An Online Newsletter Showcasing Our Programs for the Month of February, 2022! |
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The Santa Ana winds blew through Southern California last month and the aftermath is spring-like weather and a desire for more in-person activities.
This month is the 39th Anniversary of JFLA and we will be organizing two art exhibitions, one at JACCC from February 3rd featuring Japanese dolls and the second at our office from February 28th showcasing contemporary artists. Make sure you stop by JACCC and our office to support these events.
For Japanese language teachers looking for support, our Japanese-language grants are now available so make sure to review the information below. Whether you are supporting a leaner or teachers event, or need funding for your own program, we have something for you.
Finally, we will be organizing our usual trio of wellness events as well as the Japan Film Festival so make sure to tune in online. This will be an exciting month in Los Angeles with many local activities including the Super Bowl, but we hope you will find the time to support our events!
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TRAVELING EXHIBITION
NINGYO: Art and Beauty of Japanese dolls
February 3 - March 13, 2022/Tue-Sun: 12pm-4pm, Closed on Mondays
Venue: Japanese American Cultural & Community Center (JACCC)
(244 S. San Pedro St., Los Angeles)
Admission: FREE
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One major aspect of Japanese culture is the depth of love for dolls (Ningyō;人形). Doll culture spread in Japan particularly in the 17th century, and dolls could be found in many facets of daily life, both life in the Japanese imperial court and that of the common people. The fact that many examples indeed enter the realm of high art is an extremely rare occurrence when compared to the culture of dolls seen elsewhere in the world. Thus it can be said that Japan is truly “a Nation of NINGYŌ”. This exhibition examines Japan’s diverse doll culture from 4 perspectives to introduce the principle types of Japanese dolls and the culture behind each.
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Japanese Film Festival Online 2022
From Monday, February 14 @12AM (PT)
To Sunday, February 27 @11:59PM (PT)
Admission: FREE
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14 Days, 16 Films, Free to Watch online!
Welcome to our second annual Japanese Film Festival Online, where you can enjoy watching movies from the comfort of your own home! We invite you to explore the various facets of Japanese culture through different genres of movies ranging from documentaries, fiction, animation, and films inspired by novels.
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VIRTUAL WORKSHOP FROM OSAKA
Let's Speak Kansai Dialect!
Wednesday, February 16 @7PM (PT)
This Event Is Full, But We Are Accepting Waiting List Reservations!
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まいど！(Maido! = Hi!) , おおきに！(Okini! = Thank you!)…
Let's learn some characteristics of Kansai dialect and useful expressions. You will learn the intonation, commonly used phrases and even grammatical rules! Three native Kansai dialect instructors from the Japan Foundation Japanese-Language Institute, Kansai will teach you authentic Kansai dialect, and practice conversation with you!
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JFLA EXHIBITION
TANAGOKORO: Alternative Crafts by 16 Japanese Contemporary Artists
February 28 - March 31, 2022
Mon-Sat: 12pm-6pm
Closed on Sundays
Venue: 5700 Wilshire BLVD STE #100
Admission: FREE
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Tanagokoro references matters that virtually fit in the palm of one’s hand. As in Yasunari Kawabata’s book, Palm-of-the-Hand stories, the narratives are concise and portable, yet imbued with characteristic depth. The skills involved in handling tools highlight the premium placed on manual dexterity in Japanese culture. The centuries long investment in craft as the primary vehicle for the expression of aesthetic and spiritual values in Japan registers across the board in traditional folk, commercial and classical arts, from silk weaving to street fashion and anime. Tanagokoro introduces sixteen Japanese artists trained in traditional craft-making techniques yet committed to engaging contemporary issues and concerns. Please join us for this special exhibition as we reopen the Japan Foundation, Los Angeles’ gallery space. |
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WINTER 2022 ONLINE JAPANESE COURSE
It has begun with full force
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All classes have been sold out, thank you! Your next chance to join our online Japanese class would be the Spring term.
The registration is scheduled to start in early March. Stay tuned!
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This program brings Native Japanese Language Assistant Teachers (ATs) to K-12 educational institutions in the U.S. for up to two years to strengthen Japanese language programs by providing an AT to team-teach with the Lead Teacher (LT) in their classes as well as create opportunities to nurture a new generation of qualified Japanese language teachers. The program started in 2011 and is jointly administrated by The Japan Foundation (JF) and The Laurasian Institution (TLI). Over the past ten years, the program has hosted a total of 98 Assistant Teachers (ATs) in 29 states.
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VIRTUAL KARATE EXERCISE AT LUNCHTIME
Wednesday, February 2nd & 23rd
12:30PM PT (15 Minute Session)
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Whether at work or at home, let's refresh yourself for 15 minutes on your lunchtime together with us! Karate Exercise will be offered via JFLA Facebook LIVE!
World class instructors from Kyokushin Karate of Los Angeles will give you a set of beginner’s level exercises from their basic movement with their English instruction.
There will be one 15-minute session starting at 12:30pm. Just go to JFLA's Facebook page. Achieve the unity of body and spirit!
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VIRTUAL BILINGUAL YOGA AT LUNCHTIME
Wednesday, February 9th
12:30PM PT (15 Minute Session)
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Bilingual Yoga will be offered this month via JFLA Facebook LIVE!
No need to change clothes or use a yoga mat; you will be seated in a chair at home and receive an instruction from our instructor in bilingual (English and Japanese). Easy and relaxed!
There will be one session starting at 12:30pm. Just go to JFLA's Facebook page. Refresh and recharge yourself with us at home!
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VIRTUAL MEDITATION WITH JAPANESE SINGING BOWL
Wednesday, February 16th
12:30PM PT (15 Min Session)
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Meditation with Japanese Singing Bowl will be offered this month via JFLA Facebook LIVE!
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 will be one session starting at 12:30pm. Just go to JFLA's Facebook page. Stretch and refresh yourself with us at home!
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2022-2023 Japanese Language Grants Now Available! |
Grant for Nationwide/Statewide/Region-wide Events for LEARNERS
(Examples: Speech Contest, Quiz Contest, Japan-themed Festival for Learners, etc.)
Deadlines: 3/1/2022 & 9/1/2022
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Grant for Nationwide/Statewide/Region-wide Projects for TEACHERS
(Examples: Conferences/Seminars/Workshops for Teachers, Teaching Material Development, Research Projects, etc.)
Deadline: 2 months before the project start date
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Grants for Individual Japanese Language Program
Deadline: 4/10/2022
Deadlines: 3/15/2022 & 9/15/2022
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Advocacy Support Letter
If your Japanese language program is in danger of being cut due to COVID-19, we will send a support letter to stakeholders (Superintendent, Principal, Dean, etc.).
Please contact
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Japanese Language Education Update 98 |
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Thanks to our new survey team, we made great strides in the past month and have reached out to many more teachers and administrators to get an accurate count of Japanese language programs in the United States. We are on the final stretch and will soon be wrapping up this survey and want to thank everyone who has responded for your support.
This month, we are also welcoming a new staff member, Ian Ostoya, who will be helping out to support Japanese-language education here at JFLA. We also have two J-LEAP participants who wrote an article detailing their experiences as assistance teachers at different schools in the US.
Finally, as mentioned in the introduction, make sure to review our new Japanese-language grants for the 2022 - 2023 year and apply early for any programs you may be interested in.
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The Japan Foundation, Los Angeles |
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