Image courtesy of JSNC & JapanCraft21.
Join Japan Society of Northern California for an exploration of one of the world’s oldest and most diverse traditions of master craft textiles presented by Steve Beimel from JapanCraft21. Textiles have existed in Japan long before recorded history, including those made from wisteria, banana leaf fiber, elm, alder, ramie, hemp, and kudzu, and later on from silk, cotton, and ramie. Beyond the rich history of textiles from the 7th century to present, the presentation will also cover the practice of dyeing and decorating textiles — sakizome, textiles made from pre-dyed yarn, and atozome, textiles dyed or decorated on woven white cloth.
Beimel and his team at JapanCraft21 are passionately committed to revitalizing traditional Japanese arts. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about Japanese master craft textiles, from ancient history to present day.
This event is FREE with registration. Click the button below to register:
Event Schedule:
7:00-7:05 PM Opening Remarks
7:05-7:45 PM Presentation by Steve Beimel
7:45-7:55 PM Moderated Discussion led by Steve Pollock
7:55-8:15 PM Q&A
8:05-8:10 PM Closing Remarks
About the Speakers:
Steve Beimel | Founder, JapanCraft21
Longtime Japanese resident Californian Steve Beimel has been involved with Japanese culture since the early 1970s. In 2018, he founded JapanCraft21 to identify viable but vulnerable traditional Japanese crafts and assist in their revitalization. They started Shinmachiya Juku, a free-of-charge school in Kyoto that teaches traditional construction skills to working carpenters and plasterers, and a program that supports apprenticeship in vulnerable craft genres. Additionally, they hold national contests in support of talented craftspeople. Their Craft Leader Program promotes the work of their 30 contest winners to date. Steve recently retired from Esprit Travel and Tours, a U.S.-based Japanese culture-focused tour company that he founded in 1992. At Esprit, he connected travelers from around the world with talented and gracious Japanese people, enabling them to encounter the richness and beauty of Japanese culture. Prior to that, Steve ran a large U.S.-based wholesale plant growing operation with Japanese partners, serving the landscape construction industry during California’s construction boom years. He holds an M.A. in Applied Counseling Psychology, and he currently lives in the Kyoto foothills with his wife of over 42 years, Ritsuko, an ikebana instructor.
Moderator – Steve Pollock | President, Japan Society of Northern California
Steve Pollock is the President of Japan Society of Northern California (JSNC). Apart from his management responsibilities, he is also an avid consumer of JSNC’s diverse programming on topics ranging from Japanese arts and culture, to business and innovation, healthcare, and policy and economics. Prior to leading JSNC, Steve worked for many years advising Japanese and US companies about cross-cultural business and market entry, while also traveling and reading widely about Japan. He has lived and worked in Japan with his family, and has a passion for sharing and discussing interesting Japan-related content with others.