ASA Ritual × Droog: Letting Go
ASA Ritual is honoured to host a special edition in collaboration with the cultural program manager Alya from Droog.
ASA Ritual and Droog have long shared an appreciation for creating intimate, community-rooted experiences. This edition grew from a simple conversation.
When Asako from ASA Ritual asked Alya about her recent journey through Japan, she spoke about one place that had particularly stayed with her: the Adachi Museum of Art in Shimane, renowned for its extraordinary Japanese garden. Although every element appears meticulously maintained, the philosophy behind the garden is not to impose perfection on nature, but to thoroughly observe it with great respect and allow it to reveal its own beauty. The diligent care of the garden is ultimately an act of respect—for both nature itself and the visitors who come to experience it.
That conversation resonated deeply with the philosophy behind ASA Ritual.
In ASA Ritual, Japanese calligraphy is not approached as a discipline of mastering beautiful characters. Instead, it becomes an invitation to let go of control and allow the brush, the ink and your own inner state to guide each brushstroke. Rather than striving to write the “correct” or “perfect” character, guests are invited to embrace whatever naturally emerges. In this sense, your calligraphy becomes a reflection of the self.
Throughout this tranquil afternoon, we will explore Japanese philosophy through calligraphy, dialogue and a tasting of a few pieces of ASA’s signature plant-based sushi. Together, we will reflect on living in awe of nature, embracing impermanence, and discovering the beauty of letting go.
Programme (approximately 2 hours)
* Welcome and introduction
* Japanese calligraphy experience
* Guided dialogue moderated by Asako
* Tasting of ASA’s signature plant-based sushi
Asako Kato is an artist who designs and hosts this ritual. After seven years of dedicated practice in plant-based sushi, she began shaping ASA Ritual — an experience informed by Japanese ways of being, family-rooted calligraphy traditions, artisanal vegetable sushi, and a focus on how people come into calmness, open up, and engage in more honest dialogue
Photo credit: Shahrnaz Javid
