Presented by Jennifer Gunji-Ballsrud, Director, Japan House, and Associate Professor
Kimiko Gunji, Emeritus Director, Japan House
Lindsey Stirek, Assistant Director of Academic Programming and Teaching Assistant Professor
Through the study of Japanese aesthetics and traditional arts, Japan House, which was built particularly around the time-honored art form of Chado, the Way of Tea, provides an essential opportunity for students to gain a deeper sensitivity towards diverse cultures. Come visit this special place to experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony in a traditional setting. Chado, the Way of Tea, is one of the most revered arts of Japan, and incorporates many other Japanese arts, providing a glimpse into the richness of Japanese aesthetics. During the ceremony you will be served a bowl of matcha tea and a Japanese sweet. You will have a brief tour of Japan House before the tea ceremony.
[Wear something that you'll be comfortable in while kneeling or sitting on the tatami mats, avoiding short skirts or shorts; and bring white socks, which symbolize purity (Japan House has some to borrow if needed).]
Jennifer Gunji-Ballsrud, Kimiko Gunji, and Lindsey Stirek will present this special tea ceremony. Jennifer Gunji-Ballsrud is the Director of Japan House and teaches for CHP. Professor Kimiko Gunji, Emeritus Director of Japan House, taught for the CHP and led Chancellor’s Scholars on Intercultural Study Tours to Japan many times. Dr. Lindsey Stirek is a CHP alum who has studied tea with Professor Gunji for over a decade; they are now the Assistant Director of Academic Programming at Japan House, and teach classes on manga, anime, and other Japanese arts.
**Note: this SAS will be limited to the first 15 confirmed registrants, and is offered for students who have not taken the CHP Japanese Arts and Culture class.**
If this event is full when you try to register, please email chp@illinois.edu to be placed on a waitlist.