1. Japanese Art: Shodo Calligraphy There are 3 styles which range from very precise to very free-form Ink is made from charcoal and water Brushes are made of bamboo and animal hair Pieces are signed with artist's name and stamp It takes a lifetime to learn because there are 48,000 characters! Traditionally only black ink is used “Peace”

2. Japanese Art: Wood Block Prints The paintings are literally called “pictures of the floating world” It is the “floating world,” because it is temporary/momentary Pictures are usually of landscapes, people, or theater scenes Pieces have been mass produced for 300 years! Traditionally in color Carefully made to overlay several different colors separately “The Great Wave”

3. Japanese Art: E-maki E-maki is short for emakimono and literally means “picture scroll” It is a horizontal, illustrated narrative with text and pictures Can be drawn, painted, or stamped on a handscroll of paper or silk They traditionally tell about battles, religion, or folk tales Depiction From “The Tale of Genji”

4. Japanese Art: Sacred Tea Ceremony It is also referred to as the “Way of Tea” The ceremony centers around the very detailed preparation and presentation of matcha, powdered green tea It can consist just of tea time with small treats, or it can include a light snack or even a full meal The tea can be prepared “thick” or “thin” depending on how much powdered tea is used The ceremony is meant to spread peace, calm, health, friendship, and wisdom

5. Japanese Art: Sacred Tea Ceremony A Japanese Tea Ceremony can last up to 4 hours! This tradition is over 600 years old!

6. Kabuki Theatre Began 400 years ago in the city of Kyoto by a women named Okuni. The word for “Kabuki” comes from the Japanese words for song, dance, and acting. With emphasize on dance and acting. The plays typically focus on historical events and modern life.

7. Kabuki Actors Tachiyaku: are male actors playing male roles Onnagata: are male actors playing female roles Although Kabuki originated by a women, the roles soon after were only played by adult men in order to protect women and children. This tradition is still continued today.

8. Kabuki Music Music for Kabuki is composed by the three-stringed shamisen with a combination of flutes and drums, depending on the play. Nagauta is one type of kabuki which has singers that narrate the play.

9. Ikebana Ikebana is the art of arranging cut stems, leaves, and flowers in vases Has a history of about 700 years. While American flower arrangement focuses on many layers of flowers. Ikebana focuses on harmony between flower and container. The key is to use as few stems and leaves as possible to highlight the flowers' beauty. American flower arrangement Ikebana

10. Ikebana Styles The first three are done in bowl-shaped vases while the last is done in a dish-like container. There are several styles of arrangement. The most popular include: Rikka (standing flowers) seika orshoka (living flowers) nageire (flung flowers) the moribana (piled-up flowers)