Workshops and Seminars
as of June 17, 2026
Enjoy Workshops and Seminars!
Workshop Area in the Main Hall of Meydenbauer Center
Saturday, June 27
Sat. June 27
10:30 AM - 11:15 AM
Japan’s Traditional Woodworking
Hideaki Kido - The Traditional Arts Super College of Kyoto (TASK)
日本の木工芸
木戸英明 - 京都伝統工芸大学校
About the Workshop: Japan’s traditional woodworking is known for its joinery techniques that do not use any nails. Intricate tenons are created on both sides to join the boards together.
Hideaki Kido is a junior at the Traditional Arts Super College of Kyoto (TASK) majoring Japan’s traditional woodworking. Hideaki will introduce this amazing technique and share his love for learning this traditional art with us.
About the Organization: The Traditional Arts Super College of Kyoto (TASK) is the only school in Japan where you can learn traditional crafts through a modern educational system. First-class crafts professionals provide you with direct instruction there. TASK’s systematic curriculum allows you to learn step by step from the basics to advanced techniques.
At TASK you can choose from 10 majors: Ceramics, Wood Carving, Buddha Engraving, Woodworking, Urushi (Japanese Lacquer), Makie (Lacquer Design), Metalworking, Bamboo Craft, Japanese Paper Craft, and Kyoto Kimono Hand Dye.
Sat. June 27
11:30 AM - 12:15 PM
Japan's Traditional Wood Carving
Yurika Matsuno - The Traditional Arts Super College of Kyoto (TASK)
日本の木彫刻
松野裕里香 - 京都伝統工芸大学校
About the Workshop: Japan's traditional wood carving is a centuries-old technique to create three-dimensional objects on a plane surface, such as a transom that divides the ceiling and sliding doors in a Japanese-style rooms, temples and shrines. Curved lines, connected to each other in a three dimensional fashion, create a world with diverse elements.
About the Organization: The Traditional Arts Super College of Kyoto (TASK) is the only school in Japan where you can learn traditional crafts through a modern educational system. First-class crafts professionals provide you with direct instruction there. TASK’s systematic curriculum allows you to learn step by step from the basics to advanced techniques.
At TASK you can choose from 10 majors: Ceramics, Wood Carving, Buddha Engraving, Woodworking, Urushi (Japanese Lacquer), Makie (Lacquer Design), Metalworking, Bamboo Craft, Japanese Paper Craft, and Kyoto Kimono Hand Dye.
Sat. June 27
12:30 PM - 1:15 PM
Yuzen/Tsutsugaki - Japanese Free Hand Paste Resist Textiles
David Paly
友禅・筒描きの魅力
ペイリー・デイヴィッド
About the Workshop: The history of this resist dye decorative fabric technique which is mostly from the Edo period is presented with examples from my collection.
Sat. June 27
1:30 PM - 2:15 PM
Living Bingata: Preserving Okinawa’s Royal Dyeing Art for Contemporary Life
Shingo Yamashiro - Gusuku Bingata Studio
生きる紅型：琉球王朝の染色芸術を現代の暮らしへつなぐ
山城慎吾 - 城紅型工房
About the Seminar: Learn about Bingata, the vibrant dyeing art of the Ryukyu Kingdom once used for royal kimono. The seminar traces the textile route from China through Okinawa to Japan, highlighting Okinawa’s rich dyeing and kimono textile heritage．We also introduce Gusuku Bingata Studio, a mother and daughters atelier that preserves traditional techniques while creating modern artworks and lifestyle items that bring Bingata into everyday life.
About of Organization: Gusuku Bingata Studio, located in Urasoe City, Okinawa, is a long‑established workshop dedicated to preserving and innovating the 500‑year tradition of Ryukyu Bingata, the island’s iconic resist‑dyeing art. For more than half a century, the studio has combined meticulous handcraftsmanship with contemporary design, creating vibrant textiles and everyday items that bring the beauty of Bingata into modern life. Guided by the concept of “Bingata in daily living,” the studio produces hand‑dyed garments, accessories, interior art pieces, and family‑friendly items, while also offering hands‑on dyeing experiences and a gallery where visitors can explore the depth and warmth of Okinawan color and pattern.
Sat. June 27
2:30 PM - 3:15 PM
About the Workshop: I am Kiho, a calligrapher based in Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan. I primarily teach calligraphy classes and perform live calligraphy demonstrations throughout Ishikawa.
In this calligraphy workshop, I hope participants will experience the joy and beauty of Japanese calligraphy through hands-on practice of its fundamental techniques.
This hands-on workshop is perfect for beginners and anyone interested in experiencing the beauty and creativity of Japanese calligraphy.
About the Instructor: Kiho founded the Hitotoki Calligraphy School in 2011 and has held annual exhibitions showcasing students' works. As an individual artist, Kiho has also presented several solo exhibitions throughout Japan.
Since 2022, Kiho has been actively engaged in live calligraphy performances. Working both individually and as part of a group that includes elementary and middle school student performers, Kiho has participated in numerous events and cultural programs in Japan and abroad.
Sat. June 27
4:00 PM - 4:45 PM
Hiro Shinozaki - Great Hikes Japan
日本でのアドベンチャートラベルについて
篠崎 洋昭 - グレートハイクスジャパン
About the Seminar: In recent years, overtourism has become an increasing challenge in Japan. Popular destinations such as Kyoto, Mount Fuji, also as a ski destination, Niseko, and Hakuba have experienced growing visitor numbers, resulting in congestion, environmental pressures, and impacts on local communities.
While these iconic destinations remain attractive, Japan offers a much broader range of experiences beyond its most visited locations. Across the country, travelers can discover traditional rural landscapes, unique regional cultures, local cuisine, outdoor adventures, and meaningful interactions with local residents. These experiences often provide a deeper understanding of Japan than conventional sightseeing alone.
This seminar will explore a different approach to travel in Japan—one that emphasizes authentic cultural exchange, responsible tourism, and meaningful engagement with local communities. Participants will learn about lesser-known regions, seasonal outdoor experiences, and opportunities to experience Japan through its people, traditions, and natural environments.
Through case studies and examples of community-based travel experiences, the seminar will highlight how small-group travel can contribute to a more sustainable and rewarding form of tourism while creating lasting memories and personal connections.
The seminar is intended for travelers who are interested in exploring Japan beyond the typical tourist routes and who wish to gain a deeper appreciation of the country's culture, landscapes, and regional diversity. Participants will also gain practical insights into planning future travel experiences that align with these values.
About the Organization: Hiking is at the heart of what we do, but our experiences go beyond the trail. We create immersive journeys that combine outdoor adventure with Japan’s cultural and natural highlights, offering a deeper way to experience the country.
Our trips often include iconic elements such as travel on the famous bullet train, stays in traditional ryokans, visits to historic villages, and time spent in regions known for their natural beauty and hot springs. Along the way, guests have opportunities to engage with Japan’s history, from ancient traditions and local folklore to samurai-era heritage and mountain culture.
We are committed to providing meaningful, small-group travel experiences that connect people with Japan’s landscapes, culture, and people in a more authentic and memorable way.
Sunday, June 28
Sun. June 28
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Fabulous Furoshiki – Japanese Fabric Wrapping Techniques
Lynn Miyauchi - Consulate-General of Japan in Seattle
素敵な風呂敷 - 日本の布で包む技術
宮内リン - 在シアトル日本国総領事館
About the Workshop: Discover the fabulous Japanese art of fabric wrapping! This fun and interactive, hands-on workshop will introduce knots and techniques for gift wrapping and carrying items of varying sizes and shapes! Learn how you can use the furoshiki, a simple square cloth as a great eco-friendly alternative to plastic bags and wrapping paper! See how the furoshiki is regaining popularity as it evolves and adapts to modern-day applications that we can use in our daily lives! It's time to wrap things up!
About the Organization: The Consulate-General of Japan in Seattle assists Japanese nationals living in Washington, Montana, and Northern Idaho and works together with local communities to promote Japanese culture and facilitate a variety of exchanges. As the official representative of the Government of Japan in this region, the Consulate strives to strengthen bonds of mutual friendship and understanding between Japan and its neighbors in the Northwest.
Sun. June 28
11:45 AM - 12:30 PM
Joyce Tsuji - Puget Sound Bonsai Association
盆栽のデザインと歴史
ツジ・ジョイス - ピュージェット・サウンド盆栽協会
About the Seminar: Bonsai is a 1,000 year old art form using living plants to create an ancient looking tree or forest. A Puget Sound Bonsai Assn. member will demonstrate how we create these living masterpieces.
About the Organization: Puget Sound Bonsai Association has existed since 1972 to educate and promote the art of bonsai.
Sun. June 28
1:30 PM - 2:15 PM
Edible Art: Handcraft Your Own Japanese Sweets "WAGASHI"
En Yamamoto - Enny inc.
食べられる芸術：自分だけの和菓子「WAGASHI」を作ろう
山本 援 - 株式会社Enny
About the Seminar: Coming soon!
About the Organization:
Enny is a start-up company that sheds new light on the fascination of Japanese “food”, which is still not fully known to the world, and brings excitement to the world. In particular, we are passionate about the endless possibilities of “wagashi” (Japanese confectionery). Wagashi” is an intangible culture that Japan is proud of. Wagashi has long been loved by many people and enjoyed during celebrations and seasonal events. In recent years, however, the culture of enjoying wagashi on a daily basis has been fading.
"Wagashi has been enjoyed by many people in Japan and around the world. “We want people from all walks of life in Japan and around the world to enjoy wagashi.”
To achieve this goal, we are developing a variety of innovative wagashi products. These products are evolving to meet modern tastes and styles while preserving tradition. Through our products, Japanese craftsmanship is transmitted to the world, We hope to surprise and delight people all over the world.
Sun. June 28
3:00 PM - 3:45 PM
Lisa Maria d'Aquila - Japan-America Society of the State of Washington
ジャパン・イン・スクール
リサ・マリア・ダキラ - ワシントン州日米協会
About the Workshop: Showing young students what a day in a Japanese elementary school looks like.
Students will get to roleplay various parts the school day and handle textbooks and other materials typically used in Japanese schools.
About the Organization: We are a non-profit whose mission is to further the ties of friendship between the people of Washington State and Japan through education, business and culture.