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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Minazuki, the old name for June, means "water month." Tsuyu, or heavy rainfall season takes place during the months of June and July and lasts about 6 weeks. Ajisai or hydrangeas are the rainy season flower, because they are considered by many to be most beautiful when wet and enshrouded in mist.
In Japan, there are no official holidays in June. June is the start to many summer festivals and firework events, like the well-known Sanno Matsuri of Hie-jinja Shrine in Akasaka district. It is a parade in Tokyo where people dress in traditional costumes with portable shrines, drums, and horses.
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| June 4: Japan America Society of Indiana Annual Gala |
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Mitoji Yabunaka
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At this year's Annual Gala, the Japan America Society of Indiana welcomes Mr. Mitoji Yabunaka, senior statesman of Japan and renowned opinion leader, as well as author of the newly-released book, Path of Japan (2015) and Destiny of a Nation (2010). Mr. Yabunaka is an advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Government of Japan, an adviser to Nomura Research Institute and a Professor at Ritsumeikan University and Osaka University. He is also the former Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Government of Japan.
For more information about the event and Keynote Speaker, please click here.
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| June 5: "Great Transformation of East Asia and Japan" featuring Mitoji Yabunaka, Former Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs & Professor at Ritsumeikan University with the Japan America Society of Chicago |
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The Japan America Society of Chicago and the Chicago Council on Global Affairs will also welcome Mitoji Yabunaka for a special lecture on "Great Transformation of East Asia and Japan." Professor Yabunaka is a former Consul-General of Japan here in Chicago and has served many roles for the Japanese government.
To learn more, please visit the event website listed below.
| Date and Time |
Location |
Information |
June 5 (Fri)
5:30 - 7:30 PM |
Kirkland & Ellis LLP
300 North LaSalle Street
Chicago, IL 60654 |
Event Website
Cost: $10 JASC & CCGA Members/ $20 Non-Members
$5 Students |
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| June 11: 85th Anniversary Celebratory Dinner with the Japan America Society of Chicago |
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| Date and Time |
Location |
Information |
June 11 (Thurs)
6:00 - 9:00 PM |
Union League Club of Chicago
65 West Jackson Boulevard
Crystal Room, 5th Floor
Chicago, IL 60604 |
Event Website
Cost: $150 per person
Tables of 10 for $1,500 |
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| June 12 (Deadline): Ninth Annual International MANGA Award |
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The International MANGA Award was established in May 2007 upon the initiative of then-Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr. Taro Aso. It aims to award MANGA creators who contribute to the spread of MANGA culture overseas and international cultural exchange through MANGA. The award has been held every year since its establishment.
The best MANGA among submitted works will be awarded the Gold Award while the next three best MANGA will receive Silver Awards. Recipients will additionally be invited to Japan by the Japan Foundation to attend the award ceremony. During their stay in Japan, recipients will also exchange opinions with Japanese MANGA creators, make an excursion and visit publishing companies and other places.
If you are a manga artist or an aspiring artist in the Midwest, be sure to submit your work to the below address and we will send your application to Japan! Please click here for more information and here to fill out an entry form.
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Consulate-General of Japan in Chicago
Attn: International Manga Award
737 North Michigan Avenue
Suite 1000
Chicago, IL 60611
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| June 16: 22nd Annual Sake Tasting with the Japan America Society of Chicago |
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Join Society members and guests for an exqusitite evening of premium sake and contemporary Japanese appetizers, at the newly opened Japonais by Morimoto. Japonais by Morimoto features a brand new menu showcasing Iron Chef Morimoto's wide randing signature cuisine, a seamless blend of Japanese and Western techniques. Sake breweries from Japan will be in Chicago for this one-day only event. Brewers will set up tasting stations along the River Walk highlighting only the finest sake. Enjoy Japanese delicacies and converse dierctly with sake brewers and sake executives.
Raffle Prizes:
- 1 discounted economy class Japan Airlines round-trip ticket to Tokyo, Japan (winner has to pay only $500 + surcharges)
- Goods from sake brewers
- And more...
Raffle tickets: $5 each or 5 for $20 (Winner does not have to be present to win!)
To make a reservation, please call (312) 263-3049 or pay through Pay Pal when accessing the link below.
| Date and Time |
Location |
Information |
June 16 (Tues)
6:30 - 9:00 PM |
Japonais by Morimoto
(Outdoor River Walk)
600 West Chicago Avenue
Chicago, IL 60610 |
Event Website
Cost: $55 for Early Registration (By June 15)
$60 JASC Members/ $70 Non-Members (Day of Event) |
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| June 23: Child and Parent Japanese Reading Group at the JIC |
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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 PDF link below.
| Date and Time |
Location |
Information |
June 23, 2015 (Tues)
10:30 AM - 1:00 PM |
Japan Information Center
737 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 1000
Chicago, IL 60611 |
Reading Group Flyer
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| DEADLINE EXTENDED into June: 2015 Chicago-Osaka Social Services Exchange Program |
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Chicago Sister Cities International is receiving applications for the 2015 Chicago-Osaka Social Services Exchange Program to be held November 7-13. The application has been extended to the month of June, currently with no firm deadline. Please click here for more details!
For questions, please contact Heather at hjoerger@chicagosistercities.com or 312-201-4537.
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| Other Scholarships and Programs |
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| This month's Highlighted Resources was written by JIC Librarian Ella McCann and features a notable library item we are recommending this month. |
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When I think of summer in Japan, the first thing that comes to mind is O-Matsuri, or Japanese Festivals. They happen all year round in Japan, but are especially popular in the summer season when the weather is nice. The whole community is involved in both the preparation and execution of a festival. For example, the younger children participate by playing instruments, while the adults carry the Mikoshi (portable shrines). Some of the most well-known ones, such as the Gion Matsuri in Kyoto (July) and the Nebuta Matsuri in Aomori (August), have been around for hundreds of years and still maintain the same traditions.
This month I’ll introduce a few of the books on Japanese festivals we have here in the library. Perhaps you’ll be inspired to start your own!
The first is Festivals of Japan (Call number 145008). This pocket-sized book from the Japan Travel Bureau (JTB) functions as an encyclopedia and features illustrations on every aspect of over 271 festivals that happen throughout Japan. From the clothing, to the theme, it doesn’t leave out a single detail. This easy to follow book is a great choice if you plan on visiting Japan for festivals.
The second, Nihon no Matsuri Saijiki (Call number 145001), is an almanac featuring the festivals by season and explaining the significance of each one with colorful images. The seasons are a very important aspect of Japanese culture and the festivals often reflect that. Some examples are the ‘Snow Festival (Yuki Matsuri)’ in Sapporo and the ‘Cherry Blossom Festival (Sakura Matsuri)’ in Kagawa Prefecture.
The third is Spectacle and Spirit: The Great Festivals of Japan (Call number 145006). The author, Hiroyuki Ozawa, fell into photographing festivals by chance after seeing the Sanja Matsuri in Tokyo and has since published four photo books. The book features details on how shrines are maintained in between festivals, as well as a bit of history about each one featured. Hiroyuki does a great job of capturing the energy of some of the most famous festivals in Japan, making the reader feel as if they are right there with him.
All of these books are good resources for learning more about how this aspect of traditional Japanese culture has evolved over time.
Did you know? Japanese summer festivals aren’t just limited to Japan! Be sure to check out some that happen in the Chicagoland and Midwest area, such as Japan Day at Arlington International Race Course (July 18th-19th) or the Anderson Garden Japan Festival (August 22nd-23rd).
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| New Additions, also written by Ella McCann, 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 to Amy Klouse at amy.klouse@cg.mofa.go.jp for a chance to win a small prize!
- At the opening of Japan’s Robot Revolution Initiative Council, who urged the "spread the use of robotics from large-scale factories to every corner of our economy and society?"
- Which dairy-based commodity is facing a shortage in Japan, with imports of this product expected to increase soon?
- This month, which Japanese show became the world's longest-running single-host talk show in the Guinness World Record?
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Congratulations to Derek Wolff, the winner from our May issue! Here are the answers: |
• What age has the pilot age limit been raised to in Japan?
67
• What was the new record speed set this month by a Japan maglev train?
603 kmph (374 mph)
• Which major California-based Mexican food chain is coming to Japan soon?
Taco Bell
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 The JIC's Inquiries and Resources Page
There are so many fun and diverse festivals happening in the summer, including several Japanese Matsuri! Did you know that if your organization is hosting an event, you can request to borrow cultural items, such as happi, from us for free? Did you also know that the JIC can be requested to host an informational table at your event, or even give a presentation? You can also refer to this page to find our lists of local resources. If you have any further questions, contact us and we can provide some other recommendations or we can help guide you in the right direction.
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Summer!
Temperatures are heating up in the Midwest as well as in Japan. In fact, temperatures topped 30 degrees (86 degrees Fahrenheit) in Tokyo on May 26, which is unseasonably warm for Japan. If attending any outdoor festivals, be sure to stay hydrated and eat delicious frosty treats like ice cream. When indoors, take steps to conserve energy. For instance, turn off all unnecessary electrical appliances, take chilled showers, turn on fans, and open windows when possible but use the air conditioning when necessary. Enjoy the start of summer and stay cool!
Best,
Amy Klouse (Editor, Technology and Information Coordinator)
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Ajisai 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 |
Minazuki, the old name for June, means "water month." Tsuyu, or heavy rainfall season takes place during the months of June and July and lasts about 6 weeks. Ajisai or hydrangeas are the rainy season flower, because they are considered by many to be most beautiful when wet and enshrouded in mist.
The International MANGA Award was established in May 2007 upon the initiative of then-Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr. Taro Aso. It aims to award MANGA creators who contribute to the spread of MANGA culture overseas and international cultural exchange through MANGA. The award has been held every year since its establishment.
Join Society members and guests for an exqusitite evening of premium sake and contemporary Japanese appetizers, at the newly opened Japonais by Morimoto. Japonais by Morimoto features a brand new menu showcasing Iron Chef Morimoto's wide randing signature cuisine, a seamless blend of Japanese and Western techniques. Sake breweries from Japan will be in Chicago for this one-day only event. Brewers will set up tasting stations along the River Walk highlighting only the finest sake. Enjoy Japanese delicacies and converse dierctly with sake brewers and sake executives.
Chicago Sister Cities International is receiving applications for the 2015 Chicago-Osaka Social Services Exchange Program to be held November 7-13. The application has been extended to the month of June, currently with no firm deadline. Please 
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