Meet Japan without leaving Los AngelesBowers Museum’s Programs
All the events planned in conjunction with the Art of the Samurai exhibition in April, May and June are following. Admissions are free with paid museum admission and to members; lecture only costs $8. For information about the museum, call (714) 567-3600, or visit www.bowers.org.
Sunday, April 19, 10 a.m.– 4 p.m.
Opening Day Festivities for Art of the Samurai
An excitement-filled day of activities will include music, tea ceremony, kimono demonstration, lectures, samplings of food, and great art projects.
From 10:30 a.m. to noon, Master Johsetsu Kawakami, Vice President of Edo Senke Sohke Sadoh School, board member of the Tokyo Sadoh Society, and guest professor at Gifu University, presents a lecture on the Japanese tea ceremony in the Norma Kershaw Auditorium.
Food samplings are available from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. with a kimono demonstration taking place from noon to 1 p.m. At 1:30 pm, Dr. Morgan Pitelka, Occidental College, presents a lecture on Art of a Warlord, Shogun, and Deity: Tokugawa Ieyasu and the Politics of Samurai Culture, followed by Japanese dance performed by Madame Hisame Wakayagi and her dance group of Seiha Wakayagi School, and music from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the John M. Lee Court. In addition, the popular Japanese game of strategy called Go will be demonstrated at different times throughout the day.
Saturday, April 25, 1:30 p.m.
Lecture: Spirit of the Sword, Conversations with two renowned blademakers
Widely revered for their fine craftsmanship of Japanese-style swords, father and son team Phill and Phil Hartsfield share insight, stories, science, and spirituality behind their more than 30 years of blade making. A live demonstration will follow the lecture.
Sunday, May 3, 1:30 p.m.
Lecture: Warrior Vendettas and the Tokugawa Order
Using the Incident of the Forty-Seven Ronin and other vendettas as examples, Dr. Samuel H. Yamashita, Henry E. Sheffield Professor of History, Pomona College, describes how
Tokugawa authorities attempted to control the warriors’ vengeful feelings and how they reacted when such feelings led to impermissible behavior.
Saturday, May 9, 11 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Anime Day: BowersCon
Families are invited for a fabulous look into the world of Japanese anime. Workshops, displays, movies, figures, models, cards, and more.
Thursday, May 14, 6:30 p.m.
Lecture and Sake Tasting: An Introduction to Japanese Sake
Curious about Japanese sake but not sure where to begin? Meher McArthur, specialist in the art and culture of East Asia, explores the history of sake (rice wine), how and where it is made, drinking etiquette, and its importance in Japanese culture. Space is limited. For reservations, call (714) 567-3679. Pre-payment is required. Admission: General $22; Members $18
Saturday, May 16, 1:30 p.m.
Lecture: Japanese Castles and their contents: Samurai arts and architecture
Dr. Bruce Coats, Chair, Department of Art History and the Humanities, Scripps College, discusses the domains of the 17th century samurai class that constructed enormous castle complexes throughout Japan and filled them with spectacular paintings, fine furniture and ceramics, and extraordinary arms and armor.
Saturday, May 23, 1 p.m.
Feature Film: Ran
This is the story of the disintegration of a warlord, his family, and his kingdom. The film is one of director Akira Kurosawa’s masterpieces. 160 minutes. Admission: General $7; Members $5.
Sunday, May 24, 1 p.m.
Feature Film: Kagemusha
A common thief-turned Shogun comes to power amidst the birth of the Tokugawa Shogunate. 179 minutes. Admission: General $7; Members $5
Saturday, May 30, 1:30 pm
Lecture and Presentation: Japanese Tea Ceremony and the Samurai Way
This lecture, presented by Sochi Nomoto, explores the origin and history of the Japanese tea ceremony; its development by the samurai class into a philosophy of simplicity, harmony, and tranquility; and its incorporation of Zen Buddhism principles. The lecture concludes with a tea ceremony demonstration in the John M. Lee Court. Everyone is welcome to observe.
Participants in the ceremony can sample green tea and special Japanese sweets. Tea ceremony participation is $10 per person. Space is limited and by reservation only. For reservations, call (714) 567-3679.
Sunday, May 31, 1:30 p.m.
Lecture: Japanese Swords and Armor
Dr. Bruce Coats, Scripps College, surveys the development and fabrication of Japanese swords from ancient to modern times. Attention will also be given to sword mountings, body armor, and battle tactics to gain a broader perspective on the lives and deaths of the samurai.
Sunday, June 14, 1:30 p.m.
Lecture: Taking Lessons from the Past
Renowned Japanese kimono designer and stylist Nobuaki Tomita introduces the history and evolution of samurai clothing worn during the Edo period and Meiji Restoration in Japan, along with the kimonos during the Taisho, Showa, and Heisei eras. Accompanying this program will be a collection of clothing, modeled and displayed.
Target First Free Sunday
Sunday, April 5, Noon–3:30 pm
JAPANESE CHERRY BLOSSOM FAMILY FESTIVAL
Celebrate Japanese culture through its music, art, dance, and food. Enjoy performances by Nippon Minyo Kenkyukai (a Japanese Minyo Dance Group) and Daion Taiko Troupe.
Admission: Free
Film Series
Wednesday, April 22, 1:30 pm
FILM: The Samurai
The elite warrior class is brought to life by present-day samurai and historians. 50 minutes.
Admission: Free with paid museum admission and to members
Friday, April 24, 1:30 pm
FILM: Samurai Japan
An intriguing look at how Japan’s Buddhism and code of bushido (way of the warrior) helped create Feudal Japan. 50 minutes.
Admission: Free with paid museum admission and to members
Thursday, April 30, 1:30 PM
FILM: Secrets of the Samurai Sword
A journey through the creation of the samurai’s most cherished and revered weapon. 56 minutes.
Admission: Free with paid museum admission and to members
Tuesday, May 5, 1:30 pm
FILM: JAPAN
See the marvels and beauty that make Japan the great nation that it is. 60 minutes.
Admission: Free with paid museum admission and to members
Friday, May 8, 1:30 pm
FILM: The Samurai
The elite warrior class is brought to life by present-day samurai and historians. 50 minutes.
Admission: Free with paid museum admission and to members
Saturday, May 9, 11 am–3:30 pm
ANIME DAY: BowersCon
Join us for a fabulous look into the world of Japanese anime. Workshops, displays, movies, figures, models, cards, and more! To register as a vendor, please contact: wbrown@bowers.org.
Admission: Free with paid museum admission and to members
Saturday, May 9, 2 pm
FILM: Princess Mononoke
Young Ashitaka finds herself caught amidst the struggle between the supernatural guardians of a forest and the humans who consume its resources in this anime classic. 134 minutes
Admission: General $7; Members $5
Sunday, May 10, 1:30 pm
FILM: Secrets of the Samurai Sword
A journey through the creation of the samurai’s most cherished and revered weapon.
56 minutes.
Admission: Free with paid museum admission and to members
Friday, May 15, 1:30 pm
FILM: THE LAST WARRIOR
Dave Lowry and Dr. Stephen Turnbull present the most powerful samurai warlords.
66 minutes.
Admission: Free with paid museum admission and to members
Tuesday, May 19, 1:30 pm
FILM: Secrets of the Samurai Sword
A journey through the creation of the samurai’s most cherished and revered weapon.
56 minutes.
Admission: Free with paid museum admission and to members
Thursday, May 21, 1:30 pm
FILM: The Last Warrior
Dave Lowry and Dr. Stephen Turnbull present the most powerful samurai warlords.
66 minutes.
Admission: Free with paid museum admission and to members
Saturday, May 23, 1 pm
FEATURE FILM: Ran
This is the story of the disintegration of a warlord, his family, and his kingdom. The film is one of director Akira Kurosawa’s masterpieces. 160 minutes.
Admission: General $7; Members $5
Sunday, May 24, 1 pm
FEATURE FILM: Kagemusha
A common thief-turned Shogun comes to power amidst the birth of the Tokugawa Shogunate. 179 minutes.
Admission: General $7; Members $5
Wednesday, May 27, 1:30 pm
FILM: Japan
See the marvels and beauty that make Japan the great nation that it is. 60 minutes.
Admission: Free with paid museum admission and to members
Friday, June 5, 1:30 pm
FILM: THE LAST WARRIOR
Dave Lowry and Dr. Stephen Turnbull present the most powerful samurai warlords.
66 minutes.
Admission: Free with paid museum admission and to members
Saturday, June 6, 1 pm
FILM: MERRY CHRISTMAS MR. LAWRENCE
British captives cope with the rigors of a Japanese P.O.W. camp during World War II.
124 minutes.
Admission: General $7; Members $5
Tuesday, June 9, 1:30 pm
FILM: SAMURAI JAPAN
An intriguing look at how Japan’s Buddhism and code of bushido (way of the warrior) helped create Feudal Japan. 50 minutes.
Admission: Free with paid museum admission and to members