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 |
| Special Announcements |
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| JIC Library |
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| Fun Features |
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| Editor's Note |
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Highlighted
Cultural Events |
- Throughout May: Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month
- Until August 30: Creatures Great and Small, Animals in Japanese Art @ St. Louis Art Museum
- May 1: Chicago Kick-Off for Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month Events
- May 1-June 4: Studio Ghibli’s Legacy Film Series @ Gene Siskel Film Center in Chicago, IL [Tickets to each film will be $7, rather than $11, when using the promo code JAPAN in-person only at box office]
- May 2: Opening Ceremony @ Anderson Japanese Gardens in Rockford, IL
- May 6: J.P. Morgan Foreign Exchange Seminar with the Japan America Society of IN
- May 8-10: AniMinneapolis @ Hyatt Regency Minneapolis
- May 9: IZAKAYA (Japanese Pub) DISHES Cooking Class with the Japanese American Services Committee of Chicago
- May 10: Bunkasai with Northwestern University in Evanston, IL
- May 12: Ramen Dinner Social with the Young Professionals Committee of the Japan America Society of Chicago
- May 13: Japan’s Economic Recovery and the Global Economic Forecast with the Japan America Society of Chicago
- May 14: Obi Sale! With the Japan America Society of MN in Minneapolis
- May 16-17: Bonsai Exhibition and Malott Japanese Gardens Children’s Festival @ Chicago Botanic Garden
- May 16-17: Skokie Festival of Cultures in Skokie, IL
- May 17: A Celebration of Japanese Culture at the Missouri History Museum in St. Louis, MO
- May 17: Cherry Blossom Festival in Fort Wayne, IN
- May 26: "The Future of Wagashi" presented by Ayako Mizumura with the Heart of America Japan America Society in Kansas City, MO/KS
- May 29: Asian Pacific American Heritage month @ UChicago's International House with Tsukasa Taiko
Please click through to our Events Calendar for a full list of events, as well as information about events in the coming months!
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| Economic News |
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| Political News |
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Satsuki, or the old name for May, means "rice sprout month." As the saying goes, April showers bring May flowers…May is the month when rice in paddies and crops begin to grow.
Golden Week in Japan starts at the end of April and lasts until May 5th. April 29 is Showa Day (Showa no Hi), May 3 is Constitution Memorial Day (Kenpo Kinenbi), May 4 is Greenery Day (Midori no Hi), and May 5 is Children’s Day (Kodomo no Hi).
Although not an official holiday, Mother’s Day as the second Sunday in May is becoming an increasingly more popular celebration for families.
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| Message from New Consul-General Toshiyuki Iwado |
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Consul-General Toshiyuki Iwado
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I am delighted to begin my new assignment as Consul-General of Japan in Chicago. From my first days here, so many people have welcomed me very warmly. I knew immediately that the Midwest is a wonderful place to live, and I have embraced it as my second home.
I am most eager to visit all the states covered by our Consulate: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. I am committed to doing everything possible to broaden and deepen our already close economic, cultural, and grassroots cooperation. The key is to strengthen our networking with all the people here as well as the Japan America Societies, Japanese American organizations, business associations, and educational institutions throughout the entire region.
Our close partnership is already impressive. More than 33,000 Japanese nationals reside in the 10-state area. Nearly 1,300 Japanese business facilities, which provide over 126,000 direct jobs mainly for Americans, call the Midwest home. They come here, succeed here, and expand here, and they benefit local communities.
Our two-way collaboration is much more. Our Consulate in Chicago is at the forefront in the United States in sending Japan Teaching & Exchange Program participants to Japan, while Americans study the Japanese language here. The region offers both traditional and modern Japanese culture. Each year, various Japan Festivals welcome tens of thousands of visitors, who enjoy a remarkable cultural experience.
Our friendship has reached this high level, thanks to the outstanding leadership and commitment of so many people across the Midwest. You have my deepest appreciation.
I’m very happy to serve in the United States again. After joining the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, my first overseas assignment was in California nearly three decades ago. Over the years, I have visited this country many times on business and private trips. Now that I am in the heart of America, I am most enthusiastic to join with you to build upon the many strengths of our partnership. Together, let’s seize every opportunity to bring Japan to the Midwest and the Midwest to Japan.
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| Conferral of The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette Upon Dr. Mirja P. Hanson |
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Dr. Mirja P. Hanson
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On April 29, 2015 (Japan Time), the Government of Japan announced the foreign recipients of the 2015 Spring Imperial Decorations. Amonth the 85 foreign recipients is Dr. Mirja P. Hanson, Former Honorary Consul-General of Japan in Minneapolis and Former President of the Japan America Society of Minnesota. She will recieve The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette in recognition of her significant contributions to promote exchanges and friendship between Japan and the United States. The prestigious decoration is conferred by His Majesty the Emperor of Japan.
Dr. Hanson spent most of her childhood in Japan as the daughter of a missionary family from Finland. Since she moved to the United States in 1974, she has been actively engaged in promoting the Japan-United States relationship. As President of the Japan America Society of Minnesota from 1991 to 1995, Dr. Hanson broadened the range of programs to include not only cultural but also professional, economic, and public affairs presentations. Her initiative heightened the Society's role in the community, and it achieved a significant increase in membership. As Honorary Consul-General of Japan in Minneapolis from 2010 to March 2015, Dr. Hanson made an important contriubtion to further promoting the relationship between Japan and the United States in Minnesota.
Please click here to read the official press release and here to read more about Dr. Hanson.
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| *May 28 (Deadline): MEXT Scholarships due @ JIC Office |
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Monbukagakusho (MEXT), the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology offers four different scholarships for non-Japanese nationals wishing to study in Japan. The application period is now open for the 1) Research, 2) Specialized Training for College Students, and 3) Undergraduate Students scholarships!
- Research
This scholarship offers applicants the opportunity to spend 18 or 24 months conducting independent research under a Japanese professor. Any field of study is eligible for the scholarship, but applicants must find a Japanese professor willing to supervise their research. Please click here for FAQs related to this scholarship.
- Specialized Training for College Students
This scholarship offers applicants the opportunity to spend up to 3 years at a Japanese professional training school studying in one of several fields. Please click here for FAQs related to this scholarship.
- Undergraduate Students
This scholarship offers applicants the opportunity to spend up to 5 years at a Japanese college or university as an undergraduate degree student in one of 2 fields of study: (1) Social Sciences and Humanities or (2) Natural Sciences. Please click here FAQs related to this scholarship.
Applications must be received by May 28, 2015. For more information and application materials, please visit the MEXT Scholarships page on our website.
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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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| May 9: Spring Festival @ University of Chicago |
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It's that time of year for the 5th Annual Japanese Spring Festival: Matsuri 2015 at the University of Chicago! Unlike their previous spring festivals, there will be free admission to the event. However, please do remember to bring a few dollars to pay for the delicious sushi, gyoza, takoyaki, mochi, and snacks. All games with special prizes, info booths, and martial arts booths are free!
Along with the Consulate-General of Japan in Chicago's booth, there will be booths with martial arts hosted by Aikido Club and Judo Club, games like shateki and kendama, and arts like flower arangement by Ikebana on Halsted and a tea demonstration by Urasenke Chicago.
| Date and Time |
Location |
Information |
May 9 (Sat)
5:30 - 8:30 PM |
Hutchinson Courtyard in Reynolds Club
5706 South University Avenue
(Corner of 57th and South University)
Chicago, IL 60637 |
Japanese Student Association Website |
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| May 15-17: Anime Central in Rosemont, IL |
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Anime Central (ACen) is the largest anime, manga and Japanese popular culture convention in Chicago and the Midwest on May 15-17. As part of its mission, ACen brings fans together with guests from the Japanese and US sectors of the anime and manga industry, as well as gaming, cinema, and Asian culture personalities.
Stop by the JIC's booth on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday to find out more on the JET Program and other exciting events and opportunities coming up this summer. We are also bringing authentic kabuto and yoroi for guests to try on! Please check the ACen schedules, as the times provided are subject to change.
ACen will be held at Hyatt Regency O'Hare and Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 9300 Bryn Mawr Avenue, Rosemont, IL 60018.
| Dates and Times |
Location and Event |
May 16 (Sat)
2:00 - 3:00 PM
3:00 - 4:00 PM |
Panel Room 3 at Convention Center
JET Program Information Session
Anime Screening The Garden of Words |
| Dates and Times |
Location and Event |
Information |
May 17 (Sun)
11 AM
| Location is TBD
Lecture on Japan Through Manga
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ACen website
● ACen Facebook and Twitter pages |
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| May 22 & 23: CelebrAsian Festival with the Japan America Society of Iowa |
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CelebrAsian is a two-day, free to the public event sponsored by the Iowa Asian Alliance that showcases different Asian and Asian-American communities and cultures present in the state of Iowa. The event will allow attendees to experience the diverse cultural traditions of Asian and Asian-American communities residing in the State of Iowa. Each community is organized as a "Village" and showcases indigenous foods, culture, history, arts and crafts, and sports. This year, the Japan America Society of Iowa and the Consulate-General of Japan will host a Japan booth at this event.
| Dates and Time |
Location |
Information |
May 22 & 23 (Fri, Sat)
Fri = 2:00 - 9:00 PM
Sat = 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM |
Western Gateway Park
12th St. at Locus St.
Des Moines, IA 50309 |
CelebrAsian website
● CelebrAsian Facebook and Twitter pages |
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| May 26: 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 |
May 26, 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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| May 31: Harukaze Concert "Yukionna" with the Japan America Society of Minnesota |
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Momoko Tanno
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This is the World Premiere of the concert opera based on a Japanese legend “Yukionna” (Snow Witch), written by award-winning composer Asako Hirabayashi (writer/composer) and script adapted by Steven Epp (The Moving Company, Theatre de la Jeune Lune).
Based on the ancient Japanese folktale, this world premiere opera re-imagines the heart-wrenching tragedy of the Snow Witch, Yukionna — a story of a love torn between human desire and the brutal instincts of Mother Nature.
Featuring performances by breathtaking soprano Momoko Tanno, and some of the Twin cities finest chamber musicians conducted by Andrew Altenbach.
| Date |
Location |
Information |
May 31, 2015 (Sun)
3:00 PM
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Sundin Music Hall
Hamline University
1531 Hewitt Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55104
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Website
● Admission is $20
$15 for JASM Members, $10 for students
$5 for 18 and under
● Please RSVP here.
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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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“A Testament to the Power of Books”
Have you heard about the Japan Library? It was established in 2015 by the Japan Publishing Industry Foundation for Culture (JPIC) to promote a better understanding of Japan through books. They will be translating and publishing Japanese books into English in order to introduce a wider audience to Japanese literature and culture. For the first year they have published five books, all of which are listed in the ‘New Additions’ section. For this month I will highlight one of the books from this collection, Tree-Ring Management: Take the Long View and Grow Your Business Slowly (Call number 423015) by Hiroshi Tsukakoshi.
I’ve often heard the way to do business in Japan is not with who has the best price, but who has the most patience. This book explains that idea and more! Hiroshi Tsukakoshi is Chairman of Ina Food Industries, a company that has sustained constant growth since it began 50 years ago, a rarity for most businesses. Based in Ina city, Nagano Prefecture, their product ‘Kanten’ is a household name throughout Japan and their Kanten Papa Garden is a popular tourist destination.
This book is broken down into four chapters based on Hiroshi’s beliefs about business. Throughout each chapter he gives examples of how his company has maintained a slow yet steady growth and how he has kept employees happy. Hiroshi points out, “Over the last 20 years, no one has left the company because they were unhappy.” He writes that part of the reason for this is because every year employees at Ina Food Industries receive a raise, regardless of their position. Therefore those who have been at the company the longest make the most money. As the employees know they will make more money this year compared to last year, they are willing to keep working at Ina Food Industries, as opposed to leaving for higher pay at another company. He also believes that the finer details such as: maintaining a clean workplace and supporting the local community are what keep employees at Ina Food Industries. Most importantly, he does not compromise on these beliefs in order to get short term rewards.
After reading this book, I realized that Hiroshi’s model is not just applicable to business; it can also be a metaphor for life. It’s often hard to remember that like a tree, we grow over time with support from our communities and by sticking with our goals. So whether you’re looking to improve profits, or live a more balanced life, I would recommend that you read this inspiring story!
If there are books you’d like to see translated by Japan Library, or if you would like to have the books come to your town, school or library, JPIC wants to hear from you! Visit their website for more details.
And as always, if there are any books you would like us to add to our library, please send your recommendations to ella.mccann@cg.mofa.go.jp!
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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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Call Number |
Japan Video Topics 2014/2015 #5: Snow Monkeys, Satchels Filled with Memories, Changing Corporate Cafeterias, White Impulse, 30 second trailer
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MOFA |
English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Portuguese, Japanese |
JVT 2014/2015 #5
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Japan Video Topics 2014/2015 #6: By Shinkansen to Hokuriku, Kendama’s Global Appeal, Reviving Town’s Old Machiya, Eco Ships for Cleaner Seas, Japan-A Nation of Light(30”)
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MOFA |
English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Portuguese, Japanese |
JVT 2014/2015 #6
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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 age has the pilot age limit been raised to in Japan?
- What was the new record speed set this month by a Japan maglev train?
- Which major California-based Mexican food chain is coming to Japan soon?
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Congratulations to Susan Kelly, the winner from our April issue! Here are the answers: |
• OverDrive Holdings Inc., a US operator of leading eBook and audiobook content, is being bought by which Japanese internet services company?
Rakuten Inc.
• Which famous film and theater company is featuring a new line of clothes with UNIQLO?
Shochiku Co. Ltd.
• Where did the first Aurora Borealis in Japan for a decade occur?
Nayoro, Hokkaido
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 Culture Crossing Guide
The Culture Crossing Guide is an evolving database of cross-cultural information about every country in the world. It is a user-built guide that allows people from all walks of life to share essential tips with each other about how to navigate our increasingly borderless world with savvy and sensitivity. Easy to Navigate and free to use, the Culture Crossing Guide provides an opportunity for travelers, business people and students to:
- Find information on 200+ countries and add your own knowledge to their guides
- Connect directly with community members from around the world
- Access global resources to further your cross-cultural exploration
- Ask their experts any questions you may have
This link brings you to the Japan Culture Crossing Guide to provide you with basic, introductory information on Japan.
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Hello and thanks for reading! We have switched to a new service for email marketing to send out our newsletter. This is the first month we are trying it out, so please let me know if any content within the newsletter is not displaying correctly.
Enjoy the weather and happy spring!
Best,
Amy Klouse (Editor, Technology and Information Coordinator)
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Carp flags 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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Satsuki, or the old name for May, means "rice sprout month." As the saying goes, April showers bring May flowers…May is the month when rice in paddies and crops begin to grow.
Monbukagakusho (MEXT), the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology offers four different scholarships for non-Japanese nationals wishing to study in Japan. The application period is now open for the 1) Research, 2) Specialized Training for College Students, and 3) Undergraduate Students scholarships!
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.
It's that time of year for the 5th Annual Japanese Spring Festival: Matsuri 2015 at the University of Chicago! Unlike their previous spring festivals, there will be free admission to the event. However, please do remember to bring a few dollars to pay for the delicious sushi, gyoza, takoyaki, mochi, and snacks. All games with special prizes, info booths, and martial arts booths are free!
Anime Central (ACen) is the largest anime, manga and Japanese popular culture convention in Chicago and the Midwest on May 15-17. As part of its mission, ACen brings fans together with guests from the Japanese and US sectors of the anime and manga industry, as well as gaming, cinema, and Asian culture personalities.
CelebrAsian is a two-day, free to the public event sponsored by the Iowa Asian Alliance that showcases different Asian and Asian-American communities and cultures present in the state of Iowa. The event will allow attendees to experience the diverse cultural traditions of Asian and Asian-American communities residing in the State of Iowa. Each community is organized as a "Village" and showcases indigenous foods, culture, history, arts and crafts, and sports. This year, the Japan America Society of Iowa and the Consulate-General of Japan will host a Japan booth at this event.
