| February 2010 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday |
| 1 Application Deadline: Elgin Heinz Outstanding Teacher Award | 2 | 3 | 4 Application Deadline: Business Japanese Classes from the Japan-America Society of Georgia (Atlanta, GA) | 5 | 6 | |
| 7 | 8 | 9 The Japan-America Society of Georgia's Kayoubi-Kai (Atlanta, GA) | 10 Lecture -- Gary Okihiro on "Okinawan Studies and Its Interventions" (Williamsburg, VA) | 11 Film -- Rashômon (Raleigh, NC) | 12 | 13 |
| 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 |
| 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 Performance -- Sukeyasu Shiba’s Gagaku Universe (Washington, DC) | 25 | 26 | 27 The Japan-America Society of Georgia's Nihongo-Kai (Atlanta, GA) |
| 28 Tokyo Visualist: Book Launch and Artists’ Talk (Washington, DC) | ||||||
SCHOLARSHIPS AND PROGRAMS
The Consulate General of Japan in Atlanta is accepting applications for the Japanese Studies Scholarship
Application Deadline: March 1,5:00 pm
Since its establishment in 1954, about 65,000 students have come from some 160 countries or regions around the world to study in Japan under the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Scholarship Program. The Japanese Studies Scholarship is one-year scholarship for undergraduate Japanese or Asian Studies majors or minors to study the Japanese language and culture at a university in Japan. Benefits of the program include a monthly allowance of 125,000 yen (approximately $1,200); transportation to and from Japan; and university tuition. To qualify, applicant must be a citizen of the United States, be between 18 and 30 years old, and should be in good health. All applicants must be an undergraduate majoring or minoring in Japanese or Asian Studies at a university outside Japan and plan to return to the United States upon completion of the study abroad program. All applicants must have a good knowledge of the Japanese language.
For details: 404-926-3021; info@cgjapanatlanta.org; http://www.atlanta.us.emb-japan.go.jp/monbusho.html
The Consulate General of Japan in Atlanta is accepting applications for the Teacher Training Scholarship
Application Deadline: March 1,5:00 pm
Since its establishment in 1954, about 65,000 students have come from some 160 countries or regions around the world to study in Japan under the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Scholarship Program. The Teacher Training Scholarship is a year and a half program available to U.S. primary or secondary school teachers (or academic staff at teacher training institutions) who wish to study at a Japanese university for professional improvement. Benefits of the program include a monthly allowance of 152,000 yen (approximately $1,500); transportation to and from Japan; and university tuition.To qualify, applicant must be a citizen of the United States, be under 35 years of age, and should be in good health. All applicants must be a graduate of a university or teacher training college and work as teachers in a primary or secondary school, or as an academic staff at a teacher training institution, and have at least 5-years of experience. No knowledge of Japanese required, though applicants should be willing to learn Japanese and receive instruction in that language.
For details: 404-926-3021; info@cgjapanatlanta.org; http://www.atlanta.us.emb-japan.go.jp/monbusho.html
About Japan: A Teacher's Resource
This site provides educators and specialists in Japan Studies a space for sharing, discussing and developing teaching ideas and resources about Japan, especially as they relate to K-12 classrooms. The site features thought-provoking essays; classroom-ready lesson plans; an area for asking and answering questions; resources including historical documents, maps and images; and member profiles.
For details: http://aboutjapan.japansociety.org/
Japan Foundation (Various grants)
Most grant deadlines are December
The Japan Foundation in Tokyo offers grants in three categories: 1) Arts and Cultural Exchange, 2) Japanese-Language Education Overseas, 3) Japanese Studies Overseas and Intellectual Exchange.
For details: http://www.jpf.go.jp/e/about/program/index.html
Japan Foundation Group-Tours Program for Secondary-School Educators
Participants from all over the world are invited to Japan for two weeks each year. With the objectives of promoting understanding of Japan in foreign countries / understanding of foreign countries in Japan, and deepening mutual understanding between Japanese and overseas educators, this program invites secondary teachers in social studies, teaching staff in charge of education promoting international understanding/ exchange programs, and those involved in administration on the level of secondary education. Invitees are given opportunities to receive training, conduct inspections, exchanging opinions with their Japanese counterparts, and introduce their own cultures to Japan.
For details: secschedu@jpf.go.jp
Japan Foundation New York Office Small Grant for Arts and Culture
The Japan Foundation New York Office (JFNY) accepts applications from nonprofit organizations for the JFNY Grant throughout the year. This grant aims to support projects that will further understanding of Japanese arts and culture. Successful candidates may be granted up to $5,000. Priority will be given to those projects that have secured additional funding from sources other than the Japan Foundation.
For details: 212-489-0299; kenji_matsumoto@jfny.org; http://www.jfny.org/jfny_smallgrant_arts.html
Japan Foundation New York Office Small Grant for Japanese Studies
The Japan Foundation New York Office (JFNY) accepts applications from institutions of higher education for the Grant throughout the year. This grant aims to support projects that will enhance further understanding of Japan through academic exploration (there is a separate JFNY small grant for Arts and Culture). Such projects generally take the form of conferences, colloquia, symposia, presentation, lectures, etc. Successful candidates may be granted up to $5,000. Priority will be given to those projects that have secured additional outside funding from sources other than the Japan Foundation.
For details: 212-489-0299; keiji_shono@jfny.org; http://www.jfny.org/jfny_smallgrant_japanese.html
Japan Foundation Center for Global Partnership Education Program
CGP's Education program seeks to increase awareness and understanding of Japan in the US through support of teacher training, curriculum development and community outreach efforts addressing the needs of K-12 students, teachers and the larger community. CGP welcomes creative and innovative approaches that may be replicated in other areas.
With the Education program, CGP hopes to provide a foundation for deeper mutual understanding, to build a stronger US-Japan relationship, and to nurture a global outlook and active interest in world affairs.
For details: http://www.cgp.org/index.php?option=section&id=6
JETRO Seeks Georgia Companies for Industry Tours in Japan
The Japan External Trade Organization in Atlanta is seeking companies to visit Japanese cities outside of major metropolitan areas to explore investment possibilities. The program invites participants to come to Japan a series of seminars, match-making events and field trips to industrial areas and business clusters. JETRO covers airfare and hotel expenses. Each “invitation program” is distinct, according to the industry sector of interest.
For details: 404-658-0610; http://www.jetro.org/
Program for the Donation of Japanese-Language Teaching Materials
This program donates a variety of teaching materials to educational institutions in the U.S. offering regular Japanese language courses. The donations are to become the property of the recipient institutions, and are not to be owned privately by teachers or students.
For details: http://www.jflalc.org/?act=tpt&id=243
Elgin Heinz Outstanding Teacher Award
Application Deadline: February 1, 2010
The Elgin Heinz Outstanding Teacher Award was approved by the United States-Japan Foundation's Board of Trustees in September 2001 and recognizes exceptional teachers who further mutual understanding between Americans and Japanese. The award is presented annually to two pre-college teachers in two categories, humanities and Japanese language, and consists of a certificate of recognition, a $2,500 monetary award, and $5,000 in project funds. It is named in honor of Elgin Heinz for his commitment to educating students about Asia as well as for the inspiration he has provided to the field of pre-college education.
For details: http://www.us-jf.org/elginHeinz.html
Resource for Educators -- Japan: Images of a People
Japanese art — beautiful but mysterious? Demystify some examples of Japanese painting and help your students better understand and appreciate the culture that produced them with this issue of Art to Zoo. The lessons have been adapted from materials developed by the education department of the Smithsonian Institution's Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, the two national museums of Asian art. After learning how to look at paintings, your students can make paper screens that resemble Japanese screens.
For details: http://www.smithsonianeducation.org/educators/lesson_plans/japan_images_people/
Scholarships for High School Students to Study in Japan Through Youth for Understanding
Youth For Understanding (YFU) is one of the world's oldest, largest, and most respected international exchange organizations. As a Youth For Understanding USA, Inc. (YFU) student, you'll gain the knowledge, skills, and insights that will prepare you to be a world player. If living in a new country - for a year, semester, or summer - and learning about a different culture sounds like your kind of challenge, then it's time to go global with YFU. You'll live with a carefully selected host family who has volunteered to open their home and their hearts to you - providing room, board, and a caring home. If you choose a year or semester program, you'll also attend school where you'll make friends and learn what life is like for teens in another country. No matter what you do or where you go, you'll learn - from your host family, friends, and teachers.
For details: 1-866-4-YFU-USA; admissions@yfu.org; http://www.yfu-usa.org/ao/scholarships.htm
School Matching System for Educational Trips to Japan
The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), by establishing a direct link to the National Council for Promoting Educational Trips to Japan, has introduced a new system to help American schools (or companies /organizations working on their behalf) find a matching school in Japan for educational visits or exchange programs. Statistically speaking, 6,385 students made educational trips to Japan in fiscal 2004. It is hoped that this new system will alleviate the difficulties in finding counterpart Japanese schools and greatly increase the amount of educational trips to Japan.
For details: 212-757-5640; visitjapan@jntonyc.org; http://www.jnto.go.jp/canada/vjot/school-matching.html
Youth for Understanding Seeking Host Families for Japanese Students
Are you looking for a way to better understand the culture of Japan? Considering opening your home to a high school student from Japan though Youth for Understanding. By sharing their interests and love with an exchange son or daughter, families receive love and lifelong friendships in return. Many Japanese students are available for placement.
For details: 800-872-0200 ext 276; harrislong@yfu.org; http://www.yfu-usa.org/
The Mike Mansfield Fellowship Program
The Mike Mansfield Fellowship Program was established by the U.S. Congress in 1994 to build a corps of federal employees who, because they have lived in Japan and worked long-term on projects in Japanese Ministries, can manage the U.S.-Japan relationship more effectively when they return to their U.S. government agencies. The program is administered by the Maureen and Mike Mansfield Foundation, with the United States Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, as grantor.
An intensive two-year program, the Mansfield Fellowships provide for a year in Japan working in full-time professional positions in Japanese government offices, preceded by a first year of in-depth Japanese language and area studies in the United States. Through the practical experience of conversing in Japanese and being involved in projects, meetings, planning sessions and business travel with their Japanese colleagues, Fellows learn how the Japanese government works and establish professional relationships with Japanese government officials, the business community and the Japanese people.
For details: http://www.mansfieldfdn.org/
Leadership In Action Internship
Leadership in Action (LIA) is an eight-week paid summer internship program designed to develop emerging young leaders by providing college students with practical leadership skills and the opportunity to work hands-on in the Asian and Pacific Islander (API) community in Southern California. Approaching its 13th year, the program takes learning beyond the classroom, and places the student interns in a range of API community based organizations in order to gain real-life experience working at nonprofits. The intern will be paid $2,000 for the eight-week internship.
For details: (213) 485-1422 ext. 4102; rmacaranas@leap.org; https://www.leap.org/empower_lia.html
ALABAMA
Birmingham Go Club (Birmingham, AL)
7:00 pm Thursdays; 3:00 pm Sundays
Books A Million in Hoover
The Birmingham Go Club of Birmingham, Alabama is dedicated to promoting the game of go in the Southeast. We have been meeting now for over a year and would love to have a greater presence with the Japanese community and friends.
For details: gallatin76@aol.com; http://www.bhamgo.org/
Japan in a Suitcase (Birmingham, AL)
30 - 45 minutes per presentation; $25 per visit plus mileage
“Japan in a Suitcase” is a cultural outreach program of The Japan-America Society of Alabama about Japanese culture and language. Native Japanese will visit and offer presentations and fun activities on Japanese culture. Limit 30 participants.
For details: Shoko Kojima Outreach Coordinator at 205-943-4719; shoko.jasa@mindspring.com; http://www.jasaweb.org/
Sakura Festival (Tuscaloosa, AL)
March 1-31
The budding cherry blossoms signal one of the special treasures of spring, as many volunteers, artists, and participants come together for moments of fun and friendship. For a taste of sushi, the rhythms of Japanese dance and drum, a sip of green tea, the beauty of sakura in bloom - we invite all our friends to enjoy the 24th Annual Sakura Festival.
For details: (205) 348-5256; ips@bama.ua.edu; http://sakura.ua.edu/
GEORGIA
After-School Aikido Program at Roswell Budokan (Roswell, GA)
Roswell Budokan, 11516 Woodstock Road, Roswell, GA 30075
Our After School Aikido Program (ASAP) is filled with exciting, educational after school activities for your child. In addition to the health benefits of movement through Aikido, we encourage creativity and mental growth with related activities including Origami (Japanese paper folding), Japanese language, and various arts and crafts. Your child’s educational experience includes a healthy snack and homework time to instill good study habits for a better future ASAP. Complimentary transportation from school to facility. Pick up your child as late as 6:30 p.m. (for no additional cost) Grades K - 5.
For details: 770-649-8383; info@roswellbudokan.com; http://roswellbudokan.com/ASAP.html
Atlanta Braves Kenshin Kawakami Fan Club (Atlanta, GA)
The JASG and the JCCG are proud to announce the launch of the KENSHIN KAWAKAMI FAN CLUB (KKFC). The fan club will be dedicated to supporting and helping Kenshin Kawakami become acclimated with the people, culture, and lifestyle of Atlanta, and promoting the success of Kenshin Kawakami and the Atlanta Braves. The club plans to attend Atlanta Braves home games at Turner Field, host viewing parties when the Braves are on the road, and be involved in various community activities. Membership in the fan club is FREE and we ask you to join and help us support Kenshin Kawakami and the Atlanta Braves.
For details: 404-842-1400; jasgevents@mindspring.com; http://www.kawakamifanclub.com/
Exhibit -- Passport to the World: A Salute to Macon’s Sister Cities (Macon, GA)
The Georgia Children’s Museum, 382 Cherry Street, Macon, GA 31201
For details: 478-755-9539; info@georgiachildrensmuseum.com; http://www.georgiachildrensmuseum.com/
Glass Classes Taught in Japanese (Atlanta, GA)
Janke Studios, 659 Auburn Ave., Atlanta, near MLK Jr. Memorial
We offer a variety of classes. These classes are fun, compact and project-oriented. You will create paperweights, tumblers and other beautiful pieces as you learn basic glassblowing techniques like gathering and re-heating. Beginning in the Fall of 2009 we will be able to offer any of our classes in Japanese (please let us know your language preference when you reserve your spot in class). All classes require a 50% deposit to secure a spot in a class. Please visit our website for more details on our policies for cancellations, rescheduling, prices, and updates on our class schedule.
For details: http://www.jankestudios.com/classes.htm
Ikebana Classes (Atlanta, GA)
Mondays: 9:30 am - 12:00 noon; $220 - 10 lessons
Hastings Nature & Garden Center, 3920 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30319
Ikebana, the ancient art of Japanese flower arranging, has captured attention throughout the world with its graceful lines and pleasing forms. As an artistic activity it is highly valued by those involved in the practice, as it stimulates a creativity and encourages freedom of expression within a disciplined framework. Washi Accents is proud to offer ikebana classes through master, Elaine Jo.
For details: 800-535-2263; http://www.ichiyoart.com/ikebana_class.html
Japanese Archery: Kyudo Classes (Atlanta, GA)
Kyudo – the Japanese martial art literally translated as “The Way of the Bow” encompasses mind, body and spirit. The goal is to hone the individual through diligent practice of a centuries-old form of archery through an integrated movement pattern that is unique to Kyudo. The Georgia Kyudo Renmei is the state-wide organization representing the All Japan Kyudo Federation through the American Kyudo Federation.
For details: Bi Toku Kyudo Kai, Northlake area, Ed Symmes, Renshi Godan, 404-320-1012, ed@bitokukyudo.org, http://www.bitokukyudo.org/
Shingetsu Kyudo Kai, Decatur, Cynthia Shannon, Yondan, 404-371-9428, cyncato@gmail.com, http://www.shingetsu-kyudo.com/
Fuji Kyudo Kai, Norcross area, Tomio Kato, Renshi Godan, 770-551-8355, katotomio@aol.com.
Japanese Classes for Adults (Roswell, GA)
Mondays 6:00pn - 7:30 pm for those who have studied Japanese for approximately 1 year (80 hours)
Tuesdays 7:00pm - 8:30 pm for those who have studied Japanese for approximately 2 years (160 hours)
Thursdays 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm for beginners
Roswell Budokan
For details: 770-649-8383; http://roswellbudokan.com/Japanese.html
Japanese Embroidery Classes (Dunwoody, GA)
Japanese Embroidery Center, 2727 Spalding Drive, Dunwoody, GA 30350
The Japanese Embroidery Center, located in Dunwoody, Georgia, was founded in 1989 by Shuji and Masa Tamura. The Japanese Embroidery Center (JEC) is a nonprofit educational organization whose mission is to preserve and promote the cultural heritage of Japanese embroidery through the pursuit of Nuido™, The Way of Embroidery.
For details: 770-390-0617; info@japaneseembroidery.com; http://www.japaneseembroidery.com/index.html
Japanese Language Classes at the Language Institute of Atlanta (Atlanta, GA)
1155 Hammond drive - Suite 5240-E, Atlanta, GA 30328
For details: 770-394-2721; information@atlantalanguage.com; http://www.atlantalanguage.com/
Japanese Immersion for Young Children (ages 4 – 7) (Atlanta, GA)
Every Monday and Wednesday
9:30 am - 2:00 pm
Your child can learn to speak Japanese fluently in a very natural and efficient way and have lots of fun while doing it. Full immersion is a time-tested and proven method to learn a language fluently -- the only quicker way to learn Japanese is to live in Japan!
Your child can learn Japanese through art, music, games, books, theater and play. Classes are taught by a native speaker, who is in educated in and experienced in working with and motivating young children to learn a language easily. Classes are held in midtown Atlanta (near Piedmont Park). Your child may attend for one or two days a week.
For details: organicmother@hotmail.com
Japanese Women's Garden Club Seeking Members (Atlanta, GA)
2nd Wednesday of each month
The Japanese Women's Garden Club is seeking Japanese women to join their organization. The club, which is over 30 years old, helps organize the Festival of Trees, Spelman College’s Cherry Blossom Festival, and cultural events at area universities and other organizations.
For details: 770-961-5466
Nippon Champ Radio Show (Atlanta, GA)
Every Sunday from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
88.5 FM
Nippon Music Champ is a two hour Japanese music radio program that airs every Sunday from 6pm to 8pm on WRAS Atlanta 88.5 FM. Since its first broadcast on June 2nd, 2002, Nippon Music Champ has exposed listeners to the variety of music present in the contemporary Japanese music scene, with an emphasis on independent and underground artists. Also highlighted are musical movements of the past including early Jazz, Group Sounds (60s Rock'n'Roll), Punk and New Wave of the 1980s. Heavily requested artists include Bleach 03, The Captains, Cornelius, The Emeralds, and Tsu Shi Ma Mi Re.
For details: 404-413-9727; http://www.nipponmusicchamp.com/
Business Japanese Classes from the Japan-America Society of Georgia (Atlanta, GA)
Application Deadline: February 4; Classes begin week of February 8, for eight weeks
Class 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm, once a week
The Japan-America Society of Georgia (JASG) will host the Winter-Spring Session of Japanese Classes. These Japanese classes will focus on communication skills needed in business environments as well as everyday conversation. The courses will also center on inter-cultural communication and integrating important Japanese business and cultural etiquettes.
For new students with prior experience studying Japanese, a telephone interview can be arranged to determine the appropriate class level. The textbook used for this course is Japanese for Busy People (JBP) and can be purchased through the JASG.
For details: 404-842-1400; jasg@mindspring.com; http://www.jasgeorgia.org/
The Japan-America Society of Georgia's Kayoubi-Kai (Atlanta, GA)
February 9; March 9
7:00 pm
The Kayobi-Kai is an ongoing dinner event that meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month at different restaurants in the metro Atlanta area. The Kayobi-Kai is intended to be very informal, and anyone who wants to come is welcome. All Kayobi-Kai meetings will begin at 7:00 pm and will be a "Dutch" dinner, so everyone will pick up their own tab at the end of the evening. If you would like to come, please call the JASG Event Reply Line at 404-253-8991 and leave a message including the total number of people in your group, each person's name, and a contact number.
For details: 404-842-1400; jasg@mindspring.com; http://www.jasgeorgia.org/
The Japan-America Society of Georgia's Nihongo-Kai (Atlanta, GA)
February 27; March 27
The Nihongo-Kai is a monthly meeting hosted by The Japan-America Society of Georgia for anyone who is looking to practice and brush up their Japanese language skills. Come join us and chat with Japanese native speakers and other learners in town!
For details: 404-842-1400; jasg@mindspring.com; http://www.jasgeorgia.org/
Azalea International Folk Fair (Valdosta, GA)
March 6
10:00 am - 6:00 pm; $6 at the door, $3 ages 12 and under
Valdosta-Lowndes Conference Center
The Azalea International Folk Fair promotes lively cultural exchange, provides richly diverse entertainment, and enriches the local social studies curriculum on the largest scale in Georgia State. We reach out to GA’s under-served, remote populations and geographic areas whose school students of Thomas, Colquitt, Cook, Berrien, Echols, Brooks and Valdosta-Lowndes Counties attend the programs as an educational outreach. It successfully attracted international folk dance talent not only from Georgia State, but also from surrounding Alabama, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Florida, to participate in America’s premier World Culture Folk Dance Competition. We sponsored Youth Invention and Technology Contests that help to promote innovative, creative, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills and attitudes. It helps to prepare Georgia's young scientific talents for future technological industries and global economical opportunites. We have the World Geography: Are You Smarter Than a 7th Grader project compiling questions that are aligned with Georgia Performance Standard and CRCT for Social Studies Curriculum.
For details: http://www.gainternationalfolkfair.org/
Film -- Harimaya Bridge (Atlanta, GA)
March 6
8:00 pm. $7 general admission; $6 students, seniors, and Museum members; Patron level members enter free
Rich Theatre, High Museum, The Rich Theatre of the Woodruff Arts Center is located at 15th and Peachtree Streets, next to the High Museum of Art at MARTA stop N-5.
After the sudden death of his estranged son in rural Japan, an American man must go there to claim some important family items. While there, he discovers some secrets his son left behind.
For details: High Museum: 404-733-5000; Consulate General of Japan: 404-365-9240; info@cgjapanatlanta.org; http://www.high.org/
Performance -- Issun Boshi (Little One Inch) (Atlanta, GA)
March 9 - 21
Tues-Fri 10:00 am and 11:30 am
Sat 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, and 3:00 pm
Sun 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm
Center for Puppetry Arts, 1404 Spring Street, NW at 18th
Meet one of Japan’s most beloved heroes: Little One Inch, a tiny boy no bigger than an inch and determined to win his fortune. With a rice bowl for a boat and a chopstick for an oar, Little One Inch sets off to save Japan and battle the horrible ogre. During his adventure, he befriends a kappa, rides a koi, and becomes the playmate of a princess before defeating the ogre in a surprisingly hilarious battle. Performed with Bunraku style puppets, this story will prove to audiences of all ages that even the smallest of heroes can overcome the biggest of challenges. Presented by Tears of Joy Theatre, Portland, OR
For details: 404-873-3089; http://www.puppet.org/
Film -- Tokyo Sonata (Atlanta, GA)
March 13
8:00 pm. $7 general admission; $6 students, seniors, and Museum members; Patron level members enter free
Rich Theatre, High Museum, The Rich Theatre of the Woodruff Arts Center is located at 15th and Peachtree Streets, next to the High Museum of Art at MARTA stop N-5.
An ordinary Japanese family slowly disintegrates after its patriarch loses his job at a prominent company.
For details: High Museum: 404-733-5000; Consulate General of Japan: 404-365-9240; info@cgjapanatlanta.org; http://www.high.org/
Film -- What the Snow Brings (Atlanta, GA)
March 20
8:00 pm. $7 general admission; $6 students, seniors, and Museum members; Patron level members enter free
Rich Theatre, High Museum, The Rich Theatre of the Woodruff Arts Center is located at 15th and Peachtree Streets, next to the High Museum of Art at MARTA stop N-5.
After losing the last of his savings betting on an old horse, Manabu Yazaki is forced to move in with his older brother, who happens to be a stable-owner. After living most of his life chasing success in the business world, Manabu actually finds he enjoys chipping in as a stable hand and he forges relationships with the stable boys and a female jockey named Makie.
For details: High Museum: 404-733-5000; Consulate General of Japan: 404-365-9240; info@cgjapanatlanta.org; http://www.high.org/
The Reading Circle of Modern Japanese Literature/Dokusho-kai (Sandy Springs, GA)
March 21
2:00 pm
Atlanta-Fulton County Library, Sandy Springs Branch, 395 Mt. Vernon Highway, Atlanta, GA 30328
Text: Life, death, karma — these interwoven themes form the heart of Teru Miyamoto’s lyrical novel in letters, Kinshu: Autumn Brocade, the first work to be published in the U.S. by this internationally acclaimed author.
Ten years after their divorce, Aki and Yasuaki meet by chance at a mountain resort. In a flood of emotions and memories, Aki initiates a new correspondence, and letter by letter through the seasons, the secrets of their past unfold as they reflect on their present struggles. From a lover’s suicide to a father’s controlling demands, the story moves seamlessly through their deeply introspective exchanges. What begins as a series of accusations and apologies, questions and excuses, turns into a source of mutual support and healing.
For details: Amy Bailey at 404-256-4301 or Loris Mann at 770-321-1363
Performance -- Yasuo Watanabe, piano: Frederic Chopin/Robert Schumann Bicentennial Celebration Series (Atlanta, GA)
March 26
8:00 pm; $20; Discount Category Members $15
Schwartz Center for Performing Arts, 1700 N. Decatur Rd., Atlanta, GA 30322
Pianist Yasuo Watanabe from Japan plays solo Chopin, Schumann's Symphonic Etudes, and Schumann’s Fantasiestucke with cello.
For details: boxoffice@emory.edu; http://arts.emory.edu/events/index.html
Japan Academic Challenge and Speech Contest (Kennesaw, GA)
March 27
Free
Kennesaw State University
Georgia high school students compete in the Japan Academic Challenge, a quiz bowl-style contest to test their knowledge of the Japanese language and culture while college students deliver memorized speeches demonstrating their Japanese language skills in the Speech Contest.
For details: 404-842-1400; jasg@mindspring.com; http://www.jasgeorgia.org/
NORTH CAROLINA
Traditional Aikido Classes (Charlotte/Matthews/Weddington, NC)
Water Oak Aikikai is an intimate, traditional dojo tucked into the beautiful woods of Weddington, North Carolina. The dojo is a dedicated 40 tatami training space with enough clearance for virtually any weapons training. The dojo offers instruction in Aikido, Aikido for Children, Self Defense, Women's Self Defense, Cane Self Defense and Traditional Japanese Weapons (Jodo and Iaido). The chief instructor lived in Japan for 10 years and teaches in a traditional manner. The chief instructor also holds a teaching certificate issued by the United States Aikido Federation and the Aikido Hombu Dojo in Japan.
For details: http://www.water-oak.net/Aikikai/Home.aspx
Film -- Rashômon (Raleigh, NC)
February 11
7:30 pm. $3.50 museum members/$5 all others
North Carolina Museum of Art, 2110 Blue Ridge Road
In a medieval Japanese forest, there is a rape and a murder. Four witnesses tell four divergent tales. What really happened? Rashômon stormed world cinema as the first widely seen Japanese film, winning the Best Foreign Language Film Oscar and becoming endlessly influential. "The genius of Rashômon is that all of the flashbacks are both true and false."—Roger Ebert.
(1950) Written and directed by Akira Kurosawa. Toshirô Mifune, Machiko Kyô, Takashi Shimura. (88 min.) Japanese with English subtitles
For details: 919-839-6262; http://ncartmuseum.org/interim/events.php
Japanese Tea Gathering (Durham, NC)
March 27
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm. Friends of the Gardens $15; General Public $20
Sarah P. Duke Gardens
Enjoy a traditional Japanese tea gathering and tea tasting to celebrate the early bloom of the cherry blossom or sakura. Stroll (weather permitting) through the serene Culberson Asiatic Arboretum to view traditional Japanese lanterns and to visit the new Durham–Toyama Sister Cities Pavilion on the hillside above the Teien–oike lake. Join us at the Doris Duke Center to see a display of Ikebana and Bonsai exhibits.
For details: 919-668-1707; aleduc@duke.edu; http://web.duke.edu/apsi/events/outreach/eastasiainthecommunity.html
SOUTH CAROLINA
Japanese Archery Classes (Simpsonville, SC)
The South Carolina Kyudo Renmei is the governing body for Kyudo in South Carolina, a charter member of the American Kyudo Renmei, and recognized by the All Japan Kyudo renmei to promote and facilitate the growth of Kyudo. Kyudo classes are held on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday.
For details: sckyudo@aol.com
VIRGINIA
Lecture -- Gary Okihiro on "Okinawan Studies and Its Interventions" (Williamsburg, VA)
February 10
4:30 pm; free
College of William and Mary, Andrews 1010
Professor Gary Okihiro is the speaker for this year's Art Matsu Distinguished Lecture, founded in honor of Art Matsu '28, one of our very first Asian American graduates from William and Mary, and a pioneering football player. Professor Okihiro is Professor of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University. His expertise concerns Asian American studies and southern Africa. Since earning his Ph.D. in History from the University of California, Los Angeles in 1976, he has authored a number of books, articles, essay that explore "Asia" broadly. He is also the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Studies Association and is a past president of the Association for Asian American Studies. Currently, he is at work on the third volume of a trilogy (all from University of California Press) that upends conventional notions of history, space, and time in the study of a wider "Asia." The first two books are Island World: A History of Hawai`I and the United States (2008) and Pineapple Culture: A History of the Tropical and Temperate Zones (2009). His Matsu Lecture will be based on the forthcoming third and final volume of this trilogy.
For details: http://www.wm.edu/as/modernlanguages/events/japanese/Gary%20Okihiro%20lecture.php
Performance -- Sukeyasu Shiba’s Gagaku Universe (Washington, DC)
February 24
7:30 pm. Free, tickets required
Freer Gallery, Meyer Auditorium
Composer Sukeyasu Shiba, a long-time member of Japan’s Imperial Household Agency gagaku orchestra, leads his eleven-member Reigakusha ensemble of musicians and dancers in a performance of original music and choreography. Shiba’s works revitalize an ancient combination of ritual dance accompanied by sho (mouth-organ), biwa (lute), ryuteki (flute), hichiriki (double-reed), percussion, and other instruments rarely heard in the West. This performance is part of the thirty-fifth anniversary celebrations of Music From Japan, based in New York City, and it marks the organization’s twelfth annual program at the Freer Gallery.
For details: http://www.asia.si.edu/events/index.asp?trumbaEmbed=search%3DJapan#/?I=2
Tokyo Visualist: Book Launch and Artists’ Talk (Washington, DC)
February 28
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Freer Gallery, Meyer Auditorium
Tokyo Visualist introduces boundary-crossing artists from Japan who blend art, video, fashion, graphics, photography, and design in their works. Join book co-editors Masako Shinn and Satoru Yamashita and their surprise guests—two of the featured artists in Tokyo Visualist—for a fascinating presentation about today’s art in Japan. Carol Huh, curator for contemporary Asian art at the Freer and Sackler Galleries, moderates the discussion.
For details: http://www.asia.si.edu/events/index.asp?trumbaEmbed=search%3DJapan#/?I=2