The Weehawken Public Library hosted “An Evening Celebrating Japan” on Monday, April 13. Children and adults took part in workshops and demonstrations about all aspects of Japanese culture.
Children and teens had lessons in origami art, and learned about Japanese manga (comics) and anime.
“I really liked the slide shows about the manga and the anime,” said Allison Rapisardi, 14. “The storylines of the manga are always interesting, and I love the legends and myths of Japan.”
Allison’s friend Faith also attended the presentations and enjoyed learning more about Japanese animation, or anime, as it’s commonly known.
“I grew up with Pokemon,” said Faith D’Isa, 14, who has been a longtime fan of anime. “I thought [the presentation] was amazing. I really like the art because it helps to convey the story.”
For the adult guests, there was a presentation about the history of tea and the etiquette rules of a formal Japanese tea ceremony, which has been centuries’ long tradition in the Japanese culture.
“I thought it was intriguing,” said Daniel Harray. “I have been fortunate to travel to Europe a fair amount, but I have not had a chance to visit this part of the world. So this have given me a window into it from the pop culture to more traditional aesthetics.”
Guests also received raffle prizes and enjoyed some of the region’s sweet treats with green tea.
A night in the Land of the Rising Sun
