




Our ‘Virtual Ginza’ film will premiere on August 8th at Noon Chicago time.
for details: Virtual Ginza 2020
Also, please consider making a donation to MBT. Thank you!
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.
Merchants:
ARIYAMA STUDIO
ASIAN ARTIQUE
ENTROPYWARE
JEFF CHIU CERAMICS
LISA L CERAMICS
MIHARU SHIRAHATA & MORI WA UMI NO KOBITO
MBT BOOKSTORE
OHIO KIMONO
ORIGAMI ONLY
PLUMTREE STUDIO
POMEGRANATE DESIGNS
SANSEI ARTISANS
SHINSEN CALLIGRAPHY
SHOP MBT
SNL DESIGNZ
SUMO FISH
TOUCH OF GLASS
UNIVERSAL ARK
Not-for-Profit Organizations:
Japanese American Citizens League
Japanese American Service Committee
* subject to change