The Consulate-General of Japan in Chicago will be closed on Monday, October 9 for Sports Day/Columbus Day.
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Consular Office Hours
The Consulate-General of Japan in Chicago currently offers the following operating times for Consular Services:
- Consular Service windows will be open from Monday - Friday 10:00am to 12:15pm and 1:15 to 3:00pm.
- The Consular Section’s phones will be available to call between 9:15 am and 12:15pm, and again from 1:15 to 5:00pm.
Japan Information Center Hours
The Japan Information Center on the 10th floor’s current operating hours are as follows:
Monday – Friday (except Consulate holidays) 9:30am to 12:00pm and 1:30pm to 5:00pm (library procedures will end 15 minutes before closing time)
If the number of visitors exceeds 5 people per group, please contact the JIC in advance to schedule visit.
Thank you for understanding.
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Have you ever dreamed of living and working in Japan? Now’s your chance - apply for the 2024 Japan Exchange & Teaching (JET) Program! Application deadline is Friday, November 17th. Visit https://jetprogramusa.org for more information.
Questions? Email us at jet@cg.mofa.go.jp.
Want to learn more about the program and get some application tips? Sign up for one of our information sessions in October:
- Thursday, October 5, 11am-12pm via Zoom – Register here.
- Wednesday, October 11, 2pm-3pm via Zoom – Register here.
- Tuesday, October 17, 3pm-4pm via Zoom – Register here.
- Saturday, October 21, in-person at the Consulate's Japan Information Center from 2pm – Register here.
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The Japan Festival is a one-day event held annually at Johnson County Community College, dedicated to educating and entertaining the Greater Kansas City metro area through an introduction to Japanese culture.
The Festival showcases the traditional culture, pop culture, food, and art of Japan, along with the vision, technology, and hopes for the future shared by the people of Japan and the people of the Kansas City area. It features Japanese musical performances, traditional Japanese foods, a Japanese candy artist, Japanese snacks and sweets, a Bazaar shopping extravaganza, exhibits Japanese cultural village for kids, martial arts, anime & manga, workshops, demonstrations, cultural presentations, and more.
IN-PERSON
Saturday, October 7 at 10:00am - 7:00pm
Midwest Trust Center, Regnier Center, Office and Classroom Building, Commons Building, Student Center
Johnson County Community College
12345 College Blvd
Overland Park, KS 66210
Adults: $20 | Students (with proper ID): $15 | Children (6-13yrs old): $10 | Children (6yrs old and under): Free but ticket required
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The Omaha Sister Cities Association helps host the Autumn and Japanese Ambience Festival, with a variety of activities to celebrate the Japanese culture. Japanese Ambience also celebrates the anniversary of the gift of the Japanese Sunpu Castle Gate at Lauritzen Gardens by Shizuoka, Japan, Omaha's first Sister City. Enjoy activities like Japanese calligraphy, koinobori, origami, chopsticks, traditional Japanese games, food tastings and more. Performances will include martial arts demonstrations, taiko drumming and traditional Japanese music and dance.
IN-PERSON
Saturday, October 7 & Sunday, October 8 at 10:00am - 4:00pm
Lauritzen Gardens
100 Bancroft St.
Omaha, NE 68108
Visit the garden website for admission ticket pricing.
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Enjoy Chef Katsumura’s tantalizing version of a Japanese breakfast, including pan seared market catch or marinated local tofu, steamed white rice, miso soup, koji pickles, and sesame-soy sauteed vegetables with garlic and ginger. Choice of coffee or tea included. Guests will be seated in the beautiful semi-private Library space.
IN-PERSON
Saturday, October 14 at 11:00am - 1:00pm
Chicago Athletic Association Hotel
12 South Michigan Ave
Chicago, IL 60603
JASC Members: $50 | Nonmembers: $60
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The Japan Foundation's special program JFF+ Independent Cinema 2023 sheds light on the mini theaters that support the cinema culture of Japan. The lineup of streamed films includes those recommended by mini theaters throughout Japan, as well as by international film critics and film festival directors. This project is a continuation of the streaming project JFF+ Independent Cinema carried out from December 15, 2022, through June 15, 2023. The previous project was accessed from over 150 countries and regions around the world, including Indonesia, the U.S., Australia, and Mexico, attracting interest from viewers from a wide range of ages, from teenagers through to the elderly.
ONLINE
Films will be available for viewing until Tuesday, October 31
Logan Theatre
2646 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Chicago, IL 60647
Free
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Does your organization have an upcoming Japan-related event that you would like shared? Feel free to reach out here.
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Month in Review date range: August 1 - August 31
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Consulate holds Farewell Reception for Consul-General Tajima
On August 4, a farewell reception was held at the Official Residence for departing Consul-General Tajima. He was joined by esteemed guests and friends in celebration of his continuous dedication in fostering Japan-U.S. relations throughout the Midwest. We wish you all the best in your next endeavor, Consul-General Tajima!
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Consulate participates in Japan Festival
On August 19th, the Consulate's Japan Information Center particpated in Japan Festival, a cultural event held in the Chicago Cultural Center. Attendees had the chance to experience live performances, try Japanese arts and crafts, sample Japanese cuisine, try on authentic yukata and much more. Thank you to everyone who came out and thank you to all the organizers and volunteers!
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Consul-General Yanagi visits Tsuruga city with former Consul-General Tajima
“August 19, I visited Tsuruga city with former Consul-General TAJIMA who just came back from Chicago.
The sea breeze at the port of Tsuruga gives us a slight relief from the scorching summer. The city of Tsuruga was a resting place for Polish orphans and Jewish refugees. Tsuruga citizens welcomed them. These encounters transferred by the Polish, Jewish, and citizens of Tsuruga, are portrayed at the Port of Humanity Tsuruga Museum. The explanations full of warm expressions given by the Director Akinori Nishikawa were deeply moving.
There are many Jewish people who arrived in the United States through Tsuruga with “Visas for Life” issued by Chiune Sugihara, a former vice-consul in Kaunas, Lithuania during WWII. Their descendants now live in many places in the United States, including Chicago.” - Consul-General Yanagi
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Consulate welcomes newly assigned
Consul-General
On August 22nd, the Consulate-General of Japan in Chicago welcomed the newly assigned Consul-General, YANAGI, Jun.
Here is his greeting message upon his arrival.
"I am YANAGI, Jun, the newly assigned Consul-General of Japan in Chicago. My past overseas postings as a diplomat have taken me to the UK, Nigeria, Australia, Russia, Canada, Viet Nam and Vienna. This is my first ever posting in the USA and I am accompanied by my wife Norika and Japanese cuisine chef Ms. NISHIMURA, Akiko.
Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. These are the 10 states which our Consulate-General serves. These 10 states at the crossroads and the heartland of America are often said to represent the good days of America. I am grateful and honored to assume the post of Consul-General with jurisdiction over these great states. Yet at the same time, I am humbled by the task and responsibility before us.
Our diverse and numerous “stake holders” are also our “clients” and partners. We strive to protect the safety, security and health of Japanese people living in the Midwest area or visiting for business or travel. We promote a sound business environment for Japanese businesses and companies. We reaffirm our commitment to the Japanese-American Community. We work to help expand the exchange between all Americans who have interest in and involvement with Japan and their Japanese counterparts, and thereby deepen the friendship and bond between them and our two countries. Our Consulate is united as one team to ensure we can continue being open, helpful, trusted, and benevolent to all of you. This is our mission and our promise to you.
We remain mindful of the contributions by those before us who have made tireless efforts to build up the relationship between the Midwest of America and Japan, and we are grateful for the trust, cooperation and expectations bestowed upon us. I look forward to visiting all 10 states and meeting many of you at the earliest possible opportunity. We sincerely appreciate your continued input, support and understanding."
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Students from University of Tokyo and Kyoto University of Advanced Science visits Consulate
"August 23, first day at the Consulate-General of Japan in Chicago. Students from University of Tokyo and Kyoto University of Advanced Science visited on August 23. Through a Q&A session, I explained the role of the Consulate such as the protection of Japanese citizens; support of Japanese companies; cultural interactions; and follow-up of the upcoming presidential election with some of my personal overseas work experiences. These students are considering working in non-Japanese companies and international organizations, and had many great questions, some of which took me aback. Even so, I met such a challenge head on. The energy and intelligence of young people continues to astound me. This Q&A session brought to mind my time teaching at Tohoku University 10 years ago. What I can do is limited, but the future of Japan rests on their shoulders. I felt rejuvenated by my experience with them and can now start my new posting with new energy. I would like to express my deepest appreciation to the students." - Consul-General Yanagi
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The Takuzo Ishida Memorial Scholarship was established in 2019 by Mr. Ishida’s family and friends to recognize his contributions to the Japanese community in Minnesota and to support his passion for youth education. JASM will award the Takuzo Ishida Memorial Scholarship to a student enrolled in a Minnesota high school who wants to broaden their knowledge of Japan through a combination of study and travel.
Application Deadline: January 1, 2024
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Japan Foundation New York 2023- 2024 Grants
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The Education Grant program supports projects from nonprofit organizations that will assist K-12 students, teachers, and the community deepen their understanding about Japan, promote cross-cultural exchange, and nurture global perspectives. Successful projects are awarded up to $5,000.
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This grant aims to support to create and develop networks between Japan and the U.S. on grassroots level, and to support Japan-U.S. collaborative efforts to help resolve issues of common concern. Successful projects are awarded up to $10,000.
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This program provides support to non-profit organizations in the U.S. that organize projects that will further the understanding of Japanese arts and culture within the 37 states east of the Rocky Mountains, plus Washington D.C. Average funding with this grant is $2,000 per proposal.
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This grant aims to support projects that will enhance further understanding of Japan through academic exploration. Such projects generally take the form of conferences, colloquia, symposia, presentations, and lectures within the United States as well as in virtual format. Successful projects are awarded up to $5,000.
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Japan Foundation Los Angeles 2023- 2024 Grants
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The JFLA provides financial assistance for projects which promote Japanese language education in a wide area (nationwide/statewide/region-wide), not exceeding $5,000. The project should benefit multiple Japanese language programs and as many teachers as possible.
Examples: Conferences/Seminars/Workshops for Teachers, Teaching Material Development, Research Projects, etc.
Deadline: 2 months before the project start date
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Advocacy Support LetterIf your Japanese language program is in danger of being cut due to COVID-19, the JFLA will send a support letter to stakeholders (Superintendent, Principal, Dean, etc.).
Please contact JFLA for details.
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Our JETAA Talks series features stories from JETAA (JET Program Alumni Association) members in our jurisdiction. This month we connected with Chiba Prefecture JET alum Ella McCann. Thank you for sharing your story with us, Ella!
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Are you a JET alumni from or living in our ten-state jurisdiction who would like to share their Japan experience? Please contact us here with your name, location (in relation to our jurisdiction), JET placement, year(s) you participated on the program, and a small blurb about your time there. We are excited to hear your stories!
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Kannazuki, the ancient name for the month of October, is often translated as "month of no gods." It is said that in October, all of the gods throughout Japan gather at Izumo Shrine and forgo their responsibilities throughout the month.
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Dear Subscribers,
The summer season is starting to fade away with cooler temps rolling in. Although we bid a farewell of warming sunshine and lively evenings, we are welcoming in the cozy comforts of autumn. Along with the seasonal beverages and decorations appearing around us, be sure to participate in the seasonal activities!
Itsumo arigatou gozaimasu,
Japan Information Center
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