Please join us for a very special presentation and traditional Japanese tea ceremony commemorating the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster cause by an earthquake and tsunami on the 9 year anniversary of the Friday March 11, 2011 accident.
Special guest and Visiting Nuclear and Radiological Engineering Research Scholar, Kazumasa Shimada, will give a free presentation on the Recovery of Fukushima from the Earthquake and subsequent Nuclear Power Plant accident in 2011. Shimada-san has been working with Japan House for nearly a year and his involvement in the study of both chado (tea ceremony) and shodo (calligraphy) have inspired us to get to know him better. He is passionate about educating people in regards to the hazards and risks associated with radiation, both natural and man-made.
After the presentation, guests are encourage to stay and watch as Shimada-san performs a traditional Japanese tea ceremony in honor of those lost, and those that are still being affected by the tragic event.
The first 35 guests to arrive will be offered a bowl of matcha tea and seasonal wagashi , a traditional Japanese sweet, compliments of Japan House, at the conclusion of the tea ceremony.
Chado, or the Way of Tea, is one of the most ancient and revered arts of Japan, and is at the very heart of Japan House. Come to a traditional Japanese tea ceremony to learn about Japan House on the campus of the University of Illinois, and the history of this 500 year old art form. Experience a moment of peace.
You will be asked to remove your shoes when you enter, and to wear white socks (we have some to lend you if you forget). We also ask that legs be covered as is traditional in Japan.
