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 into 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 shortened form of Yonagazuki, meaning "long-night month” and is the traditional Japanese name for the month of September. Tsukimi or "Moon-viewing" parties are popular today but originally began in the Heian Era (794-1185 CE) to honor harvests and the beauty of the moon. At tsukimi celebrations, many feast on dumplings and celebrate the coming of autumn.
This month, two national holidays including Keiro no hi, or Respect for the Aged Day, and Autumnal Equinox Day are observed.
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| Congratulations to Yoko Noge Dean, Chair of the Osaka Committee of Sister Cities International, for the 2014 Foreign Minister's Commendation |
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Chair of the Osaka Committee of CSCI, Yoko Noge Dean, is one of the individuals to receive the Foreign Minister’s Commendations for 2014, given by Japan Foreign Minister, Fumio Kishida. She received the commendation for her work in promoting mutual understanding between Japan and the US.
This year, the Commendation was awarded to 108 individuals and 30 groups (of which, 20 individuals and 10 groups are from Japan, and 88 individuals and 20 groups are from overseas), who were presented with award certificates and commemorative gifts (pure silk furoshiki) by the Foreign Minister, Mr. Fumio Kishida.
The Foreign Minister’s Commendations are awarded to individuals and groups with outstanding achievements in international fields, to acknowledge their contributions to the promotion of friendship between Japan and other countries and areas. The Commendation also aims to promote the understanding and support of the Japanese public for their activities.
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| 2015 Japanese American Leadership Delegation to Japan [deadline Sept 26] |
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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 26, 2014.
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The Japan Foundation in Los Angeles and New York will be offering the following grants this upcoming fall. To ensure a smooth submission process, it is highly recommended that interested candidates start their applications early.
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| September 1-Oct 3: Registration for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) |
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The Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) takes place annually in December and this year, registration opens at the beginning of September. 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 challenges your progress in Japanese language studies and if you pass, it can be used as a benchmark to indicate your level of proficiency.
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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| September 27: JET Information Session @ JIC |
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The Japan Information Center will be hosting a JET Information Session that is open to anyone interested in learning more about the government-sponsored JET Program. At the session, two representatives from the Consulate will be there to answer any and all questions you may have and give a brief overview of the program. For those not familiar, participants in the JET Program teach English at middle or high schools in Japan as assistant language teachers, or work at local government offices on international exchange activities. If this sounds like an employment opportunity you are interested in, mark your calendars for the Information Session!
| Dates |
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September 27, 2014 (Sat)
1:00 - 5:00 PM |
Japan Information Center
737 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 1000
Chicago, IL 60611 |
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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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| This month's Highlighted Resources was written by JIC librarian Emily Toelcke that features notable library materials we offer per month. |
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Since school is right around the corner, it only seems fitting to highlight our newest educational resource Families of the World: Families of Japan (Educational Film 307.006). This two-part film is designed to introduce elementary school children to daily life in Japan through the eyes Seichi (age 10) and Ayako (age 8). The two approximately 15-minute sections show the diverseness of the country. Seichi’s family are 14th generation rice farmers and his life revolves around agriculture – planting rice, growing bamboo, and taking care of bonsai. Ayako’s parents work in downtown Sendai. Her mother frequently uses a car elevator and their grocery store is on the 6th floor of a high-rise. However, each student’s life highlights typical (but different) aspects of Japanese culture too including sleeping on a futon, “slurping” noodles with chopsticks, cleaning the school, practicing calligraphy and enjoying annual Sports Day. (Note: In Seichi’s introduction of bath culture in Japan, there is a short bathing segment with slight child nudity. While handled appropriately, it is recommended that teacher’s preview the film prior to showing it to their class).
Because Families of Japan is separated into two short, independent sections, it can easily be integrated into a classroom lesson and it is a great, relatable resource for introducing children to the sights and culture of Japan. As an added benefit, the film includes a PDF Teacher’s Guide which contains the film’s script, glossary, discussion questions, additional information about Japan, and several hands-on activities. However, it should be noted that this guide was last updated in 2010. For the most up-to-date facts and figures, teachers’ should refer to the Government of Japan website. Additionally, they should explain to their students that Japanese children no longer go to school 6 days a week.
Overall, Families of Japan is a great introduction to the typical lifestyle of children in Japan and can be a great supplement to an elementary-level country study. Speaking of country studies, it’s time to schedule your free Japanese Cultural Presentation from the JIC staff! We are now booking for October through December and expect our calendar to fill up quickly. For further information about our School and Community Visit Programs, please visit our website. We look forward to bringing Japan to your classroom or organization this fall!
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| New Additions 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 character is currently on the Hodoyoshi-3 satellite that is orbiting space?
- What other city in Japan joined Hiroshima as a host city for the G8 Summit in 2016?
- What anime has characters that are being advertised on bread packages this month? (Hint: this is a promotion for a new live-action version of this anime coming out)
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Congratulations to Dan Boczarski, our winner from the August issue! Here are last month's answers: |
• Which Japanese actor will play the king in New York’s Broadway musical “The King and I?”
Ken Watanabe
• What is the name of the last surviving crewmember of the Enola Gay, who passed away this month?
Theodore “Dutch” Van Kirk
• What is the name of the newest Dragon Ball movie, scheduled to be released in Spring 2015?
Dragon Ball Z
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 DUITS
DUITS is a boutique journalism and stock photography agency located in Tokyo. The company has three photo services they offer:
- 1) Historical Images of Japan (MeijiShowa)
- 2) Street & Runway Fashion (JAPANESE STREETS)
- 3) Current Events & Culture (PhotoJournalist)
The Historical Images of Japan website contains photos from the 1860s until the 1930s, or the Meiji, Taisho, and early Showa Periods. It is an invaluable source, especially for independent research. On the Street & Runway Fashion photography site, you can browse through hundreds of Japanese fashion trends. It is one of the largest online image collections of Japanese street style that exists. As for Current Events & Culture, photos, articles, and reports on current events and contemporary culture in Japan is published and accessed by such clients as the Associated Press, Asahi Broadcasting Corp., BBC, and NHK.
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Autumn has arrived! The time has come for cool breezes, falling leaves, and pumpkin flavored everything. Pumpkin is enjoyed at this time in Japan as well, but chestnut I think may surpass pumpkin in popularity.
When perusing our newsletter, you have likely noticed the many grant/scholarship/exchange opportunities with deadlines fast approaching in upcoming months. Even if you think you are an unlikely candidate for funding, take a chance and apply because you may be pleasantly surprised!
Also, be sure to sign up for the JLPT this month if you plan on taking the test in early December. If you’re at a comfortable place with your abilities, sign up RIGHT NOW before you start to forget what you’ve worked SO hard on learning! Trust me, it’ll be much easier that way.
Best,
Amy Klouse (Editor, Technology and Information Coordinator)
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Silver grass and Japanese rice dumplings
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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 shortened form of Yonagazuki, meaning "long-night month” and is the traditional Japanese name for the month of September. Tsukimi or "Moon-viewing" parties are popular today but originally began in the Heian Era (794-1185 CE) to honor harvests and the beauty of the moon. At tsukimi celebrations, many feast on dumplings and celebrate the coming of autumn.
The Japan Foundation in Los Angeles and New York will be offering the following grants this upcoming fall. To ensure a smooth submission process, it is highly recommended that interested candidates start their applications early.
The Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) takes place annually in December and this year, registration opens at the beginning of September. 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 challenges your progress in Japanese language studies and if you pass, it can be used as a benchmark to indicate your level of proficiency.
The Japan Information Center will be hosting a JET Information Session that is open to anyone interested in learning more about the government-sponsored JET Program. At the session, two representatives from the Consulate will be there to answer any and all questions you may have and give a brief overview of the program. For those not familiar, participants in the JET Program teach English at middle or high schools in Japan as assistant language teachers, or work at local government offices on international exchange activities. If this sounds like an employment opportunity you are interested in, mark your calendars for the Information Session!
Since school is right around the corner, it only seems fitting to highlight our newest educational resource 
