Together they aim to bring a range of Japanese arts and disciplines to Flanders, with specific attention for the underlying Japanese philosophy, acquainting people with the norms and values of Japanese society that they believe can lead to a happier and more balanced life.
They have the qualifications: Saskia has a Master’s degree in Japanese studies, has lived and worked in Japan and both speaks and writes the language. Bart runs a school for Japanese taiko drumming and founded Tàtake!, a taiko concert ensemble.
What is the point of a Japan Centre in Flanders?
Bart: Quite simply, to introduce people to the Japanese culture, its arts and crafts and philosophy. And to be a meeting place for anyone who is interested in anything to do with Japan.
Is it unique in Flanders?
Saskia: There is a Japanese cultural centre in Brussels, linked to the embassy, but it offers mainly exhibitions and films, nothing practical or physical. We want to give people the chance to do something with their hands: learn how to arrange flowers or play Japanese drums or cook sushi. In that respect, we are unique in Flanders.
What’s so special about the Japanese way of life?
Saskia: Japanese society is built on respect – for people, for nature, for everything around us. Respect for people is reflected in the way people interact: the respect for the elderly, the sensei or teacher, parents and mentors. This is an important part of many Japanese disciplines and martial arts.
Bart: A major part of the Japanese way of life is to pay attention to our surroundings and what’s happening in the “here and now”. I find this a great remedy against modern pressures and the feeling of not being in control of one’s own life. If you pay attention to every step on your life path, you will see opportunities which you would miss if you are always focusing on the future.
What are your main activities?
Bart: Tátake! is our Japanese percussion group. I give weekly taiko lessons in Ghent, Antwerp, Mechelen and here in the Japan Centre. We also go on tour – to the Netherlands and France, and have even played in Japan. We founded the Belgian Taiko Federation which informs people about taiko.
Saskia: I give lessons in ikebana, which is the Japanese art of arranging flowers. It differs from Western flower arranging in that it brings nature into the home and uses several parts of a plant, not just the flower. We also offer a number of workshops covering a whole range of topics – shibori (dyeing fabrics), chado (tea making), kyudo (archery). For children, we run courses in kite-making, Japanese lanterns and origami.”
And you organise corporate events, right?
Saskia: Yes, companies come to us for their team-building exercises, staff trainings, even Christmas and New Year parties with a Japanese theme. A favourite is the taiko. We teach them to play, which culminates in an evening performance. It’s always great fun.
Bart: We can also provide a full Japanese meal, from appetizers to umeshu (plum wine) and a rich assortment of sushi, ending with the renowned Suntory whisky.
Saskia: We work in schools throughout Belgium, too. Our taiko lessons are extremely popular, but we also give talks and lectures on topics like Buddhism, contemporary Samurai and Wabi Sabi, the Japanese philosophy of life that means accepting and seeing beauty in decay.
Can people stay at the Japan Centre?
Bart: We are converting part of the farm into a bed & breakfast. Eventually we hope to accommodate 32 people in order to offer a full seminar centre with overnight accommodation. There will be a traditional Japanese kitchen as well as a sento, which is a Japanese bath house.
When will it all be ready?
Bart: We have plans, but nothing is set in stone. It’s the Japanese way. We are taking it step by step; concentrating on and enjoying the opportunities open to us at the moment. People ask me: “What’s your budget for the total renovation?” I don’t know, and I don’t want to know. It would scare me too much! We just do what we can with our current resources.”
Do you get any subsidies?
Saskia: No, but the farm is close to a lot of footpaths and cycling routes, so Hageland Tourism is interested in linking us into the tourism network. Also, there are not too many restored old buildings in the area, so a renovated 17th-century farm will be a great addition to the local heritage.
On at the Japan Centre
• Introduction to Ikebana
• (Japanese flower arranging)
• 8 June, 19.00
• Shibori (dyeing) for beginners
• 13 June, 14.00
• Children's origami workshop
• 16 June, 14.00
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