Japanese-Taiwanese Co-Production Movie
Mom Thinks I’m Crazy to Marry a Japanese Guy (94mins, 2017)
Directed by Akihisa Yachida
Light refreshments will be served.
A film adapting the Facebook page as well as photo book of a Taiwanese woman and a Japanese man which relates their becoming acquainted through to their marriage. Popular Taiwan actress and also director, Jian Man-shu, co-stars with model-turned-actor, Yuta Nakano. The film was shoot in various locations like Jiufen, Kengting in Taiwan and Kamakura, Hiroshima in Japan.
Secrets Behind a Century-Old Sake-Making Family Business
Monday, December 3, 2018 7pm
JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles, Hollywood and Highland, Level 5
Japan is known as a nation of long-lived families and family businesses. There are more than 30,000 centuries-old companies that exist in Japan* and many of them have been family-run for many generations.
Directed by Mari Okada
Seating is on a first come first serve basis and subject to capacity. Please arrive early for best seating.
*MAQUIA mini-poster giveaway! (while supplies last)
Animation that marks the directorial debut for Mari Okada, the scriptwriter of works including The Anthem of the Heart. Depicts the "eternal moment" of a boy and girl who meet amidst the passage of time.
Directed by Akiko Ooku
24-year-old office employee Yoshika (Mayu Matsuoka) has a secret crush on her former junior high school classmate Ichi (Takumi Kitamura), but then her colleague Ni (Daichi Watanabe) asks her to be his girlfriend.
Directed by Masaya Ozaki
Mami rarely leaves home since she dropped out from middle school. She has been escaping reality by immersing herself in copying her favorite manga and illustrations in her room full of books and comics. Her father, Eisuke, worries a lot about her ever since he divorced with her mother, Mika.
Lecturer: David Desser, Ph.D. (Dean, Anaheim University Akira Kurosawa School of Film)
Special Guest Panelists: George Takei, John Powers, David Ehrenstein
FREE Admission, Registration REQUIRED
Dr. David Desser (Dean, Anaheim University Akira Kurosawa School of Film) will help you “Re-Imagine Akira Kurosawa” as he provides you unique insight into Kurosawa and his classic film, High and Low (1963), which was adapted from Ed McBain’s detective novel King’s Ransom. Panel discussion/Q&A session follows the lecture.
From Small Town Girls to U.S. Champions?! （チア☆ダン）
(121mins, 2017)
Directed by Hayato Kawai
Hikari (Suzu Hirose) joins high school cheer dance club for the sole reason of cheering on a boy she has known from their junior high days. However, the club’s coach, Saotome (Yuki Amami), is a harsh and no-nonsense task master who suddenly declares: “Our aim is to become U.S. champions! No fringes or boyfriends allowed!”
Japan and Korea are neighboring countries that share many similarities and contrasts in customs and language. For example, both countries use chopsticks but did you know that the types of chopstick are different? What other similarities or differences do these countries share?
In this lecture, by sampling video clips from various Korean and Japanese programs, we will explore some unique aspects of the two cultures, especially as it connects to how people communicate with one another. After the lecture, you will enjoy a tasting of Korean and Japanese food and beverages and be able to “grab” an understanding of the two cultures! No language knowledge is required.
The Japan Foundation, Los Angeles will once again team up with TABLE FOR TWO USA for an Onigiri (Rice Ball) making workshop where you can learn how to make traditional Japanese rice balls with savory fillings and seaweed! This year, thanks to the support from Sanrio Inc., you will have a chance to make one-of-a-kind Hello Kitty onigiri! All workshop participants will also receive a small Halloween-themed gift from Sanrio! Space is limited and RSVP is essential.
Directed by Noboru Iguchi
A quirky horror film depicting the escapades of the ghost revenge group, "Ghost Squad", by the gifted director of The Machine Girl, Iguchi Noboru.
HIDETA KITAZAWA has worked extensively with non-Japanese performers to create evocative contemporary masks. His interaction with playwrights, actors and directors leads him to the creation of forms that fit their vision. His masks grow from a deep knowledge and thorough mastery of the centuries-old techniques of traditional mask-making. A single block of hinoki -- a Japanese cypress -- is chosen, and after preparing a clay model, chisel is laid to grain. Meticulously painted watercolors are applied to gesso-coated wood, and the actor brings the mask to life on stage.
Legendary guitarist Marty Friedman reveals a Japan you’ve never heard of. Why did an American musician, known for his tenure as the lead guitarist for the heavy metal band Megadeth, decide to move to Japan in 2003 and has never gotten bored since? Please send in your questions to Marty!
The Japan Foundation is honored to present the Carving Across Borders: Block Prints of Hiroshi Yoshida exhibition with the generous support of Randall and Diana Fullmer.
Dr. Kendall Brown professor of Asian Art at California State University, Long Beach traces how oil painter Yoshida Hiroshi (1876-1950) revived his career and helped launch the "new print" movement by utilizing his skills as an artist, maven and entrepreneur.
(Should We See It from the Side or the Bottom?)
(90mins, 2017)
Directed by Akiyuki Shinbo & Nobuyuki Takeuchi
Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation & The Japan Foundation, Los Angeles present producer Genki Kawamura’s follow-up to his mega-hit Your Name. with another tale of star-crossed teenage lovers and a sci-fi fantasy twist.
Shy Norimichi and fast-talking Yusuke, are goo-goo-eyed over the same elusive classmate, Nazuna. But Nazuna, unhappy over her mother’s decision to remarry and leave their countryside town, plans to run away and has secretly chosen Norimichi to accompany her. When things don’t go as planned, Norimichi discovers that a glowing multi-color ball found in the sea has the power to reset the clock and give them a second chance to be together. But each reset adds new complications and takes them farther and farther away from the real world – until they risk losing sight of reality altogether.
Encore Screening!
Life is Fruity (91mins, 2017)
Directed by Kenshi Fushihara / Narrated by Kirin Kiki
Enjoy Japanese fruits confections after the movie!
Documentary produced by Tokai TV and directed by Kenshi Fushihara of Journey with the Gods: The Rebuilding of Ise Jingu Shrine that follows the lives of an architect and his wife. Narrated by Kirin Kiki of An. A 90-years-old architect Shuichi Tsubata lives with his wife Hideko in a one-storied house in the woods in Aichi prefecture. He built this house after the house of his master, Antonin Raymond. They grow many kinds of vegetables and fruit in their garden and harvest the crops to make their living. Their lives embody the ideal of people in this modern age.
The Scythian Lamb（羊の木） (126mins, 2017)
Directed by Daihachi Yoshida
Six unknown people move to the declining seaport city of Uobuka. Unremarkable city official, Tsukisue (Ryo Nishikido), is appointed to welcome them, but finds out the shocking truth that all of them are former murder suspects. Before long, an uneasiness begins to creep over the quiet city.
TARFEST is a premiere arts and culture event in Los Angeles and the Miracle Mile District. At the Japan Foundation, Los Angeles tent, you can enjoy Japanese cultural activities including uchiwa (Japanese fan) making, kite making, and Amezaiku (candy sculpting) performance .
Your Name. (106mins, 2016)
Directed by Makoto Shinkai
Enjoy outdoor movie screening in Japanese Friendship Garden located in Brand Park, Glendale. Bring a blanket or chair for sitting on the lawn to watch the movie.
You may bring your own food and drink, and have a picnic under the stars!
Join us for a viewing of the new Initial D trilogy, co-presented by The Japan Foundation, Los Angeles and the Petersen Automotive Museum. All three films will be screened over the course of the evening. Light refreshments and Japanese animation goodies bag (limited supply) will be provided.
Mon-Fri: 10am-7pm, Sat: Noon-5pm
Closed on Sundays
“TOKYO Before/After” features a selection of approximately 80 works, in which works by photographers who had captured images of Tokyo in the 1930-40s are presented in juxtaposition with those taken after 2010.
Directed by Shogo Kusano
The live-action adaptation of Yumio Kobayashi's romance about a straight woman who doesn't like vegetables falling in love with a gay vegetarian. The vegetable dishes meticulously presented in every volume are incorporated into the visuals.
Outdoor Movie Night at The Source presents Japanese Cinema Month! Every Friday in September, we will be showcasing popular Japanese films, from anime to cultural films. Movies will start at 7PM and will screened at the 1st floor Step Plaza at The Source.
August 4, 2:00 - 4:00pm
Free Admission, No RSVP Required
Manga is a great tool to learn Japanese as well as Japanese culture! To promote this concept of “Manga Edutainment (Education Entertainment)”, we introduce a variety of manga books to you (See the link). In order to give you a chance to browse these manga, we are exhibiting the first volumes (first volume= ikkan in Japanese) of about 200 titles written in Japanese. We will open the manga lounge on Saturday August 4 from 2 to 4pm (after the Tea Time event), so please come, flip through the first episodes and explore the world of manga!
Unfolding Tradition and Innovation
Thursday, July 26, 2018 7pm
For 1,300 years Japan has been the world leader in paper making. Join JFLA and Hiromi Paper, Inc. as we delve into the World of Washi (Japanese paper) and its history through a special Virtual Washi Tour Presentation of Japan's paper making regions.
Directed by Yoshihiro Nakamura
A film adaptation of Michifumi Isoda's original novel which is based on a true story from the middle Edo Period. This film comically depicts the efforts of Yoshiokajuku, an inn town in Sendai fief, to save themselves from impoverishment by running a moneylending enterprise against the fiefdom.
The Japan Foundation is now accepting project proposals for Performing Arts Japan (PAJ) touring and collaboratrion grants for the 2019 - 2020 fiscal year. Application deadline is 5:00 p.m. EST, October 31, 2018.
Directed by Miwa Nishikawa
Romance starring Motoki Masahiro from Departures with original story, script and direction from Nishikawa Miwa of Dreams for Sale. A bestselling author discovers the joys of living for others after his wife dies and he spends time with children who have lost their mother.
Our Long-Term Friends Save the World
Thursday June 28, 2018 7pm
Along with tuna and salmon, squid is one of the most popular, and its presence in Japanese culture cannot be overstated. With its high-protein and rich amino acids, squid has many benefits. Squid also has the potential to be developed as a marine resource and could be ideal in improving the global food shortage which faces us today.
In this lecture, squid lover and biologist Dr. Tomano, who has researched squid both in Japan and US, will talk about the long-term relationship between Japanese and squid, its amazing life, and the benefits of squid as food.
In the following reception, there will be a sample of Japanese delicacies using squids offered to attendees.
Directed by Natsuki Seta
Haru, a high school girl comes to Kichijoji looking for Sachiko, the woman mentioned in a love letter of Haru’s late father. Currently living at Sachiko's address is Jun, a female university student who loves playing guitar. Jun becomes interested in Haru's cause, and together they start to search for Sachiko's family house where they meet Sachiko's grandson, Tokio. He tells them that Sachiko passed away just recently.
Art Exhibition
June 21, 2018 - July 21, 2018
Due to the popularity, we will be extending the exhibition until July 21!
Closed on Sundays
Japanese gyotaku (lit. ‘fish rubbing’) is the unlikely marriage of fish, sumi ink, and washi paper. Once used to record the size of an impressive catch, it has been elevated to a fine art through the efforts of gyotaku masters. "Impressions of the Seas: Gyotaku Fish Prints" by Dwight Hwang features a selection of prints depicting freshwater, coastal and open ocean specimens alongside objects which detail the gyotaku printmaking process.
Directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda
2018 Cannes Film Festival, Competition, Palme d'Or winning director, Hirokazu Kore-eda turns his own original script into this psychological thriller. Making his first appearance in a Kore-eda film, Koji Yakusho co-stars with Masaharu Fukuyama, who reteams with Kore-eda for the first in four years since Like Father, Like Son.
Directed by Sion Sono
A science-fiction drama by internationally popular director, Sion Sono, who brings to life a script he wrote in 1990. An android delivering packages to a decimated human race is depicted in black & white imagery and whispered dialogue.
TA・TA・KE・TA・KE: Let's Play Bamboo Beat!
If you have played music before, you might already be familiar with time signatures such as 2/4, 3/4, and 4/4. But have you ever heard of time signatures like 1.618 and 1.732? There is an infinite number of rhythms, including fractional, or non-integer, time signatures which, are neither random nor do they repeat. There are even fractional rhythms which go on and on and take an astronomical amount of years to complete.
Directed by Kiyoshi Kurosawa
Creepy is film adaptation of mystery novel detailing the intertwining double enigmas of an unsolved missing family case and an odd, neighboring family. Directed by world-renowned director Kurosawa Kiyoshi, of the horror film Pulse.
The Name that Sold Books Art and Commerce in Nineteenth-century Japan
Tuesday, May 1, 7pm
In this lecture, Dr Ellis Tinios tells a tale of deceit and low cunning, blatant plagiarism, willful misrepresentation and great art. He tells the story of ‘Hokusai’—the hottest brand in 19th-century Japanese publishing.
Directed by Kiyoshi Kurosawa
In his twentieth film, acclaimed international film director Kiyoshi Kurosawa (Pulse and Tokyo Sonata) reinvents the alien movie as a unique and profoundly human tale of love and mystery.
April is Cherry Blossom Time in Japan. The word “Matsuri” means joyful festival. Please join us, in conjunction with Friends of Shoseian, to enjoy a full day of many exciting activities, including: Taiko drums, martial arts, tea ceremony, calligraphy, music, dance and fun learning the Japanese language!
Directed by Kenshi Fushihara / Narrated by Kirin Kiki
In-person Discussion with Kirin Kiki (Narrator), Kenshi Fushihara (Director) and Katsuhiko Abuno (Producer)
Enjoy Fresh Sunkist Oranges & Marmalade (prepared by a food expert Naoko Takei Moore)
Documentary produced by Tokai TV and directed by Kenshi Fushihara of Journey with the Gods: The Rebuilding of Ise Jingu Shrine that follows the lives of an architect and his wife. Narrated by Kirin Kiki of An. A 90-years-old architect Shuichi Tsubata lives with his wife Hideko in a one-storied house in the woods in Aichi prefecture. He built this house after the house of his master, Antonin Raymond. They grow many kinds of vegetables and fruit in their garden and harvest the crops to make their living. Their lives embody the ideal of people in this modern age.
Directed by Naomi Kawase
Sweet Bean is a delicious red bean paste, the sweet heart of the dorayaki pancakes that Sentaro (Masatoshi Nagase) sells from his little bakery to a small but loyal clientele. Absorbed in sad memories and distant thoughts, Sentaro cooks with skill but without enthusiasm. When seventy-six-year-old Tokue (Kirin Kiki) responds to his ad for an assistant and cheerfully offers to work for a ridiculously low wage, Sentaro is skeptical about the eccentric old lady's ability to endure the long hours.
An Anime Adaptation of Mary Stewart's Fantasy Novel “The Little Broomstick”
From Academy Award®-nominated Hiromasa Yonebayashi – animator on Studio Ghibli masterpieces Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle, and Ponyo, and director of When Marnie Was There and The Secret World of Arrietty – comes a dazzling new adventure about a young girl named Mary, who discovers a flower that grants magical powers, but only for one night.
With genuine Akitas in the House
Lecturer: Steven Takamatsu (President of Akita Inu Hozonkai, LA Branch)
Thursday, March 8 @7pm
---Photo opportunity with Japanese Akitas!---
-Special Preview Night for the Photo Exhibition: Helen Keller and Hachiko
Curator, Yumi McDonald is in person.
In this lecture, a president of Akita Inu Hozonkai, Los Angeles Branch, Steven Takamatsu explains basic history of Akita dog in U.S., his characteristics and charms, and difference between Japanese Akita and the American Akita as two separate breeds.
A Dog's Happiness Depends on Who He Gets As Master
A TV director Kanami Hisano (Satomi Kobayashi) is devastated by the passing of her beloved dog Natsu to illness. Then, at the suggestion of an esteemed senior movie director, she starts filming a movie with dogs as the theme, going to adoption centers and shelters caring for dogs within the 20km “red zone” of the Fukushima nucler accident.
Helen Keller loved the famous loyal Akita dog Hachiko. When she visited Japan in 1937 she was given an Akita puppy from people in Akita. The exhibition introduces much less-known relations between Helen Keller, Hachiko and her Akita dogs. The exhibition is a rare opportunity to look at the pictures collected from Tokyo, Akita, New York, Boston and Westport, Connecticut where Helen Keller used to live.
Wellness Wednesdays: We offer Wellness programs at lunchtime!
The Singing Lin Bowl harmoniously combines the healing qualities of the Tibetan singing bowl and its Japanese counterpart, the Lin bowl. Relax and feel your stress dissipate into thin air as the sounds of the singing-Lin bowl lead you into a meditative state.
There is no charge and no reservation required. All are welcome to come, sit, listen, and refresh!
Wellness Wednesdays: We offer Wellness programs every 1st and 3rd Wednesday at lunchtime!
February 28 is Yoga day! In this program, no need to change clothes or use a yoga mat; you will be seated in a chair receiving relaxing instruction from a bilingual (English and Japanese) instructor. Learn simple Japanese phrases during the instruction and stretch your mind as well as your body.
There will be two free sessions beginning at 12:30pm and 1:00pm. No reservation necessary, all are welcome.
Loving Tribute to Unsung Hero: Kirareyaku
A drama that evokes the pathos of an actor who specializes in the waning samurai film genre, set at the Uzumasa film studio in Kyoto.Fukumoto Seiji, Japan's top "kirareyaku" (whose job it is to be felled with a sword by a film's star) with appearances in numerous samurai movies, plays a utility actor reminiscent of himself in his first starring role in a film.
Lecturer: Dr. Jonathan “Capital” Patterson
Japanese pop music (J-Pop) has been greatly widespread and continues to gain popularity throughout the world. Part of their popularity is due to the Japanese animation, manga and fashion cultures. However, J-Pop has various distinct characteristics and is meticulously constructed to stay in the listener's head. In this lecture, Dr. Jonathan “Capital” Patterson will explain J-Pop music theory and will expose their secrets. You will develop a deeper understanding of music between Japan and the West as well as appreciate J-Pop music. Come enjoy the world of J-Pop music.
Zoomdanke will offer a free performance and a short kendama workshop.
Have you ever wanted to try kendama? Check out a series of free performances and workshops by celebrated performance duo “Zoomadanke” at Japan House Los Angeles. These pioneers blend the traditional Japanese cup-and-ball pastime with dance and music to create a new style of performance. Kendama is gaining popularity around the world as a new style of entertainment. Be amazed by this dynamic duo, and then give it a shot yourself!
Please check out Japan House Los Angeles Facebook page for details.
The Winning Formula: A Ninja with A Cat is Even Better than A Samurai with A Cat
The crew of “Neko Samurai” present a funny and heartwarming Ninja movie.
Kagerota, a rogue ninja, is a wanted man as his clansman believes that he knows whereabouts of the scrolls which tells the mythical skills of warriors changing appearances to win battles. Kagerota is taking "Father," an overweight, golden-haired and red-nosed cat in his bag. He believes the cat is the feline form of his long-disappeared and legendary ninja father Kuze Kenzan because of the same red nose as Kenzan's.
Using Sumi ink, Washi paper, and the days catch, Gyotaku (gyo =fish, taku= stone rubbing) is the traditional method of printing fish in Japan. Strictly adopting the traditional technique and materials, the artwork by Dwight Hwang is so sophisticated and detailed as to seemingly give new life to the fish. This is a preview show for the exhibition to be held in summer 2018 at the Japan Foundation, Los Angeles. All of the fish featured in this preview show will be from Japan.
Wellness Wednesdays: We offer Wellness programs at lunchtime!
The Singing Lin Bowl harmoniously combines the healing qualities of the Tibetan singing bowl and its Japanese counterpart, the Lin bowl. Relax and feel your stress dissipate into thin air as the sounds of the singing-Lin bowl lead you into a meditative state.
There is no charge and no reservation required. All are welcome to come, sit, listen, and refresh!
Have a sip of coffee and let your creativity flow! Join an artist Nobuo Anzai and learn how to paint with a cup of joe.
All materials will be provided. You are welcome to bring your choice of flower, fruit or vegetable to draw, and a few objects will also be provided for your convenience.
Limited seating, RSVP is necessary.
This program is in conjunction with the “MIGRATING DREAMSCAPES: NOBUO ANZAI” exhibition.
Selected as the Japanese Entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 90th Academy Awards
Directed by Ryota Nakano
Wednesday, January 24 @7PM
Free Admission, NO RSVP REQUIRED
Director Nakano made a theatrical feature debut with a family drama about a single mother Futaba (Rie Miyazawa), whose husband suddenly left a year ago leaving her with their shy daughter, Azumi (Hana Sugisaki).
Invitation to A Seven-Century-Long Tradition
Lecturer/Performer: Michikazu Taneda
Monday, January 22, 7PM
A lecture and demonstration of Noh will be given by Master Michikazu Taneda who has been designated as Important Intangible Cultural Heritage in Japan. He will perform a short dance and chant to showcase the distinctive features of Noh body movements. The lecture will also cover the history of Noh and its continued status as live performing art.
Sunday, January 21, 2018 @11am/1pm/3pm
at The Shoseian Tea House and Friendship Garden
Located in Brand Park, Glendale (1601 West Mountain St., Glendale, CA 91201)
All Programs are FREE and NO Reservation Necessary.
Come and experience easy Japanese craft-making and watch a demonstration of Japanese Noh-performance by a renowned master from Kyoto. Immerse your kids and yourself in Japanese culture for the whole day on Sunday.
@11am Palm Leaf Craft (all ages)
@1pm Kite-making (all ages)
@3pm Noh Demonstration
Wellness Wednesdays: We offer Wellness programs at lunchtime!
January 17 is Yoga day! In this program, no need to change clothes or use a yoga mat; you will be seated in a chair receiving relaxing instruction from a bilingual (English and Japanese) instructor. Learn simple Japanese phrases during the instruction and stretch your mind as well as your body.
There will be two free sessions beginning at 12:30pm and 1:00pm. No reservation necessary, all are welcome.
Light refreshment will be provided.
The final class of deities - known collectively as the celestial beings (Ten in Japanese) - primarily serve as guardians and protectors of the Buddhist cosmos. The most prominent are the Four Celestial Guardian Kings who oversee the cardinal directions, the chief of whom came to be worshiped alone as a Buddhist deity; other examples include the Temple Guardians and Twelve Celestial Generals. In this lecture, we will be introduced to the many kinds of Celestial Beings and their various roles, as well as how they are portrayed artistically.
This will be the fifth and final lecture in this series and will begin with a quick review of what was covered in previous lectures to give first-time attendees context as to where Celestial Beings fit into the hierarchy of deities in Buddhism. No prior knowledge is necessary to enjoy this fun and fascinating talk!
Note: We are now using EventBrite as our RSVP system so don't be surprised if this looks different than before!
Nobuo Anzai’s paintings are heartfelt memories of countries he calls homes— Brazil, Colombia, Spain and Japan. They are unseparated in his mind and heart through his life’s passages as a migrant worker, farmer, chef and artist.
Finding Redemption in Friendship. Winner of Best Animation of the Year in the 26th Japan Movie Critics Awards
Directed by Naoko Yamada
Wednesday, January 10 @7PM
Free Admission, NO RSVP REQUIRED
A deaf elementary school girl, Shoko Nishimiya, upon transferring, meets a boy named Shoya Ishida in her new class. Shoya, who is not deaf, leads the class in bullying Shoko, because she is deaf. As the bullying continues, the class starts to bully Shoya for bullying Shoko...
5700 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 100
Los Angeles, CA 90036-
jflainfo@jpf.go.jp
323.761.7510
