Hyakkimaru’s Kirie World features renowned Japanese artist Hyakkimaru in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of the Sister City relationship between Colorado Springs and the city of Fujiyoshida. The August 4 celebration will feature diverse performers, artisans, craftsman, activities, food, authentic Japanese cultural activities, interactive dance, and culminating in a FujiKaen Taiko Drumming performance.
Kirie is the Japanese art of paper cutting. Hyakkimaru will perform live Kirie demonstrations and teach a Kirie class at the Bemis School of Art. The exhibition will include a warrior collection featuring Native Americans.
“During the Samurai warriors’ rise, I feel they shared a similar grief to that of the Native Americans, whose lands were also invaded,” writes the artist. “Samurai Warriors were originally farmers and became warriors in order to protect their lands. In my opinion, the earlier Samurai warriors were much like the Native American warriors. I feel very attracted to such local warriors that were courageous and worked very hard to protect their families, and I try to portray such figures in my arts.”
- Hyakkimaru’s YouTube Channel
- Kids Learn More About Japan