The saying goes April showers bring May flowers, but hopefully we left all the showers behind in March so all the flowers can bloom during the start of the new fiscal year now in April. We don't have any flowers here but we do have an exhibition showcasing the beautiful crafts from the Tohoku region. In conjunction with this exhibition, we will also be organizing two live events including a workshop where you can explore your creativity and paint your own Koboshi. There will also be a meditation nigh with Yuki our Sound Bath Specialist in our hall surrounded by Tohoku crafts.

We will also be hosting an online lecturing featuring Shojin Ryori as well as a logo contest to celebrate our 40th Anniversary. Our Japanese language courses also start this month so make sure to register if you are interested in learning Japanese.

For Japanese language teachers, our salary assistance grant ends this month so make sure you get your application before the deadline. We are also giving away posters to teachers who are looking to decorate their classrooms so follow the link to order a set for your school.

Just like the April flowers, we hope you find some beauty in our programs!

Shojin ryori is a cuisine rooted in the teaching of Buddhism. It is made only with plant-based ingredients such as grains, vegetables, and soybeans, animal products are not used. Shojin ryori is not only vegetarian cooking, but it’s also a way of exercising one’s devotion through the cooking process and receiving a meal in accordance with the Zen philosophy.

In this webinar, Reverend Daiko Matsuyama, the Deputy Head Priest of Taizo-in Zen Buddhist Temple will talk about the basis of shojin ryori including its history, philosophy, and ingredients. You will learn how we can incorporate the ancient teaching of shojin ryori practice into our modern life.

As a companion event to the “Beautiful Handcrafts of Tohoku, Japan” traveling exhibition currently on view, JFLA has organized an Okiagari-Koboshi painting workshop. You can show your artistic license and have fun coloring however you wish on the kits provided. This is an event for the entire family to enjoy.

Okiagari-Koboshi is called the oldest folk art in the Aizu region (the western region of Fukushima Prefecture in Tohoku). It is said that these dolls originated about 400 years ago. They have been regarded as good-luck charms by people wishing for good health and perseverance, since the dolls themselves embody the old Japanese proverb, "Nanakorobi yaoki": "fall down seven times, but get up eight."

Refresh and recharge with a sound bath! The singing bowl used for this program harmoniously combines the healing qualities of both the Tibetan singing bowl and the Japanese traditional singing bowl. Choose a space near your favorite artwork in the exhibition Beautiful Handicrafts of Tohoku, Japan, relax and feel your stress dissipate into thin air as the sounds of the singing bowl lead you into a meditative state.

* Doors will close at the start of the session and those who arrive late may not be permitted to enter while the session in underway.

The Japan Foundation, Los Angeles is launching a logo contest to celebrate forty years of promoting Japanese language and culture throughout the United States! We encourage participants to create designs inspired by JFLA’s history as a gateway to “Your Japan” right here in America!

The contest is open to all ages. Winners will be decided by an internal committee of Japan Foundation, Los Angeles staff that takes public feedback into consideration. One winning design will be used for promotion throughout the year, including event signage and social media posts. Winners will receive a prize and can opt-in to being interviewed and featured on our website and social media.

This exhibition was planned to mark the March 11 anniversary of the 2011 Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami. The Tohoku region, known for its beautiful mountains and seascapes as well as its rich local culture and history, suffered damage and destruction of unprecedented proportions. Much was lost, and manufacturing and handicraft culture were hard hit. This exhibition reminds us once again of the distinctive appeal of Tohoku’s heritage of arts and craft. The displays present works of various genres―ceramics, lacquerware, textiles, metalwork, wood and bamboo crafts, etc.―allowing visitors to enjoy the diverse and exquisite world of Tohoku traditions.

Last change to register!

Classes start from the third week of April.

(Examples: Speech Contest, Quiz Contest, Japan-themed Festival for Learners, etc.)

Deadlines: September 1, 2023

More info: https://www.jflalc.org/grants-jle-contest

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(Examples: Conferences/Seminars/Workshops for Teachers, Teaching Material Development, Research Projects, etc.)

Deadline: 2 months before the project start date

More info: https://www.jflalc.org/grants-jle-project

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Deadline: April 10, 2023

More info: https://www.jflalc.org/grants-jle-courses

Deadlines: September 15, 2023

More info: https://www.jflalc.org/grants-jle-materials

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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 us for details.