The e-Japan Journal is the electronic webletter of the Consulate-General of Japan in 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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Hazuki is the shortened form of Haochizuki, or "month of falling leaves" and is the traditional Japanese way to say August. When Japan followed a lunar-based calendar system, Hazuki was the first month that fell in autumn, hence the name “leaf-falling month.”
O-bon is a holiday that has been celebrated in Japan for more than 500 years, where the spirits of deceased ancestors are honored. While this is still very much the intention, over time this occasion has evolved into a time of year for family reunions. More about the O-bon custom is discussed in the Editor's Note section of this issue.
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| 148 Midwesterners Depart to Teach English and Work in Japan |
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On July 25, 148 participants from Chicago and around the Midwest departed to Japan as part of the Japanese Government’s Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program. All participants will work for one to five years as English Teachers in Japanese public schools or Coordinators for International Relations in local Japanese government offices.
“As a JET, your experience in Japan will differ greatly from that of a tourist or an exchange student. You will have the unique opportunity to play an active role in your community,” Consul Koji Kaneko told the new JET participants during Pre-Departure Orientation on July 24.
During the Send-Off Reception, new JET participants also shared their worries—such as relating to students and adapting to Japanese office culture—and their hopes for connecting with their new communities. Consul-General of Japan Toshiyuki Iwado told the new JETs, “You can bring your states and hometowns to your students, colleagues, and friends. And they will introduce you to a Japan that few Americans see.”
Chicago is the largest point of recruitment for JET participants in the United States, and one of the largest in the world. For more information about the program, visit the JET Program website.
Please click here to view the official press release.
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| August 5: The Clone Returns Home Film Screening as part of Cinema/Chicago's 12th Annual International Screenings Program |
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The Clone Returns Home
Official poster
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Japan’s fantastic science fiction film THE CLONE RETURNS HOME screening for first time in Chicago
The Consulate-General of Japan in Chicago will be screening the Japanese film THE CLONE RETURNS HOME (Kuron wa kokyo wo mezasu) as a part of Cinema/Chicago’s 12th annual International Screenings Program on Wednesday, August 5, 2015 from 6:30 PM at the Chicago Cultural Center’s Claudia Cassidy Theater. Immediately following the film, Patrick Noonan, an Assistant Professor at Northwestern University, will discuss what he says are “topics of interest in today’s modern society, such as cloning and rapidly advancing technology.” Admission for this event is free and open to the public.
Story of THE CLONE RETURNS HOME
Directed by Kenji Nakajima, 2008, 110 minutes.
When Kohei, a young astronaut who volunteers to have his brain “backed up,” dies during a space mission, scientists are able to regenerate him as a clone. As problems arise, the new Kohei flees the lab in pursuit of his childhood home and his long deceased twin brother. A meditative study of memory and identity, this gorgeously photographed film is a smart and resonant work of science fiction. Japanese with English subtitles.
Assistant Professor Patrick Noonan
Assistant Professor Noonan earned a Ph.D. in Japanese Literature with a Designated Emphasis in Film Studies from the University of California at Berkeley and currently teaches courses at Northwestern University in Chicago on modern Japanese literature and culture as well as on Japanese cinema from all periods.
Cinema/Chicago’s International Screenings Program
THE CLONE RETURNS HOME is part of the 12th annual International Screenings Program, taking place Wednesday evenings through September 23 at the Chicago Cultural Center. Cinema/Chicago, together with the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events and their International Connections Committee, made up of consular and cultural partners, presents this free weekly film series that celebrates the richness and diversity of international and independent filmmaking. This series showcases 18 international films that embody genres and styles ranging from thoughtful coming-of-age dramas and inspiring documentaries to poignant love stories and laugh-out-loud comedies. For more information, visit the Chicago Film Festival website.
Please click here to view the official press release.
| Date and Time |
Location |
Information |
August 5, 2015 (Wed)
6:30 PM |
Chicago Cultural Center's
Claudia Cassidy Theatre
East Washington Street
Chicago, IL 60602 |
Chicago Cultural Center Website |
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| August 7-9: 60th Annual Ginza Festival at the Midwest Buddhist Temple |
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This year marks the 60th anniversary for the annual Midwest Buddhist Temple Ginza Holiday Festival!
Select members of The Waza will share a part of traditional craft skills that they inherited over the generations through demonstrations. Visitors will have the chance to meet these talented individuals and purchase their items in addition to other Japanese textiles, snacks, t-shirts, kimono, artwork, and jewelry.
As for entertainment, expect taiko drumming with Ho Etsu Taiko and the MBT Taiko; Japanese folk dance by the MBT Minyo Troupe; classical Japanese dance with Fujima Ryu of Chicago; and Hawaiian music by Na Kupuna Ukulele Group. You can also look forward to self defense demonstrations by Aikido, Judo, and Kendo. On Saturday evening, listen to Yoko Noge's 'Jazz Me Blues Band,' a group that unites Japanese folk music with contemporary "Chicago blues."
The Hondo (chapel) will be open for guests who would like to learn more about Buddhism. The Midwest Buddhist Temple's minister will discuss Shin Buddhism and answer questions. Furthermore, on the lower level of the Temple building, there will be beautiful exhibitions of bonsai and ikebana while other exhibits of crafts and artwork will be located outside in the main shopping and exhibit area.
In addition to learning about Buddhism, viewing the exhibitions, and shopping, enjoy an abundance of delicious Japanese cuisine such as chicken teriyaki dinner, teriyaki veggi-burger dinner, udon, sushi, SPAM musubi, edamame, and grilled corn on the cob. Dessert offerings include kintoki or Hawaiian shaved ice. Japanese beer and sake are also available for purchase.
For more information, you may contact The Midwest Buddhist Temple office at 312-943-7801 or at office@midwestbuddhisttemple.org.
| Date |
Location |
Information |
| August 7-9 2015 (Fri-Sun) |
Midwest Buddhist Temple
435 West Menomonee Street
Chicago, IL 60614 |
Photos from past Ginza Fests
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| August 11: Parent and Child Reading Group |
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A group of Japanese parents and children are gathering in the JIC to promote reading Japanese books together! The focus is mostly on elementary picture books and it is requested that all who wish to participate bring one of their favorite (or their child's favorite!) books with them to the meeting. You may also bring in light snacks and drinks for children to enjoy.
More information regarding details like parking is outlined when accessing the link below.
| Date and Time |
Location |
Information |
August 11, 2015 (Tues)
10 AM - 1:00 PM |
Japan Information Center
737 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 1000
Chicago, IL 60611 |
Reading Group Flyer
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| August 21-23: Ethnic Enrichment Festival with the Heart of America Japan America Society |
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Over 60 countries/cultures are represented during this three-day event which attracts people from all over the Midwest.
As always, the Japan booths will have wonderful food to eat and Japanese items to buy! Please visit the Heart of America Japan America Society's website as well as the link below for updated information as the event date approaches.
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| August 22-23: Japanese Summer Festival @ Anderson Japanese Gardens |
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Join in the fun at a two-day cultural event featuring exhibits, traditional demonstrations and unique performances that appeal to all age groups!
The weekend begins with an Opening Ceremony at 10:00 Saturday morning and takes place on the lawn near the Pavilion in the Garden of Reflection. It will be immediately followed by the first Taiko drum performance.
2015 Activities Include:
- Taiko Drum Performance with a Japanese drum ensemble
- Bonsai exhibit
- Bujinkan, Japanese martial arts demonstrations
- Calligraphy instruction by Ms. Seiran Chiba
- Candyman Performance with a Japanese street performer
- Ikebana display
- Interactive Koi Program
- Japanese Artifact Display
- Classical Japanese Dance
- Koto performances
- Origami hands-on demonstrations
- Japanese Basket and Scroll Display
- Raku Pottery demonstration and displays
- Fukuwari game activity
- Sake Tasting for guests 21 and over
| Dates and Times |
Location |
Information |
August 22-23, 2015 (Sat-Sun)
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
Anderson Japanese Gardens
318 Spring Creek Road
Rockford, IL 61107 |
Anderson Japanese Gardens website
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| August 23: Lantern Lighting Festival 2015 with the Japan America Society of Minnesota |
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The Lantern Lighting Festival is a Sunday affair that attracts visitors throughout the state of Minnesota as well as within the US. Because this year marks the 60th sister-city anniversary between St. Paul and Nagasaki, it is a special year and Nagasaki Mayor Taue and his delegation will be a part of the festivities.
The schedule is as follows:
- 3:00 PM - Gates and exhibits open
- 3:30 PM - Performances begin
- 7:30 PM - Bon Odori dance
- 8:00 PM - Exhibits close
- 8:15 PM - Lantern lighting
- 10:00 PM - Last shuttle departs from Como Park
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| August 24: Japanese Language Proficiency Test Registration Opens |
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The Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) takes place annually in December and this year, registration opens at the end of August. The JLPT measures comprehensive Japanese-language undestanding within the following categories: "Language Knowledge," "Reading," and "Listening." There are five levels offered, with N5 being the least difficult and N1 being the most challenging. The test is often used as a benchmark to indicate a level of language proficiency.
The American Association of Teachers of Japanese website has more information on the signing up for the test and provides useful advice on what steps you can take to prepare for the exam.
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- Abe Fellowship Program (Deadline 9/1)
The Abe Fellowship Program is designed to encourage international multidisciplinary research on topics of pressing global concern. The program seeks to foster the development of a new generation of researchers interested in policy-relevant topics of long-range importance and seeks individuals willing to become key members of a bilateral and global research network built around such topics, especially within Japanese and American academic and professional communities.
- Japanese Language Learners Event Grant (Deadline 9/1)
This grant provides financial support (up to $600) for Japanese-language related events on the national/state/regional levels (speech contests, quiz contests, or presentational events, etc.) that are intended to motivate a large number of Japanese-language learners in multiple schools featuring different educational levels (primary, secondary, collegiate levels, and adults) and promote Japanese-language education in the area.
- Abe Fellowship for Journalists (Deadline 9/15)
The Abe Fellowship Program for Journalists is designed to encourage in-depth coverage of topics of pressing concern to the United States and Japan through individual short-term policy-related projects.
- Japanese Teaching Material Purchase Grant (Deadline 9/15)
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.
- Performing Arts Japan 2016-2017 (Deadline 10/20)
This program is designed to provide financial assistance for non-profit organizations in the US and Canada that aim to introduce Japanese performing arts to local audiences.
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| Other Scholarships and Programs |
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| This month's Highlighted Resources was written by JIC Intern Jon Foissotte and features a notable library item we are recommending this month. |
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This past spring semester at my university, I was finally able to read No Longer Human by Osamu Dazai (Call number 552247) as part of a course on Japanese novels. The book is famous in Japan and well-known abroad, particularly for its vast emotional depth. Narrated almost entirely by the main character, Oba Yozo, the story begins from his childhood and leads into his early adulthood, following the development of his life. While the plot of the book itself is thoroughly depressing—a point many will agree on—readers will be incredibly fascinated by the sheer profundity of Yozo’s worldview, perplexed by his perceptions of self and society, and utterly shocked by the scenarios into which those perceptions lead him. All of these make the book really worth the read, so don’t be put off by the sadness of the tale!
The Japanese title of the book— 人間失格(Ningen Shikkaku)—means ‘disqualified from being human’. From the time of his childhood, Yozo is confounded and depressed by his increasing realization of society’s dullness and his inability to understand other people. This gradually transforms into a fear of other human beings, such to the extent that it frames the basis of his interactions with others and determines an inexorable course toward anguish and despair. In school, he resorts to clowning around and constructs a comical façade to shield him from this deep-seated fear of people. By the time he becomes a university student, his inability to refuse others leads him to a life of heavy drinking and social debacles. A series of profound misfortunes ensue as his life spirals out of control.
Underneath the surface of the novel’s plot and the numerous tragic events in Yozo’s life, there are extremely subtle literary elements at work. The novel is embedded with incredible depth and complexity, and should be read many times over to glean a better understanding and appreciation for the work’s underlying layers of meaning. The content of the prologue and epilogue to the novel, for example, are immensely important in this context, and I myself may have never been able delve as deeply into the essence of the work if not for the incredible insight provided by my professor. No Longer Human is a book which reads very quickly and is unbelievably difficult to put down. It will lead you to ponder the complex relationship between the individual and society like you never have before. As one of my favorite Japanese novels for its deep thought-provoking quality, I will continue to recommend it for years to come!
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| New Additions, written by Ella McCann, showcases the latest materials we have received in the JIC collection. |
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| Title |
Author |
Language |
Call Number |
人名の世界地図
Jinmei no sekaichizu
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21世紀研究会編
21 Sekikenkyukaihen
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日本語 |
350018 |
14歳からの世界金融危機
14 sai kara no sekai kinyukiki
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池上彰
Ikegami, Akira |
日本語 |
426045 |
日本人が知らない世界の歩き方
Nihonjin ga shiranai sekai no arukikata
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Sono, Ayako |
日本語 |
350019 |
日米同盟 vs．中国・北朝鮮
Nichibeidoumei vs. Chugoku/Kitachosen
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春原剛
リチャッド・アーミテージ
Sunohara, Tsuyoshi
Richard L. Armitage |
日本語 |
442022 |
超・格差社会アメリカの真実
Cho/Kakusashakai Amerika no shinjitsu
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小林由美
Kobayashi, Yumi |
日本語 |
440013 |
外交官が見た「中国人の対日観」
Gaikokan ga Mita “Chugoku no Tainichikan”
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道上尚史
Michigami, Hisashi
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日本語 |
451045 |
サヨナライツカ
Sayonara itsuka
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辻仁成
Tsuji, Hitonari
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日本語 |
551782 |
英語で話す『日本』
Talking About Japan Updated Q&A
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Kodansha International
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日本語, English |
530013 |
日本がもしアメリカ51番目の州になったら
Nihon ga moshi Amerika 51 banme no shu ni nattara
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日米問題研究会
Nichibei Mondai Kenkyukai
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日本語 |
411025 |
Monthly Origami Magazine 2015.7 #479
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NOA
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日本語 |
134157 |
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Here are some questions about current events in Japan. Email your answers to Amy Klouse at amy.klouse@cg.mofa.go.jp for a chance to win a small prize!
- What was the name of the Nintendo CEO who passed away this month from cancer?
- What is the title of Miyazaki's first completely computer generated movie that will be about 10 minutes long?
- Tokyo is opening a bookshop/hostel in September 2015. What will the name be?
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Congratulations to Richard Stump, the winner from our July issue! Here are the answers: |
•Which country did Japan beat this month in soccer to advance to the World Cup quarter finals?
The Netherlands
• Japan and what other country reached the fiftieth anniversary of normalization of relations this month?
South Korea
• What popular messaging app has released a music streaming service in Japan?
LINE
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 PBS "Japan: Memoirs of a Secret Empire"
Have you ever heard the sounds of traditional Japanese instruments like taiko, shamisen, koto, shakuhachi, or tsutsumi? This PBS website provides background information on all of these instruments, including the history and what each part is made from. Additionally, you can listen to clips from songs to hear the beautiful and distinct sounds these instruments produce.
At the JIC, did you know we have a koto that we can play at events? I took koto lessons when I was in Japan in 2009 and am able to play a few simple songs. It has been quite a while since I have practiced or performed, but I started to this month and would love to share koto music and history with others!
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August is here! While August is the month most known for the O-Bon festival, in some parts of Japan, O-Bon is celebrated around early or mid-July. The date depends on the customs of local towns and villages, with the selected date based off of either the solar or lunar calendar.
O-Bon is a Buddhist holiday where Japanese return to their hometowns to visit the graves of their deceased ancestors. While it is a somber occasion, it is also a time for celebrating the life of your family members as you reunite with ancestors whose spirits return at this time of year. A mukae-bi, or welcoming flame, is lit by families to guide their ancestors' spirits to their homes. The bon-odori dance is a traditional folk dance performed by villagers during the O-Bon festival. When O-Bon ends, the spirits are sent off with another bonfire, called okuri-bi. Some regions release small lanterns down rivers or into the sea as part of the okuri-bi ritual.
Due to the migration of Japanese people to different countries, many other places including the United States host O-Bon events and others are encouraged to take part in the festivities. If you are interested in learning the bon-odori dance, consider joining the Awa Odori Chicago group!
Best,
Amy Klouse (Editor, Technology and Information Coordinator)
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"Lanterns" 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 in Chicago
www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp |
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Hazuki is the shortened form of Haochizuki, or "month of falling leaves" and is the traditional Japanese way to say August. When Japan followed a lunar-based calendar system, Hazuki was the first month that fell in autumn, hence the name “leaf-falling month.”
On July 25, 148 participants from Chicago and around the Midwest departed to Japan as part of the Japanese Government’s Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program. All participants will work for one to five years as English Teachers in Japanese public schools or Coordinators for International Relations in local Japanese government offices.
“As a JET, your experience in Japan will differ greatly from that of a tourist or an exchange student. You will have the unique opportunity to play an active role in your community,” Consul Koji Kaneko told the new JET participants during Pre-Departure Orientation on July 24.
This year marks the 60th anniversary for the annual Midwest Buddhist Temple Ginza Holiday Festival!
Over 60 countries/cultures are represented during this three-day event which attracts people from all over the Midwest.
The Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) takes place annually in December and this year, registration opens at the end of August. The JLPT measures comprehensive Japanese-language undestanding within the following categories: "Language Knowledge," "Reading," and "Listening." There are five levels offered, with N5 being the least difficult and N1 being the most challenging. The test is often used as a benchmark to indicate a level of language proficiency.
