Master of Carpentry

An exhibition of Japanese carpentry is currently at JAPAN HOUSE in Hollywood.

This exhibition highlights the spirit and craftsmanship of carpenters preserving traditional Japanese architectural techniques.

“The exhibition is divided into five sections: “Nature and the Japanese Forest,” “Tools,” ”The Shrine and Temple Carpenters,” “Japanese Joinery,” and “Teahouse Carpenters.”
Visitors can explore not only the intricate techniques of wooden architecture and woodworking but also the tools and philosophy that underpin them.

The exhibition’s highlights include a scale model of the hipped roof of the Tōindō Hall, a National Treasure located at Yakushiji Temple in Nara.
Another notable feature is a life-sized replica of the Sa-an teahouse, designed by the renowned tea master Sen no Rikyū.

Additionally, the exhibition features over 70 items, including examples of traditional Japanese joinery and carpentry tools.

The exhibition “Master of Carpentry: Melding Forest, Skill, and Spirit” is being held at the JAPAN HOUSE Gallery in Hollywood until January 22.
Admission is free.
For more details, please visit the JAPAN HOUSE website.

Sushi and Sake Festival 2024

On Sunday, November 3, the Sushi and Sake Festival was held in Little Tokyo.

Organized by the Japanese Restaurant Association of America (JRA), this event aims to promote Japanese cuisine and sake and celebrated its 23rd year.
It is traditionally held around this time of year to commemorate Japan’s “Sushi Day,” which falls on November 1.

The festival, offering all-you-can-eat sushi and sake, has become so popular that all 1,000 pre-sale tickets were sold out.
Once again this year, Japanese food enthusiasts formed long lines even before the event started.

The festivities began with a traditional sake barrel opening ceremony by representatives of the community.
This was followed by an impressive live demonstration of filleting a massive 360-pound tuna on stage.

For many attendees, sushi was the highlight of the event. Guests enjoyed expertly crafted sushi prepared by chefs from renowned restaurants.

The food served at the event was made possible through the cooperation of JRA member organizations and companies.
In addition to sushi, the indoor food corner featured a variety of Japanese dishes, sweet breads, beer, and soft drinks.
Outdoors, popular street foods such as ramen, takoyaki, and yakitori were also available.

In the alcohol section, attendees were treated to an extensive selection of beverages, including junmai, ginjo, daiginjo, and shochu, with numerous brands showcased by sake brewers.
Guests delighted in sampling the diverse flavors.

Founded in 1999, the JRA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing technical and sanitary standards in the Japanese food industry, supporting businesses in legal and operational matters, and promoting Japanese cuisine across the United States.