The Power of Social Connections
Social connections play a crucial role in both our mental and physical health. Strong relationships can significantly improve our ability to manage stress, anxiety, and depression, leading to a healthier and more fulfilling life. At Cha-Ami, we understand the importance of building these connections, which is why we are always seeking new ways to connect with others and foster a supportive community.
JACL 4 Students
The program assists Japanese & Japanese American college-age students (grad students and recent alumni are welcome also) to get to know each other while participating in various fun/educational events organized by the JACL in various Twin Cities locations.
Some of our anticipated events include (details TBD)...
- Kayaking/picnic at Lake Bde Maka Ska
- Identity Pottery (design a cup just for yourself)
- Mental wellness and academic stress relief
- Online career session (listen to students with Japanese ancestry and the choices they made when they left college)
- learning about social issues in the Twin Cities by visiting historically significant locations such as Fort Snelling and George Floyd Square
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We also have an online community on Discord (https://forms.gle/fWs8uBTnofnffHU36) to connect with students in the area or ask any questions you have regarding student life or life in general.
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Iaido is the Japanese martial art focused on the drawing, cutting, and resheathing of the katana. This discipline emphasizes correctness of form, precision, efficiency of movement, and mental focus. Training is conducted through kata, set forms that simulate responses to attacks from opponents, in various positions and situations.
Iaido encompasses hundreds of styles of swordsmanship, all of which are rooted in non-combative aims and purposes. As an intrinsic form of modern Japanese budo, Iaido reflects the morals of the classical warrior. It strives to cultivate a spiritually harmounious individual, one who is intellectually refined, sensitive, and possesses a resolute will.
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Would like to know more? Contact us @ info@cha-amijcc.org
or go to their website @ https://www.mutokai.org/
Spreading kindness and joy
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Hiroko's Heart is a community-driven initiative dedicated to spreading kindness, compassion, generosity, and simple joy. Their primary mission is to deliver free Bento meals to elderly Japanese residents living in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and the surrounding areas once a month.
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They are Hiroko's children: Charmaine, Dianne, Susan, Karen, and Martin. Caring for their mother taught them the immense value of kindness and compassion, and it inspired them to share her legacy with others.
Through Hiroko's Heart, they aim to help elderly Japanese people like their mother by providing them with comforting meals and a reminder that they are loved and remembered.
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By supporting Hiroko's Heart, you are helping to spread these values to those who need them most.
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Versatility
Furoshiki can be used in various ways, from wrapping gifts to carrying groceries, making it an eco-friendly alternative to plastic bags and wrapping paper.
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Sizes and Designs
They come in various sizes, typically ranging from 45cm to 75cm squares, though larger sizes are also available. Designs often feature traditional Japanese patterns and motifs.
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Techniques
There are numerous ways to tie and fold furoshiki, each suited for different shapes and purposes. Some common techniques include the basic knot, the bottle wrap, and the handbag wrap.
Cultural Significance
Beyond its practical uses, furoshiki embodies the Japanese principles of minimalism, sustainability, and the art of presentation.
Kazumi is our excellent instructor, especially given her focus on environmental consciousness. Learning from someone so passionate about both the art and sustainability is very inspiring!
CHANOYU / SADO
The Japanese tea ceremony, also known as "chanoyu" or "sado", is a traditional ritual deeply rooted in Japanese culture. It is a choreographic ritual of preparing and serving Japanese green tea, "matcha," along with sweets to balance the tea's bitterness. The ceremony is not merely about drinking tea but is a spiritual and philosophical practice focusing on aesthetics, mindfulness, and the appreciation of the moment.
​The Japanese tea ceremony is a profound cultural experience, blending art, philosophy, and hospitality. It serves as a reminder of the importance of mindfulness, respect, and the beauty of simple, everyday moments.
Yukimakai is a dedicated group in Minnesota focused on the exploration and practice of chanoyu, the Japanese tea ceremony. Since October 1999, they have held the distinction of being the 85th Urasenke Tankokai affiliate, and prestigious status that connects them to one of the oldest and most respected traditions of the tea ceremony, originating from Kyoto, Japan.
Yukimakai is dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich traditions of the Urasenke school. They offer opportunities for both students of chanoyu and individuals interested in tea and Japanese culture to engage with and learn about this refined art. Yukimakai serves as a bridge, connecting Minnesota to the timeless traditions of Japanese tea culture and offering a space for learning, practice, and cultural appreciation.
Taiko drumming is truly an exhilarating blend of rhythm, physicality, and tradition. The combination of music, dance, and martial arts creates an unforgettable experience.. Its roots in Japanese culture are deep, but its modern adaptation has transformed it into a dynamic performance art that captivates audiences worldwide.
