CLUB TCJ Bonseki Event Held!

Students Experiencing Bonseki for the Very First Time!

On Friday, August 28, 2026, TCJ Tokyo held the “CLUB TCJ Bonseki Event.” Around 23 students joined us on the day, ranging from beginner to advanced levels. For many participants, it was their very first time even hearing the word “bonseki,” and the venue was filled with excitement and anticipation.

What Is Bonseki?

Our Japanese language instructor, Mr./Ms. Masubuchi, led a lecture introducing the art of bonseki. Bonseki is a traditional Japanese art form in which white stones and sand are arranged on a black lacquered tray to express natural landscapes such as mountains, rivers, and the sea. Participants were captivated by its delicate and profound world, listening with great curiosity and interest.

Let’s Try Bonseki!

After the lecture, it was time to give it a go! All participants took on the challenge of creating their own bonseki.

Since the activity involves handling fine sand, the air conditioning was a bit of an obstacle. Everyone worked together to block the airflow, staying focused on their creations. The quiet, meditative experience of working with sand offered a peaceful moment away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Voices from Participants

We heard wonderful feedback from participants, including: “I had never even heard of bonseki before, but it turned out to be so much fun!” “Handling the sand was way harder than I expected!” and “It was such a great experience to connect with traditional Japanese culture!”

The event wrapped up in a lively and warm atmosphere.

Thank you so much to everyone who participated!