On Sunday, June 2, 7artscafé hosted an afternoon of Spoken Word, Literature, and Poetry, from 3:30 to 5:30 pm. Steadfast author Glenn Scoggins participated, reading two short excerpts from the book. The afternoon was stimulating, including music, poetry (including original compositions and unintentional haiku), and displays of colorful African fabric.

This was the second such Open Mic event, organized by Leland Buckley. He described it as a fun-filled celebration of the spoken word in English, and invited all to "join the event to read or just listen, chat, and enjoy something to eat and drink from the 7 Arts menu. Not just any poetry reading--it's guaranteed to delight your auditory senses with jazz, collaborative haiku, and of course your turn at the mic."

The next such event will take place in November, and all are welcome. Admission is 1000 yen, which includes one drink and drawing for door prizes. For those who would like to read or speak at the open mic, it's best to reserve a time, by emailing Leland at henryleland@hotmail.com.

7artscafé celebrates creativity and innovation in an inspirational setting. It occupies the ground floor of Okonogi # 2 Building, a Yokohama historical landmark built in 1955 by a pioneering industrialist family with roots in the Meiji period. It is steps away from the banks of beautiful sakura-lined Ōoka-gawa river, a four-minute walk from Hinode-chō Station on the Keikyū Line, an eight-minute walk from JR Kannai Station, or a ten-minute walk from JR Sakuragi-chō Station. The address is 1-3 Sueyoshi-chō, Naka-ku, Yokohama 231-0055. The phone number is 045-315-4493. 7 Arts Café is open daily except Mondays and the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month. See their website at 7artscafe.co.jp, which includes a detailed events calendar.