Japan study abroad, special events, and more for Japan-Florida in December!
Japan study abroad, special events, and more for Japan-Florida in December!
PACE Center Miami recently partnered with Spoke Context, a global nonprofit venture advancing education and cultural fluidity through compelling public art, to collaborate with Japanese artist Hiroyasu Tsuri aka TWOONE for the artist to paint a series of unique murals, with PACE Miami Girls, at the Pace Center in Miami. TWOONE actively participated with the Pace Girls in the creation of unique murals, inspired by the Florida state bird, the Northern Mockingbird, using spray paint. With his unique combination of elements derived from nature, abstract shapes, and color, Hiroyasu has garnered international recognition for his striking large-scale public murals and exhibited his work in respected galleries and museums across the globe.

“There are no words to express how special and unique it is to have Spoke Context, an organization of such stature, and Hiroyasu, an artist of this acclaim, to contribute such a significant piece of art for our school and our girls,” said Sherry Thompson Giordano, Executive Director of PACE Miami. “For many of our at-risk girls, this is the first time they interact with art in this way and learn about Japanese culture so it is something they will remember their whole lives.”
A Message from the Consul General
Ken Okaniwa 
Consul General of Japan in Miami
As we approach the end a very good year for relations between Japan and US/Florida, I would first like to express my deep gratitude for your continued support and interest in Japan. November was no exception and several events had me traveling around the State.
On November 5, I attended the Orlando Japan Festival, now in its 16th year. The Consulate provided funding to bring an American Tsugaru Shamisen Duo “Bachido” from California, whose performance was traditional as well as innovative. This being the third time for me, I was impressed to see attendance grow considerably year after year.
A delegation headed by Ambassador Shimanouchi and General Nagaiwa visited Tampa and Pensacola to talk about Japan’s foreign policy, US-Japan Alliance and society.  Their presentations promoted better understanding of Japan. I would like to thank State Senator Young, St. Petersburg Mayor Kriseman and Pensacola Mayor Hayward for joining us as well as all those who helped in organizing their program. 
On November 30, I had the great pleasure to be a part of Miami Dade County ceremony to mark the introduction of Hitachi Rail’s train cars on Metrorail. Not only will the new trains provide safe, reliable and comfortable ride to the users, Hitachi Rail contributes to local jobs as the trains are assembled at their factory in Medley. Congratulations to Mayor Gimenez and the Board of Commissioners!
I am excited to announce that two Floridians have been selected to receive the Imperial Order this year, Don Yoshino and Sachi Ann Welsh! These two distinguished members of our community have contributed significantly to the U.S.-Japan friendship.
I would like to conclude my last message of this year by wishing all a very happy holidays!
Education Opportunities
Clearwater Sister Cities, Inc. 2018 Young Ambassador Program

Clearwater Sister Cities, Inc. is currently accepting student applications for our 2018 Young Ambassador Program.
If you know a current middle school student who is interested in Japan or exploring other cultures, please encourage them to apply for the this Program.  Attached please find the application, which is due January 1, 2018.

Prior to the trip, the Young Ambassadors will learn about Japanese customs and traditions and how to serve as a student ambassador in Nagano.  This is a unique, exciting opportunity for students to live with a Japanese family who have children of a similar age and attend a Japanese Middle School. The two week experience, scheduled for June 2018,  also includes sightseeing to some of Japan's most exciting and historic cities.

Student interviews will be conducted late January or
early February 2018. 

If you need further information, do not hesitate to contact us at clearwatersistercities@gmail.com.


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 - 3:30

Sogetsu Ikebana Class/ Advanced
@ Boca Raton Museum Art School
Fridays 1:00 - 3:30

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

Sogetsu Ikebana Workshop @ Boca Raton Museum Art School
Monday, December 11th 1:00 - 3:00
This months theme will be Holiday Arrangement.
Workshops are for members of Sogetsu Florida Branch Only
RSVP by Monday, December 4th to Patti Moum @ psmoum4@att.net
*Members may bring a guest (observer only, cost $10.00, guest are
required to RSVP)

Sogetsu Ikebana Exhibition @ Boca Raton Museum Art School
Saturday December 16th through Friday December 22nd
Time: 10:00 - 5:00
Admission: Free

Reception: Tuesday,December 19th 5:00 - 7:00pm.
Boca Raton Museum Art School Gallery
801 W. Palmetto Park Rd.
Boca Raton, FL. 33486


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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Recurring 
Monthly Events

Japanese Language Practice
Tampa Tsudoi
January 5 | 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
December 18, 2017 | 10AM


Festive Holiday Arrangements by Loris Dallal, a Sogetsu demonstrator and Teacher.  Our Famous Holiday Potluck with a 50/50 Raffle.

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
December 2017 Events
Festivals

December 9, 2017
11:00AM - 5:00PM

We're family friendly anime, gaming, comic, & sci-fi convention. Created by SSA+S Anime Club, this convention was made for all ages to enjoy local vendors, artists, and performers in the genres we love. 

Sarasota School of Arts & Sciences
717 Central Ave, Sarasota FL 34236

December 15-17, 2017

Holiday Matsuri is a multi-genre convention that brings the members of our community together during the holidays to have fun and give back! We celebrate anime, video games, music, celebrity guests, cosplay, artists and more in the nerd culture with holiday cheer! You can enjoy our seasonal spin on convention contests, shows, dances, and parties!
Marriot's Orlando World Center
8701 World Center Dr, Orlando, FL 32821



December 30, 2017
 


Embassy Suites by Hilton Tampa Brandon
10220 Palm River Rd, Tampa, FL 33619

Cosplay | Anime | Manga
Special Events
Japan Immersion Day
A great day to enjoy Japanese culture, meet other Japanese students, learn more about Japan, and have fun!

December 18, 2017 | 10:00AM - 1:30PM 
FIU Modesto A. Maidique Campus | GL 100 and GC classrooms

The workshops this year include:
Japanese Game Show
Calligraphy
Kimono try-on
Martial Arts - Aikido
Video Games
Cosplay Constest
Chopstick decoration/Hachimaki making
Traditional Japanese Entertainment (Games)
Japanese in Anime & Manga
Sumie (Japanese brush painting)

Non-refundable fee of $15 includes Japanese lunch, supplies, and handouts.
If you would like to attend, please notify your Japanese instructor or contact Professor Naoko Komura at komuran@fiu.edu.

Co-sponsored by: Association of Florida Teachers of Japanese (AFTJ), Consulate General of Japan in Miami, Department of Modern Languages, and Asians Studies Program.
Singing the Blues is a lively and informative presentation on the rich diversity and enduring beauty of traditional Japanese indigo. Marshall highlights a range of textiles from his own collection, including work by Living National Treasures. Participants are welcome to bring treasures from their own collection for John to comment upon, as time allows.

John Marshall began as an apprentice to traditional craftspeople in Japan at the age of seventeen. He has spent the past half century researching and sharing his knowledge of Japanese textiles.

Specializing in katazome, with natural dyes on natural fibers, his work has been carried by Bergdorf Goodman, and exhibited at the Textile Museum; and has had shows sponsored by both Kodansha and the US State department, to name just a few venues. He is eager to share his love of this rich cultural heritage.
LOCATION:   Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens
PRICE:   $10 (members $7)  

What is Shinto?
Sponsored by the Florida Kyudo Kai | Talk by Taishi Kato

December 9, 2017
1:30PM

Shinto is said to be the source of Japanese culture — But, why is it a mystery? Taishi Kato, known under his priest title Taishi Gon-Negi, shares his view of Shinto by shedding light on how the characteristics of Japanese culture such as “cleaning”, “harmony” and “perspectives on nature” are rooted in Shinto. Taishi Gon-Negi will perform a Shinto blessing after the lecture, followed by the Florida Kyudo Kai, a Japanese archery group, demonstrating an archery ceremony called taihai.

Location: Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens

Event is FREE with paid museum admission.
No reservations. Tickets will be given out the day of the event, at a first come, first served basis.
Film Screenings

George Takei's Allegiance on Broadway

December 7, 2017
7:30PM


AMC Disney Springs 24 with Dine-In Theatres | 1500 Buena Vista Drive Lake Buena Vista FL 32830
Stay Tuned for Future Events!
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