A sensory tour of Japan

Come and be introduced to Japanese sounds, smells, tactile and visual objects, and tastes. This workshop will explore sensory aspects of Japanese culture and how Japanese terms used for the 'senses' reveal the slippage between feelings, intuition, perceptions and awareness – between physical sensation, emotion, and intellect. Descriptions of sensorial experiences such as 'listening' to incense and rating it in terms of taste descriptors (sweet, sour, salty), give a further idea of this ambiguity in sensory perception.

What to expect:

A 60-minute workshop with all materials provided for a hands-on experience. This session is accessible to those who are blind or vision impaired.

This workshop will be offered in two repeat sessions.

Session 1: Sunday 9 November, 11.30am-12.30pm

Session 2: Wednesday 19 November, 2.00pm-3.00pm

This registration is for Session 1: Sunday 9 November, 11.30am-12.30pm. Please note, if you attend this session, there is no need to book again.

Being Human 2025

This project was produced in collaboration with the 2025 Being Human Festival. Founded in the UK as the only national festival of the humanities, Being Human is now a global celebration dedicated to demonstrating the breadth, diversity and vitality of the humanities.

View the full Festival program here.

Your speaker

Dr Jenny Hall is a teaching associate in Art History at the School of Culture and Communication at the University of Melbourne. Her areas of interest are Japanese textiles, fashion and art.