The e-Japan Journal is the electronic webletter of the Consulate General of Japan at Chicago and the Japan Information Center (JIC). We hope it proves to be a useful, interesting, and exciting window for you to Japanese cultural activities 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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| This Month in Japan |
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 Kannazuki the ancient Japanese name for the month of October, literally means “the month of no gods.” This is because in October, according to Shinto tradition, all of the gods in Japan gather at Izumo Shrine in Izumo City, forgoing overseeing the rest of the country. In Izumo, the month is known locally as Kamiarizuki, or "the month of gods."
In Japan, the only official holiday in October is Taiiku no hi (Health and Sports Day), which is always observed on the second Monday of the month. The holiday was established in 1964 to commemorate the Tokyo Olympics and achieved national holiday status in 1966. Because of Tokyo's recent nomination to host the 2020 Summer Olympics, this year's Sports Day will be an especially fitting celebration. Typically, schools and some businesses host field days to encourage both physical and mental health. In many ways, it is like a mini Olympics. Popular activities include track and field events, tug of war, three-legged races, etc.
Halloween, although not originally celebrated in Japan, has been growing in popularity over the years especially among young people. This article from the Japan Times sheds light on Halloween celebrations in Japan and can teach you some fun, spooky words.
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| Japanese Outreach Initiative (JOI) Coordinator Spotlight |
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JOI was formed from a partnership between the Japan Foundation's Center for Global Partnership and the Laurasian Institution. JOI's goals are to promote American understanding of and interest in Japan and to cultivate leaders in grassroots exchange between Japan and the United States. This is carried out mainly with the help of the JOI Coordinators, Japanese citizens selected by the program to live in the US for two years. The presentations they give on Japanese language and culture open dialogue with people and communities that have limited exposure to Japan and Japanese people.
The next JOI Coordinator the Consulate would like to introduce is Ms. Hiromi Naka who recently arrived in Madison, Wisconsin! In the above picture, Naka-san is teaching Japanese to students in China.
"I will serve as an outreach coordinator to introduce Japanese culture, society and language throughout Wisconsin for the next two years. I look forward to visiting any local K-12 schools, libraries, community centers and campuses for Japan-related outreach. Below are some examples of sample activities and presentations I can give:
Activities
- Origami
- Chopstick Challenges
- Wearing Kimono
- Making New Year's Cards
- Japanese Cooking
- Japanese Songs
- Calligraphy
- Tsumami Zaiku (Making Fabric Flowers)
Presentations
- Life in Japan
- Education in Japan
- Manga and Anime
- Youth Culture
- Seasonal Events and Ceremonies
- Japanese Music
- Japanese Art
- Japanese Performing Arts
Additional activities and presentations can be arranged upon request.
Please contact me to arrange a program that will best suit your needs and interests!"
Phone: 608-467-0243
Email : hnaka@wisc.edu
Website: Japan Outreach Initiative (JOI) Coordinator at Univ. of WI-Madison |
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 Every year, the Japan Foundation offers several grants and fellowships to support researchers, educators, scholars, and others doing work related to Japanese culture, language, politics, and more. These grants and fellowships are a great way to strengthen your organization's mission. The deadlines are quickly approaching this fall!
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| Student Creators Invitation Program - KAKEHASHI Project |
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 The Student Creators Invitation Program is the program of the KAKEHASHI Project which aims to foster learning and networking between artistic fields and creative professions. Academia chaperones must submit applications for their students and only students from four-year university/colleges or graduate schools in the United States are eligible candidates. Recruiting from artistic and creative academic programs, approximately 80 students from the U.S. will be invited to visit Japan in the Spring and Summer of 2014. Participating groups will undertake an 11-day (10 in Japan) intensive study program, focusing on learning first-hand about artistic programs, industries, and creative professions, including visits to educational institutions, museums, companies and non-profit organizations.
The Kakehashi Project is a fully-funded, large-scale youth exchange program between Japan and the United States. Sponsored by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, Kakehashi aims to heighten potential interest in Japan and increase the number of overseas visitors to the country, as well as enhance international understanding of the “Japan brand,” or the nation’s strengths and attractiveness.
Please visit the Student Creators Invitation Program website. The application deadline is November 1, 2013! |
| JET Promotion @ MO and IN Universities |
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 Two representatives from the Consulate will be visiting universities in Missouri and Indiana this month to set up booths and tell communities more about the JET Program. If you attend one of these schools or live nearby, stop by and learn all about the benefits of teaching English in Japan through the Japanese government!
| Say "Konnichiwa" to Austin in Missouri |
Say "Konnichiwa" to Wesley in Indiana |
● 10/16 (Wed) - Webster University
Library Conference Room
12 - 1 PM
● 10/17 (Thur) - University of MO (St. Louis)
Millennium Student Center
11 AM - 1:30 PM
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● 10/21 (Mon) - Purdue University
Wetherill Laboratory of Chemistry 360
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
● 10/22 (Tue) - IPFW (Indiana-Purdue Univ. Fort Wayne)
Kettler Hall 247
12 - 1:15 PM
● Valparaiso University
Office of International Programs, Harre Union
4:00 - 5:00 PM
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| October 5 - Greater Kansas City Japan Festival |
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 This annual festival in Kansas City is always a hit for Japanese culture enthusiasts. From kendo martial arts to a bonsai demonstrations and workshops, this event has it all! This year, special live performances include Aya Uchida (a professional Japanese pop singer - her latest music video was shot on location in Kansas), a tea ceremony demonstration by Yoko Hiraoka, Three Trails Taiko, Buyo Dance by Yoshiko Yamanaka, KSU's Yosakoi Dance Group, Ki Daiko Olathe High School Taiko Group, Ottawa Suzuki Strings Institute, and Emporia State University Japanese Association Sakura Choir.
Displays that showcase traditional japanese dolls, samurai swords, kimono (including wedding kimono and samurai armor!), and calligraphy are additional items of interest. Grab a bite to eat at one of the plentiful vendors that will be serving delectable bento boxes and sushi.
Moreover, make a point to watch Miyuki Sugimori's candy sculpting performance. Hailing from Walt Disney World, Sugimori-san is a professional candy sculptor and the only female candy artist that performs this craft. Make sure to try some of her beautiful treats, too!
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| October 5-6 - Japanese Ambience Festival (Omaha Sister Cities) |
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 It's the time of year for autumn festivals, and the Japanese Ambience Festival will be two days full of fun! Omaha Sister Cities sponsors this event at the Lauritzen Gardens to commemorate long-lasting friendship between Omaha and Shizuoka, Japan. The Japanese garden at Lauritzen Garden features a Japanese Sunpu Castle Gate that was presented as a gift from Shizuoka. Portions of the garden are currently under renovation, so all proceeds for this festival will go toward Phase II and III of project completion.
While at the event, enjoy activities like origami, calligraphy, sake tasting, and sushi demonstrations. Performances will include martial arts demonstrations, taiko drumming along with traditional Japanese dance.
| Date and Time |
Location |
Information |
● October 5-6, 2013 (Sat-Sun)
9 AM – 5 PM |
Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St, Omaha, NE 68108 |
● Japanese Ambience Festival website
● Garden Admission Required |
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| October 26- JET Information Session @ JIC |
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 The JET Program gives college graduates the opportunity to teach English in elementary, junior, and senior high schools in Japan as an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) or they can assist with local internationalization activities as a Coordinator for International Relations (CIR). The Sports Exchange Advisor (SEA) position is also offered by the Japanese Government that prospective applicants may apply for separately.
Every year, the JIC holds an Informational Session for potential JETs to ask questions and find out what the JET Program has to offer as a career choice. Take a look at our JET Program page to learn about JET prior to coming to our information session. If you would like to learn more about working in Japan or have specific questions you would like to ask, please attend!
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| Reischauer Scholars Program (RSP) for High School Students |
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 The Reischauer Scholars Program (RSP) is an online course for high school students sponsored by the Stanford Program on International and Cross-Cultural Education (SPICE) and the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies (FSI). The RSP provides students with a broad overview of Japanese history, literature, religion, art, politics, economics, and contemporary society, with a special focus on the U.S.–Japan relationship. Ambassadors, top scholars, and experts throughout the United States and Japan provide online lectures and engage students in live discussion sessions. Students also complete readings and weekly assignments, with the coursework culminating in an independent research project. Final research projects are printed in journal format, and students are also required to lead two presentations on Japan at their schools or in their local communities. Students who successfully complete the course will earn Stanford Continuing Studies Program (CSP) credit and a Certificate of Completion from SPICE. Additionally, students do not need to know the Japanese language to participate in this course, and there are no student fees.
Selected students participate in the online course on Japan from February to June of each year. To apply, please visit their website to print out and begin filling in the application. The application must be postmarked no later than October 18, 2013. Click here to learn more about RSP.
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| Hakuho Foundation Japanese Research Fellowship |
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 Annually, the Hakuho Foundation Japanese Research Fellowship invites leading international researchers of the Japanese language, Japanese language instruction, Japanese literature and Japanese culture to Japan to conduct residential research. It's primary goal is to strengthen the fundamentals of international research in Japan. Eligible applicants must hold a PhD and must have sufficient levels of Japanese language that allow them to be able to conduct research and interact in Japanese. Both long-term (12 month) and short-term (6 month) fellowships are available.
Application instructions are available online in both Japanese and English, but the application must be completed in Japanese. The deadline is October 31, 2013 and all materials must be submitted to the main office in Japan. Please visit their website for this address, application forms, and more information.
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If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, feel free to contact our librarian directly at emily.toelcke@cg.mofa.go.jp.
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| Highlighted Resources is a column written by JIC librarian Emily Toelcke that features notable library materials we offer per month. |
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Now that school is underway here in the Midwest, it only seems appropriate to highlight several new student books recently added to the library.
Where Are You Going? To See My Friend/ どこへいくの？ともだちにあいに！(Call Number 510096) is a collaborative work by much-loved authors Eric Carle and Kazuo Iwamura. Each author, using his own unique style tells the same story. Eric Carle begins from the left side of the book, while Iwamura-san begins in Japanese from the right. Eventually all the characters meet in the middle to sing a bilingual song. Following Eric Carle’s typical repetitive style, the story is easy to follow no matter the language and Iwamura-san’s side also includes romaji so anyone can read the Japanese. Where Are You Going? is a great introduction to animal sounds in Japanese as well as the differences between each language’s print rules.(Suggested grade level 1st – 3rd)
Taka-chan and I: A Dog’s Journey to Japan by Runcible by Betty Jean Lifton (Call Number 510094) is the story of a dog who, while digging on a Cape Cod beach, realizes that he has tunneled all the way to Japan. Here he meets young Taka-chan who has been captured by the Black Sea Dragon and soon finds himself on a quest to find the country’s most loyal “person.” The gorgeous black and white photographs set in 1960s Japan provide a glimpse into traditional Japanese life of the day and leave the reader wondering if there is actually a difference between dreams and reality. As there are numerous references to Japanese traditions and folklore, Taka-chan and I would be most enjoyed by 4th grade and older students who have some introductory knowledge of Japan.
J-Boys, Kazuo’s World, Tokyo, 1965 by Shogo Oketani and translated by Avery Fischer Udagawa (Call Number 552037) is a novel inspired by the author’s own experiences growing up in the changing world of 1960s Japan. The book focuses on the life of young Kazuo Nakamoto, a fourth grader living in Shinagawa Ward, Tokyo. While Kazuo ponders boyish fantasies such as the mysterious taste of American hanbaagaa and imitating his idols, the 1964 Olympic Sprinter Bob Hayes and the Beatles, he also finds himself dealing with the effects and prejudices surrounding the wars. While recommended by the author for junior high and up, due to some of the content, I would suggest that it is most appropriate for late middle or high school students and should be read with teacher guidance. College students and adults interested in this era would also benefit from the vast historical and cultural references which are well-explained throughout.
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| New Additions, also written by Emily Toelcke, showcases the latest materials we have received in the JIC collection. |
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| The JIC Media library has some new additions! When clicking on the links below, the English title brings up an English synopsis for the movie and the Japanese title loads a Japanese one. Please note that the Feature Films are only available to educators for private, classroom screenings. All other films are available to anyone in our jurisdiction. For a complete list of available films as well as lending instructions, please visit the Library’s webpage. |
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For this issue, I wanted to have a different contest. Compose a haiku or tanka that commemorates the natural shift of summer to autumn. The poem can be about the end of summer, beginning of fall, the process of seasonal changes, etc., or it can incorporate current events if you like. Your poem can be written in Japanese or English and I will select which poem receives a small prize based on poem rules, creativity, and appropriateness. That poem will also be published in the November issue of our newsletter.
To submit your work by email, send it to jic@cg.mofa.go.jp and write "Japan Poem" in the subject line.
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Here are the answers from last month to some questions about current events in Japan.
Congratulations to Richard Stump, our winner from the August issue!
• Which famous volcano erupted near Kagoshima in August?
The great Sakurajima Volcano erupted in August. The ash and molted lava spewed from the volcano up to heights of 5,000 meters. This was, surprisingly, Sakurajima's 500th eruption this year! You can read all about it in this article.
• Mt. Fuji was named a UNESCO cultural heritage site on June 22. In light of this, Ginza Tanaka has started selling pure-gold Mt. Fuji replicas for how much? (answer can be in yen or dollars)
$286,000 or 28.6 million yen. The odd weight of the little mountains pays homage to the official height of Mt Fuji (3,776 meters). If the outlandish price is somewhat out of your price range, a pure silver version is also available for a more "reasonable" 2 million yen. Read more about it here
• Fujitsu Laboratories unveiled what kind of new security authentication system?
Fujitsu developed the world's first Palm Vein and Fingerprint Authentication that has the capability of identifying one particular person in less than two seconds. By employing both palm vein pattern and fingerprint data, the technology enables the rapid identification of a given individual out of data from a million people. The device makes it possible to construct biometric authentication systems that do not require ID cards. You can read more about this fascinating invention right here!
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 Erin's Challenge! I can speak Japanese.
In order to prepare those of you tackling the JLPT, I am going to continue recommending some websites that help improve your Japanese language skills until December. The Japan Foundation has created "Erin's Challenge!" to aid students studying Japanese. This site builds up vocabulary, teaches cultural differences, and is a particularly valuable resource for improving speaking. Although speaking is not a part of the JLPT test, I think that reading what actors in the videos say, reviewing the scripts, and processing the content greatly increases vocabulary and grammar comprehension.
What's more, if you register with the site, a lot of interactive perks are included free of charge. In the "Nihongo Quest" game, you have opportunities to converse with others in the online town and work toward developing your abilities in an interactive community.
And for those of you who are preparing for higher levels of the test, start with NHK's News Web Easy and work your way up to being able to read Japanese newspaper articles from sources like NHK, Asahi Shimbun, or Yomiuri Shimbun. You CAN do it...諦めないで！
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In Buenos Aires on September 7th, 2013, a committee selected Tokyo to host the Summer 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games! This makes Tokyo the first East Asian and Asian city to host the Olympic games twice. Tokyo, as the site for the 1964 Olympics, represented Japan's strength after rebuilding from WWII and called for global unity and peace. Tokyo in 2020 will exemplify great strides forward for Japan after the 3/11 earthquake and tsunami disasters.
If you want to take a journey to the past, the official Olympic website maintains data of Winter and Summer Olympics that have taken place since Athens in 1869. Here are the pages for Tokyo 1964, Sapporo 1972, and Nagano 1998. Stay active and Happy Halloween!
Best,
Amy Klouse (Editor, Technology and Information Coordinator)
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Official Olympic Logo
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| You are receiving this email webletter because you have signed up to receive information about Japan and Japan-related events from our office. If you no longer wish to receive these emails, please email the Japan Information Center at jic@cg.mofa.go.jp. |
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Official website for Consulate General of Japan at Chicago
www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp |
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Kannazuki the ancient Japanese name for the month of October, literally means “the month of no gods.” This is because in October, according to Shinto tradition, all of the gods in Japan gather at Izumo Shrine in Izumo City, forgoing overseeing the rest of the country. In Izumo, the month is known locally as Kamiarizuki, or "the month of gods."
JOI was formed from a partnership between the Japan Foundation's Center for Global Partnership and the Laurasian Institution. JOI's goals are to promote American understanding of and interest in Japan and to cultivate leaders in grassroots exchange between Japan and the United States. This is carried out mainly with the help of the JOI Coordinators, Japanese citizens selected by the program to live in the US for two years. The presentations they give on Japanese language and culture open dialogue with people and communities that have limited exposure to Japan and Japanese people.
Every year, the Japan Foundation offers several grants and fellowships to support researchers, educators, scholars, and others doing work related to Japanese culture, language, politics, and more. These grants and fellowships are a great way to strengthen your organization's mission. The deadlines are quickly approaching this fall!
The Student Creators Invitation Program is the program of the KAKEHASHI Project which aims to foster learning and networking between artistic fields and creative professions. Academia chaperones must submit applications for their students and only students from four-year university/colleges or graduate schools in the United States are eligible candidates. Recruiting from artistic and creative academic programs, approximately 80 students from the U.S. will be invited to visit Japan in the Spring and Summer of 2014. Participating groups will undertake an 11-day (10 in Japan) intensive study program, focusing on learning first-hand about artistic programs, industries, and creative professions, including visits to educational institutions, museums, companies and non-profit organizations.
Two representatives from the Consulate will be visiting universities in Missouri and Indiana this month to set up booths and tell communities more about the JET Program. If you attend one of these schools or live nearby, stop by and learn all about the benefits of teaching English in Japan through the Japanese government!
This annual festival in Kansas City is always a hit for Japanese culture enthusiasts. From kendo martial arts to a bonsai demonstrations and workshops, this event has it all! This year, special live performances include Aya Uchida (a professional Japanese pop singer - her latest 
It's the time of year for autumn festivals, and the Japanese Ambience Festival will be two days full of fun! Omaha Sister Cities sponsors this event at the Lauritzen Gardens to commemorate long-lasting friendship between Omaha and Shizuoka, Japan. The Japanese garden at Lauritzen Garden features a Japanese Sunpu Castle Gate that was presented as a gift from Shizuoka. Portions of the garden are currently under renovation, so all proceeds for this festival will go toward Phase II and III of project completion.
The JET Program gives college graduates the opportunity to teach English in elementary, junior, and senior high schools in Japan as an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) or they can assist with local internationalization activities as a Coordinator for International Relations (CIR). The Sports Exchange Advisor (SEA) position is also offered by the Japanese Government that prospective applicants may apply for separately.
The Reischauer Scholars Program (RSP) is an online course for high school students sponsored by the Stanford Program on International and Cross-Cultural Education (SPICE) and the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies (FSI). The RSP provides students with a broad overview of Japanese history, literature, religion, art, politics, economics, and contemporary society, with a special focus on the U.S.–Japan relationship. Ambassadors, top scholars, and experts throughout the United States and Japan provide online lectures and engage students in live discussion sessions. Students also complete readings and weekly assignments, with the coursework culminating in an independent research project. Final research projects are printed in journal format, and students are also required to lead two presentations on Japan at their schools or in their local communities. Students who successfully complete the course will earn Stanford Continuing Studies Program (CSP) credit and a Certificate of Completion from SPICE. Additionally, students do not need to know the Japanese language to participate in this course, and there are no student fees.
Annually, the Hakuho Foundation Japanese Research Fellowship invites leading international researchers of the Japanese language, Japanese language instruction, Japanese literature and Japanese culture to Japan to conduct residential research. It's primary goal is to strengthen the fundamentals of international research in Japan. Eligible applicants must hold a PhD and must have sufficient levels of Japanese language that allow them to be able to conduct research and interact in Japanese. Both long-term (12 month) and short-term (6 month) fellowships are available. 
