Banner with title The Essence of Japan. Subtitle: A Day of Mindfulness through Wood, Tea, and Scent. Images of 2 sets of chopsticks, a woman dressed in white kimono seated at a table with incense, and a woman dressed in a green kimono seated outdoors whisking matcha.

The Essence of Japan

A Day of Mindfulness through Wood, Tea, and Scent

All programs take place on Sunday, May 31, 2026 at the Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre.

Chopsticks Making Workshop

お箸作りワークショップ

Learn the traditional way to make Chopsticks out of precious wood from Japan.

Omotesenke Nodate Tea Ceremony (Outdoor)

表千家 野点茶席

Enjoy the whisk of matcha with the seasonal breeze in the Nikkei Garden with Ryurei table style tea service.

Kumikō Incense Game

香りの聞き比べ組香ゲーム

The Art of "Listening" to Incense. Quiet the mind and guess rare fragrances through a literary lens.

Urasenke Tea Ceremony (Indoor)

裏千家 茶席

Tranquility and Tradition: Experience the Japanese Tea Ceremony

Mini Wagashi Workshop: Suhama

ミニ和菓子ワークショップ：州浜（すはま）

Hands-on cooking workshops to learn the fundamentals of Japanese style confections, traditionally enjoyed with tea.

Kyougi Karuta

競技かるた

Special for May 31, 2026. Two free drop in workshops.
1:00-2:00pm and 2:00-3:00pm.
3:00-5:00pm will be regular card matches.

A top-down, brightly lit shot features a meticulously arranged Japanese bento box in a tan cardboard container. The meal is a vibrant assortment of colors and textures: Bottom left: Two rounded mounds of white rice are joined by a crisp band of dark green nori (seaweed), accompanied by slices of bright orange carrot and green pickled cucumber. Top left: Two glazed meatballs or pieces of protein sit in a silver foil cupcake liner. Top center: A square of tamagoyaki (rolled omelet) is branded with a "YAMA" logo and a stylized face. Top right: A small serving of kinpira gobo (braised burdock root and carrot) rests in a red-and-white checkered liner. Bottom right: A scoop of creamy potato salad topped with green herbs sits in a green-and-white checkered liner. Center: A small clear plastic cup contains a seasoned vegetable or seafood salad garnished with a tiny purple flower and a green sprout.

Obento

Enjoy a Obento in between workshops, specially created by Yama Cafe. $12 plus tax. Available to pre-purchase as an Eventbrite add-on ticket. Limited numbers available on the day of the event.

Tawara Onigiri (Cylindrical-shaped rice balls) / Mentaiko Potato Salad (Potato salad with spicy cod roe)/ Kinpira Gobo (Sautéed and simmered burdock root and carrot) / Tamagoyaki (Japanese rolled omelet) / Albacore Tuna Marinated in Mirin and Soy Sauce / Teriyaki Meatballs

ワークショップの合間にYama Cafeのお弁当をお楽しみください
内容：俵おにぎり・明太子ポテトサラダ・きんぴらごぼう・卵焼き・アルバコアツナの味醂醤油漬け・照り焼き肉団子

And More!

Special Pop-Up Shop: La Porte de l’Espoir will host a pop-up store featuring beautifully crafted artisanal sweets!

Japanese Bookstore Open: The 2nd-floor Japanese bookstore will also be open from 11am – 3pm, featuring a wide selection of used Japanese books.

Tourism Challenge: Calling for passport holders! Join us for the final days of the Tourism Challenge 2026! Open to passport holders from 10am – 5pm, and holders can enjoy 15% off at our museum shop.

Make Nikkei Centre part of your plans for the last day of May and enjoy an adventure that includes discovering Japanese culture, visiting exhibitions, shopping, attending Japanese workshops, exploring the beautiful Japanese garden, and connecting with the community — all in one visit!

Support the Chashitsu Tea Room Project

The Nikkei Centre is transforming its Tatami Room into a fully immersive Chashitsu Tea Room that authentically reflects the traditions and aesthetics of the Japanese tea ceremony. To support the creation of this invaluable “living exhibition” experience, please consider donating here: bit.ly/chashitsu-tea-room