WASSHOI MANIFATTURA! | Second Edition
Saturday 29th November from 4.00 pm to 11.00 pm at the spaces of Manifattura Tabacchi
Organized by MACA District in collaboration with Beniamino Peruzzi Castellani, sociologist and project manager, expert in Japanese history and culture and cultural mediation, and Nanako Mori, a multifaceted Japanese artist (koto, dance, singing) with international experience in the promotion of Japanese culture
• Ticket (without Japanese dinner): €15
• Ticket (with fusion dinner and Japanese musical performance): €40 adults | €30 children (up to 13 years old included)
• Ticket (with Japanese dinner and musical introduction to haiku): €50 adults | €40 children (up to 13 years old included)
Booking is mandatory here
A journey into contemporary Japan, between art, culture and conviviality. After the success of the first edition, Wasshoi Manifattura! returns to Manifattura Tabacchi for a day of celebration, encounters and discoveries dedicated to Japanese culture.
A collective event that brings together art, music, gastronomy, fashion and participation, involving the creative and commercial activities of the district in a shared, multisensory experience.
“Wasshoi” (わっしょい) is the chant heard during matsuri, Japan’s traditional festivals: a collective exclamation expressing unity, energy and harmony. This very spirit inspires the event, where collaboration between artists, businesses and the public becomes the beating heart of a day dedicated to the power of cultural encounters.
Music, food, art, dance and culture intertwine in a single day of celebration, where Florence meets Japan through harmony, beauty and collective participation.
The initiative promotes the Manifattura’s activities connected to Japanese themes and strengthens the role of the complex as a place of cultural innovation, creativity and international dialogue.
PROGRAM OF THE DAY
4.00 pm – 6.00 pm | Performances and Presentations at aparto
An afternoon of insights and performances exploring history, art and culture.
4.00 pm – 4.10 pm | Welcome and Introduction to “Wasshoi Manifattura!”
Presentation of the project and the day’s programme.
4.00 pm – 4.30 pm | Florence and Japan – Historical and Cultural Relations
A journey through the cultural connections between Florence and Japan.
4.30 pm – 4.45 pm | Japan in Manifattura
Presentation of the commercial activities involved and their Japanese inspirations: craftsmanship, fashion, cuisine, art and design.
4.45 pm – 5.15 pm | Japanese Clothing, Past and Present
Insight and runway presentation of traditional and contemporary Japanese clothing, focusing on symbolic meanings and modern reinterpretations.
5.15 pm – 5.40 pm | Koto Concert – The Strings of the Soul and of Time
A performance of traditional Japanese music for a moment of grace and sound meditation.
5.45 pm – 6.00 pm | Japanese Dance Workshop
A brief introduction to Japanese folk dances, with audience participation.
6.00 pm – 7.30 pm | Distributed Experiences in Manifattura
Children’s Workshop – Japanese Dances and Writing
Young participants (up to 13 years old) will learn simple steps of Japanese dance and will be introduced to the art of origami and the Japanese alphabet, creating small paper artworks and learning to write their name in hiragana (and of course taking their creations home).
Discovering Japan in Manifattura – Interactive Path
An itinerary through shops and ateliers inspired by Japan featuring:
• Event map and stamp-collecting route
• Special offers, themed gadgets and Japanese tastings in participating shops
7.30 pm – 9.00 pm | Japanese Dinners with Performance
Two different gastronomic experiences to choose from, with live performances:
Ristorante Hiroko: Traditional dinner with haiku readings and classic Japanese literature, curated by Beniamino Peruzzi Castellani.
Ristorante Blend: Fusion dinner accompanied by Japanese folk songs, curated by Nanako Mori.
9.15 pm – 10.00 pm | Prize Draw
Every ticket automatically enters a draw for Japan-inspired prizes: handcrafted cups, fine teas, Japanese language lessons and other surprises!
10.00 pm – 11.30 pm | J-Pop & Anime Party
A dance and visual party inspired by Japanese pop culture: J-pop music, anime songs, visual art and themed cocktails curated by Bulli&Balene and Ristorante Blend.