The e-Japan Journal is the electronic webletter of the Consulate General of Japan at Chicago (CGOJ) and the Japan Information Center (JIC). We hope it proves useful, interesting, and exciting as a window into Japanese culture in the Midwest. As always, your feedback, comments, and suggestions are encouraged and can be sent to our editor, Chip Meyer, at jicoutreach@webkddi.com.

Shimotsuki, the old Japanese name for the month of November, means “frost month.”

National Holidays in Japan this month include Culture Day (11/3) and Labor Thanksgiving Day (11/23). Culture Day is based on the date on which Japan's Constitution was first announced in 1946 and was first observed in 1948. The spirit of Culture Day is to foster the ideals of the Constitution - peace and freedom - through cultural activities. On this day, the Order of Culture Awards are officially presented by the Emperor of Japan to those who have made outstanding contributions in the fields of science, art, or culture.

Despite its nominal similarity to a couple of Western holidays, Labor Thanksgiving Day (Kinro Kansha no Hi) is actually based on a centuries-old harvest festival called Niinamesai. Modern observances of the holiday include a Labor Festival held in the city of Nagano and drawings presented to police officers by nursery school students in Tokyo.

Although not a national holiday, Shichi-go-san (11/15)) is a very popular celebration throughout Japan. 7-year-old girls, 5-year-old boys, and 3-year-old boys and girls dress up in traditional clothing and visit shrines. (Shichi-go-san means "seven-five-three.") After the visit, they often receive special "longevity" candy to help ensure long life.

Dear Readers,

It is bittersweet that I announce that this will be the last issue of the e-Japan Journal under my editorship. I have resigned my position at the consulate and will leave Chicago later this month to pursue other opportunities.

The past 6 years have seen many transformations in this publication: the redesign of the newsletter, the incorporation of subscribers from the six additional states in our jurisdiction, and the transition to an email-only webletter are only a few. These have not been without their glitches, as our long-term subscribers know well. I sincerely appreciate your understanding and patience as we have earnestly worked to improve the quality and delivery of the newsletter. I have received much contructive and encouraging feedback, and I thank you for that.

I am at once proud of the resulting publication, and humbled by the amount of work still to be done. I would ask, finally, that you extend your patience during the coming period of transition and to whomever will take my place. The consulate fully intends to continue the monthly publication, but of course no one can say for sure what the future will bring. I can say, though, that I look forward to joining you all as a fellow subscriber.

Thank you once again for the pleasure and opportunity of creating the e-Japan Journal, and sharing it with you.

Sincerely,

Chip Meyer, Editor

JIC Announces Two Job Openings
The Japan Information Center has vacancies for the following two positions...

• JET Program Assistant Coordinator / Monbukagakusho Scholarships Coordinator
• Technology and Information Coordinator

For details, please click here.

Madison-Obihiro Forge Sister-City Relationship
The official signing ceremony of Madison-Obihiro Sister City was held at the Olbrich Botanical Garden in Madison, Wisconsin on October 25, 2006. The delegation included the Madison Mayor Dave J. Cieslewicz, the Obihiro Mayor Toshifumi Sunagawa, the Madison-Obihiro Sister City Committee Chairman Jean MacCubbin, and the Obihiro-Madison Sister City Committee Chairman Mitsuo Kadoya. Also, the Chairman of Policy and Research of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) of Japan, Shoichi Nakagawa, and the Consul General of Japan at Chicago, Kenji Shinoda, attended the ceremony. Both cities will develop Sister City programs in the years to come to deepen the friendship that has already been cultivated through many exchanges in the areas of mental health and dairy husbandry. For more information on the Madison-Obihiro Sister City relationship, please visit http://www.madison.com/communities/madison-obihiro/. You can also view some parts of the signing ceremony at http://www.ci.madison.wi.us/mcc12/. For the press release issued by the Japan Information Center, click here.

Commendation of Dr. Andrew Tsubaki
On November 3, 2006 the Government of Japan announced that His Majesty the Emperor of Japan will bestow upon Dr. Andrew T. Tsubaki, Professor Emeritus of the University of Kansas, the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Gold Rays with Rosette. This award is one of the most prestigious decorations in Japan. For press release, click here.

Vice-Governor of Tokyo Visits Chicago
The Vice-Governor of Tokyo, Yasuo Sekiya, came to Chicago as the head of the “Tokyo City Promotion Mission 2006.” The mission was intended as a the PR activity to attract more tourists from the Midwest to Tokyo. The event was held at the Crowne Plaza Chicago O'Hare on October 24. For more information on tourism in Tokyo, please visit http://www.tourism.metro.tokyo.jp/english/index.html.

Japanese Marathoner Seko Won Chicago Marathon 20 Years Ago
Mr. Toshiyuki Seko, who won the Chicago Marathon title in 1986 at his best record, was invited by the marathon's sponsoring organization, La Salle Bank, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of his winning. He enjoyed watching the race at the champion's tent on October 22. La Salle Bank held a reception for Mr. Seko the night before, and he said that he would like to continue to support the Chicago Marathon from now on so that it will be more recognized by Japanese people. For more information on the Chicago Marathon, please visit http://www.chicagomarathon.com/, and on Mr. Seko's visit to Chicago, go to http://www.usshimbun.com/others/new-back8.html (Japanese only).

JIC Hosts Meeting of Public Relations and Cultural Officers
On October 25 and 26, Japanese consuls held a conference on public diplomacy at the Japan Information Center, Consulate General of Japan at Chicago. Representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, the Embassy of Japan in Washington, DC, all 15 Consulates of Japan in the US including Hawaii, Guam, and Alaska; the Japan Foundation; and the Japan National Tourist Organization attended the meeting and discussed Japan's policy on public diplomacy, Japan studies in the US, cultural activities, education on Japanese language, etc. The outcome of the conference is influential on Japan's public diplomacy to the US.

Ikebana Displays Impress Visitors to Chicago Botanic Gardens
On October 21 and 22, the Chicago chapter of the Ikenobo Ikebana Society presented "Wedding Kimonos," an exhibition of traditional Japanese flower arranging, in the Chicago Botanic Garden's Fairchild Room & Auditorium. Beautiful wedding kimonos were shown among the arrangements, which had been created by students and teachers. An ikebana demonstration and tea ceremony were also held. Consul General Shinoda cut the ribbon to open the exhibition.

Chicago Asian American Jazz Festival
Building on the tremendous success of last year's 10th Anniversary celebration, this year's 11th Annual Chicago Asian American Jazz Festival presented yet another exciting series of performances spanning two weeks and 4 venues throughout Chicago.

On December 4, Professor Hiroko Yamamoto, Faculty of Education, Okayama University; Dr. Keiko Negishi; and Dr. Kaho Aso will perform Japanese traditional music from 5:30 pm at the Japan Information Center, Consulate General of Japan. This event is a combination of a concert, a demonstration with the explanation, and a workshop where participants can touch musical instruments in order to sympathize with the beauty of Japanese music.

The same ensemble will also perform at the University of Wisconsin-Madison on November 28 and 29, the University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign on November 30, and the University of Illinois-Peoria on December 2. For more information or application of participation, please contact the Japan Information Center.

Japan – U.S. Summit To Be Held at the 14th APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Vietnam
On November 18 – 19, the Prime Minister will travel to Hanoi , Vietnam to attend the APEC Leaders' Meeting . At APEC, the Prime Minister looks forward to continuing his robust dialogue with APEC Leaders on ways to ensure the continued prosperity of the Asia-Pacific region. This will be the first summit held between the Prime Minister Abe and President George W. Bush.
http://www.mofa.go.jp/policy/economy/apec/2006/index.html

Foreign Minister Taro Aso To Attend the 18th APEC Joint Ministerial Meeting
On November 14-16, the Foreign Minister will travel to Hanoi, Vietnam to attend the APEC Ministerial Meeting.
http://www.mofa.go.jp/announce/event/2006/11/1113.html

Foreign Minister Taro Aso Held a Press Conference Concerning Six-Party Talks on November 2, 2006
http://www.mofa.go.jp/announce/fm_press/2006/11/1102.html
For further information on the North Korean issue:
http://www.mofa.go.jp/region/asia-paci/n_korea/nuclear/index.html

Foreign Minister Taro Aso Held a Press Conference Concerning Nuclear Disarmament on October 27, 2006
http://www.mofa.go.jp/announce/fm_press/2006/10/1027.html
For related information on the nuclear issue:
http://www.mofa.go.jp/announce/announce/2006/10/1027.html

Foreign Minister Taro Aso Issued a Statement on the Appointment of Mr. Ban Ki-Moon as UN Secretary-General
http://www.mofa.go.jp/announce/announce/2006/10/1014.html

The objects you describe (very accurately) are ishi-doro, or stone lanterns. As you say, they are used widely on the grounds of temples and shrines, commonly along footpaths. However, they are NOT generally used for burning incense, but for housing candles in order to light paths or grounds. Many are lit only on special occasions. Ishi-doro have also been adopted for use in secular contexts, notably in tea gardens.

The lanterns are usually made of granite or syenite (similar to granite, but with very little or no quartz) and come in many different shapes and sizes. The most prized examples appear quite weathered, with lichen or moss growing on them.

Here are three questions regarding news stories about Japan from last month. The first person to send us the most correct answers wins a little Japanese prize. Don't forget to send us your mailing address with your answers.

1. A new cell phone from NTT DoCoMo Inc. includes a "camouflage melody" feature. What is the purpose of this function?
2. NHK announced the winners for the 33rd Japan Prize, honoring achievements in educational programming. What was the title that won the Grand Prix?
3. Japanese brewer Asahi has developed a larger, more vigorous, and more productive version of sugarcane that developers hope will prove an efficient source of ethanol. What is the name of this new variety?

Deadline for submissions is Wednesday, November 22.
To submit your answers by email, click here: Last Month in Japan Quiz.

1. Iva Toguri D'Aquino, who received a presidential pardon in 1977 for her coerced contributions to Japanese propaganda during WWII, passed away in Chicago last month. Although colloquially known as "Tokyo Rose," what was Toguri's actual broadcasting moniker? Orphan Ann (short for "Announcer")
2. In September, The World Economic Forum released its Global Competitiveness Report, 2006-2007. Japan rose to 7th place worldwide. What was its rank in last year's report? 10th
3. The Japanese Imperial Family saw the birth of its first male heir in more than 40 years when a son was born to Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko. The boy was named Hisahito and given the umbrella pine as his personal symbol in a formal naming ceremony. How many days after his birth was the ceremony held? Seven

The Way We Are
http://www.tjf.or.jp/thewayweare/

The Way We Are is a collection of biographical photo essays by - and of - Japanese young people. Compiled by the Japan Foundation, the purpose of the project is to provide an educational resource and a window into the lives and thughts of Japanese high-school students - in their own words.

Inclusion of this website should not be construed as a recommendation or endorsement of the website, its services, or its products. The government of Japan is not in any way responsible for the quality or behavior of the website or its staff.