​Some photos/video from Nan Desu Kan 2023 (NDK), held September 1-3. I did two Okinawa Sanshin performances and a Shodo (Japanese Calligraphy) class.
Busy weekend but so much fun. Recently I started to practice Amami Sanshin, and started to perform some tunes. As I perform in public more, I believe it'll be better. I truly thank all the staff members for making this amazing event possible.
9月1~3日に行われたNan Desu Kanの写真・動画を少し。
三線演奏二回と書道クラスを楽しくさせていただきました。ここ最近は、奄美三線の練習もしていて、ちょっとずつ公の場でも弾かせていただいています。まだ度胸試しって感じですが、引き続き練習します。Nan Desu Kanスタッフの皆々様には本当に感謝です。

​Two classes were completed today; two-day Japanese calligraphy as Art workshop and two-hour sampler Japanese calligraphy as Art class at Art Students League of Denver. I am very grateful for having wonderful classes again. Each time a class group creates unique atmosphere, and we had very comfortable and cheering classes.
On the second day of two-day workshop, we worked on a saying "一念通天 (Ichi Nen Tuu Ten)." It literally means that one strong thought goes to Heaven, or "Where there is a will, there is a way." This saying holds a good memory as I wrote this saying in my elemental school's graduation message books . In the sampler class, we worked on a character 永 (for ever), as this character contains eight basic brush strokes. I hope everybody participated will keep having an interest in Japanese calligraphy and brush mark makings. Thank you. Bravo, everyone
二日間の書道ワークショップの二日目と、二時間の体験書道クラスを行いました。ワークショップでは皆さん「一念通天」、体験クラスでは「永」字を仕上げました。毎回集まった皆さんが独特の雰囲気を創り出しますが、今回はどちらも大変心地よく励まされるクラスでした。ありがとうございます。

9年ぶりの夫の故郷与論島への帰省（2023年4-5月）の際に、貝工房かざばなの青木さんが夫をインタビュー。私もちょこっと参加。
Mr. Aoki at the Shell Studio Kazahana interviewed my husband Homare Ikeda, and I was with him talking what I do in US.

​This time at the Japanese calligraphy (Shodo) workshop at the Art Students League of Denver, we practiced a Zen Buddhism saying “一笑千山青 – Issho (sureba) Senzan Ao (shi)” which literally means one smile makes thousand mountains blue. It says that when confronting troubles or hardships, a smile helps you to see clearer and overcome them. I always admire that everyone works very hard to practice each stroke and character during the workshop. Each time after my workshop, I feel it’s important to get back to the basics occasionally. I am so grateful for another wonderful opportunity to introduce Japanese calligraphy.

CSU's Instagram posting: Click Here!
​I am honored to be able to serve as one of the jurors for the wonderful exhibition.

​At this Shodo (Japanese Calligraphy workshop), held on November 12 & November 19 at Art Students League of Denver, we worked on different basic strokes, brush exercises, and completed the saying 一日三秋; ichi jitsu san shu (longing for my loved one impatiently, a single day apart seems like three seasons passing).
You all worked very hard patiently and have done it so beautifully. Thank you very much for another lovely workshop.

One of the Okinawan songs we performed can be seen:  Click Here! 

​東京でご縁があった今東薫さん、今東葉子さんとコラボさせていただきました。

​Prayers for all the affected by horrible fires
浄風 “shin puu“ Let the wind flow to purify and move us forward. 晦日に発生したコロラド原野火災の被害に遭われた方全員に祈りを。浄い風 が皆を前進させてくれますよう。Happy New Year 2022.