CONTEST INFORMATION:
Win a pair of VIP passes to Lords of the Samurai at the Asian Art Museum, a one-night stay at Hotel Kabuki, a $25 gift certificate to the museum store, and more!
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ABOUT MUSEUM EXHIBITS:
Daimyo for a Day
A Special Exhibition Activity Room
June 12-September 20
Free with general museum admission
Be a daimyo (samurai lord) for a day! Try your hand at the game of go, wear samurai style clothing and sit imposingly on the tatami mats for photos, or browse books. Featured in this educational lounge for all ages is an eclectic series of videos showcasing some classic films as well as animated features exploring the good, the bad, and the ugly of the samurai film genre.
AsiaAlive: Martial Arts Series
Fridays through Sundays, August 7 through 23 12:00 noon-4:00 pm North Court Free with general museum admission AsiaAlive showcases three Japanese martial art forms. August 7 through 9, Northern California Kendo Federation and Northern California Iaido Association demonstrate kendo kata, fundamental techniques of attacking and counter-attacking with swords. August 15 through 16, the Northern California Kyudo Federation presents kyudo, Japanese archery. August 21 through 23, Japanese sword polishing demonstration will be presented by Jimmy Hayashi. In conjunction with the special exhibition Lords of the Samurai.
Soul of the Samurai
Saturdays and Sundays, June 13-August 16 2:00-3:00 pm Daimyo for a Day Activity Room Free with general museum admission
Samurai were Japan's warrior class, called into duty more than one thousand years ago to protect the Emperor. They were fearless fighters skilled in combat-from bows and arrows to spears and swords, the samurai were awesome dudes. Although samurai were pretty terrifying, they had a softer side that appreciated the finer things in life like art, poetry and tea.
Come face to face with these iconic Japanese warriors when you try on samurai armor, pick up a long (katana) or short sword (wakizashi), and explore the finer elements of samurai culture as a guest at a tea gathering. Learn about the way of the warrior (bushido), the ethic code samurai lived by, the martial arts practiced today inspired by samurai and their far reaching impact on popular culture-Darth Vader, anyone? Hosted by members of Art Speak, the museum's teen program, these interactive object-in-focus conversations provide a unique glimpse into the complexities of the samurai and the lives they lived.
Samurai Stories
Thursdays, June 18-August 27
10:30 am
Daimyo for a Day Activity Room
Free with general museum admission
Discover the world of samurai through stories and myths about these venerable warriors told by the Asian Art Museum Storytellers. This program is in addition to our regular weekly Sunday Storytelling program at 1:00 pm.
