Five Senses of Japan

An immersive cultural program invites visitors to experience Japanese art, music, cuisine and design through a multisensory lens rooted in both tradition and contemporary expression.

Five Senses of Japan takes place Friday, February 13 at the Coral Gables Museum. The afternoon-to-evening program highlights sight, sound, taste and touch through a series of workshops, screenings, performances and exhibitions, with a particular focus on women artists and makers working across traditional and modern disciplines.

Program

2:00 to 4:00 p.m. : Ikebana Workshop & Demonstration

Renowned Ikebana artist Akiko Iwata, joined by Michiyo Ishii-Sloane, leads a two-part experience beginning with a live demonstration followed by a hands-on workshop. Participants create their own floral arrangements using curated flowers and handcrafted ceramic vessels selected in collaboration with the Ceramic League, and take their finished works home. Museum members receive a 20 percent discount with advance registration.

6:00 to 6:30 p.m. : Documentary Screening

The Fragility of Tradition, directed by Stella M. Holmes, profiles three Japanese women artists working within the historically male-dominated field of kogei. The film explores resilience, creative identity, and the evolving role of women in traditional craft practices.

7:00 to 7:45 p.m. : Japanese Food, Sake & Live Music

Guests enjoy Japanese food and sake tastings accompanied by live traditional music performed by a shakuhachi and koto duet. The pairing of wind and string instruments creates a contemplative atmosphere that complements the evening’s sensory focus.

7:00 to 9:00 p.m. : Exhibition & Silent Auction

Ikebana arrangements by Akiko Iwata and Michiyo Ishii-Sloane, displayed with ceramic vessels curated by the Ceramic League, are presented in a gallery setting. Select works are available through a silent auction.

8:00–9:00 p.m. : Kimono Fashion Presentation

Designer Nako Matsuda presents contemporary fashion pieces created from reimagined traditional kimonos, alongside selections from Satomi Hirano’s collection of classic kimono garments, accompanied by background music.