Japanese Moon Viewing, or Otsukimi (お月見), honors the autumn moon. At Cheekwood, we celebrate with music, traditional tea ceremonies, food, and hands-on activities. Learn more about the instruments and performances below as you enjoy the evening.
Kamishibai, which translates literally to “paper theater” in Japanese, is a form of storytelling that combines a set of standard-size illustrated paper cards paired with a scripted performance by a narrator. A form of performance art, the cards are cycled through a transportable wooden stage by the kamishibai narrator as they dramatically bring the imagery to life. Kamishibai performances will take place on the Main Stage at 4:45 and 5:45 PM.
The kimono, literally meaning “thing to wear,” is a traditional Japanese article of clothing and the national dress of Japan. See a variety of colors and styles on display during a fashion show on the Main Stage at 6:30 PM.
Mochi is a type of wagashi or Japanese confection made from two main ingredients: water, and mochigome, a short-grain, sticky rice. The mochi-pounding process begins with two people pounding the dough with a mallet, making the dough airy and creamy. When it gets sticky enough, it’s flipped, doused in hot water, and hammered some more. Finally, the two pounders alternate until it reaches the perfect texture. Visit the Herb Garden at 4:15 and 5:15 PM to experience mochi pounding.
The shamisen is a three-stringed musical instrument played with a plectrum called a bachi. The shamisen can be played solo or with other shamisen, in ensembles with other Japanese instruments, as an accompaniment to singing such as nagauta, or as an accompaniment to drama, notably Kabuki and Bunraku. Shamisen Knoxville will perform on the Main Stage following the taiko performance at 5 PM.
The term taiko refers to any kind of drum. Their function has varied throughout history, ranging from communication, military action, theatrical accompaniment, religious ceremony, and concert performances. In contemporary context, the performers play the drums as a standalone art form. Nashville Taiko will perform on the Main Stage at 5 and 5:30 PM.
A shakuhachi is a Japanese flute traditionally made of bamboo. Although the origins of the instrument are still being studied, scholars agree that the flute first appeared in Japan in the middle of the 8th century. During the Edo period, monks played the shakuhachi as a meditative practice while wearing straw baskets over their heads. Visit the Main Stage at 7:30 PM to enjoy a shakuhachi performance.
The Japanese Tea Ceremony is a ceremonial way of preparing and drinking green tea typically in a traditional tearoom with tatami floor. Beyond just serving and receiving tea, one of the main purposes of the tea ceremony is for the guests to enjoy the hospitality of the host in an atmosphere distinct from the fast pace of everyday life. Tea ceremonies will take place on the Main Stage at 7 and 8 PM.