Japanese Events March 2023

by Best-Japanese Team
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There are plenty of Japanese art & culture workshops in our Japanese Events in March calendar, such as those focusing on Ikebana (flower arrangement), and Origami (paper folding) workshops, along with a workshop on Shodo (calligraphy). For those who are interested in meeting up and speaking Japanese in an informal and friendly atmosphere, there’s the monthly “Japanese Conversation Group” event by Japan Society.

If you would like to try or learn about Sake or if you’re already a sake lover, West London Wine School has 3 events for their “Sake Rice Varietal Class & Tasting” as well as their “Sake & Cheese Pairing Evening”. There’s also an “Introduction to Sake” workshop by Natsuki Kikuya at Pantechnicon.

Meanwhile, out west in Ludlow, there’s a “Suminagashi (paper marbling) workshop”. If you’re not living close, you might like to take a day out to attend this intriguing workshop. Also, if you’re living further north and close to Edinburgh, there’s the “Nihongo Yoga” and Social Meeting to practice your Japanese while doing a spot of Yoga – both are listed below in our Japanese events outside London.


March 3rd: Introduction To Sake with Natsuki Kikuya

Introduction to Sake with Natsuki Kikuya at Sakaya, Pantechnicon
  • Date: Friday, March 3rd 2023
  • Time: 18:00 – 19:00 | 19:00 – 20:00 | 20:00 – 21:00
  • Introduction to Sake Workshop Experience Fee: £70.00
  • Location: Sakaya at Pantechnicon, 19 Motcomb St, London, SW1X 8LB

Join an intimate workshop and tasting with Sake Samurai Natsuki Kikuya and take your first step to becoming a sake-drinking pro. There’s three sessions to choose from at 6 pm, 7 pm, and 8 pm.

Each tasting has just four places and is priced at £70 per person, which includes the tasting of four sake plus Japanese snacks and a 6-piece Maki roll to share.

For more information and booking, please check the Introduction to Sake Workshop Experience page.


March 7th: Japanese Conversation Group

Credit: ‘The Japan Society’ – Japanese Conversation Group
  • Date: Tuesday, March 7th 2023
  • Time: 19:00 – 23:00
  • Cost: No Booking Required – Just turn up and pay at the door a small fee to cover the costs of the buffet
  • Location: Shakespeare’s Head, 29 Great Marlborough Street, Soho, London W1F 7HZ

The Japanese Conversation Group provides a friendly and informal atmosphere for Japanese speakers of all nationalities to come together and speak Japanese – intermediate level recommended.

Meetings are held on the first Tuesday of every month. They begin at 7.00pm and finish around 11.00pm.

For more information, please visit the Japanese Conversation Group page .


March 7th, 14th and 21st: Exploring Famous Sake Rice Varietals

West London Wine School | Exploring Famous Sake Rice Varietals
  • Date: Tuesday, March 7th , 14th, & 21st 2023
  • Time: 19:00 – 21:00
  • Entrance cost: £45 per person per class or £40 if booking for all 3 classes (£120 for a 3-week course)
  • Location: West London Wine School, located inside The Wine Cellars (access via the Big Yellow Storage Company entrance) 71 Townmead Road, Fulham, London SW6 2SG

Curious about the different strains of rice used to make premium Japanese sake? Join the West London Wine School to explore the fascinating world of sake rice varietals! Similar to wine grapes, there are specific varieties of rice bred for use in sake brewing, each with their own unique aroma and flavour profiles. These classes are suitable for all levels from sake newcomers to those who are currently studying or have already completed WSET or other sake courses.

For more information and booking, please visit the following pages.

Sake Rice Varietals: Omachi – The Cult Favorite Heirloom Sake Rice for Tuesday, March 7

Sake Rice Varietals: Yamada Nishiki – The King of Sake Rice for Tuesday, March 14

Sake Rice Varietals: Gohyakumangoku – The Elegant “Champion of the East” for Tuesday, March 21


March 11th: Hanami Style Ikebana Workshop @ Snow Peak London

Ikebaba Workshop at Snow Peak
Ikebana Workshop @ Snow Peak London
  • Date: Saturday, March 11th 2023
  • Times: 2 sessions (15;00 to 16:30 & 17:00 to 18:30)
  • Workshop Fee: £50 per person
  • Location: Snow Peak Store, 16A Regent Street, St. James, London, SW1Y 4PH

In this spring themed workshop, you’ll have the opportunity to learn the history and significance of Ikebana as one of the three classical Japanese arts of refinement. The workshop will cost £50 and include all materials including Kenzan and a ceramic pot to take home as well as complimentary refreshments, including Japanese tea, coffee and matcha from the Snow Peak Café. You’re also welcome to bring your own materials / stems you’d like to incorporate into your design and take your Ikebana with you!

For more information and booking, please check out the Hanami Style Ikebana Workshop page.


March 11th, 12th, 18th, 25th & 26th: Ikebana Trial Lesson with a Japanese Ikebana master

Source: Eventbrite ‘Ikebana Trial Lesson’

Date & Time, Fee and Location:

  • Saturday, March 11th 2023: 13:30 – 15:30 | £71.13 | Norwood Junction, Brocklesby Road, London SE25 4LB
  • Sunday March 12th 2023: 14:30 – 16:30 | £71.13 | Craft Central, Westferry Road, London E14 3AE
  • Saturday March 18th 2023: 13:30 – 15:30 | £71.13 | Norwood Junction, Brocklesby Road, London SE25 4LB
  • Saturday March 25th 2023: 13:30 – 15:30 | £71.13 | Norwood Junction, Brocklesby Road, London SE25 4LB
  • Sunday 26th March 2023: 14:30 – 16:30 | £71.13 | Craft Central, Westferry Road, London E14 3AE

In this class, you will make 1 arrangement, learn how to make sophisticated Ikebana arrangements, and some etiquette when you “do” Ikebana is taught. Flowers, vase, kenzan, scissors, text, 1 bag and refreshment are provided, and you can take all home except scissors. You’ll have a chance to hear about Ikebana lessons in Japan as well as speaking in Japanese and making new friends.

For more information and booking, please check the eventbrite pages Ikebana Trial Lesson on the 11th | Ikebana Trial Lesson on the 12th | Ikebana Trial Lesson on the 18th | Ikebana Trial Lesson on the 25th | Ikebana Trial Lesson on the 26th


March 17th: Sake and Cheese Pairing Evening

Japanese Sake Pouring
Sake and Cheese Pairing Evening – West London Wine School
  • Date: Friday, March 17th 2023
  • Time: 19:00 – 21:00
  • Entrance cost: £50 per person
  • Location: West London Wine School, located inside The Wine Cellars (access via the Big Yellow Storage Company entrance) 71 Townmead Road, Fulham, London SW6 2SG

Sake and cheese pairing is rapidly gaining popularity in Japan and abroad. Sake and cheese tutor Sarah Stewart will cover the basics of sake and cheese production and information about each producer, along with general sake pairing principles.

You will pick up lots of useful information to help you choose your perfect sake and cheese match and find out which sake styles you like most. On the evening, you will taste six different premium sake across a range of styles, accompanied by six artisanal cheeses from local cheesemonger Hamish Johnston.

For more information and booking, please visit the Sake and Cheese Pairing Evening page.


March 18th: Shodo Japanese Calligraphy Course

Source: Eventbrite ‘Shodo Japanese Calligraphy’
  • Date: Saturday, March 18th 2023
  • Time: 13:30 – 16:30
  • Fee: £58 per person
  • Location: London Shodo, The Art Worker’s Guild, 6 Queen Square, London WC1N 3AT (first floor)

All materials included and the utensils are prepared and you’ll have 90min x2 (3 hours) of hands-on instruction, including 1 to 1 help. You will learn essential brush movements and calligraphy techniques and how to use all four treasures of the studies, brush, paper, ink and ink stone. There will be various templates (seasonal inspired) prepared for different levels so each individual can learn and develop in the most effective way. Learners will be supported and given feedback and corrections if they do home-practice.

For booking and more info, please visit the eventbrite page: Shodo Japanese Calligraphy Course.


March 18th & 23rd: Happy Origami Workshop

Happy Origami Workshop
  • Date & Time: Saturday, March 18th, 14:00 – 15:30 | Thursday, March 23rd, 19:00 – 20:30
  • Admission: £15
  • Location: THE SNOOTY FOX, Canonbury, 75 Grosvenor Ave, Mildmay Ward, N5 2NN, London

This is a wonderful Origami experience where you will learn about Japanese traditions. Just by folding paper, you will be happy and calm and before long it will bring a smile to your face.

Japanese Origami artist Toshiko, a member of British Origami Society, will be teaching you to fold beautiful flowers like tulips and lilies, kimono book marks, lovely gift & jewellery boxes and kawaii dress bunting.

For more information and booking, please check the Happy Origami Workshop page.


Ongoing Japanese Events in March

KUMIHIMO: Japanese Silk Braiding by DOMYO (Exhibition at Japan House London)

Credit ‘Japan House’
  • Date: Thursday, February 23rd to Sunday, June 11th 2023
  • Japan House Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday 10:00 – 20:00 | Sundays & Bank Holidays 12:00 – 18:00
  • Admission: Free (Booking is recommended)
  • Location: Ground Floor, Japan House London, 101-111 Kensington High St, London, W8 5SA

Discover the past, present and possible futures of kumihimo, an intricate, decorative braided cord from Japan, in the first major UK exhibition exploring this ancient yet contemporary Japanese art. Literally translating as ‘joining threads together’, kumihimo is characterized by its vivid colours and intricate patterns, and is created by expert craftspeople who combine up to 140 hand-dyed threads, often made of silk.

For more information, please visit the Japan House London Kumihimo: Japanese Silk Braiding by DOMYO page.


The Beauty of Transience – A Journey through the Seasons of Japan (Exhibition at Embassy of Japan in the UK)

Source; Eventbrite ‘The Beauty of Transience’
  • Date: Monday, January 30th to Late March 2023
  • Opening Hours: Weekdays 10:00 – 17:00 (Closed weekends & UK Bank Holidays)
  • Admission: Free (Photo ID is required)
  • Location: Embassy of Japan in the UK, 101-104 Piccadilly, London, W1J 7JT

While the existence of four seasons is by no means unique, Japan has a very long history of maintaining a close association with nature and this is very evident in its modern culture. Nature appears not only in the traditional arts of poetry, painting, flower arranging and tea ceremony but is commonly referenced in aspects of daily life such as food, correspondence, clothing and architecture. This exhibition aims to give a glimpse of insight into Japan’s close and complex relationship with the four seasons.

For more information, please visit the eventbrite page; The Beauty of Transience.


Outside of London Events: Yoga (Edinburgh) | Suminagashi Japanese paper marbling (Ludlow)

March 5th: Nihongo Yoga (with Japanese and English) & Social Meeting

Nihongo Yoga
Nihongo Yoga & Social Meeting
  • Date: Sunday, March 5th 2023
  • Time: 11:00 – 12:30 (about 45mins yoga practice and 45 mins for tea time)
  • Event fee: £10 although if you bring snacks to share with everyone it is half price.
  • Location: Yoga Studio Art and Spirituality, 6-8 Alexander Drive, Gorgie, Edinburgh, EH11 2RH

This is a unique class for people who study Japanese or like Japanese culture and allows them to have the chance to meet new like-minded people. Instructor Kotomi will conduct the class in both English and Japanese.

Kotomi enjoys spending time with class participants after sessions and for everyone to socialise and get to know each other. Unlike many yoga classes and Japanese classes where you have to leave immediately after the class finishes, at Nihongo Yoga, you can get plenty of opportunity to talk after.

You can find more event information here: Nihongo Yoga with Japanese and English & Social Meeting.


March 11th: Suminagashi (Japanese paper marbling)

Source: Eventbrite ‘Suminagashi (Japanese paper marbling)
  • Date: Saturday, March 11th 2023
  • Time: 10:00 – 16:00
  • Fee: £97
  • Location: appleTeme, Lloyds Yard, Corve Street, Ludlow , Shropshire SY8 1DJ

The art of suminagashi (floating ink), the Japanese form of paper marbling, is both compelling and intriguing. The day starts at 10 a.m. with coffee and a look at the history of suminagashi and what you need to get started. There will be demonstrations and plenty of opportunities to unleash your creativity and to ask questions! The workshop will give you an understanding of the materials, tools and process with plenty of practice on both small and large troughs. Included in the cost are all materials and some refreshments (beverages and cake).

For more information and booking, please check the eventbrite page: Suminagashi (Japanese paper marbling)


Your reviews of Japanese Events March 2023

We hope you found our Japanese Events for March round up helpful, and you’re able to check out some of these fantastic events!

We’ll be updating this event page as we get more info, so please do come back to check it from time to time, and please feel free to comment below on your experience if you were able to attend! This will give our readers a better idea of what to expect and may encourage them to join future events by the same organizers.

Also, if you’d like to submit information for your Japanese event coming up in March or April, please get in touch with us through our contact form.

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