Explore the World of Ikebana and Japanese Literature in an Atelier in Kamakura

Encounter Art and Literature

Atelier & Gallery Ichirin lies close to Enoden Hase Station in Kamakura. The owner is Mayumi Inagaki, a writer, editor, publisher, and branding director, who opened Ichirin in the hope that it would provide a place for conscious interaction between people. The space was designed to the theme “sea breeze, art, and literature”, and is filled with light and air, allowing guests to feel the flow of time.

“I want people to be interested in literature without needing to think too hard about it,” says Ms. Inagaki

Ms. Inagaki found inspiration from the beauty she feels from literary works, and the rich literary history of Kamakura, including Natsume Soseki (1867–1916), Nobel Prize winner Kawabata Yasunari (1899-1972), and film director Yasujiro Ozu (1903-1963). When one experiences culture through art and literature, they accumulate impressions, knowledge, and taste. By coming into contact with literary works and flowers together in a purpose-built space, Ms. Inagaki believes that one can appreciate both with sharper senses.

Ichirin hosts regular exhibitions and lectures on art and literature

The Beauty of Books

The talk focuses on a book selected by Ms. Ingakai from around a hundred facsimile edition of famous Japanese works from the Meiji (1868–1912) to early Showa (1926–1989) periods. In particular, she makes use of ‘Meibutsu Reprint’ editions, which go far beyond what the name suggests — each book is an exact reproduction of the original, down to the type of paper, binding, and printing techniques. This experience will highlight Natsume Soseki's "Kokoro" and "I Am a Cat". Feel free to ask about other books that interest you.

Shunkinsho, by Junichiro Tanizaki, with its deep black lacquered cover

This is not a one-way experience, but a chance to share in the physical beauty of literary works by holding a book in one’s own hands and paying careful attention to the processes behind its creation. Ms. Inagaki, who is also a member of the Kamakura Pen Club, is often able to share secret or little-known stories about the writer and their connection with Kamakura.

Admiring the binding

Flowers Based on Literature

Ikka Icho describes a form of ikebana flower arrangement that uses a single flower and a single leaf. The arrangement of the day is inspired by the content of the talk.

This extremely delicate form of ikebana is considered the ultimate floral art

Tamaki Kumagai is a multi-award-winning floral artist and ikebana expert. Under her guidance and taking inspiration from the book discussed earlier, each participant will create their own arrangement. Guests are welcome to take their flowers and vase home with them after the experience.

Ms. Kumagai specializes in free and unique arrangements

Ikebana is a simple yet profound form of flower arrangement, with no fixed rules. Each work is totally unique to the artist, season, and materials. After completing their arrangement, guests are invited to discuss their thoughts on their own and others’ work, and how they relate to the literary inspiration.

A Time for Contemplation

At the end of the experience, reflect upon the themes of the talk and flower arrangement over green tea and traditional wagashi sweets: the beauty of the book’s binding and printing, the author’s background and words, and the expression of ikebana. Through conversation with your hosts and companions, new ideas are sure to be drawn out.

Wagashi sweets are designed to celebrate the season

Exploring Beauty in Two Forms

The aesthetic experience of a literary work and of a flower arrangement combine like a chemical reaction to create a new impression. This experience is designed to help guests weave together different senses and expressions of beauty and gain a deeper understanding as a result.

Lush greenery contrasts the blue seascape

The area around Atelier & Gallery Ichirin is dotted with places associated with Kamakura’s literary history, including the Kamakura Museum of Literature, the Yoshiya Nobuko Memorial Museum, and the former residence of novelist Yasunari Kawabata. Enjoy a stroll around the area and bask in the fragrances and feelings of land and sea.