Memento Mori in NYC: The Art of Japanese Life and Death
Death is not merely an end. In Japan, it is a reminder to live. For two days, RESOBOX becomes a gathering place for artists, thinkers, and makers from Japan and New York, exploring life through the lens of death. This is not a somber event. It is an invitation to slow down, look closely, and ask what it means to live
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well. The festival opens on November 5 at 10:00 am with The Art of Living with Death: a live encoffining ceremony by nōkanshi Koki Kimura, performed alongside a live calligraphy performance by Taisan Tanaka, set against a coffin inspired by Hokusai’s Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji. Together with his father, Kimura served as a technical advisor on the Academy Award–winning film Departures. Across both days, you can explore: Art exhibition by more than 20 Japanese artists and craftspeople Talks with speakers including a Zen teacher, a death doula, and a death-literacy researcher Coffin experience, open to all ticket holders: lie down, close your eyes, and see how it feels. Afterward, you are welcome to write your own epitaph with brush and ink at the calligraphy corner. Marketplace of Japanese crafts, urns, and keepsakes Bar and space to talk No knowledge of Japanese is needed. All are welcome, whatever your beliefs. Hours: Thursday, November 5 & Friday, November 6 · Doors open 9:30 am · Program starts 10:00 am · Closes 7:00 pm Also during the festival: Mizuhiki Workshop: Memento Mori Jewelry — November 5, 5:00 pm (admission ticket required) Iei: A Portrait of the Life You Are Living — November 5 & 6, book a time slot (two-day admission included) After Party: A Night to Celebrate Life — November 6, 7:00–9:00 pm, $60 (food and drinks included; tickets sold separately) For the full program, speakers, and artists, please visit the official website: mementomori-nyc.com Get Tickets $20 Early Bird (first 100 tickets) 1 ticket2 tickets3 tickets4 tickets$30 General Admission 1 ticket2 tickets3 tickets4 ticketsPlus NY sales tax (8.875%) · Valid for both days · General Admission also available at the door · Buying 5 or more tickets? Please check out more than once. If you tried to buy tickets on this page since September 30 and saw a “payment confirmed” screen without entering your card details, your purchase did not go through and you were not charged. Please use the buttons above. We’re sorry for the trouble. PLEASE NOTE: General Admission tickets are also available at the door: scan the QR code at reception and pay on your phone. Cancellations made within 72 hours of the event are nonrefundable.