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.
|
|
| This Month in Japan |
|
|
The old name for the month of January, Mutsuki, means “month of harmony” or “month where friends and relatives gather.”
In Japan, New Year’s Day is not only a national holiday, but is the most important and most celebrated holiday to spend with family and friends. Businesses are often closed from December 29 until January 3 and students normally have a two week break from school. A special selection of dishes called osechi ryori (osechi for short) are served that include items like mochi (glutinous rice cakes), black soybeans, chestnuts, sweet potatoes, ozoni (soup), sushi, and sashimi.
Coming-of-Age Day, observed on the second Monday of January, is another national holiday this month. On this day, municipal governments host special ceremonies for all 20-year-olds because it is the age of adulthood in Japan. Once 20, Japanese can legally vote, consume alcohol, and partake in other activities reserved for adults. Women wear an elaborate style of kimono called furisode while men typically wear formal suits to the ceremony.
 Return to top
|
|
| Now Accepting Entries for the 2015 Japanese Language Speech Contest @ JIC! [Deadline 2/12] |
|
|
28th Annual Speech Contest [2014]
 |
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 perserverence 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? 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.
Return to top
|
| Japanese Language Education Assistant Program (J-LEAP) Spotlight: Hiromi Nagai |
|
|
Ms. Hiromi Nagai with Ms. Rachel Henkelmann
 |
The J-LEAP program brings Native Japanese Language Assistant Teachers (ATs) to K-12 educational institutions in the U.S. for up to two years to strengthen their Japanese language programs as well as create opportunities to nurture a new generation of qualified Japanese language teachers. The program started in 2011 and is jointly administrated by The Japan Foundation (JF) and The Laurasian Institution (TLI). Bringing an AT into the classroom gives students the opportunity to hear and learn authentic Japanese language from a different Japanese speaker, to interact with a native Japanese speaker (or a different native speaker), and to be exposed to authentic communication between the Japanese language teacher and AT.
"Hello. My name is Hiromi Nagai. I have been working as a Japanese assistant teacher in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The school district has three high schools with Japanese. I mainly teach at Thomas Jefferson High School with Ms. Rachel Henkelmann, but I also visit John F. Kennedy High School with instructor Mr. Dan Carolin and Washington High School with Ms. Julie Cain for a week each month.
I have a great working relationship with them and they have established their own curriculums that are four year programs. These start in ninth grade and progress in the students’ fourth year of study into an Advanced Placement course.
In co-teaching with Ms. Henkelmann, one of our goals is to help make the students feel comfortable with their Japanese speaking abilities. Because of the location, opportunities to interact with Japanese native speakers are particularly rare in Cedar Rapids. We have implemented daily speaking time amongst students and teachers. Moreover, Ms. Henkelmann speaks Japanese as much as possible while I exclusively speak it with students in class. This is difficult for them but we believe becoming used to Japanese is an essential part of their learning and they are slowly improving in speaking and listening skills.
All three teachers have their own teaching methods and I learn a lot from them every day. They are very cheerful and always make students have a lot of fun in class. I am very fortunate to have opportunities to work with great teachers.
If you have any questions, please feel free to ask us."
Ms. Hiromi Nagai
HNagai@cr.k12.ia.us
Ms. Rachel Henkelmann
RHenkelmann@cr.k12.ia.us
Both J-LEAP and the JOI Program are currently accepting applications for hosting organizations.
Return to top
|
|
The Japan Foundation in Los Angeles and New York will be offering the following grants this winter. To ensure a smooth submission process, it is highly recommended that interested candidates start their applications early.
Return to top
|
| January 17: Shinnenkai New Year Party @ JIC with JETAA Chicago |
|
|
JETAA Chicago is proud to present the 12th annual Shinnenkai New Year’s Party to celebrate the Year of the Sheep! It's an opportunity to learn more about Japanese culture, play traditional games, win prizes and meet others interested in Japan. This is a family-friendly event that all ages can enjoy.
Enjoy appetizers, snacks, beer, wine, and soft drinks. Experience Japan’s traditional arts and crafts including: calligraphy, origami, and kimono dress-up. Challenge your friends in a trivia tournament or a game of karuta (picture matching game). Don’t forget about the $1 Janken Contest, where you can win the cash prize and be crowned the rock, paper, scissors champion!
Win prizes in the charity raffle benefitting Smile Kids Japan. Prizes include gift certificates to local businesses, Japanese themed treats and treasures, and more!
Want to volunteer at the event? Volunteer shifts are 4:30-6 PM or 6-8:30 PM and are an easy way to get involved, meet people and save money! Find out more by emailing JETAA Chicago.
| Date and Time |
Location |
Information |
January 17, 2014 (Thurs)
5:00 - 8:00 PM |
Japan Information Center
737 North Michigan Avenue
Suite 1000
Chicago, IL 60611 |
JETAA Chicago Website
● Buy tickets in advance by January 16 and save $5!
● Adults –
$15 for advanced tickets* ($20 at the door)
● Students and Volunteers –
$10 for advanced tickets* ($15 at the door)
● Children 12 and under –
$5 (kids under 5 are free) |
*all advance tickets are non-refundable
Return to top
|
| January 21 & 24: Film Screening of The Garden of Words @ JIC |
|
|
The Japan Information Center at the Consulate-General of Japan in Chicago will be hosting a film screening of The Garden of Words directed by Makoto Shinkai. The film length is 46 minutes and is in Japanese with English subtitles.
Synoposis: When Takao, a high school student dreaming of becoming a shoemaker, skips school one day in favor of sketching shoes in a rainy garden, he has no idea how much his life will change when he encounters the mysterious Yukino. Older, but perhaps not much wiser, she seems adrift in the world. The two strike up an unusual relationship through chance meetings in the same garden on each rainy day. But the rainy season is coming to a close, leaving many things left unshared between them…
| Date |
Location |
Information |
January 21 and 24, 2015
Wed - 5:30 PM
Sat - 2 PM
|
Japan Information Center
737 North Michigan Avenue
Suite 1000
Chicago, IL 60611
|
Flyer
Film Screening Page
|
Return to top
|
| Tomodachi Japan Society Junior Fellows Leadership Program [Deadline 1/16] |
|
|
The TOMODACHI Japan Society Junior Fellows Student Exchange Program is a culturally immersive learning experience in Japan. Ten high school students who are freshmen, sophomores, or juniors at the time of the application and are potential future leaders are eligible to apply. Students will live in the Tokyo metropolitan area with a host family, experience school life in Japan, and visit historical sites from July 6-27, 2015.
The total trip costs $3,500, with full and partial need-based scholarships available. Tuition includes orientation, all international and domestic travel in the U.S. and Japan, as well as meals and accommodations. Applications must be received by Friday, January 16. Please visit the website here to access application materials and to find out more on what the program has to offer.
Return to top
|
| First-Ever Illinois Japan Bowl for High School Students in March 2015! [Deadline for applications 2/6] |
|
|
The First-Ever Japan Bowl for High School students studying Japanese in the state of Illinois is here! This academic competition covers a wide rande 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. Originating in 1993, over 200 students from over 30 high schools across the U.S. participate in the National Japan Bowl. Applications are due Friday, February 6
| Date and Time |
Location |
Information |
Saturday, March 7, 2015
9 AM - 4:30 PM (tentative) |
North Central College
30 North Brainard Street
Naperville, IL 60540 |
JapanBowl Event Page
|
Return to top
|
|
The Consulate General of Japan will be closed on the following days:
- December 23 (Emperor's Birthday)
- December 25 (Christmas Day)
- December 29 - January 4 (End of Year/New Year Holiday)
- January 19 (Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birthday)
Thank you for your understanding. Happy Holidays!
Please visit our website to obtain our 2015 holiday schedule and hours.
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 librarian Emily Toelcke that features notable library materials we offer per month. |
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
As winter and its holidays are upon us, it only seems fitting to read an adventure. Few things can beat the Midwestern cold than sitting in front of a fireplace with a cup of o-cha and being whisked away into a story of high seas and unknown lands. The best part? It’s all true!
Heart of a Samurai (Call Number 552425) by Minnesota author Margi Preus is a 2011 Newberry Honor winner inspired by the real-life events “the boy who discovered America” during the period of Japan’s 250-year isolation. Although he was the son of a fisherman, Manjiro Nakahama aspired to become a samurai. What he didn’t expect was that one day while out fishing he would be stranded on a deserted island only to be rescued by a ship full of blonde-haired blue-eyed whalers. Instead of being returned to his native Japan, Manjiro would spend the next ten years surrounded by these curious people. He learned the trade of whaling, was adopted by the ship’s captain, took the name “John Mung” and ultimately became proficient in English and American culture. In 1851, Mung was able to return home but was immediately arrested by Japanese officials because of his association with the “foreigners.” However, he would soon discover that the Japan he once knew was changing and this lowly fisherman with unimaginable escapades would ultimately assist in ushering in a new era which redefined the samurai!
While the Heart of a Samurai was specifically written for late elementary and early middle school students, the story can be thoroughly enjoyed by any age. Personally, I found it to be a fascinating book and one of the most exciting I have read in a long time! Preus did a wonderful job bringing the historical events to life through colorful dialogue and the incorporation of first-hand materials including Mung’s own drawings and written accounts. Additionally, she included several glossaries at the end covering Japanese words, whaling terms, and sailor jargon as well as a bibliography/suggested reading list for both adults and young readers. Heart of a Samurai is a must read – a wonderful historical novel filled with adventures, twists, and “barbarians” with buttons!
Return to top |
|
|
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!
- What has been named the kanji for the year 2014?
- How many foreign visitors have gone to Japan in 2014? (hint: It is the largest number ever)
- Twin cubs of what animal debuted at a zoo in Wakayama Prefecture this month?
--------------------------
I randomly selected two winners for December as a little way of saying Happy Holidays to our readers! Congratulations to Rebecca Milsk and Richard Stump, our winners from the December issue. Here are last month's answers: |
• Which Japanese film star died at 83 in November?
Ken Takakura
• What technological devices will Japan introduce in airports in FY 2017? (hint: this will help speed up immigration control)
Facial Recognition System
• Who is the Japanese ski jumper who recently set a new Guinness World Record?
Sara Takanashi
Return to top |
|
 Japan Cinema
Do you love Japanese anime or movies? Then this is the site for you! Before deciding on which movie to watch, you can read through reviews provided by this month's Website Highlight. Right now is an opportune time to watch some Japanese films you have been hoping to watch as we officially approach the chilly winter months.
The writers of Japan Cinema write not just about films, but they also interview outstanding companies and people in the entertainment industry. Moreover, this group is affiliated with select entertainment distribution companies such as the Criterion Collection, Well Go USA, and FUNimation Entertainment. They set out to chronicle how film/culture blogs create and compete, highlight new cultural trends, and showcase great teams and individuals.
Return to top
|
|
Akemashite Omedetou Gozaimasu! Happy New Year!
2015 is fast approaching! According to the Chinese zodiac, 2015 is the year of the sheep. Chinese New Year is based on the lunar calendar Japan followed until the late nineteenth century and continues to be celebrated for entertainment purposes in Japan just like it is in the United States. Those born in 2015 as sheep are said to be witty, thoughtful individuals who are mindful of others. They are generous, sentimental, trusting, and hold very high morals.
To kick off the New Year, be sure to attend our Film Screening of The Garden of Words and/or come to the family-friendly Shinnenkai event this month! There are quite a few Shinnenkai New Year celebrations you can attend listed in our Highlighted Cultural Events section.
Best,
Amy Klouse (Editor, Technology and Information Coordinator)
|
Osechi image courtesy of
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
 |
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 |
|
|
The old name for the month of January, Mutsuki, means “month of harmony” or “month where friends and relatives gather.”
The Japan Foundation in Los Angeles and New York will be offering the following grants this winter. To ensure a smooth submission process, it is highly recommended that interested candidates start their applications early.
JETAA Chicago is proud to present the 12th annual Shinnenkai New Year’s Party to celebrate the Year of the Sheep! It's an opportunity to learn more about Japanese culture, play traditional games, win prizes and meet others interested in Japan. This is a family-friendly event that all ages can enjoy.
The Japan Information Center at the Consulate-General of Japan in Chicago will be hosting a film screening of The Garden of Words directed by Makoto Shinkai. The film length is 46 minutes and is in Japanese with English subtitles.
The TOMODACHI Japan Society Junior Fellows Student Exchange Program is a culturally immersive learning experience in Japan. Ten high school students who are freshmen, sophomores, or juniors at the time of the application and are potential future leaders are eligible to apply. Students will live in the Tokyo metropolitan area with a host family, experience school life in Japan, and visit historical sites from July 6-27, 2015.
The First-Ever Japan Bowl for High School students studying Japanese in the state of Illinois is here! This academic competition covers a wide rande 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.
