2016 Japanese Summer Family Festival at the Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden (Japanese Tea, Snacks, Origami, Art, Music & Culture for all the Family)NEW

Join us and members of the local Tenrikyo Church community in the garden for a celebration of Summer and Japanese Culture with Japanese tea, snacks, art, music and culture for all the family.

Festival Program

1 pm - 3 pm: Sencha Tea Sampling
Learn about different types of Japanese loose-leaf tea with certified tea specialist Patti Harrison. Snacks will also be served.

1 pm - 1:30 pm:  Taiko and Shamisen Music Performance
Taiko, or "big drum," music features prominently in Japanese festivals and other celebrations. Established in 1996 and led by Keiji Uesugi, Yoki Daiko is a community music group that performs traditional Japanese taiko and contemporary interpretations of this dynamic musical form. The shamisen is a three-stringed instrument played in a range of styles. Terry Nguyen is an emerging musician of Japanese and Vietnamese descent who is specializing in the lively Tsugaru style of shamisen playing.

1:30 pm - 2:30 pm: Origami Workshop
Learn to fold animals and other forms with Japanese and local instructors.

2:30 pm - 3 pm: Taiko and Shamisen Music with Yoki Daiko and Terry Nguyen

Japanese Family Festival Programming is supported by the Japan Foundation, Los Angeles.