Guided Search: Japanese, Women

The Human Bullet, 1968 Written and directed by Okamoto Kihachi This satirical look at the absurd side of World War II deals with the topic of human torpedoes and suicide missions. The unnamed protagonist is assigned to destroy an American battleship at the cost of his own life.

What better way to “spring” into cherry blossom season than with a run (or walk) beneath the trees? Take in great views of Memorial Hall and Shofuso as you run through Fairmount Park’s historic Centennial District on 10K and 5K courses. All participants receive a free admission to Shofuso. Registration opens 6:30 AM, race starts at 7:30 AM.

RUN OF SHOW

6:30 AM – Registration opens
7:30 AM – Race begins
8:30 AM – Medal ceremony
9:30 AM – Race ends

The koto holds a special place in Japanese music. As the national instrument, the harp-like koto features heavily in traditional music and has even carved out a place in modern J-pop. In this workshop, participants will build their own personalized traveler version of the koto. Instructor Paul Butler leads the workshop and will also show you the basics of playing.

Join Margaret Kuo’s Wayne for a fabulous evening of fine cuisine in the Japanese style Akari Room and enjoy a multi-course meal of exquisite washoku favorites in the kaiseki style with explanations, as well as a demonstration of tea ceremony. Includes welcome sake toast. $75 to attend. To make reservations, call (610) 688-7200.

Spend the day exploring Shofuso’s garden from different perspectives. Grab a drawing board and prepared supplies to sketch the blooms. Artists are welcome to bring their own supplies (easel, small stools and dry materials are acceptable). You can also join our head gardener on a behind the scenes tour of our three garden styles.

All Sakura Week events are free with regular admission: $12 general audiences, $8 students with ID, seniors, and youth 6-17, $2 ACCESS Card holders, and FREE to members, military with ID, and youth 5 and under.

Save the date for Saturday, April 14th for the 11th annual Cherry Blossom 10K Run during Philadelphia’s Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival. Take in Memorial Hall, the Carousel House, and Shofuso Japanese House and Garden as you run through Fairmount Park's historic Centennial District on 10K and 5K routes.

On-site registration opens at 6:30 AM and the race begins at 7:30 AM. 10k Registration: $30, 5k Registration: $25.

For more details on the race, visit https://www.runtheday.com/register/detail/2018-cherry-blossom-10k

Sakura Week at Shofuso culminates with an evening of music and hands-on crafts. Kyo Daiko, Philadelphia's community taiko drum ensemble, will perform outside of Shofuso's gates throughout the evening. Grab a drink and a snack and enjoy the infectious beat of the drums! For those who feel inspired, an all-ages crafting corner will be open throughout the evening for visitors to make their own manga art pins.

Show off your maki mastery in Madame Saito's Amateur Sushi Making Contest. Held at The HeadHouse Craft Beer Café, 122 Lombard Street, this event is hosted by one of Philadelphia's oldest restaurateurs. All entrants must complete one sushi-making class prior to the competition. Tasting tickets are available for $35 per person, which includes appetizers and half priced drinks.

For more information and for registration, contact Madame Saito at 215-815-8266 or visit www.headhousephilly.com.

Learn to play shogi, a Japanese strategy game similar to chess, as part of Sakura Week's cultural activities at Shofuso. Guides will be on hand to teach you the basics. Stop by the games table to learn and try other traditional Japanese games.

All Sakura Week activities are free with regular admission to Shofuso ($12 adults, $8 students with ID, seniors, and youth 6-17, $2 ACCESS cardholders, FREE members, military with ID, youth 5 and under)