PERFORMANCES, FILMS, EXHIBITIONS, AND THE ARTS
UMASS AMHERST
The Asian Arts and Culture Program at the University of Massachusetts Amherst presents the Awaji Puppet Theatre Company. These performances featuring Japanese puppets include live shamisen music and recitation/narration. The performance at 10am on Fri, Feb 27, is designed for schools, but some tickets are available for families, homeschoolers, and seniors. Ahands-on lecture/demonstration is held Fri, Feb 27, 3-5pm, in the Curtain Theatre. The Company also gives a performance for a general audience on Sat, Feb 28, 8pm, in Bowker Auditorium. To learn more, contact: Sue McFarland. Tel 413-577-2486; Fax 413-545-0132; Email smcfarland@acad.umass.edu; Web www.umass.edu/fac/asian/.
BOSTON CHILDREN’S MUSEUM, MA
The Boston Children’s Museum is having an Oshogatsu on Sun, Jan 18, 11am-4pm. This Japanese New Year’s Celebration includes Taiko drumming, Chado tea ceremony, Shishi-mai lion dance, Mochi-tsuki rice pounding, and more.
Every 2nd Saturday of the month is a Kamishibai, Japanese Storytelling & Take-home Activity.
- Jan 10: Surprise Story Month!
- Feb 14: “Buying Mittens – Tebukuro-wo Kaini”
- Mar 14: “The Wife with an Unusual Talent”
Exploring Kyoto: A Cradle of Japanese Culture—Celebration of Kyoto-Boston Sister City’s 50th Anniversary is a professional development seminar for educators jointly offered with Primary Source. This seminar is held on Thu, Mar 5, 9:30am-3:30pm, and introduces unique characteristics of Japanese culture.
For more information, contact: Akemi Chayama. Tel 617-426-6500 x295; Email Chayama@BostonChildrensMuseum.org.
PEABODY ESSEX MUSUEM, SALEM, MA
Stage Idols, Japanese Kabuki Theater is on view at the Peabody Essex Museum, East India Sq, through Mon, Feb 16. The exhibition features a rotating selection of 19th century woodblock prints from the Museum’s collection.
The Japanese New Year Celebration is Sat, Jan 10. This event includes Japanese shishimai (lion dance) by Stephen Long, koto performance by Ryuko Mizutani., and a taiko performance by Odaiko New England. Odaiko also conducts a taiko workshop for adults and children ages 9 and up. Activities include creating nengajo (Japanese New Year cards) and decorating a daruma doll. The reservation deadline for the taiko workshop and other activities is Thu, Jan 8.
For more information, contact: Peabody Essex Museum. Tel 978-745-9500; Web www.pem.org.
ODAIKO NEW ENGLAND, MA
The taiko group Odaiko New England gives a performance on Sat, Dec 13, 7pm, at the ACAS Center, 29 Montvale Ave, in Woburn. The group also offers workshops, school programs, and lecture demonstrations. To schedule K−12 school programs in Massachusetts, contact Young Audiences. Tel 617-629-9262 x27. For more information, contact Odaiko New England. Email info@onetaiko.org; Web www.onetaiko.org.
WORCESTER ART MUSEUM, MA
Alive in Colorful Display is the second rotation of Heavenly and Earthly Delights on view at the Worcester Art Museum through Sun, Jun 7. This rotation includes six-panel and two-panel screen paintings in the Japanese ukiyo-e genre and Rinpa school styles. Contact: Worcester Art Museum. Tel 508-799-4406; Web www.worcesterart.org.
The Museum also provides school programs and teacher services, such as gallery tours, studio workshops, a resource center, lectures, and classes. For information about these programs, call 508-799-3007 x3129.
MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS, BOSTON, MA
Zen Mind/Zen Brush: Japanese Ink Paintings from the Gitter-Yelen Collection is at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, 465 Huntington Ave, through Sun, Jan 4, features 35-hanging scrolls and screens.
Visions of Kyoto: Scenes from Japan’s Ancient Capital is on view at the Museum through Sun, May 31. This exhibition showcases prints of the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries that depict the cityscapes, history, legends, and festivals of Japanese culture. A professional development workshop focusing on the exhibit is held Wed, Mar 11, 4-7pm. Early registration is advised.
Showa Sophistication: Japan in the 1930s runs from Wed, Feb 11 − Mon, Nov 9. The exhibition includes 17 recently acquired Japanese paintings that reflect social elements of the early Showa era.
For School Group reservations, call 617-369-3310 or complete the online request form. For more information, contact: Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Tel 617-267-9300; Web www.mfa.org.
RISD, PROVIDENCE, RI
The Museum of Art at the Rhode Island School of Design, 224 Benefit St, presents Kunisada’s 12 Months. Twelve triptych prints, produced by Utagawa Kunisada in the mid-19th century, are on view through Sun, Mar 1. The prints focus on seasonal occupations and holiday observances. Contact: RISD. Tel 401-454-6500; Web www.risdmuseum.org.
ASIAN CULTURAL CENTER, VT
The Asian Cultural Center of Vermont presents Shogatsu: Japan’s New Year, on Thu, Jan 1, 1-4pm. This program celebrates the new year with activities for all ages: music, crafts, food, games, calligraphy, and poetry. It’s held at the River Garden, 157 Main St, Brattleboro.
Hina matsuri: Doll Festival of Japan is held at the C.X. Silver Gallery in West Brattleboro on Sun, Mar 8, 1-4pm. This event includes origami doll making, Japanese song, calligraphy, and haiku poetry.
Contact: Adam Silver. Tel 802-257-7898 x1; Email acc.vt@verizon.net; Web www.asianculturalcentervt.org.
JAPAN SOCIETY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, CT
The Japan Society of Fairfield County, Connecticut is hosting a New Year Reception. The tentative date is Sun, Jan 11. To learn more, contact: Harry Sakamaki. Tel 203-912-3757; Email sakamaki0624@optonline.net; Web www.home.earthlink.net/~jsfc/.
NEW ENGLAND ANIME SOCIETY, BOSTON
The New England Anime Society and First Night Boston host a Japanese animation program in Rm 100 at the Hynes Convention Center from 1pm through 11pm on Wed, Dec 31. In order to offer the widest variety of programming during the time available, one episode of each title is to be shown. For more information about First Night Boston’s Anime Program, visit http://firstnight.neanime.org.
JAPAN SOCIETY, NYC
New Bamboo: Contemporary Japanese Masters is on view at the Japan Society, 333 East 47th St, through Sun, Jan 11. This exhibition focuses on Japanese bamboo as a sculptural medium.
The 12th Annual Contemporary Dance Showcase Phase 2: Japan + East Asia offers dance from Japan, Taiwan, and Korea. Performances are scheduled on Fri, Jan 9, 7:30pm, and Sat, Jan 10, 5pm & 8pm, at the Japan Society.
The Awaji Puppet Theater Company performs on Thu, Mar 5, 7:30pm; Fri, Mar 6, 7:30pm, and Sat, Mar 7, 2:30pm and 7:30pm.
For more information, contact: Japan Society. Tel 212-832-1155; Web www.japansociety.org.
YALE U, NEW HAVEN, CT
Tea Culture of Japan: Chanoyu Past and Present is on view at the Yale University Art Gallery, 1111 Chapel St, Tue, Jan 20 − Sun, Apr 26. This exhibition brings together approximately 100 objects, ranging from the 9th century through the present, including ceramic tea bowls, bamboo tea scoops, iron kettles, and maki-e lacquer incense containers, as well as Zen-inspired calligraphic works.
On Thu, Jan 29: 3:30pm: Sadako Ohki (Japan Foundation Associate Curator of Japanese Art) conducts an exhibition tour. For more information, contact: Ami Potter. Tel 203-432-0629; Email ami.potter@yale.edu; Web http://artgallery.yale.edu.
EDUCATION AND TRAVEL OPPORTUNITIES
U OF COLORADO, BOULDER
The Center for Asian Studies at the University of Colorado announces a Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad Seminar in Japan to be held Sun, Jun 28 − Tue, Jul 28. This program is designed for teachers of Japanese language, literature, and history. Participants spend 4 weeks studying Japan through the lens of the travel diary, Journey to the Interior, composed by poet Matsuo Bashō. Applications are available at www.colorado.edu/cas/BashoTeacherInstitute.html. For additional information, contact: Laurel Rasplica Rodd. Tel 303-492-1138; Email laurel.rodd@colorado.edu.
KEIZAI KOHO CENTER FELLOWSHIP
The Keizai Koho Center in Tokyo in cooperation with the National Association of Japan-America Societies and the Japan-America Society of Pennsylvania offers an annual summer fellowship tour to Japan. Educators experience modern Japan firsthand for ten days in summer 2009. Application deadline is Sat, Feb 28. For details, visit www.us-japan.org; Tel 412-433-5022; Email kkcfellowship@us-japan.org.
BOSTON CHILDREN’S MUSEUM, MA
The Boston Children’s Museum has a School Group Visit Program that offers A Day in the Life of a Japanese Child on Tuesdays, 10-11am. “Suminagashi: the Art of Japanese Marbling” and “Young Curators: Exploring Japan through Artifacts” are 2-hour programs held on Wednesdays at 10am. Specially arranged Japanese House (an authentic house from Kyoto) programs are available by request. For more information and reservations, call 617-426-6500 x405: Email groupvisits@BostonChildrensMuseum.org.
EAST-WEST CENTER, HONOLULU
Pearl Harbor: History, Memory, Memorial is a National Endowment for the Humanities workshop for school teachers. The workshop, held at the East-West Center, is offered twice: Sat, Jul 25 − Fri, Jul 31, and Sat, Aug 1 − Fri, Aug 7. For more information, contact: East-West Center. Email asiapacificed@eastwestcenter.org; Web http://www.eastwestcenter.org/education/asiapacificed-program.
LAURASIAN INSTITUTION
The J-corps, Jr. Program is an academic year high school exchange program offered through the Laurasian Institution (TLI). The selected Japanese high school students are coached in how to share Japanese teen culture and native language in the classroom, school, and community by attending one language class per day or participating in Japan Club or International Club. For more information, visit www.laurasian.org/Programs.htm or www.j-corpsjr.org.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
FOREIGN MINISTER’S COMMENDATION
The Foreign Ministry of Japan recently announced that the Ministry will award the Foreign Minister's Commendation to Kathleen Woods Masalski as the Director of the Five College Center for East Asian Studies. The award is in recognition of Masalski's outstanding contributions to furthering mutual understanding between Japan and the United States of America and the promotion of friendship between Japan and foreign countries. The citation ceremony will take place in Boston on the occasion of the celebration of the birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan.
ELGIN HEINZ TEACHER AWARDS
The Elgin Heinz Outstanding Teacher Award program recognizes exceptional teachers who further mutual understanding between Americans and Japanese. The award is presented annually to two pre-college teachers in two categories, humanities and Japanese language. The award consists of a certificate of recognition, a $2,500 monetary award, and $5,000 in project funds. The award is open to current full-time K−12 classroom teachers in the United States who have been teaching for at least 5 years. Application deadline is Mon, Feb 2, 2009. For more information, contact: David Janes, United States-Japan Foundation, 145 E. 32nd St, New York, NY 10016. Tel 212-481-8757; Email djanes@us-jf.org; Web www.us-jf.org.
JAPAN FULBRIGHT MEMORIAL FUND
The Japan Fulbright Memorial Fund Teacher Program, funded by the Government of Japan and administered by the Japan-U.S. Educational Commission (Fulbright Japan), began in 1997 and made it possible for over 6,500 American educators to visit Japan. The JFMF Teacher Program ends this year, but Fulbright Japan continues to promote understanding between the people of Japan and the United States through educational exchange. For more information, visit www.fulbright.jp/eng/.
MASSACHUSETTS- HOKKAIDO ASSOCIATION
The Massachusetts Hokkaido Association announces that it now has a Web site. To learn about the Association and its activities, visit www.masshokkaido.org/.
TEACHERS ... ALERT YOUR STUDENTS TO…
--> The Association of Teachers of Japanese Bridge Project at the University of Colorado offers scholarships to American undergraduate students participating in study-abroad programs in Japan. The application deadline for students studying in Japan beginning in Fall 2009 for a semester or an academic year is Mon, Apr 6. For more information, contact: Association of Teachers of Japanese. Tel 303-492-5487; Email atj@colorado.edu; Web www.colorado.edu/ealld/atj.
--> The Japan-America Student Conference (JASC) is an intense month-long academic and cultural exchange program for university students from Japan and the United States. Held annually each summer since 1934, the next conference is in Japan from Fri, Jul 24 to Fri, Aug 21. Delegates travel together and discuss contemporary social, economic, and political issues facing the two countries. No Japanese language knowledge is necessary. Recruitment is currently open until Sat, Feb 21. To learn more, contact: Ashley Lam, International Student Conferences. Tel 202-289-4231; Fax 202-789-8265; Email jasc@iscdc.org.
--> The Japanese Cultural Center is conducting a New Year Postcard Art Contest. Participants are limited to high school age and younger. The design must include the ox, the Asian zodiac animal for 2009, and all work must be 4”x6” or postcard size. Submission deadline is Sun, Mar 1. To learn more, contact: Japanese Cultural Center, Spokane, WA. Tel 509-328-2971; Email jcc@mfwi.org; Web www.mfwi.org/jcc/.
RESOURCES
The Boston Children’s Museum has teaching kits on Japan. For more information, visit www.bostonchildrens museum.org/educators/teaching_kits.html.
The Japan Forum Web site located at www.tjf.or.jp/eng/content/japanese.html offers a variety of information about Japan and the Japanese language.
The following web sites contain information about Doll’s Festival (Hina matsuri):
Please note that the purpose of this newsletter
is to provide information about East Asia. Inclusion of any listing should
not be construed as an endorsement of any service, group, or individual. Also,
dates and times may be subject to change, and there may be a charge for some
events. Please contact the appropriate organization for details.
This newsletter is supported by:
United States-Japan Foundation
American Institute for Foreign Study Foundation
Konica Minolta Colorful Tomorrow Foundation
The Freeman Foundation
Five Colleges, Incorporated
Conferences, Workshops, Lectures, and Discussions * Performances, Films, Exhibitions, and the Arts
Education & Travel * Announcements
* Resources
Home Page * General/East Asia * Calendar * Focus on China and Korea
