Explore the varied cultural landscapes of Japan over 20 days and nights. We arrive in Nagoya, Japan, on 5/23/2023, and depart Japan on 6/12/2023. 

This tour includes two shibori workshops. The first is a rare opportunity to participate in an optional five day Arashi Shibori Workshop in Arimatsu taught by Kaei Hayakawa, the last in the lineage of practicing Arashi shibori artists in Japan. This workshop is the first of its kind, introducing Hayakawa’s inventive approach to Arashi shibori and his tour de force contemporary creations. 

This workshop is limited to ten students and one observer, due to the nature of Hayakawa-san’s studio space. The observer is invited to the Arashi workshop to view the activities for one hour each morning before the group lunch. 

For those demanding more shibori immersion, we will have a second workshop in Arimatsu–an innovative two-day event with master dyers and artists Murase, Kuno, and Wada.

WSNF founder Yoshiko I. Wada has personally curated this trip in partnership with her many professional and personal contacts to bring hands-on shibori learning and culturally immersive experiences to participants. In addition to the shibori workshops, the itinerary includes attending the Annual Shibori Festival in Arimatsu; the Shrine Flea Market in Kyoto where you may find antique “treasures”; a visit to the village of Miyama with its traditional thatched roof homes and the Little Indigo Museum by Hiroyuki Shindo; and an artist studio on HieiDaira en route to the Miho Museum, a masterpiece by I.M.Pei. A four-night stay in the Roppongi Area of Central Tokyo is also included. We will navigate through the cities like natives using public transport and taxis when necessary. On the last night of our program, the second WSNF Forum will bring a younger generation of makers and designers from Japan to share their projects and join us for dinner. The bi-lingual event will be broadcast via Zoom worldwide.

All accommodations, transportation, and most meals are included. 

Additional fees for two shibori workshops:

1. Arashi Workshop w/ Hayakawa–five days, all materials included. (Fee for students vs. observer will be different)
2. Shibori Workshop w/ Kuno, Murase, and Wada–-two days, all materials included.

Pre-registration for this trip is now open! 

Indicate your interest by pre-registering with a $500 deposit. Final registration will be determined in the priority listed: 

1. Patron WSNF Members, 
2. All other WSNF Members, 
3. General Public. 

Your $500 is refundable except for a $50 handling fee. 

Otherwise your $500 will be applied in full towards the final published cost of the trip to be announced on February 15.

Pre-registration with $500 closes on March 28.  

Final registration results to be announced by April 2. 

A waitlist will remain active until May 18.