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An Online Newsletter Showcasing Our Programs for the Month of May, 2024! |
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We will be organizing a Teatime event at Santa Monica College as well as a film screening including a Q&A with the director to start of the month of May. You can also view our on-demand lecture series during the past few months if you missed them the first time around. For Japanese language education, we will be welcoming Japanese language learners from all over the country to participate in the 2024 All-USA High School Japanese Speech Contest organized by the Aurora Foundation on Sunday, May 26th. We still have grants for the 2024 - 2025 School year with the remaining deadlines in September. Finally, make sure to sign up for our very popular online digital library! In the middle of the month, we have some internal projects that will require a lot of preparation so please bear with us as we work on organizing more events for next month. Please make sure to join us when you can to experience Japanese culture in Los Angeles! |
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JAPANESE CONVERSATION We're bringing our ever-popular “Tea Time” Japanese conversation tables to Santa Monica College! Come explore the campus, take in some sunshine and breezy ocean air, and meet new friends while honing your Japanese conversation skills with native Japanese speakers! All Japanese levels are welcome -- Japanese language experience is not necessary; this event is open to everyone.
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THIRD PARTY FILM SCREENING In a rural alpine hamlet not far from Tokyo, townsfolk are alarmed by plans to build an opulent glamping site when it becomes clear the project will have a pernicious impact on the community. EVIL DOES NOT EXIST, Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s follow-up to his Academy Award®-winning DRIVE MY CAR, is a foreboding fable on humanity’s mysterious, mystical relationship with nature.
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ON DEMAND 1. YOKAI: AN INTRODUCTION TO THE SUPERNATURAL BEINGS OF JAPAN To the Japanese, yokai are mysterious phenomena and weird creatures that have inhabited the country’s landscape, homes, folklore and imagination for many centuries. They can be evil or benign spirits, ranging from shape-shifting animals like foxes and badgers, who adopt human form to trick, bewitch or reward humans, to the vengeful ghosts of warriors killed in battle or women wronged by their husbands. 2. NETSUKE: MASTERPIECES OF JAPANESE MINIATURE SCULPTURE Netsuke are small toggles that are attached to the end of the cords used to hang various accessories – like tobacco pouches, writing sets and medicine containers – from the kimono sash, or obi. The cord is passed underneath the obi and the netsuke hangs over the top of the sash, securing the accessory in place. Netsuke are made of a variety of materials and are often masterpieces of sculpture, often carved into animals, insects, comical human figures and even lucky gods. CLICK HERE! 3. NINGYO: THE BEAUTY AND ARTISTRY OF JAPANESE DOLLS Japan’s dolls are famous throughout the world as elegant works of art that are more for display than play. Hina dolls, in particular, wear kimono and elaborate hairstyles, and for several centuries have been central in Hina Matsuri, a traditional festival celebrating girls. Others, such as turned-wood Kokeshi, finely sculpted Saga dolls, papier mache Hariko dolls, and folded paper Chiyogami dolls have been crafted and treasured in different regions of Japan for many generations. 4. BORN FROM THE EARTH: JAPAN’S YAKISHIME CERAMICS The term “yakishime” refers to the firing of unglazed clay vessels at a high temperature so that the clay vitrifies, creating water-proof and durable stoneware ceramics. With no colorful glaze or painted designs, this ceramic type may seem simple or “primitive,” but Japan’s yakishime wares are some of the country’s most admired and valuable ceramics. CLICK HERE! 5. EXPLORING JAPAN’S MUSEUMS For lovers of Japan’s various artistic traditions, there are many different museums all over Japan. Some are public institutions, while others house the collections of private collectors. Many are works of art in their own right, built by some of the world’s foremost architects. |
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There are a variety of settings in which Japanese language for children with Japanese backgrounds (Japanese Heritage Learners) is taught and learned in the United States. These children may live in areas with little access to Japanese-language classes, much less ones with curricula tailored to their unique experiences and skillsets. To help serve their needs, JFLA has launched keishonihongo.org, an online platform for parents and teachers of Japanese heritage language learners. Keisho Nihongo pools from the knowledge of The Japan Foundation, Los Angeles, and the Keisho Nihongo Special Advisory Committee, consisting of three experts in the field of Japanese heritage language education. The site includes a nationwide map of heritage language programs, in addition to a curated list of educational materials and resources for teachers and guardians. There is also a community forum and a page highlighting exemplary heritage language programs. Keisho Nihongo is available in both English and Japanese, so please visit today! |
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General Invitation to Join JF USA Digital Library We recently renewed and added many new books in coordination with our New York and Toronto offices for our patrons in the US and Canada. There have also been an uptick in the number of applicants as well, which shows that this is a very popular service. We have also updated the application survey and the confirmation emails are still going out once a week on Wednesdays by 6:30PM pacific time. If you register and do not receive a welcome email from us within a Wednesday of registering, please contact us so we can help you out. |
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2023-2024 Japanese Language Grants Now Available! Grant for Nationwide/Statewide/Region-wide Events for Learners Grant for Nationwide/Statewide/Region-wide Projects for Teachers Japanese Teaching Material Purchase Grant Advocacy Support Letter |
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Japanese Language Education Update 124Just like Golden Week is the major event in Japan in the month of May, the end of the school year is a common event in May for many districts across the United States. We congratualte all the students and teachers for completing another year and for those who are in school for another month, you are near the goal line so make sure you finish strong. This month, we are also welcoming the Aurora Foundation and all the students participating in their 2024 All-USA High School Japanese Speech Contest on Sunday, May 26th. We look forward to hearing all the speeches from different Japanese language learners across the country and wish you all the best of luck! |
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5700 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 100
Los Angeles, CA 90036-
jflainfo@jpf.go.jp
323.761.7510
