Chicago Events - June

Hi everyone. Apologies for the long hiatus. Things should be a bit more regular around here during the summer!


COMEDY

English Rakugo: Chicago Hanjotei
Don't miss this extremely rare opportunity to see Japanese "Rakugo" storytelling comedy performed in English by performers from Osaka. Part of the Chicago - Osaka Sister City 35th Anniversary celebration.
June 20 - 21
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Downtown Chicago, NU Thorne Auditorium 6/20 (Fri)
Arlington Heights, Forest View Educational Center Theater 6/21 (Sat)


FESTIVAL

Chicago Japan Festival 2008
Anime, music & dance, martial arts performances, ikebana, traditional arts and more! Come out and enjoy with us.
June 21 & 22, 2008
Forest Veiw Education Center
2121 S. Goebbert Rd., Arlington Hts, IL


MOVIES

Love and Honor
Yoji Yamada's third and final samurai period piece, this time starring popular SMAP member Kimura Takuya, plays today through Thursday, June 5, at Facets Cinematheque.


IKEBANA

Ikebana International Show at the Chicago Botanic Garden.
May 31 and June 1, 2008 — 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.


ART


Toshiko Takaezu's ceramics (through June 8th) and The Arranged Flower print exhibit (through August 3rd) at the Art Institute of Chicago.

Also, check out this free demonstration by bamboo artist Fujinuma Noboru at the Institute on June 5th at 6pm.


THEATER - DANCE

Art Union Humanscape - Ayako Kato presents TEN NIGHTS DREAM
June 6 & 7, 8pm
June 8, 7pm
Epiphany Episcopal Chicago
201 S. Ashland Ave., Chicago, IL 60607


EVENTS - DINNER

Japan America Society of Chicago's 78th Annual Dinner
June 9th, 6:00 PM - 9:30 PM

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

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

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

Minnesota Events

FINE ARTS



Arts of Japan: 900 Years of Seductive Beauty
Feb 24 - May 25 at Minneapolis Institute of Art
John C Weber Collection, one of the finest private collections of Japanese art in the US
www.artsmia.org
This should be an excellent exhibit!


THEATER

VENGENCE CAN WAIT
by Yukiko Motoya, translation by Kyoko Yoshida and Andy Bragen
Part of Mu Performing Arts series of
readings of plays by Asian-American artists.
Directed by Rick Shiomi
Saturday Feb 16, 7pm
Tickets: Suggested donation of $5 at the door.
Mu Studio
2700 NE Winter Street, Suite 4, Minneapolis


TAIKO

Developing new and/or experimental work reflecting the unique vision of Mu Daiko artists is at the Heart of Taiko Lab. Be a part of the process as these brand new pieces receive their first performances!
May 9 & 10 at 8:00 PM
Mixed Blood Theater
1501 S Fourth St, Minneapolis
Reservations: 612.338.6131 or www.mixedblood.com

January News & Events

ART

Major exhibition of Japanese prints and pottery, including an installation by printmaker Ayomi Yoshida, a printmaking project for kids, and informal gallery talks.
NIU Art Museum, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL.
January 15 - March 7.
Reception on January 24, 4:40 - 7:30 pm.


MUSIC

Noisy rock favorites Boredoms have scheduled a U.S. tour for March, including a few Midwest dates. Don't miss this legendary band!

March 25 - Minneapolis, MN - First Avenue
March 26 - Chicago, IL - Logan Square Auditorium


FILM

Honey and Clover: Adaptation of a popular manga, this film was rescheduled from an earlier date.
February 15 - 21 at Facets Cinematheque, Chicago


SPORTS

The Chicago Cubs recently acquired Japanese star hitter and right-fielder Kosuke Fukudome for a four-year, $48 million contract. The 30-year-old, who has been a batting champ twice in Japan, will be the first Japanese player for the Cubs. Meanwhile, the Kansas City Royals signed relief pitcher Yasuhiko Yabuta, who previously played for Chiba Lotte, to a two-year contract.

2nd International Manga Award - Call for Entries

The Executive Committee of Japan’s Second International Manga Award is accepting entries from today, December 21st. Guidelines for application and entry forms are available on the following website:

http://www.mofa.go.jp/policy/culture/manga/index.html

“Manga” refers to Japanese-style comic books. Over the past decade, the popularity and marketability of manga has exploded worldwide. The Award was established this year to recognize manga artists who have contributed to the promotion of manga overseas. The Executive Committee convened on November 26th and announced the second competition.

The top entry will be awarded the Golden Prize and three other distinguished works will receive Silver Prizes. The Japan Foundation will sponsor a ten-day trip to Japan for the winners, including the award ceremony. Winners will also have the opportunity to meet with Japanese manga artists and visit publication companies during their trip.

December news and events

Apologies for the long delay since the last entry. Things have been busy around here. With the holidays coming up, this will probably be the only entry until mid-January.

A reception for returning JET programme and the Japan Fulbright Memorial Fund participants, and another reception celebrating the birthday of Emperor Akihito, were held at the Consulate General of Japan at Chicago was held on December 1st and December 11th, respectively. In spite of hostile weather on both occasions, the events were well-attended.

The Japan America Student Conference is recruiting participants for the 2008 Conference. American delegates will be selected from all fields of study and will range from 1st year college students to Ph.D. candidates. Applications are due February 8th. This is a great opportunity for students interested in Japan.


IOWA

Polly Fortune, President of the Japan America Society of Iowa, is stepping aside after a successful term. She will be replaced by Mayumi Ameku. The JASI has a new website at http://www.japaniowa.org. They will host their New Year meeting in Des Moines on January 13.


ILLINOIS

Aikido seminar with Horii Shihan
February 1 - 3, 2008
Aikido Shimboku Dojo, 9115 Trinity Drive, Lake in the Hills, IL 60156


CHICAGO - FILM

Zebraman
Takashi Miike's bizarre superhero film is playing at Facets Cinematheque.
December 28 - January 3rd.


A major Shohei Imamura retrospective is playing at Gene Siskel Film Center in Chicago in January and February. If you are unfamiliar with his rowdy, emotionally complex pictures, this is an excellent chance to get acquainted, as many of these films are unavailable on video. Between January 5th and March 4th, 18 of Imamura's films will be screened.


Coming soon...Watch for announcements in January about Japanese figure skater and Olympic medalist Yuka Sato and an anime event in Chicago...

Chicago Events

NBC5 and AAA Travel Expo in Chicago
Japan Information Center will be hosting a booth this weekend at the Travel Expo, providing tourist information about Japan and the JET program. Additionally, the Chicago Koto Group will be performing on at 12:30 on Sunday. This is quite a big event, and will include diving, golf, and surfing simulators, passport registration, raffles and giveaways, cooking demonstrations and entertainment. Drop in and see us. It's free!
Navy Pier, Exhibit Hall A
November 10-11 (Sat & Sun)
10AM - 5PM

Fourth Annual Chicago Taiko Legacy
JASC Tsukasa Taiko will be performing with several special guests, including two shamisen masters from Tokyo.
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Preston Bradley Hall of the Chicago Cultural Center
78 E. Washington Street, Chicago, IL 60602
3pm

Also:
A lecture-demonstration with shamisen artists Chizuru Kineya and Koujime Yoshimura
Saturday, December 29, 2007
The Japanese American Service Committee
4427 N. Clark Street, Chicago IL 60640
10:30am - 12:00pm
All events are free!

Regional Events

CHICAGO

TAO Wadaiko Group Performing at Chicago Human Rhythm Project
From Nov. 23–25 Japanese drumming group, TAO will perform at the Harris Theater in Millennium Park. TAO specializes in the art of wadaiko, a traditional form of Japanese drumming rich in rhythm and movement. Don't miss this exhilarating performance!
November 23 - 25, 2007
Harris Theater for Music and Dance
205 E Randolph Drive (Millennium Park)
Chicago, IL 60601

FILM

Honey and Clover – This quirky romantic comedy revolves around the lives of five art school students. Adopted from the popular manga. U.S. premiere.
November 30 – December 6 at Facets Cinematheque.


MINNEAPOLIS

Ken Moylan – New Work: Japan Series
Remarkable paintings and mixed media pieces incorporating classical Japanese themes and images.
October 27 - December 1
Thomas Barry Fine Arts
530 N 3rd Street #B-10
Minneapolis, MN 55401
612.338.3656
Gallery Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 11-5


MILWAUKEE

Messenger of Friendship: The Adventures of Kasumi Tsukuba Doll

Kasumi Tsukuba is a torei ningyo – a doll of gratitude – sent to the United States from Japan in 1927 as a goodwill gesture. After 80 years of rotating between display and storage she returned to Tokyo’s Yoshitoku doll factory, where she was created, to undergo restoration. She has now been fully rejuvenated and returned to Milwaukee after a tour of Ibaraki, Japan, her "home" prefecture.
November 3, 2007-June 30, 2008
Milwaukee Public Museum
800 West Wells Street, Milwaukee


IOWA – LECTURE

On Saturday, November 10 from 1 to 3 p.m. noted Japanese professor of architectural engineering, Dr. Sadamasa Komaki, will present a lecture on the buildings of Japan's northern island of Hokkaido. Hosted by the Japan America Society of Iowa.
November 10th, 1:00-3:00 (Saturday)
Living History Farms
2600 111th St.
Urbandale, Iowa, 50322
Contact John Wetherell at 515-280-7480 for more information.

News and events!

A festival scene from "Tonoharu"

Lars Martinson, a JET program participant from 2003 - 2006 in Fukuoka and Minnesota native, is creating a graphic novel partly based on his experiences called Tonoharu. The first volume has just been awarded the prestigious Xeric grant for self-publishing. If you're interested in comics, education in Japan, manga, or the JET program, check out his blog!


CHICAGO EVENTS


Reminder: Ms. Sirota Gordon's presentation about her involvement in Japan's constitution is this Friday. This should be very interesting!

Sessue Hayakawa: Transnational Star
Professor Daisuke Miyao will discuss the impact of this silent-film era Japanese actor. Two of Hayakawa's films will be shown: "Forbidden Paths" and "The Devil's Claim".
Friday, October 26, 2007, 7pm
Film Studies Center, The University of Chicago
5811 South Ellis Ave., Cobb Hall 307

Art of Kendo and Iaido
Iaido is a martial art using metal swords in prescribed forms.
October 28, 1 - 3 pm. Reservations required.

Iwao Matsushima: Core formed glass exhibit
November 1 - 4
SOFA Chicago, Navy Pier

JET Program informational meeting
Learn about opportunities to teach and work in Japan through the JET program
Saturday, November 3, 1:00 - 5:00 pm, Japan Information Center


MINNESOTA EVENTS


I'm going to MSP tomorrow to do some information sessions for the JET program. Anyone interested is welcome to drop in. Here is the schedule:
Thursday, October 25:
12:00 - 1:00pm: Macalester Campus Center
4:00 - 5:30pm: U of M - Folwell Hall, room 334

Friday, October 26:
9:30 - 11:00am: U of M - Folwell Hall, room 426
12:00 - 1:00pm: MCAD Student Center

Noisy Minneapolis-based Japanese rock bands on tour! Check 'em out.

Birthday Suits weekend tour:
October
26 Green Bay, WI @ Eagles Club
27 Chicago, IL @ Peter Jones Gallery "Artec Festival"
28 Madison, WI "Just Coffee's 5th Year Anniversary Party"

France Has The Bomb weekend (Hideo plays guitar in this band)
November
1 Madison, WI @ The Inferno
2 Chicago, IL @ The Note
3 Milwaukee, WI @ Frank's Power Plant

Chicago Events

Pictures from the Boris concert, Sept. 30

THEATER

One more bunraku related event to report: A bunraku lecture and demonstration on Monday, will be held October 8, 2:00 - 4:00pm at McCormic Auditorium, Norris University Center, Northwestern University. This event is free and open to the public.


ART

Gallery Talk:
Satoru Aoyama: Ancient Pixels
Friday, October 19, 5:30pm
Chicago Cultural Center, Michigan Avenue Galleries
78 E. Washington Street
Free

The artist will discuss his machine embroidered art, which will be on display at the Cultural Center October 13 - December 30.