$30 Non-Member / $15 Children $28 Active Military & Senior (62+) $25 Member / $10 Member Children
$7 lantern (for sale at the door – recommended one per family)
“As the sun sets and darkness falls, visitors are invited to experience the custom of Tōrō Nagashi, a poignant Japanese tradition in which candle-lit lanterns are set afloat on water, accompanied by prayers for peace and remembrance of those who have passed. This cultural and spiritual practice fosters a profound sense of connection between the living and their departed loved ones.”
Kazuma Sambe was named Pan Asian Man of the year in 2025 by PACA. He teaches ceramics at PCC West in Tucson. He was born in New York State, but is Kibei, educated in Japan. Kazuma has his B.F.A. from U of Az, M.F.A. from ASU. He is married to Junko Sakoi who works for TUSD.
We are excited to invite you to our upcoming Japanese Study Abroad Fair next week.
Date: Thursday, November 5
Time: 3:30-5 pm
Location: Main Library, Rm112 (ILC), 1500 E.University Blvd. Tucson
“What to Expect:
Peer advice & experience sharing: Hear directly from our students who participated in study abroad programs in Japan (Arizona in Kyoto, Konan, Sophia, UA Tokyo, Internship in Tokyo, etc.) as they share their firsthand experiences and tips for living abroad.
JET program insights: Watch exclusive video letters from recent alumni currently living and teaching in Japan through the JET (Japan Exchange and Teaching) Program.
Advising & resources: Meet with a study abroad coordinator from the Study Abroad Office to learn about the application process and available scholarship opportunities.
Q&A session: Get your specific questions answered so you can confidently take the next step in your study abroad journey.
Light snacks will be served!
We look forward to helping you start your journey to Japan!”
“Participants will create a hollow ceramic lantern inspired by Obon while exploring connections between Japanese Obon traditions and American Halloween customs. Each completed lantern will be glazed and fired and will be available for pickup approximately one week after the workshop. An LED tea light will be included.
Format: An introduction to Obon, the traditional Japanese festival honoring the spirits of one’s ancestors; a demonstration of ceramic lantern-making techniques; and guided instruction in creating and decorating a personal lantern.
instructor
Kazuma Sambe
Kazuma Sambe was born in New York in 1984 to a Japanese family. He moved to Japan with his parents at the age of four and was educated there. He later relocated to Tucson to study biochemistry. During this time, he encountered contemporary ceramics for the first time, an experience that led him to shift his focus from science to the field of art.
He earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Arizona in 2011 and a Master of Fine Arts in Ceramics from Arizona State University in 2014. He currently resides in Tucson, where he continues his ceramic practice.
In addition to his artistic work, Sambe discovered a strong interest in the technical aspects of art production, including kiln maintenance, inventory management, and testing new ceramic recipes. He currently works as a Studio Technician in the Art Department at Pima Community College, where he supports classroom instruction.”
