Explore the varied cultural landscapes of Japan over 15 days and nights. We arrive in Nagoya, Japan, on 6/2/2023, and the program ends on 6/17/2023. 

This tour includes two shibori workshops. The first is a rare opportunity to participate in a optional five-day Arashi Shibori Workshop in Arimatsu taught by Kaei Hayakawa, the last in the lineage of artists practicing Arashi shibori 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 trip is limited to ten students and 1 observer due to the nature of Hayakawa-san’s studio space. The observer is invited to the Arashi workshop for one hour only each morning to view the activities, before the group lunch. 

For those demanding more shibori immersion, we 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; a visit to the village of Miyama with its traditional thatched roof homes and the Little Indigo Museum by Hiroyuki Shindo; a visit to an artist’s studio on HieiDaira en route to the Miho Museum, a masterpiece by I.M.Pei; and a walking tour of sites in Kyoto. 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. The bi-lingual event will be broadcast via Zoom worldwide. We will close with dinner with local guests and instructors.

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 student 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 31.  

Final registration results to be announced by April 10. 

A waitlist will remain active until May 18.