| April 2010 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | ||||
| 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 JASA Monthly Mixer (Birmingham, AL) | 8 | 9 | 10 |
| 11 | 12 |
13 The Japan-America Society of Georgia's Kayoubi-Kai (Atlanta, GA) 2nd Annual Cherry Blossom Festival (Boiling Springs, SC) |
14 | 15 | 16 Triangle East Asia Colloquium (Chapel Hill, NC) | 17 "Chopsticks for Children" 5K Run and 1 Mile Fun Run (Boiling Springs, SC) |
| 18 | 19 | 20 Film -- Ghost in the Shell: Mobile Armored Riot Police (Greenville, SC) | 21 | 22 Lecture -- "Reconsidering the Concept of State Shinto" (Durham, NC) | 23 | 24 The Japan-America Society of Georgia's Nihongo-Kai (Atlanta, GA) |
| 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | |
SCHOLARSHIPS AND PROGRAMS
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thought-provoking essays; classroom-ready lesson plans; an area for asking and answering questions; resources including historical documents, maps and images; and member profiles.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/
Global Friendship Award for Students of Japanese
Since 1983, Peace Boat has been offering eye opening cultural and language learning experiences to thousands of individuals from all over Japan. Now Peace Boat hopes to extend this life-changing opportunity to students of Japanese language through the Global Friendship Award. Peace Boat is now inviting Japanese language students enrolled at universities around the globe to apply. Recipients will study everyday as they travel the globe in a total immersion environment of 600-900 Japanese, with the goal of promoting and fostering friendship and spreading goodwill around the world! The programme is designed to complement students’ current courses of study and is suited to students seeking study opportunities.
Global Friendship Award:
40% Subsidy of Peace Boat Global Voyage fare visiting 22 ports in 20 countries.
Free Intensive Japanese study programme on board Peace Boat.
Open to students currently enrolled in a university (or equivalent) Japanese language course.
Peace Boat is a Japan-based international non-governmental and non-profit organization that works to promote peace, human rights, equal and sustainable development and respect for the environment. Peace Boat carries out its main activities through a chartered passenger ship that travels the world on global voyages. The ship circumnavigates the globe over 100+ days each voyage and typically travels to 15-20 countries. Peace Boat works constantly to expand its global educational network, which includes partnerships with universities such as Seisen University (Japan), Wako University (Japan), Sungkonghoe University (Korea), Ohio University (USA) and Tubingen University (Germany). Guest educators from universities such as Tokyo University, Kyoto University, Aichi University and The Open University of Japan frequently join the voyages to lecture on their specialist subjects. Peace Boat holds Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations.
For details: pbglobal@peaceboat.gr.jp; http://www.peaceboat.org/english/nwps/cn/arc/091015/index.html
Japan Foundation Fiscal Year 2010-2011 Grant Programs for the United States
The Japan Foundation, Los Angeles, is now accepting applications for the following grant programs:
1. Grant Program for Japanese Language Courses
2. Japanese Language Teaching Material Purchase Grant
3. Grant Program for Contests Designed for Japanese Language Learners
4. Special Grant Program for Professional Development Opportunities for Japanese Language Teachers
For details: http://www.jflalc.org/index.php?act=tpt&id=229
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
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
Tokyo Nights II Dance Performance (Panama City, FL)
March 27
Marina Civic Center, Panama City, FL
The Sho No Ryu dancers of Tokyo present Tokyo Nights II, a dazzling performance of Japanese dance from the classical style of old Japan to the contemporary sounds of Tokyo.
For details: 850-763-4696; http://www.marinaciviccenter.com/
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/
JASA Monthly Mixer (Birmingham, AL)
March 3; April 7
5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
Sekisui Restaurant
First Wednesdays monthly, gathering with JASA Friends.
For details: 205-943-4730; 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/
Sakura Matsuri (Birmingham, AL)
March 20
11:00 am – 4:00 pm; Free
Birmingham Botanical Gardens
The Japan-America Society of Alabama, in association with the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, will celebrate our springtime Sakura Matsuri - Cherry Blossom Festival. Japanese cultural demonstrations to be held throughout the garden, Japanese lunch boxes will be available for purchase, and the tea house will be open for viewing.
For details: 205-943-4730; jasa@mindspring.com; http://www.jasaweb.org/
Japan-America Society of Alabama Annual Dinner (Birmingham, AL)
April 22
5:00 pm - 6:30 pm Registration; 6:30 pm Dinner
Non-members: $75-$105 per seat; Members: $65-$95 per seat
Register by mail at: The Japan-America Society of Alabama, World Business Center, 500 Beacon Parkway West, Birmingham, AL 35209
Held at The Club in Birmingham
Join us in celebrating the beginning of our third decade!
For details: 205-943-4730; jasa@mindspring.com; http://jasaweb.org/events/?eventID=20&date=04/22/2010
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. Since the Fall of 2009 we have been offering 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 &&nbps;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/
The Japan-America Society of Georgia's Kayoubi-Kai (Atlanta, GA)
March 9; April 12
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)
March 27; April 24
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/
Lecture -- Anime, Manga, and More: Roland Kelts speaks on Japanese Pop Culture (Kennesaw, GA)
March 4
6:30 pm - 8:00 pm; Free
Kennesaw State University, Social Sciences Building Room 1021
Roland Kelts is the half-Japanese American Author of Japanamerica: How Japanese Pop Culture has Invaded the US, and the forthcoming novel, Access. He is also a contributing editor and writer for Adbusters magazine and A PublicSpace literary journal, as well as a columnist for the Daily Yomiuri. He has taught at New York University, The University of Tokyo, and Sophia University, and has delivered speeches on contemporary Japanese culture at numerous institutions across the US, Japan, Australia, and the UK. His writing appears in Psychology Today, Animation Magazine, Bookforum, Vogue, The Village Voice, and other publications.
For details: 404-842-1400; jasg@mindspring.com; http://www.jasgeorgia.org/
Performance by Matsuda Seiko look-alike (Atlanta, GA)
March 4
7:00 pm; Free - RSVP Required
Doubletree Hotel, 2055 South Park Place, Atlanta, GA 30339
Tickets can be picked up at Umezono, Sushi Yoko, or Tomato Grocery (either store). Attendees must be over 18 years of age.
For details: RSVP by faxing your name, address, and phone number to: 770-263-7836
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.
March 12-18
UA Tara Cinema 4, 2345 Cheshire Bridge Road, Atlanta, GA 30324
Written and directed by Aaron Woolfolk, an alumnus of the Japan Exchange and Teaching Program. Starring Ben Guillory, Saki Takaoka, Misa Shimizu, and Danny Glover.
Daniel Holder’s father was killed fighting the Japanese during World War II, something he thought he had made peace with until the recent discovery that his father was killed in a very cruel and brutal way. When his beloved son Mickey takes a job in Japan teaching English, it creates a rift between them. Mickey dies in a traffic accident, and Daniel’s profound regret at their estrangement is matched only by his increasing resentment towards Japan. Despite these feelings, he goes there to retrieve precious items belonging to his son. Daniel is welcomed in Kochi by Mickey’s former colleagues. While he sees that his son was loved by the people there, he rejects the kindness shown towards him, preferring to hold onto his hatred. But a series of unexpected discoveries about Mickey forces Daniel to reassess his feelings for Japan and the life he will henceforth lead.
Official Selection, African Diaspora Film Festival 2009 (NY, USA); Official Selection, Cancun Riviera Maya International Film Festival 2009 (Cancun, Mexico); Official Selection, Hawaii International Film Festival 2009 (Honolulu, USA); Official Selection, San Diego Asian Film Festival 2009 (San Diego, USA)
For details: High Museum: 404-733-5000; Consulate General of Japan: 404-365-9240; UA Tara Cinema: 404-634-6288; 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.
Directed by Kiyoshi Kurosawa. Starring Teruyuki Kagawa, Kyoko Koizumi, Yu Koyanagi, Kai Inowaki, Haruka Igawa, Kanji Tsuda, and Koji Yakusho.
Tokyo Sonata is a portrait of a seemingly ordinary Japanese family. The father who abruptly loses his job conceals the truth from his family; the eldest son in college hardly returns home; the youngest son furtively takes piano lessons without telling his parents; and the mother, who knows deep down that her role is to keep the family together, cannot find the will to do so. From the exterior, all is normal. But somehow, a single, unforeseeable chasm has appeared within the family, threatening to disintegrate them. Director Kurosawa’s use of light and dark to express a sense of simultaneous hope and horror verges on awe-inspiring and the ending will leave you enthralled. Rated PG-13 for thematic elements and brief strong language.
“Tokyo Sonata takes on increasingly uncanny and timely resonance for an American audience.”
- Manohla Dargis, THE NEW YORK TIMES
“Begins as a well-behaved story and takes detours into the comic, the macabre and the sublime.”
- Roger Ebert, CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
For details: High Museum: 404-733-5000; Consulate General of Japan: 404-365-9240; info@cgjapanatlanta.org; http://www.high.org/
Spelman University Cherry Blossom Festival (Atlanta, GA)
March 17
9:00 am - 5:30 pm; Free
Held at various locations throughout campus, this annual festival promotes interest in Japan and enhances the Japan Studies Program at Spelman through hands-on learning of Japanese culture. Throughout the day, Spelman students, faculty and staff and 15 volunteers from Japanese-American community will conduct workshops and lecture on origami, ikebana (flower arrangement), basic Japanese expressions, calligraphy, Kendo (Japanese Fencing), Mai (classical dance) performance, folk dance, traditional Japanese toys. This year, we welcome a new workshop on “Japanese Food and Culture” and a lecture on “The Impact of Japonisme on Modern Art.” The day long campus event will also feature sushi-making demonstrations and samples of sushi in the Manley Center Atrium.
For details: 404-270-5540; http://www.spelman.edu/academics/enrichment/japan/festival.shtml
Macon Cherry Blossom Festival (Macon, GA)
March 19-28
For ten days each March, festival-lovers are treated to one of the most extravagant displays of springtime beauty and hundreds of unparalleled events and attractions. We invite you to enjoy gracious southern hospitality as we celebrate in grand style the magnificent beauty of our 300,000 flowering Yoshino cherry trees in the "Cherry Blossom Capital of the World." From stylish fashion shows and gala balls to dancing in the streets of Macon at the street party, the Cherry Blossom Festival features fun and adventure!
For details: 478-751-7429; http://www.cherryblossom.com/
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.
Directed by Kichitaro Negishi. Starring Yusuke Iseya, Koichi Sato, Kyoko Koizumi, and Kazue Fukiishi.
Manabu Yazaki, who had big dreams of success in Tokyo, loses his high-class lifestyle as well as his family and returns home to the Hokkaido heartland in midwinter. There his elder brother Takeo manages a stable for Banei horseracing, a sleigh-pulling race unique to Hokkaido. Their long overdue reunion exposes the gap between them, but gradually the two men develop an understanding of one another. In the end, Manabu puts his all into taking care of the horse that was supposed to be killed for not taking home the prize money in its rode to recovery. For Manabu, this becomes his chance to "reset" his own life and hope for a new start.
Grand Prix winner, Best Director, 2005 Tokyo International Film Festival, Best Director, 2006 Mainichi Film Awards
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
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
Triangle East Asia Colloquium (Chapel Hill, NC)
April 16-17
University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill
The Triangle East Asia Colloquium (TEAC) was begun in 1972 to improve contact between East Asian faculty at the three major research universities in the Triangle Area - Duke University, North Carolina State University, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. TEAC has since expanded to include East Asian specialists and other interested scholars from across North Carolina and in the Southeast.
TEAC chooses a coordinator each year, from one of the three institutions on a rotating basis, to organize its annual conference and to manage the affairs of TEAC. Financial support is provided by the three founding universities and by the Department of Education Title VI grant. The Asian/Pacific Studies Institute provides administrative support for TEAC.
For details: 919-684-2604; apsi@duke.edu; http://web.duke.edu/apsi/events/colloquium.html
Lecture -- Speaker Series: Helen Hardacre, Reischauer Institute, Professor of Japanese Religions and Society, Harvard University: "Reconsidering the Concept of State Shinto" (Durham, NC)
April 22
3:00 pm – 4:30 pm; Free
Room 204 Perkins Library (Breedlove Room), Duke West Campus
For details: 919-684-2604; apsi@duke.edu; http://web.duke.edu/apsi/events/index.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
Film -- Departures (Greenville, SC)
March 3
6:00 pm, to be preceded by a short lecture; Free
Patrick Lecture Hall in the Townes Science Center, Furman University, Map of Furman University (http://www.furman.edu/general/campusmap.html)
Winner of the 2009 Academy Award® for Best Foreign Language Film, Departures” follows Daigo Kobayashi (Masahiro Motoki), a devoted cellist in an orchestra that has just been dissolved and who is suddenly left without a job. Daigo decides to move back to his old hometown with his wife to look for work and start over. He answers a classified ad entitled “Departures” thinking it is an advertisement for a travel agency only to discover that the job is actually for a Nokanshi, or "encoffineer," a funeral professional who prepares deceased bodies for burial and entry into the next life. While his wife and others despise the job, Daigo takes a certain pride in his work and begins to perfect the art of Nokanshi, acting as a gentle gatekeeper between life and death, between the departed and the family of the departed. The film follows his profound and sometimes comical journey with death as he uncovers the wonder, joy and meaning of life and living. This event was made possible with support from the Japan Foundation’s Center for Global Partnership, the Humanities Development Committee, and the Department of Asian Studies, Furman University.
For details: 864-294-2545; wendy.matsumura@furman.edu; http://www.furman.edu/depts/asianstudies/resources.html
Film -- Dear Pyongyang (Greenville, SC)
March 30
6:00 pm, to be preceded by a short lecture; Free
Patrick Lecture Hall in the Townes Science Center, Furman University, Map of Furman University (http://www.furman.edu/general/campusmap.html)
Winner of the Sundance Film Festival’s Special Jury Prize for World Cinema/Documentary. A young girl's father sends her three brothers from Japan to a live permanently in a homeland foreign to them -- North Korea. In this autobiographical documentary spanning ten years, the daughter left behind, filmmaker Yonghi Yang, struggles to understand why her loving father would destroy his family out of political loyalty to an isolated and enigmatic regime. This event was made possible with support from the Japan Foundation’s Center for Global Partnership, the Humanities Development Committee, and the Department of Asian Studies, Furman University.
For details: 864-294-2545; wendy.matsumura@furman.edu; http://www.furman.edu/depts/asianstudies/resources.html
2nd Annual Cherry Blossom Festival (Boiling Springs, SC)
April 13
5:00 pm - 9:00 pm; Free
James H. Hendrix Elementary International Baccalaureate World School
1084 Springfield Rd., Boiling Springs, SC 29316
Attractions will include the dedication of a Cherry Blossom Friendship Garden and the erection of a "peace pole" in honor of friendships the school has made through Japanese exchange with sister school Izumi Chuo in Gifu City, Japan. There will be games and "make and take" activities for children along with food and a first grade musical. The Suzuki strings will also be playing as well!
For details: 864-578-1288
"Chopsticks for Children" 5K Run and 1 Mile Fun Run (Boiling Springs, SC)
April 17
5K Run - Start Time 9:00 am; $20 registration by April 16, $25 registration day of the race
1 Mile Fun Run for Children 12 years old and under - Start Time 10:00 am; $15 registration by April 16, $20 registration day of the race
James H. Hendrix Elementary International Baccalaureate World School
1084 Springfield Rd., Boiling Springs, SC 29316
This race is held as a charity event to benefit Hendrix Elementary's Cultural Exchange Programs. Packet pick-up prior to the race will be 8:00 am - 3:00 pm on April 16. Packet pick-up and registration will be held the day of the race 8:00 am - 8:45 am. The first 150 registrants will receive T-shirts. The top two males and the top two females will be given awards; no individual times will be kept.
For details: 864-578-1288
Film -- Ghost in the Shell: Mobile Armored Riot Police (Greenville, SC)
April 20
6:00 pm, to be preceded by a short lecture; Free
Patrick Lecture Hall in the Townes Science Center, Furman University, Map of Furman University (http://www.furman.edu/general/campusmap.html)
Film adaptation of the manga, Ghost in the Shell by Masamune Shirow, by acclaimed director Oshii Mamoru. Set in the post nation-state world of 2029 caught in the grip of information overload, this anime film follows the activity of Major Kusanagi, an elite officer and heavily modified cybernetic agent. She is on the trail of a computer-criminal who turns people into human marionettes, controlled by computer. She discovers that his true identity lies at the center of a vast and lethal political conspiracy. This event was made possible with support from the Japan Foundation’s Center for Global Partnership, the Humanities Development Committee, and the Department of Asian Studies, Furman University.
For details: 864-294-2545; wendy.matsumura@furman.edu; http://www.furman.edu/depts/asianstudies/resources.html
VIRGINIA
Film -- Children of the Woods (Washington, DC)
March 3
6:30 pm; Free
Japan Information and Culture Center, Lafayette Center III (Lower Level), 1155 21st Street, NW
In an age when many people believe that children should be raised in a safe, secure and clean environment, Eijyu Miyazaki, director of the Kisarazu Community Nursery School in Chiba Prefecture, has a different idea. Located in a cultivated woodland or satoyama, the children in his preschool get covered in mud, eat wild nuts, and interact with animals. Japanese with English subtitles, 110 minutes, 2008. Directed by Masaki Haramura. This film is part of JAPAN: Nature and Culture for the Future, a special project by the Japan Foundation. Seating is limited and granted on a first come, first served basis. Doors close at 7:00 pm. Reservations required. Only two (2) spaces can be reserved at a time. If you wish to reserve more spaces, please send additional email requests. Please send your name, affiliation, and the name of your guest to jiccrsvp@embjapan.org.
For details: 202-238-6949; jicc@emb-japan.org; http://www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/jicc/index.htm
Film -- Miyori in the Sacred Forest (Washington, DC)
March 10
6:30 pm; Free
Japan Information and Culture Center, Lafayette Center III (Lower Level), 1155 21st Street, NW
When Miyori's parents separate, she goes to live in the countryside. Angry at first at having to leave Tokyo, her life is changed when a host of mystical woodland creatures welcome her as a long lost friend. However, the new home she has come to love is scheduled to be flooded by a new dam. Filled with appreciation for nature, Miyori will do everything she can to save the forest. Japanese with English subtitles, 116 minutes, 2007. Directed by Nizo Yamamoto, based on a manga by Hideji Oda. This film is part of JAPAN: Nature and Culture for the Future, a special project by the Japan Foundation. Seating is limited and granted on a first come, first served basis. Doors close at 7:00 pm. Reservations required. Only two (2) spaces can be reserved at a time. If you wish to reserve more spaces, please send additional email requests. Please send your name, affiliation, and the name of your guest to jiccrsvp@embjapan.org.
For details: 202-238-6949; jicc@emb-japan.org; http://www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/jicc/index.htm