JapaneseLondon Round-up – March 3, 2011
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Thanks to JETAA UK Communications Director Vanessa Villalobos for sharing this with JetWit. Vanessa is also the publisher of JapaneseLondon.com:
Featured article: March 2011 Round-Up Part One
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN JAPANESE LONDON?
From Norwegian Wood, Tran Anh Hung’s film, based on Murakami’s book. What was that? *Head spins on neck*. Erm, that was the first one-sixth of 2011, passed already. But fear not, now spring has most definitely sprung it’s the perfect time to get out and appreciate Japan… in London!
Japanese Literature
Fans of Japan-related scribblings are in for a treat this month. Tran Anh Hung’s highly-anticipated screen version of Haruki Murakami’s bestselling novel, ‘Norwegian Wood’, will open at UK cinemas from 11th March. British author David Mitchell’s newest offering, ‘The Thousand Autumns of Jacob De Zoet’ isn’t due for release until March 17th, but has already racked up 96 rave reviews on Amazon. If you fancy a literary chinwag, Japan Society book club members will be vociferously discussing ‘Silence’ by Endo Shusaku next Monday March 7th – Japan Society members shouldregister their attendance: events@japanesociety.org.
Madame Butterfly
The enduringly popular Madame Butterfly is on at the Royal Albert Hall only until March 13th, so you’ll need to be quick to catch it. Set in an ‘enchanting’ Japanese Water Garden, an extra show has been already been added to meet ‘huge popular’ demand. If you can’t make it, why not order Angela Gheorghui’s CD recording, lie back and think of Japan? Or, if you’ve seen the opera and you crave more of the same, pre-order a copy of Lee Langley’s Butterfly’s Shadow – a novel in the style of Jean Rhys’s Wide Sargasso Sea, that takes Puccini’s Madam Butterfly as its starting point.
HIBIKI – Japanese Music
Continuing on a musical note (!), HIBIKI: Resonances from Japan at King’s Place will run from today 3rd March, until 5th March 2011. This eclectic event; ‘A 1000-year journey through the rich heritage of Japanese music’ features collaborations with London-based musicians and an exploration of ‘Music in Mange’ with Helen McCarthy. Promisingly, there is also set to be a Suntory Hibiki whisky tasting in the bar.
Bunka-Sai – Japanese Cultural Festival
And finally – a new Japanese Culture Festival: ‘Bunka-sai’ will take over Conway Hall for one day only, this Saturday 5th March, to bring together Japanese culture, language, food and drink. Organised by Akemi Solloway.
JapaneseLondon.com‘s Round-Ups are bi-weekly. If you want to see more Japan-related events in London, check out the JapaneseLondon.com Events Calendar.
JET World Festival Held in Toyama
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Thanks to Hotaka Kawasaki and Matt Gillam of CLAIR-NY for sharing news about this nice example of “Return on JET-vestment” at the local government level:
The CIRs and ALTs in Toyama held the JET World Festival 2011 in Toyama City on February 27th to celebrate their respective home countries and deepen relations with the people of Toyama. According to the Japanese news release below, the festival included booths for each country as well as stage shows featuring Irish music, country & western music, capoeira, and puppet performances. The festival also included a “North Pole” themed kids’ corner and a refreshment stand.
How was the festival? Please feel free to tell us more in a comment to this post or via e-mail to jetwit [at] jetwit.com.
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Japan Foundation NY/Center for Global Partnership: Newsletter Vol. 12 (Feb 2011)
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NEWS FROM THE JAPAN FOUNDATION NEW YORK AND CGP
//// VOL. 12: February 23, 2011 ////
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2011 J-Initiative Grant Program RFP (Concept paper deadline: March 10)
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The Japan Foundation Center for Global Partnership (CGP), New York is pleased to announce that we are continuing with the J-Initiative launched last year in 2010 in order to promote networking, capacity building, and innovative program development for US-Japan exchange and outreach. We welcome innovative and future-oriented proposals from every field.
Grants of up to $100,000 per year and up to three (3) years will be awarded. The deadline for concept paper submission is March 10, and if invited after the concept paper review, the full proposal will be due by May 31.
For more details on the J-Initiative, please visit the link below.
[ http://cgp.org/index.php?option=article&task=default&articleid=397 ]
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Japan Travel Program for US Future Leaders 2010 Report Publication
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CGP in collaboration with the Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs (APSIA) inaugurated the Japan Travel Program for US Future Leaders in 2009 with the goal of fostering a new generation of future leaders in the US who are interested in achieving a greater understanding of Japan.
The report is based on their experiences in Japan and was compiled by the students following the conclusion of the program.
[ http://www.jpf.go.jp/cgp/fellow/apsia/pdf/APSIA_2010.pdf ]
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Upcoming Events & Announcements
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WIT Life #155: 日本へ行ってきます！
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WITLife is a periodic series written by professional Writer/Interpreter/Translator Stacy Smith (Kumamoto-ken CIR, 2000-03). She starts her day by watching Fujisankei’s newscast in Japanese, and here she shares some of the interesting tidbits and trends together with her own observations.
Just a quick message to let all readers know that I will be heading to Japan tomorrow after a hiatus of two years to participate in next Sunday’s Tokyo Marathon (“The Day That Tokyo Becomes One”)! I am very much looking forward to my 4th running of the event as well as seeing old friends, eating amazing food on a daily basis and of course most of all onsen. I will do my best to report from the ground, but chances are I might get caught up in the moment and not be blogging as much as I had hoped. In that case, please look forward to a full update when I return in March. De wa, ittekimasu~!
WIT Life #153: Sapporo Snow Festival
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WITLife is a periodic series written by professional Writer/Interpreter/Translator Stacy Smith (Kumamoto-ken CIR, 2000-03). She starts her day by watching Fujisankei’s newscast in Japanese, and here she shares some of the interesting tidbits and trends together with her own observations.
The snow here in NYC that we have received in abundance this year is pretty as it’s coming down, but it soon turns into dirty mush or slush beneath our feet. For those looking to enjoy more pristine snow-covered landscapes, look no further than Sapporo’s 雪祭り (yuki matsuri) or Snow Festival. Held every February in Hokkaido’s capital, this hugely popular week-long event brings in 2.5 million visitors and features perennial favorites as well as new sculptures each year. It began in 1950 when local high school students built six snow statues in Odori Park, and five years later the 自衛隊 (jieitai) or Self-Defense Forces joined in and made the first of the colossal sculptures for which the festival is now known. For those of us not lucky enough to be able to see the works in person, please enjoy them virtually with the following video of this year’s festival which began yesterday.
Justin’s Japan: Interview with stylist Haruo Noro on NYC’s Lunar New Year Celebration
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Haruo Noro brings his unique stylings to NYC's Lunar New Year Celebration Saturday, Feb. 5. (Courtesy of Julia Dubrovich)
By JQ magazine’s Justin Tedaldi (CIR Kobe-shi, 2001-02) for Examiner.com. Visit his NY Japanese Culture page here to subscribe for free alerts on newly published stories.
Haruo Noro came to the U.S. to open his own salon after finding success as a stylist in Japan and London. Last year, he worked with the networking site AsianInNY on their “Lucullen” Lunar New Year Fashion Show for designer Joyce Huang. Today (Feb. 3) marks the beginning of the Lunar New Year, and to ring in the Year of the Rabbit AsianInNY has teamed up with the Greater Chinatown Community Association to present their Lunar New Year Celebration this Saturday in Manhattan. I caught up with Noro, who is again working with his stylists and make-up artists for this distinguished cultural event.
Please tell us about your journey to New York from Japan.
I was born and raised in Aomori, Japan, within a family of stylists. My initial training, cutting technique, discipline and inspiration was born here as well. As my experience grew, so did my thirst for new adventures. I wanted to see the world of fashion and beauty. I wanted to expand my knowledge and creativity.
The salon sponsored me to continue my education in London at the Vidal Sassoon Academy, which is where I first experienced a full variety of hair types and textures. London opened my mind through its culture and fashion, giving me the confidence with my skills and the possibilities in the styling industry.
I have been lucky to have had an offer as an assistant to a top stylist in New York City, Oscar Blandi, through which my learning experience continued. I fully blossomed into a complete stylist during my time there. I continued on to Rita Hazan and then my path became clear. I opened my very own salon, which is in the vision as I have always imagined. Fashion, beauty, diversity and creativity here is endless.
How did you first get involved with AsianInNY? What events have you worked on with them before and what was the reaction from the public?
I first got involved with AsianInNY in 2010. When I heard about this opportunity, I was very excited to be part of the Lucullen Fashion Show at the Lunar New Year Celebration. I was especially enthusiastic about having the support of the Asian community in New York, which I am a part of. The designer loved our work, a sophisticated braided bun, which complimented the garments and added a stylish flair. We have received many positive reviews and are happy to be back this year as a sponsor for AsianInNY’s biggest Lunar New Year Celebration in New York City, this time doing both hair and make-up for two designers, as well as singers participating in the show.
What kind of styling are you doing for the upcoming Lunar New Year Celebration and who are you working with?
We will be styling for two designers Way Zen and Janet Zheng. I will be working with my salon team. Haruo Noro Salon will be doing both hair and make-up. The hair for Way Zan collection will be simple yet romantic, loose updos. The hair for Janet Zheng menswear will be natural yet edgy. The make-up lead artist Wenya Chang describes the look as a beautiful look that simply emphasizes the natural beauty of the woman. Light shimmery brown on the eyes, with a rosy flush on the cheeks and a glossy natural lip color. Most importantly, a sexy, dewy complexion.
How would you describe your own style in determining the perfect cut? Did you find yourself adapting your creativity in order to match the image of the Lunar New Year Celebration?
I am always inspired by the artistry in the designs and intuitively create what I see as a companion piece of art. I strive to create a masterpiece each and every time.
Click here for the complete interview.
WIT Life #152: Kaga Maki-e
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WITLife is a periodic series written by professional Writer/Interpreter/Translator Stacy Smith (Kumamoto-ken CIR, 2000-03). She starts her day by watching Fujisankei’s newscast in Japanese, and here she shares some of the interesting tidbits and trends together with her own observations.
Recently I had the opportunity to interpret for a delegation from Kanazawa that was here to promote the city in general and especially its ancient craft of 蒔絵 (maki-e), a lacquerware technique that uses silver and gold powder. This art form actually originated in Kyoto which has its own style known as Kyo Maki-e, but the Kanazawa version is called Kaga Maki-e, Kaga referring to the area of Kanazawa where it originated. This picture, courtesy of fashion blogger Alice Chin, shows two delegation members at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Kaga Maki-e display.
On the left is native New Yorker and long-term Kanazawa resident Evelyn Teploff-Mugii, a designer who has modernized the thousand year old maki-e process to make breathtakingly beautiful accessories. Her Evelyn Claude line will be offered in the US for the first time. To her right is Read More
WIT Life #151: Fireworks from the Heart
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WITLife is a periodic series written by professional Writer/Interpreter/Translator Stacy Smith (Kumamoto-ken CIR, 2000-03). She starts her day by watching Fujisankei’s newscast in Japanese, and here she shares some of the interesting tidbits and trends together with her own observations.
Yesterday I had the chance to attend the ANA-sponsored screening of Fireworks from the Heart (おにいちゃんのハナビ), a sentimental film based on the true story of recent high school graduate Taro whose sister Hana suffers from leukemia. The family moves from Tokyo to Niigata for her treatment, a change that Taro resents as has has to leave junior high in the middle of his final year. Hana ends up being Read More
WIT Life #148: Mikarimba
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WITLife is a periodic series written by professional Writer/Interpreter/Translator Stacy Smith (Kumamoto-ken CIR, 2000-03). She starts her day by watching Fujisankei’s newscast in Japanese, and here she shares some of the interesting tidbits and trends together with her own observations.
On Friday night I had the opportunity to see the performance of marimbist Mika Yoshida at Carnegie Hall. The program was entitled “Mikarimba Madness” and also featured drummer Steve Gadd and bassist Eddie Gomez, as well as the participation of special father/son guests clarinetist Richard Stoltzman and pianist Peter John Stoltzman. During the night Yoshida wore a wide range of expressions on her face from fierce to completely content, as she both Read More
JETAA Northern California Rajio Taiso – TOMORROW!
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Hi everyone!
Just a reminder that we will be meeting at 11:00am tomorrow morning for some Rajio Taiso!
JETAANC is kicking off the new year with some good, ole Rajio Taiso! Back in August 2010 at the JETAA National Conference, delegates came up with the great idea of filming JET alumni around the world practicing the long time favorite, Rajio Taiso. This infamous Japanese calisthenics routine is performed daily and at special sporting events, like an undoukai! What a better way to show how JET alumni are still connected to Japanese culture! Who could forget that piano music and voice counting out each movement?
JETAA USA asked all chapters to film themselves doing rajio taiso in front of a landmark and we thought that having the Golden Gate Bridge and SF cityscape in the background would be perfect! So we’re headed to the Marin Headlands!
When: Saturday, January 8 from 11am-12pm
Where: Marin Headlands, Conzelman Road at Kirby Cove (map)
All are welcome to join! Even if you’re a little bit rusty, we will practice the routine a few times before filming, so come on out!
To get a better idea of what we’re doing, here’s the video that our friends at JETAA Portland made (http://www.facebook.com/l/c5af5k7y9RlwljjtpZ4o9Iq06xA;www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqGUsHusnWE).
See you there!
~Melissa Chan
JETAANC Media Coordinator
books@jetaanc.org
WITLife is a periodic series written by professional Writer/Interpreter/Translator Stacy Smith (Kumamoto-ken CIR, 2000-03). She starts her day by watching Fujisankei’s newscast in Japanese, and here she shares some of the interesting tidbits and trends together with her own observations.
Last night I attended the shinnenkai for New York’s very own Battenkai, or group for Kyushu people (Batten comes from Kyushu-ben and means but, and kai means gathering). There are several kenjinkai or prefectural groups here in the city, but Kyushu has this joint group instead of individual ones for each prefecture. I have been attending their events since two summers ago, and it is always a diverse mix of people. You can find accountants, jazz singers, lawyers, graphic designers and karate instructors, all of whom have interesting stories to share.
Battenkai gatherings always include some form of entertainment, and last night’s was no exception. It featured several different acts to welcome the new year. First we were regaled by a beautiful shamisen performance by Read More
JETAA DC Film Festival: How was it?
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On December 3 and December 5, JETAADC held its first ever JETAA DC Film Festival. And they did it in style at the Freer Gallery of the Smithsonian Institute. Here’s a write-up of the event courtesy of JETAADC.
In an attempt to increase awareness of the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program and to showcase Japanese or Japan-related films to American audiences, the Japan Exchange and Teaching Alumni Association of Washington, DC (JETAADC) partnered with the Freer Gallery of the Smithsonian Institution to screen two films from December 3-5, Linda Linda Linda and The Harimaya Bridge.
On Friday, December 3, JETAADC showed Linda Linda Linda, a quirky comedy about a band of four girls and their rehearsals leading up to their talent show performance during school festival. Prior to the film, JETAADC Vice President Nick Harling provided some opening remarks, discussing the JET Program, JETAADC, and adding a bit of context to the film. Approximately 130 people attended the show on December 3, and after the film, about 40 audience members congregated at a local bar to continue discussing the film and Japanese culture.
On Sunday, December 5, JETAADC and the Freer Gallery screened The Harimaya Bridge, written and directed by Aaron Woolfolk, a JET alum from Kochi-ken. The film follows an American man who must travel to rural Japan to claim some important items belonging to his late son, from whom he was estranged. While there, he learns several secrets his son left behind. Mr. Woolfolk attended the screening, which drew over 200 people from the greater DC metro area, including representatives from local media. After the film, Mr. Woolfolk responded to questions from the audience regarding his inspiration for the film, the process of making the film, and what it was like working in Japan, both as a teacher and a filmmaker. About 50% stayed for the Q & A.
Afterwards, Mr. Woolfolk said, “It was a special honor to have the film shown at the Smithsonian Institution, and I am especially grateful to JETAADC for playing a pivotal role in making that happen. Moreover, spending time with the DC alumni before and after the screening reminded me how very fortunate and proud I am to be a part of the JET community.”
JETAADC President Maurice Maloney added, “JETAADC was honored to have Aaron Woolfolk and The Harimaya Bridge as part of our film series. In two and a half hours at the Freer Gallery, the film, along with Aaron’s discussion, conveyed the JET experience to a broader audience than we could have reached in months.”
Maloney added, “In light of discussed budget cuts to the JET Programme and JET Alumni Associations across the globe, it is more important than ever for JET Alumni Associations to showcase the breadth of their alumni and the positive effects they have on their communities.”
Click “Read More” to see photos from the event, courtesy of JETAADC.
Calling all Kyushu JET alums and fans of Kyushu!
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People from different parts of Japan who reside here in NYC have r
espective 県人会 (kenjinkai) or associations of people from a certain prefecture. Last year I decided to look for the Kumamoto Kenjinkai, and found out that we are part of the larger island-wide Battenkai for Kyushu-jin. I was hesitant to go since I wasn’t technically from Kyushu (even though I consider Kumamoto my home in Japan), but I was welcomed with open arms. The group is looking to get some new attendees, and would like to offer an open invitation to its upcoming shinnenkai (see below for details)! For those who want to read the original message in Japanese, please click here. Looking forward to seeing you all there!
We are beginning 2011 with a shinnenkai to mark the Year of the Rabbit! This exciting event will feature laughter yoga, a shamisen performance and a fabulous raffle. Please join us for this fun night!
★ Open to anyone born in or who has connections to Kyushu, as well as those interested in this region.
Date: January 5, 2011 (Tuesday)
Time: 7-9 pm
Location: Japanese American Association of New York (15 W. 44th Street (11th floor)
Cost: Adult = $35, Student = $20, 11 and younger free (includes food/drinks; pay in cash on day of)
☆Please click here to sign up! (This page is in Japanese, and it asks you to put your name in the first column, your phone number/email address in the next, and in the third column a password of your choice that will enable you to change your entry should you need to. When you are done with all that, click the gray button in the last column that says 登録する (touroku suru) or register. Please feel free to leave me a note below if you have any trouble! Stacy Smith, Kumamoto ’00-’03)
From JET alum Rosa Sobrino who is a producer for a Japanese morning show in NY:
“Live Japanese TV News program looking for some awesome volunteers to participate as extras on Thursday, December 16, 2010 from 2:30p.m.-5:30p.m. in Brooklyn. We will be introducing a local stunt school and would like to ask some people who can do basic exercise to come. If you are interested, please contact Rosa anytime at 917-755-0955 asap.”
WIT Life #139: 60′s Japan film festival
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WITLife is a periodic series written by professional Writer/Interpreter/Translator Stacy Smith (Kumamoto-ken CIR, 2000-03). She starts her day by watching Fujisankei’s newscast in Japanese, and here she shares some of the interesting tidbits and trends together with her own observations.
On Friday night I attended a free screening of the movie Yearning, which was being shown as part of the Japanese Cinema 1960’s film series at Asia Society. This organization is co-sponsoring the event along with Japan Foundation, and they have been offering complimentary tickets to the five films that were being shown over a span of a little over a month. You had to sign up ahead of time by indicating which film you wanted tickets for and officially you could only pick one, but when I went there was a stand-by line so if you go early on the day of the show you are likely to get in even without tickets.
Although Yearning was the English title of the movie, it came from the Japanese title of 乱れる (midareru), literally meaning Read More
