Pauline Adamek
This Thursday, July 8th, 2010, at the JACCC, there is a rare and exciting opportunity for Americans audiences to experience a workshop all about Furoshiki.
This instructional demonstration is being presented by The Japan Foundation, Japanese American Cultural and Community Center, as well as the Consulate General of Japan at Denver and Consulate General of Japan at Portland.
About Furoshiki:
Furoshiki is a square piece of cloth used for various purposes such as wrapping and carrying items of different shapes and sizes. The cloth is dyed in various colors with different patterns and is commonly used as gift wrappers, table covers, or interior decorations.
The etymology of Furoshiki goes back to the Edo Period (1603-1868), when public bathhouses became widely accessible. People called the cloth used at bathhouses “Furoshiki” (literally meaning “bath mat”).
This became what they used to place or wrap worn clothes, and was eventually used by merchants to transport goods for sale, and also by travelers to carry their belongings.
The tradition was then handed down as an indispensable aspect of Japanese lifestyle through many generations. Although the custom and culture of Furoshiki faded away with time, there has been a resurgence, since the late 1970″™s, in its use as a way to protect the global environment.
As a result, new applications for the Furoshiki were developed which parts from their traditional usage.
MODERN USAGE:
The main advantage of Furoshiki is that it can be reused over and over again. By using Furoshiki, people can reduce the use of disposable plastic bags and wrapping paper, thereby save resources and the environment at large.
WHO:
Ms. Akiko Sakai, Instructor of the Furoshiki Study Group
Ms. Naomi Ando, Instructor of the Furoshiki Study Group
Ms. Keiko Fukuda, Instructor of the Furoshiki Study Group
Presented by the Furoshiki Study Group
More information here.
WHEN:
Thursday, July 8th, 2010, 7:00pm
WHERE:
Japanese American Cultural and Community Center
244 S. San Pedro Street, the Cultural Room on 5th floor
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Tel: 213.628.2725
Admission is FREE
Space is limited, so please RSVP to culture@jflalc.org
Tel: 213.621.2267 ext.109
or Fax: 213.617.2590
Sponsored by Japanese American Cultural and Community Center
Supported by Consulate-General of Japan in Los Angeles
US TOUR DATES:
DENVER, COLORADO
WHEN:
Saturday, July 10, 2010, 2:30pm
WHERE:
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Denver Art Museum
100 W 14th Ave Pkwy, Denver, CO 80204.
North Building, Lower Level
Tel: 720.865.5000
Admission Free, Space is limited,
RSVP to cgjd-jnow@qwest.net
or Tel# 303.534.1151
Visitor Fees
Exhibition is free to guests of the Museum.
A fee is required to enter the Museum.
$ 10 Entrance Fee per CO residents
$ 8 for Seniors and College Students with valid ID (CO Residents)
Information: www.denverartmuseum.org
Sponsored by Denver Art Museum
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WHEN:
PORTLAND, OREGON
Monday, July 12, 2010, 2:00pm
WHERE:
Portland General Electric
World Trade Center Portland
Plaza Conference Room
121 SW Salmon St., 2WTC, Portland, OR 97204
Tel: 503.464.8688
Admission Free, Space is limited,
RSVP to culture@cgjpdx.org
Sponsored by Portland General Electric
Supported by Japan-America Society of Oregon
Attached photo –  © The Furoshiki Study Group
Report by Pauline Adamek
Neat article.
I was in Japan umpteen years ago and everything was
either wrapped in fabric or paper – – even the tiniest,
and expensive things; as if everything was a gift.