Japanese Test; Chicago & St. Louis Events

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.

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.