Bloedel Reserve’s month-long celebration of Japanese culture  continues with an origami demonstration and Koto recital from 1-3 p.m. June 12, in the Guest House of the Japanese Garden at the reserve, 7571 NE Dolphin Dr.

Hideko Albin will show completed origami pieces and teach an informal class in this traditional art of paper folding.

Takako Satoh will play traditional music for koto on an instrument made from the beautiful wood of the Empress Tree. There is a large specimen of an Empress Tree (Paulownia tomentosa) near the Gate House at the Reserve’s entrance.

Cost of the events are free with admission to the Reserve.  Adults are $13, seniors and military $9, ages 13-college $5, and children under 13 are free.

The Reserve is offering a series of Japanese focused events as a way to celebrate completion of the first phase of the restoration project in its Japanese Garden.

Other events include a talk on “Maple Species and Pruning Techniques” at 10 a.m. June 14 with the Reserve’s Director of Horticulture Andy Navage.

David DeGroot, Curator, Pacific Rim Bonsai Collection will lead “Introduction to Bonsai” from 10 a.m. to noon June 21.

Nancy McGowen and Tom Strid offer a hands-on art class and talk for children and adults on Gyotaku (fish printing) at 10 a.m. June 25 and David Streatfield, Professor Emeritus of landscape architecture at the University of Washington will discuss “Japanese Garden Design” at 4:30 p.m. June 26.

Peggy Booth, Ikebono Ikebana Society Assistant Professor will teach Ikebana (the Japanese Art of flower arranging) at 10 a.m. June 27.

For more information, visit www.bloedelreserve.org or call 842-7631.