4 to 5 p.m., Shoenberg Theater home—even if they are harmless props.
17 | | JAPANESE JAPANESE FESTIVAL FESTIVAL 18 inner kimono layer (juban) through | Introduction tying the elaborate ornamental to Kimono | sash (obi). GAKU IKEBANA Saturday, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., This Japanese instrumental Flower Arrangement Shoenberg Theater ensemble plays a variety of popular Ikebana (literally “living flowers”) is music and folk songs from Japan, the unique Japanese art form of
featuring koto, shamisen, arranging flowers and other natural and taishogoto. materials for display. Developed Saturday, 5 p.m.; Sunday, 4:30 p.m., in the 13th century by Buddhist St. Louis Jordan Education Wing priests, ikebana gradually became a secular art with specific schools, ISHINOMAKI or ryu, each with its own distinctive TOMODACHI style. Within these ryu, secret HANA YUKATA SHOW Japanese Language techniques were taught to initiates, and ranks were conferred. The Japan America Society of School Children’s Group St. Louis began this youth exchange The children’s chorus group Hana, Although attractive arrangements program in 2013 by welcoming 2016 Festival Events which means “flower” in Japanese, are created in ikebana, this is Japanese students to St. Louis and is from the St. Louis Japanese not actually the purpose of the then sending American students Language School. The songs they art. Rather, ikebana enthusiasts to Ishinomaki in alternating years. perform have a sound that is both use flowers to express a deep Funded by Operation Tomodachi, beautiful and nostalgic. The students, awareness of life and to bring the program supports long-term who range in age from 5 to 10 years them into a closer identification recovery efforts of Japan from the old, wear casual summer kimonos with nature. Ikebana is sometimes earthquake and tsunami of and will be singing and dancing. referred to as kado, the Way of March 11, 2011. The program While viewing the performance, you Flowers, signifying its role as a focuses on leadership development will soon realize that you do not need philosophical path through life. among young people through to understand Japanese in order to Demonstrations Saturday and Sunday, educational and cultural exchanges. 1 and 3 p.m.; Monday, 11:30 a.m. (hands-on enjoy their engaging performance. The St. Louis-Ishinomaki Tomodachi Saturday, 1:30 p.m., Shoenberg Theater experience), Orthwein Floral Display Hall Show features student presentations from the 2016 trip to Ishinomaki and a summer festival dance from INTRODUCTION TO Ishinomaki. The show concludes ICE SCULPTURE with a raffle of a pair of ANA JAPANESE Sculpting blocks of ice is a popular KIMONO economy-class tickets to celebrate art form in Japan, especially at The Japan America Society of STORYTELLING an enduring friendship between Japanese folklore told from the annual winter festival on the St. Louis features a variety of Japan and the United States. children’s books, songs, and streets of downtown Sapporo, on kimono from very casual to formal in this one-hour show. The program Monday, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., famous novels. the northern island of Hokkaido. Shoenberg Theater Sunday, 3:30 p.m., Yagura Stage The featured artist at the festival provides detailed explanations of is Naomi Hamamura, who is the dressing processes, occasions corporate chef of Wasabi Culinary and seasons, colors, and symbols and Catering in St. Louis. shown on kimono. The program also All three days, 1 p.m., includes a demonstration of how Bottlebrush Buckeye Path a kimono is put together from the
19 | | JAPANESE JAPANESE FESTIVAL FESTIVAL 20 routines include many amazing feats not found anywhere else and KARAOKE provide, among serious Japanese MARTIAL ARTS– Karaoke is a Japanese compound KODOMO NO ASOBI arts, unique, lighthearted fun for both Children’s Game Area word consisting of kara, a shortened young and old. KORYU BUGEI The St. Louis Japanese Language form of karappo meaning “empty,” All three days, throughout the festival Classical Martial Arts School offers activities for children Combative disciplines that date and oke, a shortened form of such as origami, calligraphy, and face back to the feudal period of okesutura, or “orchestra.” Prior to the painting. Twice a day, students will Japan, these arts were designed rise of karaoke, Japanese custom perform—in English—a traditional LUCK EISA exclusively for military conflict at private parties was for guests to one-person comedy routine called Festival Dancing and practiced by the samurai sing solo while the others kept time rakugo. There is also a kimono dress- New! See page 3 for class. Koryu have always been by clapping. Karaoke started around up corner for children and adults, so more information. taught through the ryu, a system 1970. It was then commercialized don’t forget to bring your camera! Saturday, 1:30 and 4 p.m.; of teaching and transmission and became popular all over Japan. Sunday, 4 p.m.; Monday, 10 a.m., Saturday, 1 to 5 p.m.; from one generation to the next Now karaoke is not only present in noon, and 4 p.m., Cohen Amphitheater Sunday and Monday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., that changed little in centuries. Japan and Asia, but has a following Spink Pavilion There were several thousand in Europe and the United States. 2016 Festival Events Sunday, 7:30 p.m., Shoenberg Theater martial ryu during Japan’s history, but with the abolition MARTIAL ARTS– of feudalism, the majority of KOINOBORI BUDO these died out. Today, about Koi Windsock Display Modern Martial Arts 300 koryu are extant in Japan. KIMONO The carp (koi) is an important symbol Aikido, judo, karate, kendo: the Rarely taught and practiced FASHION SHOW for children in Japanese culture. modern martial arts of Japan are outside the country, koryu are The formal art of traditional kimono When first hooked, the carp fights now popular worldwide. These arts maintained for their extraordinary dressing is celebrated each year at with all its strength but accepts the were developed in Japan after the historical, cultural, and this festival. inevitable with composure. Each end of the feudal era in that country moral value. Sunday, 1 and 2:30 p.m., year on May 5, koi banners are in 1867. Unlike ancient martial Saturday, 3 p.m.; Sunday, 3:30 p.m.; and Monday, 10 a.m., Knolls Shoenberg Theater flown above Japanese homes where arts used by the samurai on the Limited seating–Please arrive early children live. They are displayed over battlefield, today’s martial arts, or the Yagura Stage in the Japanese budo, are practiced in Japan and elsewhere by people from all walks | Koryu Bugei | Garden. Koi fish can be seen near of life. The ultimate goal of Japan’s NIJI the Togetsukyo Flat Bridge. Japanese Choral Group martial “ways” lies in the perfection All three days, displayed throughout the Everyone’s heard of sushi, even if of aesthetic form, the cultivation of festival and Japanese Garden you don’t like raw fish. But what moral energy, and the promotion of | Taiko | about music about fish, and beans, spiritual harmony with others. and noodles, and sake, etc.? Aikido: Saturday, 7 p.m. Sunday, 10:30 a.m., This year, the Niji Choral Group KOMA–MAWASHI and Monday, 10:30 a.m. will sing selections from the vast Top Spinning Judo: Saturday, 5 p.m., array of Japanese songs about This art of family entertainment and Monday, 1:30 p.m. food and festivals. Join our voices evolved from traditional Japanese Karate: Saturday, 2 p.m., and traditional instruments as we children’s play. It takes great skill and Sunday, noon celebrate Japanese food in song. to manipulate a plain, primitive toy Kendo: Saturday, 12:30 p.m., and Sunday, 1:30 p.m. Saturday, 2:30 p.m., Shoenberg Theater top with a rope. Dr. Hiroshi Tada’s See schedule for locations
21 | | JAPANESE JAPANESE FESTIVAL FESTIVAL 22 fascinating of the Asian arts, affected by the Tohuko examples of origami can be found earthquake and tsunami OMIKOSHI in literature during the Edo era ST. LOUIS EISA of 2011. Shinto Shrine Parade (17th–19th century). This year’s performance will Saturday, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.; OKINAWA For most of the year, the spirits Sunday, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.; feature a special musical of Japan’s Shinto shrines reside Monday, 10 a.m., Jordan Education Wing KENJINKAI performance from quietly. On special occasions, Popular Folk Songs and Dance Andrew Thalheimer of however, a Shinto portable shrine— This year, the St. Louis Okinawa St. Louis Osuwa Taiko. the omikoshi—houses the spirits Kenjinkai group is celebrating their Saturday, noon; Monday, 10:30 a.m., and is paraded through the temple 20th anniversary! Their performance Shoenberg Theater; neighborhood. Omikoshi means will feature the ancient form of Exhibit in Monsanto Hall throughout RAKU YAKI the festival “litter of the gods”; it is an elaborate Japanese Pottery traditional folk dance called Eisa. wooden structure adorned with Raku is an ancient Japanese firing This style of dancing began as a lacquered gable roof, carried technique in which clay pots and part of the Bon festival, which Sponsored by: on long beams inserted into its vessels are quickly brought up to was held each year to honor the base. The Shinto parade of the temperature in a small kiln. After Ryukyu ancestors. Modern Eisa is TAIKO omikoshi is a boisterous affair. maturation of the glazes, the kiln performed all throughout Okinawa St. Louis Osuwa Taiko 2016 Festival Events Fortified by copious amounts of is opened and the red-hot pots are in festivals and parades as a lively Taiko means “big drum” sake, the carriers bear their sacred removed to cool down in a variety of and exciting choreographed dance in Japanese. The art form burden in a rolling, rocking gait. ways. The sudden cooling causes accompanied by singing, chanting, combines choreography with As the parade sways through the the glazes to crackle, giving raku and drumming. There are three thunderous drumming on streets, the crowd applauds as ware its characteristic look. Jim different sizes of Taiko drums instruments made out of tree the omikoshi dips and tilts. At the Howe and assistants will create that are used by the dancers in trunks and barrels. various combinations, depending close of the festival, the omikoshi raku ware. Taiko have been played for upon regional style: the odaiko, a is returned to its temple in the Throughout the festival in a tent near the centuries at shrines and festivals. Children’s Garden large barrel drum, the shimedaiko, ritual of kami-okuri, ensuring the St. Louis Osuwa Taiko can trace its a medium-sized drum, and the spirits are safely home again. roots to the father of modern taiko, paarankuu, a small hand drum. Eisa Omikoshi carriers wear hanten which evolved in the 1950s thanks is an important cultural symbol or happi, waist-length jackets to Grandmaster Daihachi Oguchi of Okinawa. emblazoned with daimon, designs SAMURAI of Suwa, Japan, St. Louis’ sister that incorporate the logos of town Saturday, 1:30 and 4 p.m.; Sunday, 4 p.m.; Monday, 10 a.m., city. Oguchi-sensei, a jazz drummer, associations or companies. SWORD SOUL Samurai Theater Company noon, and 4 p.m., Cohen Amphitheater arranged the various sized taiko to Saturday, 10:30 a.m. (Festival Procession); play them as an ensemble, elevating Sunday, 1:30 and 3 p.m.; Monday, 1:30 and New! See page 4 for 3 p.m., Spink Pavilion and more information. taiko into a performance art. Cohen Amphitheater Saturday, 7 p.m.; Sunday, 4 and After founding the original Osuwa 6 p.m.; Monday, noon and 3 p.m., SYODO Daiko, Oguchi-sensei traveled to Shoenberg Theater Large-Scale Calligraphy St. Louis in 1986 to start St. Louis Demonstration Osuwa Taiko. ORIGAMI Seiran Chiba is a calligrapher from The art of folding paper has been Japan who also serves as an Attaka St. Louis Osuwa Taiko began as practiced in Japan for centuries. Fukushima Tourism Ambassador. a children’s group but has since Perhaps the simplest but most She will introduce her personal evolved into a nonprofit organization calligraphy style, as well as share devoted to sharing taiko throughout the story of her calligraphy tour Missouri and elsewhere through in Fukushima, an area that was year-round performances, and
2319 | | JAPANESE JAPANESE FESTIVAL FESTIVAL 24 classes and workshops for children, SPONSORSHIP SUPPORT BY adults and seniors. The talented all-volunteer group plays a mix of traditional, modern, and TORO NAGASHI original pieces. Lantern ceremony Late summer in Japan means Obon, St. Louis Osuwa Taiko continues to the festival when the spirits of the FRIENDS OF THE JAPANESE FESTIVAL foster its relationship and cultural dead return to spend time with BioKyowa, Inc. Japanese American Citizens League, exchange with Osuwa Daiko and the living. Consulate General of Japan in Chicago St. Louis Chapter traveled to Japan in August 2014 Bon Odori (dancing) celebrates Japan America Society of St. Louis Nippon Express USA, Inc. to study and perform with its parent Women’s Association Sushi Sen this; the Toro Nagashi ceremony group. Osuwa Daiko has also does as well. Lanterns are inscribed visited St. Louis, most recently to with the names of those deceased, perform at the Japanese Festival The Missouri Botanical Garden thanks the Japanese Activities then lit and set afloat as a way of at the Missouri Botanical Garden Committee, a coalition of organizations that include: accompanying the spirits as they in 2013. Oguchi-sensei said taiko Japanese American Citizens League—Devoted to the special needs and depart for another year. has universal appeal. “Your heart is interests of the Japanese American community. a taiko. All people listen to a taiko Lanterns may be purchased at Japan America Society of St. Louis—Devoted to promoting business and rhythm, dontsuku-dontsuku, in their the St. Louis–Suwa Sister City cultural ties between America and Japan. 2016 Festival Sponsors Festival 2016 mother’s womb,” he once told The Committee booth in Monsanto Hall. Japan America Society of St. Louis Women’s Association—Assists Associated Press. “It’s instinct to be At 8 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, Japanese and American women in cultural exchange. drawn to taiko drumming.” they will be lit and set afloat on the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of St. Louis—Founded for Saturday, 7 p.m.; Sunday, 2 and 7 p.m.; lake at Seiwa-en. the purpose of promoting trade, commerce, goodwill, and partnership between Monday, 2 p.m., Cohen Amphitheater Reverend Clark Watanabe of the Japan and the United States. Honomu Henjoji Buddhist Mission St. Louis Japanese Language School for Children—An institution providing
will be giving an invocation on each Japanese language instruction for children in Missouri and Illinois. night at the site. St. Louis–Suwa Sister City Committee—Seeks to further ties between TAKEUMA Saturday and Sunday, 8 p.m., St. Louis and our sister city of Suwa in Nagano Prefecture, Japan. Japanese stilt walking Japanese Garden St. Louis Japan Society—Primary purpose is for Japanese nationals in the Takeuma literally means “bamboo area to meet and socialize. horse.” An age-old children’s activity Seinen Committee—An organization for young Japanese/American professionals. in Japan, takeuma consists of stilts The Office of the Consulate General of Japan in Chicago—Represents the originally crafted from bamboo. Japanese government in Missouri and other Midwestern states. After lots of practice, children are TOZAN RYU able to run, climb stairs, or do The music, dancing, and singing of other balancing acts on these the Okinawan people vastly differ © 2016 Missouri Botanical Garden / Booklet design by: Emily Rogers stilts. In modern Japan, takeuma is from those of mainland Japan. Photos by: Emily Amberger, Lisa Delorenzo Hager, John Evans, Sheridan Hentrich, Christopher increasingly rare. However, it’s still Tozan Ryu combines the traditional Gibbons, Ning He,Tom Incrocci, Sonya Lalla, Jean McCormack, John Nezam, Kat Nienhaus, possible to see some of this low- style of Japanese classical dance Mary Lou Olson, Ryan Rumberger, Jill Setlich, Nathan Wagner, and Diane Wilson tech fun in the high-tech world. with popular music, rather than All three days, throughout the festival Japanese classical music, for an SUSTAINABILITY exciting mix. The Missouri Botanical Garden strives to make the most sustainable choices for the future of Sunday, 11:30 a.m., Shoenberg Theater people, plants, and the planet. This publication is printed on paper containing 100% post- consumer recycled content manufactured with wind power. We hope that you will recycle it, when finished, or pass it along to a friend. Thanks to our vendors, volunteers, and visitors for keeping this huge event’s footprint small. YOU help the Garden show the way to be Green Today—Greener Tomorrow!
2521 | | JAPANESEJAPANESE FESTIVALFESTIVAL 26 UPCOMING EVENTS AT THE GARDEN
BEST OF MISSOURI MARKET Sept. 30–Oct. 2 | 9 a.m.–5 p.m. More than 120 food producers and crafters offer baked goods, fresh and dried flowers, live plants, handcrafted items, baskets, furniture, custom jewelry, children’s activities, live music, and more.
SPIRITS IN THE GARDEN Oct. 28 | 6–9 p.m. Celebrate All Hallows’ Eve with the spirit of Henry Shaw while sampling botanical spirits from local distilleries. Strut your stuff in a costume contest, dance to spooky tunes, and learn about the history of the Garden.
GARDENLAND EXPRESS Nov.–Dec. | 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Delight in viewing G-scale trains of many eras as they travel along 900 feet of track through a miniature holiday landscape made up of festive decorations and thousands of plants, poinsettias, and flowers.
GARDEN GLOW Nov. 18–Jan. 1, 2017 | 5–10 p.m. Garden Glow features a million lights surrounding visitors with a spectacle of unique installations amid some of the Garden’s most iconic locations. Enjoy photo opportunities, holiday music, and delicious food and drinks.
4344 Shaw Blvd. | St. Louis, MO 63110 | (314) 577-5100 | www.mobot.org