TalkFriday 15 June 2018
6:00pm – 7:00pm
“24 Seasons Calendar”: An ancient Japanese way of harmonising with seasonal changes
Drinks reception: 7:00pm – 8:00pm
13/14 Cornwall Terrace, Outer Circle (entrance facing Regent's Park), London NW1 4QP
Organised by the Daiwa Anglo-Japanese Foundation
Fully bookedThe “24 Seasons Calendar” is based on the ancient East-Asian Lunisolar calendar, which describes the transition of seasons in 24 steps. Within Japanese society, people have learned to appreciate and harmonise with nature by adopting this calendar. In this talk Rinko Kimino discussed how people’s lives are affected by the calendar and how the changes in seasons are appreciated through various mediums, such as cooking, clothing and language.
In the second half of the seminar, Rinko introduced some of the most popular items that are used in Japanese households to enhance the arrival of each season. There was also the chance to try Japanese confectionery, which gave a glimpse of how nature is appreciated within Japanese culture.
About the contributors
Rinko Kimino
Rinko Kimino is an established author on Japanese culture and has published over seventeen books about traditional topics, such as kimonos and Kabuki. Two of her most recent publications, “How to enjoy 24 Seasons Calendar” and “Photographic Kabuki Kaleidoscope” will be on display. Rinko is also a Japanese culture curator, lecturer and has delivered workshops in Japan, the USA, Thailand and Italy, helping to improve the understanding of Japanese culture. She is also a business consultant for companies wishing to conduct business abroad.