Cultures around the world produce the same graceful toy: the spinning top. This workshop focuses on Japan where a rich tradition of artisanry hs produced an exceptional variety of tops.
Begin each day with Radio Calisthenics [ラジオ体操 ] quiet stretching to focus your mind and body. Work each day to perfect a Dorodango [泥だんご] a ball of clay disciplined fingers can polish to glow.
Then produce and play with tops. Practice using tools as ancient as the lathe. As modern as the laser cutter and 3D printers. Construct tops that perform acrobatics, change colors, hum, dance. and govern games. Expand your skills with tops that are familiar like the yoyo. As unfamiliar as the whip top.
Learn the basic brushwork of Japanese calligraphy. Cut a hanko (判子), a traditional stamp, to mark your pieces.
