From traditional kimono to trendy fashion, classical origami art to high-tech robot design, the Japanese culture, both past and present, continues to intrigue the American public. Washington area residents and visitors can learn more about this fascinating culture in the public programs series "Japan WOW! From Traditions to Trends" presented by The Smithsonian Associates March 31 to early June.

This impressive cultural program series, featuring nearly 30 individual presentations, workshops and events, marks the first time The Smithsonian Associates has selected an Asian country as its focus in a themed series of programs. An extensive collaborative effort involving local, national and international partners has brought together renowned scholars, performers and distinguished personalities from Japan and the United States to share their expertise on a variety of topics.

“We are extremely pleased to present this comprehensive series, which will educate

Washington audiences on Japan’s rich history and traditions, as well as its modern culture and breakthrough achievements in science and technology," said Barbara Tuceling, director of The Smithsonian Associates. "We have created an incomparable group of programs that could be achieved only through the collaborative efforts of The Smithsonian Associates and the Leadership Committee, which we created solely for this endeavor."

The Leadership Committee is chaired by Kay Enokido, executive vice president and owner’s representative of The Hay-Adams, and committee members representing the Embassy of Japan, the Japan Information and Culture Center and Mitsubishi International Corporation.

"It’s been a wonderful opportunity to work together with this distinguished group of sponsors and cultural organizations to showcase the many dimensions of the Japanese culture," said Enokido.

The Japan series is made possible by Amway Japan LTD, The Boeing Company, The Hay-Adams, Kikkoman, Mitsubishi International Corporation, Toyota and Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority; with additional support by All Nippon Airways, EYA, Embassy of Japan, Japan Information and Cultural Center, Japan Commerce Association of Washington, D.C., Japan Foundation New York, the Japan National Tourist Organization New York, Comic Book Movies, LLC, Lotus Inc. and the Palomar Hotel.

"I extend my deepest thanks to The Smithsonian Associates for its efforts to make ‘Japan

Wow!’ a reality," said Ryozo Kato, ambassador of Japan. "Celebrations like this enrich our peoples, create better understanding and contribute greatly to solidifying the genuine friendship that exists between Japan and the United States."

Program participants can experience a cooking demonstration by Iron Chef Masaharu

Morimoto; take part in workshops on ikebana (flower arranging) and origami (paper folding); learn about Japan’s newest robot design; and embark on a tour to New York City to explore the current trends in Japanese fashion. The series will begin with the 41st Annual Smithsonian Kite Festival, which will feature a Japanese theme, followed that evening by an opening concert performed by the popular Japanese female trio, Rin. For tickets, information and a complete listing of programs, contact The Smithsonian Associates at (202) 357-3030 or visit www.smithsonianassociates.org.

Program Highlights:

Celebrate Japan with the Music of Rin!

Opening Concert and Reception

Saturday, March 31, 7 p.m.

Japan’s popular female trio, Rin, combine the exotic and subtle sounds of traditional Japanese instruments with contemporary Western popular music. A festive reception featuring Japanese delicacies takes place after the concert in the Smithsonian’s Natural History Museum rotunda.

Location: Baird Auditorium, Natural History Museum, 10th Street and Constitution Avenue

Tickets: Resident Members, $40; General Admission, $50

Bunraku -The Art of the Puppet

Friday, April 27, 7:30 p.m.

The Bunraku Bay Puppet Troupe, under the direction of Professor Martin Holman of the Japanese studies program at the University of Missouri, presents four puppet performances. In traditional Japanese form, each major character is jointly manipulated by three puppeteers who appear on stage in full view of the audience.

Location: Smithsonian Institution, National Mall

Tickets: Resident Members, $15; General Admission, $20; Children ages 10 and younger, $10

The Art of Origami

Saturday, May 5, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.

The art of paper folding has been a tradition in Japan for hundreds of years. Rich in symbolism, origami today makes lovely place settings, package decorations and toys for children. Beginning with simple folds like the swan, participants progress to the more difficult crane and iris.

Location: S.D. Ripley Center, 1100 Jefferson Drive S.W.

Tickets: Resident Members, $65; General Admission, $85

Soft Power, Global Cool

Wednesday, May 9, 6:30 p.m.

With the world’s obsession of Japan’s pop culture, it has a new international face—the “King of Cool.” Christine Yano of the University of Hawaii anthropology department discusses how the trendy Japanese merchandise has a far reaching impact and huge political potential.

Location: Smithsonian Institution, National Mall

Tickets: Resident Members, $15; General Admission, $18

Beyond Sushi: Culinary Japan From Classical to Modern

Saturday, May 12, 9 a.m.– 4:30 p.m.

Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto presents culinary demonstrations with a cherry blossom theme, and Japanese cuisine specialists educate participants on a variety of topics. Guided tastings of essential Japanese ingredients; dazzling food demonstrations with tastings; a traditional lunch; and Japanese beer, sake, tea and confectionary take participants way beyond sushi and far beyond fusion.

Location: Ritz-Carlton Hotel, 1150 22nd St. N.W.

Tickets: Resident Members, $245; General Admission, $280

Robots, Science, Technology: Japan Creates the Future

Saturday, May 19, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

The audience gets a glimpse of Japan’s latest creations and hears from some of its leading innovators in this intriguing program. Presenters include Mamoru Mohri, executive director of the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation in Tokyo, and Tomotaka Takahashi, a futuristic robot creator, scientist and founder of Robo Garage, a venture company of Kyoto University. Participants view a demonstration of the new Toyota “i-unit,” a form of personal mobility.

Location: Smithsonian Institution, National Mall

Tickets: Resident Members, $30; General Admission, $45

Japanese Fashion - New York City Tour

Saturday, May 19, 7 a.m.–11 p.m.

Japanese fashion expert Nobue Isono takes participants on a full-day trip to New York City to explore the characteristics and current trends in Japanese fashion. The itinerary includes world-renowned design shops Issey Miyake in Tribeca; Yohji Yamamoto in Soho; UNIQLO, a popular casual brand that recently opened its flagship store in Soho; and Takashimaya, the Japanese department store on Fifth Avenue. Traditional Japanese dinner is served at Takashimaya’s Tea Box. A bento box lunch is served en route to New York.

Location: The tour begins at Fourth Street and Independence Avenue S.W. at the Smithsonian’s

National Air and Space Museum.

Tickets: Resident Members, $145; General Admission, $191