"Minnna no Nihon Bunka Kyoshitu" is an organization that provides Japanese culture lessons almost every month based in Kanazawa ward.
Their lessons are open for everyone, no matter where you are from or what language you speak. The lesson is conducted mostly in Japanese, so it would be great if you speak basic Japanese, but they're hands-on lessons, so you don't really have to speak Japanese (of course, basic English should be necessary to communicate with others).
The founder of the organization is a professional Kimono dresser in Yokohama. She wants to provide a lot of opportunities to casually learn and experience Japanese tradition and culture.
Here's the summery of each event in 2017 term:
[SEPTEMBER]
How to put on Yukata (summer kimono) like real kimono
September 19th (TUE) 10:30AM-1:30PM
at Kanagawa Chiku Center
It’s the end of the Yukata season. Why don’t we try to wear it like real kimono?
*Yukata is a simplified version of kimono for summer.
We’ll prepare a collar for yukata together and then you will learn how to put on yukata and tie the obi belt.
Fee: 1000 yen
What to bring: Yukawa, 5 kimono cords, 2 towels, geta sandals, tabi socks, a tenugui clothe, a collar core, a sewing set, an obishime cord or some decorative cord, a hadajuban (top underwear for kimono) or a camisole, a susoyoke (bottom underwear like petticoat) or leggings, and something to tie your hair
[OCTOBER]
Tsumami Zaiku (pinch-craft) workshop
October 4th (WED) 10:30AM -12:30 PM
at Kanagawa Chiku Center
We are going to make two flower pins (or hairpins). They are perfect accessories for occasions when you wear kimono, or even for your bags.
We invite a special Tsumami craft artist as an instructor.
Fee: 2000 yen
[NOVEMBER]
Easy Do-It-Yourself Japanese traditional hair dressing
November 8th (WED) 10:30AM-12:30PM
at Kanagawa Chiku Center
We are going to learn how to dress your hair in the traditional Japanese way from the teacher who runs a Japanese cafe and spends most of the time wearing kimono.
Fee: 500 yen
What to bring: a comb, a mirror, and some Japanese hair accessories
[DECEMBER]
Furisode Try-On
December 4th (MON) 10:30AM-12:30PM
at Kanagawa Chiku Center
Furisode is a very formal kimono for single women. Even native Japanese people have less opportunity to wear it. This time, no matter if you’re married or not, let’s try on Furisode!
Fee: For those who want to wear Furisode 500 yen
For those who want to put Furisode on others 500 yen
What to bring: Those who want to wear Furisode: tabi socks, 3 towels, a hadajuban underwear or camisole, and a susoyoke underwear or leggings (a set of Furisode if you have)
Those who want to put Furisode on others: a set of Furisode
[JANUARY]
Learn from a professional! How to prepare Delicious O-nigiri rice balls and Miso soup
January 21st (SUN) 10:30AM-12:30PM
at Kanagawa Chiku Center
The very basic of Japanese home cuisine: O-nigiri rice balls and miso soup!
How do they prepare them, the professionals?
We are going to prepare brown rice onigiris and miso soup with veggies.
Fee: 1000 yen
What to bring: an apron, a sling (for hair), a hand towel, and a washcloth *you will be asked 200 yen if you forget to bring towels
[FEBRUARY]
Hakama Try-On
February 23rd (FRI) 10:30AM-12:30PM
at Kanagawa Chiku Center
Hakama is a sort of skirt version of kimono. It’s easier to move.
Fee: For those who wear Hakama 500 yen
For those who want to put hakama on others 500 yen
What to bring: Those who wear hakama: tabs socks, 3 towels, a hadajuban underwear or a camisole, and a susoyoke underwear or leggings
Those who want to put hakama on others: a set of Hakama (feel free to ask us if you don’t have any)
