Guided Search: Japanese, Children

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

Celebrate the growth and well-being of your children in the traditional ritual of Shichi-go-san! This beautiful ceremony, open to 3 and 7 year-old girls and 5 year-old boys, is an opportunity to get photos of your child in traditional kimono against Shofuso’s backdrop by Rev. Kuniko Kanawa, a trained photographer, Shinto priestess, and expert kimono stylist. Photo session is $490 ($470 JASGP members) and includes professional kimono dressing with themed props.

Space is limited, and registration closes November 6 at 3 PM. Please note that there are no refunds for cancellations after this date, and there will be no refunds for missed appointments.

Available photo session times for Saturday, November 10: 12:30 – 1:30 PM, 1:30 – 2:30 PM, 2:30 – 3:30 PM, and 3:30 – 4:30 PM

Celebrate the growth and well-being of your children in the traditional ritual of Shichi-go-san! This beautiful ceremony, open to 3 and 7 year-old girls and 5 year-old boys, is an opportunity to get photos of your child in traditional kimono against Shofuso’s backdrop by Rev. Kuniko Kanawa, a trained photographer, Shinto priestess, and expert kimono stylist. Photo session is $490 ($470 JASGP members) and includes professional kimono dressing with themed props. An additional Shinto ritual, in which Rev. Kanawa will humbly appreciate and pray to kami (deities) for your child, including the offering of an evergreen tamagushi branch, is available for an additional $50.

Space is limited, and registration closes November 6 at 3 PM. Please note that there are no refunds for cancellations after this date, and there will be no refunds for missed appointments.

Available photo session times for Sunday, November 11: 10:30 – 12:30 PM, 12:30 – 1:30 PM, 2:00 – 3:30 PM, 3:30 – 4:30 PM

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)