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DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260120T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260120T193000
DTSTAMP:20261003T162318
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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
DTSTAMP:20261003T162318
CREATED:20260210T171039Z
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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:20261003T162318
CREATED:20260422T170011Z
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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:20261003T162318
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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