Oct 4

Japan America Society Roundup 10.4.10

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JET Alum Gail Cetnar Meadows (Hiroshima-shi 2007-10), co-founder of Hiroshima JET webzine the Wide Island View, shines a light on some of the upcoming events of Japan America Societies…

JAS of Chicago

• Japan’s Emperor System: Bane of Blessing? — Learn all about the history of Japan’s emperor system from James Huffman, who taught East Asian history for 35 years at Wittenberg University in Ohio. Huffman will discuss the dramatic ways in which Japan’s emperor system has changed across the modern era: the use of the Meiji Emperor to create a modern state in the late 1800s, the controversial role of the Shōwa Emperor (Hirohito) during World War II, and the debates that have raged around the emperor in the postwar era. He will include comments on the personal approaches (and quirks) of individual emperors and will conclude with reflections on the role of the emperor system in Japan’s current political system and what the imperial family means to the Japanese society.
  • Date: Thursday, Oct. 21
  • Time: 6 to 7:30 p.m.
  • Place: Conference Center UBS Tower One, N. Wacker Drive, 2nd floor (Superior Room), Chicago
  • For more information, click here.

JAS of San Antonio

• 2010 Matsuri — Get your dose of Japanese culture at this festival featuring tea ceremonies, karate and kendo demonstrations, dance performances and live musical performances with taiko drums, the koto and the shakuhachi. The festival will take place at the Water Garden Gems, which also will be hosting the 18th annual Koi & Goldfish Show and the AGA National Goldfish Show.
  • Date: Saturday, Oct. 9
  • Time: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Place: Water Garden Gems, 3136 Bolton Road, Marion, Texas
  • For more information, click here.

JAS of Greater Austin

• Academic Lecture Series Speaker — John W. Traphagan, Associate Professor of Religious Studies at the University of Texas at Austin, will provide an introduction to general themes in Japanese religions, focusing on Shinto and Buddhism. Rather than exploring religious texts, the talk will look at how people in contemporary Japan use religious symbols and ideas in ritual practice.
  • Date: Friday, Oct. 8
  • Time: 7 to 8:15 p.m.
  • Place: Kumon of Westlake – Math and Reading Center, 3345 Bee Caves Road, Suite 103, Austin, Texas
  • For more information, click here.

Does your Japan America Society have an upcoming event that you’d like to share with JetWit readers? Email Gail Meadows the info.