Japanese through Origami: Tanabata Star festival
You will learn some introductory Japanese phrases, Japanese festivals and learn how to fold folk Origami pieces as well as origami decorations for Tanabata Star Festival.
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- Start Date: 05 Jul 2025End Date: 05 Jul 2025Sat (Daytime): 11:00 - 13:00In PersonFull fee £19.00 Senior fee £19.00 Concession £19.00
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What is the course about?
You will be introduced to Japanese Origami culture and festivals before learning how this paper art form is appreciated and incorporated into the traditional Tanabata Star Festival.
The Tanabata Star Festival, also known as the "Star Festival," is one of the five main festivals celebrated in Japan on July 7th each year. It has its origins in a Chinese legend of two lovers, Orihime (the Weaver Star) and Hikoboshi (the Cowherd Star), who are separated by the Milky Way and can only meet once a year on this day.
During Tanabata, people write their wishes on colourful strips of paper called tanzaku and hang them on bamboo branches, along with other decorations. It's a beautiful celebration of love, hope, and dreams.
This introduction to origami culture and Japanese festivals will be followed by a hands-on Origami making workshop that you will be asked to actively participate in.
What will we cover?
You will be briefly introduced to the Tanabata Star Festival and how this paper art form is appreciated and incorporated into this traditional Japanese Festival.
The Tanabata Star Festival, also known as the "Star Festival," is celebrated in Japan on July 7th each year. It has its origins in a Chinese legend of two lovers, Orihime (the Weaver Star) and Hikoboshi (the Cowherd Star), who are separated by the Milky Way and can only meet once a year on this day.
During Tanabata, people write their wishes on colorful strips of paper called tanzaku and hang them on bamboo branches, along with other decorations. The festival often features vibrant parades, traditional music, dance performances, and fireworks. It's a beautiful celebration of love, hope, and dreams.
This short introduction to Tanabata will be followed by a hands-on Origami making workshop that you will be asked to actively participate in.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Understand the brief history of Origami and its traditions.
- Understand the origins and contemporary significance of the Tanabata Star Festival
In this session, you will fold and complete between 3 to 5 folk origami pieces related to Tanabata.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is open for everyone who is hands-on and willing to have a go!
No previous language knowledge or Origami experience is necessary.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
All students will be asked to participate in the activities that are supported by PowerPoint slides and tutor demonstration in Japanese and English. You might be asked to watch some videos before workshop.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
You will need:
- Origami paper (15cm x 15cm or similar size - completely square paper)
- A pair of scissors.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Any Japanese language course at various levels as well as several workshops. Ask your tutor for advice.
Rie came to Britain in 2004 to study a BA in Ceramics and Wood after working as an Art Director/Graphic Designer for 17 years in Tokyo. Learning a language as an adult changed her life, enabling her to study at university again and to start a new life abroad. Rie believes that learning and teaching a language can change someone’s life and this is why she is fascinated by teaching Japanese to adult learners. After completing her MA in Ceramics and Glass in 2012, Rie obtained a Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching Japanese as a Foreign Language in 2016 whilst also teaching Ceramics in an adult education college and Japanese Pottery at a college as a visiting lecturer. She then started teaching Japanese both privately and at a language school where she gained valuable experience teaching at all levels. Since 2019, Rie has been teaching Japanese at City Lit at all levels from complete beginners to advanced. Her teaching materials, which include original handouts, reflect her background in art design and culture and help learners enjoy speaking and listening.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
