Wasshoi Manifattura!

An afternoon and evening to travel through Japan without ever leaving Florence. Wasshoi Manifattura! is an experiential, multisensory event that celebrates Japanese art, music, culture, and flavors through live performances, tastings, and cultural and social moments.

Five stops, five different venues within Manifattura Tabacchi, to discover stories, symbols, and rituals that reflect both the traditional and contemporary sides of Japanese culture. A collective event designed to highlight the creative and commercial spaces of the area in one harmonious journey.

The event is organized by MACA District, the Natural Shopping Center of Manifattura Tabacchi and Parco delle Cascine. Guided by the vision of an active and cooperative community, the businesses and spaces involved in MACA District take center stage in shared events that enhance individual identities while attracting both local and tourist audiences.

THE PROGRAM

5.00–6.00 pm Dances and Movements from Japan – Workshop for Kids and Parents at LOSTUDIOESSE | A playful motor activity with Japanese choreography and music for children

6.00–7.00 pm The Art of the Kimono – History, Symbols, and Live Dressing at Archivi Sartoriali | A journey through time exploring the meaning and evolution of the kimono. Followed by a live kimono dressing performance.

7.00–8.00 pm Japanese Tea and Koto Notes – Sounds and Flavors in Harmony at Bottega Biologica | Tasting of organic matcha tea (reservation required), introduction to tea culture, and a short concert featuring the koto, the Japanese harp. Four traditional pieces will accompany the tasting.

8.00–9.15 pm Flavors and Folk Songs from Japan – Between Bento and Melodies at Hiroko | Japanese apericena with bento (reservation required), accompanied by an introduction to folk music and a live vocal performance: nine traditional songs to immerse yourself in the spirit of matsuri.

9.15–10.30 pm Anime, J-pop, and Dances from Contemporary Japan at Puebco | A music and dance show inspired by the Japanese pop universe: from anime to choreographies and recent hits.

The drink station will be curated by Blend and Bulli & Balene, offering Japanese cocktails (reservation required) and creations inspired by the Land of the Rising Sun.
Events will be led by: Beniamino Peruzzi Castellani, sociologist and expert in Japanese culture Nanako Mori, multifaceted Japanese artist (koto, dance, singing), dedicated for years to promoting Japanese culture in Italy.

WHY “WASSHOI”?

「わっしょい！」is a joyful exclamation often heard during festivals in Japan. The term comes from the combination of wa (harmony – also an ancient name for Japan) and issho (together): a collective shout, typical of matsuri processions, expressing strength, unity, and participation.
“Wasshoi Manifattura!” aims to be exactly that: an event that unites the creative and commercial forces of Manifattura Tabacchi in a shared experience that highlights each identity through a common thread.