Learn Japanese Seasonal Ceremonial Traditions From a Shitsurai Design Expert in Tokyo

A Shitsurai Design Experience at a Dignified Residence in Suburban Tokyo

Surrounded by greenery, and tucked away in a residential area that is an approximately 20-minute train ride from Shibuya in central Tokyo, is a refined Japanese-style residence with a perfectly manicured garden. Fairly close to a train station, but still quiet, this will be the venue for this experience: the residence of Michiko Yamamoto, who will serve as your instructor. The moment you step through the front door of Ms. Yamamoto’s home, the elegant design will surely leave you captivated.

An air of refinement can be felt throughout the beautifully trimmed garden

Known as a leading authority on shitsurai, the art of arranging and decorating spaces for Japanese seasonal ceremonies, Ms. Yamamoto studied under the late Shou’u Tagawa, the fourth-generation head of the Nanso Heika school of ikebana flower arrangement who taught shitsurai to Emperor Showa (1901–1989). In 1995, Ms. Yamamoto established Shitsurai Sanzen, a series of shitsurai classes devoted to the culture and lifestyle associated with Japanese seasonal ceremonies. Her classes have attracted students from all over Japan who wish to gain in-depth knowledge of shitsurai directly from Ms. Yamamoto, some of whom have been loyal students for decades.

Michiko Yamamoto, who runs the Shitsurai Sanzen series of shitsurai classes

Revisiting Traditional Japanese Culture

New Year’s Day, Hina Matsuri (Girls’ Festival), Tango no Sekku (Boys’ Festival), and Obon (Spirit Festival) —these are just some examples of Japan’s wide range of seasonal ceremonies. These traditional events have been part of Japan’s cultural heritage since ancient times, and the art of arranging and designing spaces, as well as preparing the appropriate clothing and food, for these seasonal celebrations and turning points in life is called shitsurai. Examples of shitsurai in practice include offering rice cakes called kagami mochi on New Year's Day and adorning a room with peach blossoms and Hina dolls for Hina Matsuri.

Shitsurai for Hina Matsuri, the Girls’ Festival in March: arranging Hina-arare rice crackers to look as if they are a flowing river

“Shitsurai for Japan’s traditional events is not just about decorating to reflect the season’s turning points. It is also about conveying gratitude, hospitality, and heartfelt prayers,” says Ms. Yamamoto. In this experience, under Ms. Yamamoto’s guidance, you will learn and think about the origins and meanings of Japanese seasonal events, the standard ceremonies related to them, how they are perceived in relation to modern lifestyles and dwelling spaces, and the relationship between objects and thoughts.

Shitsurai for Choyo no Sekku, the Chrysanthemum Festival: chrysanthemum sweets on a tokonoma alcove

With Ms. Yamamoto guiding you every step of the way during this experience, you can put what you learned into practice as you perform shitsurai for a traditional event. The theme varies depending on the month. For example, depicted here is September’s theme: a seasonal event called Choyo no Sekku, the Chrysanthemum Festival. Originally a Chinese tradition, Choyo no Sekku takes place on September 9th of the lunar calendar, which is around mid-October of the solar calendar—when the chrysanthemums are in full bloom. During this festival, people admire these flowers and drink chrysanthemum wine while praying for longevity and good health.

Ms. Yamamoto's extensive knowledge makes for extremely fascinating conversations

Naturally, the shitsurai in accordance with Choyo no Sekku is chrysanthemum-themed. Offerings include ball-shaped chrysanthemum decorations, chrysanthemum sweets, and chrysanthemum wine. Arranging chrysanthemums by placing them all over a round base will be an enjoyable experience. Since chrysanthemums represent longevity, arranging them into a round ball-like decoration that represents the heart and soul is a way of praying for longevity. If you infuse your thoughts into your actions, you may start to feel that even objects have spirits dwelling in them.

Arranging chrysanthemums while praying for long life and good health

Shitsurai: Encountering the Deities in Our Dwelling Spaces

Though shitsurai is traditionally done on the tokonoma, an alcove that is a fixture of traditional Japanese houses, Ms. Yamamoto suggests using a nagaita board in consideration of modern living spaces and lifestyles. She says, “You can use a single board to recreate a tokonoma, where deities and ancestors are enshrined. Simply creating such a space in your home will open your eyes to the beauty in everyday life, which you might have taken for granted, and fill you with a spirit of reverence and gratitude.”

Another name for Choyo no Sekku is "Kiku no Sekku,” which also means “Chrysanthemum Festival”

As an exclusive benefit for Wabunka guests, this experience will end with a ceremony called naorai, which involves partaking of shinsen (food that has been offered to the gods) and sacred sake. In this experience, the sacred offerings that you will enjoy are tea and sweets. Naorai is also a time to wind down after getting into the proper state of mind for a seasonal ceremonial event, so take this time to relax and chat casually with Ms. Yamamoto.

The naorai ceremony will be an enjoyable opportunity that brings you closer to Ms. Yamamoto

Enhance Your Life with Shitsurai for Seasonal Events

Interested Wabunka guests can also receive materials related to the theme of the experience, as well as a book by Ms. Yamamoto (only published in Japanese) that compiles her shitsurai exhibition at Jiyu Gakuen Myonichikan. Take these home as precious keepsakes that you can use to look back on this experience.

Those interested can take home materials from the experience, as well as a book (only available in Japanese) featuring shitsurai displays by Ms. Yamamoto

"In Japan, it is customary for us to perform shitsurai for seasonal events such as New Year and Obon each year. Each offering has a meaning and spirit behind it,” says Ms. Yamamoto. Join her on this shitsurai experience to familiarize yourself with Japan’s deeply rooted heritage of seasonal events and to take a deeper look into Japanese culture.

Ms. Yamamoto’s every word conveys the spirit of Japanese culture