Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Upcoming Events - April 2008

My Colt Is My Passport

Lots of interesting and unusual events coming up in Chicago and beyond!

SAKE

Sake Tasting and Seminar
Join us for this unique opportunity to taste and learn about some of Japan’s most exquisite sake! Six top breweries will be represented, and sake expert John Gauntner will give a brief presentation on the fundamentals of enjoying sake. Must be 21 or older to attend.
Tuesday, April 1, 6:00 - 9:30 p.m.
Japan Information Center
$35 before March 28. $45 after March 28.
Register at the JAS Chicago website

KOHDO

Kohdo: Traditional Japanese Incense Ceremony

A growing number of people are using aroma therapy to seek relief from stress. This modern-day trend is starting to attract renewed attention to the traditional Japanese art of “Kohdo” – Incense Ceremony. Gyosetsu Maruyama, Master in the Oie School of Kohdo, and Nobue Irako, who has 10 years of experience in Kohdo, will make a special visit from Japan to give us a demonstration of this refined art. You will have an opportunity to experience the aroma of some very rare and highly valuable incense, and learn about the world of the Japanese Incense Ceremony.

Thursday, April 10, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Japan Information Center, Chicago
Free Admission

FILM

No Borders, No Limits: 1960s Nikkatsu Action Cinema

The Gene Siskel Film Center, in collaboration with The Japan America Society of Chicago, presents No Borders, No Limits: 1960s Nikkatsu Action Cinema. The series will feature these films: A Colt is My Passport, The Warped Ones, Glass Johnny: Looks Like a Beast, Red Handkerchief, Velvet Hustler, Gangster VIP, and Roughneck.
April 5 - May 23
Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 N. State St., Chicago, IL
Tickets: $9/general admission, $7/students, $5/Film Center members

ART

The Vision and Art of Shinjo Ito

Shinjo Ito (1906-1989), founder of the Shinnyo-en stream of Buddhism, was one of Japan's most versatile Buddhist sculptors and an accomplished artist in fields as diverse as calligraphy and photography. This exhibit reveals Shinjo's unique capacity to meld spirituality and artistry, as well as realism and interpretation.
April 8th – May 1st
Chicago Illuminating Company
19 East 21st Street (South Loop), Chicago

THEATER

”Hana’s Suitcase”

Chicago Children’s Theatre presents this play based on the book by Karen Levine
April 11 – May 11, 2008
Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs, Storefront Theater

OMAHA – FILM

Akira Kurosawa series at Film Streams

Twelve films from throughout Kurosawa’s career will be screened.
March 28 – May 8
1340 Webster St., Omaha, NE

KANSAS – FESTIVAL

Central Kansas Japanese Festival 2008
Enjoy various forms of Japanese culture. All are welcome to attend!
Saturday, April 12
Kansas State University Student Union, Manhattan, KS

Thursday, March 13, 2008

2008 JETAA Chicago Job Fair

Explore Japan-related careers - Open to everyone!

The Chicago chapter of the Japan Exchange and Teaching Program Alumni Association (JETAA) will host its annual Job Fair. Representatives from top Japanese companies and recruiting firms will be on hand to accept resumes and explore job opportunities in the Chicago area.

Saturday, April 5th, 12 - 5 PM
Japan Information Center, 737 N. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL

To reserve your attendance, contact Andrew Smerczak-Zorza, Jobs Coordinator, JETAA Chicago:
312-896-8892
ajs at campbellcompany dot com

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

March Events - Chicago & Indiana

If you live in Minnesota or are visiting soon, be sure to check out the Arts of Japan – John C. Weber Collection exhibit on now at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts (mentioned in the previous entry). I visited recently and can safely say that this is a world-class event. It’s extremely rare to see a collection like this anywhere.


FILM

Anime 101 – Free Anime Screening Series
Every Thursday in March at 6:30 pm.
March 13: Howl’s Moving Castle by Hayao Miyazaki
March 20: Naruto the Movie: Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow - from the popular TV series
March 27: Tekkonkinkreet
All films are in Japanese with English subtitles. Please note that Tekkonkinkreet is rated R in the United States and may not be suitable for young children.

At Facets Cinematheque:
Young Yakuza
This documentary follows a young man interning with the Kumagai clan in Tokyo.
March 14 – 20


EVENTS

22nd Annual Japanese Language Speech Contest
Japanese language students take note! Students of all ages may want to apply for next year’s contest. The grand prize is a round trip airline ticket to Japan! Come and cheer on the contestants and practice your listening skills.
Japan Information Center
Saturday, March 29th, 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Rikkyuki
Join us for the annual memorial tea gathering to honor Sen No Rikkyu
Japan Information Center
Sunday, March 16 at 2:00 PM

“Toyota's Transformation from Importer to a Leading Manufacturer in North America”
Dennis Cuneo of Toyota Boshoku America
March 17 at 11:30 AM

”The Asian Financial Center: Is it too late for Tokyo?”
Mr. Mitch Fulscher, Chairman, Futures Industry Association of Japan
March 20 at 11:30 AM

2008 US Shogi Championship in Chicago
March 28 – 30
Holiday Inn Express Chicago, Arlington Heights


INDIANA

Hello Kitty: The Global Brand with Nine Lives
Lecture and book signing by New York Times reporter Ken Belson.
March 27 at 6:30 PM
Deboest Lecture Hall, Indianapolis Museum of Art