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.
|
|
| This Month in Japan |
|
|
Fumizuki is the former name of July in Japan and refers to “book/origin month.” There are several theories behind the true meaning of this kanji combination, one being that fumizuki is a shortened form of hofumizuki, refering to a time when rice becomes ready for harvest. Another possible explanation is that the name is short for fumihirakizuki, meaning to hope for an improvement in one's calligraphy skills.
This month, Tanabata, is celebrated on the 7th and is a time when people write their deepest wishes on little pieces of paper, tie them to a tree branch, and pray for them to come true. Two deites are separated by the Milky Way Galaxy and are only able to meet on this day, once a year. Like last year, we have a Tanabata tree set up in the JIC! If you'd like to add a wish, stop by to write your wishes on paper or email your wish to us and we can add it to the tree.
Marine Day, the third Monday of the month, commemorates the return of Emperor Meiji to Yokohama port from a boat trip to Hokkaido in 1876 and is the only national holiday in July.
 Return to top
|
|
| July 6: Japanese Researchers Crossing in Chicago Seminar in Japanese and English |
|
|
Japanese scholars conducting research in Chicago will be giving presentations in both Japanese and English on their work for the Japanese Researchers Crossing in Chicago lecture series. Attendees are invited to bring sharable snacks for the opening reception and potluck. Each presentation will be for approximately 30 minutes immediately followed by a 15 minute Q&A session. From approximately 2:00 - 3:30, presentations will be conducted in English while from 4:00 - 5:30, presentations will be given in Japanese. Please refer to the presentation schedule below for more information.
| Date and Time |
Location |
Information |
July 6, 2014 (Sun)
1:00 - 6:00 PM |
Japan Information Center
737 North Michigan Avenue Suite 1000
Chicago, IL 60611 |
JRCC Flyer |
Return to top
|
| July 6-24: 2014 JET MIP Program |
|
|
Through the JET Memorial Invitation Program (JET-MIP), 32 high school students will visit Japan for two weeks from July 6th until July 24th, 2014. On March 11, 2011, two Americans participating in the JET Program as assistant English language teachers lost their lives during the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami. Both Taylor Anderson and Montgomery Dickson had a positive influence on the people and communities they served and JET-MIP was created immediately following the 2011 disaster to commemorate their work.
The full list of the finalists who will be participating this year can be found on the 2014 JET MIP Program website. Congratulations to the following Midwestern students:
- Darrian Boyd - University Laboratory HS at UIUC - Urbana, IL
- Michelle Peterson - Lincoln High School - Wisconsin Rapids, WI
- Jalyn Radziminski-Smith - North Side High School - Fort Wayne, IN
- Valerie Santos - Northside College Prep - Chicago, IL
- Jayson Wood - Muncie Southside High School - Muncie, IN
Participants will arrive in Los Angeles in early July for a pre-departure orientation and then spend two weeks in Japan visiting the Tohoku region and participating in exchanges with Japanese students of various grade levels. They will also participate in intensive Japanese language classes at the Japan Foundation's Kansai Institute as well as cultural activities and homestays. At the end of the program, they will need to make a presentation in Japanese for their host families and guests at the Institute as well one in English during the debriefing in Los Angeles.
Return to top
|
| July 12: Tanabata with the Japan America Society of Iowa |
|
|
The Japan America Society of Iowa welcomes the public to their annual Tanabata Matsuri (stargazing festival)! There will be special taiko and martial arts performances, traditional storytelling, origami, bonsai on display and more. At the conclusion of the evening, there will be a small parade with moon floats inspired by the Tanabata story.
Join in the fun and make your wishes come true with the magic of the stars!
| Date and Time |
Location |
Information |
July 12, 2014 (Sat)
5:00 - 8:00 PM |
Gray's Lake Park
1700 Fleur Drive
Des Moines, IA 50321 |
● Free admission |
Return to top
|
| July 13: "Harukaze" Concert with the Japan America Society of Minnesota |
|
|
The Japan America Society of Minnesota (JASM) invites the public to their Harukaze ("Spring Wind") concert. The selection of rich Western classical pieces along with the works of Japanese composers in the Western tradition will surely move audience members!
This program also serves as an opportunity to express appreciation to the current members of JASM who continue to support the organization's mission of building bridges of cultural understanding and international cooperation between the peoples of Japan and the United States.
Return to top
|
| July 26: JET Participants Departure |
|
|
Congratulations to all of the departing 2014 JET Participants heading to Japan on July 26th!
JETs, before you leave, JETAA Chicago will be offering a series of events to help everyone become used to some of the cultural differences you may face in Japan. First up, there will be Mitsuwa Market Sweep on July 13! If you would like to learn how to cook in Japan or would like to become more familiar with Japanese grocery stores, come join former JETs at Mitsuwa Marketplace in Arlington Heights. They will introduce Japanese ingredients and recipes to all who attend.
Next, JETAA will take a trip to King's Spa in Niles for a Sento-duction to introduce upcoming JETs to sento, or public bath, culture in Japan on July 19. Japan is home to a wealth of public bathing facilities. From natural hot springs to gigantic indoor baths, most JETs are bound to set foot in at least one sento during their stay in Japan...you may as well become comfortable with it now!
For readers interested in working as an English Teacher in Japan in the future, please refer to the JET Program portion of our website.
Return to top
|
| July 27-August 5: St. Louis/Ishimomaki Friendship Program |
|
|
This summer, the St. Louis/Ishinomaki Friendship Program will take six to eight students and two young adults to Ishinomaki for one week from July 27 to August 5, 2014. Ishinomaki is one of the most affected areas of Tohoku from the March 11 Earthquake/Tsunami disasters in 2011. During this year's trip, participants will tour affected areas, visit volunteer groups who have been involved in the long-term re-construction efforts, and participate in a two-day festival called the Ishinomaki, Kawabiraki (River Opening) Festival. This year, the festival is celebrating its 91st anniversary!
Funded through the TOMODACHI Initiative, last year students from Japan visited St. Louis to learn about American culture and Japan-US relations. The Japan America Society of St. Louis assisted in planning and coordinating events for the Japanese visitors.
Return to top
|
| International Research Center for Japanese Studies Visiting Researcher Opportunities |
|
|
The International Research Center for Japanese Studies (Nichibunken) has two visiting researcher opportunities available for foreign scholars with an interest in being a part of a research team in Japan. The first is the Visiting Research Scholar Fellowship 2015-2016 and the second is the Visiting Research Scholar (Team Research Organizer) 2016-2017. Eligible applicants must hold a PhD and must have sufficient levels of Japanese language that allow them to be able to interact and conduct research in Japanese.
The Visiting Reseach Scholar Fellowship 2015-2016 is a chance for one scholar not from Japan to conduct research in one of the following team projects (please click the above link for more details about each individual project):
- War and Repose for the Souls of the War Dead
- The Culture Sphere of the Former Japanese Empire:A Reexamination through Graphic Media
- Otaku Culture and the Wartime/Postwar Period
- Knowledge and Power in the Japanese Colonial Empire
The Visiting Research Scholar (Team Research Organizer) 2016-2017 is an opportunity that supports a "team research" approach to opening new frontiers in Japanese studies scholarship by bringing together researchers from different fields of specialization. Nichibunken seeks visiting research scholars to plan and organize one-year team research projects for the Japanese academic year 2016(April) - 2017(March). Research themes of outstanding significance and future potential will be favorably considered.
Return to top
|
| 10th Hakuho Foundation Japanese Research Fellowship |
|
|
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 interact and conduct research 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, 2014 and all materials must be submitted to the main office in Japan. Please visit their website for the address, application forms, and more information.
Return to top
|
|
 |
If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, feel free to contact our librarian directly at emily.toelcke@cg.mofa.go.jp.
|
|
| This month's Highlighted Resources was written by JIC Summer Intern Alexandria Santos and features a selected literary work from our library. |
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
One of the easiest and most satisfying aspects of any culture is exploring its ways with food, and Japanese cuisine is no exception! I, for one, can hardly go more than a month without eating a donburi (a Japanese rice bowl meal). Having a deeper understanding of the time and care that is put into a country’s food makes it all the more delicious. When it comes to Japanese food, Lonely Planet’s World Food: Japan (Call Number 141036) by John Ashburne and Yoshi Abe teaches readers all about that and more. Throughout the book are vibrant, color photographs that are sure to make you hungry! It also includes a number of testimonials by author John Auburne for firsthand accounts of what it’s like to experience not only the food, but the culture that surrounds it.
The pocket guide to Japanese cuisine starts out with an introduction to the staples of Japanese cooking. Featuring ingredients like mirin (a sweet rice wine for cooking) and dashi (soup stock) among others, it provides readers with informative, concise descriptions on what the food is, where it comes from, and how it’s used in Japanese cooking. It continues to touch briefly on topics such as foreign influences on Japanese dishes, the traditions and know-how of home cooking, and the different foods enjoyed during yearly celebrations. Additionally, readers can learn about the regional variations and specialties within the scope of Japanese cuisine. The book touches on everything from the legendary fresh seafood up north in Hokkaido all the way down to the unique island fare of southern Okinawa. Each region has a short and sweet “Don’t Miss” feature that showcases the best dishes that visitors would sorely regret passing up. One of these can’t-miss delicacies is the savory pancake known as okonomiyaki. After all, it’s important to head home knowing the difference between Osaka’s okonomiyaki and Hiroshima’s!
Once you know what to eat and where to find it, the book finishes off with some touristy basics. The guide teaches readers about the different kinds of places there are to eat and drink in Japan making it easy to find an atmosphere that best suits your taste. Additional features include a quick guide to navigating a Japanese menu, a collection of useful phrases, and a culinary dictionary.
It’s always advisable to come to Japan with a plan and some language skills under your belt, but Lonely Planet’s World Food: Japan is a great read for the spontaneous foodie adventure. If you’re not headed to Japan in the near future, we also have plenty of great cookbooks in the JIC library so you can enjoy Japanese food within the comfort of your home. Stop by for a visit and check all of them out!
Return to top |
|
| New Additions showcases the latest materials we have received in the JIC collection. |
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
|
Return to top
|
|
|
Here are some questions about current events in Japan. Email your answers for the chance to win a small prize!
- What continent is Japan considering building a new scientific research lab on?
- Which popular cartoon from Japan will start being aired in the United States on July 7?
- Who is the famous Japanese soccer star that will be a voice actor in an upcoming Pokémon film?
--------------------------
Congratulations to Irene Schechter, our winner from the June issue! Here are last month's answers: |
• Who is the first Japanese International Space Station's astronaut to return to earth after a six-month mission to space this month?
Koichi Wakata
• What is the name of the campaign in Japan that encourages workers to dress down and substitute their suits and ties for open-necked, short-sleeved shirts?
Cool Biz
• By what year will the Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Group be offering free Wi-Fi across Japan to foreign visitors?
2016
Return to top |
|
 Japan for Sustainability
This month, I wanted to share a website that personally interests me. Japan for Sustainability (JFS) is a non-profit group that provides up-to-date information from Japan on sustainable issues in such fields as climate change, biodiversity, and technology. The group’s mission is to address social problems and global environmental degradation through grass-roots efforts, education, corporate activities, and community development. I think that this website shows through teamwork and collaborative thinking, societies can work together across boundaries to solve environmental dilemmas!
Return to top
|
|
It’s July - looks like we had better prepare for a hot and humid (possibly wet?) summer, not unlike the summers Japan often experiences!
Seeing as the year has now officially passed the halfway point, I think it might be a good time for each and every one of us to visualize a goal we hope to accomplish by December 31, 2014. I know what my goal is…what’s yours? Write down what you aim to achieve and keep working hard to realize results. Together let's make the most of the 182 days left until the end of the year...
Good luck!
Best,
Amy Klouse (Editor, Technology and Information Coordinator)
|
The JIC's Tanabata tree
Visit or email us to add your wish!
 |
Return to top
|
| |
| 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. |
| |
Official website for Consulate General of Japan at Chicago
www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp |
|
|
Fumizuki is the former name of July in Japan and refers to “book/origin month.” There are several theories behind the true meaning of this kanji combination, one being that fumizuki is a shortened form of hofumizuki, refering to a time when rice becomes ready for harvest. Another possible explanation is that the name is short for fumihirakizuki, meaning to hope for an improvement in one's calligraphy skills.
Through the JET Memorial Invitation Program (JET-MIP), 32 high school students will visit Japan for two weeks from July 6th until July 24th, 2014. On March 11, 2011, two Americans participating in the JET Program as assistant English language teachers lost their lives during the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami. Both Taylor Anderson and Montgomery Dickson had a positive influence on the people and communities they served and JET-MIP was created immediately following the 2011 disaster to commemorate their work.
The Japan America Society of Minnesota (JASM) invites the public to their Harukaze ("Spring Wind") concert. The selection of rich Western classical pieces along with the works of Japanese composers in the Western tradition will surely move audience members!
Congratulations to all of the departing 2014 JET Participants heading to Japan on July 26th!
The International Research Center for Japanese Studies (Nichibunken) has two visiting researcher opportunities available for foreign scholars with an interest in being a part of a research team in Japan. The first is the Visiting Research Scholar Fellowship 2015-2016 and the second is the Visiting Research Scholar (Team Research Organizer) 2016-2017. Eligible applicants must hold a PhD and must have sufficient levels of Japanese language that allow them to be able to interact and conduct research in Japanese.
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 interact and conduct research in Japanese. Both long-term (12 month) and short-term (6 month) fellowships are available.
One of the easiest and most satisfying aspects of any culture is exploring its ways with food, and Japanese cuisine is no exception! I, for one, can hardly go more than a month without eating a donburi (a Japanese rice bowl meal). Having a deeper understanding of the time and care that is put into a country’s food makes it all the more delicious. When it comes to Japanese food, 
