Japanese Culture Evening
On December 8, 2011, the Embassy of Japan, with support from the National Parliamentary Library of Georgia, will organize a "Japanese Culture Evening." This event will incorporate different aspects of the Japanese culture: sado (tea ceremony), shodo (Japanese calligraphy), Japanese classic and modern music performed by trio "Bravo," and ceramic works of the Georgian artist, Eka Kharashvili with Japanese motives.
Opening: December 8, 2011, at 18:00 (The Hall will open at 17:45)
Venue: National parliamentary Library of Georgia
Address: 7 Gudiashvili str., Tbilisi
IMPORTANT!
* Please note that the number of the seats is limited – only first 150 guests may be able to attend.
* Admission free
● SADO – Tea Ceremony
Sado is a way of preparing, serving, and drinking the Japanese powdered green tea, in accordance with traditional rules and etiquette. The ritual was born more than 400 years ago and remains one of the unique examples of the Japanese culture. 
A full-length formal tea ceremony involves a meal (chakaiseki) and two servings of tea (koicha and usucha) and lasts approximately four hours. The ceremony itself consists of many rituals that have to be learned by heart. Almost each hand movement is prescribed. It is an interlude in which one prepares himself for the moment filled with the spirit of beauty, quietude, and politeness toward others. The tea is first prepared by the host, and then drunk by the guests. The guests will not engage in a small talk or gossip, but limit their conversation to a discussion of the origin of utensils and praise of the beauty of natural manifestations.
Short demonstration of the tea ceremony will be performed by Mrs. Junko Kamohara, spouse of the Ambassador of Japan to Georgia, following which the participants will be invited to taste a cup of tea.
● Japanese Classic and Modern Music
Japanese classic and modern music will be performed by Trio "Bravo." The ensemble was founded in 2000 at the state philharmonic society of Georgia combining two duets, "Duo-Tbilisi" and "Duo Union of Composers:" violin – Galina Bandura, viola – Anatoli Danelian, piano –Aliona Oganov. Repertoire of the Group covers masterpieces from the early renaissance to modern classic. Trio "Bravo" has soon learned recognition of wide audience in Georgia and outside of the country. The ensemble's tonal laying, the relief gradation of nuances, complex music and the feeling of the rhythm touches souls of many people around the world.
● SHODO – Japanese Calligraphy
SHODO is a form of artistic writing of the Japanese language. Sho means calligraphy, while do means way. It is one of the ways leading to comprehension of life's meaning and eternal truth, along with Bu-do (martial arts like Karate-do, Judo and Ken-do) and Sa-do (tea ceremony).
SHODO is one of the most popular fine arts of Japan. Calligraphical works are appreciated through their expression of spirit of depth and beauty by the means of kanji (hieroglyphs) and kana characters written with a brush and ink on the rice paper. The beauty of expression (brush strokes, structure, color of ink, arrangement etc.) and content (style, meaning) are very important, as each writing reflects the unique personality of the writer.
Works of SHODO master, Mr. Josui Hagihara (Counselor of the Japan Calligraphy Museum, Duke and Appraiser of Japan Teaching Calligraphy Association) will be displayed.
● Ceramic Works with the Japanese Motives
Eka Kharashvili's ceramic works with Japanese motives will be displayed. Bright color, dark tones, delicate technique, poetic sketches and interesting collages – this is Eka Kharashvili's style.
Eka Kharashvili is the author of the new trend in the ceramic décor, who successfully uses natural ingredients, such as chicken and ostrich egg-shells to make non-toxic color glazes for ceramics. Her unique method makes her works original and interesting.
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