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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for The Japan Foundation, Toronto
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260815T163000
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SUMMARY:JFT Book Club (Hybrid) – With Silent Reading Time – Share Your Favourite Books from JFT Library
DESCRIPTION:Share Your Favourite Book. Celebrate Our Library Collection. Cultivate Cultural Exchange. \nBefore our physical library concludes operations in conjunction with our office relocation\, join us for a special book club celebrating our library collection\, the memories it has inspired\, and the community that have grown around it. Whether you’re a long-time library patron or a first-time visitor\, everyone is welcome! No assigned reading or prior knowledge is required. You can attend in person at the library or join online from anywhere in the world. \nOn the day of the event\, we invite you to bring a favourite book from our physical or digital collection (in English\, Japanese\, or French) and briefly share why it is meaningful to you or a memory associated with it. Then\, enjoy a relaxing hour of silent reading together; you can either revisit your own pick or read a book recommended by another participant. We’ll wrap up with an informal discussion in English\, where you’re welcome to share your thoughts on what you read\, or simply listen to fellow participants. This is a friendly\, low-pressure space where curiosity is encouraged\, different viewpoints are celebrated\, and every level of participation is valued. \nAs one of the last opportunities to gather in our current physical library before its relocation\, we hope this special session helps you cultivate meaningful connections with readers from diverse backgrounds through books and (re-)discover Japanese literature\, manga\, nonfiction\, and culture through fresh perspectives. \nThis book club is part of our special event series\, Journey onto JFT’s Next Chapter\, celebrating our community\, expressing our sincere appreciation to everyone who has supported us\, reflecting on our history together\, and sharing our vision for the future as we embark on this new chapter. Participants are warmly encouraged to explore our full program and make the most of this opportunity to enjoy our current public spaces and programming together! \nRegister Here   \nIf you have any questions or concerns\, please don’t hesitate to contact us in person\, by phone\, email\, or via our contact form. \nP.S. The final day to borrow physical materials from our library will be Saturday\, August 22\, and all borrowed items must be returned by Friday\, October 9. JF Canada Digital Library will remain available during and after the relocation. \n\nShow WHY JOIN JFT BOOK CLUB “WITH SILENT READING TIME”?  \nWHY JOIN JFT BOOK CLUB “WITH SILENT READING TIME”?\nMany of us simply want more time to read but cannot squeeze the time in\, as we have too many distractions and interruptions in our daily lives to concentrate on reading. JFT Book Club with Silent Reading Time offers a sanctuary to indulge in the simple pleasure of reading\, surrounded by fellow book enthusiasts who share your love for literature. \nIn addition\, we provide an optional space for those who wish to connect and discuss their reading experiences with others. Engage in conversations at your comfort level and learn new perspectives from other book lovers from different cultural backgrounds that you wouldn’t gain from reading alone! It’s a safe space where your thoughts and impressions are valued\, regardless of whether you choose to actively participate or quietly absorb the conversations around you. \nWe welcome both seasoned book club members and first-time participants to discover the joy of silent reading without the pressures of finishing an assigned book on time and/or participating in mandatory discussions. \n \n\nShow HOW DOES THE UPCOMING JFT BOOK CLUB WORK?  \nHOW DOES THE UPCOMING JFT BOOK CLUB WORK?\n\nOnce you register for the event\, find a book to share based on the criteria listed in WHAT BOOK TO BRING? (see below) or from JFT Library’s collection. \nOn the day of the event\, we will meet via Zoom and in person at the Japan Foundation Toronto Library (2 Bloor St E #300\, Toronto\, ON M4W 1A8 Canada). *Click here to check how to get to our Library.\nWe will start with a quick introduction & ice-breaking activity (*Light refreshments will be served for in-person participants)\nParticipants will share their books and why they pick them up (2-3 minutes each)\nSilent Reading Time: Participants will read the book they select anywhere in the library (or wherever they want if participating virtually). \nOptional Discussion Time: We will share thoughts and learning from the book\, favourite quotes from your chosen book\, suggestions for next reads\, etc.\n\n*There is no right or wrong answer. Different perspectives make the discussion more fun and vibrant! \n \n\nShow WHAT BOOK TO READ?  \nWHAT BOOK TO READ?\nA book to bring can be either a physical book\, ebook\, or audiobook (excluding DVDs & Blu-rays) that meets the following criteria: \n\nTheme: Your Favourite Book from JFT Library’s physical or digital collection \ni.e.\, Japan-related fiction\, nonfiction\, or manga about Japan\nOR fiction\, nonfiction\, or manga by Japanese author(s) \nLanguage: Books can be written in any language (i.e. English\, Japanese\, French). *The book club meeting will be held in English.\nFor those who cannot visit our library in person\, check out ebooks/audiobooks on JF Canada/USA Digital Library!\n\n*You can either borrow a book from the JFT Library’s collection\, or bring your own copy from home. \n*You can check whether the book is part of our collection by searching on our online catalogue (*to search physical & digital items) or JF Canada/USA Digital Library (*to search and read ebooks & audiobooks). Please contact us if you wish to confirm the availability with us. \nTo get a new JFT library card or to renew your existing card\, please follow the instructions found here. \n \n\nRelated Programming\n\nThe Canadian Connection: How literary translators bring Japanese voices to the world\nJuly 13 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm EDT \nYou may have noticed an increasing number of Japanese titles appearing on bestseller lists and displayed at your local bookstores and libraries. Behind this growing popularity and access to Japanese voices are literary translators\, whose work helps to shape how Japanese literature is read\, understood\, and enjoyed around the world. \nTo celebrate the vital yet often unrecognized work of translators who bring Japanese voices to the world\, three Canada-based translators of Japanese literature will gather onstage at the Japan Foundation. The conversation will be moderated by an editor of Japanese literature in translation\, and together they will reflect on the work of translation\, sharing insights into the creative process\, the opportunities and challenges facing translators today\, and the evolving landscape of Japanese literature in translation. The speakers will also discuss the dynamic role of the literary magazine MONKEY: New Writing from Japan*(formerly Monkey Business) in bridging languages\, cultures\, and literary traditions to bring Japanese literature to English readers. \n\nDetails Here *The event has passed. We will be making the video of this event available on our YouTube channel. Stay tuned!\n\n \n\n \n\n\n\nContemporary Japanese Cinema Spotlight\nJuly 8 – August 20\, 2026 \nAs 2026 marks a significant year for Japanese cinema on the global stage\, this summer we turn the spotlight to four of its most acclaimed contemporary voices. With new works by FUKADA Koji\, HAMAGUCHI Ryusuke\, KORE-EDA Hirokazu\, and KUROSAWA Kiyoshi selected for major sections at the Cannes Film Festival\, this series celebrates the creative force of Japan’s leading auteurs today. \nSpanning intimate drama\, psychological thriller\, and period piece\, the series brings together recent works that exemplify each director’s distinctive voice and thematic concerns. From nuanced explorations of human relationships to quietly unsettling reflections on society\, these films demonstrate the depth and diversity of contemporary Japanese filmmaking. \nJoin us this July and August for a curated selection of films that reflect the artistry of contemporary Japanese cinema! \n\nRegister Here\n \n \n\nJFT People’s Choice Award\n\n\nVoting closes: Monday\, July 27\, 12:00 pm EDT \nAs we prepare to bid farewell to our public space\, we’re inviting our community to help decide the final film to be screened at the Japan Foundation Toronto Event Hall. \n\n\nFor the final screening\, the audience will take the programmer’s seat through the JFT People’s Choice Award. Cast your vote for a Japanese film that you would like us to show — whether it’s one of your favourite titles previously presented by JFT or another Japanese film you’ve always wanted to experience on the big screen. \nYour vote will help shape this special farewell event and celebrate the films and stories that have brought our community together over the years. \nDetails Here \n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n \nPrevious Book Clubs\n  \n \n\nJFT Book Club (Hybrid) – Manga: Run Away With Me\, Girl by Battan [Pride Month Pick!] — Tue\, Jun 30\, 2026 \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 – Sep 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-silent_favourite/
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/Thumbnail_BookClub_Favourite_1080x1080.png
ORGANIZER;CN="The Japan Foundation%2C Toronto Library":MAILTO:library_jftoronto@jpf.go.jp
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