Blog

Onsen, What has drawn people to Beppu for Centuries
By Charissa
One evening, after a day of filming, the film crew took me to an Onsen run by a 3rd generation Onsen owner. The Hyotan Hot Springs … Read More > about Onsen, What has drawn people to Beppu for Centuries

The Show Room, Bamboo Vocational School
By Charissa
The Bamboo vocational arts training center is in Oita, the Southern part of Japan. It was decided to establish the school in that … Read More > about The Show Room, Bamboo Vocational School

Tanabe Chikuunsai iv studio visit part 2
By Charissa
After a morning looking at Tanabe-san's families artwork we had a lovely lunch at a nearby restaurant. During a tour of the … Read More > about Tanabe Chikuunsai iv studio visit part 2

A studio visit with Tanabe Chikuunsai IV
By Charissa
This morning found me riding in a taxi with crocheted seat covers, which appealed to the fiber artist in me. After the … Read More > about A studio visit with Tanabe Chikuunsai IV

Weaving a basket with Morgami Jin, Part 3
By Charissa
I felt very grateful to be able to spend a day with Morgami Jin and his family, visiting a bamboo factory, splitting bamboo, and … Read More > about Weaving a basket with Morgami Jin, Part 3

A studio visit with Morgami Jin and his wife, part 2.
By Charissa
After spending a morning in a bamboo factory with Morgami Jin, I had the good fortune of receiving a private bamboo … Read More > about A studio visit with Morgami Jin and his wife, part 2.

Morgami Jin and Nagai Seichiku factory
By Charissa
I left Portland August 4th, very excited by the possibility of meeting artists who work with the same material I do, of visiting … Read More > about Morgami Jin and Nagai Seichiku factory

Who Do you Want To Meet in Japan?
By Charissa
Yesterday I was in the midst of preparing to teach at the National Basketry Conference and hosting my sister and her two adorable … Read More > about Who Do you Want To Meet in Japan?

Chosen for the T.V. Show “Who wants to come to Japan?”
By Charissa
Soon I will be taking off on a trip I've been wishing to take since I first found bamboo, in 1999. A while back I contacted a … Read More > about Chosen for the T.V. Show “Who wants to come to Japan?”