Browse and Shop

Cultural Displays
Two ancient Japanese art-forms are on display in a special cultural exhibit area located inside the temple on the lower level.

Bonsai
Bonsai, by Mr. James Fairchild, is the art of shaping miniature trees to look as if they were just taken from a living forest. It is an art form requiring skill and patience as a single Bonsai can take many years to develop. Mr. Fairchild is Past President of the Midwest Bonsai Society who meet at the Chicago Botanic Garden.

After many years of exhibiting at Ginza, Mr. Shig Ito is taking a well-earned break. We thank him for his many years of sharing his expertise and love of Bonsai.

Ikebana
Ikebana, by Ikebana on Halsted – Ohara school of Ikebana Chicago Class, seeks to display flowers in a minimalist arrangement in order to capture the true essence of a flower’s beauty. Each year students of Ikebana showcase examples of their works. The Midwest Buddhist Temple thanks the Misho School of Ikebana (Japanese flowering arranging) for their many years of exhibiting at the Ginza Holiday. Their late sensei, Chiye Tomihiro, inspired many to learn and perfect their beautiful art.”

Please note: Ikebana arrangements and Bonsai trees are for exhibit only and are not for sale.

 
Chicago/Osaka Sister Cities
Visit our informational table to learn more about Osaka which is one of Chicago’s 28 Sister Cities. Osaka is the second largest metropolitan area in Japan and offers a wide variety of sights, food and experiences. Colorful tee shirts and tote bags are available for purchase. Learn more at http://www.chicagosistercities.com/sister-cities/osaka-japan/

 

Shopping:
For those who seek treasures to take home we have many local artisans who display and sell their works in our outdoor shopping concourse – rows of booths festively decorated with cho-chin lanterns. Shoppers can typically find hand-made jewelry, beautiful examples of Origami (the art of folded paper), ceramics for both function and display, Japanese clothing, Japanese snacks and much, much more. See our full list of participating merchants below.

Also in the center of our shopping concourse you’ll find The Waza, artisans from Japan demonstrating their crafts (many of which can be purchased). To learn more about these special artisans visit our page dedicated to The Waza.

Learn more about some artisans participating this year

 

Full list of artisans and Not-for-Profit Organizations for 2019*

Merchants:
ARIYAMA STUDIO – Contemporary woodblock prints
ASIAN ARTIQUE – Asian antique art objects
ENTROPYWARE – Jewelry
JEFF CHIU CERAMICS – Handmade ceramics
LISA L CERAMICS – Handmade ceramics
MIHARU SHIRAHATA & MORI WA UMI NO KOBITO – Hanko illustration and photo exhibition of beautiful Tohoku
MBT BOOKSTORE – Books and other educational materials about Buddhism
OHIO KIMONO – Japanese clothing
ORIGAMI ONLY – Origami art
PLUMTREE STUDIO – Functional ceramic pieces
POMEGRANATE DESIGNS – Washi paper art
SANSEI ARTISANS – Japanese craft items
SHINSEN CALLIGRAPHY – Japanese calligraphy
SHOP MBT – Japanese items, shopping bags, household items
SNL DESIGNZ – Japanese crafts
SUMO FISH – T-shirts
TOUCH OF GLASS – Glass jewelry and other glass items
UNIVERSAL ARK – Jewelry

Not-for-Profit Organizations:
Japanese American Citizens League
Japanese American Service Committee

* subject to change