Category: Events

  • “静と動 -Stillness and Motion-” on view at Daltile Design Showroom for Utah Street Art Walk San Francisco

    “静と動 -Stillness and Motion-” on view at Daltile Design Showroom for Utah Street Art Walk San Francisco

     

    静と動 -Stillness and Motion-, two of my recent “pillar” works for the themed exhibition 48 Pillars are installed and on exhibit at Daltile Showroom from May 19 – 29. Daltile is a stunning 10,000 sq ft showroom located in the Westside Design District on Utah Street in Potrero area.  Join us at the opening reception of the exhibit during the Utah Street Art Walk San Francisco on Tuesday, April 25th, 5-8pm. See you there!

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    SELECTIONS FROM 48 PILLARS @ Daltile/Mohawk Design Studio, Utah Street Art Walk
    This follow-up of “48 Pillars” at Arc Gallery presents selections from that exhibition in a stunning 10,000 sq ft showroom.

    Opening Reception: Tuesday, April 25th, 6PM
    Exhibition: April 18 – April 28, 2017

    @ Daltile/Mohawk Design Studio
    212 Utah Street San Francisco, CA 94103

    Fine wine & Hors D’Oeuvres will be served, 5pm – 8pm
    Non-Profit Beneficiary: Root Division

    Featured artists: Jason Avery, Elaine Coombs, Robin Denevan, Sara Dykstra, Kim Frohsin, Paul Gibson, Kay Kang, Bruce Katz, Katja Leibenath, Erika Meriaux, Annamarie Pabst, Silvia Poloto, Gail Ragains, Kirsten Tradowsky, Beth Waldman, Ealish Wilson, John Wood, Sandy Yagi, Aoi Yamaguchi.

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  • TALKS, WORKSHOPS, PERFORMANCE at TYPO BERLIN 2017

    TALKS, WORKSHOPS, PERFORMANCE at TYPO BERLIN 2017

    I’m excited to announce that I was invited as one of the guest speakers at TYPO Berlin 2017. TYPO Berlin is one of the most important creative conferences in the world, with around 1,500 participants, more than 60 speakers from all around the world giving lectures, workshops and panels on up to 5 stages, for 3 days at the most beautiful venue in Berlin, HKW – Haus of World Cultures. With the theme “wanderlust”, TYPO Berlin 2017 takes place from May 25th – 27th. I will be giving a talk, presenting a live performance and teaching two workshops during the conference.


    Talk
    Thursday, 25 May 2017, 18:00 | place: Hall

    Sho Ha Hito Nari: Brushes, strokes and a reflection of self
    In Japanese culture, the art of calligraphy is not only the expertly painted characters; it is the spiritual journey of the calligrapher to infuse herself in the work and see herself reflected back.  Using her works to illustrate this concept, Aoi Yamaguchi will explore this duality between the visual representation of her art and the constant search for self through the brush strokes.

    Performance
    Thursday, 25 May 2017, 21:00 | place: Hall

    LINLOW: Towards Transcendence
    Interactive Calligraphy & Sound Performance 

    with Schneider TM & Mika Satomi

    Aoi Yamaguchi performs a conceptual and interactive large-scale live calligraphy in collaboration with Berlin-based musician Schneider TM and e-textile artist Mika Satomi, inspired by the TYPO Berlin 2017’s theme “Wanderlust”.

    Calligraphy is a unique art form; it deconstructs and transforms existing linguistic conventions through the calligrapher’s brush. The calligrapher infuses the character with her interpretation of the idea which makes each performance unique. The performance invites you to experience the art of Japanese calligraphy and to explore the connection between the body and the mind as Yamaguchi creates the physical representation of an idea with her brush, stroke by stroke.

    During the performance, the calligrapher’s movement is captured by sensors and translated into a signal that controls part of the instruments. Each motion of her brush is enhanced by sensors that augment Schneider TM’s composition adding a unique and powerful modulation and pulsation that entices the audience become part of the piece.

    ** 琳瑯 (Linlow) is an old Japanese word, meaning:

    1. Beautiful gem stones, beautiful poems, poetry
    2. The beautiful sound made by beautiful gemstones touching each other.

    琳瑯 is cited from one of my favorite authors Soseki Natsume, as he’s written in his book Kusamakura, in quote:「芸術家は無数の琳琅を見、無上の宝璐 (ほうろ) を知る」”Artists sees the countless beautiful poems (literatures / compositions) and knows the greatest treasure”.


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    Workshops
    Friday, 26 May 2017, 15:00 – 17:00 | place: Foyer
    Saturday, 27 May 2017, 15:00 – 17:00 | place: Foyer

    [symple_button url=”http://www.typotalks.com/berlin/” color=”grey” size=”default” border_radius=”3px” target=”blank” rel=”” icon_left=”” icon_right=””]TYPO BERLIN 2017 OFFICIAL SITE[/symple_button]
    [symple_button url=”http://www.typotalks.com/berlin/2017/schedule/” color=”grey” size=”medium” border_radius=”3px” target=”blank” rel=”” icon_left=”” icon_right=””]VIEW SCHEDULE[/symple_button][symple_button url=”http://www.wpexplorer.com/symple-shortcodes/” color=”grey” size=”default” border_radius=”3px” target=”blank” rel=”” icon_left=”” icon_right=””]VIEW SPEAKERS[/symple_button]

    Looking forward to seeing you all in Berlin!

  • SEASONS 04: JAPANESE CALLIGRAPHY WORKSHOP FOR APRIL 「初桜」-SEASON’S FIRST CHERRY BLOSSOM-

    SEASONS 04: JAPANESE CALLIGRAPHY WORKSHOP FOR APRIL 「初桜」-SEASON’S FIRST CHERRY BLOSSOM-

     

    Japanese Calligraphy “Shodo” Workshop for Beginners 

     季節を愉しむ書道ワークショップ 「SEASONS」

    SEASONS op. 04
    April: Hatsu-zakura – Season’s First Cherry Blossom –

    4月 卯月 – 「初桜」の会

     

    SEASONS is a series of our monthly Japanese calligraphy workshops to appreciate the beauty of nature transitioning with four seasons captured in poetry.

    For April session, you will write your choice of seasonal words from selected Japanese classic haiku poems, themed in “Hatsu-zakura” meaning “Season’s First Cherry Blossom.” The warmth of spring is punctuated by the first cherry blossoms. Pleasant breeze brings you the fragrance of the spring, as the cherry blossoms dance in the loving sunlight in full bloom. Let the beautiful poems unfold your imagination, let your brushes explore your creativity.

    During this hands-on workshop, you will learn and practice basic Japanese calligraphy “Shodo” skills, through the meditative calligraphy process finding the balance between the mind and body. We will go over the basics: how to hold the brush and control the brush, proper posture, how to take care of tools and materials, gettting to know with Japanese paper and sumi inks.

    You will be introduced to the fundamental calligraphy writing techniques and beautiful and formal Regular Script Kaisho or semi-cursive script Gyosho on selected Japanese Kanji characters depending on your skill level. You will be practicing and making your own calligraphy artwork on hanshi*-sized calligraphy paper, and will have nice pieces of artwork to take home with at the end of the workshop.

    This workshop is designed for the adult beginners. No prior experience is necessary.

    DATE
    Sunday, April 9th 11am – 1pm
    Saturday, April 29 11am – 1pm

    LECTURE & TEXTS
    This workshop will be instructed by Aoi Yamaguchi. Original worksheets and handouts will be provided.
    Lesson will be taught in English. Knowledge of Japanese language is not necessary.

    SUPPLIES & MATERIALS
    Basic supplies and materials will be provided for you to work on Japanese calligraphy during the workshop. The first 20 sheets of calligraphy paper are included per class. Additional paper is available for purchase.

    [symple_button url=”https://calligraphy_workshop_ateliertowa_cherryblossom.eventbrite.com” color=”grey” size=”default” border_radius=”3px” target=”blank” rel=”” icon_left=”” icon_right=””]VIEW CLASSES & REGISTER[/symple_button]

  • SEASONS 03: Japanese Calligraphy Workshop for March 「朧月」-Hazy Moon-

    SEASONS 03: Japanese Calligraphy Workshop for March 「朧月」-Hazy Moon-

    Japanese Calligraphy “Shodo” Workshop for Beginners 

     季節を愉しむ書道ワークショップ 「SEASONS」

    SEASONS op. 03
    March: Oborozuki – Hazy Moon –

    3月 弥生 – 「朧月」の会


    SEASONS
    is a series of our monthly Japanese calligraphy workshops to appreciate the beauty of nature transitioning with four seasons captured in poetry.

    For March session, themed in “Oborozuki” meaning “Hazy Moon,” we will explore the yugen of romantic, sentimental memories in moments with a hazy moon radiating in the night sky of early Spring – as we write your choice of seasonal word from selected Japanese classic haiku poems.

    During this hands-on workshop, you will learn and practice basic Japanese calligraphy “Shodo” skills, through the meditative calligraphy process finding the balance between the mind and body. We will go over the basics: how to hold the brush and control the brush, proper posture, how to take care of tools and materials, gettting to know with Japanese paper and sumi inks.

    You will be introduced to the fundamental calligraphy writing techniques and beautiful and formal Regular Script “Kaisho” or semi-cursive script “Gyosho” on selected Japanese kanjicharacters depending on your skill level, and you will be practicing and making your own calligraphy artwork on “hanshi”*-sized calligraphy paper, and on a shikishi board for the final piece! You will have a nice piece of artwork to take home at the end of the workshop.

    This workshop is designed for the adult beginners. No prior experience is necessary.

    DATE
    Saturday March 25th, 2017 11am – 1:00pm

    LECTURE & TEXTS

    This workshop will be instructed by Aoi Yamaguchi. Original worksheets and handouts will be provided.
    Lesson will be taught in English. Knowledge of Japanese language is not necessary.

    SUPPLIES & MATERIALS
    Basic supplies and materials will be provided for you to work on Japanese calligraphy during the workshop. The first 20 sheets of calligraphy paper are included per class. Additional paper is available for purchase.

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  • SEASONS 02: Japanese Calligraphy Workshop for February 「春時雨」-Spring Shower-

    SEASONS 02: Japanese Calligraphy Workshop for February 「春時雨」-Spring Shower-

    Japanese Calligraphy “Shodo” Workshop for Beginners 

     季節を愉しむ書道ワークショップ 「SEASONS」

    SEASONS op. 02
    February: Harushigure – Spring Shower –

    2月 如月 – 「春時雨」の会


    SEASONS
    is a series of our monthly Japanese calligraphy workshops to appreciate the beauty of nature transitioning with four seasons captured in poetry.

    For February session, themed in “Harushigure” meaning “Spring shower,” we will savor the beauty of light and shadow found in the moments with the cold rain shower at the end of Winter, transitioning slowly to the Springtime – as we write your choice of seasonal word from Japanese classic haiku poems.

    During this hands-on workshop, you will learn and practice basic Japanese calligraphy “Shodo” skills, through the meditative calligraphy process finding the balance between the mind and body. We will go over the basics: how to hold the brush and control the brush, proper posture, how to take care of tools and materials, gettting to know with Japanese paper and sumi inks.

    You will be introduced to the fundamental calligraphy writing techniques and beautiful and formal Regular Script “Kaisho” or semi-cursive script “Gyosho” on selected Japanese kanji characters depending on your skill level, and you will be practicing and making your own calligraphy artwork on “hanshi”*-sized calligraphy paper, and on a shikishi board for the final piece! You will have a nice piece of artwork to take home at the end of the workshop.

    This workshop is designed for the adult beginners. No prior experience is necessary.

    DATE
    Saturday February 11th, 2017 11am – 1:00pm
    Saturday February 25th, 2017 11am – 1:00pm


    LECTURE & TEXTS

    This workshop will be instructed by Aoi Yamaguchi. Original worksheets and handouts will be provided.
    Lesson will be taught in English. Knowledge of Japanese language is not necessary.

    SUPPLIES & MATERIALS
    Basic supplies and materials will be provided for you to work on Japanese calligraphy during the workshop. The first 20 sheets of calligraphy paper are included per class. Additional paper is available for purchase.

    Supplies and materials provided for workshop:
    •  Calligraphy brush – Fude(筆)
    •  Bottled Sumi ink (墨)
    •  Ink well  – Suzuri(硯)
    •  Calligraphy Hanshi Paper “Tosa” (土佐)
    – *Hanshi size: H13.15″ x W9.5″
    •  Felt fabric – Gin Moh-sen (銀毛氈)
    •  Paperweight – Bun-chin(文鎮)
    •  Calligraphy Artwork Folder
    •  Self-study guide handouts


    Bring your own:

    •  Dark colored clothes or aprons that you don’t mind getting ink on.
    •  Open-minded enthusiasm!

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  • New Year’s Calligraphy “Kakizome” Workshop 2017

    New Year’s Calligraphy “Kakizome” Workshop 2017

    kakizome winter 2017
    Yes, we are having a kakizome workshop again this year!

    Kakizome (書き初め) is the term for the first calligraphy writing of the new year, traditionally performed on the second day of January. This event is also called 吉書 (kissho), 初硯 (hatsu-suzuri) and 試筆 (shi-hitsu). People write auspicious words or a short Japanese or Chinese poetry, such as haiku or tanka, something that symbolizes one’s wishes for the New Year. In modern times, people simply prefer to choose kanji characters that have positive meanings and one’s resolution for the year.

    During this workshop, you will be trying Kakizome with your choice of words for your wishes for the New Year on the large pieces of calligraphy paper! We will go over the basics from how to hold the brush to how to control the brush, the balance between the mind and body, understanding the structure and meaning of Japanese characters, basic brush techniques and possibilities of Sumi ink. First, we will practice on small scale, and then you will be writing with a large Kakizome calligraphy brush on “hansetsu” sized calligraphy paper. You don’t know what to write? Don’t worry, we will have a list of words and phrases for you to choose or be inspired from.

    This one-time workshop is designed for a small group of beginners and intermediate level of all ages. No prior art experience is necessary. Materials provided. Just come dressed in relaxed clothing that you don’t mind getting inks (yes, you never know!).  Space is limited; early registration is encouraged!

    Date:
    Saturday 1/7  11:00am – 1:30pm (sold out!) | 3:00pm – 5:30pm
    Saturday 1/21 11am – 1:30pm

    More details & registration from the button below!
    Looking forward to seeing you there!

    *

    今年も、書き初めワークショップを開催します!
    新年への抱負を心に、心機一転、大きな筆を持ってみませんか。
    最初は半紙で練習、そして半切大画仙紙にチャレンジします。
    紙・筆・墨・道具一式はご用意していますので、手ぶらでお越しくださいね。

    日程:
    Saturday 1/7
    午前の会 11:00am – 1:30pm (sold out!) と午後の会 3:00pm – 5:30pm

    場所:
    Atelier Towa: Aoi Yamaguchi Calligraphy
    1450 4th Street #11 Berkeley, CA 94710

    詳細・参加申し込みは、以下のボタン “VIEW CLASSES & REGISTER” から。
    奮ってご参加ください!

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  • Live Calligraphy Performance at BAMPFA on Oct 15th

    Live Calligraphy Performance at BAMPFA on Oct 15th

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    BAMPFA - Breath

    I’m excited to announce my upcoming large-scale live calligraphy performance at Berkeley Art Museum Pacific Film Archive on Oct 15th, themed in “Breath“. FULL is a series of varied performances at BAMPFA celebrating every full moon cycle. Curated by Shinichi lova-Koga, various artists performing contemplating the theme “breath” in celebration of full moon.

    This performance is designed site-specific to the newly renovated, stunning structure of the atrium in the museum. I’d like to present a multi-layered large-scale Japanese calligraphy performance, accompanied by sublime sounds composed by a Tokyo-based sound artist Corey Fuller (ILLUHA/ 12K). This 23-minutes sound journey is Fuller’s artistic interpretation of my calligraphic movements, resonance of shadows; and this will be the first time presenting to the public.

    Supported by numbers of talented spirits, featuring assistant performers Yang Yang, Yawen Zou, Ziyu Zhou, and Chelsea Ortiz; ink vase installation in collaboration with Studio Sen; team Awakening Moon: Aprille Tang, Zon Chu, Andrej Hronco and Yukina Yamamoto. Hair & make in collaboration with Aki Masuoka, Yui Yamaguchi. 

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    Full: Breath

    Programmed by Shinichi Iova-Koga

    An evening of varied performances celebrating and contemplating breath. You will experience the unique sounds of shakuhachivirtuoso Masayuki Koga, the live calligraphy painting of Aoi Yamaguchi, the solo dance artistry of Dana Iova-Koga, and haunting music from Oakland-based duo Ghost Lore. Plus explore the exhibition galleries and discover simultaneous performances throughout the building.

    Guest programmer Shinichi Iova-Koga teaches dance composition at Mills College and is the artistic director of the San Francisco-based performance company inkBoat.

    Saturday, October 15. 2016 | 7 PM
    BAMPFA (Berkeley Art Museum Pacific Film Archive)
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  • Japanese Calligraphy Group Lessons for Beginners: Autumn 2016

    Japanese Calligraphy Group Lessons for Beginners: Autumn 2016

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    At this Autumn series of hands-on workshops spanning from September to November, you will learn and practice basic Japanese calligraphy skills, meditative calligraphy process and finding the balance between the mind and body.  We will go over the basics: how to hold the brush and control the brush, posture, how to take care of tools and materials, various kinds of Japanese gasen paper and sumi inks. As the fall of autumn leaves symbolizes, it’s the perfect season to focus on inner-self, preparing for a hibernation, building foundation as you explore new possibilities. This workshops will be a small group of adult beginners.

    If you’re interested in private lessons, please contact us from here.

    * Calligraphy in the photo: 「待宵」(Matsu-yoi)
    待宵 (matsu-yoi) is August 15th by lunar calendar, the day before the autumn full-moon viewing day called 十五夜 (Jyu-goya) in Japan. It also means an brisk evening waiting and longing for someone you love. This term symbolizes the beginning of the autumn season, with a slight sentimental, romantic feeling, which invites you to the world of Japanese poetry from centuries ago.

    Looking forward to having you join us!

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  • 書と和菓子 Sho to Wagashi: COSMOS -Five Elements- at Morimoto Napa

    書と和菓子 Sho to Wagashi: COSMOS -Five Elements- at Morimoto Napa

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    Sho to Wagashi: COSMOS x Morimoto Napa presents

    COSMOS: FIVE ELEMENTS
    Marriage of Japanese Cuisine, Calligraphy and Confectionery
    Demonstration & Tasting

    Inspired by Yin-Yang and Five Elements: 木火土金水 (Mok-Ka-Doe-Gon-Sui:Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water), I collaborated with Tokyo-based Japanese traditional confectionery “wagashi” chef Shiho Sakamoto and Morimoto Napa to create unique visual and edible art.

    The event featured five courses of savory dishes by Chef Ichiro Tsuji, each inspired by the Five Elements, followed by Sakamoto and I presenting five courses of wagashi delicately served on contemporary Japanese calligraphy art on various Japanese washi papers, one inspired by each element of the five elements.

    With Japanese traditional aesthetics and wabi-sabi culture, our intention was to realize our vision through a multi-sensory experience inviting you to celebrate nature’s blessings as represented by the Five Elements; in essence, the entire cosmos.[/vc_column_text][rs_gallery column=”2″ images=”5911,5908″][vc_column_text]Shiho Sakamoto (front), Aoi Yamaguchi (me, in the back) / Chef Ichiro Tsuji of Morimoto Napa[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][rs_gallery column=”3″ images=”5912,5920,5921,5922,5909,5941,5910,5924,5925,5944,5926,5927″][vc_column_text]Chef Ichiro presented beautiful five courses. It was inspiring to hear the concept behind each dishes, and his interpretation of Five Elements reflected into the selection of the ingredients, how he prepared them and stunning presentation.

    For the second half of the night, Shiho Sakamoto and I presented our Five Elements, the marriage of Japanese calligraphy and wagashi. Our inspiration was the two contrasting cycle of energies of Five Elements:

    Generating Energy (Chi)

    Based on Five Element Theory, each elemental force generates or creates the next element in a creative sequence.

    Water generates wood. Rain nourishes a tree.
    Wood generates fire. Burning wood generates fire.
    Fire generates earth. Ash is created from the fire.
    Earth generates metal. Metal is mined from the earth.
    Metal generates water. Water condenses on metal.

    Regulating Energy (Chi)

    Based on Five Element Theory, each elemental force is also associated with another element which it is responsible for controlling or regulating.

    Water controls fire. Water puts fire out.
    Wood controls earth. Tree roots hold clods of earth.
    Fire controls metal. Fire can melt metal.
    Earth controls water. A pond holds water.
    Metal controls wood. An ax cuts wood.

    [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][rs_gallery column=”2″ images=”5913,5960,5928,5914,5929,5915″][rs_image_block lightbox=”yes” image=”5930″ margin_bottom=”25px”][vc_column_text]First element: 「木」 – Mok “WOOD”-[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][rs_gallery column=”2″ images=”5932,5934,5942,5943″][rs_image_block image=”5916″ margin_bottom=”25px”][vc_column_text]Second element: 「火」 -Ka “FIRE”-[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][rs_gallery column=”2″ images=”5935,5933,5918,5917″][rs_image_block lightbox=”yes” margin_bottom=”25px” image=”5950″][vc_column_text]Third element: 「土」 – Doe “EARTH” –  / Fourth element: 「金」 – Gon “METAL” –[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][rs_gallery column=”2″ images=”5948,5951″][rs_image_block lightbox=”yes” image=”5939″ margin_bottom=”25px”][vc_column_text]Lastly, fifth element: 「水」- Sui “Water” –[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Presented by:
    Morimoto Napa, Chef Ichiro Tsuji
    Japanese Calligraphy “Sho”: Aoi Yamaguchi (Aoi Yamaguchi Calligraphy)
    Japanese Confectionery “Wagashi”: Shiho Sakamoto (紫をん(Shiwon))
    Assistant: Sayaka Tani

    Special thanks to:
    Sayaka, Chef Ichiro-san, Amy Ahnfeldt, Eduardo Dingler, Vivian, and our precious guests to make this event possible!

    Photos by Vivian Sachs Photography[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • 書と和菓子 Sho to Wagashi: COSMOS Pre-Event at Conde House SF

    書と和菓子 Sho to Wagashi: COSMOS Pre-Event at Conde House SF

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    Sho to Wagashi: COSMOS is my collaborative project with Tokyo-based Japanese traditional confectionery “wagashi” chef Shiho Sakamoto, inspired by Yin-Yang and Five Elements: 木火土金水 (Mok-Ka-Doe-Gon-SuiWood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water), creating unique experiences of marriage of Japanese calligraphy and Japanese confectionery.

    To kick-off the series, Shiho and I, along with certified sake sommelier, Yoshihiro Sako, held a pre-event at Conde House USA showroom, aiming to introduce what shodo, wagashi, and sake are, through stories and our own personal narratives how we have incorporated these ancient arts – sho, sake, and wagashi  – into contemporary forms.  We discussed our process of creation in each respective medium and how material, language and culture shape their creations and their worldview.

    This special marriage of art, performance and tasting was hosted by Conde House USA which is located at the San Francisco Design Center.  Conde House specializes in creating beautifully designed contemporary Japanese furniture, made in the northernmost island of Hokkaido. The Machiya inspired showroom reflects the feel of a traditional Japanese Merchant House blending the history of ancient workshop spaces with today’s minimalist sensibilities.  As purveyors of innovative modern furniture and designs of Japanese craftsmanship, the Conde House Showroom makes for an ideal home for this unique and intimate exchange of culture, knowledge and imagination. 


    I. Introduction: What is Sho, Wagashi, and Sake?
    II. Selected wagashi & sake tasting
    III. Panel Discussion, Q&A

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    Presented by
    Aoi Yamaguchi, Japanese Calligraphy “Sho” Artist
    Shiho Sakamoto, Japanese Traditional Confectionery “Wagashi” Artist
    Yoshihiro Sako, Sake Sommelier

    In collaboration with
    Yuko Sato, Potter

    Special Thanks to:
    Conde House USA, Tak-san, Natsumi-san, and everyone who attended the event!

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