Japanese language courses, events, and more for Florida-Japan in January!
Japanese language courses, events, and more for Florida-Japan in January!
Happy New Year!

We would like to extend our sincere thanks for your support throughout 2017. We look forward to working with you in 2018 and to another great year of building strong Japan-Florida ties!
A Message from the Consul General
Ken Okaniwa 
Consul General of Japan in Miami
あけましておめでとうございます!
Happy New Year!
Throughout 2017, I had the privilege of meeting with the governor, mayors, local leaders, legislators, as well as business leaders throughout Florida, and on each of these occasions, I was pleased to hear about the strong bonds of partnership which grew between the local communities and the Japanese companies thriving there. During the many cultural events I attended this year, I was especially proud to see the how much interest has
grown for Japan
among Floridians.
At the Emperor’s Birthday reception in December, I was happy to celebrate His Majesty’s good health together with many friends including leaders of the state and local leaders of communities in Florida. One of 149 recipients worldwide, Boca Raton resident Donald Takeshi Yoshino was conferred with the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays at this event. One of the highest ranking civilian honors awarded to those from other countries, the honor is in recognition of Yoshino’s commitment to the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens and his work to promote an understanding of Japanese culture.
In December, I made a courtesy call on the new Mayor of Miami Beach, Dan Gelber at his office. We had a very good meeting. His father visited Fujisawa, sister city of Miami Beach, as Mayor some years ago. I sincerely hope the new Mayor soon visit Japan to strengthen the relationship that has continued since 1959! Mayor Inoue of Miyazu City visited its sister city, Delray Beach last month to celebrate their 40th anniversary. I attended the reception hosted by the sister city committee with Mayor Glickstein of Delray Beach.
In Japan, January is a busy time for shrines and temples as Japanese people come to pray for their wellbeing and good luck in the New Year. Here in Florida you can attend the Winter Festival at Ichimura Japanese Garden in Miami on January 14th.
Once again, thank you for your support throughout 2017. I look forward to working with you to further Japan-Florida ties in 2018.  ことしもよろしくおねがいします。
I wish you all the best for this New Year!
Education Opportunities
Japanese Classes Level 1 and Level 2
at Miami Dade College



Japanese Class Level 1 

This Japanese class is designed for beginners who wish to acquire a working knowledge of the Japanese language and culture. Taught in  non-stressful, conversational style, it is ideal for those who do business with the Japanese or who plan to visit Japan. Students will not only learn to communicate orally in Japanese, they will also learn basic reading and writing skills. This is a non-credit class with no grade associated.

Dates: January 19th to March 2nd (7 weeks)
Time: Fridays at 9am to 1:00pm

Location: Miami Dade College at Wolfson Campus
Fee: $149.00 (Total of 28 hours)

Registration at: http://www.mdc.edu/ce/default.aspx
Class Number: 11560
Course ID: 101926


Japanese Class Level 2 

This Japanese class is designed for beginners who wish to acquire a working knowledge of the Japanese language and culture. Taught in a non-stressful, conversational style, it is ideal for those who do business with the Japanese or who plan to visit Japan. Students will not only learn to communicate orally in Japanese, they will also learn basic reading and writing skills. Students will continue to develop their knowledge of the Japanese language and culture.  
Vocabulary for travel and business in Japan will be emphasized. This is a non-credit class with no grade associated.

Dates: January 20th  - March 10th (7 weeks)
Time: Saturdays at 9am to 1:00pm

Location: Miami Dade College at Wolfson Campus
Fee: $149.00 (Total of 28 hours)

Registration at: http://www.mdc.edu/ce/default.aspx
Class Number: 16674
Course ID: 101927


Application Deadline: 02/28/2018 

This summer study abroad program provides a wonderful opportunity for immersion not only in Japanese culture but also in other Asian cultures. With almost half of the faculty and student body comprised of foreign nationals, from all over Asia and other parts of the world, Asia Pacific University (Ritsumeikan) has a  truly international campus environment of cultural coexistence. 

Location
The program will be held at  Asia Pacific University (Ritsumeikan) in Beppu. Beppu is a city located in Oita Prefecture on the island of Kyushu, which is situated between the sea and the mountains. It is one of Japan’s most famous hot springs (onsen) resorts, producing more  onsen water than any other resort in the country. Students can enjoy various types of baths including ordinary hot water baths, mud baths, sand baths, and steam baths.

Housing
Students will live in student housing provided by Asia Pacific University (Ritsumeikan).

Courses & Credits
JPN 4930 Special Topics in Japanese (3 credits)
JPN 3955 Foreign Study: Japan (GL) (3 credits)
*All students will be required to enroll in JPN 3955, other course is optional.
 
Cost
The estimated program cost of $1600 includes: accommodations in student residences, fieldwork excursions and textbooks. The program cost does not include: airfare, daily meals, local transportation, FIU course instructional fees ($205.57/credit), or the $175 non-refundable study abroad fee.

Contact Information

Department of Modern Languages and Asian Studies Program
Modesto A. Maidique Campus
Professor Asuka Mashav
DM 481A
T: (305)348-6516
E: Mashava@fiu.edu
Sogetsu Ikebana/ Florida Branch

Sogetsu Ikebana Class/ Beginner, Intermediate
@ Boca Raton Museum Art School
Tuesdays 1:00 - 3:30PM
Please visit BocaMuseum.org/ArtSchool for Registration

Sogetsu Ikebana Class/ Advanced
@ Boca Raton Museum Art School
Fridays 1:00 - 3:30PM
Please visit BocaMuseum.org/ArtSchool for Registration

Sogetsu Ikebana Class/ All Levels
@ The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens
Wednesdays 1:30 - 3:30PM
Please visit morikami.org for Registration

Sogetsu Ikebana Workshop @ Boca Raton Museum Art School
Monday, January 15th
Time: 1:00 - 3:00PM
This months theme will be Celebration Design, using Mizuhiki Workshops are for members of Sogetsu Florida Branch Only
RSVP by Monday January 8th to Patti Moum @ psmoum4@att.net
*Members may bring a guest (observer only, cost $10.00, guest are required to RSVP)

Sogetsu Ikebana Demonstration @ Boca Raton Museum of Art
Featuring Soei Chieko Mihori
Saturday, January 20th, 2018
Time: 3:00 - 4:00PM
Boca Raton Museum of Art
501 Plaza Real
Boca Raton, FL. 33432
For information please contact Boca Raton Museum of Art @
tel: 561-392-2500
web:bocamuseum.org


Rolling Enrollment | Broward County, FL

Broward County Public School Students! You can now learn Japanese for FREE through the Broward Virtual School Program. This is open to any student 7th-12th grade who has a Broward Student Number.

This class also counts as a world language class, needed to graduate!

You can also register through Broward Virtual School Have your school guidance counselor call BVS!

Any question? Email @ satoko.fisher@browardschools.com
or call BVS @ 754-321-6050


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Newsletter
Recurring 
Monthly Events

Japanese Language Practice
Tampa Tsudoi
February 2 | 7:00- 9:00 PM
Jason's Deli
2702 E Fowler Avenue
Tampa, FL

Miami Coffee Kaiwa
Miami Japanese Language Meetup
Click here for more Japanese language meet-ups in Miami and South Florida.
Naples
January 10, 2018 | 9:30AM
Location: Buehler Auditorium in the FGCU Research center of the Naples Botanical Garden. Membership in the Naples Botanical Garden is encouraged but not required to attend our monthly meetings.

Naples Botanical Garden
4820 Bayshore Drive, Naples, FL  34112
See Details

St. Petersburg
January 18, 2017 | 9:30AM -11:30am & 1:00PM - 3:00PM


Two workshops will be offered on by Ronell Douglass.  

Location:
Evans Hall at Chapel
on the Hill
12601 126th St.

North Seminole, FL 33776

See Details

Miami
January 16, 2017 | 9:30AM
Chapter Meeting

Location:
Hibiscus Room at Pinecrest Gardens, 11000 Red Rd (S.W. 57th Ave.)

See Details
Every Saturday
12PM - 6PM
Miami Lakes Branch Library
Details
Exhibitions
Out of the Blue: Japanese Indigo Textiles
Morikami Museum
& Japanese Gardens
Oct 19 - Jan 21

Iken Bako 
The Suggestion Box
Hello Friends!
 
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Related Links
January 2018 Events
Festivals


January 12-14, 2018

Miami Airport Convention Center
711 NW 72nd Ave, Miami, FL 33126

Cosplay | Anime | Manga



January 13-14, 2018


J. Wayne Reitz Union
686 Museum Rd, Gainesville, FL 32611


Cosplay | Anime | Manga



January 14, 2018
10:00AM - 5:00PM

Ichimura Miami Japanese Garden
1101 MacArthur Causeway, Miami, FL 33139

Special Events
Japanese New Year Celebration
Hosted by Japan-America Society of Northwest Florida
January 20, 2018 | 12:00PM - 4:00PM CST
80 E Wright St, Pensacola, FL 32501-4846

The Japan-America Society of Northwest Florida presents Japanese New Year Celebration on Saturday, January 20, 2018, at the Wright Place (80 E. Wright Street) in downtown Pensacola.

Enjoy performances by the Matsuriza taiko drummers (featured at Epcot's Japan pavilion), traditional Japanese dances, martial arts demonstrations, cultural displays, and many Japanese food and craft vendors. 

Admission is $10 for adults, $6 for students, $4 for active-duty military, and FREE for J.A.S. members and kids under 13. Advance tickets are available from Sake Cafe and Kyoto Japanese Steakhouse. We hope to see you there!
Kimono Culture Demonstration
January 28, 2018
11:00am, 1:30pm, and 3:00pm

Not all kimono are created equal!  Explore the traditional kimono with its rich culture, seasonal subtleties, and symbolic nuances. Observe how to properly wear a kimono and learn about the versatility of this iconic garment.
Be introduced to the elegance of the formal kimono, with its exquisite designs and finery, worn to attend weddings, special celebrations, and on holidays.

Location:   Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens
Price:   $5 with paid museum admission

The Way of Taiko: The Heartbeat of Japan
January 28, 2018
11:00AM - 1:00PM or 2:00PM - 4:00PM

This workshop includes an introduction to the history of taiko. Participants are taught how to understand sounds and movements, i.e., how to connect nature and the meaning of body movement. They become familiar with the way of taiko and drumming techniques.
Top performers from South Florida’s Fushu Daiko will conduct the workshop. The group is recognized by Seiichi Tanaka, the master of San Francisco Taiko Dojo, who brought taiko to the United States and who trained senior members of the Fushu Daiko group.
Location: Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens
Price: $50
Register Here
Film Screenings


January 26, 2018
6:00PM
Village Design Art Gallery
600 Breakers Avenue 
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304

Tickets are FREE: Register Here
Stay Tuned for Future Events!
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