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January 2016
The e-Japan Journal is the email newsletter of the Consulate-General of Japan in Chicago and the Japan Information Center (JIC). We hope it proves to be an informative and exciting window for you into Japan-related activities happening in the Midwest. As always, your feedback, comments, and suggestions are encouraged and can be sent to our editor, Amy Klouse.
Contents
This Month in Japan
The old name for the month of January, Mutsuki, means “month of harmony” or “month where friends and relatives gather.”
One of the most important national holidays in Japan is Oshogatsu (New Year's Day). Schools are typically closed for about 2 weeks, and many business are closed from December 28 through January 1. Read 14 Ways to Have a Happy New Year in Japan
Coming-of-Age Day, observed on the second Monday of January, is another national holiday this month. On this day, women often wear an elaborate style of kimono called furisode while men typically wear formal suits to celebrate being 20-years-old, the age of adulthood in Japan.
Announcements
Holiday the Consulate is Closed
The Consulate will be closed the following day:
- January 18 (Martin Luther King Jr. Day)
Thank you for your understanding and please visit our website to see other days our offices are closed throughout the year.
Japanese Language Speech Contest Application Now Open!
The Consulate is now accepting entries for the 30th Annual Japanese Language Speech Contest to be held at the JIC on Saturday, March 26! 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 a round-trip ticket to Japan.
Interested? Visit our Speech Contest page to find out more details. The Consulate must receive all applications by Tuesday, February 16 for consideration.
Featured Interview: Wesley Julian
This month, I interviewed Wesley Julian, former Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) program participant in Miyagi-ken (2008-2010) and President of JET Alumni Association (JETAA) Chicago. Read his full interview about the upcoming JETAA Shinnenkai New Year event hosted here at the JIC as well as about what attracted Wesley to Japanese culture and how he stays connected to Japan in Chicago.
AK: What can we expect from the Shinnenkai event this year?
WJ: Japanese food and drink is provided and many traditional arts and crafts will be featured, including: calligraphy, origami, ema plaques and many more. You will have the opportunity to wear kimono and play New Year’s games like fukuwarai.
AK: Do you have any favorite quote or piece of advice you live by and would like to share?
WJ: “The best way to not feel hopeless is to get up and do something.”
JETAA Shinnenkai New Year Celebration @ JIC
JETAA Chicago is proud to present the 13th annual Shinnenkai New Year’s Party to celebrate the Year of the Monkey!
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 play a game of karuta (picture matching game)!
Win prizes in the charity raffle benefiting a to be announced charity and participate in the awa odori dance with Awa Odori Chicago. 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- 7:30 PM and are an easy way to get involved, meet people and save money. Find out more by emailing JETAA Chicago.
Register now on Guestlist for the event!
Illinois Japan Bowl Application Now Open!
This academic competition covers a wide range of topics that tests high school students who are studying the Japanese language across the state of Illinois. The competition tests not only their knowledge of the language, but also their understanding of traditional and modern Japan.
The participants make a team of 3 members and the champion team for Level 4 goes to compete in the National Bowl in Washington D.C. through the Mazda Foundation Grant.
Applications must be submitted by February 29, 2016 to the Japan American Society of Chicago. Read more details and find out how to apply.
Japan Foundation Grants and Other Programs
Every year, the Japan Foundation and other organizations offer several scholarship and grant opportunities that our readers can apply for. The following deadline for applications are fast approaching:
Cultural Events
View our Monthly Calendar here to see all events coming up this month within our 10-state jurisdiction! If there is a Japan-related event that you would like added to the calendar for this month or future months, please contact Amy.
JIC Library
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.
The end of the year has arrived and in Japan that means it is time for O-souji. O-souji means ‘major cleaning’ and it usually takes place on the last day of the year. In the US it is similar to what is known as ‘spring cleaning’. Whether you’re looking to start now or in the spring, a great book to get you started on your own O-sōji is the extremely popular The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, by Marie Kondo (call number 142016)
Read the rest of the January 2016 Highlighted Resources here!
New Additions
New Additions, compiled by Ella McCann, showcases the latest materials we have received in the JIC collection.
A complete list of our January 2016 New Additions
Fun Features
Last Month in Japan
This section of our newsletter asks questions about current events in Japan that happened in the previous month. Email your answers now for a chance to win a small prize! The first person who answers all of the following correctly will be selected as this month's Japan News Quiz Champion:
- Which company has produced the first washable smartphone?
- What is the name of the top dish of 2015 in Japan?
- Who was the award-winning Japanese novelist that passed away at age 85 this month?
Congratulations to Elena Osinskaya, the Champion from our December issue! Here are the answers:
- Prime Minister Shinzo Abe along with other world leaders took part in what major conference that took place in Manila, Philippines this month?
- What well-known burger joint from New York opened in Tokyo this month? (Hint: we there are two of these stores in Chicago as well!)
- Which Japanese author won the Hans Christian Anderson Literature Award?
Website Highlight
Japanese Zodiac on About.com
The Japanese zodiac was adopted long ago from China. Most of the Chinese zodiac meaning and signs were adapted directly into the Japanese zodiac aside from the Sheep (instead of the Goat) and the Boar (instead of the Pig).
Since 1873, Japan has followed a Gregorian calendar meaning the New Year is celebrated at the same time as many Western countries. Today, people regard Japanese zodiac predictions to be a form of entertainment and like to learn about the characteristics of their sign for fun.
Editor's Note
Happy Year of the Monkey!
Since the start of the year is about new beginnings, I present to you our brand new responsive newsletter design! Now you can read the e-Japan Journal on all devices with ease. Moreover, the content in each section will be short and sweet with links directing subscribers to read full stories separately. Feel free to email me with any comments, questions or concerns, and especially tell me about any glitches you may encounter with the new format. Please pardon the mess while I continue to work on perfecting this newsletter design!
Best,
Amy Klouse
(Editor, IT Coordinator)
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The old name for the month of January, Mutsuki, means “month of harmony” or “month where friends and relatives gather.”
Happy Year of the Monkey!