On October 9, Sumi-e artist Reiho Furukawa offered a workshop for Professor Wakabayashi’s class, “From Text to Image in Japanese Art.” Students learned about the techniques and meanings behind the traditional art of ink painting and created their own works of bamboo in ink and brush. The event was supported by the Classroom Enrichment Fund. Ms. Furukawa’s work is currently on display through December at the East Asian Library Gallery on the second floor of the Alexander Library.
On November 6, Professor Ichihara hosted a Wagashi (Japanese sweets) workshop, engaging 40 participants in a hands-on cultural learning experience. The session began with a lecture by En Yamamoto, creator of “Waku Paku Wagashi Craft Kit,” on the history of the wagashi and his vision of supporting cultural preservation and meaningful social interaction through traditional culinary practices. Participants then made wagashi in the shape of a cherry blossom. Nigel Thurston (’26) and Adedotun Adedokun (’26) served as interpreters. The event was funded by the Japanese Gift Fund.
Special thanks to Tao Yang of the East Asian Library and Rutgers University Libraries for supporting these educational initiatives!
