Vol. 8 No. 4 - April 2013 |
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The e-Japan Journal is the electronic webletter of the Consulate General of Japan at Chicago (CGOJ) and the Japan Information Center (JIC). We hope it proves to be a useful, interesting, and exciting window for you on Japanese cultural activites happening throughout the Midwest. As always, your feedback, comments, and suggestions are encouraged and can be sent to our editor, Amy Klouse, at jic@cg.mofa.go.jp.
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 Uzuki, the old Japanese name for April, means "hare month." Since the fourth year in the twelve-year Chinese zodiac cycle is the Year of the Hare, a common theory has been that the origin of the name Uzuki came from the Chinese zodiac to define the fourth month.
Spring is (finally) in the air! As many of you may know, April in Japan is the month to celebrate changes in life because a new school year begins for students, recent graduates begin their careers, and beautiful pink sakura petals tint the landscape. To rejoice in both the changes in the season and in life, the Japanese attend many hanami or flower viewing parties underneath magnificent cherry blossom trees.
The end of April also marks the beginning of Golden Week in Japan where four national holidays (Showa Day [April 29], Constitution Day [May 3], Greenery Day [May 4], Children's Day [May 5]) fall within a seven day block of vacation from school and work. Aside from New Years and Obon, this time of year is one of the busiest for travel throughout Japan! |
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The 27th Annual Japanese Language Speech Contest in Chicago was held on March 16, 2013 and featured 40 exceptional speeches from students of all ages. These individuals presented on an array of amusing and touching topics, ranging from raising levels of environmental consciousness to origami. Consul General Masaharu Yoshida opened the ceremony with remarks on the status of Japanese language instruction in the United States and the dedication these students must have to continue learning such a challenging, but important, language in world affairs.
The contestants’ presentations demonstrated their unwavering perseverance with mastering Japanese and showed to the audience the fruits of their labor. All students were praised for their efforts which made it a challenge for the judges to reach their final decisions regarding prizes. Among the prize winners, two students were awarded the Grand Prize and the Sister City Osaka Award. The Grand Prize was given to Mr. Wonwoo Choi of Washington University in St. Louis. The Sister City Osaka Award went to Ms. Lindsey Schultz.
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Final Reminder- The Japan Information Center has a new email address. Our former one, jic@japancc.org, expired on March 31, 2013. From now on, please direct all further emails to jic@cg.mofa.go.jp so we can read and answer them!
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The Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Chicago (JCCC) is a regional business organization composed of mostly Chicago-based Japanese corporations that seek to develop and advance understanding of the Japanese and American business communities.
The purpose of the JCCC Foundation Japanese Language Education Grant for the 2013-2014 school year is to encourage and support schools and not-for-profit organizations that provide Japanese language and culture education to students in the Chicago area. Only proposals from schools or organizations that already have an established Japanese language and culture program will be considered. Priority will be given to projects and programs that will have a direct and immediate impact on students.In order to qualify, applicants must be instructors for a public or private school or non-profit organization in the Chicago area (which includes Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will Counties) where a Japanese language program has already been establised.
Refer to this link for more details on applying.
The proposals must be delivered by mail or personal delivery to the JCCC Foundation office by 5:00 PM on Friday, July 5, 2013. Applications postmarked on July 5 will not be accepted.
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The Japan Foundation is a nonprofit organization that promotes international cultural exchange and mutual understanding between Japan and other countries.
The Salary Assistant Grant for the Japan Foundation Fiscal Year 2013-2014 (April 1, 2013 – March 31, 2014) is intended for educational organizations or school districts that are currently facing temporary financial difficulties in either starting up a new Japanese program or maintaining/expanding the current one. Any non-profit institutions in need of this form of assistance (equivalent to approximately one-year's worth of a teacher's salary) are encouraged to apply as long as the applicant will continue the Japanese program after being awarded the grant and are considered either full-time or part-time instructors for the duration of the grant.
Please click here for more information regarding the application criteria, eligibility, forms and procedures.
Visit the Japan Foundation Los Angeles' Japanese Language Grant page for a look at all of the grant opportunities available year-round. |
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The Consulate General of Japan at Chicago will host an exhibition that celebrates the calligraphy of Teshima Yūkei and his original disciples Nakagawa Kyōji, Takeuchi Hōsen, and Teshima Tairiku. Shōsho combines elements of Shodō (literally 'the way of writing' influenced by Chinese script that entered Japan around the 5th century) with contemporary notions of artistic image - where elements like technique, selection of a single kanji, and art medium convey meaning to an audience even for those unable to read the character. These artworks have been exhibited internationally in China, Europe, South America, and North America and are now here in Chicago for one month only!
This exhibition commemorates one half-century of this calligraphy form and a quarter century since the passing of its founder.
Please refer to our flier below to learn more about this exciting event.
Friday, April 12 - Friday, May 10
Monday-Friday from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Closed on weekends |
Japan Information Center Hall
Consulate General of Japan
737 North Michicago Ave., Suite 1000
Chicago, IL 60611
(Map) |
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Event Flier |
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On Saturday, April 13 Kansas State University will hold a Japanese Festival at the K-State Student Union. There will be performances by the JET Alumni Association's taiko group, the Kokyo Taiko group, a tea ceremony, an Aikido/Kendo exhibition, Yosakoi dance, and more! Presentations by students on Japanese culture will also be showcased.
| Saturday, April 13 from 11:00 AM to 5:30 PM |
Kansas State University
K-State Student Union
820 N. 17th Street
Manhattan, KS 66506
(Map) |
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Event Flier |
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The Kokyo Taiko Drummers will be one of the main cultural performances at this year's Culture Night at Univ. of Nebraska. Nourishments, refreshments, mascots, and raffle prizes will also be provided. Be sure to invite all of your friends and family to come with you to enjoy a night filled with Japanese culture!
| Sunday, April 14 from 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM |
Univ. of Nebraska-Omaha
Milo Bail Student Center
6001 Dodge Street
Omaha, NE 68132
(Map) |
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Facebook Event page |
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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan will sponsor a group of 5 Japanese American high-school students to visit Japan from June 28 to July 9, 2013 for an exchange program which provides them with an opportunity to learn about various aspects of Japan and to promote mutual understanding and exchanges between younger generations of Japanese and Japanese Americans.
The program includes a visit to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan and a Japanese high school, tours of Tokyo and the Kansai area, and a home stay experience with a Japanese family.
For more information, you can access the application here.
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Happy April!
For me (and I am sure for those of you who have lived and worked in Japan), April brings back memories of hanami and the beginning of a new year. The month welcomes a new season of growth both literally and figuratively. While the Japanese have many symbols for the beautiful flower, one of my personal favorites is its connection to learning! The blossoming of the sakura after the cold winter points to the personal growth the students can expect after a year of diligent study. Prior to living in Japan, I never appreciated this connection; however, all this changed after I spent four beautiful Aprils in the Japanese schools. For this month’s article, I would like to share two of my favorite books that highlight the excitement each new school year in Japan brings!
The first The Way We Do It In Japan by Geneva Cobb Iijima (Call Number 510090) is a relatively recent addition to the library. Located in the children’s section, it is the story of Gregory, a young boy with a Japanese father and American mother. Together they move from their home in San Francisco to a new apartment (and life) in Tokyo. The story is designed to introduce the reader to a Japanese child’s life. Through Gregory’s dialogue with his family and friends, his two countries are compared and contrasted in an accurate but light-hearted. Through his experiences, he and the reader simultaneously learn about Japanese customs and language. The Way We Do It In Japan is a wonderful children’s introduction to Japanese daily life and would be a great supplement for any elementary or middle school unit study of Japan.
The second highlighted book Learning to Bow: An American Teacher in a Japanese School (Call Number 471036) was written by New York Time’s best-selling author Bruce Feiler and chronicles his experiences in Sano, Tochigi as one of the JET Program’s earliest participants. Through a series of vignettes ranging from climbing Mt. Fuji to experiencing an onsen with colleagues to being the only American in his little town, Feiler provides a memorable account of being a foreigner who learns to love and respect a country other than his own. While the book primarily focuses on interacting with the teachers and students that he met during his one-year stay, Feiler learns more than just the Japanese educational system. Through his many experiences and frequent trials and errors, he begins to better understand and appreciate the Japanese sense of community and adherence to tradition. Although the first edition was published in 1991, much of Feiler’s observations are still true. Learning to Bow is both a humorous and poignant read that I would recommend to anyone interested in understanding not only the ideology behind the Japanese educational system but also the deeper sense of community.
So, pick up a book. Grow with the characters, and let April bring you a new season of learning!
| What's New in the Library is a monthly column written by JIC librarian Emily Toelcke. |
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Here are three questions about current events in Japan. Email your answers for the chance to win a small prize!
- Which Japanese architect was awarded the 2013 Pritzker Architecture Prize?
- What is unique about a smartphone just created by Fujitsu Ltd.?
- What culinary competition occurred in Chiba? What award was granted to Pontus Johansson of Sweden in this competition?
Answers from the March Quiz:
March's quiz was tricky...we had quite a few responses that were close! Congratulations to Daniel W. Honzik, the winner this month!
Which Japanese kabuki actor recently passed away, marking the end of an era?
The talented Ichikawa Danjūrō died at 66 years old from pneumonia, just months before the reopening of Kabuki-za theatre. Read more about his life here.
What major international event was held in Tokyo last month attracting thousands of athletes?
The Tokyo Marathon 2013 was held on Saturday, February 23 in Odaiba, Japan. Dennis Kimetto won the men's race with a course record time of 2:06:50 and Aberu Kebede won the women's division at 2:25:34. For details, please see the Tokyo Marathon website.
What major announcement came from Japanese electronic company Sony last month?
The arrival of Playstation 4 was announced February 20 at the "Playstation Meeting 2013." The consule is expected to be launched in the United States during "Holiday 2013," so expect this to be a number one item on holiday wishlists!
To submit your answers by email, send your guesses to jic@cg.mofa.go.jp and write "Japan News Quiz" in the subject line.
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 Cherry Blossom Origami
In light of the spring season, I thought instructions on how to properly fold origami into sakura flowers would be a fun idea. For those with the talent and patience to fold origami, please try this tutorial and send us your photos! They would make great decorations for the home or for any spring-time events. |
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Greetings! Hajimemashite. My name is Amy Klouse and I am your new Editor of the e-Japan Journal and Technology and Information Coordinator at the Consulate General of Japan at Chicago. My interest in Japanese culture and history first sparked when I was young, but I continue to be devoted to learning all that I can about Japan and its relations with other interational states. Now, I hope to share this passion with you! I am excited to act as your information liaison so that you will have an ease of access to the latest news stories and monthly events happening within our Midwestern expanse.
I would be thrilled to hear any and all suggestions you may have regarding the content and format of these newsletters, social media, and our website. Furthermore, because I want to provide readers with ample opportunities to participate in as many Japanese cultural enrichment activities as possible, please email me events you would like me to add to our calendar or these monthly journals. Thank you for your continued support with the Consulate and I look forward to working with you all!
Best,
Amy Klouse (Editor, Technology and Information Coordinator)
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Uzuki, the old Japanese name for April, means "hare month." Since the fourth year in the twelve-year Chinese zodiac cycle is the Year of the Hare, a common theory has been that the origin of the name Uzuki came from the Chinese zodiac to define the fourth month.
