BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//The Japan Foundation, Toronto - ECPv6.6.3//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:The Japan Foundation, Toronto X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://tr.jpf.go.jp X-WR-CALDESC:Events for The Japan Foundation, Toronto REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/Toronto BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20260308T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20261101T060000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260611T183000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260611T193000 DTSTAMP:20260928T125525 CREATED:20260128T221502Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260128T221502Z UID:113469-1781202600-1781206200@tr.jpf.go.jp SUMMARY:VSS Chat Event DESCRIPTION:Japanese Chat Event\nAre you a Japanese language learner over 18 and located in Canada (or studying at one of the Japan Foundation overseas offices)? \nIn our Virtual Study Space\, we hold regular chat events where you can practice speaking Japanese with native-level volunteers and other students. \nParticipants are divided into groups of 3-5 according to their Japanese level\, where our volunteers facilitate the conversation. A topic is preassigned every week but you can also opt to do free talk. (View Topic Schedule) \nRegister for our Virtual Study Space to gain access: https://tr.jpf.go.jp/language/jft-virtual-study-space/ \nWhat is the JFT Virtual Study Space?\nThe JFT virtual study space is a free 24/7 online space where Japanese language learners can get together to improve their Japanese language skills by experiencing the language outside of class. (Event Calendar) URL:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/event/vss-chat-event-2026/2026-06-11/ LOCATION:Virtual CATEGORIES:Language Class,Other JFT Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/wp-content/uploads/VSS-Japanese-Chat-Event-768x768-1.png ORGANIZER;CN="The Japan Foundation%2C Toronto":MAILTO:info_jftoronto@jpf.go.jp GEO:43.6710978;-79.386063 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260612T113000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260612T163000 DTSTAMP:20260928T125525 CREATED:20260501T201505Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260811T190434Z UID:113156-1781263800-1781281800@tr.jpf.go.jp SUMMARY:Summer Tenugui Towels: Fireworks\, Fireflies\, and Yōkai Monsters DESCRIPTION:夏の手拭い展：花火と蛍と妖怪と \nSummer must be the most active season for Tenugui towels. In order to survive through the extreme heat and humidity of summer in Japan\, all kinds of customs\, culture\, and rituals have been created and developed. Tenugui towels were one of the tools to cope with summer in a practical way. \nTenugui are towels made of bleached cotton\, approximately 34 cm wide and 90 cm in length. The word literally means “a hand wiping cloth.” In the 17th century\, when the production of cotton increased dramatically in Japan\, people benefitted from the rich supply of cotton cloth for use in their daily lives. Individual towels were used for a remarkable number of purposes not only for wiping and cleaning\, but also for wrapping and wearing\, and even as advertising tools. \nAt this point we can see Tenugui as the reflection of the culture and lifestyle\, too\, beyond merely practical tools. In this exhibition Ukiyo-e woodblock prints are on display which depict people using Tenugui towels. We also have pairings of Ukiyo-e prints and Tenugui towels both indicating everything special in Japanese summer. Fireworks\, boating\, fresh water bathing\, firefly catching ― summer heat could have been turned into enjoyment and something to be culturally appreciated. \nOne of the special summer tradition has been spooky stories of ghosts and Yōkai monsters. In the hot humid nights\, those stories are supposed to make spectators feel chilled. And those creatures are the most attractive subjects which appear on both Tenugui and Ukiyo-e prints. \nJoin us at The Japan Foundation\, Toronto in the celebration of magnificent summer! \n\nAdmission: FREE Advanced\, time-specific reservations are recommended. \nBook Your Visit Here \nHand-sanitization at the entry and wearing face-coverings on our premises are recommended. \nGallery Hours: Open on Tuesdays\, Thursdays\, Fridays\, and Saturdays. Hourly timeslots starting at 11:30 am\, 12:30 pm\, 1:30pm\, 2:30 pm\, 3:30 pm (4:30 pm and 5:30 pm on Thursdays) \n* Closed on Sundays\, Mondays\, Wednesdays\, Select Saturdays\, and Public Holidays:August 1 – 3 (Civic Holiday Weekend) \nExhibition Period: June 4 – August 29\, 2026 \nLibrary & Gallery Opening Hours\n\n\n\n\n MondayCLOSED\n\n\n Tuesday11:30am to 4:30pm\n\n\n WednesdayCLOSED\n\n\n Thursday11:30am to 6:30pm\n\n\n Friday11:30am to 4:30pm\n\n\n Saturday11:30am to 4:30pm *Closed on select Saturdays\n\n\n\n SundayCLOSED URL:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/event/summer-tenugui-towels/2026-06-12/ LOCATION:The Japan Foundation\, Toronto\, 2 Bloor St. East\, 3rd Floor\, Toronto\, ON\, M4W 1A8\, Canada CATEGORIES:Exhibition ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/wp-content/uploads/Tenugui-Summer-SQ-04-Yokai-scaled.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="The Japan Foundation%2C Toronto":MAILTO:info_jftoronto@jpf.go.jp GEO:43.6710659;-79.3857432 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=The Japan Foundation Toronto 2 Bloor St. East 3rd Floor Toronto ON M4W 1A8 Canada;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=2 Bloor St. East\, 3rd Floor:geo:-79.3857432,43.6710659 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260613T113000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260613T163000 DTSTAMP:20260928T125525 CREATED:20260501T201505Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260811T190434Z UID:113157-1781350200-1781368200@tr.jpf.go.jp SUMMARY:Summer Tenugui Towels: Fireworks\, Fireflies\, and Yōkai Monsters DESCRIPTION:夏の手拭い展：花火と蛍と妖怪と \nSummer must be the most active season for Tenugui towels. In order to survive through the extreme heat and humidity of summer in Japan\, all kinds of customs\, culture\, and rituals have been created and developed. Tenugui towels were one of the tools to cope with summer in a practical way. \nTenugui are towels made of bleached cotton\, approximately 34 cm wide and 90 cm in length. The word literally means “a hand wiping cloth.” In the 17th century\, when the production of cotton increased dramatically in Japan\, people benefitted from the rich supply of cotton cloth for use in their daily lives. Individual towels were used for a remarkable number of purposes not only for wiping and cleaning\, but also for wrapping and wearing\, and even as advertising tools. \nAt this point we can see Tenugui as the reflection of the culture and lifestyle\, too\, beyond merely practical tools. In this exhibition Ukiyo-e woodblock prints are on display which depict people using Tenugui towels. We also have pairings of Ukiyo-e prints and Tenugui towels both indicating everything special in Japanese summer. Fireworks\, boating\, fresh water bathing\, firefly catching ― summer heat could have been turned into enjoyment and something to be culturally appreciated. \nOne of the special summer tradition has been spooky stories of ghosts and Yōkai monsters. In the hot humid nights\, those stories are supposed to make spectators feel chilled. And those creatures are the most attractive subjects which appear on both Tenugui and Ukiyo-e prints. \nJoin us at The Japan Foundation\, Toronto in the celebration of magnificent summer! \n\nAdmission: FREE Advanced\, time-specific reservations are recommended. \nBook Your Visit Here \nHand-sanitization at the entry and wearing face-coverings on our premises are recommended. \nGallery Hours: Open on Tuesdays\, Thursdays\, Fridays\, and Saturdays. Hourly timeslots starting at 11:30 am\, 12:30 pm\, 1:30pm\, 2:30 pm\, 3:30 pm (4:30 pm and 5:30 pm on Thursdays) \n* Closed on Sundays\, Mondays\, Wednesdays\, Select Saturdays\, and Public Holidays:August 1 – 3 (Civic Holiday Weekend) \nExhibition Period: June 4 – August 29\, 2026 \nLibrary & Gallery Opening Hours\n\n\n\n\n MondayCLOSED\n\n\n Tuesday11:30am to 4:30pm\n\n\n WednesdayCLOSED\n\n\n Thursday11:30am to 6:30pm\n\n\n Friday11:30am to 4:30pm\n\n\n Saturday11:30am to 4:30pm *Closed on select Saturdays\n\n\n\n SundayCLOSED URL:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/event/summer-tenugui-towels/2026-06-13/ LOCATION:The Japan Foundation\, Toronto\, 2 Bloor St. East\, 3rd Floor\, Toronto\, ON\, M4W 1A8\, Canada CATEGORIES:Exhibition ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/wp-content/uploads/Tenugui-Summer-SQ-04-Yokai-scaled.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="The Japan Foundation%2C Toronto":MAILTO:info_jftoronto@jpf.go.jp GEO:43.6710659;-79.3857432 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=The Japan Foundation Toronto 2 Bloor St. East 3rd Floor Toronto ON M4W 1A8 Canada;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=2 Bloor St. East\, 3rd Floor:geo:-79.3857432,43.6710659 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260614T110000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260614T123000 DTSTAMP:20260928T125525 CREATED:20260508T140854Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260609T184812Z UID:112987-1781434800-1781440200@tr.jpf.go.jp SUMMARY:JFT Online Workshop for Families & Japanese Language Teachers: 何歳からでも！家庭ではじめるひらがな学習 DESCRIPTION:カナダで日本語を使う家族と教師のための継承語研修\n何歳からでも！家庭ではじめるひらがな学習\n  \n \n  \n同研修では、家庭でひらがな学習を 続けるための方法やマインドについて考えます。３人兄弟の子育て真っ最中 である 講師の具体的な実践例や体験を 紹介しながら、参加者のみなさんひとりひとりに合う家庭 学習の方法を探ります。日本語教室には通えないけれどひらがなを子どもに習得してほしいと思っているご家庭のみなさんや、子供の日本語教育や継承語教育に関わっている先生方、カナダで育つ子どもたちに寄り添うひらがな学習の方法について、一緒に考えてみませんか。また、それ以外の先生方にとっても、子どもの日本語教育の参考となる情報共有を予定しています。 \nご参加をご希望の方は以下の 登録フォーム よりお申込みください。 \n記 \n日時：２０２６年６月１４日（日）１１：００ am～ １２：３０ pm（東部夏時間） \n対象者：同研修にご興味のある方で、以下に同意される方（先着３０名まで） \n※ グループワーク中はカメラオンで参加できる人（聴講不可）\n※ お申し込みが定員を超える場合は、カナダ在住の方々を優先しますので、予めご了承願います。 \n使用言語：日本語 \n講師：ホーキンス佳世（国際交流基金トロント日本文化センター　日本語常勤講師） \nお問い合わせ先：齋藤   典子     Noriko_Saito@jpf.go.jp URL:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/event/workshop260614/ LOCATION:Virtual CATEGORIES:Teachers’ Workshops ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/wp-content/uploads/2026.06.14-JL-Workshop-sq-V2.png ORGANIZER;CN="The Japan Foundation%2C Toronto":MAILTO:info_jftoronto@jpf.go.jp GEO:43.6710978;-79.386063 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260616T113000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260616T163000 DTSTAMP:20260928T125525 CREATED:20260501T201505Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260811T190435Z UID:113158-1781609400-1781627400@tr.jpf.go.jp SUMMARY:Summer Tenugui Towels: Fireworks\, Fireflies\, and Yōkai Monsters DESCRIPTION:夏の手拭い展：花火と蛍と妖怪と \nSummer must be the most active season for Tenugui towels. In order to survive through the extreme heat and humidity of summer in Japan\, all kinds of customs\, culture\, and rituals have been created and developed. Tenugui towels were one of the tools to cope with summer in a practical way. \nTenugui are towels made of bleached cotton\, approximately 34 cm wide and 90 cm in length. The word literally means “a hand wiping cloth.” In the 17th century\, when the production of cotton increased dramatically in Japan\, people benefitted from the rich supply of cotton cloth for use in their daily lives. Individual towels were used for a remarkable number of purposes not only for wiping and cleaning\, but also for wrapping and wearing\, and even as advertising tools. \nAt this point we can see Tenugui as the reflection of the culture and lifestyle\, too\, beyond merely practical tools. In this exhibition Ukiyo-e woodblock prints are on display which depict people using Tenugui towels. We also have pairings of Ukiyo-e prints and Tenugui towels both indicating everything special in Japanese summer. Fireworks\, boating\, fresh water bathing\, firefly catching ― summer heat could have been turned into enjoyment and something to be culturally appreciated. \nOne of the special summer tradition has been spooky stories of ghosts and Yōkai monsters. In the hot humid nights\, those stories are supposed to make spectators feel chilled. And those creatures are the most attractive subjects which appear on both Tenugui and Ukiyo-e prints. \nJoin us at The Japan Foundation\, Toronto in the celebration of magnificent summer! \n\nAdmission: FREE Advanced\, time-specific reservations are recommended. \nBook Your Visit Here \nHand-sanitization at the entry and wearing face-coverings on our premises are recommended. \nGallery Hours: Open on Tuesdays\, Thursdays\, Fridays\, and Saturdays. Hourly timeslots starting at 11:30 am\, 12:30 pm\, 1:30pm\, 2:30 pm\, 3:30 pm (4:30 pm and 5:30 pm on Thursdays) \n* Closed on Sundays\, Mondays\, Wednesdays\, Select Saturdays\, and Public Holidays:August 1 – 3 (Civic Holiday Weekend) \nExhibition Period: June 4 – August 29\, 2026 \nLibrary & Gallery Opening Hours\n\n\n\n\n MondayCLOSED\n\n\n Tuesday11:30am to 4:30pm\n\n\n WednesdayCLOSED\n\n\n Thursday11:30am to 6:30pm\n\n\n Friday11:30am to 4:30pm\n\n\n Saturday11:30am to 4:30pm *Closed on select Saturdays\n\n\n\n SundayCLOSED URL:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/event/summer-tenugui-towels/2026-06-16/ LOCATION:The Japan Foundation\, Toronto\, 2 Bloor St. East\, 3rd Floor\, Toronto\, ON\, M4W 1A8\, Canada CATEGORIES:Exhibition ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/wp-content/uploads/Tenugui-Summer-SQ-04-Yokai-scaled.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="The Japan Foundation%2C Toronto":MAILTO:info_jftoronto@jpf.go.jp GEO:43.6710659;-79.3857432 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=The Japan Foundation Toronto 2 Bloor St. East 3rd Floor Toronto ON M4W 1A8 Canada;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=2 Bloor St. East\, 3rd Floor:geo:-79.3857432,43.6710659 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260617T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260617T193000 DTSTAMP:20260928T125525 CREATED:20260528T182641Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260604T203342Z UID:113388-1781719200-1781724600@tr.jpf.go.jp 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 ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/wp-content/uploads/Thumbnail_TheWorldofKamishibai_June2026_1080x1080.png ORGANIZER;CN="The Japan Foundation%2C Toronto Library":MAILTO:library_jftoronto@jpf.go.jp GEO:43.6710659;-79.3857432 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=The Japan Foundation Toronto 2 Bloor St. East 3rd Floor Toronto ON M4W 1A8 Canada;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=2 Bloor St. East\, 3rd Floor:geo:-79.3857432,43.6710659 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260618T113000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260618T183000 DTSTAMP:20260928T125525 CREATED:20260501T201505Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260811T190436Z UID:113159-1781782200-1781807400@tr.jpf.go.jp SUMMARY:Summer Tenugui Towels: Fireworks\, Fireflies\, and Yōkai Monsters DESCRIPTION:夏の手拭い展：花火と蛍と妖怪と \nSummer must be the most active season for Tenugui towels. In order to survive through the extreme heat and humidity of summer in Japan\, all kinds of customs\, culture\, and rituals have been created and developed. Tenugui towels were one of the tools to cope with summer in a practical way. \nTenugui are towels made of bleached cotton\, approximately 34 cm wide and 90 cm in length. The word literally means “a hand wiping cloth.” In the 17th century\, when the production of cotton increased dramatically in Japan\, people benefitted from the rich supply of cotton cloth for use in their daily lives. Individual towels were used for a remarkable number of purposes not only for wiping and cleaning\, but also for wrapping and wearing\, and even as advertising tools. \nAt this point we can see Tenugui as the reflection of the culture and lifestyle\, too\, beyond merely practical tools. In this exhibition Ukiyo-e woodblock prints are on display which depict people using Tenugui towels. We also have pairings of Ukiyo-e prints and Tenugui towels both indicating everything special in Japanese summer. Fireworks\, boating\, fresh water bathing\, firefly catching ― summer heat could have been turned into enjoyment and something to be culturally appreciated. \nOne of the special summer tradition has been spooky stories of ghosts and Yōkai monsters. In the hot humid nights\, those stories are supposed to make spectators feel chilled. And those creatures are the most attractive subjects which appear on both Tenugui and Ukiyo-e prints. \nJoin us at The Japan Foundation\, Toronto in the celebration of magnificent summer! \n\nAdmission: FREE Advanced\, time-specific reservations are recommended. \nBook Your Visit Here \nHand-sanitization at the entry and wearing face-coverings on our premises are recommended. \nGallery Hours: Open on Tuesdays\, Thursdays\, Fridays\, and Saturdays. Hourly timeslots starting at 11:30 am\, 12:30 pm\, 1:30pm\, 2:30 pm\, 3:30 pm (4:30 pm and 5:30 pm on Thursdays) \n* Closed on Sundays\, Mondays\, Wednesdays\, Select Saturdays\, and Public Holidays:August 1 – 3 (Civic Holiday Weekend) \nExhibition Period: June 4 – August 29\, 2026 \nLibrary & Gallery Opening Hours\n\n\n\n\n MondayCLOSED\n\n\n Tuesday11:30am to 4:30pm\n\n\n WednesdayCLOSED\n\n\n Thursday11:30am to 6:30pm\n\n\n Friday11:30am to 4:30pm\n\n\n Saturday11:30am to 4:30pm *Closed on select Saturdays\n\n\n\n SundayCLOSED URL:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/event/summer-tenugui-towels/2026-06-18/ LOCATION:The Japan Foundation\, Toronto\, 2 Bloor St. East\, 3rd Floor\, Toronto\, ON\, M4W 1A8\, Canada CATEGORIES:Exhibition ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/wp-content/uploads/Tenugui-Summer-SQ-04-Yokai-scaled.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="The Japan Foundation%2C Toronto":MAILTO:info_jftoronto@jpf.go.jp GEO:43.6710659;-79.3857432 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=The Japan Foundation Toronto 2 Bloor St. East 3rd Floor Toronto ON M4W 1A8 Canada;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=2 Bloor St. East\, 3rd Floor:geo:-79.3857432,43.6710659 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260619T113000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260619T163000 DTSTAMP:20260928T125525 CREATED:20260501T201505Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260811T190437Z UID:113160-1781868600-1781886600@tr.jpf.go.jp SUMMARY:Summer Tenugui Towels: Fireworks\, Fireflies\, and Yōkai Monsters DESCRIPTION:夏の手拭い展：花火と蛍と妖怪と \nSummer must be the most active season for Tenugui towels. In order to survive through the extreme heat and humidity of summer in Japan\, all kinds of customs\, culture\, and rituals have been created and developed. Tenugui towels were one of the tools to cope with summer in a practical way. \nTenugui are towels made of bleached cotton\, approximately 34 cm wide and 90 cm in length. The word literally means “a hand wiping cloth.” In the 17th century\, when the production of cotton increased dramatically in Japan\, people benefitted from the rich supply of cotton cloth for use in their daily lives. Individual towels were used for a remarkable number of purposes not only for wiping and cleaning\, but also for wrapping and wearing\, and even as advertising tools. \nAt this point we can see Tenugui as the reflection of the culture and lifestyle\, too\, beyond merely practical tools. In this exhibition Ukiyo-e woodblock prints are on display which depict people using Tenugui towels. We also have pairings of Ukiyo-e prints and Tenugui towels both indicating everything special in Japanese summer. Fireworks\, boating\, fresh water bathing\, firefly catching ― summer heat could have been turned into enjoyment and something to be culturally appreciated. \nOne of the special summer tradition has been spooky stories of ghosts and Yōkai monsters. In the hot humid nights\, those stories are supposed to make spectators feel chilled. And those creatures are the most attractive subjects which appear on both Tenugui and Ukiyo-e prints. \nJoin us at The Japan Foundation\, Toronto in the celebration of magnificent summer! \n\nAdmission: FREE Advanced\, time-specific reservations are recommended. \nBook Your Visit Here \nHand-sanitization at the entry and wearing face-coverings on our premises are recommended. \nGallery Hours: Open on Tuesdays\, Thursdays\, Fridays\, and Saturdays. Hourly timeslots starting at 11:30 am\, 12:30 pm\, 1:30pm\, 2:30 pm\, 3:30 pm (4:30 pm and 5:30 pm on Thursdays) \n* Closed on Sundays\, Mondays\, Wednesdays\, Select Saturdays\, and Public Holidays:August 1 – 3 (Civic Holiday Weekend) \nExhibition Period: June 4 – August 29\, 2026 \nLibrary & Gallery Opening Hours\n\n\n\n\n MondayCLOSED\n\n\n Tuesday11:30am to 4:30pm\n\n\n WednesdayCLOSED\n\n\n Thursday11:30am to 6:30pm\n\n\n Friday11:30am to 4:30pm\n\n\n Saturday11:30am to 4:30pm *Closed on select Saturdays\n\n\n\n SundayCLOSED URL:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/event/summer-tenugui-towels/2026-06-19/ LOCATION:The Japan Foundation\, Toronto\, 2 Bloor St. East\, 3rd Floor\, Toronto\, ON\, M4W 1A8\, Canada CATEGORIES:Exhibition ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/wp-content/uploads/Tenugui-Summer-SQ-04-Yokai-scaled.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="The Japan Foundation%2C Toronto":MAILTO:info_jftoronto@jpf.go.jp GEO:43.6710659;-79.3857432 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=The Japan Foundation Toronto 2 Bloor St. East 3rd Floor Toronto ON M4W 1A8 Canada;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=2 Bloor St. East\, 3rd Floor:geo:-79.3857432,43.6710659 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260619T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260619T193000 DTSTAMP:20260928T125525 CREATED:20260604T195829Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260604T195829Z UID:113608-1781870400-1781897400@tr.jpf.go.jp SUMMARY:Bring Your Own Bento: Japanese Language and Culture Talk (June 19\, 2026) DESCRIPTION:  \nFriday June 19\, 2026 | 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm ET In Person @ The Japan Foundation\, Toronto |  6:30 pm – 7:30 pm ET Online (Zoom) \nHave you been thinking about learning a new language but haven’t been able to find the time? \nThe Japan Foundation\, Toronto is happy to offer a series of Japanese language and culture talks where we will introduce words and expressions to get you started on the path to learning Japanese! All levels of Japanese learners are welcome to join too! \nWe will hold 2 sessions providing the same content: in-person at the Japan Foundation\, Toronto during the lunch hour (12:00-1:00 pm ET) and online in the evening (6:30-7:30 pm ET). If you are near the Yonge/Bloor area in Toronto\, why not stop by during your lunch break and learn more about Japanese language and interesting cultural information? Or join us on Zoom in the evening if that better suits your schedule/location. These sessions are B.Y.O.B. (“bring your own bento“)\, so please feel free to bring your lunch/dinner with you! \nIn this session\, we will cover the topic of “Japanese Anime and Manga“. Come join us and learn Japanese words\, onomatope and phrases related to anime and manga\, along with interesting facts about this theme! \nThe sessions are free to join but registration is required. Please let us know if you will be joining us using the button below. \nIf you have any questions\, please contact us at koza_jftoronto@jpf.go.jp. \nTerms and Conditions: \n\nThe Japan Foundation\, Toronto (hereinafter referred to as “the Organizer”) reserves the right to cancel the registration of any participant who engages in disruptive behavior or any sales activity during the event. Such actions may result in immediate removal from the event at the Organizer’s discretion.\nThe Organizer is not responsible for any personal interactions between participants outside of the event. Participants are encouraged to manage these relationships independently.\nPhotographs or videos may be taken during the event by the Organizer’s staff for promotional purposes only.\nParticipants are not to record\, photograph\, or take screen captures of the event.\nBy registering for and attending the event\, participants acknowledge that they have read\, understood\, and agree to the above Terms and Conditions.\n\nPlease note that registration will take place on Eventbrite – please choose the ticket type corresponding to the timeslot (in-person for 12:00-1:00pm ET\, online for 6:30-7:30pm ET). \n**The Zoom meeting link for the online session will be sent to the email address used for registration\, a few days prior to the event.  Please note that the Zoom meeting is not connected to Eventbrite – please join the online session via the Zoom link in the email message. Thank you for your understanding.  \nREGISTER URL:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/event/byob-20260619/ LOCATION:The Japan Foundation\, Toronto\, 2 Bloor St. East\, 3rd Floor\, Toronto\, ON\, M4W 1A8\, Canada CATEGORIES:Language Class,Talk Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/wp-content/uploads/2026.06.19-BYOB-rect.png ORGANIZER;CN="The Japan Foundation%2C Toronto":MAILTO:info_jftoronto@jpf.go.jp GEO:43.6710659;-79.3857432 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=The Japan Foundation Toronto 2 Bloor St. East 3rd Floor Toronto ON M4W 1A8 Canada;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=2 Bloor St. East\, 3rd Floor:geo:-79.3857432,43.6710659 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260619T183000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260619T193000 DTSTAMP:20260928T125525 CREATED:20260128T221502Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260128T221502Z UID:113470-1781893800-1781897400@tr.jpf.go.jp SUMMARY:VSS Chat Event DESCRIPTION:Japanese Chat Event\nAre you a Japanese language learner over 18 and located in Canada (or studying at one of the Japan Foundation overseas offices)? \nIn our Virtual Study Space\, we hold regular chat events where you can practice speaking Japanese with native-level volunteers and other students. \nParticipants are divided into groups of 3-5 according to their Japanese level\, where our volunteers facilitate the conversation. A topic is preassigned every week but you can also opt to do free talk. (View Topic Schedule) \nRegister for our Virtual Study Space to gain access: https://tr.jpf.go.jp/language/jft-virtual-study-space/ \nWhat is the JFT Virtual Study Space?\nThe JFT virtual study space is a free 24/7 online space where Japanese language learners can get together to improve their Japanese language skills by experiencing the language outside of class. (Event Calendar) URL:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/event/vss-chat-event-2026/2026-06-19/ LOCATION:Virtual CATEGORIES:Language Class,Other JFT Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/wp-content/uploads/VSS-Japanese-Chat-Event-768x768-1.png ORGANIZER;CN="The Japan Foundation%2C Toronto":MAILTO:info_jftoronto@jpf.go.jp GEO:43.6710978;-79.386063 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260620T113000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260620T163000 DTSTAMP:20260928T125525 CREATED:20260501T201505Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260811T190437Z UID:113161-1781955000-1781973000@tr.jpf.go.jp SUMMARY:Summer Tenugui Towels: Fireworks\, Fireflies\, and Yōkai Monsters DESCRIPTION:夏の手拭い展：花火と蛍と妖怪と \nSummer must be the most active season for Tenugui towels. In order to survive through the extreme heat and humidity of summer in Japan\, all kinds of customs\, culture\, and rituals have been created and developed. Tenugui towels were one of the tools to cope with summer in a practical way. \nTenugui are towels made of bleached cotton\, approximately 34 cm wide and 90 cm in length. The word literally means “a hand wiping cloth.” In the 17th century\, when the production of cotton increased dramatically in Japan\, people benefitted from the rich supply of cotton cloth for use in their daily lives. Individual towels were used for a remarkable number of purposes not only for wiping and cleaning\, but also for wrapping and wearing\, and even as advertising tools. \nAt this point we can see Tenugui as the reflection of the culture and lifestyle\, too\, beyond merely practical tools. In this exhibition Ukiyo-e woodblock prints are on display which depict people using Tenugui towels. We also have pairings of Ukiyo-e prints and Tenugui towels both indicating everything special in Japanese summer. Fireworks\, boating\, fresh water bathing\, firefly catching ― summer heat could have been turned into enjoyment and something to be culturally appreciated. \nOne of the special summer tradition has been spooky stories of ghosts and Yōkai monsters. In the hot humid nights\, those stories are supposed to make spectators feel chilled. And those creatures are the most attractive subjects which appear on both Tenugui and Ukiyo-e prints. \nJoin us at The Japan Foundation\, Toronto in the celebration of magnificent summer! \n\nAdmission: FREE Advanced\, time-specific reservations are recommended. \nBook Your Visit Here \nHand-sanitization at the entry and wearing face-coverings on our premises are recommended. \nGallery Hours: Open on Tuesdays\, Thursdays\, Fridays\, and Saturdays. Hourly timeslots starting at 11:30 am\, 12:30 pm\, 1:30pm\, 2:30 pm\, 3:30 pm (4:30 pm and 5:30 pm on Thursdays) \n* Closed on Sundays\, Mondays\, Wednesdays\, Select Saturdays\, and Public Holidays:August 1 – 3 (Civic Holiday Weekend) \nExhibition Period: June 4 – August 29\, 2026 \nLibrary & Gallery Opening Hours\n\n\n\n\n MondayCLOSED\n\n\n Tuesday11:30am to 4:30pm\n\n\n WednesdayCLOSED\n\n\n Thursday11:30am to 6:30pm\n\n\n Friday11:30am to 4:30pm\n\n\n Saturday11:30am to 4:30pm *Closed on select Saturdays\n\n\n\n SundayCLOSED URL:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/event/summer-tenugui-towels/2026-06-20/ LOCATION:The Japan Foundation\, Toronto\, 2 Bloor St. East\, 3rd Floor\, Toronto\, ON\, M4W 1A8\, Canada CATEGORIES:Exhibition ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/wp-content/uploads/Tenugui-Summer-SQ-04-Yokai-scaled.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="The Japan Foundation%2C Toronto":MAILTO:info_jftoronto@jpf.go.jp GEO:43.6710659;-79.3857432 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=The Japan Foundation Toronto 2 Bloor St. East 3rd Floor Toronto ON M4W 1A8 Canada;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=2 Bloor St. East\, 3rd Floor:geo:-79.3857432,43.6710659 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260623T113000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260623T163000 DTSTAMP:20260928T125525 CREATED:20260501T201505Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260811T190445Z UID:113163-1782214200-1782232200@tr.jpf.go.jp SUMMARY:Summer Tenugui Towels: Fireworks\, Fireflies\, and Yōkai Monsters DESCRIPTION:夏の手拭い展：花火と蛍と妖怪と \nSummer must be the most active season for Tenugui towels. In order to survive through the extreme heat and humidity of summer in Japan\, all kinds of customs\, culture\, and rituals have been created and developed. Tenugui towels were one of the tools to cope with summer in a practical way. \nTenugui are towels made of bleached cotton\, approximately 34 cm wide and 90 cm in length. The word literally means “a hand wiping cloth.” In the 17th century\, when the production of cotton increased dramatically in Japan\, people benefitted from the rich supply of cotton cloth for use in their daily lives. Individual towels were used for a remarkable number of purposes not only for wiping and cleaning\, but also for wrapping and wearing\, and even as advertising tools. \nAt this point we can see Tenugui as the reflection of the culture and lifestyle\, too\, beyond merely practical tools. In this exhibition Ukiyo-e woodblock prints are on display which depict people using Tenugui towels. We also have pairings of Ukiyo-e prints and Tenugui towels both indicating everything special in Japanese summer. Fireworks\, boating\, fresh water bathing\, firefly catching ― summer heat could have been turned into enjoyment and something to be culturally appreciated. \nOne of the special summer tradition has been spooky stories of ghosts and Yōkai monsters. In the hot humid nights\, those stories are supposed to make spectators feel chilled. And those creatures are the most attractive subjects which appear on both Tenugui and Ukiyo-e prints. \nJoin us at The Japan Foundation\, Toronto in the celebration of magnificent summer! \n\nAdmission: FREE Advanced\, time-specific reservations are recommended. \nBook Your Visit Here \nHand-sanitization at the entry and wearing face-coverings on our premises are recommended. \nGallery Hours: Open on Tuesdays\, Thursdays\, Fridays\, and Saturdays. Hourly timeslots starting at 11:30 am\, 12:30 pm\, 1:30pm\, 2:30 pm\, 3:30 pm (4:30 pm and 5:30 pm on Thursdays) \n* Closed on Sundays\, Mondays\, Wednesdays\, Select Saturdays\, and Public Holidays:August 1 – 3 (Civic Holiday Weekend) \nExhibition Period: June 4 – August 29\, 2026 \nLibrary & Gallery Opening Hours\n\n\n\n\n MondayCLOSED\n\n\n Tuesday11:30am to 4:30pm\n\n\n WednesdayCLOSED\n\n\n Thursday11:30am to 6:30pm\n\n\n Friday11:30am to 4:30pm\n\n\n Saturday11:30am to 4:30pm *Closed on select Saturdays\n\n\n\n SundayCLOSED URL:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/event/summer-tenugui-towels/2026-06-23/ LOCATION:The Japan Foundation\, Toronto\, 2 Bloor St. East\, 3rd Floor\, Toronto\, ON\, M4W 1A8\, Canada CATEGORIES:Exhibition ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/wp-content/uploads/Tenugui-Summer-SQ-04-Yokai-scaled.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="The Japan Foundation%2C Toronto":MAILTO:info_jftoronto@jpf.go.jp GEO:43.6710659;-79.3857432 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=The Japan Foundation Toronto 2 Bloor St. East 3rd Floor Toronto ON M4W 1A8 Canada;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=2 Bloor St. East\, 3rd Floor:geo:-79.3857432,43.6710659 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260625T113000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260625T183000 DTSTAMP:20260928T125525 CREATED:20260501T201505Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260811T190445Z UID:113164-1782387000-1782412200@tr.jpf.go.jp SUMMARY:Summer Tenugui Towels: Fireworks\, Fireflies\, and Yōkai Monsters DESCRIPTION:夏の手拭い展：花火と蛍と妖怪と \nSummer must be the most active season for Tenugui towels. In order to survive through the extreme heat and humidity of summer in Japan\, all kinds of customs\, culture\, and rituals have been created and developed. Tenugui towels were one of the tools to cope with summer in a practical way. \nTenugui are towels made of bleached cotton\, approximately 34 cm wide and 90 cm in length. The word literally means “a hand wiping cloth.” In the 17th century\, when the production of cotton increased dramatically in Japan\, people benefitted from the rich supply of cotton cloth for use in their daily lives. Individual towels were used for a remarkable number of purposes not only for wiping and cleaning\, but also for wrapping and wearing\, and even as advertising tools. \nAt this point we can see Tenugui as the reflection of the culture and lifestyle\, too\, beyond merely practical tools. In this exhibition Ukiyo-e woodblock prints are on display which depict people using Tenugui towels. We also have pairings of Ukiyo-e prints and Tenugui towels both indicating everything special in Japanese summer. Fireworks\, boating\, fresh water bathing\, firefly catching ― summer heat could have been turned into enjoyment and something to be culturally appreciated. \nOne of the special summer tradition has been spooky stories of ghosts and Yōkai monsters. In the hot humid nights\, those stories are supposed to make spectators feel chilled. And those creatures are the most attractive subjects which appear on both Tenugui and Ukiyo-e prints. \nJoin us at The Japan Foundation\, Toronto in the celebration of magnificent summer! \n\nAdmission: FREE Advanced\, time-specific reservations are recommended. \nBook Your Visit Here \nHand-sanitization at the entry and wearing face-coverings on our premises are recommended. \nGallery Hours: Open on Tuesdays\, Thursdays\, Fridays\, and Saturdays. Hourly timeslots starting at 11:30 am\, 12:30 pm\, 1:30pm\, 2:30 pm\, 3:30 pm (4:30 pm and 5:30 pm on Thursdays) \n* Closed on Sundays\, Mondays\, Wednesdays\, Select Saturdays\, and Public Holidays:August 1 – 3 (Civic Holiday Weekend) \nExhibition Period: June 4 – August 29\, 2026 \nLibrary & Gallery Opening Hours\n\n\n\n\n MondayCLOSED\n\n\n Tuesday11:30am to 4:30pm\n\n\n WednesdayCLOSED\n\n\n Thursday11:30am to 6:30pm\n\n\n Friday11:30am to 4:30pm\n\n\n Saturday11:30am to 4:30pm *Closed on select Saturdays\n\n\n\n SundayCLOSED URL:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/event/summer-tenugui-towels/2026-06-25/ LOCATION:The Japan Foundation\, Toronto\, 2 Bloor St. East\, 3rd Floor\, Toronto\, ON\, M4W 1A8\, Canada CATEGORIES:Exhibition ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/wp-content/uploads/Tenugui-Summer-SQ-04-Yokai-scaled.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="The Japan Foundation%2C Toronto":MAILTO:info_jftoronto@jpf.go.jp GEO:43.6710659;-79.3857432 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=The Japan Foundation Toronto 2 Bloor St. East 3rd Floor Toronto ON M4W 1A8 Canada;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=2 Bloor St. East\, 3rd Floor:geo:-79.3857432,43.6710659 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260625T183000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260625T193000 DTSTAMP:20260928T125525 CREATED:20260128T221502Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260128T221502Z UID:113471-1782412200-1782415800@tr.jpf.go.jp SUMMARY:VSS Chat Event DESCRIPTION:Japanese Chat Event\nAre you a Japanese language learner over 18 and located in Canada (or studying at one of the Japan Foundation overseas offices)? \nIn our Virtual Study Space\, we hold regular chat events where you can practice speaking Japanese with native-level volunteers and other students. \nParticipants are divided into groups of 3-5 according to their Japanese level\, where our volunteers facilitate the conversation. A topic is preassigned every week but you can also opt to do free talk. (View Topic Schedule) \nRegister for our Virtual Study Space to gain access: https://tr.jpf.go.jp/language/jft-virtual-study-space/ \nWhat is the JFT Virtual Study Space?\nThe JFT virtual study space is a free 24/7 online space where Japanese language learners can get together to improve their Japanese language skills by experiencing the language outside of class. (Event Calendar) URL:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/event/vss-chat-event-2026/2026-06-25/ LOCATION:Virtual CATEGORIES:Language Class,Other JFT Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/wp-content/uploads/VSS-Japanese-Chat-Event-768x768-1.png ORGANIZER;CN="The Japan Foundation%2C Toronto":MAILTO:info_jftoronto@jpf.go.jp GEO:43.6710978;-79.386063 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260626T113000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260626T163000 DTSTAMP:20260928T125525 CREATED:20260501T201505Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260811T190446Z UID:113165-1782473400-1782491400@tr.jpf.go.jp SUMMARY:Summer Tenugui Towels: Fireworks\, Fireflies\, and Yōkai Monsters DESCRIPTION:夏の手拭い展：花火と蛍と妖怪と \nSummer must be the most active season for Tenugui towels. In order to survive through the extreme heat and humidity of summer in Japan\, all kinds of customs\, culture\, and rituals have been created and developed. Tenugui towels were one of the tools to cope with summer in a practical way. \nTenugui are towels made of bleached cotton\, approximately 34 cm wide and 90 cm in length. The word literally means “a hand wiping cloth.” In the 17th century\, when the production of cotton increased dramatically in Japan\, people benefitted from the rich supply of cotton cloth for use in their daily lives. Individual towels were used for a remarkable number of purposes not only for wiping and cleaning\, but also for wrapping and wearing\, and even as advertising tools. \nAt this point we can see Tenugui as the reflection of the culture and lifestyle\, too\, beyond merely practical tools. In this exhibition Ukiyo-e woodblock prints are on display which depict people using Tenugui towels. We also have pairings of Ukiyo-e prints and Tenugui towels both indicating everything special in Japanese summer. Fireworks\, boating\, fresh water bathing\, firefly catching ― summer heat could have been turned into enjoyment and something to be culturally appreciated. \nOne of the special summer tradition has been spooky stories of ghosts and Yōkai monsters. In the hot humid nights\, those stories are supposed to make spectators feel chilled. And those creatures are the most attractive subjects which appear on both Tenugui and Ukiyo-e prints. \nJoin us at The Japan Foundation\, Toronto in the celebration of magnificent summer! \n\nAdmission: FREE Advanced\, time-specific reservations are recommended. \nBook Your Visit Here \nHand-sanitization at the entry and wearing face-coverings on our premises are recommended. \nGallery Hours: Open on Tuesdays\, Thursdays\, Fridays\, and Saturdays. Hourly timeslots starting at 11:30 am\, 12:30 pm\, 1:30pm\, 2:30 pm\, 3:30 pm (4:30 pm and 5:30 pm on Thursdays) \n* Closed on Sundays\, Mondays\, Wednesdays\, Select Saturdays\, and Public Holidays:August 1 – 3 (Civic Holiday Weekend) \nExhibition Period: June 4 – August 29\, 2026 \nLibrary & Gallery Opening Hours\n\n\n\n\n MondayCLOSED\n\n\n Tuesday11:30am to 4:30pm\n\n\n WednesdayCLOSED\n\n\n Thursday11:30am to 6:30pm\n\n\n Friday11:30am to 4:30pm\n\n\n Saturday11:30am to 4:30pm *Closed on select Saturdays\n\n\n\n SundayCLOSED URL:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/event/summer-tenugui-towels/2026-06-26/ LOCATION:The Japan Foundation\, Toronto\, 2 Bloor St. East\, 3rd Floor\, Toronto\, ON\, M4W 1A8\, Canada CATEGORIES:Exhibition ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/wp-content/uploads/Tenugui-Summer-SQ-04-Yokai-scaled.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="The Japan Foundation%2C Toronto":MAILTO:info_jftoronto@jpf.go.jp GEO:43.6710659;-79.3857432 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=The Japan Foundation Toronto 2 Bloor St. East 3rd Floor Toronto ON M4W 1A8 Canada;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=2 Bloor St. East\, 3rd Floor:geo:-79.3857432,43.6710659 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260627T113000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260627T163000 DTSTAMP:20260928T125525 CREATED:20260501T201505Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260811T190446Z UID:113166-1782559800-1782577800@tr.jpf.go.jp SUMMARY:Summer Tenugui Towels: Fireworks\, Fireflies\, and Yōkai Monsters DESCRIPTION:夏の手拭い展：花火と蛍と妖怪と \nSummer must be the most active season for Tenugui towels. In order to survive through the extreme heat and humidity of summer in Japan\, all kinds of customs\, culture\, and rituals have been created and developed. Tenugui towels were one of the tools to cope with summer in a practical way. \nTenugui are towels made of bleached cotton\, approximately 34 cm wide and 90 cm in length. The word literally means “a hand wiping cloth.” In the 17th century\, when the production of cotton increased dramatically in Japan\, people benefitted from the rich supply of cotton cloth for use in their daily lives. Individual towels were used for a remarkable number of purposes not only for wiping and cleaning\, but also for wrapping and wearing\, and even as advertising tools. \nAt this point we can see Tenugui as the reflection of the culture and lifestyle\, too\, beyond merely practical tools. In this exhibition Ukiyo-e woodblock prints are on display which depict people using Tenugui towels. We also have pairings of Ukiyo-e prints and Tenugui towels both indicating everything special in Japanese summer. Fireworks\, boating\, fresh water bathing\, firefly catching ― summer heat could have been turned into enjoyment and something to be culturally appreciated. \nOne of the special summer tradition has been spooky stories of ghosts and Yōkai monsters. In the hot humid nights\, those stories are supposed to make spectators feel chilled. And those creatures are the most attractive subjects which appear on both Tenugui and Ukiyo-e prints. \nJoin us at The Japan Foundation\, Toronto in the celebration of magnificent summer! \n\nAdmission: FREE Advanced\, time-specific reservations are recommended. \nBook Your Visit Here \nHand-sanitization at the entry and wearing face-coverings on our premises are recommended. \nGallery Hours: Open on Tuesdays\, Thursdays\, Fridays\, and Saturdays. Hourly timeslots starting at 11:30 am\, 12:30 pm\, 1:30pm\, 2:30 pm\, 3:30 pm (4:30 pm and 5:30 pm on Thursdays) \n* Closed on Sundays\, Mondays\, Wednesdays\, Select Saturdays\, and Public Holidays:August 1 – 3 (Civic Holiday Weekend) \nExhibition Period: June 4 – August 29\, 2026 \nLibrary & Gallery Opening Hours\n\n\n\n\n MondayCLOSED\n\n\n Tuesday11:30am to 4:30pm\n\n\n WednesdayCLOSED\n\n\n Thursday11:30am to 6:30pm\n\n\n Friday11:30am to 4:30pm\n\n\n Saturday11:30am to 4:30pm *Closed on select Saturdays\n\n\n\n SundayCLOSED URL:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/event/summer-tenugui-towels/2026-06-27/ LOCATION:The Japan Foundation\, Toronto\, 2 Bloor St. East\, 3rd Floor\, Toronto\, ON\, M4W 1A8\, Canada CATEGORIES:Exhibition ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/wp-content/uploads/Tenugui-Summer-SQ-04-Yokai-scaled.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="The Japan Foundation%2C Toronto":MAILTO:info_jftoronto@jpf.go.jp GEO:43.6710659;-79.3857432 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=The Japan Foundation Toronto 2 Bloor St. East 3rd Floor Toronto ON M4W 1A8 Canada;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=2 Bloor St. East\, 3rd Floor:geo:-79.3857432,43.6710659 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260630T113000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260630T163000 DTSTAMP:20260928T125525 CREATED:20260501T201505Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260811T190447Z UID:113167-1782819000-1782837000@tr.jpf.go.jp SUMMARY:Summer Tenugui Towels: Fireworks\, Fireflies\, and Yōkai Monsters DESCRIPTION:夏の手拭い展：花火と蛍と妖怪と \nSummer must be the most active season for Tenugui towels. In order to survive through the extreme heat and humidity of summer in Japan\, all kinds of customs\, culture\, and rituals have been created and developed. Tenugui towels were one of the tools to cope with summer in a practical way. \nTenugui are towels made of bleached cotton\, approximately 34 cm wide and 90 cm in length. The word literally means “a hand wiping cloth.” In the 17th century\, when the production of cotton increased dramatically in Japan\, people benefitted from the rich supply of cotton cloth for use in their daily lives. Individual towels were used for a remarkable number of purposes not only for wiping and cleaning\, but also for wrapping and wearing\, and even as advertising tools. \nAt this point we can see Tenugui as the reflection of the culture and lifestyle\, too\, beyond merely practical tools. In this exhibition Ukiyo-e woodblock prints are on display which depict people using Tenugui towels. We also have pairings of Ukiyo-e prints and Tenugui towels both indicating everything special in Japanese summer. Fireworks\, boating\, fresh water bathing\, firefly catching ― summer heat could have been turned into enjoyment and something to be culturally appreciated. \nOne of the special summer tradition has been spooky stories of ghosts and Yōkai monsters. In the hot humid nights\, those stories are supposed to make spectators feel chilled. And those creatures are the most attractive subjects which appear on both Tenugui and Ukiyo-e prints. \nJoin us at The Japan Foundation\, Toronto in the celebration of magnificent summer! \n\nAdmission: FREE Advanced\, time-specific reservations are recommended. \nBook Your Visit Here \nHand-sanitization at the entry and wearing face-coverings on our premises are recommended. \nGallery Hours: Open on Tuesdays\, Thursdays\, Fridays\, and Saturdays. Hourly timeslots starting at 11:30 am\, 12:30 pm\, 1:30pm\, 2:30 pm\, 3:30 pm (4:30 pm and 5:30 pm on Thursdays) \n* Closed on Sundays\, Mondays\, Wednesdays\, Select Saturdays\, and Public Holidays:August 1 – 3 (Civic Holiday Weekend) \nExhibition Period: June 4 – August 29\, 2026 \nLibrary & Gallery Opening Hours\n\n\n\n\n MondayCLOSED\n\n\n Tuesday11:30am to 4:30pm\n\n\n WednesdayCLOSED\n\n\n Thursday11:30am to 6:30pm\n\n\n Friday11:30am to 4:30pm\n\n\n Saturday11:30am to 4:30pm *Closed on select Saturdays\n\n\n\n SundayCLOSED URL:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/event/summer-tenugui-towels/2026-06-30/ LOCATION:The Japan Foundation\, Toronto\, 2 Bloor St. East\, 3rd Floor\, Toronto\, ON\, M4W 1A8\, Canada CATEGORIES:Exhibition ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/wp-content/uploads/Tenugui-Summer-SQ-04-Yokai-scaled.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="The Japan Foundation%2C Toronto":MAILTO:info_jftoronto@jpf.go.jp GEO:43.6710659;-79.3857432 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=The Japan Foundation Toronto 2 Bloor St. East 3rd Floor Toronto ON M4W 1A8 Canada;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=2 Bloor St. East\, 3rd Floor:geo:-79.3857432,43.6710659 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260630T183000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260630T203000 DTSTAMP:20260928T125525 CREATED:20260611T214651Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260616T152439Z UID:113963-1782844200-1782851400@tr.jpf.go.jp SUMMARY:JFT Book Club (Hybrid) – Manga: Run Away With Me\, Girl by Battan [Pride Month Pick!] DESCRIPTION:For the upcoming JFT Book Club (Hybrid)\, we will discuss Battan’s manga\, Run Away With Me\, Girl\, Volume 1 (original Japanese version: ばったん作『かけおちガール』１巻; English translation by Kevin Steinbach). This moving and thought-provoking yuri manga explores sexuality\, identity\, societal expectations\, and the search for happiness through the reunion of two women in their twenties whose high school romance ended abruptly. Yuri manga is a genre of Japanese comics that depicts romantic relationships between women. Even if you have never read a queer love story before\, its relatable characters and universal themes of love\, adulthood\, and finding one’s place in the world make it an accessible and rewarding read. \nHeld during Pride Month and following Battan’s appearance as a featured guest and poster designer at the 2026 Toronto Comic Arts Festival\, this is a perfect opportunity to discover one of Japan’s most compelling manga creators. Whether you are a longtime manga fan\, interested in Japanese creators\, or curious about LGBTQ+ stories\, our book club offers a welcoming space to connect with readers from diverse backgrounds. \nJoin us in person or virtually from anywhere in the world\, connect with fellow readers to share what touched you and discover new perspectives on this powerful story that you might not have found on your own!  \nWe also have a limited number of “Observer” slots available for those who prefer to listen this time\, or for anyone curious about how a book club works without the pressure to speak. First-time participants are welcome!  \nRegister Here \n*Please be aware that space may be limited. \n*Depending on the number of participants and how the discussion goes\, we might extend the end time until 8:30 pm (EDT). However\, if you have other commitments\, feel free to leave at 8:00 pm. \n  \nIf you have any questions or concerns\, please don’t hesitate to email us at library_jftoronto@jpf.go.jp.  \n\nShow WHY JOIN JFT BOOK CLUB? \nWHY JOIN JFT BOOK CLUB?\nYou can read a book by yourself\, but when you read something thought-provoking or moving\, it’s natural to want to discuss it with someone else. This will be an exciting opportunity to connect with other book lovers from different cultural backgrounds\, find new and interesting books\, authors\, or themes\, and develop a richer understanding of Japan that you wouldn’t gain from reading alone! \n \n\nShow HOW DOES THE UPCOMING JFT BOOK CLUB WORK? \nHOW DOES THE UPCOMING JFT BOOK CLUB WORK?\n1. Once you register for the event\, you will receive guiding questions to help you think more deeply about the book. \n2. On the day of the event\, we will meet via Zoom and in person at Japan Foundation Toronto Library (2 Bloor St E #300\, Toronto\, ON M4W 1A8 Canada). *How to find us: https://tr.jpf.go.jp/about-us/how-to-find-us/ \n3. We will start with a quick introduction & ice-breaking activity (*Light refreshments will be served for in-person participants) \n4. Depending on the number of the participants\, we will break into a few small groups to discuss questions so that everyone has a chance to share their thoughts. \n5. After each breakout session\, each group will share what they have discussed with other groups. \n*There is no right or wrong answer. Different perspectives make discussion more fun and vibrant! \n \n\nShow WHERE YOU CAN FIND THE BOOK? \nWHERE YOU CAN FIND THE BOOK?\nRun Away With Me\, Girl\, Volume 1 (physical copies and ebooks) are available at JFT Library! The checkout of the physical copies are limited to JFT Book Club participants for a 1-week loan period (non-renewable).  \nTo get a new library card or to renew your existing card\, please follow the instructions found here. \n  Borrow Ebook     Email Library to place hold (physical copy)  \n  \nFor more information about the book or where else you can get the physical copies\, click here. \n \n\nShow ABOUT THE BOOK \nABOUT THE BOOK\n Run Away With Me\, Girl\n(The original Japanese version:『かけおちガール』)\nWritten by Battan  \nTranslated by Kevin Steinbach \nPublished by Kodansha\, 2020 / Kodansha USA\, 2022 \n  \nA dramatic\, funny\, and painful romance manga between two women about how\, sometimes\, you need to run away in order to find where you truly belong. Perfect for fans of coming-out yuri like How Do We Relationship? and masters of adult drama like Akiko Higashimura (Princess Jellyfish) and Takako Shimura (Even Though We’re Adults). You know that one person you just can’t forget? Not the one that got away\, but the one you had\, until suddenly you didn’t? Maki’s first love was her high school classmate\, a girl named Midori. But Midori broke up with Maki at graduation\, saying they were now “too old to be fooling around dating girls.” Ten years later\, Maki still can’t get Midori off her mind\, and when the two women reconnect after a chance encounter\, Maki realizes that\, while her feelings haven’t changed\, Midori has long moved on—in fact\, she’s engaged. Yet the more Maki hears Midori talk about her soon-to-be-husband\, the more red flags she notices. And Midori has another secret\, one she hasn’t yet shared with Maki. Will it be the last blow to Maki’s hopes that their romance might be rekindled? Or will it be the push that sets them on a new path—one they’ll travel together? \n— from Publisher’s website \n \n\nShow ABOUT THE AUTHOR \nABOUT THE AUTHOR\nBattan debuted in 2016 with her title Nijiiro konpurekkusu (Rainbox Color Complex)\, published by KODANSHA. Her other works include Ane no yujin (My Older Sister’s Friend\, LEED)\, Kakeochi garu (Kodansha; published in English as Run Away with Me\, Girl)\, Kemutai ane to zurui imoto (Annoying and Cunning Sisters\, Kodansha). Soshite hiroin wa inaku natta (And Then There Were No Heroines) is currently being serialized in the online comic platform Web Action. Battan loves dogs. \n \n\n\nShow Video Archives of Past Event on Manga \nVideo Archives of Past Event on Manga\nFind out how manga are translated across genres in the first of the Parallel Worlds series of discussions\, Parallel Worlds: Translating Manga\, where translator Jocelyne Allen sits down with colleagues David Evelyn and Jenny McKeon to discuss the challenges and thrills of connecting two different cultures. You can now watch the recording on our YouTube channel. \nFor more recordings of past JFT lectures\, interviews\, presentations\, and expert discussions\, check out our Japan Dialogues collection.  \nWatch Here \n\n  \n \n\n\n \nPrevious Book Clubs\n \n \nJFT Book Club (Hybrid) : Sakura by NISHI Kanako – April 16\, 2026 \n \nJFT Book Club (Hybrid) – With Silent Reading Time –Books Adapted into Film – February 24\, 2026 \n \nJFT Book Club (Hybrid) – Seesaw Monster by ISAKA Kotaro – Nov 8\, 2025 \n \nJFT Book Club (Hybrid) – With Silent Reading Time – Food in Japan – September 25\, 2025 \n \nJFT Book Club (Hybrid) – Manga: Look Back by FUJIMOTO Tatsuki – Jun 10\, 2025 \n \nJFT Book Club (Hybrid) – With Silent Reading Time – Japanese Architecture\, Civil Engineering\, and Landscapes – April 15\, 2025 \n \n \nJFT Book Club (Hybrid) – First Love by SHIMAMOTO Rio – February 8\, 2025 \n \nJFT Book Club (Hybrid) – With Silent Reading Time – Yōkai – November 21\, 2024 \n \nJapanese Tadoku Book Club – October 26\, 2024 \n \nJFT Book Club (Hybrid) – Before the Coffee Gets Cold by KAWAGUCHI Toshikazu – September 4\, 2024 \n \nJFT Book Club (Hybrid) – With Silent Reading Time – Japanese Ceramics & Life in the Edo to Meiji Periods – June 18\, 2024 \n  \nJFT Book Club (Hybrid) – Manga: BL Metamorphosis by TSURUTANI Kaori – April 18\, 2024 \n \nJFT Book Club (Hybrid): Mild Vertigo by KANAI Mieko – February 13\, 2024 \n \nJFT Book Club (Hybrid) – With Silent Reading Time – Holiday Reading Recommendations – November 16\, 2023 \n \nJFT Book Club (Hybrid) – Manga: Planetes by YUKIMURA Makoto – September 28\, 2023 \n \nJFT Book Club (Hybrid) – With Silent Reading Time – LGBTQIA+ Books -June 20\, 2023 \n \nJFT Book Club Online – Manga: After the Rain by MAYUZUKI Jun -April 24\, 2023 \n \nJFT Book Club Online – Three Short Works by NISHI Kanako: On beauty\, the Female Experience and Othering – February 8\, 2023 \n \nJFT Book Club Online: Temple Alley Summer by KASHIWABA Sachiko – September 15\, 2022 \n \nJFT Book Club Online: Manga – June 15\, 2022 \n \n \nJFT Book Club Online: Bring Your Own Book – April 13\, 2022 \n \nJFT Book Club Online: The Woman in the Purple Skirt by Natsuko Imamura– February 9\, 2022 \n \nJFT Book Club Online:Colorful by Eto Mori– November 10\, 2021 \n \n \nJFT Book Club Online: Heaven by Mieko Kawakami – August 12\, 2021 \n \nJFT Book Club Online: Manga – June 10\, 2021 \n \n \nJFT Book Club Online: Bring Your Own Book – April 8\, 2021 \n \nJFT Book Club Online: The Memory Police – February 11\, 2021 \n \nJFT Book Club Online: Breasts and Egg – November 5\, 2020 \n \nJFT Book Club Online: Travel Japan – August 20\, 2020 \n \nJFT Book Club Online – June 11\, 2020 \n \nMemoirs of a Polar Bear – February 20\, 2020 \n \n \nThe Little House – December 12\, 2019 \n \nMystery Book Club – October 10\, 2019 \n \nMovies and Books – August 8\, 2019 \n \nBooks and Tea – June 6\, 2019 URL:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/event/jft-book-club-hybrid_manga-runaway-battan/ LOCATION:The Japan Foundation Toronto Library\, 2 Bloor St E #300\, Toronto\, ON\, Canada\, M4W 1A8 CATEGORIES:Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/wp-content/uploads/Book-Club-Battan_1080x1080.png ORGANIZER;CN="The Japan Foundation%2C Toronto Library":MAILTO:library_jftoronto@jpf.go.jp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260702T113000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260702T183000 DTSTAMP:20260928T125525 CREATED:20260501T201505Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260811T190448Z UID:113168-1782991800-1783017000@tr.jpf.go.jp SUMMARY:Summer Tenugui Towels: Fireworks\, Fireflies\, and Yōkai Monsters DESCRIPTION:夏の手拭い展：花火と蛍と妖怪と \nSummer must be the most active season for Tenugui towels. In order to survive through the extreme heat and humidity of summer in Japan\, all kinds of customs\, culture\, and rituals have been created and developed. Tenugui towels were one of the tools to cope with summer in a practical way. \nTenugui are towels made of bleached cotton\, approximately 34 cm wide and 90 cm in length. The word literally means “a hand wiping cloth.” In the 17th century\, when the production of cotton increased dramatically in Japan\, people benefitted from the rich supply of cotton cloth for use in their daily lives. Individual towels were used for a remarkable number of purposes not only for wiping and cleaning\, but also for wrapping and wearing\, and even as advertising tools. \nAt this point we can see Tenugui as the reflection of the culture and lifestyle\, too\, beyond merely practical tools. In this exhibition Ukiyo-e woodblock prints are on display which depict people using Tenugui towels. We also have pairings of Ukiyo-e prints and Tenugui towels both indicating everything special in Japanese summer. Fireworks\, boating\, fresh water bathing\, firefly catching ― summer heat could have been turned into enjoyment and something to be culturally appreciated. \nOne of the special summer tradition has been spooky stories of ghosts and Yōkai monsters. In the hot humid nights\, those stories are supposed to make spectators feel chilled. And those creatures are the most attractive subjects which appear on both Tenugui and Ukiyo-e prints. \nJoin us at The Japan Foundation\, Toronto in the celebration of magnificent summer! \n\nAdmission: FREE Advanced\, time-specific reservations are recommended. \nBook Your Visit Here \nHand-sanitization at the entry and wearing face-coverings on our premises are recommended. \nGallery Hours: Open on Tuesdays\, Thursdays\, Fridays\, and Saturdays. Hourly timeslots starting at 11:30 am\, 12:30 pm\, 1:30pm\, 2:30 pm\, 3:30 pm (4:30 pm and 5:30 pm on Thursdays) \n* Closed on Sundays\, Mondays\, Wednesdays\, Select Saturdays\, and Public Holidays:August 1 – 3 (Civic Holiday Weekend) \nExhibition Period: June 4 – August 29\, 2026 \nLibrary & Gallery Opening Hours\n\n\n\n\n MondayCLOSED\n\n\n Tuesday11:30am to 4:30pm\n\n\n WednesdayCLOSED\n\n\n Thursday11:30am to 6:30pm\n\n\n Friday11:30am to 4:30pm\n\n\n Saturday11:30am to 4:30pm *Closed on select Saturdays\n\n\n\n SundayCLOSED URL:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/event/summer-tenugui-towels/2026-07-02/ LOCATION:The Japan Foundation\, Toronto\, 2 Bloor St. East\, 3rd Floor\, Toronto\, ON\, M4W 1A8\, Canada CATEGORIES:Exhibition ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/wp-content/uploads/Tenugui-Summer-SQ-04-Yokai-scaled.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="The Japan Foundation%2C Toronto":MAILTO:info_jftoronto@jpf.go.jp GEO:43.6710659;-79.3857432 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=The Japan Foundation Toronto 2 Bloor St. East 3rd Floor Toronto ON M4W 1A8 Canada;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=2 Bloor St. East\, 3rd Floor:geo:-79.3857432,43.6710659 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260703T113000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260703T163000 DTSTAMP:20260928T125525 CREATED:20260501T201505Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260811T190448Z UID:113169-1783078200-1783096200@tr.jpf.go.jp SUMMARY:Summer Tenugui Towels: Fireworks\, Fireflies\, and Yōkai Monsters DESCRIPTION:夏の手拭い展：花火と蛍と妖怪と \nSummer must be the most active season for Tenugui towels. In order to survive through the extreme heat and humidity of summer in Japan\, all kinds of customs\, culture\, and rituals have been created and developed. Tenugui towels were one of the tools to cope with summer in a practical way. \nTenugui are towels made of bleached cotton\, approximately 34 cm wide and 90 cm in length. The word literally means “a hand wiping cloth.” In the 17th century\, when the production of cotton increased dramatically in Japan\, people benefitted from the rich supply of cotton cloth for use in their daily lives. Individual towels were used for a remarkable number of purposes not only for wiping and cleaning\, but also for wrapping and wearing\, and even as advertising tools. \nAt this point we can see Tenugui as the reflection of the culture and lifestyle\, too\, beyond merely practical tools. In this exhibition Ukiyo-e woodblock prints are on display which depict people using Tenugui towels. We also have pairings of Ukiyo-e prints and Tenugui towels both indicating everything special in Japanese summer. Fireworks\, boating\, fresh water bathing\, firefly catching ― summer heat could have been turned into enjoyment and something to be culturally appreciated. \nOne of the special summer tradition has been spooky stories of ghosts and Yōkai monsters. In the hot humid nights\, those stories are supposed to make spectators feel chilled. And those creatures are the most attractive subjects which appear on both Tenugui and Ukiyo-e prints. \nJoin us at The Japan Foundation\, Toronto in the celebration of magnificent summer! \n\nAdmission: FREE Advanced\, time-specific reservations are recommended. \nBook Your Visit Here \nHand-sanitization at the entry and wearing face-coverings on our premises are recommended. \nGallery Hours: Open on Tuesdays\, Thursdays\, Fridays\, and Saturdays. Hourly timeslots starting at 11:30 am\, 12:30 pm\, 1:30pm\, 2:30 pm\, 3:30 pm (4:30 pm and 5:30 pm on Thursdays) \n* Closed on Sundays\, Mondays\, Wednesdays\, Select Saturdays\, and Public Holidays:August 1 – 3 (Civic Holiday Weekend) \nExhibition Period: June 4 – August 29\, 2026 \nLibrary & Gallery Opening Hours\n\n\n\n\n MondayCLOSED\n\n\n Tuesday11:30am to 4:30pm\n\n\n WednesdayCLOSED\n\n\n Thursday11:30am to 6:30pm\n\n\n Friday11:30am to 4:30pm\n\n\n Saturday11:30am to 4:30pm *Closed on select Saturdays\n\n\n\n SundayCLOSED URL:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/event/summer-tenugui-towels/2026-07-03/ LOCATION:The Japan Foundation\, Toronto\, 2 Bloor St. East\, 3rd Floor\, Toronto\, ON\, M4W 1A8\, Canada CATEGORIES:Exhibition ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/wp-content/uploads/Tenugui-Summer-SQ-04-Yokai-scaled.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="The Japan Foundation%2C Toronto":MAILTO:info_jftoronto@jpf.go.jp GEO:43.6710659;-79.3857432 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=The Japan Foundation Toronto 2 Bloor St. East 3rd Floor Toronto ON M4W 1A8 Canada;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=2 Bloor St. East\, 3rd Floor:geo:-79.3857432,43.6710659 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260703T183000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260703T193000 DTSTAMP:20260928T125525 CREATED:20260128T221502Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260128T221502Z UID:113862-1783103400-1783107000@tr.jpf.go.jp SUMMARY:VSS Chat Event DESCRIPTION:Japanese Chat Event\nAre you a Japanese language learner over 18 and located in Canada (or studying at one of the Japan Foundation overseas offices)? \nIn our Virtual Study Space\, we hold regular chat events where you can practice speaking Japanese with native-level volunteers and other students. \nParticipants are divided into groups of 3-5 according to their Japanese level\, where our volunteers facilitate the conversation. A topic is preassigned every week but you can also opt to do free talk. (View Topic Schedule) \nRegister for our Virtual Study Space to gain access: https://tr.jpf.go.jp/language/jft-virtual-study-space/ \nWhat is the JFT Virtual Study Space?\nThe JFT virtual study space is a free 24/7 online space where Japanese language learners can get together to improve their Japanese language skills by experiencing the language outside of class. (Event Calendar) URL:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/event/vss-chat-event-2026/2026-07-03/ LOCATION:Virtual CATEGORIES:Language Class,Other JFT Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/wp-content/uploads/VSS-Japanese-Chat-Event-768x768-1.png ORGANIZER;CN="The Japan Foundation%2C Toronto":MAILTO:info_jftoronto@jpf.go.jp GEO:43.6710978;-79.386063 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260704T113000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260704T163000 DTSTAMP:20260928T125525 CREATED:20260501T201505Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260811T190449Z UID:113170-1783164600-1783182600@tr.jpf.go.jp SUMMARY:Summer Tenugui Towels: Fireworks\, Fireflies\, and Yōkai Monsters DESCRIPTION:夏の手拭い展：花火と蛍と妖怪と \nSummer must be the most active season for Tenugui towels. In order to survive through the extreme heat and humidity of summer in Japan\, all kinds of customs\, culture\, and rituals have been created and developed. Tenugui towels were one of the tools to cope with summer in a practical way. \nTenugui are towels made of bleached cotton\, approximately 34 cm wide and 90 cm in length. The word literally means “a hand wiping cloth.” In the 17th century\, when the production of cotton increased dramatically in Japan\, people benefitted from the rich supply of cotton cloth for use in their daily lives. Individual towels were used for a remarkable number of purposes not only for wiping and cleaning\, but also for wrapping and wearing\, and even as advertising tools. \nAt this point we can see Tenugui as the reflection of the culture and lifestyle\, too\, beyond merely practical tools. In this exhibition Ukiyo-e woodblock prints are on display which depict people using Tenugui towels. We also have pairings of Ukiyo-e prints and Tenugui towels both indicating everything special in Japanese summer. Fireworks\, boating\, fresh water bathing\, firefly catching ― summer heat could have been turned into enjoyment and something to be culturally appreciated. \nOne of the special summer tradition has been spooky stories of ghosts and Yōkai monsters. In the hot humid nights\, those stories are supposed to make spectators feel chilled. And those creatures are the most attractive subjects which appear on both Tenugui and Ukiyo-e prints. \nJoin us at The Japan Foundation\, Toronto in the celebration of magnificent summer! \n\nAdmission: FREE Advanced\, time-specific reservations are recommended. \nBook Your Visit Here \nHand-sanitization at the entry and wearing face-coverings on our premises are recommended. \nGallery Hours: Open on Tuesdays\, Thursdays\, Fridays\, and Saturdays. Hourly timeslots starting at 11:30 am\, 12:30 pm\, 1:30pm\, 2:30 pm\, 3:30 pm (4:30 pm and 5:30 pm on Thursdays) \n* Closed on Sundays\, Mondays\, Wednesdays\, Select Saturdays\, and Public Holidays:August 1 – 3 (Civic Holiday Weekend) \nExhibition Period: June 4 – August 29\, 2026 \nLibrary & Gallery Opening Hours\n\n\n\n\n MondayCLOSED\n\n\n Tuesday11:30am to 4:30pm\n\n\n WednesdayCLOSED\n\n\n Thursday11:30am to 6:30pm\n\n\n Friday11:30am to 4:30pm\n\n\n Saturday11:30am to 4:30pm *Closed on select Saturdays\n\n\n\n SundayCLOSED URL:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/event/summer-tenugui-towels/2026-07-04/ LOCATION:The Japan Foundation\, Toronto\, 2 Bloor St. East\, 3rd Floor\, Toronto\, ON\, M4W 1A8\, Canada CATEGORIES:Exhibition ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/wp-content/uploads/Tenugui-Summer-SQ-04-Yokai-scaled.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="The Japan Foundation%2C Toronto":MAILTO:info_jftoronto@jpf.go.jp GEO:43.6710659;-79.3857432 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=The Japan Foundation Toronto 2 Bloor St. East 3rd Floor Toronto ON M4W 1A8 Canada;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=2 Bloor St. East\, 3rd Floor:geo:-79.3857432,43.6710659 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260704T113000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260704T163000 DTSTAMP:20260928T125525 CREATED:20260618T183041Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260722T222606Z UID:114079-1783164600-1783182600@tr.jpf.go.jp SUMMARY:Tanabata Star Festival 2026 at JFT Library DESCRIPTION:Thank you to all those who joined Tanabata Star Festival 2026 at JFT Library! \n*For those who participated and have not yet had the chance to fill in the questionnaire\, it would be of great help to us if you could share your feedback. As we strive to continually improve and create more inspiring experiences for our patrons\, your feedback will play a vital role in shaping our future events! \nMissed the event? Our sasa bamboo tree and food samples are still on display until Friday\, July 31. You are welcome to add your own wishes when you visit the library during our opening hours! \n \n\n Tanabata Star Festival (七夕祭り) is a traditional Japanese festival where people make wishes and send them to the stars. Mark your calendar for a special day of cultural exploration\, creativity\, and heartfelt wishes at JFT Library!\n \nRSVP is not needed! Join us with your friends and family on this joyous occasion and engage in a variety of activities that will transport you to the heart of Tanabata\, including:  \n  \nTanzaku-writing Workshop: Write Your Wish in Japanese!\n12:00 pm – 4:00 pm \nAccording to the Tanabata tradition\, people write their wishes and aspirations on colourful tanzaku cards and hang them on sasa (bamboo branch) in hopes that they will reach the stars and their dreams will come true. This year\, we’re introducing a special drop-in workshop where you can learn to write your wish in Japanese using a brush pen. No Japanese language skills or calligraphy experience required. \n  \n  \n  \n\nKamishibai Storytelling\n11:30 am – 12:00 pm\, 4:00 pm – 4:30 pm\n*We’ve updated the kamishibai schedule so you won’t have to choose between the stories and cheering on Team Canada vs Morocco at the World Cup! \nListen to the mesmerizing art of kamishibai\, a traditional Japanese form of street theatre and storytelling\, where folk tales and children’s stories are brought to life through vibrant illustrations and dynamic narration! This year\, we will be presenting a classic folklore story and a new story by a guest storyteller: \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Story of Tanabata  『たなばたものがたり』\nThe Sea Sluggers (Story by Samantha Dizon\, Illustrations by Kayla Preston-Lord)\n\n*Our Kamishibai storytelling will be in English\, so you don’t need Japanese language ability.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGuest Storyteller \nSam Dizon began kamishibai storytelling in 2013. As a children’s programmer at Toronto Public Library\, she borrowed kamishibai kits and did outreach storytelling in branches and for several schools. When she had gone through the library’s collection\, the students asked her for more. Sam began writing kamishibai stories\, drawing on her life experiences\, love of Japanese culture and knowledge gained from the East Asian Studies program at University of Toronto\, where she was studying part-time. She has completed 9 stories with illustrations by three artists. She has read her stories to hundreds of children and families in schools\, libraries\, storytelling festivals\, Wee Asian Film Festival and various events. \n \n  \nOrigami Fishing Pond\n11:30 am – 1:30 pm\, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm \nGoldfish catching is a quintessential festival activity in Japan. For our Tanabata Star Festival\, we have prepared an origami fishing pond instead. Try catching some origami sea creatures with a fishing rod! \n  \n  \n \nYukata Dress Up\n12:00 pm – 4:00 pm \nDon’t miss the chance to try on a Yukata (a traditional Japanese garment worn during the summer season). Feel a connection to the vibrant traditions of Japan! \n  \n  \nPhoto Booth\n12:00 pm – 4:00 pm \nCapture the memories of this special day at our photo booth with entertaining props and a festive backdrop! \n  \n  \n Check out Library Materials and Cultural Items on Display about Tanabata and Japanese Festivals!\n11:30 am – 4:30 pm \nVisitors are welcome to browse our collection of over 20\,000 Japan-related materials covering a wide range of topics\, including Tanabata and Japanese festivals.\nIf you’re new to our library\, we can help you sign up for a library card! \n*Special Thanks to Consulate-General of Japan in Toronto for kindly loaning some cultural items. \n  \n  \n  \nClick here to download a PDF file of Tanabata Star Festival activities schedule\n *We’ve updated the kamishibai schedule so you won’t have to choose between the stories and cheering on Team Canada vs Morocco at the World Cup! URL:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/event/tanabata-star-festival2026/ LOCATION:The Japan Foundation Toronto Library\, 2 Bloor St E #300\, Toronto\, ON\, Canada\, M4W 1A8 CATEGORIES:Children's Event,Library,Performance,Talk Event,Workshop ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/wp-content/uploads/JFTNewsletter_Tanabata2026_June18.png ORGANIZER;CN="The Japan Foundation%2C Toronto Library":MAILTO:library_jftoronto@jpf.go.jp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260704T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260704T203000 DTSTAMP:20260928T125525 CREATED:20260508T134848Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260902T181944Z UID:113340-1783191600-1783197000@tr.jpf.go.jp SUMMARY:JFT Online Workshop for Japanese Language Teachers: タスクベースの言語指導（TBLT）からの実践のアイデア DESCRIPTION:JFTオンライン日本語教師研修\nタスクベースの言語指導（TBLT）からの実践のアイデア\n  \n \n  \n課題遂行型アプローチとして、近年日本語教育の中で知られるようになったアプローチの一つに「タスクベースの言語指導（Task-Based Language Teaching\, 以下TBLT）」があります。このアプローチは第二言語習得研究（以下SLA）を基にした言語指導アプローチで、１９８０年代の提唱以来、英語教育を始め多くの外国語教育で研究と実践が進められており、２０１５年に国際学会が発足しています。このアプローチでは、タスクがカリキュラムやシラバスの中心とみなされていますが、日本語教育の課題遂行型アプローチに関する参考文献の中でも、様々な文脈で「タスク」という言葉が使用されているため、その意味理解が不明瞭になっているところがあるかもしれません。 \nそこで、この研修を通して、SLAの知見を基にしたTBLTの基本的な考え方をタスクの定義を含め紹介し、日本語の授業実践に役立つテクニックや考えを説明し、参加者同士の話し合いを通して、理解を深めることを目指しています。 \n日本語教師の方を対象としていますが、日本語教育にご興味をお持ちの方なら、どなたでもご参加いただけます。 \nご参加をご希望の方は以下の 登録フォーム よりお申込みください。 \n記 \n\n\n\n第１部\nTBLTの基本的な考え方と従来のアプローチとの共通点と相違点\n日時：２０２６年６月６日（土）７：００ pm ～ ８：３０ pm（東部夏時間）\n\n\n第２部\n授業実践のための方法―TBLTの十の原則についてー\n日時：２０２６年６月２０日（土）７：００ pm ～ ８：３０ pm（東部夏時間）\n\n\n第３部\nTBLTから見た教材作成のアイデア\n日時：２０２６年７月４日（土）７：００ pm ～ ８：３０ pm（東部夏時間）\n\n\n\n講師：小林ヒルマン恭子 先生（前ブリティッシュコロンビア大学専任講師） \n対象者：日本語教師の方で、以下に同意される方 \n※ グループワーク中はカメラオンで参加できる人（聴講不可）\n※ PCで参加できる人（スマホ、タブレットでの参加は不可） \n定員：５０名まで \n＊ お申し込みが定員を超える場合は、カナダ在住で現在教えていらっしゃる方を優先しますので、予めご了承願います。 \n使用言語：日本語 \n録画公開について：同研修の講義の部分のみ後日の録画公開を予定しています。 \nお問い合わせ先：齋藤   典子     Noriko_Saito@jpf.go.jp \n\n各セッションの公開録画は、以下のリンクよりご視聴いただけます。 \n第一回「TBLTの基本的な考え方と従来のアプローチとの共通点と相違点」 \n \n第一回研修資料はこちらからご覧いただけます。 \n  \n第二回「授業実践のための方法ーTBLTの十の原則について」 \n \n第二回研修資料はこちらからご覧いただけます。 \n  \n第三回「TBLTから見た教材作成のアイデア」 \n \n第三回研修資料はこちらからご覧いただけます。 \n参考文献はこちらからご確認ください。 \n  URL:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/event/workshop260606/ LOCATION:Virtual CATEGORIES:Teachers’ Workshops ORGANIZER;CN="The Japan Foundation%2C Toronto":MAILTO:info_jftoronto@jpf.go.jp GEO:43.6710978;-79.386063 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260706T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260709T150000 DTSTAMP:20260928T125525 CREATED:20260520T193526Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260529T140517Z UID:113457-1783342800-1783609200@tr.jpf.go.jp SUMMARY:2026 Online Language Brush Up Workshop for Japanese Language Teachers DESCRIPTION:THE JAPAN FOUNDATION\, TORONTO\n2026 ONLINE LANGUAGE BRUSH UP WORKSHOP\nFOR JAPANESE LANGUAGE TEACHERS\n  \n \n  \nIf you are a Japanese Language teacher and would like to brush up on your Japanese this summer\, please join this free online language brush up course for Japanese Language teachers. The workshop will cover one chapter of Marugoto Intermediate 1 (B1) for 4 days. \nSchedule:\nMonday\, July 6 – Thursday\, July 9\, 2026\n1:00 pm – 3:00 pm (Eastern Daylight Time) \nClick here to confirm the time in the region you live in. \nEligibility Requirements:\nJapanese Language teachers in Canada who did not complete their compulsory education (Elementary and Junior High School\, 9 years) in Japan and have a language proficiency higher than A2-2. \nClass Size:Maximum of 20 people. Scheduled to be cancelled if less than 5 people sign up. \nTextbook: Marugoto Intermediate 1 (B1) – Topic 1 – Meeting people for the first time\n* The textbook will be provided free of charge to the participants who do not have it and are attending for the first time this year. \nLanguage: Conducted primarily in Japanese. \nCost: Free \nRegistration (Mandatory): Click here * Please register before June 21 in order to receive the textbook. We may not be able to provide textbooks to those who register after June 21. \n【Contact】 Noriko Saito   Noriko_Saito@jpf.go.jp URL:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/event/summer-brush-up-2026/ LOCATION:Virtual CATEGORIES:Teachers’ Workshops ORGANIZER;CN="The Japan Foundation%2C Toronto":MAILTO:info_jftoronto@jpf.go.jp GEO:43.6710978;-79.386063 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260707T113000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260707T163000 DTSTAMP:20260928T125525 CREATED:20260501T201505Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260811T190449Z UID:113171-1783423800-1783441800@tr.jpf.go.jp SUMMARY:Summer Tenugui Towels: Fireworks\, Fireflies\, and Yōkai Monsters DESCRIPTION:夏の手拭い展：花火と蛍と妖怪と \nSummer must be the most active season for Tenugui towels. In order to survive through the extreme heat and humidity of summer in Japan\, all kinds of customs\, culture\, and rituals have been created and developed. Tenugui towels were one of the tools to cope with summer in a practical way. \nTenugui are towels made of bleached cotton\, approximately 34 cm wide and 90 cm in length. The word literally means “a hand wiping cloth.” In the 17th century\, when the production of cotton increased dramatically in Japan\, people benefitted from the rich supply of cotton cloth for use in their daily lives. Individual towels were used for a remarkable number of purposes not only for wiping and cleaning\, but also for wrapping and wearing\, and even as advertising tools. \nAt this point we can see Tenugui as the reflection of the culture and lifestyle\, too\, beyond merely practical tools. In this exhibition Ukiyo-e woodblock prints are on display which depict people using Tenugui towels. We also have pairings of Ukiyo-e prints and Tenugui towels both indicating everything special in Japanese summer. Fireworks\, boating\, fresh water bathing\, firefly catching ― summer heat could have been turned into enjoyment and something to be culturally appreciated. \nOne of the special summer tradition has been spooky stories of ghosts and Yōkai monsters. In the hot humid nights\, those stories are supposed to make spectators feel chilled. And those creatures are the most attractive subjects which appear on both Tenugui and Ukiyo-e prints. \nJoin us at The Japan Foundation\, Toronto in the celebration of magnificent summer! \n\nAdmission: FREE Advanced\, time-specific reservations are recommended. \nBook Your Visit Here \nHand-sanitization at the entry and wearing face-coverings on our premises are recommended. \nGallery Hours: Open on Tuesdays\, Thursdays\, Fridays\, and Saturdays. Hourly timeslots starting at 11:30 am\, 12:30 pm\, 1:30pm\, 2:30 pm\, 3:30 pm (4:30 pm and 5:30 pm on Thursdays) \n* Closed on Sundays\, Mondays\, Wednesdays\, Select Saturdays\, and Public Holidays:August 1 – 3 (Civic Holiday Weekend) \nExhibition Period: June 4 – August 29\, 2026 \nLibrary & Gallery Opening Hours\n\n\n\n\n MondayCLOSED\n\n\n Tuesday11:30am to 4:30pm\n\n\n WednesdayCLOSED\n\n\n Thursday11:30am to 6:30pm\n\n\n Friday11:30am to 4:30pm\n\n\n Saturday11:30am to 4:30pm *Closed on select Saturdays\n\n\n\n SundayCLOSED URL:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/event/summer-tenugui-towels/2026-07-07/ LOCATION:The Japan Foundation\, Toronto\, 2 Bloor St. East\, 3rd Floor\, Toronto\, ON\, M4W 1A8\, Canada CATEGORIES:Exhibition ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/wp-content/uploads/Tenugui-Summer-SQ-04-Yokai-scaled.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="The Japan Foundation%2C Toronto":MAILTO:info_jftoronto@jpf.go.jp GEO:43.6710659;-79.3857432 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=The Japan Foundation Toronto 2 Bloor St. East 3rd Floor Toronto ON M4W 1A8 Canada;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=2 Bloor St. East\, 3rd Floor:geo:-79.3857432,43.6710659 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260708T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260708T201500 DTSTAMP:20260928T125525 CREATED:20260604T151708Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260626T174919Z UID:112579-1783533600-1783541700@tr.jpf.go.jp SUMMARY:Monster (film screening) DESCRIPTION:Monster \n怪物 \nWednesday\, July 8\, 6:00PM (ET) \nDoors open 5:30PM | Film Screening | In-Person | JFT Event Hall \nDirected by KORE-EDA Hirokazu • 2023 • Drama\, Mystery • 125 minutes • Presented in Japanese with English subtitles • Trailer \nA single mother\, Saori (ANDO Sakura)\, demands answers from a school teacher\, Hori (NAGAYAMA Eita)\, when her son Minato (KUROKAWA Sōya\, winner of the Blue Ribbon Award for Best Newcomer for this role) begins acting strangely. As the tension escalates\, the line between truth and misunderstanding starts to blur. \nWinner of the Best Screenplay Award at the 76th Cannes Film Festival\, Monster is a complex\, multi-layered drama that uses Rashomon effect to explore the worlds of the two young children who live under the shadows of the adults around them. In his latest work\, acclaimed director KORE-EDA Hirokazu turns a compassionate lens to those who are misunderstood and marginalized\, asking what it means to be seen as a “monster” in this world. The film is further elevated by a poignant score from the late composer SAKAMOTO Ryuichi\, which “creates a layer of nuance and meaning” (The Guardian). \n\nContent advisory: references to bullying\, abuse\, and self-harm. \n\nPart of our Contemporary Japanese Cinema Spotlight series. \n  \nFree admission. Registration required. \nRegistration for this event is now full. We will have a rush line before the event to release available seats on a first-come\, first-served basis. Admission is not guaranteed. Thank you for your understanding. \n\nDirector Profile: \n \nKORE-EDA Hirokazu (是枝 裕和) is a Japanese director\, producer\, screenwriter\, and editor. Before becoming a director\, Kore-eda worked as an assistant director on television documentaries. \nAt the 1995 Venice Film Festival\, Kore-eda’s first fiction feature film\, Maborosi\, won a Golden Osella for Best Cinematography. His next feature film After Life premiered at the 1998 Toronto International Film Festival and brought international recognition to Kore-eda’s work. \nOne of the most acclaimed contemporary Japanese filmmakers\, Kore-eda’s films have been selected at the Festival de Cannes multiple times\, including Distance (2001)\, Nobody Knows (Best Actor Award\, 2004)\, Air Doll (2009)\, Like Father\, Like Son (Jury Prize\, 2013)\, Our Little Sister (2015) and After the Storm (2016). In 2018\, Shoplifters won the Palme d’or at the 71st Festival de Cannes as well as being nominated for the 91st Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. \nKore-eda then turned to international co-production for his next two features: The Truth (2019) in France\, and Broker (Best Actor Award\, Festival de Cannes 2022) in Korea. In 2023\, his feature Monster won Queer Palm and Best Screenplay at the 76th Festival de Cannes. His latest film\, Sheep in the Box\, had its world premiere at the main competition of the 2026 Cannes Film Festival. URL:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/event/monster/ LOCATION:The Japan Foundation\, Toronto\, 2 Bloor St. East\, 3rd Floor\, Toronto\, ON\, M4W 1A8\, Canada CATEGORIES:Film,Film Screening ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/wp-content/uploads/Monster.png ORGANIZER;CN="The Japan Foundation%2C Toronto":MAILTO:info_jftoronto@jpf.go.jp GEO:43.6710659;-79.3857432 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=The Japan Foundation Toronto 2 Bloor St. East 3rd Floor Toronto ON M4W 1A8 Canada;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=2 Bloor St. East\, 3rd Floor:geo:-79.3857432,43.6710659 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260709T113000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260709T183000 DTSTAMP:20260928T125525 CREATED:20260501T201505Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260811T190450Z UID:113172-1783596600-1783621800@tr.jpf.go.jp SUMMARY:Summer Tenugui Towels: Fireworks\, Fireflies\, and Yōkai Monsters DESCRIPTION:夏の手拭い展：花火と蛍と妖怪と \nSummer must be the most active season for Tenugui towels. In order to survive through the extreme heat and humidity of summer in Japan\, all kinds of customs\, culture\, and rituals have been created and developed. Tenugui towels were one of the tools to cope with summer in a practical way. \nTenugui are towels made of bleached cotton\, approximately 34 cm wide and 90 cm in length. The word literally means “a hand wiping cloth.” In the 17th century\, when the production of cotton increased dramatically in Japan\, people benefitted from the rich supply of cotton cloth for use in their daily lives. Individual towels were used for a remarkable number of purposes not only for wiping and cleaning\, but also for wrapping and wearing\, and even as advertising tools. \nAt this point we can see Tenugui as the reflection of the culture and lifestyle\, too\, beyond merely practical tools. In this exhibition Ukiyo-e woodblock prints are on display which depict people using Tenugui towels. We also have pairings of Ukiyo-e prints and Tenugui towels both indicating everything special in Japanese summer. Fireworks\, boating\, fresh water bathing\, firefly catching ― summer heat could have been turned into enjoyment and something to be culturally appreciated. \nOne of the special summer tradition has been spooky stories of ghosts and Yōkai monsters. In the hot humid nights\, those stories are supposed to make spectators feel chilled. And those creatures are the most attractive subjects which appear on both Tenugui and Ukiyo-e prints. \nJoin us at The Japan Foundation\, Toronto in the celebration of magnificent summer! \n\nAdmission: FREE Advanced\, time-specific reservations are recommended. \nBook Your Visit Here \nHand-sanitization at the entry and wearing face-coverings on our premises are recommended. \nGallery Hours: Open on Tuesdays\, Thursdays\, Fridays\, and Saturdays. Hourly timeslots starting at 11:30 am\, 12:30 pm\, 1:30pm\, 2:30 pm\, 3:30 pm (4:30 pm and 5:30 pm on Thursdays) \n* Closed on Sundays\, Mondays\, Wednesdays\, Select Saturdays\, and Public Holidays:August 1 – 3 (Civic Holiday Weekend) \nExhibition Period: June 4 – August 29\, 2026 \nLibrary & Gallery Opening Hours\n\n\n\n\n MondayCLOSED\n\n\n Tuesday11:30am to 4:30pm\n\n\n WednesdayCLOSED\n\n\n Thursday11:30am to 6:30pm\n\n\n Friday11:30am to 4:30pm\n\n\n Saturday11:30am to 4:30pm *Closed on select Saturdays\n\n\n\n SundayCLOSED URL:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/event/summer-tenugui-towels/2026-07-09/ LOCATION:The Japan Foundation\, Toronto\, 2 Bloor St. East\, 3rd Floor\, Toronto\, ON\, M4W 1A8\, Canada CATEGORIES:Exhibition ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/wp-content/uploads/Tenugui-Summer-SQ-04-Yokai-scaled.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="The Japan Foundation%2C Toronto":MAILTO:info_jftoronto@jpf.go.jp GEO:43.6710659;-79.3857432 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=The Japan Foundation Toronto 2 Bloor St. East 3rd Floor Toronto ON M4W 1A8 Canada;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=2 Bloor St. East\, 3rd Floor:geo:-79.3857432,43.6710659 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260709T183000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260709T193000 DTSTAMP:20260928T125525 CREATED:20260128T221502Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260128T221502Z UID:113863-1783621800-1783625400@tr.jpf.go.jp SUMMARY:VSS Chat Event DESCRIPTION:Japanese Chat Event\nAre you a Japanese language learner over 18 and located in Canada (or studying at one of the Japan Foundation overseas offices)? \nIn our Virtual Study Space\, we hold regular chat events where you can practice speaking Japanese with native-level volunteers and other students. \nParticipants are divided into groups of 3-5 according to their Japanese level\, where our volunteers facilitate the conversation. A topic is preassigned every week but you can also opt to do free talk. (View Topic Schedule) \nRegister for our Virtual Study Space to gain access: https://tr.jpf.go.jp/language/jft-virtual-study-space/ \nWhat is the JFT Virtual Study Space?\nThe JFT virtual study space is a free 24/7 online space where Japanese language learners can get together to improve their Japanese language skills by experiencing the language outside of class. (Event Calendar) URL:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/event/vss-chat-event-2026/2026-07-09/ LOCATION:Virtual CATEGORIES:Language Class,Other JFT Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/wp-content/uploads/VSS-Japanese-Chat-Event-768x768-1.png ORGANIZER;CN="The Japan Foundation%2C Toronto":MAILTO:info_jftoronto@jpf.go.jp GEO:43.6710978;-79.386063 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260710T113000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260710T163000 DTSTAMP:20260928T125525 CREATED:20260501T201505Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260811T190453Z UID:113174-1783683000-1783701000@tr.jpf.go.jp SUMMARY:Summer Tenugui Towels: Fireworks\, Fireflies\, and Yōkai Monsters DESCRIPTION:夏の手拭い展：花火と蛍と妖怪と \nSummer must be the most active season for Tenugui towels. In order to survive through the extreme heat and humidity of summer in Japan\, all kinds of customs\, culture\, and rituals have been created and developed. Tenugui towels were one of the tools to cope with summer in a practical way. \nTenugui are towels made of bleached cotton\, approximately 34 cm wide and 90 cm in length. The word literally means “a hand wiping cloth.” In the 17th century\, when the production of cotton increased dramatically in Japan\, people benefitted from the rich supply of cotton cloth for use in their daily lives. Individual towels were used for a remarkable number of purposes not only for wiping and cleaning\, but also for wrapping and wearing\, and even as advertising tools. \nAt this point we can see Tenugui as the reflection of the culture and lifestyle\, too\, beyond merely practical tools. In this exhibition Ukiyo-e woodblock prints are on display which depict people using Tenugui towels. We also have pairings of Ukiyo-e prints and Tenugui towels both indicating everything special in Japanese summer. Fireworks\, boating\, fresh water bathing\, firefly catching ― summer heat could have been turned into enjoyment and something to be culturally appreciated. \nOne of the special summer tradition has been spooky stories of ghosts and Yōkai monsters. In the hot humid nights\, those stories are supposed to make spectators feel chilled. And those creatures are the most attractive subjects which appear on both Tenugui and Ukiyo-e prints. \nJoin us at The Japan Foundation\, Toronto in the celebration of magnificent summer! \n\nAdmission: FREE Advanced\, time-specific reservations are recommended. \nBook Your Visit Here \nHand-sanitization at the entry and wearing face-coverings on our premises are recommended. \nGallery Hours: Open on Tuesdays\, Thursdays\, Fridays\, and Saturdays. Hourly timeslots starting at 11:30 am\, 12:30 pm\, 1:30pm\, 2:30 pm\, 3:30 pm (4:30 pm and 5:30 pm on Thursdays) \n* Closed on Sundays\, Mondays\, Wednesdays\, Select Saturdays\, and Public Holidays:August 1 – 3 (Civic Holiday Weekend) \nExhibition Period: June 4 – August 29\, 2026 \nLibrary & Gallery Opening Hours\n\n\n\n\n MondayCLOSED\n\n\n Tuesday11:30am to 4:30pm\n\n\n WednesdayCLOSED\n\n\n Thursday11:30am to 6:30pm\n\n\n Friday11:30am to 4:30pm\n\n\n Saturday11:30am to 4:30pm *Closed on select Saturdays\n\n\n\n SundayCLOSED URL:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/event/summer-tenugui-towels/2026-07-10/ LOCATION:The Japan Foundation\, Toronto\, 2 Bloor St. East\, 3rd Floor\, Toronto\, ON\, M4W 1A8\, Canada CATEGORIES:Exhibition ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/wp-content/uploads/Tenugui-Summer-SQ-04-Yokai-scaled.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="The Japan Foundation%2C Toronto":MAILTO:info_jftoronto@jpf.go.jp GEO:43.6710659;-79.3857432 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=The Japan Foundation Toronto 2 Bloor St. East 3rd Floor Toronto ON M4W 1A8 Canada;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=2 Bloor St. East\, 3rd Floor:geo:-79.3857432,43.6710659 END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR