This Sunday, Brooklyn Kura hosts a special afternoon of mindfulness, calligraphy, sake, and sushi in collaboration with Japanese Calligraphy Master RIHAKU.

Welcome the season of early autumn through brush, ink, and flavor. The theme of this workshop is the Zen-inspired phrase: 「ひと葉落ちて秋を知る」Hitoha ochite Aki wo shiru. (When a single leaf falls, the world senses the coming of autumn.)

Guided by RIHAKU, participants will slow down, align breath with brush, and experience the meditative rhythm of Japanese calligraphy. Writing this seasonal phrase becomes a practice of mindfulness—quieting the mind, noticing subtle transitions, and embracing the present moment.

RIHAKU (center, in kimono) leads a calligraphy workshop at Brooklyn Kura

Each guest will create their own unique piece on traditional Japanese washi paper, to be taken home as a personal keepsake of calm and clarity.

This mindful journey will be paired with a tasting of Brooklyn Kura’s premium sake, along with casual futomaki rolls and inari prepared by Sushi Chef Yoshihiko Kousaka. His simple yet refined sushi will complement the spirit of the workshop, grounding the senses in flavor and seasonality.

To register, please visit Brooklyn Kura’s website.

About Rihaku Inoue

Rihaku is a New York–based Japanese calligraphy artist and founder of RIHAKU New York. She pioneers “3D Calligraphy,” blending classical brush techniques with projection mapping and VR. She has collaborated with Michelin-starred restaurants, cultural institutions, Brooklyn Kura, and in 2025 she led a mindful calligraphy workshop sponsored by JP Morgan. Her large-scale calligraphy performance at Japan’s Todaiji National Temple garnered national media coverage. Her mission is to share the timeless spirit of Japanese calligraphy across cultures, fusing tradition with innovation. Follow her on Instagram at @rierihaku.

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Susan McCormac 10/3/24 Susan McCormac 10/3/24

ALL-DAY JAPANESE CULTURAL FESTIVAL

FUN FEST JAPAN

Sunday, October 6 from noon until 4:00 p.m.

Corlears Hook Park – 479 Cherry Street

Admission: Free

Presented by The Japanese Folk Dance Institute of New York (JFDINY), FUN FEST JAPAN celebrates Japan and New York with an all-day Japanese cultural festival, featuring traditional performing arts and cultural activities for the entire family. Head to Corlears Hook Park in the Lower East Side to enjoy performances by JFDINY’s own Minbuza (Japanese Folk Dance), Samurai Sword Soul (Traditional Sword Fighting), and Taiko Masala (Taiko Drumming). In the activities area, experienced teachers will lead children in a variety of engaging Japanese arts and crafts such as origami, calligraphy, kendama, and kimono dressing. The finale of the day will be the Bon Odori, a traditional Japanese summer event where everyone joins in and dances together!

For more information about FUN FEST JAPAN and The Japanese Folk Dance Institute of New York, please visit their website and follow them on Instagram and Facebook.

FUN FEST JAPAN is made possible in part with funds from Creative Engagement, a regrant program supported by The New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by Lower Manhattan Cultural Council. Private support is provided by City Parks Foundation and Partnerships for Parks through the NYC Green Fund.

Calligraphy Master Leads Workshop at Brooklyn Kura

Japanese Calligraphy Workshop with Rihaku Inoue

About Rihaku Inoue

ALL-DAY JAPANESE CULTURAL FESTIVAL

FUN FEST JAPAN

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