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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Kisaragi, or the old name for February, comes from kinu sara gi, meaning "wear still more clothes." For most of Japan, January and February are the coldest months, so as Kisaragi suggests, layering clothes for warmth is encouraged!
Setsubun - celebrated on February 3 – is the day before the beginning of spring in Japan according to the Lunar calendar. On this night, children fill a cup with soybeans. They proceed to throw these soybeans at someone wearing an oni (ogre) mask, typically the father of the house, while shouting "Oni wa soto; fuku wa uchi!" This phrase translates as "Ogres out; good fortune in!" Since this day falls close to the Lunar New Year, it can be thought of as a New Years Eve of sorts where evil is cleansed from the former year to welcome bountiful amounts of good luck in the coming year.
The only national holiday this month is National Foundation Day on February 11. According to the Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan), this is the date calculated to be the day on which Jimmu - the first emperor of Japan - was enthroned.
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| TOHOKU Through the Eyes of Japanese Photographers Exhibit @ JIC open until 2/7! |
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Driving off Sparrows, Kitsunezaka, Taiyu Village
Teisuke Chiba 1943
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Until Friday, February 7, the JIC will be hosting an exciting traveling exhibit featuring over 120 photographs from Tohoku. This exhibition, which was curated by Japanese photography critic Kotaro Iizawa to mark the first anniversary of the great earthquake, does not attempt to document the damage or recovery but instead uses photography to show the natural and cultural environment of Tohoku along with its people and their ways of life.
It is composed of the work of nine individual photographers and one photographers’ group who belong to a variety of generations and stylistic tendencies. Photographs taken in the 1940s will be shown alongside images of the present. By presenting the viewpoints of highly individualistic photographers who represent the past, present, and future, this exhibition aims to introduce many fascinating aspects of Tohoku to the world.
| Date and Time |
Location |
Information |
December 16, 2013 - February 7, 2014
M-F 9:15 AM - 5:00 PM |
Japan Information Center
737 North Michigan Avenue Suite 1000
Chicago, IL 60611 |
Website
Flier
● Free admission |
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| February 1: (Deadline) East-West Center in Washington D.C. - Japan Studies Fellowship Application |
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The East-West Center is accepting applications from scholars and analysts who wish to undertake policy-relevant research and writing on issues of key relevance to the US-Japan partnership, including diplomatic, politico-security, economic, social and international fields. The Center especially welcomes applicants specializing on Japan’s economy or US-Japan collaborative economic ties. The fellowship finances a three-month OR six-month residence at the East-West Center in Washington, D.C and is funded by the Japan Foundation's Center for Global Partnership.
The fellowship includes a monthly stipend of US $2,500 to $4,500 (dependent upon experience) while in residence at EWC in Washington, round trip economy airfare to Washington, D.C., and a ten-day research trip to Japan. Residency at the Center's Washington, D.C., office may begin as early as May 2014 and extend until January 2015.
Please visit the East-West Center in Washington D.C.'s Japan Studies Fellowship for application and eligibility information. Please additionally note that the deadline is Saturday, February 1.
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| February 8: (Deadline) 2014 JET Memorial Invitation Program 2014 National Japanese Exam Application |
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Participants from the 2013 JET-MIP
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Japanese language teachers must register their selected applicant for the 2014 National Japanese Exam by Saturday, February 8 at 5:00 PM Eastern Standard Time.
The Japan Foundation created JET-MIP immediately following the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami disasters to commemorate the work of two former American JET Program assistant English language teachers who lost their lives on March 11, 2011. Taylor Anderson, who was in Ishinomaki City and Montgomery Dickson, who was in Rikuzentakada City will be forever remembered as cultural ambassadors representing the U.S. They had a positive influence on the people and communities they served. The program has three goals:
- Encourage American high school students to continue studying Japanese
- Encourage youth exchanges such as the JET program as an option for the future
- Create a network within participants of this program as well as individual networks between participants and people they meet in Japan (Bridge Building)
Please stop by the Japan Foundation's JET-MIP page for further program details.
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| February 9: 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 2nd Annual 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 15 minutes immediately followed by a 15 minute Q&A session. Please refer to the presentation schedule below for more information.
| Date and Time |
Location |
Information |
February 9, 2014 (Sun)
1:00 - 4:30 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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| February 9: 2014 Kansas City Japanese Film Festival with Heart of America Japan America Society and Heartland JETAA |
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It's time for the Kansas City Japanese Film Festival this year! Come enjoy a day filled with classic Japanese films.
All proceeds for the event will go to The Taylor Anderson Memorial Fund. Taylor Anderson, as mentioned in the JET-MIP section of this newsletter, passed away on March 11, 2011 during the Great East Japan Earthquake. This fund was established by her family to help students, schools, and families in the Ishinomaki and Tohoku regions recover from the earthquake and tsunami.
Films this year include:
- 11:00 AM - Satoshi Kon’s dark anime Perfect Blue (a source for the film Black Swan starring Natalie Portman) (1997)
- 1:15 AM - Akira Kurosawa’s bittersweet commentary on the meaning of life, Ikiru (1952)
- 4:15 PM - Hayao Miyazaki’s anime classic Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984)
- 8:00 PM - Kinji Fukasaku’s Battle Royale, a film set in an Orwellian near-future in which teenagers are forced to fight to the death on an island for reality TV (2000)
| Date and Time |
Location |
Information |
February 9 (Sun)
11 AM - 10 PM |
Alamo Draft House
1400 Main Street
Kansas City, MO 64105 |
Heart of America JAS Website
● $20.00 for day pass to 3-4 films
● $7.50 per film |
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| February 14: (Deadline) Entries for the 2014 Japanese Language Speech Contest |
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Participants from the 2013 Speech Contest
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The Consulate is now accepting entries for the 28th Annual Japanese Language Speech Contest to be held at the JIC on Saturday, March 22! The Contest is a fantastic opportunity for students studying Japanese to put their Japanese skills to the test and to demonstrate their perseverance in perfecting the language to the audience. It is also a great chance to win an assortment of great prizes, including a round-trip ticket to Japan.
Interested? Please visit our Speech Contest page on our website to find out more details. The Consulate must receive all applications no later than 5:00 PM on Friday, February 14.
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| February 14-16: Anime Milwaukee @ Milwaukee, WI |
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The largest anime convention in Wisconsin is coming...Anime Milwaukee! Come take part in the charity ball, cosplay combat chess, maid cafes, art contests, fashion shows, tabletop gaming, and video game tournaments. There will also be a variety of presentations by anime and manga industry professionals as well as artist and vendor booths!
This year, the Consulate will not only have a booth detailing events and opportunities at the JIC, but will also host a JET Program Information Session complete with a film screening of The Voices of a Distant Star (Hoshi no koe) directed by Makoto Shinkai. Topics to be covered include: application procedures, positions available, salary and tax information, daily life as a JET etc. If you already plan on applying, feel free to ask the Consulate representatives any questions you may have.
| Date and Time |
Location |
Information |
| February 14-16, 2014 (Fri-Sun)
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Hyatt Regency Milwaukee
333 West Kilbourn Ave
Milwaukee WI, 53203 |
Website
● Regular tickets $45
● JET Info Session: 2/15 (Sat) from
10 - 11:30 AM Room 103 A&B |
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| February 15: J-Quiz with the Japan America Society of MN |
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Are you a high school student living in Minnesota or Wisconsin who studies Japanese and is a Japanese culture and history pro? Take on a new challenge in the Japan America Society of Minnesota's annual J-Quiz! Students will compete against other schools and utilize their Japanese skills to the fullest by writing compositions and participating in other cultural activities. As a qualifying event for the national Japan Bowl, the J-Quiz offers its grand prize winner a trip to Washington, D.C. in April to compete in the national bowl and observe the Cherry Blossom Festival.
| Date and Time |
Location |
Information |
Febraury 15, 2014 (Sat)
7:30 AM - 3:30 PM |
Normandale Community College
France Avenue South
and 98th Street in Bloomington |
Website |
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| February 21: (Deadline) U.S.-Japan Network for the Future Application |
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The purpose of the “U.S.-Japan Network for the Future” program is to identify American professionals specializing in Japan who demonstrate an interest in and potential for becoming policy intellectuals, and to support them in this effort. The network will include Japan specialists from all regions of the U.S. with diverse expertise and perspectives who are able to participate constructively in the bilateral policy-making process and to contribute to U.S.-Japan understanding.
The Maureen and Mike Mansfield Foundation and the Japan Foundation Center for Global Partnership are the primary supporters of this program. At the conclusion of the program in January 2016, network participants will present papers and discuss current issues in the region at a public symposium in Washington, D.C.
Please visit the U.S.-Japan Network for the Future program website for further information on the application process.
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| February 22: Japanese Olympiad of Indiana (JOI) @ Indiana Univ. |
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'Tis the season for fierce Japanese language contests! This year, the Japanese Olympiad of Indiana competition will take place at Indiana University's School of Education. The Consulate, along with the Association of Indiana Teachers of Japanese, the East Asian Studies Center at Indiana University, and the Japan Foundation are co-sponsoring the competition among high school students of Japanese. Throughout Indiana, these students will have a chance to showcase their knowledge of Japanese language, history, geography, culture, current events, and much more!
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| March 3: (Deadline) Monbukagakusho (MEXT) Scholarship Applications |
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Monbukagakusho, or the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), offers four scholarships intended to give non-Japanese nationals a chance to study in Japan.
The Consulate is currently accepting applications for the Japanese Studies Scholarship for undergraduate students majoring in Japanese language, Japanese affairs, or Japanese culture where, if they are recipients, they will have a chance to deepen their understandings through academic study in one of several universities in Japan. This year, the application deadline is Monday, March 3! To learn more, please head to our MEXT Scholarships page.
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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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One of my favorite parts about working in the JIC library is discovering “new” books tucked between the stacks. Jimi’s Book of Japanese: A Motivating Method to Learn Japanese (Call Number 530005) first caught my attention while I was organizing our Language and Literature section. Was it to be catalogued as a children’s book? A textbook? A vocabulary book?
Written by Peter X. Takahashi and cleverly illustrated by Yumie Toka, Jimi’s Book of Japanese is an introduction to hiragana by Jimi the monkey, Robotto-san the T621 operating system, and the fashion-conscious wani (alligator), Akiko. Each page features the Triple Bubble Learning System™ designed to enhance recall by combining several learning modalities. In the large bubble is a giant kana and numbered stroke arrows. Two attached smaller bubbles contain Jimi modeling the proper pronunciation and several Japanese words in both hiragana and romaji demonstrating the use of the character. Readers are instructed to trace the large kana with their finger as they mimic Jimi’s face and read the words out loud. Throughout the text, Robotto-san and Akiko provide interesting but succinct cultural notes as well as basic greetings and additional vocabulary to further introduce the highlighted character. Over 125 basic Japanese words are featured throughout and can be easily accessed and defined in the Visual Library and alphabetical Word List at the end of the book.
The goal of Jimi’s Book of Japanese is to introduce the very basic roles and stroke order of the hiragana system. It is neither a textbook nor a grammar book and should not be viewed as such. Those with a quizzical mind may question the lack (or inclusion) of certain elements which are not explained. For example, を is introduced without any accompanying vocabulary or an explanation to its role in the Japanese language. Because of this, it is recommended that Jimi’s Book of Japanese be viewed as an “alphabet book” or supplementary text to other language learning materials.
Jimi’s Book of Japanese won the 2003 “Parents’ Choice Award for Doing and Learning,” which would make it seem to be geared towards children and thus in the JIC’s Kodomo Corner. However, the kawaii illustrations and interesting cultural notes also make it attractive to Japanophiles of all ages who are interested in learning the basics of hiragana. In fact, a recent library patron pointed out that he was more motivated to study because of the visual appeal of the book. As a result, Jimi’s Book of Japanese has been moved to the Japanese Language section of the library. Hopefully, its new placement will let it be better appreciated by all!
Author’s note:
While the JIC library does not currently own it, be sure to check out the katakana version of Jimi’s Book of Japanese as well!
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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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| Last Month in Japan [Concert Tickets Prize!] |
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There will be TWO WINNERS in this issue. The prize is a pair of concert tickets to Kyary Pamyu Pamyu's show at the House of Blues in Chicago on March 5, 2014! In order to enter to win, please submit your answers to the following questions to jic@cg.mofa.go.jp with the subject line "Kyary Pamyu Pamyu" by 5 PM on February 14, 2014. We will then select winners based on a random lottery, and the two winners will be announced in our March newsletter issue.
Please answer these questions correctly about her to win:
- What is the name of Kyary’s documentary?
- What is the name of the brand of fake eyelashes Kyary sells?
- What is the name of Kyary’s television series?
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Here are the answers from last month to some questions about current events in Japan.
Congratulations to Sue Mehaffey, our winner from the January issue! |
• What musical celebrated its 15-year anniversary in Japan this month?
Since it opened in Tokyo in 1998, Lion King the Musical has been the longest continually running show in Japanese theater history, with the Dec 20 show marking the 5,195th performance in Tokyo. In that time, 5,600,000 theatergoers have enjoyed the musical. All together, the show has been performed over 8,962 times in Japan’s five largest cities, drawing 9,030,000 fans, said Shiki Theatre. Source
• What is the name of an initiative of French chefs in Japan who take gourmet meals to victims from the 3/11 tsunami, earthquake, and nuclear disasters?
The chefs of Caravan Bon Appetite continue to visit areas devastated by the 3/11 disasters to bring warm specially cooked meals and provide comfort to those still rebuilding their lives. It is the first time that many of the Japanese people in these towns have tried French cuisine. Around Christmas 2013, chefs brought scalloped potatoes, buttered vegetables and roast meat, followed by a Christmas log dessert topped with a strawberry. Sounds delicious! Source
• Which Studio Ghibli film is going to be made into a live-action film?
Kiki's Delivery Service is being made into a live action movie to be released March 2014. Although this was announced over the summer, Demae-kan (the first comprehensive Japanese meal delivery site) recently released a promotion where schools and other organizations can apply for a chance to receive meal delivery service in person by Kiki (Fuka Koshiba acting as Kiki). Source
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 Japan, a Hot Springs (Onsen) Paradise: Tips on Getting 10 Times More Enjoyment Out of Onsen
So far, we’ve survived an extremely cold January in the Midwest, but since we still have a long winter ahead of us, maybe an escape to Japan where you can enjoy a warm and cozy onsen is in order. Onsen, or hot springs, naturally form out of volcanic rock and are full of minerals that are reputed to have healing properties. There are thousands of indoor and outdoor baths in Japan. However, bathing in one requires proper etiquette…which brings us to the article I selected for this month's Website Highlight. It provides background information for those who would like to enjoy onsen, but do not know much about them.
Additionally, you can click here or here to discover some of the most popular onsen hotspots in Japan!
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I introduced setsubun at the beginning of this issue while my predecessor, Daniel Drake, discussed the festivity in past February issues. How about this time I touch upon the traditions of Valentine’s Day and White Day in Japan?
There are many differences in how this marketed holiday is celebrated in Japan and the US, but the greatest is that it is common for women to give men chocolate on Valentine’s Day while the men return this gesture on White Day (March 14). Gifts for men (like co-workers or bosses) whom women do not have a special relationship/friendship with are called giri-choko (obligatory chocolate) while chocolates given between female friends are called tomo-choko (friendship chocolate). It is customary to buy chocolate from grocery stores or department stores like in the US, but making a homemade treat for someone is considered extra special, and this type of chocolate is honmei-choko (prospective winner chocolate). For White Day, oftentimes the reciprocating gift is two to three times more the cost. Typical gifts include white chocolate, marshmallows, cookies, jewelry, etc.
Speaking of gifts, the Consulate has a rare prize for our News Quiz winners this month. There is an opportunity to win a pair of tickets to the Kyary Pamyu Pamyu concert March 5, 2014 at the House of Blues in Chicago to TWO lucky winners. Submissions are due no later than 5 PM on Valentine's Day (2/14) for a chance to be entered in our lottery drawing - good luck!
Best,
Amy Klouse (Editor, Technology and Information Coordinator)
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Setsubun 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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Kisaragi, or the old name for February, comes from kinu sara gi, meaning "wear still more clothes." For most of Japan, January and February are the coldest months, so as Kisaragi suggests, layering clothes for warmth is encouraged!
The East-West Center is accepting applications from scholars and analysts who wish to undertake policy-relevant research and writing on issues of key relevance to the US-Japan partnership, including diplomatic, politico-security, economic, social and international fields. The Center especially welcomes applicants specializing on Japan’s economy or US-Japan collaborative economic ties. The fellowship finances a three-month OR six-month residence at the East-West Center in Washington, D.C and is funded by the Japan Foundation's Center for Global Partnership.
It's time for the Kansas City Japanese Film Festival this year! Come enjoy a day filled with classic Japanese films.
The largest anime convention in Wisconsin is coming...Anime Milwaukee! Come take part in the charity ball, cosplay combat chess, maid cafes, art contests, fashion shows, tabletop gaming, and video game tournaments. There will also be a variety of presentations by anime and manga industry professionals as well as artist and vendor booths!
Are you a high school student living in Minnesota or Wisconsin who studies Japanese and is a Japanese culture and history pro? Take on a new challenge in the Japan America Society of Minnesota's annual J-Quiz! Students will compete against other schools and utilize their Japanese skills to the fullest by writing compositions and participating in other cultural activities. As a qualifying event for the national 
The purpose of the “U.S.-Japan Network for the Future” program is to identify American professionals specializing in Japan who demonstrate an interest in and potential for becoming policy intellectuals, and to support them in this effort. The network will include Japan specialists from all regions of the U.S. with diverse expertise and perspectives who are able to participate constructively in the bilateral policy-making process and to contribute to U.S.-Japan understanding.
'Tis the season for fierce Japanese language contests! This year, the Japanese Olympiad of Indiana competition will take place at Indiana University's School of Education. The Consulate, along with the Association of Indiana Teachers of Japanese, the East Asian Studies Center at Indiana University, and the Japan Foundation are co-sponsoring the competition among high school students of Japanese. Throughout Indiana, these students will have a chance to showcase their knowledge of Japanese language, history, geography, culture, current events, and much more!
Monbukagakusho, or the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), offers four scholarships intended to give non-Japanese nationals a chance to study in Japan.
The goal of Jimi’s Book of Japanese is to introduce the very basic roles and stroke order of the hiragana system. It is neither a textbook nor a grammar book and should not be viewed as such. Those with a quizzical mind may question the lack (or inclusion) of certain elements which are not explained. For example, を is introduced without any accompanying vocabulary or an explanation to its role in the Japanese language. Because of this, it is recommended that Jimi’s Book of Japanese be viewed as an “alphabet book” or supplementary text to other language learning materials.
