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 on 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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 Nagatsuki is the old Japanese name for the month of September. It is a shortened form of Yonagazuki, meaning "long-night month." You may be wondering why the month was refered to as "long-night month." Tsukimi or "Moon-viewing" parties were popular festivities to honor harvests and the beauty of the moon that began in the Heian Era (794-1185 CE) and continue to present-day. At tsukimi celebrations, the public feasts on dumplings and prepares for the coming of autumn.
There are two national holidays this month: Keiro no hi, or Respect for the Aged Day, was first observed in 1966. The other official holiday this month is Autumnal Equinox Day. It is a time to observe the change of the seasons as well as visit the graves of past ancestors with flowers and food.
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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 to cultural, educational, and other institutions on Japanese language and culture open dialogue with people and communities that have limited exposure to Japan and Japanese people.
The first JOI Coordinator the Consulate would like to introduce is Ms. Yuki Shozaki who recently arrived in Des Moines, Iowa!
"I am excited to have the opportunity to return to the United States and to live in Iowa. This is actually my fourth time coming to America, where I have in the past studied and taught here. Upon graduating from college, I also taught Japanese to students in Australia. Before moving here, I was teaching English to junior high school students in Japan. Now, I am thrilled to be here and would be delighted to participate in any programs or events that relate to Japan being offered this year in the Midwest!"
Phone: 515-306-6351
Email : yuki@worldofdifference.us OR shoyusazae@hotmail.com
Shozaki-san is employed through an organization called CultureALL. Their mission is to create discovery-filled experiences that strengthen cultural understanding and appreciation through such programs as workshops, after school programs, and camps. Currently, CultureALL has over 100 engaging Cultural Ambassadors from more than 40 different countries who work toward enhancing cultural understanding in American communities. Please visit the CultureALL website for details on arranging a cultural presentation.
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| Japanese American Leadership Delegation to Japan [deadline Sept 30] |
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The Japanese American Leadership Delegation (JALD) program provides the opportunity for a select group of Japanese American leaders from across the United States to travel to Japan to engage with Japanese leaders in the business, government, academic, non-profit and cultural sectors. The trip also allows Japanese leaders to gain a greater understanding of multi-cultural America, by having the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse group of Japanese Americans. Individuals selected must be able to travel from March 7-15, 2014 and attend a mandatory orientation in Los Angeles on January 24-25, 2014.
Upon completion of the program, delegates will:
- Improve understanding and strengthen long-term relations between Japanese
Americans and Japan.
- Develop and implement ongoing strategies to expand the role of Japanese
Americans in advancing U.S.-Japan relations.
- Develop a network of Japanese American leaders that will continue to advance long
term U.S.-Japan relations, at the regional, national and international levels.
Apply today! The deadline is September 30, 2013.
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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. And the deadlines are approaching this fall!
- Japanese Teaching Material Purchase Grant (deadline 9/16)
This program is intended to assist educational institutions in the U.S. to purchase teaching materials (textbooks, audio-visual materials, dictionaries, teachers’ reference books, etc.) for their Japanese-language courses by providing financial support not exceeding $1,000.
- Japan-America Collegiate exchange travel program (deadline 9/30)
This new grant is for instructors teaching a Japan-related course at U.S. universities or colleges to help fund a short-term study-tour to Japan, while incorporating the visit into course syllabi to enrich course contents.
- Institutional Project Support [small grant program] (deadline 9/30)
This new grant program is for institutions looking to maintain and advance the infrastructure of their Japanese Studies programs. It provides up to $25,000 for one year.
- CGP Intellectual Exchange Grant (Concept Paper deadline 10/1)
The CGP Grant funds U.S.-Japan collaborative policy-oriented or networking projects conducted by universities, think-tanks, and other non-profit organizations. The grant can provide up to $100,000 per year, for a maximum of three years.
- CGP Grassroots Exchange Grant (Concept Paper deadline 10/1)
The CGP Grassroot Grant funds U.S.-Japan societal and cultural exchanges conducted by non-profit organizations utilizing innovative technologies to spread information on Japan to areas with limited resources. The grant can provide up to $100,000 per year, for a maximum of three years.
- Performing Arts Japan (PAJ) Program (deadline 10/21)
Given to non-profit organizations that want to expose audiences in their area to Japanese cultural performances, the PAJ funds either touring artists or collaborative performances by Japanese and American artists.
- Institutional Project Support (IPS) Program for Japanese Studies (deadline 11/1)
This large grant encourages innovative and sustained growth of Japanese Studies programs. An institution's proposal must enhance the quality of Japanese Studies instruction, research, and equipment. The grant offers up to $150,000 per year, for a maximum of three years.
- Japanese Studies Fellowship Program (deadline 11/1)
For scholars in the Humanities and Social Sciences who wish to conduct research in Japan. This Fellowship funds short-term trips from 21 days to long-term trips up to 12 months. |
| August 31-September 2 - St. Louis Japanese Festival |
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 The Missouri Botanical Garden hosts this event annually with the Japanese Activities Committee. Members of this committee include the Japan America Society of St. Louis and the Consulate. The celebration kicks off Saturday morning with a lively performance by taiko drummers at the Japanese Garden entrance. An elaborate omikoshi Shinto shrine parade, bon odori festival dancing, and opening remarks by local and visiting dignitaries are parts of the opening ceremony. Festival highlights include tea house island tours,traditional music, martial arts, sumo, bonsai displays, and many more fun family activities. There will be sushi and other Japanese snacks too!
| Dates and Times |
Location |
Information |
August 31-September 2, 2013
● 9 AM - 10 PM (Sat & Sun), 10AM - 5PM (Mon - Labor Day) |
Missouri Botanical Garden: 4344 Shaw Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63110 |
Missouri Botanical Garden website
● $15 (ages 13+), $5 (ages 3-12), $5 (Garden members, free for member children) |
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| September 8 - Chicago Half-Marathon - Team Osaka |
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 To commemorate the 40-year Anniversary between Osaka and Chicago, The Osaka Committee of Chicago Sister Cities International has formed a team to run the 17th Annual Chicago Half-Marathon or 5K run/walk.
To register for Team Chicago-Osaka, go to www.usroadsports.com/Signature/Chicago and input one of the following codes at the registration page for a discount:
Half Marathon: CHRCSC13 (good for $5 off)
5K run/walk: CHRCSC5K13 (good for $2.50 off)
If you can’t run the race, but want to get involved, there are a number of volunteer opportunities available. Contact Mark at markjoescott@yahoo.com with questions.
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| September 14 - "Anime De Mo ii" @ Drake Univ. with the Japan America Society of Iowa |
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 Come out and celebrate Anime and Japanese culture at the 3rd Annual "Anime De Mo ii" Festival! Doors open at 10:30 AM with an opening ceremony to kick-off the day. Attractions will include a performance by JASI's Soten Daiko group, Shishimai (Japanese lion dance), a karate demonstration, a kendo workshop, temaki/onigiri cooking presentation, a tea ceremony session, a kimono dressing performance, and a cosplay contest. Two other special and exciting all-day events will be the honoring of the 30th Anniversary of Famicom (Nintendo Game Systems) complete with a Super Smash Brother Brawl tournament and a Pokemon Trading Tournament that includes a DS brawl.
Moreover, if you give a $25 donation, proceeds will benefit the Japan America Society of Iowa (JASI) to continue similar programs and events for the public to enjoy. If you give a donation, you will receive a Special Name Badge, Four Collectible Pins, Front Row seating at the stage area, a Free Meal ticket, and an opportunity to be a judge in the Cosplay Contest. Additionally, you will be honored in our Event Program Booklet for donating and helping to make the event possible.
Mark your calendars for a day jam-packed with Japanese culture and fun!
| Date and Time |
Location |
Information |
September 14, 2013 (Sat)
● Doors open @ 10:30 AM, festival begins @ 11 AM - 5 PM |
Drake University: Olmestead Center, 2nd Floor, 2507 University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311 |
● Anime De Mo ii website
● Anime De Mo ii Facebook event page
● Free for all ages |
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| September 20 - Rakugo with Katsura Sunshine @ Univ. of IL Urbana-Champaign's Spurlock Museum |
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 Rakugo, or "fallen words," is a form of Japanese entertainment that is over 400 years old. In rakugo, the performer on stage remains seated with only a paper fan and small piece of cloth as props to act out a complex, comical short story. The performer plays the role of several characters by utilizing gestures, facial expressions, and voice intonations to differentiate characters.
Mr. Katsura Sunshine is a native of Toronto, Canada and received his training in the art of rakugo from storytelling master Katsura Bunshi VI (then named Katsura Sanshi) in Ise City, Mie Prefecture, Japan. He opened his own rakugo theatre in Ise, called Ise Kawasaki Kikitei, and has had performances in such locations as Japan, Canada, Singapore, Sri Lanka, the United States, and more. Sunshine is the only professional foreign rakugo performer at this time, while there continue to be approximately 700 active in Japan. He hopes to spread this theatre form throughout the world by giving performances in English and has made Illinois one of his destinations for his North American Tour.
This certainly is a unique treat, so be sure to reserve your spot today!
| Date and Time |
Location |
Information |
September 20, 2013 (Fri)
● Doors open @ 6:30 PM, performance @ 7 PM |
Spurlock Museum: 600 S. Gregory Street, Urbana, IL 61801 |
Katsura Sunshine Flier
● Free |
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| September 22 - Japan Festival by Milwaukee Japanese Association |
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 This Japan Festival is primarily intended to be a fund-raising event for good causes. The theme this year is: "Japan Fest 祭 Tohoku-Milwaukee For Their Tomorrow" where proceeds will be donated to help orphans in Minami-Soma city, to the Japanese language program at Franklin High School in Milwaukee, and to Mr.Dominic Amato who often travels to the Tohoku region for volunteer relief work.
There will be a silent auction, an uchikake (formal wedding kimono) demonstration, a taiko performance by Milwaukee's Hibiki Group, origami, ring-toss, a guitar performance by Ichiro Suzuki, and more! Plenty of food and snacks for purchase will be there as well, including food from Japanese Restaurant Izumi, kazumi labboda (a type of Japanese bread), and delicious homemade baked goods.
Be sure to stop by this event and any donation, no matter how small, will be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your generosity!
| Date and Time |
Location |
Information |
September 22, 2013 (Sun)
● 12:00 PM – 3:30 PM |
Elm Grove Woman's Club, 13885 Watertown Plank Road, Elm Grove, Wisconsin 53122 |
Milwaukee Japanese Association homepage |
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| September 27- Japanese Language Proficiency Test Registration ENDS |
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 Sign up this year to take the annual Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) on Sunday, December 1st! The JLPT measures comprehensive Japanese-language communicative competence through three elements: "Language Knowledge," "Reading," and "Listening." There are five levels offered, with N5 being the least difficult and N1 being the highest level. The test is a challenge that evaluates your progress in Japanese language studies and is a goal to work toward for improving your abilities.
The American Association of Teachers of Japanese website has more information on the test and provides useful advice on what steps you can take to prepare for the exam.
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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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The Original "Point-and-Speak Japanese" Phrasebook
 Are you planning on visiting Japan soon? Are you worried you won’t be able to communicate? If so, the library’s newest addition is for you! Written by Toshiya Enomoto (榎本年弥) The Original “Point-and-Speak” Phrasebook 旅の指さし会話帳 (Call Number 530009) is specifically designed to be used by the lost, confused gaikoku-jin and their unsuspecting Japanese savior. In fact, the introduction is actually a letter from Enomoto-san in both Japanese and English explaining that the book’s owner is in need of assistance and asking the now-reading nihon-jin to help.
The first half of the phrasebook is exactly what its name describes – it is designed for conversation through pointing and speaking. First separated into ten categories (including Transportation, Geography, and Shopping), these sections are then divided into more detailed subcategories such as “At the Airport,” “Work and School,” and “Clothes and Colors.” Each key phrase is written in English, Japanese, and romaji. Underneath are pictures (and corresponding vocabulary) to assist in the “point-and-speak” communication. For example, on one of the food pages, the main phrase is “I want to eat” (食べたい). Underneath this sentence are photographs of popular dishes including sukiyaki, tempura, sushi, and sazae no tsubo-yaki. And just in case the gaijin-san does not know what sazae no tsubo-yaki is, there is description!
Throughout the phrasebook there are a variety of aids to improve the flow of communication.
For example, the Tokyo Route Map has designated “memo” spaces for writing station names in kanji while the book’s back cover is designed to be a “white board” when used with a dry-erase marker. Useful Japanese -specific phrases are also highlighted such as saying “itadakimasu” before eating and “(insert body part) ga warui” when complaining of a pain – except for a headache. (After all, nobody wants to declare themselves as being stupid!)
The latter half of the book covers additional reading for those interested in Japanese society and etiquette. The “Tips on Understanding Japanese People” chapter includes a section on gaman as well as the social difference between the words nippon and nihon. There is also a 2000-word glossary, list of national holidays, and an introduction to Japan’s frequently confusing counting system.
Although it is filled with a wealth of useful information, The Original “Point-and-Speak” Phrasebook is also extremely light making it an extremely portable resource. It is definitely a must for non-Japanese speakers who don’t want to invest in an electric dictionary. Personally, I am sure that if I had used one on that fateful day years ago, I would not have told the bus driver I was a bicycle!
Note: Please click the "Money & Numbers" preview above to see a larger, more detailed image. If you are having difficulties, please click here.
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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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Here are some questions about current events in Japan. Email your answers for the chance to win a small prize!
- Which famous volcano erupted near Kagoshima in August?
- 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)
- Fujitsu Laboratories unveiled what kind of new security authentication system?
Answers from the August Quiz:
Congratulations to Daniel Honzik, our winner from the August issue!
• At the Suntory Museum of Art, which artist is being commemorated for 250 years since his birth?
The Suntory Museum of Arts is celebrating the 250th anniversary of the birth of prominent Edo Period painter Tani Buncho. A painter of Kanto-region nanga (literati) style, Buncho’s work features detailed Chinese landscapes and scenery inspired by traditional poems. Read more about his works and life here.
• Which famous Italian luxury brand is starting to sell handbags in Sendai made out of traditional Japanese silk fabric?
Gucci has started to sell handbags in Sendai made with traditional Japanese silk fabric called Sendai-hira. The bags are coproduced with Yoshio Koda (84), who preserves the technique of making hakama in the Sendai-hira style that dates back to the Edo Period (1603-1867 CE). You can read more about the bags on this blog and we recommend you watch Japanese video footage about the bags here!
• The Japanese government approved the first trial of stem cells produced from a patient's own body to work towards curing what?
Japanese authorities have approved the first-ever clinical trial testing of patient-derived stem cells to treat age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a common form of blindness. Six patients will be enrolled initially by the Riken Center for Developmental Biology and the Institute of Biomedical Research and Innovation Hospital in Kobe. They will donate a small section of skin that researchers will use to derive induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells - a type of embryonic-like cell genetically matched to the patient. The scientists will then transform these cells into healthy eye cells to replace those damaged in AMD, and then transplant the grafts into patients. This pioneering trial will first test the safety and tolerability of the grafts.
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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 Nihongo e-na
Have you been endlessly searching for useful materials online to help improve your Japanese language skills? Are you preparing to take the daunting Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) on December 1? Hunt no more, we have the one stop source for you that is supported by the Japan Foundation AND has resources that will benefit all levels of language ability! The fundamentals of language learning, like reading, writing, listening, and speaking are taught in fun, interactive ways. You can also focus on more specific problem areas, like grammar or kanji comprehension.
This month's Website Highlight was posted on our Facebook page and was so well received that I decided to spread the word to our non-Facebook subscribers. (Note: If you have Facebook and haven't liked us...do it now!).
Another popular Facebook post was for Coursera, where the University of Tokyo and Kyoto University will be offering open online courses in English this fall semester.
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I really admire the appreciation of nature in Japanese culture. Gathering with friends and family to simply celebrate the beauty of the moon and each other's company during tsukimi is something that rarely is a part of customs in the United States. Having the occasional picnic, attending free concerts or festivals outdoors, or enjoying a long, relaxing day at a beach may be some of the closest examples (which are equally as entertaining). Take the initiative to celebrate your own moon-viewing party this September!
On another note, starting this month I will be beginning the long process of updating the Consulate's English and Japanese versions of our website. I think some wonderful improvements have already been made, but I will work toward enhancing the overall layout of our site. Please direct any suggestions you have to yours truly!
Best,
Amy Klouse (Editor, Technology and Information Coordinator)
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Silver Grass and Tsukimi Dumplings
Photo credit: Kids Web Japan |
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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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Nagatsuki is the old Japanese name for the month of September. It is a shortened form of Yonagazuki, meaning "long-night month." You may be wondering why the month was refered to as "long-night month." Tsukimi or "Moon-viewing" parties were popular festivities to honor harvests and the beauty of the moon that began in the Heian Era (794-1185 CE) and continue to present-day. At tsukimi celebrations, the public feasts on dumplings and prepares for the coming of autumn. 
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 to cultural, educational, and other institutions 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. And the deadlines are approaching this fall!
The Missouri Botanical Garden hosts this event annually with the Japanese Activities Committee. Members of this committee include the Japan America Society of St. Louis and the Consulate. The celebration kicks off Saturday morning with a lively performance by taiko drummers at the Japanese Garden entrance. An elaborate omikoshi Shinto shrine parade, bon odori festival dancing, and opening remarks by local and visiting dignitaries are parts of the opening ceremony. Festival highlights include tea house island tours,traditional music, martial arts, sumo, bonsai displays, and many more fun family activities. There will be sushi and other Japanese snacks too! 
To commemorate the 40-year Anniversary between Osaka and Chicago, The Osaka Committee of Chicago Sister Cities International has formed a team to run the 17th Annual Chicago Half-Marathon or 5K run/walk. 
Come out and celebrate Anime and Japanese culture at the 3rd Annual "Anime De Mo ii" Festival! Doors open at 10:30 AM with an opening ceremony to kick-off the day. Attractions will include a performance by JASI's Soten Daiko group, Shishimai (Japanese lion dance), a karate demonstration, a kendo workshop, temaki/onigiri cooking presentation, a tea ceremony session, a kimono dressing performance, and a cosplay contest. Two other special and exciting all-day events will be the honoring of the 30th Anniversary of Famicom (Nintendo Game Systems) complete with a Super Smash Brother Brawl tournament and a Pokemon Trading Tournament that includes a DS brawl. 
Rakugo, or "fallen words," is a form of Japanese entertainment that is over 400 years old. In rakugo, the performer on stage remains seated with only a paper fan and small piece of cloth as props to act out a complex, comical short story. The performer plays the role of several characters by utilizing gestures, facial expressions, and voice intonations to differentiate characters. 
This Japan Festival is primarily intended to be a fund-raising event for good causes. The theme this year is: "Japan Fest 祭 Tohoku-Milwaukee For Their Tomorrow" where proceeds will be donated to help orphans in Minami-Soma city, to the Japanese language program at Franklin High School in Milwaukee, and to Mr.Dominic Amato who often travels to the Tohoku region for volunteer relief work. 
Sign up this year to take the annual Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) on Sunday, December 1st! The JLPT measures comprehensive Japanese-language communicative competence through three elements: "Language Knowledge," "Reading," and "Listening." There are five levels offered, with N5 being the least difficult and N1 being the highest level. The test is a challenge that evaluates your progress in Japanese language studies and is a goal to work toward for improving your abilities. 
Are you planning on visiting Japan soon? Are you worried you won’t be able to communicate? If so, the library’s newest addition is for you! Written by Toshiya Enomoto (榎本年弥) The Original “Point-and-Speak” Phrasebook 旅の指さし会話帳 (Call Number 530009) is specifically designed to be used by the lost, confused gaikoku-jin and their unsuspecting Japanese savior. In fact, the introduction is actually a letter from Enomoto-san in both Japanese and English explaining that the book’s owner is in need of assistance and asking the now-reading nihon-jin to help. 
