Sake Tasting | Shamisen Workshop | Karuta Tournament

Animazement is excited to present our series of sake tasting sessions.  Led by Chris Spinks, you'll learn all the basics. How is sake made? What are the main styles? How does it pair with food? And most importantly, how does it taste? Each session includes a tasting of 6 different sakes.

Note: There will be a small plate of food served with this event which may include dairy, nuts, fruits and other allergens. Please be aware prior to registering for this event. If you have any questions, please email info@animazement.org.

Tickets for each session cost $50 per person. Seating is limited and reservations are required. You must be legally old enough to drink to attend these sessions. IDs will be checked at the door. Each sake tasting session has room for 36 people. We’ll sell 26 tickets in advance and 10 at the door.

Sessions are hosted by Chris Spinks

Ticket sales begin:  TBD

What is Sake? How is sake made? What are the main styles? What are the most important key words? How does it pair with food? How should it be stored? How does one taste it? Understanding sake and sake terms is somewhat overwhelming. Let’s dive in and learn to enjoy the complexity while simplifying and understanding this amazing drink. We will be tasting and discussing 6 different sakes!

“Let’s Drink!”

Join Chris Spinks as he shares his love and experience with sake!  Chris began his sake journey in Japan, in 1984 and earned the title of Sake Sommelier in 2023.

Visit their website to learn more about shamisen: https://www.learnshamisen.com

Shamisen Shop 'Rakuya': https://shami1000rakuya.com

Ticket Sales begin: TBD

Join YouTuber Norm Nakamura and Shamisen Shop Rakuya for a rare, interactive workshop that introduces you to the exciting world of Tsugaru Shamisen!

In this beginner-friendly session, you'll get to:

• Build your own Mini Shamisen (and take it home!)
• Learn the basics of Shamisen playing—including how to hold, pluck, and play a full song!
• Try out high-quality instruments from Rakuya’s exclusive collection, usually only available in Japan

Perfect for curious beginners, this is a hands-on musical experience you won’t want to miss.

Tickets: $59 per person

Already joined us last year or have some Shamisen experience? This advanced session is for you!

Dive deeper into Shamisen playing with Norm Nakamura and Shamisen shop Rakuya in a focused workshop that covers techniques and 3 super popular songs:

• From My Neighbor Totoro “Sanpo”
• From Evangelion “A Cruel Angel’s Thesis”
• From Demon Slayer “Gurenge”

You'll even get to take home printed music sheets for each song!

IMPORTANT: Please bring your own Shamisen or mini Shamisen—instruments will not be provided or built during this session. But here’s a perk: Show your advanced workshop ticket to Rakuya and get $49 off your Shamisen purchase during Animazement (so technically, the workshop comes free if you buy one!). Discount can be used before or after the session.

Tickets: $49 per person

How to play:

1. Players spread the picture cards on the floor so it is easy to see the cards.

2. The reader reads a word from their stack and all four players look for the card with the picture that starts with the same sound as the word that was read .

3. When players find a picture card that matches the reading card sound that the reader reads, they need to say, “Hai” (yes) and pick up(hit, hold down) the card.

4. If the players touch the picture card at the same time, they will use a “rock paper scissors” game to decide who gets the card.

5. The players repeat until all the picture cards are exhausted. 

6. Whoever gets the most cards wins.