Introduction to CEREMONIAL JAPAN Japanese civilisation is such stuff that dreams are made of. So rich and vast that it is almost a complete universe unto itself. Join us for the first of what we imagine will be many immersive excursions into the rich ceremonial art forms of this extraordinary island. There are many territories to cover — from the Japanese language of smell (curiously, yet perfectly referred to as ‘listening’ ceremonies) to origami and calligraphy — but this ‘Introduction’ will focus on three specific corners of the Japanese arts: tea ceremonies, sake, and the wonderful, sensual world of Japanese classical theatre (which pre-dates Western opera by two centuries). Some (like tea) appear simple, but we’ll reveal how there are whole worlds inside. Others appear impenetrable (like ‘Noh’ or sake), and there we will seek to simplify and demystify. Either way, we promise an experience oriented around joy and discovery — the Japanese way. 84
Natori Shunsen’s Sawamura Gennosuke IV as Niki Danjo (1928), colour woodblock print 85
