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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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 Jimmu - the first emperor of Japan - was enthroned.
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| Japanese Pottery: The Rising Generation from Traditional Japanese Kilns Exhibit @ JIC [February 20 - March 16] |
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White glazed "vessel"
Artist: OKUMURA Hiromi
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Japan has traditionally produced a large amount of ceramics works. This exhibition introduces 70 outstanding works by young artists who are carrying on the kiln traditions in areas with distinctive styles such as Arita and Karatsu, Hagi, Bizen, Kyoto, Kutani, Seto and Mino, and Mashiko.
| Dates |
Location |
Information |
February 20 - March 16, 2015
Mondays - Fridays
9:15 AM - 5:00 PM
Special openings:
Saturday, February 28 from 12:00 - 5:00 PM &
Saturday, March 14 from 12:00 - 5:00 PM!
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Japan Information Center
737 North Michigan Avenue
Suite 1000
Chicago, IL 60611
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Flyer
Website
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Skewed vase with brown englobe
Artist: YAMATO Tsutomo
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Japanese Pottery - The Rising Generation from Traditional Japanese Kilns introduces the works of a total of 35 artists active in seven major traditional kiln sites in Japan. They differ in orientation, including some who carry on long traditions of pottery production while pursuing ever-richer standards in their craft and others who seek to create individualistic works exploring new forms. All are promising artists who will be leaders of the next generation in the ceramic arts in Japan. The theme of the exhibition this time focuses on "vessels," endeavoring to show how ceramic artists understand the function of vessels, the better to understand the present situation, and the future, of Japanese pottery.
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| Now Accepting Entries for the 2015 Japanese Language Speech Contest @ JIC! [Deadline February 12] |
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28th Annual Speech Contest [2014]
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The Consulate is now accepting entries for the 29th Annual Japanese Language Speech Contest to be held at the JIC on Saturday, March 21 from 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM! 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 round-trip tickets to Japan.
Interested? Visit our Speech Contest Page on our website to find out more details. Please note that this page MAY BE updated with more information periodically. The Consulate must receive all applications by Thursday, February 12 for consideration.
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| 2015 JET Memorial Invitation Program [Deadline February 17: National Japanese Exam Application] |
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2014 JET-MIP Participants
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Japanese language teachers must register their selected applicant for the 2015 National Japanese Exam by Tuesday, February 17 at 5:00 PM Pacific Time.
This program enables a group of American high school students to study in Japan for two weeks. 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.
Please stop by the Japan Foundation's JET-MIP page for further program details.
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| MEXT Japanese Studies Scholarship [Deadline February 27] |
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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 Friday, February 27! To learn more, please head to our MEXT Scholarships page.
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The Japan Foundation Los Angeles announced its fiscal year 2015 grant programs for Japanese language education.
- Japanese Language Education Project Grant (Rolling deadline: 2 months prior to the project)
Supports for national/regional/state-level projects which will benefit a wide range of educators/learners in the region or nationwide.
- Japanese Language Learners Event Grant (Deadline: 3/1 or 9/1)
Provides financial support for Japanese-language related events on the national/state/regional levels (speech contests, quiz contests, presentational events, etc.) that are intended to motivate a large number of Japanese-language learners in multiple schools.
- Japanese Teaching Material Purchase Grant (Deadline: 3/15 or 9/15)
Assists 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.
- Salary Assistance Grant for Japanese Language Courses (Deadline: 4/10)
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.
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| February 6 [Deadline]: First-Ever Illinois Japan Bowl for High School Students |
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The First-Ever Japan Bowl for high school students studying Japanese in the state of Illinois is here! This academic competition covers a wide range of topics that tests high school students currently enrolled in Japanese Level 3 or higher. It tests not only the students' knowledge of the language, but also their understanding of traditional and modern Japan.
Each school can have 5 teams be entered into the competition. Each team is comprised of 3 members. The champion team will go on to compete in the National Bowl held annually in Washington D.C. Over 200 students from over 30 high schools across the U.S. participate in the National Japan Bowl every year since 1993. Applications are due Friday, February 6.
| Date and Time |
Location |
Information |
Saturday, March 7, 2015
10 AM - 3:00 PM |
North Central College
30 North Brainard Street
Naperville, IL 60540 |
JapanBowl Event Page
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| February 13-15: Anime Milwaukee in Milwaukee, WI |
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This year's Anime Milwaukee Convention has so much to offer such as the Charity Ball, Cosplay Combat Chess, Cosplay Meetups, Gaming, Maid Cafe, Manga Library, Masquerade, and anime/movie screenings! Stop by the JIC's booth to learn more about the JET Program, MEXT Scholarships, and upcoming Midwestern events. A Consulate member will be at the table to answer any questions you may have.
| Date and Time |
Location |
Information |
| February 13-15, 2015 (Fri-Sun)
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Hyatt Regency Milwaukee
333 West Kilbourn Ave
Milwaukee WI, 53203 |
Website
● Regular tickets $45 at the door |
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| February 14: J-Quiz with the Japan America Society of Minnesota
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J-Quiz is an event in which we invite high school students from all over the upper Midwest to test their knowledge of Japanese language and culture. Increasing cultural awareness and understanding is one of the Japan America Society of Minnesota's main goals, and by bringing together young people with an interest in Japan, they hope to encourage the next generation of Japan experts! Students will utilize their Japanese skills to write compositions and compete against the other schools to win the Grand Prize: a trip to the annual Japan Bowl and Sakura Matsuri in Washington D.C.
| Date and Time |
Location |
Information |
| February 14, 2015 (Sat)
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Normandale Community College
9700 France Avenue South
Bloomington, MN 55231 |
Website |
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| February 21: Japanese Olympiad of Indiana @ Purdue University |
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The Japanese Olympiad of Indiana contest brings together high school students throughout the state of Indiana and tests their knowledge of Japanese language, culture, history and society. While all are important elements to becoming an expert on Japan, the primary focus of this competition is on Japanese language, testing students' understanding of grammar and vocabulary in addition to their knowledge of katakana, hiragana, and kanji writing systems.
The contest also offers cultural experiences. This year Megumi Inoue will perform Japanese traditional dance and Masahiro Imafuji and Purdue Kendo Club members will introduce swordsmanship to participating students. All Applications are due Friday, February 6 and materials can be downloaded when following this link.
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| February 28: 17th Annual Japanese Language Contest with the Heart of America Japan America Society |
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This competition is open to high school, college, and independent study students of Japanese at the beginning and intermediate levels of proficiency. Awards will be provided to the top three finalists in all events with the exception of the talent show.
The events at the contest this year include:
- Kana Bee -Sampled from JLPT (1st year Japanese HS or 1st semester College Students Only)
- Kanji Bees: Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced (Sampled from JLPT)
(HS and College Divisions)
- Quiz Bowl (Geography, History, and Culture)
- Tanka Contest* (Mail-In Contest -- Due with Registration)
- Calligraphy/ Shodo Contest*(Mail-in Contest -- Due with Registration)
- Japanese Talent Show* (Participation Gift)
For further information, please contact: Japanese Language Contest Greater KCMO Area at kcjlangcont@gmail.com or visit the event website.
Registration packets, guidelines, and study guides will be sent out closer to the contest date.
Registration for the language contest should be postmarked no later than February 6th, 2015. (Mail in events should be sent in with registration.)
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| Japanese Literature Publishing Project |
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The Japanese Literature Publishing Project (JLPP) is a project of the Agency for Cultural Affairs that began in 2002 to promote the awareness and popularization of modern Japanese literature to the world. Under this program, works of Japanese literature published in the past 150 years are selected by a committee of professional members, translated into various languages, and published overseas. As of 2013, JLPP has selected 121 titles for translation (222 translations in total), of which 147 have been published and 17 will be published in the near future.
Starting 2015, JLPP, sponsored by the Agency for Cultural Affairs, is organizing the 2nd JLPP International Translation Competition to discover and foster skilled translators who can help introduce and spread modern Japanese literature throughout the world. Please follow this link for application instructions. Although the application period is not open until June 1 - July 31, please manage and plan time accordingly.
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The Consulate General of Japan will be closed on the following days:
- February 12 (Lincoln's Birthday)
- February 16 (Washington's Birthday)
Thank you for your understanding.
Please visit our website to view other holidays the Consulate is closed.
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| This month's Highlighted Resources was written by JIC Staff Wataru Inoue and features a notable library item we are recommending this month. |
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Though most people have heard or know of Karate, one of the most practiced martial arts in the world, many do not realize the depth and spiritual aspect of Karate-Do or the "Way of Karate." In Shigeru Egami’s book The Heart of Karate-Do (Call Number: 115004), Egami explains the spirituality, philosophy, and fundamentals of Karate, revealing the true face of the martial arts, often neglected by what is shown in the media.
Egami covers the core philosophy of Karate such as the idea that “there is no offense in karate” or subjects that may seem strange for a fighting style like compassion and consideration. This book discusses the origins of the martial arts and puts an emphasis on the fact that Karate is an art of self-defense, not a method to kill an opponent. A bulk of this book describes and demonstrates through pictures specific fundamentals of Karate, ranging from preparation, stances, to offensive and defensive techniques.
Aside from the basics, Egami also puts an emphasis on Kata and Kumite, recounting the origins and importance these hold to the foundations of Karate. Moreover, Egami goes beyond simply describing these aspects of the martial art by addressing the differences between a beginner and an experienced practitioner, or one who grasps an appreciation and respect for Karate-Do at its true essence. There is depth, passion, and honesty that Egami brings to his discussion of Karate, and this has caused wide-spread popularity of the book around the world. If you wish to deepen your understanding and appreciation for Karate or wish to learn what The Heart of Karate-Do is, I absolutely recommend this book to you.
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Here are some questions about current events in Japan. Email your answers to Amy Klouse at jic@cg.mofa.go.jp for a chance to win a small prize!
- Which Japanese automaker is the top-selling in the world for a third consecutive year?
- Which Yokozuna finished the New Year Sumo tournament 15-0?
- 20 years ago, what major earthquake occurred in Japan on Jan 17, 1995?
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Congratulations to Alexandra Johnson, our winner from the January issue! Here are last month's answers: |
• What has been named the kanji for the year 2014?
Tax
• How many foreign visitors have gone to Japan in 2014? (hint: It is the largest number ever)
About 12 million (at the time of the Quiz) but the year ended with about 13,410,000 visitors.
• Twin cubs of what animal debuted at a zoo in Wakayama Prefecture this month?
Pandas
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 Explore Japanese Ceramics
The JIC is having a wonderful exhibit until March 16 that showcases some works of Japanese pottery with distinct styles. For those who have a particular interest in this art form or would like to learn more, I thought it would be appropriate to feature a website about Japanese ceramics this month.
The website features towns in Japan like Mashiko, Mino, Tokoname, Arita, or Seto that are known for their exquisite and dissimilar pottery techniques. Navigating from the homepage, you can select "Pottery Towns in Japan" to read about the characteristics, history, and view selected images of pieces from some of these towns. Moreover, if you would like to partake in creating your own Japan-inspired pottery, you can purchase tools via an online shopping link also available from the homepage. Or, you can even go to Japan and participate in a 30-day program to improve your basic pottery skills by learning from professionals!
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We've talked about Valentine's Day, Groundhog Day, Setsubun, and even President's Day in past e-Japan Journal issues as holidays occurring in February. I thought it might be interesting to search for something new to celebrate this month!
Did you know that International Mother Language Day is February 21? It's purpose is to raise awareness of multilingualism and cultural diversity while promoting the importance of refining language skills in your own mother tongue. In 1952, Pakistan's government announced that Urdu was the national language but Bengali-speaking communities opposed this move. Protests resulted in the death of four students and, in 1999, to remember those who fought for their native language, UNESCO designated International Mother Language Day to be February 21.
So on that day, read a book in your native language and appreciate that you have the ability to communicate with others!
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!
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 Japan Foundation Los Angeles announced its fiscal year 2015 grant programs for Japanese language education.
The First-Ever Japan Bowl for high school students studying Japanese in the state of Illinois is here! This academic competition covers a wide range of topics that tests high school students currently enrolled in Japanese Level 3 or higher. It tests not only the students' knowledge of the language, but also their understanding of traditional and modern Japan.
J-Quiz is an event in which we invite high school students from all over the upper Midwest to test their knowledge of Japanese language and culture. Increasing cultural awareness and understanding is one of the Japan America Society of Minnesota's main goals, and by bringing together young people with an interest in Japan, they hope to encourage the next generation of Japan experts! Students will utilize their Japanese skills to write compositions and compete against the other schools to win the Grand Prize: a trip to the annual 
The Japanese Olympiad of Indiana contest brings together high school students throughout the state of Indiana and tests their knowledge of Japanese language, culture, history and society. While all are important elements to becoming an expert on Japan, the primary focus of this competition is on Japanese language, testing students' understanding of grammar and vocabulary in addition to their knowledge of katakana, hiragana, and kanji writing systems.
This competition is open to high school, college, and independent study students of Japanese at the beginning and intermediate levels of proficiency. Awards will be provided to the top three finalists in all events with the exception of the talent show.
The Japanese Literature Publishing Project (JLPP) is a project of the Agency for Cultural Affairs that began in 2002 to promote the awareness and popularization of modern Japanese literature to the world. Under this program, works of Japanese literature published in the past 150 years are selected by a committee of professional members, translated into various languages, and published overseas. As of 2013, JLPP has selected 121 titles for translation (222 translations in total), of which 147 have been published and 17 will be published in the near future.
