Bath culture has been a bedrock of Japanese society due to Japan's position along the Pacific Ring of Fire. One benefit of Japan's geological turbulence over the centuries has been the creation of hot springs (called "onsen" in Japanese). Onsen have been enjoyed for the purposes of bathing and healing one's spirit however there is also a component in which family and friends get together to socialize in its soothing waters.

Photographer Mark Edward Harris first experienced Japanese hot springs in the early 1990s in Beppu, a town located on the southern island of Kyushu. Afterwards, he traveled extensively throughout Japan to capture images of various types of onsen and published a photographic collection entitled The Way of the Japanese Bath which is now in its second printing.

In this exhibition, which showcases 16 photographs from the book, the subtleties of the tranquil onsen are translated onto the refined medium of washi (hand-crafted Japanese paper made from plant fiber). We hope that by viewing this collection you too will want to become immersed in the way of Japanese bath.

Exhibition Hours:

Tuesdays & Thursdays: 12pm-7pm

Wednesdays & Fridays: 12pm-4pm

Saturdays (9/10, 9/24, 10/8) : 12pm-4:30pm

Venue:

The Japan Foundation, Los Angeles

(5700 Wilshire Blvd. # 100, Los Angeles, CA 90036)

Street parking is available near JFLA. Click here for Parking Info.

(NO PARKING VALIDATIONS PROVIDED)

Admission: Free