Mission

The Japan Room was founded as a salon by Miss Pauline Chakmakjian on 20th June 2006 to promote genuine exchange among people interested in the arts, history, and culture of Japan through combined academic and social evenings. Not normally open to the public or part of a tour, The Japan Room itself is Lodge Room No. 11 located within the ceremonial and administrative headquarters of the United Grand Lodge of England known as the Freemasons’ Hall. The Japan Room is a not-for-profit entity and all charges to attend events are designed to cover costs.

Freemasonry – as we know it today – originally emanated from the convivial and learned tradition of Whiggish clubbing in eighteenth-century London, which was the English equivalent of the salon culture highly popular in Continental countries like France and Italy. In keeping alive this somewhat lost tradition, The Japan Room hopes to revive both the educational and social atmosphere of the salon style of meeting.

History

The Freemasons’ Hall was built about a century ago when the United Grand Lodge of England decided to build a new headquarters in London. In 1920, a committee was formed to appeal to every Freemason under the English Constitutions for contributions to a fund called the Masonic Million Memorial Fund. Contributions were voluntary, of course, but outstanding contributions were recognized by special jewels of different grades of metal depending on the amount given called Hall Stone Jewels; making the relevant district known as a Hallstone District. The Districts of Japan and Burma overseas and the English Province of Buckinghamshire were further distinguished in a special way for their large contributions by having lodge rooms named after them – Japan is No.11, Burma is No.12, and Buckinghamshire is No.17. Of the three, Japan was the first to qualify as a Hall Stone District since it donated about £2,625 (0.2% of the total £1.3 million raised).

Location

Past Events

The Last Ring Home – 28 September 2023
The History of Medicine in Japan – 25 October 2022
Nazani Tea Time from Ancient Greece to Mugicha – 29 October 2019
A Glimpse into East-West Relations in the Antiquarian Book Trade – 28 May 2019
The Curious Case Of Japan Leads To Deep Revelations About Money – 30 October 2018
Trading Cryptocurrencies – 29 May 2018
The Colourful Festivals of Kyoto – 30 May 2017
Hawaiian History with Britain and Japan – 30 June 2016
Kyoto’s International Links – 29 October 2015
Japanese Elements Within Freemasonry – 29 October 2014
The Medieval Fan Game – TOSENKYO – 29 October 2013
Discussion: British & Japanese Esoterica – 29 November 2012
Tama The Cat: The Book and Its Author – 30 November 2011
Restless Spirits & Bewitching Transformations! – 2 November 2010
Kyoto Kimono Talk & Fan Dance – 10 November 2009
Japanese Freemasonry Today – 9 June 2009
Grand Lodge of Japan Gallery
Kimono Show & Demonstration – 11 November 2008
Kimono Show Gallery
A Unique UK-Japanese-Masonic Evening – 8 July 2008
Unique UK-Japanese Masonic Evening Gallery
Machiya – The Delicate Townhouses of Kyoto – 10 June 2008
Miss Pauline’s Machiya Gallery
Music & Martial Arts Part II – 31 January 2008
Koto, Shamisen, & Ninjutsu
Music & Martial Arts Part I – 29 November 2007
Koto, Kendo, & Iaido
Japan & The Moai of Easter Island – 19th June 2007
Miss Pauline’s Easter Island Gallery
Japanese Courtliness & ‘The Cloud Dwellers’ – 27th June 2006
Miss Pauline’s Kyoto Gallery 2
Japanese Courtliness & ‘The Cloud Dwellers’ – 20th June 2006
Miss Pauline’s Kyoto Gallery 1

Mascot

The Founder has selected the bunny rabbit as the mascot of The Japan Room as this is her favourite animal. Above are two black and white Dutch bunnies born from a prize-winning doe (male on left, female on right). Dutch bunnies are a “fancy” breed of rabbit. There are many reasons to enjoy Japan (especially Kyoto) such as its beautiful natural lansdscapes throughout the year, the colourful and historical costumed festivals, its relatively cleaner and more efficient travelling environments, artistically-presented cuisine, and its pleasant and courteous people. However, in addition to these, the Founder has 3 particular reasons why Japan is delightful:

  • Noh Drama
  • The magical sound of the Sho
  • Many charming things are decorated and associated with rabbits
Pauline is a Rabbit, Parade of animal zodiac signs in Melbourne, Australia.  Photo: Pauline Chakmakjian, MA

To learn more about these quiet and amusing creatures, please have a look at the websites below:

If you would like to adopt an unwanted bunny from a rescue centre, please visit www.rabbitrehome.org.uk

If you would like to volunteer for a rabbit rescue, please visit http://www.rabbitrehome.org.uk and make contact through the ‘contact us’ page.