East Hartford Public Library Presents Japan Week

Week of October 10-October 17
Posted on: September 26, 2019 - 2:37pm
japan week

East Hartford, CT—The culture of Japan will be center stage in East Hartford for a week-long series of programs from October 10 – October 17, 2019. Japan Week is organized by East Hartford resident Toshiko Uchino along with members of the US and Japan Society of Connecticut and Heart International Japan, with funding support from the East Hartford Commission on Culture and Fine Arts. Most programs will be held at the East Hartford Public Library.

The week will begin with a grand opening celebration on October 10 at 6 PM in honor of Lynita Shimizu’s wood block print exhibit to be held in the Creative Commons of the Raymond Library in conjunction with Japan Week programming. The reception will feature a shakuhachi (bamboo flute) performance. Lynita Shimizu has been creating woodcuts using the Japanese techniques of moku hanga (woodprint) since the mid-seventies. She studied in Kyoto with Tomikichiro Tokuriki, an ardent supporter of Sosaku Hanga and Shin Hanga and one of the most highly respected woodblock artists in twentieth century. Later in Tokyo, she studied with contemporary printmaker, Yoshisuke Funasaka. Her works have been exhibited throughout the world and a recipient of JAWK Prize 1 at Kyoto International Woodprint Exhibition. No registration is required for the opening reception.

On Saturday, October 12, Japan Week will continue with an outdoor event, shishimai (lion dancing) on the lawn of the library from 12:30 – 2 pm! Families are invited to see this thrilling performance. No registration required, just drop in. In the event of rain, the program will be moved indoors. Also on Saturday at the library at 2 PM, Lynita Shimizu will present a woodblock print drop-in demonstration in the Creative Commons. Curious about printmaking? Join us. For all ages, register for a reminder. Please note that the Hartford Marathon is scheduled for the same day, which will change the traffic patterns in Downtown East Hartford. The library parking lot will be accessible as usual from Central Avenue.

On Tuesday, October 15, we will hold a tea ceremony performance at the library from 1:00 – 3:30 PM. Join us for this remarkable opportunity to see a tea master perform a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. This informative and engaging program is best suited for adults, and registration is encouraged.

On Wednesday, October 16, Japan Week will move to the Senior Center for a calligraphy and ema-making class. Practice calligraphy, and write your name on an ema board to take home! Register through the Senior Center.

Japanese classical dance will take center stage for a performance at the library on Thursday, October 17 at 6:00 PM. Izumo Showchow, from Tokyo, Japan, will perform Akaneya Izumo style dance. For all ages, please register.

To register for Japan Week, visit our website: www.easthartfordct.gov/library or call the library at 860-290-4331. The East Hartford Public Library is located at 840 Main St., East Hartford. The East Hartford Senior Center is at 70 Canterbury St., East Hartford.