At 1:45 PM, the program will be ceremonially opened by the Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of Serbia, H.E. Tsutsumi Naohiro, who will welcome visitors and highlight the importance of cultural exchange and mutual understanding between Serbia and Japan.
The event is held in the spirit of the Japanese holiday Hinamatsuri (Girls’ Day), traditionally celebrated on March 3 and dedicated to the health, happiness, and well-being of girls. A customary practice for this holiday is the display of hina ningyō dolls, representing the imperial court and symbolizing the wish for a harmonious and successful life. A small exhibition, provided by the Embassy of Japan in Serbia, will be presented at the Museum, giving visitors the opportunity to become more closely acquainted with the meaning and traditions of this celebration.
The program includes a series of free workshops, lectures, and demonstrations of traditional skills:
2:00–3:00 PM – “Japanese Tea Ceremony”
Workshop led by Milijana Vujaklija, tea educator and member of the Edosenke school of Japanese tea ceremony. The audience will have the opportunity to attend the traditional ritual of tea preparation and serving (chanoyu or chadō), which unites aesthetics, spirituality, and hospitality.
3:30–4:30 PM – “Golden Cracks – The Philosophy and Practice of Kintsugi”
Workshop led by Tatjana Božinović, President of the Serbian-Japanese Friendship Association “Kintsugi.” Through a theoretical framework and practical demonstration, participants will learn how cracks become an aesthetic and cultural value, as well as about the philosophical and psychological symbolism of kintsugi.
5:00–6:00 PM – “Kimono and Our Lives”
Lecture led by Akari Obo, designer and owner of the kimono upcycling brand TOKI. Participants will learn what the kimono means to the Japanese people, its unique authenticity, and the possibilities of its application in contemporary life.
6:15–7:00 PM – “Introduction to Ainu Culture”
Lecture and workshop led by Alena Spasić, Japanologist. Through a lecture on the culture and mythology of the Ainu, the Indigenous people of northern Japan, participants will become familiar with key concepts, symbolism, and oral traditions. In the creative part of the workshop, they will create their own “amulets” on clay tablets inspired by traditional motifs.
From 2:00 to 5:00 PM, visitors will also have the opportunity to learn and create origami, becoming acquainted with this distinctive Japanese paper-folding art. At the calligraphy workshop, they may receive their desired kanji character or their name written in Japanese, and as a gift, they will also receive a greeting card for March 8, which they can personalize themselves.
Admission to the program and participation in all workshops are free of charge.
