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Vol. 10 No. 3 - March 2015
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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In This Issue
This Month in Japan
Special Announcements
JIC Library
Fun Features
Editor's Note  
   
Highlighted
Cultural Events		 Please click through to our Events Calendar for a full list of events, as well as information about events in the coming months!
Economic News
 
Political News
Tomodachi Abenomics

Government Northern

Takeshima JapanChina

Abduction Highlighting

 
This Month in Japan
Koyomi Yayoi, the traditional name for the month of March, means "new life.” It implies that spring is coming soon, so we can only hope that no more blizzards or deep freezes will plague the Midwest.

The only national holiday this month is Shunbun no hi, or Vernal Equinox Day, on March 20th or 21st. Once Shunbun no hi passes, Japan enter cherry blossom season which is accompanied by many spring celebrations. Another popular holiday this month is Hina Matsuri (Doll Festival), or Girls' Day, that falls on March 3rd. You can click here to read more about the traditions of Hina Matsuri in this month’s Editor’s Note!

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Special Announcements
Japanese Pottery: The Rising Generation from Traditional Japanese Kilns Exhibit at the JIC [February 20 - March 16]
White glazed "vessel"
Artist: OKUMURA Hiromi
Pottery


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! 		Japan Information Center
737 North Michigan Avenue
Suite 1000
Chicago, IL 60611 		Flyer
Website


Skewed vase with brown englobe
Artist: YAMATO Tsutomo
Pottery
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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29th Annual Japanese Language Speech Contest at the JIC [March 21]
28th Annual Speech Contest [2014]
Speech2014

The Consulate will be hosting the 29th Annual Japanese Language Speech Contest at the JIC on Saturday, March 21! 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 speech submission period for 2015 is now closed, but the event is free and open to the public. So please come to cheer on the speakers! Parking is available at the Olympia Centre Parking structure and discounted with validation.

Date Location Information
March 21, 2015 (Sat)
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM 		Japan Information Center
737 North Michigan Avenue
Suite 1000
Chicago, IL 60611 		Website


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Japan Foundation Grants
JFGrants 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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KAKEHASHI Project School Visits [March 8-11, 23-26]
KAKEHASHI The KAKEHASHI Project aims to heighten potential interest in Japan and increase the number of overseas visitors to the country. Additionally, the project strives to enhance international understanding of the "Japan brand," or the nation's strengths and attractiveness, based on Japanese-style values and "Cool Japan." It is anticipated that this project will help to revitalize and boost the Japanese economy.

In March, a number of students from colleges, junior, and senior high schools in Japan will be visiting the Midwest to give presentations on Japanese culture to American students and community audiences. From March 8-11, students from Shizuoka University will travel to the University of Kansas (Lawrence, KS) [Japan Fest Event Flyer], and students from Ritsumeikan University will visit DePaul University (Chicago, IL) [Community and Farewell Event]. Then, from March 23-26, students from Japan's Tokyo Metropolitan Kokusai High School and Mita Senior High School will go to Central Academy, Valley, and Valley Southwoods High School (Des Moines and West Des Moines, IA) while students from Minami-Uonuma City Board of Education [with 5 Schools] will be welcomed at Robbinsdale Armstrong High School (Plymouth, MN) [Event Flyer]. Lastly, Iwaki Student Council President Summit and NPO Jidai no Souzou Koubou will visit Madison Country Day School (Waunakee, WI) [Event Announcement]. This may be the first time many of the Japanese students have traveled to America, so let us all warmly welcome and learn about Japanese culture from them!

Students from the American schools went to Japan through the KAKEHASHI Project in 2014. You can read more about their trips on The Japan Foundation's website.

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March 1: Kansas City Japanese Film Festival
The annual Kansas City Japanese Film Festival is an event sponsored by Heartland JETAA, the Heart of America Japan America Society, and the Consulate-General of Japan in Chicago. This year's proceeds will once more be donated to The Taylor Anderson Memorial Fund – in honor of the American teacher who lost her life in the Japanese tsunami of 2011 – to benefit students, schools and families in the Ishinomaki and Tohoku regions continue to rebuild from the devastation caused by the earthquake and tsunami.

JALD Please click here for a synopsis of the following films:
  • 11:00 - 1:20 隠し砦の三悪人
    The Hidden Fortress (1958)
    Akira Kurosawa


  • 2:00 - 4:00 平成狸合戦ぽんぽこ
    Pom Poko (1994)
    Isao Takahata, Studio Ghibli


  • 4:30 - 6:15 太秦ライムライト
    Uzumasa Limelight (2014)
    Ken Ochiai


  • 7:00 - 8:30 羅生門
    Rashomon (1950)
    Akira Kurosawa


    • Date Location Information
    March 1, 2015 (Sun)
    11:00 AM - 10:00 PM     		Alamo Draft House
    1400 Main Street
    Kansas City, MO 64105     		Website
    ● Tickets are $7.50 per movie or $20
    for all four movies of the day.
    ● Please register and pay via PayPal.

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March 4: “TPP as a Crucial Part of Abenomics” Lecture with the Japan America Society of Chicago
Dr. Fukunari Kimura, Professor, Faculty of
Economics, Keio University and Chief Economist,
Economic Research Institute for ASEAN
and East Asia (ERIA)
JALD
The Japan America Society of Japan together with the Consulate-General of Japan in Chicago welcome Dr. Fukunai Kimura for his presentation:

TPP is an essential piece for the third arrow of Abenomics. The most significant economic effect will come from presenting a benchmark of a novel economic order for a new type of international division of labor called international production networks or the second unbundling, which has been developed in East Asia and Asia-Pacific by Japanese firms and others. TPP will show the level of standard for goods, services, and investment liberalization and at the same time set up a starting point of rule making in government procurement, intellectual property rights protection, competition, dispute settlements, and others. Although direct effects of TPP on the Japanese domestic economy seem to be limited, TPP may work as a catalyst for initiating necessary reforms, for example, in agriculture. The public support for TPP has continuously been strong in Japan.
---
Dr. Fukunari Kimura has been Professor, Faculty of Economics, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan since 2000 and Chief Economist, Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) since 2008. Dr. Kimura received his Bachelor of Law from the Faculty of Law, University of Tokyo in 1982, Master of Science and Ph.D. from the Department of Economics, University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1990 and 1991. Dr. Kimura worked for the International Development Center of Japan as a Researcher in 1982-1986, the Department of Economics, State University of New York at Albany as Assistant Professor in 1991-1994, and the Faculty of Economics, Keio University as Associate Professor in 1994-2000. Dr. Kimura was also the President, Japan Society of International Economics in 2010-2012 and the Representative Director, Tokyo Center for Economic Research (TCER) in 2012-2014.

Date Location Information
March 4, 2015 (Wed)
6:00 - 7:30 PM 		Baker & McKenzie
300 East Randolph Street
Suite 5000
Chicago, IL 60601 		Website

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March 6-14 Japanese American Leadership Delegation
2015 JALD participants
JALD

The Japanese American Leadership Delegation (JALD) program provides the opportunity for a select group of Japanese American leaders from across the U.S. 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 through the experiences of a diverse group of Japanese Americans. Upon their return, delegates collaborate with program alumni, the local consulates, the U.S.-Japan Council and local and national community organizations to continue strengthening ties between the U.S. and Japan.

This year’s delegation will travel to Japan from March 6 – 14, 2015, with Tokyo and Hiroshima areas included in their itinerary. The 2015 delegation is composed of senior leaders from education, the new technology, clean energy, entrepreneurial and local, state or regional government sectors, including appointed and elected officials. The Consulate would like to congratulate Chicagoan Mr. Richard I. Morimoto, Bill & Gayle Cook Professor of Biology at Northwestern University who will be a participant in the 2015 delegation! Please refer to the US-Japan Council's website for more information on the program.

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March 9-20: 絆 Kizuna 4: Through Our Eyes
Kizuna4 The Osaka Committee of Chicago Sister Cities International, along with the Japan America Society of Chicago, the Consulate-General of Japan in Chicago, the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Chicago and the Japan External Trade Organization Chicago, are proud to present 絆 Kizuna 4: Through Our Eyes, a unique photo collection illustrating the personal and dynamic spectrum of Japan’s ongoing recovery following the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami of March 11, 2011.

For three years, the Kizuna exhibitions have connected Chicago to Japan, and are a continued sign of support and remembrance for the people of the recovering Tohoku region. Now, 絆 Kizuna 4 gives a fresh perspective on the current state of recovery though the eyes of an American photographer and curator (Jamason Chen), a renowned Sendai-based photographer dedicated to documenting the recovery process (Kiyotaka Shishido) and a Chicago-based non-profit (113Project.org). These three contributors traveled separately to Tohoku in 2014 and photographed changing landscapes, individual stories, and vibrant communities. The selections highlight the parallax of recovery and capture Tohoku, now.

絆 Kizuna 4 Programs:
  • March 9-13: 絆 Kizuna 4: Through Our Eyes Exhibition
    Richard J. Daley Center Lobby, (50 West Washington Street)


  • March 11: Opening Ceremony
    Richard J. Daley Center Lobby (50 West Washington Street)
    12:00-1:00 PM


  • March 11: Economic Seminar
    Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago (230 South LaSalle Street)


  • March 16-20: 絆 Kizuna 4: Through Our Eyes Exhibition
    James R. Thompson Center, (100 West Randolph Street)


  • March 12: Tohoku Tomo: Film Screening & Panel Discussion
    The Chicago School of Professional Psychology (Room 407/412, 345 North Wells Street)
    6:00-8:00 PM

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March 12-13: University of Nebraska – Lincoln Japan Festival
JFest Sponsored by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) Japanese Program, the Consulate-General of Japan in Chicago, and the Kawasaki Reading Room for Japanese Studies this event is FREE and open to the public! For more information, please click here.

  • March 12: Music and Dance Performance by UNL students
    Regency Suite, UNL
    3:30-4:15 PM, followed by refreshments


  • March 12: Japanese Popular Culture Presentation by Global Friends of Japan
    Regency Suite, UNL
    4:30-5:15 PM


  • March 12: Japanese Movie Screening Godzilla vs. Destoroyah (1995)
    Auditorium, UNL
    7:00-9:00 PM


  • March 13: Lecture:"Understanding the Global Appeal of Japanese Popular Culture" - Dr. William M. Tsutsui
    Colonial A, UNL
    3:30-4:30 PM

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March 31: Child and Parent Japanese Reading Group at the JIC
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 Location Information
March 31, 2015 (Tues)
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM		 Japan Information Center
737 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 1000
Chicago, IL 60611		 Reading Group Flyer

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Midwest Japanese Speech Contests
There are so many High School and University speech contests to look forward to throughout the country in March! It is wonderful to know that so many people participate to hone their Japanese skills; whether they are preparing to lead lives where knowing a second language is a critical component to success or are studying Japanese as a hobby. See if there are any contests happening in your area so you can attend and cheer on the students:

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Other Scholarships and Programs

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JIC Library
JICLIB


Highlighted Resources
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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With all the snowfall this winter, I can’t help but think of spring and the beautiful flowers and leaves that will bloom come late March/early April, not only in Japan, but also in North America.

One of my favorite pastimes has been to visit gardens. I especially enjoy visiting the Chicago Botanical Gardens, which feature a Japanese style garden. While living in Japan I had the chance to visit a lot of different types of Japanese gardens. I found that they reminded me of the natural beauty that is all around us. They were always meticulously clean and were especially beautiful in the spring months when the Cherry Blossoms bloomed. They also carried a rich history that sometimes went back centuries.

QuietBeauty
This is why I chose Quiet Beauty: The Japanese Gardens of North America (Call number 720003), written by Kendall H. Brown with photographs by David M. Cobb, as the featured book this month. This photo book is a collection of 26 public Japanese Gardens in the United States and Canada. It is broken down into five sections: Oriental Exotica, Building Bridges, Innovation by Adaptation, Expansive Visions, & Traditions Transformed. In doing so they help guide the reader through why Japanese gardens have been a part of North American culture for so long and how these gardens have grown into their new homes. The photos are bright and big, allowing the reader to get a good sense of the gardens, without visiting them… just yet.

It even features The Garden of the Phoenix (formerly known as The Osaka Garden), a gift from our sister city, which you can visit in Hyde Park! It will soon be home to more than 170 ‘Sakura’, or Cherry Blossom Trees that will bloom in the spring, just as they do in Japan. It also features the Anderson Park Gardens in Rockford, Illinois and even more from Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Missouri, and South Dakota. I encourage you to try and visit them all!

If you’d like to know more about maintaining gardens, building gardens and flowers or flower arrangement, visit our Gardening section (Call numbers 152001-152022).

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New Additions
New Additions, also written by Ella McCann, showcases the latest materials we have received in the JIC collection.
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Title Author Language Call Number

Kiss, Bow, or Shake Hands
世界比較文化事典

 Terri Morrison
W.A Conaway
G.A Boden 		日本語 171014

Common Sense for Tourists and Businessmen
パスポートとビザの知識

Haruta Tetsuyoshi 日本語 171012

Minshuutou o Mitsumenaosu
民衆党を見つめ直す

Osamu Fujimura
Harukata Takenaka 		日本語 462011

Asahi Shimbun Rensai Shosetsu no 120 Nen
朝日新聞連載小説の120年

Asahi Shimbun 日本語 340022

American Government Reader
アメリカ合衆国読本 知られざる大国の表顔

Saotome Mitsuhiro 日本語 441034

Asura Girl

Otaro Maijo English 552426
Film Title Audio Subtitles Format Call Number

Japan Video Topics 2014/2015 #3: Prepared for Disaster; The Japanese Love of Sound; Kisoji-The Old Mountain Road; The Spirit of Motainai

 日本語, English, Español,
中国的, Français, Português		 N/A DVD JVT 2014/2015.03

The 80th Birthday of Her Majesty the Empress

 English, 日本語 Japanese with English (Voice Over) DVD 402013

Japan Video Topics 2014/2015 #4: What is a Yurukyara, Kurokawa Onsen-An Old Hot Spring Revived, Silken Thread from Spiders, A Japanese Approach to Bread

 日本語, English, Español,
中国的, Français, Português		 N/A DVD JVT 2014/2015.04

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Fun Features
Last Month in Japan
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!
  1. Which Japanese city is ranked #1 safest in the world according to the Economist Intelligence Unit?
  2. How many compulsory paid holidays is the Japanese government considering to make mandatory for companies?
  3. What will be the purpose of First Lady Michelle Obama's visit to Japan in March?
--------------------------

Congratulations to Louisa Chu, the winner from our February issue! Here are the answers:

• Which Japanese automaker is the top-selling in the world for a third consecutive year?
Toyota

• Which Yokozuna finished the New Year Sumo tournament 15-0?
Hakuho

• 20 years ago, what major earthquake occurred in Japan on Jan 17, 1995?
The Great Hanshin Earthquake

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Website Highlight
WebHighJapanese Guest Houses


Have you ever stayed in a Japanese ryokan, or traditional inn that originated in the Edo Period? Not many are located in large, busy cities because part of the experience is to be situated in a tranquil and scenic setting. The inns are usually quaint and small to accommodate only a select number of guests at a time. They typically feature tatami-matted rooms, sliding fusuma doors, as well as communal baths and other public areas where people may wear casual yukata. Breakfasts and dinner are often included in the price guests pay for rooms. These meals typically feature fresh seasonal and regional specialties.

The website highlight this month features some of the best ryokan located in all regions of Japan (Hokkaido, Tohoku, Chubu, Kanto, Chugoku, Kansai, Shikoku, Kyushu, Okinawa). Looking at the enticing images on their website makes me want to plan a trip soon to escape the congestion, busyness, and cold here in Chicago!

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Editor's Note
Hina Matsuri is just around the corner! This is a day to pray for the growth, good fortune, and happiness of all young girls. It is also called "Momo no sekku (Peach Festival)" because of the peach blossom season on the old lunar calendar.

Traditionally, beautiful dolls representing the emperor, empress, attendants, and musicians were handcrafted especially for the occasion. The custom of displaying dolls began during the Heian period, when people believed the dolls possessed the power to contain bad spirits.

Families prepare delicious foods and drink like chirashizushi (sushi rice flavored with sugar, vinegar, topped with raw fish and a variety of ingredients), hina arare (sugar or soy sauce crackers), hishimochi (diamond-shaped colored rice cake), shirozake (fermented rice sake), and more recently, ichigo daifuku (Japanese confection with a strawberry). Once March 3rd elapses, however, the dolls are quickly stored away owing to an old superstition that the longer the dolls remain, the older the girls will be when they marry.

Best,
Amy Klouse (Editor, Technology and Information Coordinator)
Hina Matsuri image courtesy of
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Hina Matsuri

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