JAPANESE LANGUAGE TEST
The annual Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) is being offered at De Paul University in Chicago this December. This is the only location in the Midwest. Registration dates are August 1st – October 5th. This test is the most common standard for measuring Japanese language ability. Four levels are offered from beginner to advanced. See website for more details.
Official JLPT site
CHICAGO – FESTIVAL
Mitsuwa Summer Festival
Events include dancing, taiko, watermelon smash, ramune drinking contest, and an airline ticket giveaway.
Mitsuwa is a large Japanese grocery store with a bookstore and food court attached, just outside of Chicago. The food court has very authentic Japanese fast food including curry and ramen.
August 4th, 2pm – 8pm
100 E. Algonquin Rd. Arlington Heights, IL.
ST LOUIS ART MUSEUM – PAINTINGS & FILM
"Untamed Beauty: Tigers in Japanese Art," through Sept. 9; St. Louis. Prowl through prints and paintings at the St. Louis Art Museum. In connection, a taiko performance will be held at the museum on July 27th, 6:00 – 8:00pm.
Kenji Mizoguchi
Five films from the legendary director (previously mentioned in the DVD post) are being shown at the St. Louis Art Museum.
July 20 – August 17, every Friday at 7 PM. See museum calendar for details.
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Chicago Events
FILM & DISCUSSION
White Light Black Rain, a new HBO documentary about the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, will be screened at the Gene Siskel Film Center with a Q & A featuring director Steven Okazaki and a panel including the navigator of the Enola Gay.
Tuesday, July 31. Reception at 5:30 pm. Screening starts at 6:30 pm.
Reservations required. RSVP to: 1-888-845-3680
DANCE – BUTOH
Butoh dancer Natsu Nakajima will be holding a workshop and two free events. “She been a primal force in butoh since the 1960's and continues to hold dynamic presence through her teaching, solo work, and company, Mutekisha.”
WORKSHOP: 3-day, 15 hr. Sept. 1,2,3 (Labor Day weekend) 11AM-4PM,
$175 until Aug. 25 ($225 after) Register with $75 deposit.
The Spareroom, Chicago - 4100 W. Grand Ave., 2nd flr. (near North and Pulaski) Contact Nicole 773/387-8418, info@blushingpoppy.org
Free public events:
Artist talk
Tuesday, Sept. 4th 7-9PM, Silverspace Studio - 1474 N. Milwaukee Ave., 3rd fl. No reservations required.
Butoh Class
Wednesday, Sept. 5th 6-9PM, Silverspace Studio. Reservations required. Contact Nicole 773/387-8418, info@blushingpoppy.org
PICNIC
Japanese American Service Committee (JASC) Resettlers’ Picnic
“The old-fashioned community picnic brings together all segments and generations of the Japanese American community and their friends. Burgers, hot dogs and soft drinks will supplement the BYO obento (food) and beer (alcohol allowed, just no glasses, glass containers or bottles). Games and prizes for the children and contests for the adults will be held.”
Saturday, August 4. LaBagh Woods Grove #1, entrance on Cicero just north of Foster, Chicago. Free Admission
White Light Black Rain, a new HBO documentary about the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, will be screened at the Gene Siskel Film Center with a Q & A featuring director Steven Okazaki and a panel including the navigator of the Enola Gay.
Tuesday, July 31. Reception at 5:30 pm. Screening starts at 6:30 pm.
Reservations required. RSVP to: 1-888-845-3680
DANCE – BUTOH
Butoh dancer Natsu Nakajima will be holding a workshop and two free events. “She been a primal force in butoh since the 1960's and continues to hold dynamic presence through her teaching, solo work, and company, Mutekisha.”
WORKSHOP: 3-day, 15 hr. Sept. 1,2,3 (Labor Day weekend) 11AM-4PM,
$175 until Aug. 25 ($225 after) Register with $75 deposit.
The Spareroom, Chicago - 4100 W. Grand Ave., 2nd flr. (near North and Pulaski) Contact Nicole 773/387-8418, info@blushingpoppy.org
Free public events:
Artist talk
Tuesday, Sept. 4th 7-9PM, Silverspace Studio - 1474 N. Milwaukee Ave., 3rd fl. No reservations required.
Butoh Class
Wednesday, Sept. 5th 6-9PM, Silverspace Studio. Reservations required. Contact Nicole 773/387-8418, info@blushingpoppy.org
PICNIC
Japanese American Service Committee (JASC) Resettlers’ Picnic
“The old-fashioned community picnic brings together all segments and generations of the Japanese American community and their friends. Burgers, hot dogs and soft drinks will supplement the BYO obento (food) and beer (alcohol allowed, just no glasses, glass containers or bottles). Games and prizes for the children and contests for the adults will be held.”
Saturday, August 4. LaBagh Woods Grove #1, entrance on Cicero just north of Foster, Chicago. Free Admission
Friday, July 13, 2007
Education & Exchange Opportunities
It's still the middle of summer, but its a good time for students, families, and educators interested in Japan to start thinking about educational exchange opportunities that will be available in the next year.
WORLD YOUTH SHIP
The U.S has been invited to participate in the Japan-based 20th Ship for World Youth (SWY20) scheduled to start on January 15, 2008, and end on March 5, 2008.
- National Leader applications due August 2, 2007
- Participating Youth applications due August 14, 2007
For more information visit: http://www.swyusa.com/index.html
JAPAN AMERICA STUDENT CONFERENCE
The 59th Japan-America Student Conference will be held in Tokyo, Akita, Hiroshima, and Tokyo from July 26 to August 20. The American Orientation takes place in Naperville, Illinois, July 22 - 25.
The JASC program is an educational and cultural exchange for university students created to deepen the ties between the U.S. and Japan. It is the oldest student-run exchange between Japan and the United States and allows delegates to work together with leaders in business, academia, and government on current social, economic, and political issues.
For more information: http://www.jasc.org/59th/overview.htm
The website should have information about applying for next year’s conference in early fall.
LABO SUMMER EXCHANGE
As a former participant in Labo’s summer homestay program and a year-long intern, I can endorse the Labo exchange as a great opportunity for teenagers to experience life with a Japanese family for one month.
Labo is a Japanese nonprofit organization built around informal English education and international exchange programs. Generally, U.S. exchange has been organized through 4-H clubs. It is also possible to be a host family for a Labo student during the summer.
Exchange overview: http://www.labo-exchange.com/intl_exchange_fdn.html
Summer program: http://www.labo-exchange.com/japansummer.htm
JET & TEACHING EXCHANGE
On July 28, the Consulate General of Japan at Chicago will send off approximately 200 new participants of the 21st annual Japan Exchange and Teaching Program. All participants will work in Japan as English teachers and cultural ambassadors on behalf of the United States.
http://www.jetprogramme.org/
The Japan Fulbright Memorial Fund (JFMF) Teacher Program, sponsored by the Government of Japan, provides American primary and secondary school teachers and administrators with fully-funded short-term study tours of Japan.
http://www.iie.org/Content/NavigationMenu/FMF1/JFMF/JFMF.htm
WORLD YOUTH SHIP
The U.S has been invited to participate in the Japan-based 20th Ship for World Youth (SWY20) scheduled to start on January 15, 2008, and end on March 5, 2008.
- National Leader applications due August 2, 2007
- Participating Youth applications due August 14, 2007
For more information visit: http://www.swyusa.com/index.html
JAPAN AMERICA STUDENT CONFERENCE
The 59th Japan-America Student Conference will be held in Tokyo, Akita, Hiroshima, and Tokyo from July 26 to August 20. The American Orientation takes place in Naperville, Illinois, July 22 - 25.
The JASC program is an educational and cultural exchange for university students created to deepen the ties between the U.S. and Japan. It is the oldest student-run exchange between Japan and the United States and allows delegates to work together with leaders in business, academia, and government on current social, economic, and political issues.
For more information: http://www.jasc.org/59th/overview.htm
The website should have information about applying for next year’s conference in early fall.
LABO SUMMER EXCHANGE
As a former participant in Labo’s summer homestay program and a year-long intern, I can endorse the Labo exchange as a great opportunity for teenagers to experience life with a Japanese family for one month.
Labo is a Japanese nonprofit organization built around informal English education and international exchange programs. Generally, U.S. exchange has been organized through 4-H clubs. It is also possible to be a host family for a Labo student during the summer.
Exchange overview: http://www.labo-exchange.com/intl_exchange_fdn.html
Summer program: http://www.labo-exchange.com/japansummer.htm
JET & TEACHING EXCHANGE
On July 28, the Consulate General of Japan at Chicago will send off approximately 200 new participants of the 21st annual Japan Exchange and Teaching Program. All participants will work in Japan as English teachers and cultural ambassadors on behalf of the United States.
http://www.jetprogramme.org/
The Japan Fulbright Memorial Fund (JFMF) Teacher Program, sponsored by the Government of Japan, provides American primary and secondary school teachers and administrators with fully-funded short-term study tours of Japan.
http://www.iie.org/Content/NavigationMenu/FMF1/JFMF/JFMF.htm
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Tanabata & August events
CHICAGO – CONCERT
Go!Go!7188
Rock group Go!Go!7188 will be playing a very brief U.S. tour that includes a stop at the Empty Bottle in Chicago. Joining them are Comorevi ButtEr fly and Doses. An art exhibition by illustrator Tokyo Alice will also be part of the show.
Empty Bottle, August 8, 9:00 pm, 21+
TWIN CITIES – PICNIC
JET Alumni / JAS Minnesota BBQ Picnic
There will be hamburgers, hot dogs, and drinks supplied by JETAA. Feel free to bring something to share if you like. Families with children are most welcome (there is a playground nearby).
RSVPs would be appreciated. Visit http://www.mn-japan.org/ for more info.
Monday, August 6th from 6pm
Boom Island Shelter A, 700 Sibley St NE, Minneapolis
Tanabata decorations
NYC EVENT REVIEW – 77 Boadrum
To celebrate Tanabata on July 7th, Japanese rock legends Boredoms’ musical leader, known these days simply as Eye, and other members led a spiral group of 77 drummers for 77 minutes in a remarkable performance in New York City. Here's a New York Times article about it. A google search for “77 Boadrum” will yield extensive blog coverage of the event, including photos and video.
Below, Eye talks about the role played by Tanabata and Japanese history in planning this event:
"It’s a quite primitive concept. It’s related to where Japanese people came from. There is a river called Amur River, in Russia. Amur River is huge, gigantic river, almost like sea. We Japanese come from the north of the river.
"North means above, above means cosmic. If you go further up in space, there is a river. A river of stars in heaven. We came from this place. Japanese people have an idea of this subconsciously.
"Amur sounds like the Japanese word Ama. Ama means sky, cosmos, the universe. We see the Milky Way as a river of stars, we imagine it’s like a river in the sky.
"In Japan, we have the Star Festival on July 7. It is the middle of the rainy season. If we get lucky, we can see Milky Way in clear sky. Every Japanese person knows a romantic myth related to July 7.
"July 7 is supposed to be only day in the year you can see two stars on each edge of the Milky Way. People think one side as a girl, other side as a boy, and they are meant to be a couple. They can only see each other, once a year, on July 7, by crossing Milky Way. Where did that myth come from? It came our Japanese ancestors who lived near the sacred Amur River.
"The original inhabitants of Japan had a philosophy called Animism, which believes there are numerous gods in nature. They worshiped the gods in nature. I feel sympathy for that way of thinking.
"The people coming from Amur were the opposite, rather powerful and systematic. As new settlers the Amur people needed to get along with original inhabitants, so they declared themselves messengers from the sun, messengers of Amaterasu, the sun god. The Japanese people today came from Amaterasu. We come from the sun.
"7 is the number when we try to express sun as sound. When I glance at the sun, I see number 7."
Go!Go!7188
Rock group Go!Go!7188 will be playing a very brief U.S. tour that includes a stop at the Empty Bottle in Chicago. Joining them are Comorevi ButtEr fly and Doses. An art exhibition by illustrator Tokyo Alice will also be part of the show.
Empty Bottle, August 8, 9:00 pm, 21+
TWIN CITIES – PICNIC
JET Alumni / JAS Minnesota BBQ Picnic
There will be hamburgers, hot dogs, and drinks supplied by JETAA. Feel free to bring something to share if you like. Families with children are most welcome (there is a playground nearby).
RSVPs would be appreciated. Visit http://www.mn-japan.org/ for more info.
Monday, August 6th from 6pm
Boom Island Shelter A, 700 Sibley St NE, Minneapolis
Tanabata decorations
NYC EVENT REVIEW – 77 Boadrum
To celebrate Tanabata on July 7th, Japanese rock legends Boredoms’ musical leader, known these days simply as Eye, and other members led a spiral group of 77 drummers for 77 minutes in a remarkable performance in New York City. Here's a New York Times article about it. A google search for “77 Boadrum” will yield extensive blog coverage of the event, including photos and video.
Below, Eye talks about the role played by Tanabata and Japanese history in planning this event:
"It’s a quite primitive concept. It’s related to where Japanese people came from. There is a river called Amur River, in Russia. Amur River is huge, gigantic river, almost like sea. We Japanese come from the north of the river.
"North means above, above means cosmic. If you go further up in space, there is a river. A river of stars in heaven. We came from this place. Japanese people have an idea of this subconsciously.
"Amur sounds like the Japanese word Ama. Ama means sky, cosmos, the universe. We see the Milky Way as a river of stars, we imagine it’s like a river in the sky.
"In Japan, we have the Star Festival on July 7. It is the middle of the rainy season. If we get lucky, we can see Milky Way in clear sky. Every Japanese person knows a romantic myth related to July 7.
"July 7 is supposed to be only day in the year you can see two stars on each edge of the Milky Way. People think one side as a girl, other side as a boy, and they are meant to be a couple. They can only see each other, once a year, on July 7, by crossing Milky Way. Where did that myth come from? It came our Japanese ancestors who lived near the sacred Amur River.
"The original inhabitants of Japan had a philosophy called Animism, which believes there are numerous gods in nature. They worshiped the gods in nature. I feel sympathy for that way of thinking.
"The people coming from Amur were the opposite, rather powerful and systematic. As new settlers the Amur people needed to get along with original inhabitants, so they declared themselves messengers from the sun, messengers of Amaterasu, the sun god. The Japanese people today came from Amaterasu. We come from the sun.
"7 is the number when we try to express sun as sound. When I glance at the sun, I see number 7."
Friday, July 6, 2007
Chicago Events - July
CONCERT
Yoko Noge and the Jazz-Me Blues Band
A Chicago-based jazz/blues artist, Yoko Noge will perform her last Monday-night set before the HotHouse sadly closes its doors in mid-July.
July 7th - 8:30 pm, 21 & older, 31 E Balbo Ave.
BOOK EVENTS
The Sushi Economy - Presentation & Signing
Author Sasha Issenberg will give a presentation on his new book that chronicles globalization and “the far-flung global network of fanatics, chefs, tuna ranchers and pirates that make up the culinary phenomenon that revolves around sushi.”
Wednesday, July 18, 6:00 – 8:30 pm. $20 for Japan America Society members, $30 non-members. Sushi, appetizers, and drinks included. Visit link above for reservations & more info.
Hello Kitty: The Global Brand with Nine Lives - Presentation & Signing
Ken Bolson, a business reporter with the New York Times, explores the phenomenal success of Japan’s most famous cartoon cat. “There will also be a discussion of the Japanese concept of "kawaii" and how Kitty became the emblem of the cute movement starting in the 1970s. In short, there will be something for businessmen, Japanophiles and those just curious about the mysterious Hello Kitty.”
Friday August 3, 6:00 – 8:30 pm. $15 Japan America Society members / $20 non-members. Visit link above for reservations & more info.
DANCE
Butoh Sorbet
Butoh is a unique and challenging form of modern dance from Japan. This event will feature solo performances by Vangeline, Ginger Krebs, and Nicole LeGette.
Friday, July 13th, 9PM, $10 donation. The Spareroom, 4100 W. Grand Avenue.
FILM - At Facets Cinematheque
July 06 – 12: The Glamorous Life of Sachiko Hanai
July 13 – 19: Hula Girls
Yoko Noge and the Jazz-Me Blues Band
A Chicago-based jazz/blues artist, Yoko Noge will perform her last Monday-night set before the HotHouse sadly closes its doors in mid-July.
July 7th - 8:30 pm, 21 & older, 31 E Balbo Ave.
BOOK EVENTS
The Sushi Economy - Presentation & Signing
Author Sasha Issenberg will give a presentation on his new book that chronicles globalization and “the far-flung global network of fanatics, chefs, tuna ranchers and pirates that make up the culinary phenomenon that revolves around sushi.”
Wednesday, July 18, 6:00 – 8:30 pm. $20 for Japan America Society members, $30 non-members. Sushi, appetizers, and drinks included. Visit link above for reservations & more info.
Hello Kitty: The Global Brand with Nine Lives - Presentation & Signing
Ken Bolson, a business reporter with the New York Times, explores the phenomenal success of Japan’s most famous cartoon cat. “There will also be a discussion of the Japanese concept of "kawaii" and how Kitty became the emblem of the cute movement starting in the 1970s. In short, there will be something for businessmen, Japanophiles and those just curious about the mysterious Hello Kitty.”
Friday August 3, 6:00 – 8:30 pm. $15 Japan America Society members / $20 non-members. Visit link above for reservations & more info.
DANCE
Butoh Sorbet
Butoh is a unique and challenging form of modern dance from Japan. This event will feature solo performances by Vangeline, Ginger Krebs, and Nicole LeGette.
Friday, July 13th, 9PM, $10 donation. The Spareroom, 4100 W. Grand Avenue.
FILM - At Facets Cinematheque
July 06 – 12: The Glamorous Life of Sachiko Hanai
July 13 – 19: Hula Girls
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Japanese festivals across the region
Summer is here and it's time to enjoy festivals. Maybe you can't make it to any matsuri in rural Japan, but there is fun to be had in your area. Don't miss out!
Gion Matsuri in Hita, Japan
TWIN CITIES
Dragon Festival: Dragon boat races on Lake Phalen in Minneapolis! An Asian celebration with martial arts, ethnic food, arts and crafts.
July 14 - 15, Phalen Lake and Park, Minneapolis.
Como Japanese Lantern Festival: Held at the Como Japanese Garden, the festival features bon odori, food, arts, and entertainment before the floating lanterns are lit at dusk. Organized by the St. Paul Nagasaki Sister City Committee and JAS Minnesota, this event has grown considerably over the past decade and is well worth checking out.
August 19, 4 - 9 pm. $5 per person or $10 per family.
KANSAS CITY
Kansas City Kurashiki Week: This year, a huge delegation of 400 people from Kurashiki will visit to celebrate and strengthen the sister-city relationship with Kansas City, now in its 35th year.
July 25 - August 1. Visit link above for more details.
ST. LOUIS
The Missouri Botanical Gardan's Japanese Festival includes sumo wrestling, a geisha presentation, calligraphy exhibit, traditional tea ceremonies and candlelight walks in the Japanese garden.
4344 Shaw Boulevard, St. Louis
Sept. 1 and 2, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sept. 3 (Labor Day), 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
$10 adults, $7 seniors, $3 children ages 3 to 12. $3 for garden members.
...and if you happen to be in Los Angeles, the 67th annual Nisei Week Festival is held August 18 - 26.
Gion Matsuri in Hita, JapanTWIN CITIES
Dragon Festival: Dragon boat races on Lake Phalen in Minneapolis! An Asian celebration with martial arts, ethnic food, arts and crafts.
July 14 - 15, Phalen Lake and Park, Minneapolis.
Como Japanese Lantern Festival: Held at the Como Japanese Garden, the festival features bon odori, food, arts, and entertainment before the floating lanterns are lit at dusk. Organized by the St. Paul Nagasaki Sister City Committee and JAS Minnesota, this event has grown considerably over the past decade and is well worth checking out.
August 19, 4 - 9 pm. $5 per person or $10 per family.
KANSAS CITY
Kansas City Kurashiki Week: This year, a huge delegation of 400 people from Kurashiki will visit to celebrate and strengthen the sister-city relationship with Kansas City, now in its 35th year.
July 25 - August 1. Visit link above for more details.
ST. LOUIS
The Missouri Botanical Gardan's Japanese Festival includes sumo wrestling, a geisha presentation, calligraphy exhibit, traditional tea ceremonies and candlelight walks in the Japanese garden.
4344 Shaw Boulevard, St. Louis
Sept. 1 and 2, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sept. 3 (Labor Day), 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
$10 adults, $7 seniors, $3 children ages 3 to 12. $3 for garden members.
...and if you happen to be in Los Angeles, the 67th annual Nisei Week Festival is held August 18 - 26.
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