Itoteki Life is a lecture and workshop series aimed at introducing the concept of intentional living, inspired by the purposeful and intentional intent of Japanese artisans in their pursuit of subtle mastery. Itoteki Life speaks to a lifestyle of choices made deliberately, being thoughtful about how we approach our surroundings, and lending a perspective of consciousness to our everyday lives.
GROWING HARMONY: The Tiny Big World of Moss
Moss and its subtle nuances are an ancient and much-loved element of Japanese gardening, emphasizing the harmony and connection with nature within a space. Having taken root in the old temples of Japan, the appreciation of moss has found its way to the Philippines recreated in miniature to fit the urban lifestyles of Metro Manila. The talk will focus on the aesthetics, cultural aspects, and artisan care that goes into gardening with moss.
Lecture: August 27, 2021 | 5:00PM via Zoom
Dr. Yoshitaka Oishi Fukui Prefectural University and Dr. Lesley C. Lubos Bukidnon State University
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*Registration is free
Workshop: August 28, 2021 | 10:00AM via JFM Facebook
Froilan N. Aloro of Terraplantae PH
LIVING COLOR: The Lasting Traditions of Indigo Dyeing
This workshop and lecture explore the traditional Japanese practice and its connection to natural dyes in the Philippines.
The care that goes into natural dyeing remains remarkable despite the rise of fast fashion and mass production. Dive into the deep blue’s philosophy, process, and heritage with Kenta Watanabe of Watanabe’s, a local business in Tokushima prefecture, Japan, which is renowned for its indigo dyeing. Watanabe oversees the indigo process from cultivating the plant to the final touches on the finished piece of clothing, paying close attention to every step of the process.
Joining the conversation are two Filipinos who are also distinguished advocates of artisanship in dyeing and textiles: Beng Camba, who lead the Enterprise Development Program of the NTFP; and Luis Agaid, Jr., the son of the late the “Father of Natural Dyes” Luis Agaid, Sr., of Namarabar, a community in Abra dedicated to reviving natural dyes. After all, in both Japan and the Philippines, dyeing is interwoven with both cultural heritage and sustainable livelihoods in indigenous communities.
Following the lecture is a workshop by designer and visual artist Yana Ofrasio, who’s known for crafting patterns that lend a Filipino touch to Japanese indigo dyeing techniques. She will give a hands-on demonstration of natural dyeing techniques in a Philippine context.
Lecture: October 1, 2021 | 5:00PM via Zoom
Kenta Watanabe Watanabe’s, Tokushima
Beng Camba NTFP – Exchange Programme
Luis Agaid, Jr. Itneg School of Living Traditions of Abra
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*Registration is Free
Workshop: October 2, 2021 | 10:00AM via JFM Facebook
Yanna Ofrasio Artist / Designer
FROM BEAN TO CUP: The Journey of Coffee
Behind a cup of coffee is a wealth of stories: from the farmers who cultivate the beans, to the roasters who bring out the richness of its flavors, to the barista (or yourself) who brews the cup. The Philippines, in fact, sends its reputed sustainably-grown coffee beans to Japan, where these are masterfully transformed by master roasters. The Japan Foundation, Manila is holding a lecture and workshop titled “From Bean to Cup: The Journey of Coffee”, which goes behind the scenes of coffee, through the eyes of advocates of farmer livelihood in Japan and the Cordilleras.
The talk will feature Mariko Sorimachi, founder of the NGO Cordillera Green Network and Co-Founder of YAGAM COFFEE in Baguio and Hirofumi Yamamoto of Uminomuko Coffee, who organizes workshops for small-scale farmers around the world. They are both experts and staunch supporters of promoting environmentally-friendly and sustainable coffee. The conversation will be moderated by Kiddo Cosio, owner of surftown hub El Union in San Juan, La Union. El Union is known for serving quality beverages as well as being a focal point for the local community.
Kiddo san will also conduct a coffee-brewing workshop the day after the talk. In this workshop, Kiddo san will take us through the different ways coffee can be enjoyed using various methods of preparation. The workshop will feature bean blends from Mount Coffee of Hiroshima, Japan prepared by master roaster Shohei Yamamoto and single-origin Cordillera beans roasted by El Union.
Lecture: November 5, 2021 | 5:00PM via Zoom
Mariko Sorimachi Cordillera Green Network
Hirofumi Yamamoto Uminomuko Coffee
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*Registration is Free
Workshop: November 6, 2021 | 10:00AM via JFM Facebook
Kiddo Cosio El Union Coffee