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The Japan Foundation, Los Angeles Newsletter
October, 2018: Breeze Issue #132
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Greetings!
Autumn is in full swing, even in Los Angeles, and so are we! JFLA's event lineup this month is probably the most eclectic ever, from a demonstration of
Noh-mask making to a lecture by a rock star, or if it is not eclectic enough for you, how about an
Ukiyoe (woodblock print) of a Sphinx? We are not just trying to be different, but it is actually the way of Japanese culture; transcending different times and spaces so effortlessly. I am sure anybody can find at least one thing that is inspiring to you.
We are also very happy to team up once again this year with Table For Two, a Japanese non-profit that is known for their
Onigiri (rice ball) Action Campaign where pictures of you making and/or eating rice balls can become free meals for needy children in world-wide. We will organize an
Onigiri workshop in LA this month, but you can contribute from anywhere by just uploading pictures to social media with #
OnigiriAction. For teachers out there, please check out this month's Japanese Language Education Update for hints on how this wonderful initiative can turn into a great class activity.
Also for those who want to grow as Japanese language teachers, applications are being accepted for our J-LEAP program that offers opportunities to team teach with an assistant teacher from Japan for up to two years. Some of the past assistant teachers in this program have returned to the US and have since become full-time teachers, which is definitely great news for language education that has been suffering from a teacher shortage.
Whether you are craving food for thoughts or just food for needy children, we have something for you this month!
Sincerely,
Hideki Hara, Director
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Lecture
Shin Hanga and America:
Yoshida Hiroshi's Journey from Painter to Print-Maker
Tuesday, October 9 @7PM
Free Admission, RSVP Required
Dr. Kendall Brown professor of Asian Art at California State University, Long Beach traces how oil painter Yoshida Hiroshi (1876-1950) revived his career and helped launch the "new print" movement by utilizing his skills as an artist, maven and entrepreneur.
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Free Japanese Cinema Screening
The Scythian Lamb - 羊の木 (126 mins, 2017)
Directed by Daihachi Yoshida
Wednesday, October 10 @7PM
Free Admission, No RSVP Required
Six unknown people move to the declining seaport city of Uobuka. Unremarkable city official, Tsukisue (Ryo Nishikido), is appointed to welcome them, but finds out the shocking truth that all of them are former murder suspects. Before long, an uneasiness begins to creep over the quiet city.
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Exhibition
Carving Across Borders: Block Prints of Hiroshi Yoshida
Wednesday, October 10 - Wednesday, October 31
Mon - Fri: 10AM - 7PM, Sat: Noon - 5PM, Closed on Sun
Free Admission
The Japan Foundation is honored to present the Carving Across Borders: Block Prints of Hiroshi Yoshida exhibition with the generous support of Randall and Diana Fullmer.
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Ask Marty:
An Insider's View of Japan Through the Eyes of an American Rockstar
Monday, October 15 @7PM
Free Admission, RSVP Required
Legendary guitarist Marty Friedman reveals a Japan you've never heard of. Why did an American musician, known for his tenure as the lead guitarist for the heavy metal band Megadeth, decide to move to Japan in 2003 and has never gotten bored since? Please send in your questions to Marty!
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Lecture & Demonstration
The World of Noh Masks by Master Carver Hideta Kitazawa
Tuesday, October 16 @7PM
Free Admission, RSVP Required
HIDETA KITAZAWA has worked extensively with non-Japanese performers to create evocative contemporary masks. His interaction with playwrights, actors and directors leads him to the creation of forms that fit their vision. His masks grow from a deep knowledge and thorough mastery of the centuries-old techniques of traditional mask-making. A single block of hinoki -- a Japanese cypress -- is chosen, and after preparing a clay model, chisel is laid to grain. Meticulously painted watercolors are applied to gesso-coated wood, and the actor brings the mask to life on stage.
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Meditation with Japanese Singing Bowl
Wednesday, October 17
12:30PM & 1:00PM (20 Min Sessions)
Free Admission
Mid-week fatigue is a familiar foe to many of us. Why not maximize your relaxation and join us for a Sound Bath at Lunchtime!
The singing bowl used for this program harmoniously combines the healing qualities of the Tibetan singing bowl and its Japanese traditional singing bowl. Relax and feel your stress dissipate into thin air as the sounds of the singing bowl lead you into a meditative state.
There is no charge and no reservation required. All are welcome to come, sit, listen, and refresh!
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Halloween "Spooktacular" Tea Time:
Let's Chat in Japanese in Your Costume
Tuesday, October 23 @7PM
Free Admission, Register Now!
Put your Halloween costume on and join our Halloween themed conversation café, Tea Time! You will enjoy Japanese snacks and tea while you chat with native Japanese speakers. All levels welcome! Japanese language experience is not necessary-this event is open to everyone, ages 18 and up!
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Free Japanese Cinema Screening
Ghost Squad (106 mins, 2018)
Directed by Noboru Iguchi
Wednesday, October 24 @7PM
Free Admission, No RSVP Required
A quirky horror film depicting the escapades of the ghost revenge group, "Ghost Squad", by the gifted director of The Machine Girl, Iguchi Noboru.
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Save The Date
Onigiri (Rice Ball) Art Workshop
Saturday, October 27 @Japan House Los Angeles
We will once again team up with TABLE FOR TWO USA to organize an Onigiri (Rice Ball) making workshop. Join us and have fun while participating the "Change the World with Onigiri #OnigiriAction" campaing that will donate school meals to children in need all around the world!
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Meditation with Japanese Singing Bowl
Wednesday, October 31
12:30PM & 1:00PM (20 Min Sessions)
Free Admission
Mid-week fatigue is a familiar foe to many of us. Why not maximize your relaxation and join us for a Sound Bath at Lunchtime!
The singing bowl used for this program harmoniously combines the healing qualities of the Tibetan singing bowl and its Japanese traditional singing bowl. Relax and feel your stress dissipate into thin air as the sounds of the singing bowl lead you into a meditative state.
There is no charge and no reservation required. All are welcome to come, sit, listen, and refresh!
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FY2019-20 Program Guidelines Available NOW!
Arts and Culture Deadline: Multiple
Japanese Language Deadline: Monday, December 3rd, 2018
New for this year is the
Fellowship for Research on Japanese Art implemented by the Japan Foundation with the generous funding from the Ishibashi Foundation. This program aims to support the development of professionals specializing in the study of Japanese art by providing an opportunity for curators and researchers to conduct research in Japan, and promote the study of the field and the introduction of Japanese art outside of Japan.
For information on
Japanese Language Programs, please visit:
There are multiple Teacher Training Programs including Basic (long-term), Japanese Language, Japanese Teaching Methods (short-term), and training program on a Specific Theme.
For Specialists, there is a 2-month and 6-month program.
Your application must ARRIVE at JFLA on or before December 3, 2018 for Japanese Language Programs. Please also notify us of your intent to apply in advance.
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2019-2021 J-LEAP: Now Accepting Applications for Lead Teachers
Deadline: Thursday, January 17, 2019
Are you interested in inviting a Japanese Assistant Teacher (AT) to your K-12 classroom for up to two consecutive school years? Do you want to give your students an opportunity to learn and hear Japanese from a native speaker or an additional native speakers for some variation? If so, make sure you apply for J-LEAP, which was started in 2011 with the help of the Laurasian Institute (TLI).
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Performing Arts Japan 2019 - 2020
Call For Applications
Deadline: October 31, 2018
The Japan Foundation is still accepting project proposals for Performing Arts Japan (PAJ) touring and collaboration
grants for the 2019 - 2020 fiscal year.
Application deadline is 5:00 p.m. EST, October 31, 2018.
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2018-19 JAPANESE LANGUAGE GRANTS ARE NOW AVAILABLE
We still have one grant program remaining for the Fiscal Year 2018-19 to support Japanese-Language Education in the United States.
The
Japanese-Language Education Project Grant (Deadline: 2 months prior to project start date).
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Japanese Language Education Update 58:
Onigiri Action and Reducing World Hunger
When teaching or learning the Japanese language, you are inevitably connecting with the world at large. A student who starts to learn a second language for the first time will realize that their immediate surrounding is not all there is to the world; their perspective is broadened and they start to think about the people outside their local community, also. This brings them closer, too, to the global issues that connect us across cultures.
Today 11% of the world population suffers from food insecurity. For us living in the United States, this should not be taningoto - someone else's problem - but rather, a very relatable issue, especially with 13% of the US's own population suffering from hunger.
Onigiri Action is a campaign that provides meals to those in need. Every time you make an onigiri and upload its picture onto your social media with #OnigiriAction or post on the campaign website, 5 meals will be sent to children in need through Table For Two, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to reduce hunger and obesity around the world through its unique program.
This campaign is highly relevant to the Japanese classroom, and has in fact been used in the Japanese classroom. It allows classrooms to teach about Japanese culture while making a difference in the world at the same time. It connects students to the larger world around them and helps them realize that there are issues that they can address right now.
Table for Two's Onigiri Action campaign is coming again this year, and we urge your participation! For more information and examples of using onigiri to change the world, please see the below links:
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