Consulate-General of Japan in Chicago
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Japanese cultural events happening online in the Midwest and around the country
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A list of currently open Grants and Scholarships related to Japan
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This month we review "Read Real Japanese Fiction" edited by Michael Emmerich.
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Important information and updates
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Take a look back at some of the important news from last month
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Interview with James Kennedy, alumni of the JET Program and author of "The Order of Odd-Fish".
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Learn about the month of June in Japan
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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 10:00 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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The Japanese Culture Center (JCC), in partnership with the Lakeview Roscoe Village Chamber of Commerce and Japanese Arts Foundation, is hosting an Ikebana Walking Exhibition June 12th and 13th. This event is generously sponsored by SSA 27.
The exhibition features the Japanese art of flower arrangement, or Ikebana (ee-keh-bah-nah) in local restaurants and business storefront windows throughout the Southport Corridor allowing safe public access to this beautiful and unique art. Ikebana flower arrangements are meant to be viewed from a single perspective, rather than in the round as often seen in western arrangements. This allows for a perfect experience viewing this art through the window fronts of your favorite local business! The Lakeview neighborhood was historically considered the unofficial Japantown of Chicago. This collaboration seeks to connect our neighborhood’s past with the present, while supporting local businesses affected by the COVID 19 pandemic. Japanese Culture Center Ikebana instructors, artists, and students will install flower arrangements from two different schools of Ikebana; Ikenobo and Ohara Ryu.
IN-PERSON EVENT
Saturday, June 12 at 12:00 pm through Sunday, June 13 at 4:00 pm
Southport Corridor, 3200 - 3900 N. Southport Avenue, Chicago, IL 60657
Opening ceremony on June 12 at 12:00 pm (CST) at Low-Line Market at Southport - 3410 N Southport Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
Sake Tasting on June 12 & 13 at 1 - 4:00 pm (CST) at Galleria Liqueurs - 3409 N Southport Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
Free Admission
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#EDAMAMECHAMP is an annual spring campaign to promote healthy eating through Japanese cuisine focusing on soy and to raise funds for teaching healthy eating to more children.
We are joining our friends at Table for Two and Japan America Society of Minnesota for #EdamameChamp. Come learn about healthy Japanese cuisine and enjoy some fun challenges using edamame! Participants will also learn how to make miso ramen at home.
VIRTUAL EVENT
Saturday, June 5 at 5:00 pm (EDT)/4:00pm (CDT)
Free admission
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This program builds on a similar event from summer 2020 titled “The Power of Washoku: You Are What You Eat” as we continue our conversation about Japanese food education. As the popularity of Japanese cuisine has increased in the U.S., the word umami has gained notoriety. It was first identified in 1908 by Japanese chemist Kikunae Ikeda, who is one of the two founders of the Ajinomoto Group, a Japanese food and biotechnology corporation. Umami is often described as the fifth basic taste after sweet, sour, bitter, and salty. In this interactive and informative session, you will learn about umami from both a historic and scientific background. This year, we are inviting Ana San Gabriel with Ajinomoto Co., Inc and we will demystify the essence of Japanese foods, while learning about a balanced diet.
VIRTUAL WORKSHOP
Tuesday, June 8 at 7 – 8:00 pm (CDT)/Wednesday, June 9 at 9-10:00 am (JST)
Free
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This keynote lecture by the acclaimed Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto, who supervised the exhibition design of "When Practice Becomes Form: Carpentry Tools from Japan", discusses his work and connections between contemporary architectural practice and traditional craftsmanship.
VIRTUAL EVENT
Thursday, June 24 at 7:00 pm (EDT)
$12, $10 for students and seniors, free for members
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Japanese-trained Taiko performer Eddie Yates will demonstrate "Taiko" -- traditional Japanese drumming, and answer audience questions about this popular art form.
VIRTUAL EVENT
Friday, June 25 at 5-5:30 pm (EDT)
Free
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Michiyuki: Japanese Time-Space Concept for Mindfulness of Everyone Everyday with the Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia
We all yearn for space that makes us more contemplative in this crisis of health and society. Can our physical environment, such as architecture and garden, foster mindfulness? How does it do it? Could we make such space at home or work? This talk examines how the concept of Michiyuki, traveling or procession in Japanese, could help us be aware at the present moment. Yoko Kawai and Takaya Kurimoto, an architect/landscape-architect team of Penguin Environmental Design, will discuss the instrumental mind-body-space relationship of Michiyuki for mindfulness. Its traditional applications at Shofuso (Japanese garden in Philadelphia) are highlighted (the talk will be broadcasted from Shofuso) and its contemporary applications are introduced.
VIRTUAL EVENT
Tuesday, June 29 at 5 - 6:00 pm (EDT)
General Admission: $15
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Japan Fair is a free, two-day festival in Bellevue, WA, that celebrates Japanese art and culture. Formerly known as "Aki Matsuri", Japan Fair is a communal endeavor of musicians, artisans, community organizations, and businesses from both Japan and the U.S. who come together to share their products, talents, and knowledge of Japan. Through live performances on stage, hands on exhibits, cultural workshops, and vendor booths, the public is immersed in the music, dance, artisanry, and philosophy of Japan.
Japan Fair has always been a lively, active gathering, but for this year, the Virtual Japan Fair will bring our exhibitor’s enthusiasm to visitors’ homes.
Virtual Japan Fair 2021 will focus on supporting and encouraging our Nikkei Community by spotlighting Japanese art, food, and cultural uniqueness in this difficult time.
VIRTUAL EVENT
Saturday, June 26 at 1:00 pm (PDT)
Free
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The general public is invited to participate on our virtual Tōkaidō walk by paying a registration fee of $7. This virtual walk is suitable for anyone who loves to walk, bike, or do another form of exercise.
Information on creating a MyVirtualMission account and joining our Tōkaidō mission will be sent to you by e-mail at the end of May, and you’ll be able to start walking on June 1. You will receive a list of the books assigned to those enrolled in the K-12 educator program so that you may complete the readings if you wish. This summer program ends on September 6.
VIRTUAL EVENT
Participation from Tuesday, June 1 to Monday, September 6
Fee: $7
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The custom of sending greeting cards can be traced back to Asia and the early Egyptians who conveyed their greetings on papaya scrolls.
In this 2 hr workshop each participant will create 10 hand-made 5X4 folded greeting cards for any occasion. Card making is relaxing and enjoyable. Card decoration methods include stamping designs with various colored inks and heat setting with embossing powder.
Instruction will be provided on how to give your cards elements of dimension. Design details include using stickers, specialty scissors and a punch tool. A variety of hand marbled paper and origami paper will also be available for collage techniques.
IN-PERSON EVENT
Saturday, June 26 at 3 - 5:00 pm (CDT)
$65
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This workshop is co-sponsored by JASC- Japanese American Service Committee, CTC – Career Transitions Center, The Japan America Society of Chicago, and JETAA Chicago. Register now for this free interactive workshop with Anita Jenke of CTC, who will provide tips, strategies, and real-life examples to enhancing your job search efforts during COVID. Learn about our “go-to” resources to help you make the most of today’s online resources. There are some excellent web resources to explore career direction, research job opportunities, assure keywords and criteria on your resume and in your LinkedIn Profile, and prepare for interviews and conversations. A workbook with resources will be provided.
VIRTUAL EVENT
Wednesday, June 2 at 6:30 - 8:00 pm (CDT)
Free
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Are you ready to visit Japan? This is a class for beginners who would like to learn basic expressions to navigate you during your trip. You will learn greetings, how to check in at the hotel, use the bus, train and taxi, order food at a restaurant, buy souvenirs, etc. The price includes two sessions.
VIRTUAL EVENT
Monday, June 21 and June 28 at 7 - 8:00 pm (EDT)
Non-members: $50 Members: $40
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Join the Japan-America Society of Georgia, Imai Daruma Naya, and I Go Tokyo, for a unique virtual workshop featuring the Introduction of Daruma, Uniqueness of Takasaki Daruma, a Tour of a real Daruma Studio in Japan, and a LIVE Daruma demonstration on how Daruma dolls are made.
VIRTUAL EVENT
Saturday, June 12 at 7 - 8:00 pm (EDT) /Sunday, June 13 at 8:00 am (JST)
Free, via Zoom
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Join JASI in Reaching for the Stars - as we look forward and also reflect on the challenges of the past year and a half, we are inspired by the dedication and resilience of our members and the community. We hope that the upcoming Gala will shine a bright light on our network and the JASI organization.
The Gala is the one gathering of the year that brings together business and community leaders from throughout the state, the Midwest region, and Japan.
VIRTUAL EVENT
Tuesday, June 22
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Join Dr. Chikako Usui, chairman of the board of the Japan America Society of St. Louis and associate professor of sociology at the University of Missouri–St. Louis, for an overview of Japanese Americans’ settlement in the St. Louis area. This presentation will explore how they built their lives and homes here and how they’ve enriched the city’s culture.
VIRTUAL EVENT
Tuesday, June 8 at 11:00 am (CDT)
Free
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Cinema/Chicago, together with the City of Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events and our consular and cultural partners, presents Summer Screenings, a free weekly film series that celebrates sports and games from around the world.
A long summer afternoon at the ballpark, an intense game of chess, early morning practices at the pool—sports, games, and competition are defining elements of the human experience. Through struggle and perseverance, victory and defeat, we learn about the joys, pains, and triumphs of being alive together. Featuring everything from timeless soccer legends and hilariously obsessed sports fans to breathtaking breakdance competitions and the epic clash of sumo wrestlers, this collection of films explores the ways in which sports, games, and competition shape our lives.
VIRTUAL EVENT
Wednesdays at 6:30pm CT from May 26 to September 29
Free, limited tickets are available
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Consul-General Okada delivers "Bento in Bloom" to Deputy Mayor of Chicago and President/CEO of World Business Chicago
On 5/21, as a part of the Go Bento Project featuring the Garden of the Phoenix (Osaka Garden) in Jackson Park, CG Okada delivered "Bento in Bloom" to Deputy Mayor of Chicago Samir Mayekar and to newly appointed President and CEO of World Business Chicago, Michael Fassnacht.
The Garden has been a symbol of Japan-US friendship in Chicago for over 120 years with support from the City of Chicago, Chicago Park District, Project 120 and other friends and partners. Osaka City, Chicago's sister-city since 1973, and the Government of Japan have continued to contribute to the Garden's development.
Within the Go Bento Project, the Consulate-General offers an opportunity to enjoy a Japanese Bento box, prepared by local restaurants in Chicago area, while experiencing a virtual tour in the Garden and learning more about history and beauty of the Garden.
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The Consulate-General of Japan in Chicago kicked off the "Arigato to Chicago's Best - my kind of BENTO" project with JCCC
The Consulate-General of Japan in Chicago kicked off the "Arigato to Chicago’s Best – my kind of BENTO" project in partnership with Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Chicago-JCCC at AMITA Health on Friday, 5/21.
The project supports local Japanese restaurants devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic while also appreciating frontline workers who have sacrificed so much during these difficult times.
Working with local Japanese restaurants, the Consulate-General of Japan in Chicago will distribute Japanese Bento lunchboxes to frontline essential workers, free of charge, as an expression of our gratitude to Chicagoland and its residents.
Our goal is to distribute up to 2,000 Bento boxes to frontline essential workers in the Chicago metro area this summer.
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Consul-General Okada Celebrates Children's Day at the Garden of the Phoenix
On 5/5, CG Okada visited Chicago’s historical Japanese garden - the Garden of the Phoenix in Jackson Park to celebrate Children's Day, a national holiday in Japan. CG joined the opening of the waterfall and expressed appreciation to everyone who made this event possible and to volunteers for their continuous efforts to keep the beauty of the garden and develop it for Chicagoans and all visitors as a place to relax.
(The Garden of the Phoenix was built on the site of the former Japanese pavilion at The World’s Columbian Exposition almost 130 years ago.)
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Mr. Michael Takada of the JASC receives Consul-General's Commendation
On 5/3, CG Okada had a meeting with Mr. Michael Takada, CEO of the JASC - Japanese American Service Committee and Ms. Lisa Doi, President of the Japanese American Citzens League (JACL) Chicago. After the meeting, CG Okada awarded Mr. Takada with the Consul-General's Commendation, recognizing his long-time contributions to the Japanese American community.
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Japan Foundation Grants
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!
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This month we interview James Kennedy, alumni of the JET Program and author of "The Order of Odd-Fish". Read about how his unique experiences in Japan through the JET Program helped with his current career as a writer.
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This month we are reviewing "Read Real Japanese Fiction" edited by Michael Emmerich. Experience reading authentic Japanese literature with the help of guided translations and a Japanese-English dictionary tailored to the stories. Read the review to find out more!
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The old name for June in Japanese is minazuki meaning "water month." Tsuyu, or heavy rainfall season takes place during the months of June and July throughout most of Japan and lasts about 6 weeks. There are no official Japanese holidays in June.
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Dear Subscribers,
Summer is nearly upon us and we have some great events and festivals to share in this month's e-Japan Journal!
This month's JIC Review is "Read Real Japanese Fiction" by Michael Emmerich, a great resource for those learning Japanese. Our interview this month is with James Kennedy, an alumni of the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program who is now a succesful author.
As always, please stay healthy and safe this month!
Itsumo arigatou gozaimasu,
Japan Information Center
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