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 |
| Special Announcements |
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Highlighted
Cultural Events |
- April 2: "Career Connection, Who’s Hiring in Kansas City?" sponsored by the Asian-American Chamber of Commerce of Kansas City
- April 2: "Japan's Ongoing 3.11 Nuclear Disaster: Recovery and Resilience" @ Univ. of KS
- April 3: Like Father, Like Son film screening @ Notre Dame
- April 3: Japan Student Network Forum with Japan America Society of Chicago
- April 4-6: Anime Detour in Bloomington, MN
- April 5-17: 19th Annual Asian American Showcase @ Gene Siskel Film Center in Chicago, IL
- April 5: Midwest Naginata Seminar @ Purdue Univ.
- April 5: Spring Open House @ Japan House in Urbana-Champaign
- April 5: Kappa Kon @ Milwaukee School of Engineering, WI
- April 7: YPC Round Table Lunch with the Japan America Society
- April 10: Special Lecture "More Than a Number: Reading the Tale of Genji Through a Digital Humanities Approach" @ IN Univ.
- April 10: Tohoku Tomo film screening @ Goethe Institut Chicago
- April 10: The 10th Joint Area Centers Symposium: Children and Globalization - Issues, Policies and Initiatives @ Univ. of IL Urbana-Champaign
- April 11: "That’s Entertainment: Japanese Literacy Celebrity in the Age of Haruki Murakami" @ IN Univ.
- April 11: “Japan in the World Today” Teaching Workshop @ Lee’s Summit, MO
- April 11-13: Anime St. Louis in Collinsville, MO/IL
- April 16: "Caring for an Aging Parent: Tips To Prepare Effectively" with the Japanese American Service Committee of Chicago
- April 18-25: “Japan: An Outsider’s Inside” @ Univ. of NE-Lincoln
- April 21: 2014 Najita Distinguished Lecture - “Haruki Murakami and the Question of Uneven Democracy in Post-Fukushima Japan” @ Univ. of Chicago
- April 22: "Japanese Language Lesson" with Kazuyo Rumbach and the Heart of America Japan America Society
- April 23: “Japan’s Global Strategies in the 21st Century” with the Japan America Society of St. Louis
- April 23: “Neoliberalism as a Historical Stage” @ Univ. of Chicago
- April 25-27: No Brand Con in Eau Claire, WI
- April 26: 2014 Asian Cultural Festival with the Mid-America Asian Culture Association and the Heart of America JAS
- April 26: Ponyo film screening with GEMS World Academy, Chicago, IL
Please click through to our Events Calendar for a full list of events, as well as information about events in the coming months!
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| Economic News |
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| Political News |
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| JIC Library |
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| Fun Features |
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| Editor's Note |
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Uzuki, the old Japanese name for April, means "hare month." It has been projected that the name of the fourth month has origins in the Chinese zodiac, where uzuki corresponds with the year of the rabbit.
For many years, the only national holiday in Uzuki was Greenery Day, on April 29. This was the birthday of the late Emperor Showa and continues to be observed based on his great love and appreciation for nature. However, in 2007 Greenery Day moved to May 4, and April 29 was renamed Showa no hi, or Showa Day.
The end of the month kicks off 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. Travel around Japan at this time is extremely popular…but also a tad pricier than usual!
Uzuki is also the month when sakura trees begin to bloom throughout most of Japan. This blooming is considered an auspicious time to start new things, including school, which begins on April 1.
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| 2014 Summer Internship Opportunity at JIC |
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The Japan Information Center (JIC), at the Consulate General of Japan at Chicago will offer one unpaid, part-time student internship (14-21hrs/week) between June and September, 2014. Internship start/end dates and hours are customized to fit the academic schedule of the selected applicant. Applicants must either (a) be eligible to receive credit for the internship, or (b) have the internship noted on their academic transcript. Applicants selected for an interview must have an in-person interview at the JIC at the Consulate General of Japan at Chicago during business hours. This position is open to both Japanese and American citizens. Please thoroughly read over the guidelines before applying.
Interns at the JIC contribute to and participate in many valuable cultural and international relations programs and events by assisting diplomats and public relations professionals. Specific duties may include but are not limited to:
- Conducting research and drafting letters to respond to inquiries from the public
- Creating resource materials to educate the public on Japanese culture
- Preparing for and assisting with events
- Updating JIC's Facebook page
- Participating in JIC’s School Visit Program, a Japanese cultural presentation program for local schools and community centers
Please submit your resume and cover letter for consideration by 5:00 PM on April 30, 2014 to the Internship Coordinator at jic@cg.mofa.go.jp or by mail to:
Japan Information Center,
Attn: Internship Coordinator
Consulate General of Japan at Chicago
737 N Michigan Ave, Suite 1000
Chicago IL 60611
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| Results from the 28th Annual Japanese Language Speech Contest |
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Participants from the 2014 Japanese Language Speech Contest
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The 28th Annual Japanese Language Speech Contest in Chicago was held on March 22, 2014 and featured 39 exceptional speeches from students with an array of interests and backgrounds. Guests were entertained with topics ranging from the culture of eating bugs to the words and wisdom of Nelson Mandela. KAKEHASHI Project students visiting from Hiroshima Prefecture also provided an especially educational presentation on the incorporation of ancient methods into modern practice.
In Consul General Masaharu Yoshida's opening remarks, he stated how impressed he has been in the past with the quality of speeches delivered and that he is optimistic Japanese language learners are eager to practice their skills when they visit the country. The contestants’ presentations demonstrated their persistent dedication to excellence and because of this, it was difficult for the judges to reach their final decisions. The Grand Prize was given to Mr. Phillip Bachman of the University of Minnesota. The Sister City Osaka Award went to Ms. Danielle Parsons from Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne.
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| April 10 (Deadline): Salary Assistance Grant |
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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. The deadline for this grant is quickly approaching!
- (Deadline 4/10) Salary Assistance Grant for Japanese Language Courses
This grant supports educational institutions or school districts in the U.S. that are facing temporary financial difficulties in either (1) starting up/launching a new Japanese program or (2) expanding or maintaining a current program. JFLA provides one-year grant support to supplement the instructor's salary.
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| April 11 (Deadline): 2014 TOMODACHI-Mitsui & Co. Leadership Program Application |
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Young leaders from the 2013 TOMODACHI-Mitsui
& Co. Leadership Program
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The TOMODACHI-Mitsui & Co. Leadership Program is designed to inspire and motivate the next generation of young American and Japanese leaders to be active in U.S.-Japan relations. This bicultural experience provides outstanding young leaders with unique access to leaders in the U.S.-Japan arena and the opportunity to broaden their perspectives to enhance work or initiatives in their professional fields.
Generously funded by Mitsui & Co., Ltd., the program advocates bicultural exchange and provides participants with unique access to leaders in the U.S.-Japan arena, and the opportunity to broaden their perspectives to enhance work or initiatives in their professional fields. By program design, participants represent broad geographic diversity through different target cities and prefectures each year. For this year’s participants from the United States, priority will be given (but not limited) to applicants who reside in Chicago.
The deadline for applications submission is Friday, April 11, 2014. Please visit the program website to access the application and learn more information.
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| April 13: Presentations by Japanese Researchers Crossing in Chicago @ JIC |
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Japanese scholars conducting research in Chicago will be giving presentations on their work in science-related fields for the 3rd Japanese Researchers Crossing in Chicago lecture series. Scientists who understand Japanese in addition to those hoping to have a chance to refine their language comprehension skills are encouraged to attend. Each presentation will be for approximately 30 minutes immediately followed by a 15 minute Q&A session. There will be networking opportunities at the conclusion of the talks. Please refer to the presentation schedule below for more information.
| Date and Time |
Location |
Information |
April 13, 2014 (Sun)
1:00 - 6:00 PM |
Japan Information Center Hall
737 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 1000
Chicago, IL 60611 |
Presentation schedule
● Free admission
● 日本語のみ(Japanese only) |
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| April 16 (Deadline): JET-MIP Application |
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Students from the 2013 JET-MIP
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On March 11, 2011, Virginian Taylor Anderson and Alaskan Montgomery Dickson both lost their lives during the Great East Japan Earthquake while teaching English in Japan as part of the JET Program. In their honor, the Japan Foundation and the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) are sending around 30 American high school students to Japan every year until 2015 for an intensive, 2-week language training and cultural exchange trip.
The program is open to 11th and 12th grade students from across the United States who are studying Japanese and have taken the National Japanese Exam. This year's deadline for applying is Wednesday, April 16, 2014. More information, including all eligibility requirements and application materials, can be found here.
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| April 30: Japan Day at the College of Lake County |
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The College of Lake County will be hosting a special Japan Day celebration at the end of the month that is free and open to the public! JIC's Emily will discuss the following topics “Japan Today after March 2011 Tsunami” and “Japanese Pop Culture." She will also talk about “Benefits of Learning Japanese in Today’s World." Following her presentations, JIC's Austin will give a Kendo demonstration and teach the audience techniques behind this Japanese form of fencing.
Other exciting plans for the day include: a Japanese tea ceremony performance by Yumiko Ormsby and Toshiko Uehara, "Cool Japan: Japanese Calligraphy" presentation by Hitomi Hirunuma (a former radio personality and TV co-host in Japan), and a Sogetsu Ikebana Floral Demonstration with Toshiko Kolback and Miho Itoh.
| Date and Time |
Location |
Information |
April 30 (Wed)
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
College of Lake County
19351 West Washington Street
Grayslake, IL 60030 |
Event Details
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| May 1 (Deadline): Japanese American Service Committee of Chicago Scholarship Application |
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As a part of its efforts to preserve and promote Japanese heritage and to advance commitment to
community service, the JASC administers an annual scholarship program to support members of the
Japanese American community as they pursue education beyond high school. Currently, the program comprises
several awards: one in the name of Sam Fukaye; one established by the Toguri Family in the name of Fred
Toguri; the William T. Yamamoto Scholarship; the Frank T. Kambara Scholarship; the Jean E. Taketoshi
Scholarship; and the John Iwaoka Scholarship. These JASC scholarships are intended to provide financial
assistance to promising students who have demonstrated both academic excellence and service to the
Japanese American community.
Interested? The deadline for applying is Thursday, May 1, 2014. Please read the guidelines and access the application here.
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| 2014 Goi Peace Foundation and UNESCO International Essay Contest |
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The 2014 Goi essay contest's objective is to help empower young leaders and promote creative thinking. Essays may be submitted by anyone up to 25 years of age as of June 15, 2014 in one of the following categories: 1) Children (ages up to 14) or 2) Youth (ages 15-25). Moreover, the works must be 700 words or less in English, French, Spanish, or German; or 1600 characters of less in Japanese, typed or printed. The theme of this year’s contest is “My Role as a Citizen of Earth.”
The event is organized by the Goi Peace Foundation and UNESCO, endorsed by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan (MEXT), the Japanese National Commission for UNESCO, the Japan Private High School Federation, the Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education, the Japan Broadcasting Corporation, Nikkei Inc., and supported by FELISSIMO CORPORATION.
Entries must be recieved by June 15, 2014 and submitted either by postal mail or online. For more information, please visit the International Essay Contest's website.
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| Japanese Language Education Grants from the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chicago Foundation |
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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 2014-2015 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 established.
Refer to this PDF 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 Monday, July 7, 2014. Applications postmarked on July 7 will not be accepted.
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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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In Japan, “sakura” is synonymous with “spring.” You cannot have one without the other! One hundred two years ago, in a gesture of friendship, Japan presented the United States with 3,000 trees which were planted on the banks of the Potomac River. These beautiful pink-cloud blossoms can still be enjoyed and this year their peak season is predicted to be April 8-12th. The cherry blossoms in Washington D.C. have become an international symbol of goodwill between the two countries; however, what many people do not know is that the gift was the direct result of the persistent efforts by one American woman named Eliza Ruhamah Scidmore.
Eliza’s Cherry Trees Japan’s Gift to America (Call Number 510095), written by Andrea Zimmerman and illustrated by Ju Hong Chen, is a young person’s introduction to the story behind the gift of cherry trees from Japan’s capital to the United States’. The book focuses on Eliza Ruhamah Scidmore, an American writer, photographer, and geographer who lived during the late 1800s. Although she traveled throughout many different countries, it was her opinion that Japanese sakura were the “most beautiful thing in the world.” It was her desire for other Americans to appreciate this natural beauty from her beloved Japan. However, it would take twenty-four years of perseverance for her dream to become a reality.
Eliza’s Cherry Trees is not only a story of determination but also the realization that one person’s actions can impact the world. Because the gift of the cherry trees took place during a pivotal time in history, the book incorporates many different themes including global exploration, foreign relations, women’s rights, and government administrative policies. Although the book was written for students K-3rd grade, the many teachable moments can easily be expounded upon to make the book suitable for older students as well.
Additional notes: Of course, Washington D.C. is not the only place in the United States where sakura bloom. In fact, just two years ago during the centennial celebration of the gift of the cherry trees, more than 200 were planted throughout the Midwest. For more information about where you can see sakura locally, check out the Editor’s Note at the end of the newsletter.
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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 popular Japanese anime is being redone and will be released in July on the streaming site NicoNico Douga?
- Which Company unveiled a disease-detecting breathalyzer?
- Which Japanese actress won the Silver Bear award at the Berlin Film Festival? And for what movie?
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Congratulations to Ravi Grover, our winner from the March issue! Here are last month's answers: |
• Which popular, long-standing Japanese pop group is collaborating with the Japanese government for the Nihonbashi Machizukuri Project?
SMAP
• Where does the Japanese government plan to build a new mega tourist complex? (city and district)
Tokyo in Toyosu district
• Which Japanese male figure skater won gold at Sochi 2014?
Yuzuru Hanyu
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 100 Tokyo
For this month’s Website Highlight, I selected 100 Tokyo because it showcases some of the latest in design, fashion, technology, art, food, architecture, and sightseeing that Japan’s vibrant capital has to offer. Not all features are new, some are brands or locations to visit that have been popular for centuries. By taking suggestions from locals, the website collects some of the city’s most appealing highlights and posts them in one convenient location.
Two of my favorite items of interest are “Nui. HOSTEL & BAR LOUNGE” and “NOUSAKU.” Both have existed for quite some time. The building Nui. HOSTEL & BAR LOUNGE is in a 300-year old toy warehouse converted to a backpacker-friendly hostel that is popular for its amazing interior design and most importantly, its affordable price. NOUSAKU is a metal casting manufacturer established in 1916. Since the beginning, they have been producing traditional tea ware and flower vases. In more recent years, they have added a wide range of modern tableware and interior items which utilize the unique characteristics of metal.
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April showers bring May flowers as the saying goes…rain is permissible but let’s hope there is NO more snow! April does, in many ways, reflect new beginnings in Japan but also in America. It is the season of rebirth and renewal of nature but also, particularly during this winter, of our bodies and spirits. Scattered throughout the Midwest are some sakura trees, so be sure to host your own o-hanami party or attend ones planned by local organizations like the Japan America Societies!
Three recommended locations in the Midwest that have fully bloomed cherry blossom trees are Japan House at Univ. of IL in Urbana-Champaign. Loose Park in Kansas City MO/KS, and Normandale Community College in Bloomington, MN. Normandale has actually genetically engineered their cherry blossoms to be more resistant to harsh winters!
Remember the 2012 Cherry Blossom Centenniel events? In addition to the previously mentioned sites, you can revisit some of these parks to see the progress of the sakura trees that were planted there two years ago:
- Chicago, IL - Chicago Botanic Garden
- Springfield, IL - Executive Mansion
- Des Moines, IA - Iowa State Capitol Grounds
- Indianapolis, IN - White River State Park
- Kansas City, MO/KS - Loose Park
- Omaha, NE - Lauritzen Gardens
- St. Louis, MO - Missouri Botanic Gardens
- St. Paul, MN - Como Park
- Winona, MN - Lake Park; Windom Park; Winona Middle School
Enjoy spring!
Best,
Amy Klouse (Editor, Technology and Information Coordinator)
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Sakura image courtesy
of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
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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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Uzuki, the old Japanese name for April, means "hare month." It has been projected that the name of the fourth month has origins in the Chinese zodiac, where uzuki corresponds with the year of the rabbit.
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. The deadline for this grant is quickly approaching!
The College of Lake County will be hosting a special Japan Day celebration at the end of the month that is free and open to the public! JIC's Emily will discuss the following topics “Japan Today after March 2011 Tsunami” and “Japanese Pop Culture." She will also talk about “Benefits of Learning Japanese in Today’s World." Following her presentations, JIC's Austin will give a Kendo demonstration and teach the audience techniques behind this Japanese form of fencing.
As a part of its efforts to preserve and promote Japanese heritage and to advance commitment to
community service, the JASC administers an annual scholarship program to support members of the
Japanese American community as they pursue education beyond high school. Currently, the program comprises
several awards: one in the name of Sam Fukaye; one established by the Toguri Family in the name of Fred
Toguri; the William T. Yamamoto Scholarship; the Frank T. Kambara Scholarship; the Jean E. Taketoshi
Scholarship; and the John Iwaoka Scholarship. These JASC scholarships are intended to provide financial
assistance to promising students who have demonstrated both academic excellence and service to the
Japanese American community.
The 2014 Goi essay contest's objective is to help empower young leaders and promote creative thinking. Essays may be submitted by anyone up to 25 years of age as of June 15, 2014 in one of the following categories: 1) Children (ages up to 14) or 2) Youth (ages 15-25). Moreover, the works must be 700 words or less in English, French, Spanish, or German; or 1600 characters of less in Japanese, typed or printed. The theme of this year’s contest is “My Role as a Citizen of Earth.”
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.
In Japan, “sakura” is synonymous with “spring.” You cannot have one without the other! One hundred two years ago, in a gesture of friendship, Japan presented the United States with 3,000 trees which were planted on the banks of the Potomac River. These beautiful pink-cloud blossoms can still be enjoyed and this year their peak season is 
