IKEGO HEIGHTS FAMILY HOUSING AREA, Japan – Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka Fleet and Family Support Center (CFAY FFSC) hosted its monthly Ikego Cultural Exchange Club on June 17 at Ikego Heights Family Housing. This month’s event focused on the traditional Japanese art form of torn paper, known as Chigiri-e.
22 participants attended the workshop, led by Mika Nakamura, a Family Life Education Specialist with CFAY FFSC.
Chigiri-e is a traditional Japanese art technique that involves tearing paper and pasting the torn pieces together to create an image. Tearing the paper highlights its natural texture, giving the artwork a soft and delicate touch.
This art form is also considered an excellent brain exercise. Chigiri-e requires delicate hand movements to tear and place the paper. Using fine motor skills in combination with the creative process of selecting colors, composing images, and visualizing the final artwork, stimulates multiple regions of the brain.
Participants were invited to browse through stacks of color-coordinated news clippings and origami paper. It wasn’t long before the desks were covered in brightly colored paper, ripped into tiny bits and pieces. Over the next hour, participants let their artistic sides shine as they worked meticulously on their designs.
As we walked around the room, observing the artists intently focused on their work, Nakamura noted, “I enjoy teaching these classes a lot; everyone always comes in so positive. And look, they create such beautiful art!”
One of the participants, Victoria Depuydt, shared that, “…it was exciting to learn this new art form. I’ve never used scraps of paper to make art before.” Depuydt was joined by her daughter, Elaina Butcher.
“It’s fun having interactive classes and making things!” Elaina said.
Jazmin Zeman, is an Information and Referral Specialist with CFAY FFSC and helped organized the event. She joined Mika Nakamura in guiding participants through the activity.
“I think it’s important to hold these events here in Ikego,” Zeman said. “For some people, this is their first time living in Japan, and it can be a bit scary. We’re here to help them navigate their way through Japanese culture.”
CFAY FFSC is committed to providing monthly events at Ikego Heights Family Housing. From volunteer opportunities and language classes to cultural workshops and tours, they hope these events encourage residents “to meet one another and engage with the community,” Zeman said.
Photos of the event are located here for free download: https://www.dvidshub.net/image/9120382/cfay-ffsc-hosts-cultural-exchange-chigiri-e-workshop
Be sure to sign-up for next month’s cultural exchange. For more information about CFAY FFSC’s workshops and events, please contact CFAY FFSC at FFSCinfo@us.navy.mil or call 046-816-3372. To learn more about upcoming CFAY FFSC events, classes and workshops, sign up for the CFAY FFR Newsletter. Tap the link below.
