As the Covid-19 pandemic continues, holiday celebrations all over the world looked a little different. For a safe event to start the new year, Azabu Gardens hosted a virtual kirie (Japanese paper cutting) performance. Kirie, which means “cut picture,” first started to be practiced in Japan during the 7th century. Kirie artists create beautiful designs by cutting sections out of a single sheet of paper. There are many talented artists who practice the art, and Azabu Gardens invited the celebrated paper artist Ryohei Tanaka to demonstrate his talents and entertain residents.