Paper cutting artist in Ueno

Back on February 16th, I attended a book club gathering for the first time in Tokyo.  The ladies were discussing "The Devil in the White City".  It is a book I read for my Michigan Book Buddy Club the previous year.  It was nice that I was familiar with the book.

 Following the meeting, many of us had reservations in Ueno to see Imamaru Hayashiya, a paper cutting artist.  He was amazing!  We enjoyed watching his demonstration in an intimate setting.  He presented me with a piece he cut-a nightingale sitting on a plum tree branch.  Many beautiful designs were given to the audience.  Later in the program, he motioned me to come up to the stage.  I was asked what I enjoyed doing as a hobby.  I replied, "gardening".  As you can see by the photo he captured me enjoying my hobby.  Note how he even has me wearing glasses!

We had a chance to practice our own paper cutting skills.  We enjoyed a lovely traditional tea ceremony with sweets.

It was a very fun afternoon.  You can see and read more about Imamaru Hayashiya at the address below.

Book Club

Posing

Japanese sweets

www.tedxtokyo.com/tedxtokyo-2010/program/hayashiya-imamaru/