DŌ (The Way): Traditional Japanese Arts for Young Adults

DŌ (The Way): Traditional Japanese Arts for Young Adults offers individuals aged 18-24 a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the timeless arts of calligraphy, ikebana, tea ceremony, and origami, right in the heart of Little Tokyo. This free program invites participants to explore these traditional practices while gaining insight into their cultural and spiritual significance.

Through DŌ (The Way), participants will learn the fundamentals of each art form and experience their ability to inspire simplicity, grace, and mindfulness in daily life. No prior experience is required, just a desire to learn and grow.

Selected participants receive personalized instruction from passionate, experienced teachers in an intergenerational setting, fostering both skill development and community connections. To honor their dedication, each participant will be awarded a modest annual stipend of $500.00.

Applications are required to join this transformative program. Don’t miss this chance to deepen your connection to Japanese culture, cultivate mindfulness, and engage with these cherished traditions.

This project is supported, in part, by the L.L. Foundation for Youth, the California Arts Council, and the Rose Hills Foundation, and co-sponsored by the George and Sakaye Aratani CARE Award and UCLA’s Asian American Studies Center.

Submit a resume and short essay (no more than 1,000 words) including your reason for participating, your interest, and your learning objectives.