The program will take place from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM, and visitors will have the opportunity to participate in numerous free workshops, lectures, and demonstrations of traditional Japanese skills. From 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, origami and calligraphy workshops will be organized, where visitors will be able to receive their kanji or name written in Japanese as a symbolic gift for March 8.
The event will be officially opened at 2:00 PM by the Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of Serbia, Tsutsumi Naohiro, who will welcome the visitors and highlight the importance of cultural exchange and strengthening the friendly relations between Serbia and Japan.
The Director of the Ethnographic Museum, Marko Krstić, emphasized that the successful cooperation with the Embassy of Japan, established during Ethnology Fest, continues to develop further. According to him, such events represent a wonderful way to present culture to the public in a pleasant and open atmosphere, while allowing visitors to become more closely acquainted with the rich culture of Japan.
The event is organized in the spirit of the Japanese holiday Hinamatsuri (Girls’ Day), traditionally celebrated on March 3, dedicated to the health, happiness, and well-being of girls. On this occasion, visitors will also have the opportunity to see a small display of traditional hina ningyō dolls, which represent the imperial court and symbolize wishes for a harmonious and successful life.
The program includes the following activities:
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2:00 – 3:00 PM – “Japanese Tea Ceremony” – Milijana Vujaklija, tea educator, will present the traditional ritual of preparing and serving tea.
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3:30 – 4:30 PM – “Golden Cracks – The Philosophy and Practice of Kintsugi” – Tatjana Božinović, president of the “Kintsugi” association, will demonstrate how cracks can become an aesthetic and cultural value.
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5:00 – 6:00 PM – “Kimono and Our Lives” – Akari Obō, designer and owner of the brand TOKI, will speak about the significance of the kimono and its role in contemporary life.
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6:15 – 7:00 PM – “Introduction to Ainu Culture” – Alena Spasić, Japanologist, will present the culture and mythology of the Ainu people, followed by a creative workshop on making traditional amulets.
Admission and participation in all workshops are free, and the organizers invite everyone interested to come and explore both the traditional and contemporary aspects of Japanese culture.
