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 10:00 am to 12:15 pm and 1:15 to 3:00 pm.
- The Consular Section’s phones will be available to call between 9:15 am and 12:15 pm, and again from 1:15 to 5:00 pm.
We do ask that all visitors cooperate with following necessary precautions:
- If you are feeling ill, please wait to come in until you are feeling completely well again.
- Please only come in to the Consulate for essential activities. If it can wait, please consider doing so.
- In accordance with CDC guidelines, a maximum of 10 people will be allowed in the waiting room. Be aware that you may need to wait outside the waiting room should more than 10 people be present.
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JIC Re-Opening
The Japan Information Center is planning to re-open this summer so please keep an eye on the Consulate website for the latest updates. We hope to see you at the JIC again soon!
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| HolidaysThe Consulate-General of Japan in Chicago will be closed on July 5 for Independence Day.
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The Japanese Art Foundation and Culture Center in partnership with the Chicago Parks District, Tsukasa Taiko and Shubukai invite you to the inaugural BON Fest Chicago. Join us virtually Saturday, July 31st at 8:00pm for taiko drumming, bon odori dancing, and festivities in Chicago’s historical Garden of the Phoenix in Jackson Park. The BON Fest Chicago is entirely virtual this year, but will expand to welcome everyone in the years to come! This FREE event will stream to the Japanese Arts Foundation Twitch channel where we will be live chatting with everyone!
VIRTUAL EVENT
Saturday, July 31 at 8:00 pm (CDT)
Free
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This workshop is an introduction to quick & simple Japanese phrases to help you get by when dining, shopping, and meeting new people. Participants will learn how to greet people, introduce themselves, order food, and ask for prices, among other expressions.
ONLINE WORKSHOP
Wednesday, July 7 at 6:30 - 7:30pm (EDT)
$20 nonmembers /$18 Japan Society Individual and Corporate members
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Our book club will focus on highlighting voices and stories with a strong connection to Japan. For our second meeting we are revisiting an old favorite with "The Housekeeper and the Professor". Written by Yoko Ogawa, it is an enchanting story about what it means to live in the present, and about the curious equations that can create a family.
Be sure to pick up a copy of the book and then join us for an evening of casual discussion in a virtual space via Zoom!
VIRTUAL EVENT
Tuesday, July 20 at 6 – 7:00 pm (CDT)
Free
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JASDFW’s annual sake tasting program is back and once again in a virtual format. This is a rare opportunity for everyone from beginners to seasoned sommeliers to learn about and sample sake. Our Sake Set includes a Junmai, a Nigori, and a Junmai Daiginjo for a well-rounded experience that exposes novice and expert drinkers to a variety of sakes. Each is in a 300ml bottle, which is the best quantity for an enjoyable drinking experience and you can share with 2-3 people. The price includes the shipping fee and they will be delivered to your home before the event! We will also share special recipes to pair with your Sake Set. You can prepare your meal before the event or after – it is all up to you!
VIRTUAL EVENT
Friday, July 16 at 6 – 7:00pm (CDT)
Admission with Sake Set: $55 for nonmembers; $45 for members
General Admission: $15 for nonmembers; $10 for members
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This talk will introduce the place of yōkai, Japanese monsters or fantastic creatures, in Japanese culture from the 1700s to the present. Along the way, we will meet a large number of individual yōkai, as well as some of the artists, scholars and writers who have explored what they have to say.
VIRTUAL EVENT
Wednesday, July 21 at 6:30pm (CDT)
Free
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Our reopening kicks off with the MBT Bon Odori on Saturday, July 10 from 8-9pm. We have made a few changes this year in the spirit of safety: no yagura (drum stand), no intermission and no refreshments. We encourage people to come dressed or bring a happi coat (Japanese festival jacket) as we will not have anyone available to help dress people. The number of dances is limited to 8 and none will require accessories or hand holding. We will have two in-person practice sessions inside the Temple on July 5 and July 7 from 7:30-8:30 pm.
What has not changed is the opportunity to join in this event where we honor our loved ones (humans and pets) who have passed away. Candles purchased by the members and friends will line the wall overlooking the parking lot. Lanterns will shine on the dancing area and the Obon music will fill the summer night air.
IN-PERSON EVENT
Saturday, July 10 at 8-9:00 pm (CDT)
Midwest Buddhist Temple
435 West Menomonee Street, Chicago, IL 60614
Free
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Manga has become a global phenomenon and one of Japan’s most recognizable cultural exports. It has appeal across cultures and generations, and is a medium of expression that often goes beyond entertainment, challenging the divisions between art, education, and amusement. This lecture introduces manga, its production, and its history to explore the evolution of manga and the ways it interacts with culture and society.
VIRTUAL EVENT
Wednesday, July 14 at 6 - 7:30 pm (EDT)
Free
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Sumi-e, the Japanese word for black ink painting, focuses on the beauty of each individual stroke of the brush as it captures the essence of nature. Participants will use the beauty of the Gardens to inspire their art works as National Watercolor Society Signature Instructor, Stella Dobbins, demonstrates a new painting from nature each week. Subjects will include flowers, fish, birds and landscape plants. Ms. Dobbins will also demonstrate calligraphy and different water color techniques. Access to the Gardens prior to class is included in the class fee. Classes are held outdoors under the Anderson Japanese Gardens Pavilion.
IN-PERSON EVENT
Wednesdays, July 14 - Septemeber 29
Youth Class: 2:00PM – 4:00 pm | Adult Class: 4:00PM – 6:00PM (CDT)
$20 per class; optional supply kit $25
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It’s Summer, Let’s Grab Some Beer! Please join us for an evening of touring Japanese craft breweries, learning about beer, and gathering with friends — all online. Have your beverage of choice close by!
Virtual Japanese Beer Garden is free to attend, although you can donate to keep JASO strong. You must register in advance, in order to receive the Zoom attendance information.
VIRTUAL EVENT
Firday, July 16 at 7- 9:00PM (PDT)
Free - via Zoom
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Join the Japanese Culture Center and Arts Foundation in a 3 part series exploring 3 monosyllabic concepts of Japanese art and aesthetics.
Part 1: Ma/間: space, interval, pause
Each abstract concept is explored in dialogue through a myriad of Japanese arts between Omar Francis, of the Urasenke school of tea ceremony, and Saira Chambers of the Japanese Culture Center and Arts Foundation. Join us in conversation and unpack these critical concepts in Japanese art, design, and aesthetics!
VIRTUAL EVENT
Thursday, July 22 at 7 - 8:30 pm (CDT)
$10
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Join us with the Minneapolis Ibaraki Sister City Association (MISCA) for an evening of storytelling on Thursday, July 8th. This event will take place over Zoom from 6-7 PM.
A form of storytelling originating from Japan, kamishibai (kah-mee-she-bye) stories are told through illustrated cards. The text of the story is located on the back of the cards where it is recited by the storyteller.
Three stories in English will be offered: "Momotaro (the Peach Boy)", "The Mother Cat", and "The Bamboo Princess". This event is free for both members and non-members.
VIRTUAL EVENT
Thursday, July 8 at 6 - 7:00 pm (CDT)
Free
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Baseball—the national pastime of both Japan and the U.S.—will be featured at the Tokyo Summer Games for the first time since 2008. In a lead-up to the 150th anniversary of baseball in Japan, join us for a discussion of the differences in the game in both countries, the popularity of the sport, experiences playing through the pandemic, and prospects for baseball at the Tokyo Summer Games. Participants include Warren Cromartie, outfielder and first baseman from Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) (Tokyo Yomiuri Giants), Major League Baseball (Montreal Expos, Kansas City Royals), and 1989 NPB MVP and Matt Murton, popular MLB outfielder (Chicago Cubs, Oakland A’s, Colorado Rockies) and 2010 NPB single-season hit record breaker (Hanshin Tigers). Moderated by director Yuriko Gamo Romer, whose upcoming film, "Diamond Diplomacy", explores the relationship between the U.S. and Japan through a shared love of baseball.
VIRTUAL EVENT
Wednesday, July 14 at 8:00 pm (EDT)/Thursday, July 15 at 9:00 am (JST)
Free
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What is the JASC Fresh Market? Enter our small indoor market from the main Clark Street entrance, 4427 N. Clark Street, for the opportunity to purchase fresh vegetables and prepared foods from the following and more:
Hinata Farms – Asian produce with a focus on Japanese varieties.
M Square – pre-order sushi boxes in advance from M Square
Mom’s Chicago – Katsu Sando and more
Onigiri Kororin – authentic Japanese style grilled onigiri
IN-PERSON EVENT
2nd and 4th Thursdays until October 29 at 3-6:30 pm (CDT)
JASC Warehouse, 4427 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60640
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Ambassador Tomita and Consul-General Okada meet Indiana Governor HolcombOn 5/29, Consul-General Okada sat in on the meeting between Ambassador Tomita and Governor Holcomb at the Governor's official residence. The meeting had a very good atmosphere and the Governor even took them to the basketball court at his residence.
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Consul-General Okada participates in the "Ikebana Walk"
On 6/12, Consul-General Okada participated in the "Ikebana Walk" in Southport corridor, Chicago and enjoyed Japanese art displayed in stores and cafes. Thanks to the Japanese Culture Center, Lakeview Roscoe Village Chamber of Commerce, distinguished guests and artists.
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| Consul-General Okada connects with Amundsen High School
On 6/15, Consul General Okada met with guests from Amundsen High School. Big thank you to Principal Pavichevich and the school staff for their enthusiasm and support for Japanese language education at Amundsen HS. We salute the tremendous efforts of our leaving teacher, Ms. Kameyama and look forward to her successor, Ms. Nakagawa!
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Consul-General Okada meets former Judo Champion Megumi Ishikawa
On 6/17, Consul General Okada met with Ms. Megumi Ishikawa, former Asian Judo Women's 57kg Champion. CG Okada, enjoying his favorite Chicago pizza with Ms. Ishikawa, gave her a warm welcome as she pursues her second life goal of contributing to the development of judo in the United States.
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Consul-General Okada delivers bentos to Erie Humboldt Park Health Center
For the "Arigato to Chicago’s Best – my kind of BENTO" project and #InternationalSushiDay , CG Okada delivered 80 sushi bentos to the Erie Humboldt Park Health Center! This initiative supports local Japanese restaurants impacted by COVID-19 and our frontline health care workers!
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Consul-General Okada meets with guests from City of Chicago and World Business Chicago
On June 24th, Consul-General Okada met with guests from City of Chicago and World Business Chicago. Big thank you to Deputy Mayor Mayekar, President & CEO Fassnacht and all guests. Looking forward to further deepening Japan-Chicago friendship!
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Grants to teachers, institutions, and students engaged in Japanese language, as well as arts and cultural programs.
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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs founded the International MANGA Award in 2007 for the purpose of expanding international exchange and mutual understanding through the MANGA culture which is widely accepted around the world.
This award honors MANGA artists who contribute to the development of MANGA culture in the world.
The application period for the 15th Japan International MANGA Award is from April 7th 2021 to July 8th 2021.
We are looking forward to entries from MANGA artists all over the world!
Application Form
Guidelines
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This month we're bringing back an old interview to share with our new subscribers! This interview is from exactly two years ago, originally publised in our July 2019 issue. Read about Saku Yanagawa, a Japanese stand-up comedian that moved to the U.S. to share his unique brand of comedy with Chicago and the Midwest!
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This month we are reviewing the Netflix original series, "Final Fantasy XIV: Dad of Light". A father and son who have trouble connecting start to bond through playing the same video game.
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Fumizuki, a traditional name for July, refers to “book/origin" month.
July 7 is Tanabata or the Star Festival to celebrate the meeting of the deities named Orihime and Hikoboshi. The third Monday of the month is Marine Day, commemorating the return of Emperor Meiji to Yokohama port from a boat trip to Hokkaido in 1876.
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Dear Subscribers,
Summer is here and with it some festival events, both virtual and in-person! Also, check out the Month in Review section to see some of the important events Consul-General Okada took part in since the last issue.
This month's JIC Review is on the heartwarming Netflix series, "Dad of Light" about a father and son bonding over a video game. Our interview this month is a bit of blast from the past as we share our interview of Saku Yanagawa from July 2019! He is still an active stand-up comedian in Chicago and the Midwest and we are excited to re-share his story with you.
As always, please stay healthy and safe this month!
Itsumo arigatou gozaimasu,
Japan Information Center
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