Smile Politely

Scenes from Shinrin Onyoku

Julie McClure

Since March, Japan House has been hosting a montly music event, Shinrin Onyoku (forest bathing), on the third Sunday of every month. For those who have been missing Matsuri, which has been on pause since the pandemic, these third Sunday community events offer some of those elements we love about the festival — Japanese food and drinks, music, and the ambience of the Japan House grounds — just on a bit of a smaller scale. If you haven’t been able to enjoy this experience yet, you have one more chance in September. 

August’s offering featured music from DJ Van Paugam of Chicago, with yakitori bento boxes from Michael’s Catering, and matcha, Kakagori, and other treats from the Matcha Café. Here are some snapshots from the evening.

Groups of people are gathered in a grassy area surrounded by trees. There is a white tailgate tent in the distance. Photo by Maddie Rice.

Photo by Maddie Rice.
A man in a gray hat, sunglasses, and a white button shirt is pulling a record out of its sleeve. He is standing behind a table with a turntable. Photo by Maddie Rice.

Photo by Maddie Rice.
A close up of a record on a turntable. Photo by Maddie Rice.

Photo by Maddie Rice. 
A group of five men and a woman sit together on a grassy hill, looking at the camera. Behind them are several other people gathered in groups. Photo by Maddie Rice.

Photo by Maddie Rice.
Close up of a large grill with skewers of grilled chicken along the front, and corn on the cob along the back. Photo by Maddie Rice.

Photo by Maddie Rice.
A close up of chopsticks holding a cluster of white rice. In the background is a black bento box with rice, chicken skewers, edamame, and corn on the cob. Photo by Maddie Rice.

Photo by Maddie Rice.
A person in a red t-shirt and black robe is pouring green matcha tea from a clear plastic pitcher into a clear plastic cup filled with ice. There are bowls and a whisk for making matcha sitting on the table. Photo by Maddie Rice.

Photo by Maddie Rice.
A close up of a clear plastic cup filled with green matcha tea. There is writing in black marker on the cup that says you seem great, let's party. There is also a smiley face on the cup. Photo by Maddie Rice.

Photo by Maddie Rice. 
Two women are sitting together on a bench folding colorful origami paper into shapes. Photo by Maddie Rice.

Photo by Maddie Rice.
A white bowl is filled with shaved ice, colorful sprinkles, and candy pieces. There is a wooden spoon sticking out of the side. Photo by Maddie Rice.

Photo by Maddie Rice.
Slightly in the distance, a group of people sits on a grassy hill. There are trees and the front facade of Japan House in the background. The sky is clear blue with bright sun. Photo by Maddie Rice.

Photo by Maddie Rice.
Top photo by Maddie Rice.

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