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SUMMARY:Kabuki Talk II: Kabuki's Golden Couple\, Nizaemon & Tamasaburo
DESCRIPTION:  \n\nKabuki’s Golden Couple\, Nizaemon & Tamasaburo\nSaturday\, February 15\, 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM (ET) (Doors Open at 2:00 PM) \nIn-Person Talk Event & Slide Presentation | Admission Free | RSVP Required\nPresented in English by Toshi Aoyagi\, Program Officer at the Japan Foundation\, Toronto \nOne of the most magnificent theatrical phenomena after World War II worldwide must be this golden couple\, Nizaemon and Tamasaburo\, in Japanese Kabuki Theatre. Talk about chemistry on stage! When Nizaemon and Tamasaburo appear on stage together\, their charm and attraction are multiplied\, resonating with each other\, and filling the theatre space like waves\, fume\, or lights. In that sense\, the golden couple is aromatic\, radiant\, and sensual. \nIn conjunction with Cinema Kabuki 2025 Toronto.
URL:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/event/kabuki-talk-ii/
LOCATION:The Japan Foundation\, Toronto\, 2 Bloor St. East\, 3rd Floor\, Toronto\, ON\, M4W 1A8\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Lecture
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20250219T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20250219T193000
DTSTAMP:20261004T160907
CREATED:20250123T175603Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250123T182838Z
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SUMMARY:Kabuki Talk III: The Sacred Shishi\, Lion Dance
DESCRIPTION:The Sacred Shishi\, Lion Dance\nWednesday\, February 19\, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM (ET) (Doors Open at 5:30 PM) \nIn-Person Talk Event & Slide Presentation | Admission Free | RSVP Required\nPresented in English by Toshi Aoyagi\, Program Officer at the Japan Foundation\, Toronto \nA number of Kabuki pieces called Shishi-mono form one of the major parts of the dance repertoire. A woman\, such as a princess or courtesan\, is transformed by the sacred animal\, and becomes a heroic\, ferocious figure. But sometimes male figures dominate the pieces\, focusing attention on father-son relationships. Here is the excitement and diversity of Lion Dances.\n \nIn conjunction with Cinema Kabuki 2025 Toronto
URL:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/event/kabuki-talk-iii/
LOCATION:The Japan Foundation\, Toronto\, 2 Bloor St. East\, 3rd Floor\, Toronto\, ON\, M4W 1A8\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Lecture
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20250220T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20250220T193000
DTSTAMP:20261004T160907
CREATED:20250107T211009Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250204T203459Z
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SUMMARY:Isolated in the City:  How architecture mitigates urban loneliness
DESCRIPTION:“Isolated in the City: How architecture mitigates urban loneliness” talk event on February 20 is now fully booked and registration is closed. Thank you for your interest. We will have an in-person waiting line before the event to release available seats on a first-come\, first-served basis. Admission is not guaranteed in the waiting line. \n \nIn big cities like Tokyo or Toronto\, social isolation and loneliness are common occurrences among residents. Social isolation can be caused by architectural factors such as detached living spaces and lack of communal spaces such as parks or green areas in big cities. The increasing number of single-person households and the growth of urban societies further exacerbate urban loneliness.  \nWhile exploring Tokyo’s megalopolis\, this lecture will examine how societal atomization impacts Japanese architecture and the urban landscape. On one hand\, the speaker will guide us through her investigation of new commercial solutions for individuals; on the other\, we will explore living arrangements designed for single people that encourage daily interactions. At a time when the risks of social isolation and exclusion are growing in global cities\, we will seek to understand how architecture can help mitigate these issues. \nThe speaker\, who is a former recipient of the Japan Foundation postdoctoral fellowship\, will also share her experiences in Japan alongside the primary lecture topic.  \n  \n\n  \nThe Speaker \nDr. Alice Covatta works across architecture and anthropology. She is a professor of architecture at the Faculty of Environmental Design at the University of Montreal. In 2016\, she obtained the Japan Foundation postdoctoral fellowship and worked as a researcher at Keio University in Tokyo until 2019. Her practice follows the spatial implications of society’s atomization in contemporary architecture\, public space\, and the city\, as well as in practiced and lived space.
URL:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/event/isolated-in-the-city/
LOCATION:The Japan Foundation\, Toronto\, 2 Bloor St. East\, 3rd Floor\, Toronto\, ON\, M4W 1A8\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Lecture
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20250307T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20250307T200000
DTSTAMP:20261004T160907
CREATED:20250220T172549Z
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SUMMARY:Lecture on the Job of “Interpreter”
DESCRIPTION:Watch the recording of this lecture on our YouTube channel\n\nLecture on the Job of “Interpreter”\nFriday\, March 7\, 6:30 PM (EST) | Online \nMs. Chieko Bond\, a Canadian government-certified conference and simultaneous interpreter\, will give a lecture on her work. Interpreters play a vital role in cultural exchange\, but many people are also curious about their work outside of this context\, as well as their current placement in North America. Ms. Bond\, who has been at the forefront of the industry for many years\, will talk in detail about her experience. \nFor those who live in Canada\, a little bit of interpreting is a daily occurrence\, but why not take this opportunity to learn about the professional work of interpreters who are also a bridge for cultural exchange? This event is open to everyone. We especially welcome those interested in pursuing a career as an interpreter or those who were born and raised here and speak both English and Japanese. \nIf you wish to attend\, please register below. \n*RSVP Required – This event will be exclusively livestreamed on the Japan Foundation\, Toronto’s official YouTube channel. \nSpeaker: \nChieko Bond\, MScM \n\nPresident\, Mixing Lab Inc.\nConference/simultaneous interpreter accredited by the Canadian government\nTranslator\nRepresentative of the City of Sagamihara in Toronto\n\nMasters of Science in Management from Toronto Metropolitan University. Graduated from Department of English Literature of Hiroshima University. After working for Mazda Motor Company\, Ford Motor Corporation\, and the Ontario Government Tokyo office\, she moved to Canada in December 1990. Certified by the Canadian government as a conference and simultaneous interpreter\, she has interpreted for prime ministers and cabinet ministers at bilateral and multilateral meetings\, including G7/G20 summits and ministerial meetings. Interpreted for negotiations of agreements between Canada and Japan and working level talks. Worked in all continents at public and private international conferences\, bilateral meetings\, business meeting\, IRs\, litigations\, and audits. During the COVID years\, established a virtual business accelerator for SMEs in Japan and served as Director of Business Development\, facilitator\, and a business consultant supporting joint business and technology development between Canadian and Japanese companies. She represents the City of Sagamihara\, Japan to maintain and promote its partnership city relationship with Toronto. Worked as a consulting translator for companies and organizations including legal/risk management division of a multi-national company. \n\n「通訳者」というお仕事についての講演会\n3月7日（金）6:30 PM（EST）　オンライン \nカナダ政府公認の会議・同時通訳者として活躍されているボンド智江子氏による講演会を実施します。文化交流に通訳者は必要不可欠ですが、文化交流以外でも実際に行っている業務内容や、通訳者が現在置かれている北米の現状など、気になる方も多いのではないでしょうか。長年第一線で活躍されているご本人に詳しくお話しいただきます。 \nカナダ在住の方々にとっては、ちょっとした通訳は日々体験されていることと思いますが、文化交流のかけ橋でもある通訳者のプロのお仕事についてこの機会に伺ってみませんか？どなたでもご参加いただけます。特に通訳のお仕事に興味がある方々、こちらで生まれ育って日英両言語が話せる方々等のご参加を歓迎します。 \nご参加ご希望の方は以下よりお申し込みください。 \n講演者：ボンド智江子氏 \n– Mixing Lab Inc.代表取締役 \n– カナダ政府公認会議・同時通訳者 \n– 翻訳家 \n– 在トロント相模原市上級代表 \nトロント・メトロポリタン大学経営学修士。広島大学文学部英文学科卒業。マツダ株式会社、フォード株式会社、オンタリオ州政府東京事務所を経て、1990年12月カナダへ。カナダ政府より会議・同時通訳者として認定され、G7/G20首脳会議・閣僚会議を含む二国間・多国間会議にて首相・閣僚の通訳を担当。日加間の協定交渉や実務者協議の通訳。全大陸で官民の国際会議、二国間会議、商談、IR、訴訟、監査に従事。COVIDによる非常事態時には、日本の中小企業向けのバーチャル・ビジネス・アクセラレーターを立ち上げ、事業開発ディレクター、ファシリテーター、ビジネス・コンサルタントとして、カナダと日本の企業間の共同事業や技術開発を支援。相模原市を代表し、トロント市とのパートナーシップを維持・促進。多国籍企業の法務/リスク管理部門を含む企業や組織のコンサルティング翻訳者としても働く。
URL:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/event/interpreter/
LOCATION:Virtual
CATEGORIES:Lecture
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20250409T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20250409T193000
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CREATED:20250327T192224Z
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SUMMARY:Japanese Culture Through the Lens of Traditional Crafts
DESCRIPTION:What is culture? And what does it mean to preserve it? \nWhile we often appreciate and seek to preserve cultures that have been cultivated over long histories\, it is a rare opportunity to reflect on what truly shapes culture—and how culture\, in turn\, shapes us. \nThe speaker\, Mr. Tokunaga\, has spent 2 years on a project visiting 68 traditional artisans across Kyoto\, interviewing each craftsperson and developing the Red List of Kyoto’s Traditional Crafts. Through this journey\, he has continually asked himself these very questions and will now share the insights that have emerged. \nWe invite you to join this talk as a chance for all of us to reflect on and reconnect with culture and perhaps to see Japanese culture from a fresh and different perspective. \nFree admission. Register below. \n\nTOKUNAGA Yuki \nMr. Tokunaga is the founder of the Culpedia\, an organization dedicated to fostering cultural exchange and preserving traditional arts. He is also a collaborative researcher at the Open Lab for Emergent Strategy Research (ROLES) at the Institute of Industrial Science\, the University of Tokyo. \nThrough Culpedia\, he leads cultural initiatives including research into Kyotoʼs Red List of traditional crafts and the creation of paintings by translating Japanese stories for international artists unfamiliar with those tales. He has lectured on Japanese and global culture in over 10 countries worldwide and has visited more than 80 countries in total. \nStriving to act not just as a linguistic interpreter but as an “interpreter of values\,” Mr. Tokunaga continues to champion meaningful cross-cultural dialogue and cultural preservation efforts.
URL:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/event/traditional-crafts-lecture/
LOCATION:The Japan Foundation\, Toronto\, 2 Bloor St. East\, 3rd Floor\, Toronto\, ON\, M4W 1A8\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Lecture
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20250607T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20250607T113000
DTSTAMP:20261004T160907
CREATED:20250513T201308Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250522T153921Z
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SUMMARY:So\, What is Manga and Why Does It Matter? A Walkthrough with School Librarian Jillian Rudes
DESCRIPTION:Join us for a lecture with Jillian Rudes\, author of Manga in Libraries and a New York-based school librarian\, as we explore what manga is\, why it matters\, and how to integrate it into library collections and educational settings. In her first talk in Canada\, she will cover the fundamentals of reading manga\, its genres\, publishers\, and age ratings\, as well as its impact on literacy and social-emotional development. She will also discuss collection development\, including essential resources\, recommended titles\, shelving strategies\, reader’s advisory\, and digital content. Whether you’re a library worker\, educator\, parent\, or manga enthusiast\, this session offers valuable insights into manga’s growing role in education and libraries. \nThe lecture will be followed by the exclusive tour of the Japan Foundation\, Toronto Library by our library staff. With the Jillian’s insights from the lecture in mind\, explore the world of 20\,000+ Japan-related books and audiovisuals\, including approx. 3\,000 manga books in collection! \n\nJillian Rudes is the founder of Manga in Libraries\, an organization that provides manga readers’ advisory lists and hosts manga webinars\, workshops\, and panels. She is also a New York State dually certified English teacher and school librarian\, currently serving as the school librarian at a grade 6–12 public school in New York City. Jillian is also the President-Elect of the American Library Association’s (ALA) Graphic Novels & Comics Round Table (GNCRT). In 2020\, she received the American Association of School Librarians’ (AASL) Collaborative School Library Award\, and in 2022\, she was honored with the American Library Association’s (ALA) Scholastic Library Publishing Award. Jillian was also recognized as the “Manga Maven” by Library Journal and selected as a Library Journal Mover & Shaker in 2022. Additionally\, she was a judge for the 2024 Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards and is currently the recipient of an IMLS research grant focusing on “Teenage BIPOC Readers of Manga.” \n  \nCo-presented by: \n \n  \n  \n\nRelated programming:\nJFT @ TCAF 2025!\nToronto Comic Arts Festival (TCAF) returns in June 2025! This year\, The Japan Foundation\, Toronto (JFT) is excited to participate in a variety of ways – including a panel discussion\, a special guest lecture\, and an exhibitor booth. We are also hosting many related programming – library tours\, film screenings\, and book club. Let’s celebrate your love of manga with us! \nDetails Here \n\n \nJFT Book Club (Hybrid) – Manga: Look Back by FUJIMOTO Tatsuki\nTuesday\, June 10\, 7:00 PM – 7:30 PM (ET)\nOnline & In-Person at JFT Library | Admission Free | Registration Required \nFollowing the Toronto Comic Arts Festival (TCAF) weekend\, we invite you to delve into the beauty and pain of manga making through manga (Japanese comic)! Join us in person or virtually to discuss FUJIMOTO Tatsuki’s manga: Look Back (the original Japanese version: 藤本タツキ作『ルックバック』\, translated into English by Amanda Haley)\, a poignant story of two young manga artists. Whether you are intrigued by the medium of manga\, the creative journey of artists\, and/or a masterful coming-of-age story\, we welcome you to be part of this inclusive and reflective conversation. Connect with fellow manga lovers to gain deeper insights into the story that you might not discover on your own! \nRSVP Here
URL:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/event/manga-jillian-rudes-tcaf2025/
LOCATION:The Japan Foundation\, Toronto\, 2 Bloor St. East\, 3rd Floor\, Toronto\, ON\, M4W 1A8\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Lecture,Library
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20250812T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20250812T193000
DTSTAMP:20261004T160907
CREATED:20250724T213100Z
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SUMMARY:Ritual and Reality: Contemporary Japanese Buddhism’s female voices and lived practices
DESCRIPTION:What do the lives of contemporary female priests tell us about Buddhism in Japan today? While these women undergo the same training and sectarian education as their male counterparts\, their experiences allow us to see Japanese Buddhism in a different light. Just as they chant the same sutras as men\, but in a higher octave\, their experiences often occur in a different register. Women frequently have to take over temples when certain situations occur: such as when the abbot\, whether an older brother\, parent\, or husband\, dies unexpectedly and there’s no other choice. What is it like to succeed a temple like this\, often later in life and without due preparation? What is it like to be fast tracked through the training and thrown into what for many is a totally alien world and an institution that is not designed for you? How do you make it your own? \nUsing interviews from dozens of priests across Japan\, this talk will outline the upbringing\, training\, and daily lives of female monastics to discuss the gendered realities of contemporary Buddhism in Japan.   \n\n \nThe Speaker \n  \nDr. Mark Rowe is an Associate Professor of Japanese Religions at McMaster University. He is also a recent Japanese Studies Fellow with the Japan Foundation. During his fellowship in 2023/2024\, Dr. Rowe stayed in Japan and pursued his research on Female Buddhist Priests in Contemporary Japan. He has an MA from Kyoto University and a PhD from Princeton University. He is primarily an ethnographer of Japanese Buddhism concerned with the lives and activities of “ordinary” priests. His first monograph\, Bonds of the Dead: Temples\, Burial\, and the Transformation of Contemporary Japanese Buddhism\, explored changing burial practices as a way to understand contemporary Buddhist institutions and shifting societal norms. He co-edited Figures of Buddhist Modernity in Asia with Jeffrey Samuels and Justin Thomas McDaniel. His current manuscript Muddy Amida is built on extensive fieldwork and interviews with over 225 priests from across Japan. He is also a die hard Hanshin Tigers fan. \n  \n  \nThe recorded lecture is now available on our YouTube channel!  \nWatch Here \n 
URL:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/event/ritual-and-reality/
LOCATION:The Japan Foundation\, Toronto\, 2 Bloor St. East\, 3rd Floor\, Toronto\, ON\, M4W 1A8\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Lecture
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260114T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260114T193000
DTSTAMP:20261004T160907
CREATED:20251217T221012Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251217T221012Z
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SUMMARY:Kabuki Talk II: Two Kabuki Comedies\, One Inspired by Kyōgen and Another by Rakugo
DESCRIPTION:Two Kabuki Comedies\, One Inspired by Kyōgen and Another by Rakugo\nWednesday\, January 14\, 2026\, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM (ET) (Doors Open at 5:30 PM) \nIn-Person Talk Event & Slide Presentation | Admission Free | RSVP Required\nPresented in English by Toshi Aoyagi\, Program Officer at the Japan Foundation\, Toronto \nThis talk focuses on two Kabuki comedies inspired by different traditional performance genres: Kyōgen and Rakugo. Rakuda\, Party with a Dead Man\, rooted in Rakugo storytelling\, unfolds as a darkly comic tale of greed and deception\, transforming death into farce through outrageous schemes and copious sake. The Zen Substitute\, inspired by Kyōgen\, presents a domestic comedy of disguise and mistaken identity\, in which a lord’s feigned religious retreat leads to escalating misunderstandings driven by desire and affection. Though distinct in origin and style\, both works turn simple comic premises into exuberant theatrical experiences\, elevated by the dynamic chemistry and virtuosic performances of Kanzaburo and Mitsugoro. \nIn conjunction with Cinema Kabuki 2026 Toronto.
URL:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/event/2026-kabuki-talk-ii/
LOCATION:The Japan Foundation\, Toronto\, 2 Bloor St. East\, 3rd Floor\, Toronto\, ON\, M4W 1A8\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Lecture
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260120T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260120T193000
DTSTAMP:20261004T160907
CREATED:20251217T221025Z
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SUMMARY:Kabuki Talk III: Nizaemon and Tamasaburo: Kabuki’s Golden Couple
DESCRIPTION:Nizaemon and Tamasaburo: Kabuki’s Golden Couple\nTuesday\, January 20\, 2026\, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM (ET) (Doors Open at 5:30 PM) \nIn-Person Talk Event & Slide Presentation | Admission Free | RSVP Required\nPresented in English by Toshi Aoyagi\, Program Officer at the Japan Foundation\, Toronto \nOne of the most magnificent theatrical phenomena in the post–World War II world is the golden partnership of Nizaemon and Tamasaburo in Japanese Kabuki theatre. Their onstage chemistry is extraordinary. When they appear together\, their combined charm and magnetism multiply\, resonating with each other and filling the theatrical space like waves\, mist\, or light. In this sense\, the golden couple is aromatic\, radiant\, and sensual. \nIn conjunction with Cinema Kabuki 2026 Toronto.
URL:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/event/2026-kabuki-talk-iii/
LOCATION:The Japan Foundation\, Toronto\, 2 Bloor St. East\, 3rd Floor\, Toronto\, ON\, M4W 1A8\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Lecture
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260226T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260226T193000
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LAST-MODIFIED:20260210T171049Z
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SUMMARY:Hiroshima Appeals and JAGDA’s Peace Posters Exhibitions: A Creative History of a New Graphic Design Genre
DESCRIPTION:Talk and slide presentation by Toshi Aoyagi\nProgram Officer\, The Japan Foundation\, Toronto\nCurator\, “Hiroshima Appeals: A Poster Exhibition of Global Messages” at JFT \nHiroshima Appeals and JAGDA’s Peace Posters Exhibitions: A Creative History of a New Graphic Design Genre \nThursday\, February 26\, 2026\, 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm\, EST \nThe Japan Foundation\, Toronto\, Event Hall\nPresented in English | Free Admission\nRSVP Required | Register Below \nThe peace poster was a newly created genre in graphic design after World War II.  One of the most pioneering peace poster works was “Victory 1945” by Fukuda Shigeo of Japan\, the winner of the 1975 “International Poster Competition in Commemoration of the 30th Anniversary of the Victory against Fascism and Violence through Democracy and Liberty” in Poland. \nResponding to and stimulated by young Fukuda’s sensational success\, Japan’s graphic design giant Kamekura Yūsaku organized two unique design projects to enlighten and educate himself and all other members of Japan Graphic Designers Association\, JAGDA in 1983. \nKamekura Yūsaku designed “Butterflies Burning Falling” the first poster of the “Hiroshima Appeals” annual poster promotion project. JAGDA\, led by Kamekura Yūsaku\, also launched an annual national peace poster exhibition and competition\, in which all JAGDA members contributed and participated. These paired projects have worked together to advance the development and creation of peace posters for years to come. \nThe talk examines the leadership and contribution of two great Japanese designers\, Kamekura Yūsaku and Fukuda Shigeo\, master and disciple\, to the peace posters genre. Together they discovered and nurtured the potential of peace posters by collaborative and competitive dynamics. \nPresented in celebration and admiration of the dedication\, generosity\, and foresight of the Japanese graphic design world—in particular\, two of its great designers\, Kamekura Yūsaku and Fukuda Shigeo. \nThis is going to be a repeat presentation of the talk on October 4\, 2025 with additional information from recent research.
URL:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/event/hiroshima-appeals-talk-2026/
LOCATION:The Japan Foundation\, Toronto\, 2 Bloor St. East\, 3rd Floor\, Toronto\, ON\, M4W 1A8\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Exhibition,Lecture,Talk Event
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260505T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260505T193000
DTSTAMP:20261004T160907
CREATED:20260422T170011Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260429T185234Z
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SUMMARY:Robo-Buddhism and Techno-Religion in Japan Today
DESCRIPTION:  \nThe fusion of religion and technology has deep historical roots across the world’s cultures\, including Japan\, the focus of this lecture. In this talk event\, Dr. Jennifer Robertson will highlight innovative uses today in temples and shrines (and churches) of hi-tech devices\, including robots. Many Japanese roboticists building humanoids today seek to imbue their gendered robots with kokoro (mindful heart)\, drawing parallels with the Buddhist bodhisattva Kannon (Avalokiteśvara) known for her boundless compassion. Several years ago\, the Japanese mass media announced the advent of robot priests\, and roboticists at the University of Kyoto recently debuted a “Buddharoid.” Pet robots and electronic devices like smart phones and laptops are given Buddhist funerals when they break down or become outdated. A Zen Buddhist temple founded in 1606\, today offers prayers and funeral services for humans via an orbiting satellite. Moreover\, Shinto priests offer special prayers to protect computers from being infected by malware.  \nFinally\, “unorthodox” psycho-spiritual healers offer self-help services through websites\, YouTube channels\, and other forms of social media. The technological devices and applications used by traditional and non-traditional religious bodies alike bridge the conceptual gap between science and religion\, and between today’s hi-tech secularized world and more spiritual and ethereal realms. \nThis presentation on robo-Buddhism will be followed by a conversation between Dr. Robertson and Japan Foundation\, Toronto’s Executive Director Noriko Yamamoto. The conversation will include topics of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in research and Japanese Studies. \nFinally\, attendees will have the opportunity to engage in a Q&A session and discussion with the speaker. \nThe Japan Foundation\, Toronto Library will also host an optional Library tour for attendees prior to the lecture from 5:30 pm – 6:00 pm. \n  \nThe Centre for the Study of Global Japan\, Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy is a promotional partner for this event. \n\n  \nSpeaker \n \nJennifer Robertson is Professor Emerita\, Anthropology and the History of Art\, and the Robotics Institute\, University of Michigan. She is also Affiliate Professor\, Tokyo College\, University of Tokyo Institutes for Advance Study\, and Anthropology and Japan Studies\, University of Washington. A historical and visual anthropologist/anthropological historian specializing in Japan\, her books and articles address a wide spectrum of interdisciplinary subjects ranging from the 17th century to the present. Her most recent book is Robo Sapiens Japanicus: Robots\, Gender\, Family and the Japanese Nation (California 2018); a Korean edition (Nulmin Books\, Seoul) with a new preface was published in 2025.  https://professorjenniferrobertson.com/ \n  \n  \nModerator \n \nNoriko Yamamoto (she/her) is the Executive Director of the Japan Foundation\, Toronto\, the Canadian branch of the Japan Foundation’s global network. The Japan Foundation’s mandate is to present Japan to the world through culture\, language\, and dialogue. During her career with the Foundation\, she has been involved in multiple programs for international dialogue and education in North America\, including a previous tenure in the New York office. She recently led the North American Japanese Literary Project and the Japan-Canada Fashion Exchange Project. She has also written chapters and translations in multiple books published in Japan in the field of cultural exchange. \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \nThis is a closed event and is only open to invitees. Thank you for your understanding. \n\nRelated Events: \nROM Bishop White Committee: Friends of East Asia\nAlmost Human – Robo Sapiens Japonicus \nMonday\, May 4\, 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM (ET)\nIn-person Level B1\, Eaton Theatre | $55 regular tickets \n  \nIn celebration of the ROM original exhibition\, Shokkan\, Material Encounters in Japanese Art\, Almost Human: Robo Sapiens Japonicus is an evening of thought-provoking conversations examining robots\, sensory perception\, and the evolving relationship between humans and machines in post-industrial Japan. \nThis exclusive event complements the exhibition\, which examines the sense of touch as a vital element of Japanese aesthetics and cultural expression. Curated by Dr. Akiko Takesue\, Bishop White Committee Curator of Japanese Art and Culture\, the exhibition brings together exceptional objects from the collections and loaned objects from Japan\, inviting visitors to consider how tactile perception shapes beauty\, meaning\, and experience. \nThe presentation will be followed by a Japanese-themed reception featuring sake tasting\, Japanese cuisine and special displays from the Japan collections held at ROM. \nDetails and Tickets here
URL:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/event/robo-buddhism-in-japan-today/
LOCATION:The Japan Foundation\, Toronto\, 2 Bloor St. East\, 3rd Floor\, Toronto\, ON\, M4W 1A8\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Lecture,Talk Event
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260617T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260617T193000
DTSTAMP:20261004T160907
CREATED:20260528T182641Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260604T203342Z
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SUMMARY:The World of Kamishibai: Japanese Paper Theatre and Storytelling
DESCRIPTION:Join us for a special introduction to the world of Kamishibai\, Japan’s traditional and unique form of paper theatre storytelling. Visiting from Japan\, two experienced Kamishibai storytellers\, Tamachan and Piiman-san\, will present an engaging overview of the history and cultural significance of kamishibai\, its various styles and formats\, and the techniques behind live storytelling performances.\nThe event will also feature live Kamishibai performances using their storyboards\, offering you a rare opportunity to experience this dynamic storytelling tradition through narration\, illustration\, and theatrical presentation. Whether you are new to Kamishibai or an experienced storyteller\, participants of all backgrounds and ages are welcome. \n*The event will be held in Japanese\, with Japanese-English interpretation provided by Jocelyne Allen. \n*JFT Library has special opening hours from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm on the day of the event. Feel free to explore our physical collection before the event! \n  \n\nAudience:\nEducators\, library professionals\, parents and anyone (6+ years old) who are interested in Japanese storytelling culture and techniques \nAdmission:\nFree (RSVP required) \nWheelchair Accessibility:\nYes \nRegister Here \n\nKamishibai Performers \n \nMIMOTO Fumiyo (a.k.a Piiman-san) performs kamishibai for children at libraries\, community centers and special events and also gives workshops in Yao City\, Osaka on handmade kamishibai. She won the top prize at the prestigious Minoh City Handmade Kamishibai Competition (箕面手作り紙芝居コンクール) in 2000 and has published many kamishibai stories for the elderly\, which she performs at elder caregiving seminars and facilities. \nMIMOTO is a co-founder of the Tezukuri Kamishibai-Kan in Osaka\, where she teaches children and adults how to create original kamishibai stories and shares classic street-performance kamishibai from the Shiozaki Children’s Kamishibai Museum. \n  \nOTSUKA Tamayo (a.k.a. Tamachan) is one of Japan’s leading practitioners of traditional street kamishibai and a cultural heritage practitioner dedicated to preserving\, transmitting\, and promoting Japanese kamishibai culture both in Japan and internationally. \nFor more than 45 years\, she has been engaged in kamishibai performance\, exhibitions\, publishing\, and educational activities. Beginning her career as a traditional street kamishibai performer traveling by bicycle to neighborhood parks\, she has devoted her life to preserving and transmitting Japan’s kamishibai heritage. \nIn recent years\, she has focused on discovering\, preserving\, reproducing\, and publishing handmade kamishibai created by children and community members. Working in collaboration with museums\, libraries\, schools\, and community organizations\, she promotes cultural heritage preservation and international exchange through kamishibai. \nThrough performances\, exhibitions\, workshops\, publications\, and international collaborations\, she has introduced kamishibai to audiences throughout Japan\, North America\, and Europe. \nShe currently serves as President of the Handmade Kamishibai Museum. \n*Learn more about OTSUKA Tamayo from here (PDF file) \n\nInterpreter\n \nJocelyne Allen is a Japanese translator and interpreter and has translated hundreds of short stories\, novels\, and manga\, including the Eisner Award-winning Frankenstein by Junji Ito and the critically acclaimed Our Dreams at Dusk by Yuhki Kamatani. As an interpreter\, she has worked with Japan’s most celebrated authors and artists\, including Sayaka Murata\, Nagata Kabi\, Kyoko Nakajima\, and Asano Inio. @brainvsbook \n 
URL:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/event/worldofkamishibai/
LOCATION:The Japan Foundation\, Toronto\, 2 Bloor St. East\, 3rd Floor\, Toronto\, ON\, M4W 1A8\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Lecture,Library,Performance,Talk Event
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