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DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20241026T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20241026T123000
DTSTAMP:20260916T091528
CREATED:20241002T203932Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241008T164732Z
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SUMMARY:Japanese Tadoku Book Club
DESCRIPTION:Japanese Tadoku Book Club にほんご多読会\n \nLet’s enjoy reading in Japanese and talk about the book! \n \nSaturday October 26 | 11:00 am – 12:30 pm EDT | In Person @ The Japan Foundation\, Toronto – Event Hall \nWhat is “Tadoku”? \nThe word “ta” (多) means “a lot” and “doku” (読) means “to read”\, so “tadoku” literally means “read-a-lot”. You can read books suitable to your reading level at your own pace. Start with easy books you can enjoy without using a dictionary! \nWe will begin with a 15-minute guidance session on how to start tadoku. Following that\, you will have 60 minutes of silent reading. Finally\, you will be divided into small groups to share about the books you read\, either in English or Japanese\, for 20 minutes. \nRegistration Deadline: Thursday October 24\, while spots are available \nParticipation Requirements: Basic Japanese proficiency required (should be able to read Hiragana and have simple conversation in Japanese/completed JF Standard A1 level) \nBook List (click on level to view):  Level 0  Level 1  Level 2  Level 3  Level 4 \nAbout Levels: https://tadoku.org/japanese/en/levels-en/ \nDirections: https://tr.jpf.go.jp/about-us/how-to-find-us/ \nFor Inquiries: Please contact library_jftoronto@jpf.go.jp.
URL:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/event/japanese-tadoku-book-club/
LOCATION:The Japan Foundation\, Toronto\, 2 Bloor St. East\, 3rd Floor\, Toronto\, ON\, M4W 1A8\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Language Class,Library
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20241022T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20241022T201000
DTSTAMP:20260916T091528
CREATED:20241008T163326Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250617T031304Z
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SUMMARY:Before We Vanish (film screening)
DESCRIPTION:Before We Vanish\n散歩する侵略者\n \nTuesday\, October 22\, 6:00PM (ET) \nDoors open 5:30PM | Film Screening | In-Person | JFT Event Hall | Free Admission \nDirected by KUROAWA Kiyoshi • 2017 • Sci-Fi  / Thriller • 129 minutes • Presented in Japanese with English subtitles • Trailer \nIn his twentieth film\, acclaimed horror director KUROSAWA Kiyoshi (Cure\, Pulse\, Tokyo Sonata) reinvents the alien movie as a unique and profoundly human tale of love and mystery.  \nAfter going missing for several days\, Shinji (MATSUA Ryuhei) mysteriously reappears\, acting nothing like his former self. His relationship with his wife Narumi (NAGASAWA Masami) had been on the rocks\, but now Shinji is calmer than before\, which only serves to exasperate Narumi further. Shinji also has a bizarre new daily routine of strolling around the neighborhood and engaging strangers in deep\, conceptual conversations with no apparent purpose. Elsewhere in town\, a family is brutally murdered\, and journalist Sakurai (HASEGAWA Hiroki) begins to investigate the odd circumstances of the killing. As an ominous mood spreads over an otherwise ordinary town\, Sakurai and Narumi each try to understand what lies behind the spiraling chaos.  \nEqually hilarious\, thrilling\, and profound\, Before We Vanish reminds audiences of the continued strength of one of Japanese cinema’s most unique auteurs\, and the value of the human spirit. \nThis is screening a part of our CURSED BODIES Halloween film series. \nFree admission. Register below. \n  \n\n\nRelated Programming: \n \nYokai Netsuke Exhibition \nOctober 17\, 2024 – January 25\, 2025 \nExperience the mysterious universe of Yōkai through these Netsuke figures\, which serve as gateways to bridge across the dimensions\, from flat images to three dimensional sculptures\, and from monochrome to colour. \nRegister Here
URL:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/event/before-we-vanish/
LOCATION:The Japan Foundation\, Toronto\, 2 Bloor St. East\, 3rd Floor\, Toronto\, ON\, M4W 1A8\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Film Screening
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20241017T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20241017T201000
DTSTAMP:20260916T091528
CREATED:20241008T163250Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250617T031317Z
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SUMMARY:Ringu (film screening)
DESCRIPTION:Ringu\nリング\nThe Ring \nThursday\, October 17\, 6:30PM (ET) \nDoors open 6:00PM | Film Screening | In-Person | JFT Event Hall | Free Admission \nDirected by NAKATA Hideo • 1998 • Horror / Thriller • 96 minutes • Presented in Japanese with English subtitles • Trailer \nContent Warning: This film contains intense and frightening scenes\, along with depictions of violence and gore. Viewer discretion is strongly advised. \nThe film that launched the craze for J-Horror in the West\, director NAKATA Hideo’s (Dark Water\, L: Change the World) international sensation melded traditional Japanese folklore with contemporary anxieties about the spread of technology for a chilling experience unlike anything that had come before.  \nA group of teenage friends are found dead\, their bodies grotesquely contorted\, their faces twisted in terror. Reiko\, a journalist and the aunt of one of the victims\, sets out to investigate the shocking phenomenon\, and in the process uncovers a creepy urban legend about a supposedly cursed videotape\, the contents of which cause anyone who views it to die within a week—unless they can persuade someone else to watch it\, and\, in so doing\, pass on the curse.\n—Criterion Channel \nStarring MATSUSHIMA Nanako and SANADA Hiroyuki\, who recently won two Emmy Awards for his work on the record-breaking Shōgun series. \nThis is screening a part of our CURSED BODIES Halloween film series. \nFree admission. Register below. \n  \n\n\nRelated Programming: \n \nYokai Netsuke Exhibition \nOctober 17\, 2024 – January 25\, 2025 \nExperience the mysterious universe of Yōkai through these Netsuke figures\, which serve as gateways to bridge across the dimensions\, from flat images to three dimensional sculptures\, and from monochrome to colour. \nRegister Here \n\n 
URL:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/event/ringu/
LOCATION:The Japan Foundation\, Toronto\, 2 Bloor St. East\, 3rd Floor\, Toronto\, ON\, M4W 1A8\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Film Screening
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20241017T113000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20250306T163000
DTSTAMP:20260916T091528
CREATED:20240913T211432Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250617T023303Z
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SUMMARY:Yōkai Netsuke Exhibition
DESCRIPTION:Transformation from Historical Flat Images to Contemporary 3-Dimensional Figures by Kaiyōdō\nNetsuke: Miniature sculpted figures / Toggles to hang personal items on an obi sash.\nYōkai: Monsters\, spirits\, deities\, demons\, goblins\, ghosts\, imaginative animals\, and all manner of mysterious occurrences. \nIn 2001\, the images from Hyakkiyagyō (Demon Horde’s Night Parade) pictorial book series\, published from 1776 to 1784\, were transformed to the Yōkai Netskue resin figures by Kaiyōdō Co. Ltd. which came to the public in boxes of sweets. Consisting of 25 species each\, in three different styles (multi-coloured\, red-lacquer\, and jade)\, these 75 figures in total are central to this exhibition\, demonstrating soaring imagination from flat to 3D\, and from monochrome to colour. \nThe Yōkai theme of Kaiyōdō expanded into multiple series of Yōkai in their Gashapon vending-machine miniature figures\, such as Hokusai and Ge-Ge-Ge no Kitarō. \nExquisite techniques and imagination of the 3-dimensionalization of flat images have been developed at Kaiyōdō through their main business of figures from comics and animation\, together with their various collaborations with museums in creating miniature 3D figures for their special events. \nCome and experience the mysterious universe of Yōkai through these Netsuke figures which serve as gateways to bridge across the dimensions. \n\nAdmission: FREE \nAdvanced\, 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) \nClosed on select days: November 9 (Remembrance Day weekend)\, December 22- January 06 (End of Year and New Year Closure)\, February 15-17 (Family Day weekend) \nExhibition Period: October 17\, 2024 – March 6\, 2025 \nThis exhibition includes images of violence and cruelty. Viewer discretion is advised. \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\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\nRelated Programming: \n\n\nA Letter to Momo (film screening) \nTuesday\, November 12\, 6:00 PM \nJoin us at the JFT Event Hall on November 12 for a screening of the stunning film\, A Letter to Momo. Presented in conjunction with our Yōkai Netuke Exhibition\, currently running in the JFT Gallery. \nAfter the death of her father\, Momo moves with her mother to a small island town. There\, she encounters three mischievous yōkai\, invisible to others\, who try to help her cope with her loss. \nRegister Here \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \nUnveil the Mysteries of Yōkai and the Craftsmanship of Netsuke Figures with JFT Library’s Curated Collection! \nAre you planning to visit or have already been fascinated by the JFT Gallery’s Yōkai Netsuke Exhibition? To enrich your cultural journey\, we have curated library item lists on yōkai and netsuke/figures\, including physical and electronic books\, manga/anime\, films\, and more! \nWhether you enjoy manga/anime featuring yōkai characters\, seek engaging reads for young readers\, or are curious to learn about the rich history and artistry behind these enigmatic figures\, our collection has something for everyone. Immerse yourself in the mysterious world of Japanese monsters\, and explore the craftsmanship behind netsuke or miniature figures that tell fascinating cultural stories. These curated library items are currently on display in our library\, located right next to the gallery. \nApply for a new library card or renew your expired card here. \n\nLibrary Item List on Yōkai    Library Item List on Netsuke/Figures \n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n\n \nJFT Book Club (Hybrid) – With Silent Reading Time – Yōkai\nThursday\, November 21 @ 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm EST \nInspired by the JFT Gallery’s current exhibition\, our upcoming book club meeting will explore the mysterious realm of yōkai!  \nJoin us in person or virtually to enjoy yōkai-related books in any languages and engage in optional discussion to share your discoveries with fellow participants. Whether you are fascinated by the yōkai-inspired artworks\, love yōkai characters in manga/anime\, or are curious to learn about the traditional folklore\, uncover the hidden stories behind these enigmatic beings!  \n\nRegister Here
URL:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/event/yokai-netsuke-exhibition/
LOCATION:The Japan Foundation\, Toronto\, 2 Bloor St. East\, 3rd Floor\, Toronto\, ON\, M4W 1A8\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Exhibition
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20240926T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20240926T180000
DTSTAMP:20260916T091528
CREATED:20240905T203255Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241008T191712Z
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SUMMARY:Curtain Up to a New Chapter: KAWAGUCHI Toshikazu's journey of storytelling across genres
DESCRIPTION:Author of the global bestselling series Before the Coffee Gets Cold\, KAWAGUCHI Toshikazu is embarking on a North American tour this fall\, starting with the annual Toronto International Festival of Authors. Mr. Kawaguchi’s stories of a time-traveling café originated as a play which was later published as a novel. It has since become a series\, been translated to over 30 languages and sold over 5 million copies around the world\, gaining popularity with diverse audiences. The playwright-turned-author is especially known for capturing his audience with heartwarming stories and a splash of nostalgia. \nOn September 26\, Mr. Kawaguchi will converse with Mr. Bruce Pitkin at the Japan Foundation\, Toronto about his unique journey of being a playwright turned novelist. The pair will discuss theatre\, writing\, and translation\, making it suitable for enthusiasts of all three to join in. Venturing into the challenges and opportunities the writer has faced in his journey\, audience can expect to learn more about the author’s storytelling\, which spans genres\, as well as hear all about how the café that lets you visit your past came into being. \n  \n*Registrants are encouraged to arrive on time when doors open at 5:30 PM. We will have an in-person waiting line before the event\, where we will release any empty seats\, on a first-come first-served basis.  \n*Following the talk event\, there will be a book-signing session with KAWAGUCHI Toshikazu at the JFT Library until 9 pm. The signing session is exclusively available to registered participants; you must already be onsite for the event prior to the signing session. There is no separate registration for the signing session.\n\nRegistrants can purchase copies of Mr. Kawaguchi’s novels from the bookseller onsite\, or bring their personal copy to get signed. Please note that there is a limit of one autograph per attendee. \n\n  \nGUEST\n \nToshikazu Kawaguchi was born in Osaka\, Japan\, in 1971. He has produced\, directed and written for the theatrical group Sonic Snail. As a playwright\, his works include COUPLE\, Sunset Song and family time. His play Before the Coffee Gets Cold won the grand prize at the Suginami Drama Festival. His debut novel of the same name\, Before the Coffee Gets Cold has become an international bestseller and has been adapted for the screen. \nClick here to see PDF file of author details\, book list and TIFA related event info. \n  \n  \n\nModerator\n\n \nBruce Pitkin is a distinguished theatre professional with a Master of Fine Arts in Acting from York University. He brings extensive experience in acting\, directing\, and teaching to his role as moderator for the audience discussion with Toshikazu Kawaguchi at Japan Foundation\, Toronto. With a career spanning leadership roles at Theatre Ontario and Art Starts\, Bruce has directed award-winning productions and adapted classical works\, demonstrating his deep understanding of theatrical techniques. His international experience includes studying the Tadashi Suzuki Method of Actor Training in Japan with Mr. Suzuki’s SCOT company\, giving him a unique perspective on Japanese theatre. Fluent in English and German\, with basic proficiency in Japanese\, Bruce will accompany the audience in exploring Kawaguchi’s unique background as a playwright\, his novelization of Before the Coffee Gets Cold\, and his global success in publishing translations with an enriched and informed discussion. \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  \n  \n  \n  \n\nCo-presented by\n \n \n \n \n\nRelated Programing \n \nBefore the Coffee Gets Cold \nSaturday\, September 28\, 3:00 PM (ET) | Innis Town Hall (University of Toronto) | Presented in Japanese with English subtitles \nUrban legend has it that you can return to your chosen point in the past at Café Funiculi Funicula\, the coffee shop where Kazu works. Fumiko hears the rumour and shows up to talk again with her childhood friend\, who left for the US after they had a fight. But\, several rules must be obeyed in order to travel back to the past. One’s time travelling is limited to the period by which the coffee gets cold. Adapted from the global book sensation of the same name by author KAWAGUCHI Toshikazu\, who is a featured guest at the 2024 Toronto International Festival of Authors. \nDetails here
URL:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/event/curtain-up-to-a-new-chapter/
LOCATION:The Japan Foundation\, Toronto\, 2 Bloor St. East\, 3rd Floor\, Toronto\, ON\, M4W 1A8\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Library,Talk Event
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20240921T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20240921T153000
DTSTAMP:20260916T091528
CREATED:20240820T195845Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240829T214041Z
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SUMMARY:Let's Travel through the World of Stories
DESCRIPTION:おはなしの世界を旅しよう\n日本語の美しさやリズムを、ストーリーテリング、遊び歌などを通してゆっくり味わってください。そして、ほぐれた心と身体で、作家の村中李衣さんと絵本作家の石川えりこさんが語る絵本の世界を会場のみなさんで旅してみましょう。会場での90分が物語と共に自在に伸び縮みする、絵本の魅力をたっぷりお楽しみください。 \n当日は、ストーリーテリングや絵本の朗読等の活動を親子で一緒にご体験いただきます。活動の合間に先生方から活動の意義や絵本に込めた思いについてもお話しいただく予定です。 \n日時：2024年9月21日（土）14：00→15：30\n会場：国際交流基金トロント日本文化センター　セミナールーム\n対象：日本語のお話しを聞きたい子どもたち（お話しを聴ける年齢の人ならだれでも）\n※ご参加には保護者の方の同伴が必要です。また、人数制限があることから事前のお申込みが必要です。１回のお申込み人数は保護者の方を含めて最大５名となります。\n※※授乳室やおむつ交換台は施設内にございません。\n定員：70名（同伴の保護者も含まれます。定員となり次第、締め切らせていただきます。）\nお申し込み：ご興味のある方は本ページ下段よりお申し込みください。 \nスケジュール：\n13：30: 開場\n14：00→15：30 おはなし会 \n\nストーリーテリング\n絵本の朗読（「こくん」他）\n遊び歌と遊び歌体操\n質問タイム\n\n15：30:　終了 \nプロフィール： \n石川 えりこ（いしかわえりこ） \n福岡県生まれ。 デザイナーを経て、 フリーのイラストレーター・絵本作家となる。 幼少期の体験をもとに描いた『ボタ山であそんだころ』（福音館書店）は 2015年に第46回講談社出版文化賞絵本賞及び 2017年に台湾でOpenbook最佳童書を受賞。 同作品は2015年にブラティスラヴァ絵本原画展へ出展。 \n作絵では、『あひる』（くもん出版）、『流木のいえ』（小学館）『しぶがき　ほしがき　あまいかき』（福音館／令和元年度社会保障審議会福祉文化財推薦作品特別他受賞）、『てんきのいい日はつくしとり』（福音館）、『かんけり』（アリス館）、『庭にくるとり』（ポプラ社）、『ほんやねこ』（講談社　2024年ブラティスラヴァ絵本原画展へ出展）、『カイト』（講談社）他多数。 \n挿絵では、『またおこられてん』（文　小西貴士／童心社）、『わたしはふね』（文　曹文軒／小学館）、『チョコレートひとつ』（文　余 麗瓊／传世活字国际文化传媒／第9回中国童書榜賞など多数受賞）他多数。 \n村中 李衣（むらなかりえ） \n1958 年山口県生まれ。児童文学作家、ノートルダム清心女子大学教授を経て、山口学芸大学客員教授。大学院修了後、慶應大学医学部病院管理学教室にて読書療法の研究に着手。活動の場所は小児病棟、老人保健施設、児童養護施設、刑務所等幅広い。2017 年、西隆太朗との共著「長期入院児のための絵本の読みあい：支援プログラムの実際とこれから」で絵本学会第 1 回日本絵本研究賞受賞。 \n主な作品は、『小さいベッド』（絵　かみやしん／偕成社／第32回サンケイ児童出版文化賞）、『おねいちゃん』（絵　中村悦子／理論社／野間児童文芸賞）、『チャーシューの月』（絵　佐藤真紀子／小峰書店／第53回日本児童文学者協会賞）、『ねむろんろん』（絵　こしだミカ／新日本出版社／第27回絵本日本賞最終候補）、『女性受刑者とわが子をつなぐ絵本の読みあい』（かもがわ出版）他多数 \n石川えりこと村中李衣による共著作品\n『あららのはたけ』（偕成社　第35回坪田譲治賞）\n『こくん』（童心社／2021年IBBYバリアフリー部門選定図書）\n『はだしであるく』（あすなろ書房／JBBYによる2025年IBBYバリアフリー部門推薦図書）\n『奉還町ラプソディ』（BL出版／2024年 JBBYおすすめ！日本のこどもの本）\n『「子どもの本」の創作講座～おはなしの家を建てよう』（金子書房）
URL:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/event/story-world/
LOCATION:The Japan Foundation\, Toronto\, 2 Bloor St. East\, 3rd Floor\, Toronto\, ON\, M4W 1A8\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Other JFT Events
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GEO:43.6710659;-79.3857432
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20240808T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20240808T193000
DTSTAMP:20260916T091528
CREATED:20240610T154113Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241125T164633Z
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SUMMARY:In-Person Japanese Conversation Night
DESCRIPTION:In-Person Japanese Conversation Night（おしゃべり会）\n\nAre you a Japanese language learner in Toronto? \nWe are holding two in-person 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. \n \nThursdays August 8 and 22 | 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm EDT* | In Person @ The Japan Foundation\, Toronto – Seminar Room | Language: Japanese \nRegistration Deadline: Wednesday August 7\, 2024 and Wednesday August 21\, while spots are available \n*This event is now full. Thank you for your interest! \nWe will accept drop-ins if there are spots on the day of the event! \nParticipation Requirements: Basic Japanese proficiency required (should be able to have a basic conversation in Japanese) \nQuota: 20 participants maximum per event \nDirections: https://tr.jpf.go.jp/about-us/how-to-find-us/ \n*Those who would like to get a library card or see our exhibition should arrive before 6:30 pm. \nFor Inquiries: Please contact our full-time language instructor and advisor Wakana_Liberatori@jpf.go.jp.
URL:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/event/in-person-japanese-chat/2024-08-08/
LOCATION:The Japan Foundation\, Toronto\, 2 Bloor St. East\, 3rd Floor\, Toronto\, ON\, M4W 1A8\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Language Class
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20240730T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20240730T201500
DTSTAMP:20260916T091528
CREATED:20240718T160041Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240729T170611Z
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SUMMARY:Remembering the Island of the Gods: Izaihō in Film\, Memory\, and History
DESCRIPTION:Reservations are now closed. Thank you for your interest. We will have a rush line before the event\, and will start to release unclaimed seats 10 minutes before the event. \n \nRemembering the Island of the Gods: Izaihō in Film\, Memory\, and History \nTuesday\, July 30\, 6:00PM (ET) \nDoors open 5:30PM | Film Screening & Lecture Event | In-Person | JFT Event Hall \nNOMURA Gakuya’s film Izaihō vividly captures the rhythms of everyday life on Kudaka Island\, as well as the planning and performance of one of the final Izaihō. The experience of watching the film is so fascinating that we might not give much thought to its historical context. And yet\, in 1968\, the main island of Okinawa\, only a few kilometers to the west\, was in the midst of significant social and political turmoil. Ordinary people still struggled to come to grips with the consequences of the Battle of Okinawa\, only two decades earlier\, in which 150\,000 Okinawan civilians were killed\, and most cities and villages destroyed. Unlike mainland Japan\, Okinawa remained under American military occupation. Rebuilding homes and businesses was difficult\, and the future was unclear. Charged debates over independence\, continued subordination to the United States\, or return to Japanese rule took place everywhere\, from public meetings to the kitchen table. Citizens took to the streets to protest economic disparity\, the use of Okinawan bases to fight the war in Vietnam\, and their lack of political self-determination. How does an understanding of this context shape our understanding of Nomura’s film? How can the film help us to have a more complex understanding of that moment in time? \n\nSpeaker Profile: \n \nChristopher T. Nelson is a cultural anthropologist at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. For nearly three decades\, he has done ethnographic fieldwork in Okinawa\, Japan. His work focuses on the relationship between history and memory\, and he has a deep interest in storytelling\, ritual and performance. \nHis new book\, When the Bones Speak: The Living\, the Dead\, and the Sacrifice of Okinawa\, an ethnography of laborers\, artists\, ethnologists\, political activists\, shaman and the dead in Japan\, will be published by Duke University Press in the spring of 2025. \n\nAbout the film: \n \nIzaihō \nDirected by NOMURA Gakuya • 1967 • Documentary • 49 minutes • Presented in Japanese with English subtitles • Trailer \nKudaka Island is a half-agricultural and half-fishing remote island where the men run the fishing industry and the women do the agriculture. Life on the small island is not easy. They share the scarce water and share the land fairly with an allotment system. When the boys become men\, they all go out the sea. The women come together around the rituals\, praying for the safety of the journeying men and protection of the island. The men are fishermen and travelers\, and the women are priestesses who protect them. Kudaka Island has long been known as the “island of the gods\,” and 30 yearly rituals embedded into island life are solemnly passed down by the islanders even to this day. Held once every 12 years on the year of the horse\, Izaihō is Kudaka Island’s greatest ritual. During Izaihō\, women from the ages of 30 to 41 who were born on and live on the island become gods.  \nThis film captures the Izaihō performed in 1966. The ritual was held once more in 1978 and then vanished — an unusual occurrence. While many of Japan’s festivals and rituals are becoming mere charades as they transform into tourist attractions in order to survive\, Izaihō disappeared while it was still in practice and remained representative of the spirit of the people of Kudaka Island. \n\nThis is the final event of our Keep Dancin’\, Okinawa! film series\, in celebration of Okinawan stories\, culture\, and history. \nFree admission. Register below.
URL:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/event/izaiho/
LOCATION:The Japan Foundation\, Toronto\, 2 Bloor St. East\, 3rd Floor\, Toronto\, ON\, M4W 1A8\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Film Screening,Lecture
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20240723T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20240723T193000
DTSTAMP:20260916T091528
CREATED:20240705T183615Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240723T141931Z
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SUMMARY:Jiro Dreams of Sushi (film screening)
DESCRIPTION:Jiro Dreams of Sushi\n二郎は鮨の夢を見る \nTuesday\, July 23\, 6:00PM (ET) \nDoors open 5:30PM | Film Screening | In-Person | JFT Event Hall | Free Admission \nDirected by David Gelb • 2011 • Documentary • 82 minutes • Presented in Japanese with English subtitles • Trailer \nJiro Dreams of Sushi is the story of 85 year-old ONO Jiro\, considered by many to be the world’s greatest sushi chef. He is the proprietor of Sukiyabashi Jiro\, a 10-seat\, sushi-only restaurant inauspiciously located in a Tokyo subway station. Despite its humble appearances\, it is the first restaurant of its kind to be awarded a prestigious 3 star Michelin review\, and sushi lovers from around the globe make repeated pilgrimage\, calling months in advance and shelling out top dollar for a coveted seat at Jiro’s sushi bar. \nFor most of his life\, Jiro has been mastering the art of making sushi\, but even at his age he sees himself still striving for perfection\, working from sunrise to well beyond sunset to taste every piece of fish; meticulously train his employees; and carefully mold and finesse the impeccable presentation of each sushi creation. At the heart of this story is Jiro’s relationship with his eldest son Yoshikazu\, the worthy heir to Jiro’s legacy\, who is unable to live up to his full potential in his father’s shadow. \nThe feature film debut of director David Gelb\, Jiro Dreams of Sushi is a thoughtful and elegant meditation on work\, family\, and the art of perfection\, chronicling Jiro’s life as both an unparalleled success in the culinary world\, and a loving yet complicated father. \nThis is the final screening in our food film series\, Cinema Umami. \n\nDirector Profile: \n \nOriginally from New York City\, David Gelb currently works and lives in Los Angeles. After graduating from USC’s film production program\, David worked on various music videos\, short films\, and documentaries. Most notably\, he directed A Vision of Blindness\, an extensive behind the scenes look at Fernando Meirelles’s film Blindness\, which enjoyed a run on the Sundance Channel. David has been a sushi aficionado since his childhood. Jiro Dreams of Sushi is his first full-length feature film. \nSince the success of Jiro Dreams of Sushi\, David continued his journey of capturing culinary artistry and helmed the acclaimed Netflix series Chef’s Table\, Street Food\, and Disney+ documentary Wolfgang.
URL:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/event/jiro-dreams-of-sushi/
LOCATION:The Japan Foundation\, Toronto\, 2 Bloor St. East\, 3rd Floor\, Toronto\, ON\, M4W 1A8\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Film Screening
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20240718T113000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20241011T163000
DTSTAMP:20260916T091528
CREATED:20240624T172036Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250617T023040Z
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SUMMARY:Photographic Images and Matter: Japanese Prints of the 1970s
DESCRIPTION:  \n \n「映像と物質: 版画の1970年代・日本」\nCurated by Kyoji Takizawa\, Machida City Museum of Graphic Arts\nProduced by The Japan Foundation in 2015 \nIn 1957\, the Japanese government launched the International Biennial Exhibition of Prints in Tokyo as a special feature of its postwar culture policy. Awarded the International Grand Prize in the sixth edition of the biennale in 1968\, Tetsuya Noda transformed photographic portraits of his family into prints. His works were significant in that they exemplified the huge changes that were underway in prints internationally\, confirmed that there were parallels between trends in contemporary prints and contemporary art\, and suggested future developments in contemporary art. In the 1970s\, there was a rapid increase in Japanese works that adopted Noda’s method of converting photographs into prints\, leading to a golden age in the medium. The era also saw the rise of works that placed special importance on allowing the materials (matter) used in printmaking (print blocks\, paper\, ink\, etc.) to speak for themselves\, which was lauded as a new trend in the medium. Another significant trend was the emergence of prints with an extremely strong materiality in which the image was transformed into a material. \nThese autonomous expressions of photographic images and matter in the 1970s dramatically expanded the field of prints and also exerted a strong influence on trends in contemporary art. While introducing important trends in prints during the 1970s\, this exhibition focuses on print-inspired trends in contemporary art of the same period. \nSection 1: An Age of Photographic Expression\nWith the increase in photographs and printing\, and the proliferation of the powerful medium of television\, which accompanied the expansion of production and consumption in the 1960s and ’70s\, Japanese society came to be overrun with images. During this period\, new techniques such as silkscreening and offset printing\, which made it easy to transform photographic images\, quickly took hold. Under these circumstances\, numerous works emerged in which photographic images were converted into prints through the use of photoengraving\, leading to a new mainstream in printmaking. In many of these works\, all traces of handiwork were eliminated in order to suppress emotional content and encode the image. \nExhibiting artists: \nTetsuya Noda野田哲也\, Kosuke Kimura木村光佑\, Akira Matsumoto松本旻\, Satoru Saito斎藤智\, Hideki Kimura木村秀樹\, and Sakumi Hagiwara萩原朔美 \nSection 2: Images of Autonomous Matter\nBetween about 1968 and the early 1970s\, a new trend emerged in art in which simple substances such as stone\, wood\, paper\, cotton\, and steel sheets were presented as works\, sometimes alone and sometimes in combination with each other. As an extension of this movement\, print works\, which limited human involvement and manipulation of the image to a bare minimum\, and set out to allow materials (matter) such as print blocks\, paper\, and ink to speak for themselves\, received attention for expanding the concept of the print and giving rise to a new trend in the medium. This period also saw the materialization of images\, a conscious movement that had begun in the 1950s\, and an approach to production that centered on expressing something spiritual through matter\, which resulted in works with a strong material quality. \nExhibiting artists: \nJiro Takamatsu高松次郎\, Katsuro Yoshida吉田克朗\, Koji Enokura榎倉康二\, Shoichi Ida井田照一\, Tatsuo Kawaguchi河口龍夫\, Lee Ufan李禹煥\, Mitsuo Kano加納光於\, and Arinori Ichihara一原有徳 \n\nAdmission: FREE \nAdvanced\, 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) \nClosed on select days: August 3 (Civic Holiday weekend)\, August 31 (Labour Day weekend)\, September 28 (National Day for Truth and Reconciliation weekend) \nExhibition Period: July 18 – October 11\, 2024\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\n\n\n\n\n*September 21: Open from 11:30 am to 2:00 pm \n*Closed on Sundays\, Mondays\, Wednesdays\, and Select Saturdays:\nCanada Day weekend June 29- July 1\nCivic Holiday weekend August 3-5\nLabour Day weekend August 31- September 2\nNational Day for Truth and Reconciliation weekend: September 28-30\nThanksgiving Day weekend October 12-14 \n  \n\nRelated Programming: \n \nDive Deeper into the 1970s Japanese Prints with JFT Library Books! \nWhether you are planning to visit or have already been fascinated by the JFT Gallery exhibition “Photographic Images and Matter: Japanese Prints of the 1970s“\, add an extra layer of appreciation by checking out JFT Library’s books! To enrich your art experience\, we have curated a library book list\, which includes: Contemporary Japanese Prints 1\, a comprehensive catalogue highlighting the inventive techniques and artists of the 1970s like NODA Tetsuya\, ICHIHARA Arinori\, IDA Shōichi\, and KAWAGUCHI Tatsuo; Japanese Art after 1945: Scream Against the Sky\, an illustrated survey revealing vibrant avant-garde movements that shaped postwar art scene including Mono-ha (“School of Things”); Hideki Kimura: Works\, 1972-1990\, a catalogue raisonné showcasing Kimura’s innovative use of photoengraving and silkscreen techniques\, reflecting his exploration of reality’s fragmented nature; and more! These curated books are currently on display in our library right next to the gallery. Don’t miss this opportunity to delve deeper into this pivotal period in printmaking! \nApply for a new library card or renew your expired card here. \nFull Booklist
URL:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/event/photographic-images-and-matter-japanese-prints-of-the-1970s/
LOCATION:The Japan Foundation\, Toronto\, 2 Bloor St. East\, 3rd Floor\, Toronto\, ON\, M4W 1A8\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Exhibition
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20240709T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20240709T193000
DTSTAMP:20260916T091528
CREATED:20240615T182540Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240709T223310Z
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SUMMARY:Tales from Okinawa (short film program)
DESCRIPTION:  \n \nTales from Okinawa \nTuesday\, July 9\, 6:00PM (ET) \nDoors open 5:30PM | Short Film Program | In-Person | JFT Event Hall \nTales from Okinawa is a short film program spotlighting emerging indie filmmakers from the Okinawa Islands. \nFrom agriculture\, bullfighting\, and coffee cultivation\, these three films will take you across Okinawa through the lens of their uplifting characters and their connection with nature. \nExtended introduction and photo presentation by Victoria Davis\, a member of the Toronto Kyuyokai トロント球陽会 (Okinawan Kenjinkai). Victoria will speak about her personal connections with locations and landmarks in Okinawa that are featured in the films. \nMany thanks to the Okinawa Film Office for their support in providing us with these films. \n  \nThis screening is a part of our ongoing Keep Dancin’\, Okinawa! film series\, celebrating Okinawan stories\, culture\, and history. \nFree admission. This event is now fully booked and registration is closed. \n\n \nBullfight Girl\n闘牛女子 \nDirected by MAEHIRA Hitoshi • 2021 • Drama • 19 minutes • Presented in Japanese with English subtitles \nTomomi\, the protagonist of the film\, has lived with cows since her parent’s generation. She is fascinated by cows and is struggling to appeal to the bullfighting town. Yoshiki\, who aims to become a farrier (craftspeople who trims and shoes horse hooves) by living with Tomomi\, asks questions about her relationship with cows. Based on the true story of KUDAKA Yukie\, a photographer who published the photo book “Bullfighting Girls.” \n  \n \nSuch A Night of Chrysanthemum Lights\nこんな、菊灯りの夜に \nDirected by MATSUDA Sho • 2021 • Comedy / Drama • 20 minutes • Presented in Japanese with English subtitles \nSet in the light-bulb illuminated chrysanthemum fields of Sunset Farm Okinawa in Yomitan Village\, Such A Night of Chrysanthemum Lights is a comedy that focuses on the story of a young man Teppei who is engaged in agriculture\, and his childhood friend Satsuki who has returned to his hometown. \n  \n \nDAWN\n陽いづる \nDirected by MATSUI Ryo • 2023 • Drama • 19 minutes • Presented in Japanese with English subtitles \nMocha\, who works on a coffee plantation\, has been deaf since birth. The villagers calmly support Mocha in her daily life. \nThrough the nature and people of Higashi Village\, as well as the daily life of a deaf-mute woman\, DAWN depicts the beauty of living in a village that is unaffected by a world that demands change. \n 
URL:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/event/tales-from-okinawa/
LOCATION:The Japan Foundation\, Toronto\, 2 Bloor St. East\, 3rd Floor\, Toronto\, ON\, M4W 1A8\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Film Screening
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20240618T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20240618T190000
DTSTAMP:20260916T091528
CREATED:20240523T184719Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241129T221026Z
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SUMMARY:JFT Book Club (Hybrid) – With Silent Reading Time – Japanese Ceramics & Life in the Edo to Meiji Periods
DESCRIPTION:Thank you to all those who participated in JFT Book Club (Hybrid) – With Silent Reading Time – Japanese Ceramics & Life in the Edo to Meiji Periods!\n  \nSharing some comments from our participants!\n“I would just like to thank Risa and Emi for conducting this interesting session. I stepped away from my usual manga and novel reading habit this time to dive into the amazing world of Japanese ceramics. This gave me a good opportunity to learn about the rich history of Japan! Looking forward to future book club meetings.Oh and thank you for the amazing library catalogue. I have almost a year’s worth of books on my To Be Read list at the moment. Really appreciate it. Keep up the great work!.”—Johan\n  \n“Excellent experience for me personally\, first was the ceramics lecture and now this book reading club that I enjoyed so much! I have always wanted to know and understand more about Japan’s fascinating history and culture and this amazing fusion of old traditions and the modernity that are so unique to Japanese culture! I finally have time to do something that I like very much\, so looking very forward to the next venues. Thank you so much again for the greatly spent time! Will think more about the suggestions in the future! ” — Lioudmila  \n\n“Had a lovely time!” —Lori\nPlease continue to check the JFT’s website and newsletters for future book club information. \n Enjoy the Simple Pleasure of Reading in Silence & Discover Japanese Arts and History! \nJoin our next JFT Book Club (Hybrid) meeting where you are invited to read a book in silence in the library (or wherever you want if participating virtually) and engage in optional discussion with fellow book lovers interested in Japanese arts. Inspired by the JFT Gallery’s current exhibition\, our upcoming book club meeting invites you to explore the beauty of Japanese ceramics and life from the Edo (1603-1868) to Meiji (1868-1912) periods. \nNo prior knowledge/preparation is required – indulge in the simple pleasure of reading in silence and engage in optional discussion to share your discoveries with fellow book and art lovers! \n\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. In 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. We 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. \nRegister Here   \n  If you have any questions or concerns\, please don’t hesitate to contact us in person\, by phone\, email\, or via contact form. \n\nHOW DOES THE UPCOMING JFT BOOK CLUB WORK?\n\nOnce you register for the event\, find a book to read 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 bring or the one recommended by other participants anywhere in the library or wherever they want if participating virtually. If you join the book club in-person\, you can check the JFT Gallery exhibition to compare the actual ceramics with what is written on the book you read.\nOptional Discussion Time: We will share what we have learned\, what we think about the depictions of Japanese arts and culture during the Meiji and/or Edo periods\, favourite moments 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\nWHAT BOOK TO READ?\nA book to bring can be either a physical book\, ebook\, or audiobook that meets the following criteria: \n\nTheme: The JFT Gallery Exhibition “From Edo to Meiji: Transformation of Japanese Ceramics” (i.e.\, fiction\, nonfiction\, or manga about Japanese Ceramics ; fiction\, nonfiction\, or manga portraying Japanese culture and society in Edo (1603-1867) and/or Meiji (1867-1912) periods)\nLanguage: Books can be written in any language (i.e. English\, Japanese\, French) but the book club meeting will be in English.\n\nCheck out JFT Library’s Book Lists to get ideas!  \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPhysical books on Japanese Ceramics and Culture & Life of the Edo/Meiji Period *UPDATED on Jun 11*\nEbooks & audiobooks on Japanese Ceramics and society in Edo and/or Meiji periods *UPDATED on Jun 11*\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYou can either select a book from the JFT Library’s collection\, or bring their own copy from home (can be a book not in JFT library collection if it meets the criteria above). \n\nIf you would like to bring a book that is not in JFT library collection\, please consult us in advance with the book information. (We may consider the book for future library acquisitions. ) *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.\n\nTo get a new JFT library card or to renew your existing card\, please follow the instructions found here. \n\nRelated Programming\nFrom Edo to Meiji: Transformation of Japanese Ceramics –Ceramic exhibition with ROM–\n\n\n\n \nNow – Friday\, June 28\, 2024  \nIn-Person Exhibition| Admission free  \n\n  \n\nThis special presentation of the collection of the Royal Ontario Museum\, Toronto\, reveals that Western modernization and the demand for exports influenced Japanese ceramics during the transitional period of the late Edo period to the Meiji period. \nNow with an additional presentation\, Kutani-ware Display with contributions from Toronto collectors\, dedicated to the victims and survivors of the earthquake on January 1st\, 2024\, in Noto Peninsula\, Ishikawa\, Japan. \n\n\n\n\n\nDetails Here \n\nRoyal Ontario Museum’s Online Collection \nFor those who are unable to visit JFT Gallery in person\, some of the pieces in the exhibition are viewable online on the ROM’s Online Collection\, which is accessible to everyone\, anywhere in the world. \n*List of ROM objects in the JFT Gallery exhibition (PDF with hyperlinks) *UPDATED on Jun 3* \nDetails Here \n\nLiving with Ceramics in Japan: From Edo to Meiji\nThursday\, June 13\, 6:00PM – 7:30PM (ET)Livestream Online Lecture | JFT Youtube Channel | Admission Free | Registration Required \nThis online talk will explore how people in Japan used ceramics during the Edo period\, when the Tokugawa shogunate ruled the archipelago and the samurai held political and military dominance\, and the Meiji period\, when the emperor was symbolically restored to power and modernization transformed the nation. \nRegister here \n  \n\nPrevious Book Clubs\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_edo_meiji_ceramics/
LOCATION:The Japan Foundation\, Toronto\, 2 Bloor St. East\, 3rd Floor\, Toronto\, ON\, M4W 1A8\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Exhibition,Library
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20240604T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20240604T200000
DTSTAMP:20260916T091528
CREATED:20240517T170126Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250617T031748Z
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SUMMARY:A Handful of Salt (film screening)
DESCRIPTION:(c) Hitonigiri Film Partners  \nA Handful of Salt\nひとにぎりの塩\nTuesday\, June 4\, 6:00PM (ET) \nDoors open 5:30PM | Film Screening | In-Person | JFT Event Hall \nDirected by ISHII Kaori • 2011 • Documentary • 90 minutes • Presented in Japanese with English subtitles • Free Admission • Trailer \nA Handful of Salt focuses on the craftspeople who continue to make salt with a technique called “Agehama-shiki” that has been passed down since ancient times\, and the lush natural environment of the northernmost tip of the Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa Prefecture. It is also the feature-length debut of director ISHII Kaori. The process of making salt by collecting sea water and boiling it in a hiragama cauldron temporarily died out during the period of Japan’s rapid economic growth following World War II\, but one family’s efforts to keep it alive has miraculously ensured its continuation. Salt is a vital element of people’s lives. The salt-making artisans who perpetuate their traditions represent a way forward for those of us living in this modern age. \nA Handful of Salt director ISHII Kaori will join us virtually for a livestreamed Q&A session in our event hall after the screening. \nThis screening is a part of our Cinema Umami food film series. \nFree admission. Register below. \n\nThe Japan Foundation\, Toronto is hosting this film screening to honour everyone affected by the Noto Peninsula Earthquake that occurred on January 1\, 2024. For information on how to support recovery and relief efforts in the Noto region in Ishikawa Prefecture\, please refer to donation details in this PDF. \n\nDirector Profile: \n \nISHII Kaori graduated with a degree in philosophy from the University of the Sacred Heart. While working at the Ministry of Education\, Culture\, Science\, Sports and Technology (MEXT) she studied at the Film School of Tokyo after work. \nHer first documentary film\, Sorry Grandma (2005) won the first prize at the Osaka Abeno Human Documentary Film Festival. Her next one\, Chain of Life – The Artistry of Mokuhanzome Kimono (2006)\, depicted Japan’s oldest dyeing technique and was screened in many festivals around the world. She also worked as an assistant to HANEDA Sumiko\, who is one of the most famous documentary filmmakers in Japan. Ishii went on to direct for television before producing her next film\, A Handful of Salt (2011) which received the Best Cinematography prize at Cebu International Documentary Film Festival. \nThe films and programs she directs and produces are on the theme of traditional culture and craftsmanship\, some of which have screened in Japan and abroad. Since 2009\, Ishii has been a regular visitor to the Noto Peninsula and was invited to direct this sake-themed documentary The Genealogy of Sake which has screened at the Milan International Expo 2015 & Hawaii International Film Festival 2016. She was also involved in developing the charm of the region and people of Noto\, many whom she met through the film\, from various perspectives such as food events\, brewery tours\, and workshops.
URL:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/event/handful-of-salt/
LOCATION:The Japan Foundation\, Toronto\, 2 Bloor St. East\, 3rd Floor\, Toronto\, ON\, M4W 1A8\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Film Screening
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20240525T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20240525T203000
DTSTAMP:20260916T091528
CREATED:20240507T204613Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250617T031432Z
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SUMMARY:Hotel Hibiscus (film screening)
DESCRIPTION:Hotel Hibiscus \nSaturday\, May 25\, 6:30PM (ET) \nDoors open 6:00PM | Film Screening | In-Person | JFT Event Hall \nDirected by NAKAE Yuji • 2002 • Comedy / Family • 90 minutes • Presented in Japanese with English subtitles • Trailer \nHotel Hibiscus has only one guest room. At the hotel\, 9-year-old Mieko (HONAMI Kurashita) lives happily with her father (MASAO Teruya)\, her mother (KIMIKO Yo)\, her grandmother (TOMI Taira) and half brother and sister. On her way home from school\, Mieko saves a teenage boy named Notojima (TOSHIHIRO Wada) and he becomes the hotel’s sole guest. Along with her classmates\, Mieko spends her days trying to find Kijimuna—the Forest Fairy. One day\, her mother and half sister depart for America to meet her sister’s real father\, leaving Mieko very busy with all the cooking and cleaning chores at the hotel. She delivers a letter to her father\, who’s working at a pineapple orchard\, and meets a strange old man who calls himself Old Man Kijimuna. She also runs into a girl that looks identical to herself. Mieko’s summer holiday is filled with all sorts of experiences.  \nHotel Hibiscus director NAKAE Yuji will be in attendance for a Q&A conversation following the screening. \nThis screening is a part of our ongoing Keep Dancin’\, Okinawa! film series\, in celebration of Okinawan stories\, culture\, and history. \nFree admission. Register below. \n\nDirector Profile: \n \nNAKAE Yuji (中江裕司)\, born in Kyoto Prefecture in 1960\, moved to Okinawa shortly after beginning his studies of agricultural science at Ryukyu University. As a student\, he began filming with 8 mm. After graduating\, he founded the film production company Panali Pictures in 1988. He was one of the directors of the omnibus film Pineapple Tours (1992)\, which was shown at the Berlin International Film Festival. His feature-length films Nabbie’s Love (1999)\, Hotel Hibiscus (2002) and The Zen Diary (2022) were internationally successful. Apart from directing feature films\, he is also active in the field of documentary films and theater. —Nippon Connection \n\n \n 
URL:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/event/hotel-hibiscus/
LOCATION:The Japan Foundation\, Toronto\, 2 Bloor St. East\, 3rd Floor\, Toronto\, ON\, M4W 1A8\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Film Screening
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20240525T103000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20240525T163000
DTSTAMP:20260916T091528
CREATED:20240516T225044Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240523T233923Z
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SUMMARY:Doors Open Toronto 2024: Timeless Japan
DESCRIPTION:The Japan Foundation\, Toronto is back for the city’s annual Doors Open event! We will be opening our doors on Saturday\, May 25 and Sunday\, May 26\, along with more than 100 other buildings and sites across Toronto. This year’s Doors Open Toronto the theme is “Hidden Histories\,” and we are pleased present our all-ages programming under the banner of Timeless Japan for everyone to enjoy. \nWe will be open from 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM on both days. Drop-ins are more than welcome! \nJoin us for a special weekend filled with animated films\, Japanese ceramics\, library games\, and fun for the whole family! \nStay updated with us by following us on social media (Instagram\, Facebook\, Twitter) and subscribe to our weekly newsletter. \nFull Details Here  \n\n \n\n 
URL:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/event/doorsopen2024/2024-05-25/
LOCATION:The Japan Foundation\, Toronto\, 2 Bloor St. East\, 3rd Floor\, Toronto\, ON\, M4W 1A8\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Film Screening,Library,Other JFT Events
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20240521T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20240521T200000
DTSTAMP:20260916T091528
CREATED:20240425T151520Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240521T145233Z
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SUMMARY:Kominka Projects: Regional Rejuvenation through Tourism
DESCRIPTION:“Kominka Projects: Regional Rejuvenation through Tourism” talk event on May 21 is now fully booked and registration is closed. There will be no waiting list. However\, we will have an in-person waiting line before the event on a first-come\, first-served basis for cancelled seats. We cannot guarantee your admittance\, but if you are willing to take a chance\, please join the line. \n \nJapan is facing a problem of empty/abandoned houses (“Akiya”) as a result of aging\, a low birthrate\, and depopulation. This is particularly prevalent in rural areas as the younger generation move towards urban parts of the country\, leaving behind empty houses with a risk of unlawful occupation\, animal infestation\, and structural collapse. In 2023\, there were an estimated 10 million vacant houses and apartments across Japan. \nMany destinations around the world have remodeled such abandoned homes and buildings into tourist attractions. In Japan\, this strategy has become increasingly important in the revival of Akiya. Among these Akiya\, 100-300 year old Kominka (old folk houses) are gaining popularity as buildings to be remodeled and renovated for use in community rejuvenation projects. \nTelevision programs and Internet sites feature Kominka Cafés\, Machiya (townhouses) Restaurants and Kominka Hot Spring hotels. These revitalisation projects in rural areas have not only attracted increasing numbers of tourists\, but have also helped protect historical townscapes and been a source of community development. The remodeled buildings come with modern conveniences while offering tourists a view of historic rural Japan. This revitalization of rural villages are also attracting young urbanites to return and pursue the countryside life which\, now\, also offers a livelihood. \n\n \nThe Speaker\nDr. Atsuko Hashimoto is a Professor in the Department of Geography and Tourism Studies\, Brock University\, Canada. Her research interests are human aspects of tourism development\, especially in Japan. She has researched Heritage tourism\, Japanese culinary traditions and tourism\, agriculture and tourism\, and Green Tourism projects\, Human Rights in Tourism\, and Anime Tourism. She also teaches courses about using tourism as a tool for community development.
URL:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/event/kominka-projects-regional-rejuvenation-through-tourism/
LOCATION:The Japan Foundation\, Toronto\, 2 Bloor St. East\, 3rd Floor\, Toronto\, ON\, M4W 1A8\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Lecture
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20240512T133000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20240512T133000
DTSTAMP:20260916T091528
CREATED:20240424T160000Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240509T201023Z
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SUMMARY:Q&A with Manga Artist SHIRAHAMA Kamome @ JFT - Toronto Comic Arts Festival 2024
DESCRIPTION:Co-presented by Toronto Comic Arts Festival and The Japan Foundation\, Toronto. \nJoin us to welcome SHIRAHAMA Kamome\, an esteemed manga artist of the award-winning series\, Witch Hat Atelier! Ms. Shirahama is stopping by JFT on Sunday\, May 12\, as a featured guest of Toronto Comic Arts Festival 2024 (May 11-12\, 2024).  \nDate/Time: Sunday\, May 12 1:30 – 2:30 PM \nVenue: The Japan Foundation\, Toronto Event Hall (Suite 300\, 2 Bloor Street East\, Toronto M4W 1A8) \nAdmission: Free – RSVP required \nClick here to see PDF file of artist details\, book list and TCAF related event info. \n*The event has a strict NO PHOTO / NO VIDEO / NO RECORDING policy. Please refrain from using any recording devices\, including cameras and smartphones during the event. \nRSVP here  \n“The Q&A event is now fully booked and registration is closed. There will be no waiting list.  However\, on the day of the event\, we will have an in-person waiting line starting 30 minutes before the event on a first-come\, first-served basis for cancelled/no-show seats. We cannot guarantee your admittance\, but if you are willing to take a chance\, please join the line. \n*SHIRAHAMA Kamome will be having a signing session at JFT Library after the Q&A event. Please note that the ticket for the Q&A event above will NOT guarantee your spot for the signing session. *NEW* Details on the signing session are now available on TCAF’s website (https://www.torontocomics.com/post/shirahama-tcaf).  \nFor Kamome Shirahama’s full schedule at Toronto Comic Arts Festival 2024\, visit https://www.torontocomics.com/ \n \n \nSHIRAHAMA Kamome \nKamome Shirahama is the author of the fan-favorite and critically acclaimed manga series Witch Hat Atelier\, serialized beginning in 2016 and published in English and Japanese by Kodansha. Witch Hat Atelier won the 2020 Eisner Award for Best U.S. Edition of International Material—Asia\, and in 2020\, the series won the Harvey Award for the Best Manga category . A food-focused spin-off series\, Witch Hat Atelier Kitchen\, by Hiromi Sato and created by Kamome Shirahama began English-language publication in 2023. A graduate of the design department of the Tokyo University of the Arts\, Shirahama lives in Tokyo\, Japan. As a freelance illustrator\, Shirahama has created numerous cover illustrations for DC Comics and Marvel Comics\, including Star Wars: Doctor Aphra\, Star Wars: The last Jedi\, Batgirl and the Birds of Prey. \n \nWitch Hat Atelier  (原書:『とんがり帽子のアトリエ』) \nWritten and illustrated by SHIRAHAMA Kamome\nTranslated by Stephen Kohler\nPublished by Kodansha USA Publishing\, LLC\, 2019-2024 (ongoing) \nIn a world where everyone takes wonders like magic spells and dragons for granted\, Coco is a girl with a simple dream: She wants to be a witch. But everybody knows magicians are born\, not made\, and Coco was not born with a gift for magic. Resigned to her un-magical life\, Coco is about to give up on her dream to become a witch…until the day she meets Qifrey\, a mysterious\, traveling magician. After secretly seeing Qifrey perform magic in a way she’s never seen before\, Coco soon learns what everybody “knows” might not be the truth\, and discovers that her magical dream may not be as far away as it may seem… (from Publisher’s website) \n  \n \nEniale & Dewiela  (原書:『エニデヴィ』) \nWritten and illustrated by SHIRAHAMA Kamome\nTranslated by Caleb Cook\nLettering by Abigail Blackman\nPublished by Yen Press\, LLC\, 2020-2021\nAge Rating: OT (Older Teen) \n  \nEniale and Dewiela’s friendship has been peppered with bouts of intense squabbling and bickering-usually at the expense of innocent bystanders. Eni’s latest “get rich quick” scheme and Dewi’s “get souls quick” con seem destined to blow up as spectacularly as the many that have come before. But when the dust settles\, the angel and the demon always emerge-fab\, fashionable\, and the best of friends!! (from Publisher’s website) \n \n*Witch Hat Atelier\, Volume 1-11 (physical copies & ebooks)\, and the Japanese version of Witch Hat Atelier (『とんがり帽子のアトリエ』)\, Volume 1 – 13 (physical copies) by SHIRAHAMA Kamome are available at JFT Library (Physical copies are in-library use only until May 12)! Search JFT Library’s Online Catalogue or JF Digital Library (ebooks) to see if the items are available to borrow or to place a hold. \nTo get a new library card or to renew your existing card\, please follow the instructions found here. \nBorrow Ebook       Email Library to place hold (physical copy)  \n \n  \n \nClick here for more information>
URL:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/event/tcaf-2024-shirahama-kamome/
LOCATION:The Japan Foundation\, Toronto\, 2 Bloor St. East\, 3rd Floor\, Toronto\, ON\, M4W 1A8\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Community Events,Library
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20240510T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20240510T193000
DTSTAMP:20260916T091528
CREATED:20240422T133524Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240427T182745Z
UID:93193-1715364000-1715369400@tr.jpf.go.jp
SUMMARY:Sakura at ROM: Cherry Blossoms in the Japanese Collection
DESCRIPTION:“Sakura at ROM” talk event on May 10 is now fully booked and registration is closed. There will be no waiting list. However\, on the day of the event\, we will have an in-person waiting line starting 60 minutes before the event on a first-come\, first-served basis for cancelled seats. We cannot guarantee your admittance\, but if you are willing to take a chance\, please join the line. \n \nIn-person event with slide presentation and Q&A\nCo-presented with the Consulate-General of Japan in Toronto\, in celebration of springtime and the cherry blossom season\n \nSakura at ROM: Cherry Blossoms in the Japanese Collection\nby Dr. TAKESUE Akiko Bishop White Committee Associate Curator of Japanese Art & Culture\, Royal Ontario Museum \nFriday\, May 10\, 6:00 – 7:30PM (ET)\nDoors open 5:30PM | Japan Foundation\, Toronto Event Hall\nPresented in English | Free admission\nRSVP Required | Please register below \n  \n  \nCherry blossoms—sakura in Japanese—have been one of the most familiar flowers in Japanese life since ancient times to the present\, with a symbolic meaning unique to them. While cherry blossom viewing has become a global phenomenon of the spring season\, including in Toronto\, a variety of works of art with the sakura motif from ROM’s Japanese collection—from paintings\, prints\, and photographs\, to ceramics\, lacquer ware\, and even arms—will attest to the significance of the flower in Japanese culture. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRe-conceived re-productions of Hiroshige’s Sakura-themed prints from JFT collection to be displayed for this occasion at The Japan Foundation\, Toronto
URL:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/event/sakura-at-rom-cherry-blossoms-in-the-japanese-collection/
LOCATION:The Japan Foundation\, Toronto\, 2 Bloor St. East\, 3rd Floor\, Toronto\, ON\, M4W 1A8\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Lecture,Other JFT Events
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20240430T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20240430T203000
DTSTAMP:20260916T091528
CREATED:20240410T172411Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240430T171553Z
UID:92691-1714500000-1714509000@tr.jpf.go.jp
SUMMARY:The Makioka Sisters (film screening)
DESCRIPTION:The Makioka Sisters\n細雪 \nTuesday\, April 30\, 6:00PM (ET) \nDoors open 5:00PM | Film Screening | In-Person | JFT Event Hall \nDirected by KON Ichikawa • 1983 • Drama / Romance • 140 minutes • Presented in Japanese with English subtitles • Trailer \n“The Makioka Sisters“ film screening on April 30 is now fully booked and registration is closed. There will be no waiting list.  However\, on the day of the event\, we will have an in-person waiting line starting 60 minutes before the event on a first-come\, first-served basis for cancelled seats. We cannot guarantee your admittance\, but if you are willing to take a chance\, please join the line. \nThis lyrical adaptation of the beloved novel by TANIZAKI Junichiro was a late-career triumph for director ICHIKAWA Kon. Structured around the changing of the seasons\, The Makioka Sisters (細雪 / Sasame-yuki) follows the lives of four siblings who have taken on their family’s kimono manufacturing business\, in the years leading up to the Pacific War. The two oldest have been married for some time\, but according to tradition\, the rebellious youngest sister cannot wed until the third\, conservative and terribly shy\, finds a husband. This graceful study of a family at a turning point in history is a poignant evocation of changing times and fading customs\, shot in rich\, vivid colors.\n—The Criterion Channel\n \nCo-presented with the Consulate-General of Japan in Toronto\, in celebration of springtime and cherry blossom season. \nFree admission. Register below. \n\nDirector Profile: \n \nBorn in 1915\, ICHIKAWA Kon was a world-renowned Japanese film director who was credited with introducing Western-style comedy to Japan in the 1950s. Later in his career\, Ichikawa’s work became concerned with more-serious subjects such as antiwar sentiment. \nIchikawa graduated from the Ichioka Commercial School in Ōsaka. He made his first motion picture\, Musume Dojo-ji (The Girl at Dojo Temple)\, a puppet drama based on a traditional Kabuki play\, in 1946 for the Shintōhō Motion Picture Company. Sambyaku rokujūgo ya (1948; Three Hundred and Sixty-five Nights) was his first big box-office success. He collaborated with his wife\, WADA Natto\, a screenwriter\, on the screenplays for many of his early films. \nIn the 1950s\, Ichikawa and Wada developed the genre of the verbally witty comedy in Japan in such films as Ashi ni sawatta onna (1953; The Woman Who Touched the Legs)\, a remake of an earlier silent comedy\, and Pū-san (1953; Mr. Pū). Two of Ichikawa’s later features\, Biruma no tategoto (1956; The Burmese Harp) and Nobi (1959; Fires on the Plain)\, are strong antiwar statements. Of the films that followed\, Kagi (1959; Odd Obsession)\, Yukinojō henge (1963; An Actor’s Revenge)\, and Matatabi (1973; The Wanderers) are notable for Ichikawa’s delicate treatment of the material and the strikingly beautiful visual composition of each scene. \nOne of his greatest achievements was the documentary Tōkyō Orimpikku (1965; Tokyo Olympiad)\, in which he emphasized the attitudes and responses of the spectators and competitors over the outcome of the events. His later work included a television serialization of The Tale of Genji and a number of popular suspense melodramas.
URL:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/event/the-makioka-sisters/
LOCATION:The Japan Foundation\, Toronto\, 2 Bloor St. East\, 3rd Floor\, Toronto\, ON\, M4W 1A8\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Film Screening
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20240424T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20240424T200000
DTSTAMP:20260916T091528
CREATED:20240312T190619Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240409T185602Z
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SUMMARY:Mantles of Transience with live Q&A (film screening)
DESCRIPTION:Mantles of Transience  うつろいの時をまとう \n \nWednesday\, April 24\, 6:00 PM (ET)\nDoors open 6:00 PM | Film Screening | JFT Event Hall \nDirected by MIYAKE Nagaru • 2022 • Documentary / Fashion • 95 minutes • Presented in Japanese with English subtitles • Trailer \nCreated by a couple of Japanese fashion designers\, the clothing brand matohu fuses innovative designs with the traditional Japanese concept of beauty. In a series of beautiful images\, Mantles of Transience takes you from the artists’ workshop to nature\, where they find inspiration. Their goal? Highlighting the hidden beauty in everyday life\, which we tend to overlook. Witness the production of their latest collection\, Nagori\, and learn about the rewarding life philosophy behind this one-of-a-kind fashion brand. \nIn-person film screening to be followed by a live Q&A with the founders of matohu\, Mr. HORIHATA Hiroyuki and Ms. SEKIGUCHI Makiko. \n\nDesigners’ Profile:\n\n\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n©GROUP GENDAI FILMS CO.\, LTD. \nHORIHATA Hiroyuki\, after finishing Graduate School at the Doshisha University\, and\nSEKIGUCHU Makiko\, after graduating from the Kyorin University\, both took the Men’s Design course offered under the Apparel Design program in the Bunka Fashion College.\n1998: After graduating\, they worked for 5 years as pattern makers at COMME des GARCONS and Yohji Yamamoto.\n2003: Both resigned and moved to UK and started working for London based designer Bora Aksu’s 04-05 A/W collection.\n2005: Launched own brand matohu and started participating in Japan Fashion Week from 2006.\n2009: Received the Mainichi Fashion Grand Prix New Designer Award and the Shiseido Sponsorship Award. \n\nAbout matohu:\n\n\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n©GROUP GENDAI FILMS CO.\, LTD. \nmatohu (まとふ pronounced ma-tou) has two meanings. One is the Japanese word matou\, which refers to clothes softly draping or wrapping the body.\nThe other is matou\, the volitional form of the Japanese verb for wait (matsu) with the meaning of “let’s wait.” Instead of consuming and discarding things\, matohu calls on people to wait until their own sense of aesthetics has matured.\nWith the concept of creating new clothes that sustain the Japanese sense of aesthetics\, matohu offers designs born from the history\, culture\, and terroir of Japan in original styles authentic to the Japanese experience. \n\nDirector Profile: \n©GROUP GENDAI FILMS CO.\, LTD.\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \nBorn ​1974 in Japan. While still studying at Tama Art University\, MIYAKE Nagaru created experimental films in pursuit of physicality and participated in film festivals in and outside Japan. Since 1995\, he has been directing documentary films about traditional performing arts and the communities such traditions are rooted in. He continues to pursue the possibilities of the communication and physicality in the physical express
URL:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/event/mantles-of-transience-with-live-qa-film-screening/
LOCATION:The Japan Foundation\, Toronto\, 2 Bloor St. East\, 3rd Floor\, Toronto\, ON\, M4W 1A8\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Film Screening
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GEO:43.6710659;-79.3857432
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20240424T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20240424T150000
DTSTAMP:20260916T091528
CREATED:20240313T030133Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240323T141650Z
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SUMMARY:Designers’ talk by matohu in Toronto
DESCRIPTION:Aesthetics and Handicraft – The Design Philosophy of matohu – \n美意識と手仕事　– matohuのデザイン哲学について – \nWednesday\, April 24\, 2024 @ 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM\nRSVP Required | Talk Event | @ The Japan Foundation\, Toronto (2 Bloor St. East\, Toronto\, Ontario) \n\nEvery country has its unique climate and natural features\, to which accordingly it develops its suitable food culture\, architecture\, craft works\, and performing arts. Clothing also always embodies cultural values which reflect the distinctive characteristics of those places. Clothes have been produced based on the aesthetics which have gone through continuous sophistication in the course of a long history. \nBut when did we start to call this versatile clothing culture simply “Fashion”? “Fashion” must not be the name of an existing thing\, but just a noun to describe a phenomenon. \nUnique aesthetics with tremendous originality and handicraft which materialize the aesthetics can be lost first in modernization and globalization. While clothing has been downgraded as the equal of fashion for a long time\, let’s re-examine our clothing culture as a representation of each culture anew. \nMatohu（まとふ）has continued to question these fundamental issues between clothing and culture through our clothes. By introducing our work of matohu as examples\, we will share our pursuit of versatility and sustainability which all of us\, both in Canada or Japan\, desperately need in upcoming times. \nAbout the aesthetics\, the “Japanese Eye （日本の眼）” series will provide examples. The talk will be delivered with video clips\, conceptual images\, and original textile/clothes. \nAbout the handicraft\, the “Journey from Palms of Hands （手のひらの旅）” series will give examples. The talk will be delivered with video clips\, an explanation of the history and current status of each craft\, and the actual results of collaboration with matohu. \n– HORIHATA Hiroyuki\, SEKIGUCHI Makiko\, matohu designers\, March 2024
URL:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/event/designers-talk/
LOCATION:The Japan Foundation\, Toronto\, 2 Bloor St. East\, 3rd Floor\, Toronto\, ON\, M4W 1A8\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Talk Event
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20240409T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20240409T194000
DTSTAMP:20260916T091528
CREATED:20240327T233647Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240619T213627Z
UID:92822-1712685600-1712691600@tr.jpf.go.jp
SUMMARY:DownTown Dance (film screening)
DESCRIPTION:DownTown Dance\n歌えマチグヮー (utae machigwaa) \nTuesday\, April 9\, 6:00PM (ET) \nDoors open 5:30PM | Film Screening | In-Person | JFT Event Hall \nDirected by NITTA Yoshitaka • 2012 • Documentary • 89 minutes • Presented in Japanese with English subtitles • Trailer \nIn the Okinawan dialect\, the word for market is “machigwaa”\, which is used aptly in the film’s original Japanese title.  \nDownTown Dance follows the passionate residents of a shopping district in Naha City\, Okinawa Prefecture. Once a lively market thriving for over 60 years\, the district has lost its energy over time. The documentary sheds light on the volunteers who strive to revitalize the market\, using “music” as their main approach. In a time when the hollowing out of cities is being decried\, the locals are fighting to restore urban vitality and to keep their district open. The market gradually comes to life with the Sakae-machi Market Night Stall Festival. At the centre of it all are the “Oba Rappers”\, a trio of ladies who are leading the way in bringing music and dance to their town. \nThis the first screening in our upcoming Keep Dancin’\, Okinawa! film series. Stay tuned for more announcements! \nFree admission. Register below. \n\nPre-screening sanshin performance:\nSanshin musicians SHINZATO Kano and and SHIMADA Sakura will be performing Okinawan songs before the film to kick off our film series with traditional music. Together with HIGA Natsuyo\, the trio are part of a newly formed music group “Tororo.” \nThe sanshin (三線) is an Okinawan musical instrument and precursor of the mainland Japanese shamisen (三味線). Often likened to a banjo\, it consists of a snakeskin-covered body\, neck and three strings. \n\nMany thanks to our community partner\, the Toronto Kyuyokai (Okinawa Kenjinkai)\, for their support! The Toronto Kyuyokai is an association comprised of Okinawan immigrants\, descendants and those who have an interest in all things Okinawan. \n\nDirector Profile: \n \nBorn in Tokyo\, NITTA Yoshitaka graduated from Keio University and joined NHK in 1992.  \nIn 2009\, he became independent and established his own video production company\, Eurasia Vision\, and continues to produce documentaries in a variety of media including television and film. \n  \n\n 
URL:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/event/downtown-dance/
LOCATION:The Japan Foundation\, Toronto\, 2 Bloor St. East\, 3rd Floor\, Toronto\, ON\, M4W 1A8\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Film Screening
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20240404T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20240404T193000
DTSTAMP:20260916T091528
CREATED:20240321T173620Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250617T031650Z
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SUMMARY:Come Back Anytime (film screening)
DESCRIPTION:Come Back Anytime\nまた いらっしゃい \nThursday\, April 4\, 6:00PM (ET) \nDoors open 5:30PM | Film Screening | In-Person | JFT Event Hall \nDirected by John Daschbach • 2021 • Documentary • 81 minutes • Presented in Japanese with English subtitles • Trailer \nJoin us to celebrate National Ramen Day with our screening of Come Back Anytime! This is the first film in our food-themed series\, Cinema Umami. Stay tuned for further announcements. \nSelf-taught ramen master UEDA Masamoto and his wife Kazuko have run their Tokyo ramen shop\, Bizentei for more than forty years. Together with their customers\, they have created a welcoming place of community. On the weekends\, they venture together across the Japanese countryside\, harvesting pears\, bamboo shoots\, and wild mountain yams.  \nAn intimate portrait of Japan’s culture of food\, community\, and work\, Come Back Anytime features gorgeous scenery\, mouth-watering dishes\, and a delightful cast of regular customers. It’s a heartwarming reminder of life’s simplest pleasures: a delicious meal\, relaxed conversations with friends\, and a special place to call one’s own.  \nFree admission. Register below. \n\nDirector Profile: \nJohn Daschbach is a Tokyo-based American filmmaker who fell in love with film at the Dartmouth College Film Society while growing up in Hanover\, New Hampshire. After studying literature in college\, he dove into film editing while studying with legendary editor\, Ralph Rosenblum at Columbia University. After embracing the digital revolution of the late 90s\, he’s been making independent films\, and editing others’\, ever since. Come Back Anytime is his second feature\, first documentary\, and first cinematography credit. \n 
URL:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/event/come-back-anytime/
LOCATION:The Japan Foundation\, Toronto\, 2 Bloor St. East\, 3rd Floor\, Toronto\, ON\, M4W 1A8\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Film Screening
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20240323T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20240323T153000
DTSTAMP:20260916T091528
CREATED:20240212T173920Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240516T202801Z
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SUMMARY:29th Annual Katari Japanese Storytelling Festival – After Every Storm Comes a Rainbow –
DESCRIPTION:  \nThe recording of the event is now available on the YouTube channel of Katari Japanese Storytellers!  \n \n  \nStep into a world of enchanting Japanese tales at our traditional storytelling event\, celebrating Japanese culture through captivating narratives\, folk songs\, and musical performances! \nAlthough the pandemic prevented us from holding in-person events for the past five years\, Katari has evolved into a cherished tradition\, spreading Japanese folklore\, creativity\, and language to the diverse communities of Canada. The Katari Japanese Storytellers’ programme showcases family-friendly traditional Japanese stories in English. This year’s theme\, “After every storm comes a rainbow” (「待てば海路の日和あり」) promises a celebration of resilience\, hope\, and the triumph of positivity in the face of challenges. \n\nAudience: General (6 yrs old and above) \nAdmission: Free (RSVP required) \nWheelchair Accessibility: Yes \n\nProgramme:\n\n「座敷わらし」菊池幸工 / Tatami Room Boy by Koko Kikuchi\n「山姥（やまんば）」田中裕介 / Mountain Woman by Yusuke Tanaka\n「さくらさくら」唄：白藤青湖 / Song Sakura Sakura by Seiko Shirafuji    「春の海」琴：藤井愛子/ Koto solo The Spring Ocean by Aiko Fujii-休憩- Intermission\n グループ 弥栄 による民謡演奏 / Folk song performance by the group Iyasaka      「こきりこ節」/ Kokiriko-bushi      「津軽甚句」/ Tsugaru Jinku      唄と小太鼓：秦佐千子 / Vocal & Framedrum by Sachiko Hata\,       津軽三味線と尺八：Gerry McGoldrick /Tsugaru-shamisen & Shakuhachi by Gerry McGoldrick\,       津軽三味線：Martin Posen / Tsugaru-shamisen by Martin Posen\n「浦島太郎」森俊樹 / Urashima Taro by Toshiki Mori\n「無手勝流」梅沢ルイ / The Art of Fighting Without Fighting by Rui Umezawa\n\n*The event closing time may be extended by 10-15 minutes depending on the progress of the programme.　 \n\nJFT Library is open from 11:30 am to 4:30 pm to the public on Saturday\, March 23. Feel free to explore our physical collection\, with complimentary tea! Apply for a new JFT library card or renew your expired card here. \n\nStorytellers\n Sachiko Hata Born in Hyogo\, Japan\, Sachiko is an active community worker and singer at various local community events and she loves painting and teaching Etegami (picture card) craft\, while practicing Voice Yoga everyday. \n\n Koko Kikuchi Born in Tohoku\, the northeast of Japan\, Koko has been involved in Katari since its inception. He specializes in the folktales of his native region of Iwate\, Northern Japan. \n\n Toshiki Mori Toshiki started his career as storyteller of Kamishibai in Toronto and was invited to the Japan Festival 2020 in Ottawa. He currently lives in Yamagata\, Japan and has been actively performing at libraries and schools. \n\n Seiko Shirafuji Born in Yamaguchi Prefecture\, she is a singer and folk dancer and a retired medical doctor. Seiko has been performing in community events and local festivals since 1995. \n\n Yusuke Tanaka A veteran translator\, writer\, director of the Katari since 1994. He has been telling his own adaptations of Japanese folklore in many places such as New York\, Seoul\, Kyoto\, Tokyo and Sapporo. \n\n Rui Umezawa A Toronto writer and storyteller. His novel\, The Truth About Death and Dying was shortlisted for the Commonwealth Book Prize for Best First Book. His past participation in Katari inspired his latest publication\, Strange Tales Afar: Tales of the Supernatural from Old Japan. \n\nMusicians\n Aiko Fujii Started learning koto\, shamisen and jiuta at an early age. She holds a koto teacher’s diploma in the Ikuta school from the Kyoto Todokai. Since 2017\, she has experienced many concerts abroad\, collaborative ensembles with other genres and teaching. \n\n Gerry McGoldrick He has been involved with traditional Japanese music for over thirty years\, and has played shamisen and shakuhachi in a variety of styles in Japan and Canada. A professor at Toronto Metropolitan University. \n\n Martin Posen He is an acoustic guitarist and composer and is currently studying Minyo and Tsugaru shamisen with Omodaka Akiko. \n\nCo-presented by\n  \nSupported by\n\n\n\n\nRegistration\nThis event is now fully booked\, and registration is closed. Rush tickets will be available at the entrance on day of the event.
URL:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/event/katari-storytelling-festival-2024/
LOCATION:The Japan Foundation\, Toronto\, 2 Bloor St. East\, 3rd Floor\, Toronto\, ON\, M4W 1A8\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Community Events,Library,Performance,Talk Event
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20240318T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20240318T193000
DTSTAMP:20260916T091528
CREATED:20240228T191628Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241206T193003Z
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SUMMARY:Ainupuri: Giving Voice to Museum Objects
DESCRIPTION:Ainu were once described and perceived as “exotic” people of Hokkaido (Ainu Mosir in the Ainu)\, in Northern Japan. The Ainu became a very popular research subject both internationally and domestically from the late 19th century to the mid-20th century. Thousands of Ainu objects were collected from Hokkaido\, Sakhalin\, and Kurile islands\, which are now stored in many museums worldwide. \nThis presentation will focus on hidden stories and narratives of the Ainu museum collections from the eye of Dr. Kanako Uzawa\, an Ainu scholar and artist. She will discuss the process and challenges she faces through ongoing Ainu art exhibition curation in collaboration with the University of Michigan Museum of Art. Lastly\, she will introduce her most recent art video production\, Ainupuri\, in which she reconstructs the counter-narratives of Ainu objects stored in the Historical Museum of Oslo University in Norway. This tells her own story in the form of narration\, poetry\, song\, dance\, and performance; these personal and collective histories are mediated by Laura Liverani’s visual storytelling in a constant dialogue between the two artists. \n\n \nKanako UZAWA\nDr. Kanako Uzawa is a Norwegian-based Ainu scholar\, artist\, and advocate. Her work is published internationally by academic journals\, books\, magazines and museums. She engages with a number of academic and international forums\, lectures\, and artistic work on Indigenous identity-making. Her Ph.D. focuses on urban Ainu livelihood and its contemporary expressions based on her auto-ethnography as one of the research methods. She is an Assistant Professor for the Global Station for Indigenous Studies and Cultural Diversity at Hokkaido University in Japan as well as an associated researcher at the Museum of Cultural History at the University of Oslo in Norway. She is also an editorial board member of AlterNative: an International Journal of Indigenous Peoples in New Zealand. As an Ainu dancer and performer\, she recently participated in the Intercultural Indigenous Choreographers Lab at the Banff Centre in Canada. She is currently involved in a curatorial exhibition project on the Ainu contemporary art in collaboration with the University of Michigan Museum of Art in the US. \n\nImages by Laura Liverani; Kanako Uzawa @ Historical Museum\, University of Oslo \n  \n\n \nEnrich Your Understanding of Ainu with JFT Library before/after the event: Ainupuri: Giving Voice to Museum Object \nDiscover the rich cultural tapestry of the Ainu people through our curated collection of JFT Library items\, selected in conjunction with the presentation & film screening event Ainupuri: Giving Voice to Museum Objects on Monday\, March 18. Our event guest presenter Dr. UZAWA Kanako’s insights are informed by her pivotal role as a contributor to the groundbreaking book Beyond Ainu Studies [Ebook]\, which seeks to reinvigorate the landscape of Ainu research; Ainu Spirits Singing [Physical book & Ebook] offers a nuanced study and English translation of Ainu’s rich oral performance traditions; see Ainu culture through the eyes of the characters in the historical fiction manga/anime Golden Kamuy [ebook(EN) & Blu-ray(EN/JP) & physical book(JP)] by NODA Satoru; and more! You can borrow our physical items by visiting JFT library in person during our hours and/or borrow ebooks by accessing JF Canada Digital Library\, available 24/7. \nApply for a new library card or renew your expired card here. \nCheck library item list
URL:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/event/ainupuri-kanako-uzawa/
LOCATION:The Japan Foundation\, Toronto\, 2 Bloor St. East\, 3rd Floor\, Toronto\, ON\, M4W 1A8\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Film Screening,Lecture
ORGANIZER;CN="The Japan Foundation%2C Toronto":MAILTO:info_jftoronto@jpf.go.jp
GEO:43.6710659;-79.3857432
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20240305T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20240305T200000
DTSTAMP:20260916T091528
CREATED:20240215T154635Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250617T031515Z
UID:91952-1709661600-1709668800@tr.jpf.go.jp
SUMMARY:The Genealogy of Sake (film screening)
DESCRIPTION:The Genealogy of Sake\n一献の系譜\nTuesday\, March 5\, 6:00PM (ET) \nDoors open 5:30PM | Film Screening | In-Person | JFT Event Hall \nDirected by ISHII Kaori • 2015 • Documentary • 108 minutes • Presented in Japanese with English subtitles • Free Admission \nA glass of Japanese sake (sah-keh) is filled with the spirit of the Japanese sake brewers\, or toji. The history of Japanese sake goes back to 2000 years ago\, and its brewing process is extremely detailed and complex. This documentary film follows the lives of artisans who pass on the heritage of brewing the perfect drop of sake. \nThe Genealogy of Sake was filmed in the bio-geographically diverse Noto peninsula\, Ishikawa prefecture. The agricultural system of this region is certified as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System\, and people live together sustainably with nature. To take a deeper look into Japanese sake brewing\, the documentary follows the intense six month period of sake production and focuses on the lives and artistry of the Noto Peninsula toji\, and the close connection they have with their environment\, the past and their future. \n(c) Ikkon Film Partners \nFree admission. Register below. \n\nThe Japan Foundation\, Toronto is hosting this film screening to honour everyone affected by the Noto Peninsula Earthquake that occurred on January 1\, 2024. For information on how to support recovery and relief efforts in the Noto region in Ishikawa Prefecture\, please refer to donation details in this PDF. \nAll sake breweries featured in The Genealogy of Sake have been damaged in some way by the Noto Earthquake. We have compiled a list of the breweries\, their status\, and related news articles in this information sheet.  \n\nDirector Profile: \n \nISHII Kaori graduated with a degree in philosophy from the University of the Sacred Heart. While working at the Ministry of Education\, Culture\, Science\, Sports and Technology (MEXT) she studied at the Film School of Tokyo after work. \nHer first documentary film\, Sorry Grandma (2005) won the first prize at the Osaka Abeno Human Documentary Film Festival. Her next one\, Chain of Life – The Artistry of Mokuhanzome Kimono (2006)\, depicted Japan’s oldest dyeing technique and was screened in many festivals around the world. She also worked as an assistant to HANEDA Sumiko\, who is one of the most famous documentary filmmakers in Japan. Ishii went on to direct for television before producing her next film\, A Handful of Salt (2011) which received the Best Cinematography prize at Cebu International Documentary Film Festival. \nThe films and programs she directs and produces are on the theme of traditional culture and craftsmanship\, some of which have screened in Japan and abroad. Since 2009\, Ishii has been a regular visitor to the Noto Peninsula and was invited to direct this sake-themed documentary The Genealogy of Sake which has screened at the Milan International Expo 2015 & Hawaii International Film Festival 2016. She was also involved in developing the charm of the region and people of Noto\, many whom she met through the film\, from various perspectives such as food events\, brewery tours\, and workshops. \n\nThe genealogy of the four sake kings of Noto: \n \n 
URL:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/event/genealogy-of-sake-noto/
LOCATION:The Japan Foundation\, Toronto\, 2 Bloor St. East\, 3rd Floor\, Toronto\, ON\, M4W 1A8\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Film Screening
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20240222T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20240222T194500
DTSTAMP:20260916T091528
CREATED:20240205T190538Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250617T031521Z
UID:91599-1708626600-1708631100@tr.jpf.go.jp
SUMMARY:100 Yen: The Japanese Arcade Experience (film screening)
DESCRIPTION:100 Yen: The Japanese Arcade Experience\nThursday\, February 22\, 6:30PM (ET) \nDoors open 6:00PM | Film Screening | In-Person | JFT Event Hall \nDirected by Brad Crawford • 2012 • Documentary • 68 minutes • Presented in English & Japanese with English subtitles • Free Admission • Trailer \nINSERT COIN. BLOW YOUR MIND.  \nImagine a world where video games reign supreme. Five story buildings filled with arcade cabinets\, old and new\, inundate the streets. Welcome to downtown Tokyo\, Japan. A place where the arcades of the 80s and 90s not only still exist\, but thrive and have evolved into an elaborate\, unmatchable gaming experience. 100 Yen is a historical documentary about the evolution of arcades and the culture surrounding it – from the birth of arcades to the game centers that still thrive today. With a predominant focus on the three major arcade genres\, Shooting games\, Fighting games and Rhythm games\, 100 Yen explores the culture and evolution of arcades through the past and present. Featuring interviews with industry professionals\, game programmers and designers\, casual gamers and gaming icons from Japan\, Canada\, and the USA. \nFree admission. Register below. \n\nDirector Profile: \n \nBrad Crawford is an award-winning Canadian filmmaker born and raised in Winnipeg. He works alongside his business partner BJ Verot (filmmaker/stuntman) and together they create genre-films under the banner of Strata Studios\, which they both co-founded. Brad is the tech specialist of Strata Studios\, in charge of editing and post production as well as various camera technologies. When Brad isn’t on set\, he’s busy trying to teach his two kids Japanese and trying to finish reading that book he started a couple months ago.  \n 
URL:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/event/100-yen/
LOCATION:The Japan Foundation\, Toronto\, 2 Bloor St. East\, 3rd Floor\, Toronto\, ON\, M4W 1A8\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Film Screening
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20240215T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20240215T201500
DTSTAMP:20260916T091528
CREATED:20240209T181131Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240212T171800Z
UID:91785-1708020000-1708028100@tr.jpf.go.jp
SUMMARY:Mantles of Transience (film screening)
DESCRIPTION:EVENT UPDATE! This event is now fully booked.  Please check this page frequently to see if registrations become available. Rush line will be available on the day of the screening starting at 5:30 PM\, and tickets will be released to rush line on a first-come first-serve basis. \n \n\nMantles of Transience  うつろいの時をまとう \n\n\n\nThursday\, February 15\, 6:00 PM (ET)Doors open 5:30 PM | Film Screening | JFT Event Hall \n\n\n\n\n\nDirected by MIYAKE Nagaru • 2022 • Documentary / Fashion • 95 minutes • Presented in Japanese with English subtitles • Trailer \n\n\n\nCreated by a couple of Japanese fashion designers\, the clothing brand matohu fuses innovative designs with the traditional Japanese concept of beauty. In a series of beautiful images\, Mantles of Transience takes you from the artists’ workshop to nature\, where they find inspiration. Their goal? Highlighting the hidden beauty in everyday life\, which we tend to overlook. Witness the production of their latest collection\, Nagori\, and learn about the rewarding life philosophy behind this one-of-a-kind fashion brand. \n\n\n\nIn-person film screening to be followed by a livestream Q&A with the founders of matohu\, Mr. HORIHATA Hiroyuki and Ms. SEKIGUCHI Makiko. Livestream Q&A will be broadcast in the JFT Event Hall. \n\nDesigners’ Profile: \n\n\n\n\n			\n				\n			\n		\n©GROUP GENDAI FILMS CO.\, LTD.\n        \n                \n                    \n                \n                \n\n©GROUP GENDAI FILMS CO.\, LTD.\n\n\n                \n\n©GROUP GENDAI FILMS CO.\, LTD.\n\n\n                \n        \n\n\n\nHORIHATA Hiroyuki\, after finishing Graduate School at the Doshisha University\, and SEKIGUCHU Makiko\, after graduating from the Kyorin University\, both took the Men’s Design course offered under the Apparel Design program in the Bunka Fashion College. \n\n\n\n1998: After graduating\, they worked for 5 years as pattern makers at COMME des GARCONS and Yohji Yamamoto\, respectively. 2003: Both resigned and moved to UK and started working for London based designer Bora Aksu’s 04-05 A/W collection. 2005: Launched own brand matohu and started participating in Japan Fashion Week from 2006. 2009: Received the Mainichi Fashion Grand Prix New Designer Award and the Shiseido Sponsorship Award. \n\n\n\n\n\nAbout matohu: \n\n\n\n\n			\n				\n			\n		\n©GROUP GENDAI FILMS CO.\, LTD.\n        \n                \n                    \n                \n                \n\n©GROUP GENDAI FILMS CO.\, LTD.\n\n\n                \n\n©GROUP GENDAI FILMS CO.\, LTD.\n\n\n                \n        \n\n\n\nmatohu (pronounced ma-tou) has two meanings. One is the Japanese word matou\, which refers to clothes softly draping or wrapping the body. \n\n\n\nThe other is matou\, the volitional form of the Japanese verb for wait (matsu) with the meaning of “let’s wait.” Instead of consuming and discarding things\, matohu calls on people to wait until their own sense of aesthetics has matured. \n\n\n\nWith the concept of creating new clothes that sustain the Japanese sense of aesthetics\, matohu offers designs born from the history\, culture\, and terroir of Japan in original styles authentic to the Japanese experience. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDirector Profile: \n\n\n\n\n©GROUP GENDAI FILMS CO.\, LTD.\n\n\n\n\nBorn ​1974 in Japan. While still studying at Tama Art University\, MIYAKE Nagaru created experimental films in pursuit of physicality and participated in film festivals in and outside Japan. Since 1995\, he has been directing documentary films about traditional performing arts and the communities such traditions are rooted in. He continues to pursue the possibilities of the communication and physicality in the physical expression through his unique point of view.
URL:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/event/mantles-of-transience/
LOCATION:The Japan Foundation\, Toronto\, 2 Bloor St. East\, 3rd Floor\, Toronto\, ON\, M4W 1A8\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Film Screening
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20240213T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20240213T190000
DTSTAMP:20260916T091528
CREATED:20240208T163356Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240222T225714Z
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SUMMARY:JFT Book Club (Hybrid) – Mild Vertigo by KANAI Mieko
DESCRIPTION:Thank you to all those who participated in JFT Book Club (Hybrid) – Mild Vertigo by KANAI Mieko! \nSharing some comments from our participants! \n“The book club was wonderful experience. Thank you for providing a hybrid environment\, which makes it possible for people outside of Toronto and Canada to attend online.”—Brianna K. \n“Thank you so much for doing these!”—Anonymous \nPlease continue to check the JFT’s website and newsletters for future book club information. \n\n  \n\n\n\n  \nFor the upcoming JFT Book Club Online\, we will discuss KANAI Mieko’s novel Mild Vertigo (the original Japanese version: 金井 美恵子著『軽いめまい』)! \nJoin us in person or virtually to dive deep into a mesmerizing exploration of everyday life in Japan depicted with an innovative storytelling approach! Whether you’re new to our library or a seasoned book club participant\, this is your chance to connect\, discuss\, and discover the magic of Japanese literature. Let’s enjoy this unique novel together with fellow book lovers from different backgrounds!  \nKris Kosaka (Columnist\, The Japan Times) will be also joining us as a moderator to guide us through the session. \nFor those new to the book club or if you just want to listen this time\, we also have a small number of “Observer” slots! \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 7 pm (EST). However\, if you have other commitments\, feel free to leave at 6:30 pm. \n  \nIf you have any questions or concerns\, please don’t hesitate to email us at library_jftoronto@jpf.go.jp. First-time participants are always welcome! \n\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  \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).  \n*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\nWHERE YOU CAN FIND A BOOK TO READ?\nMild Vertigo (physical book & ebook) is available at JFT Library! The checkout of the physical copy is limited to JFT Book Club participants only 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)  \nFor more information about the book or where else you can get the book copies\, click here. \n\nABOUT THE BOOK\n Mild Vertigo (原書:『軽いめまい』)\nWritten by KANAI Mieko Translated by Polly Barton Published by  New Directions\, 2023 \n  \n  \nIn this intoxicating stream-of-consciousness novel\, Mieko Kanai tackles the existential traps of motherhood\, marriage\, and domestic captivity. The apparently unremarkable Natsumi lives in a modern Tokyo apartment with her husband and two sons: she does the laundry\, goes to the supermarket\, visits friends\, and gossips with neighbors. Tracing her conversations and interactions with her family and friends as they blend seamlessly into her own infernally buzzing internal monologue\, Mild Vertigo explores the dizzying reality of being unable to locate oneself in the endless stream of minutiae that forms a lonely life confined to a middle-class home\, where both everything and nothing happens. With shades of Clarice Lispector\, Elena Ferrante\, and Kobo Abe\, this verbally acrobatic novel by the esteemed novelist\, essayist\, and critic Mieko Kanai—whose work enjoys a cult status in Japan—is a disconcerting and radically imaginative portrait of selfhood in late-stage capitalist society. \nIn the vertigo lurking at the depths of a very ordinary life\, Mieko Kanai succeeds in uncovering the tranquility and cruelty that exist side by side. — Yoko Ogawa\, author of The Memory Police\n \n— from Publisher’s website \n\nABOUT THE AUTHOR\nBorn in 1947\, Mieko Kanai is a novelist\, poet\, essayist\, and critic. She has published around thirty novels and short-story collections\, and her critical essays have been featured in Japanese newspapers and magazines for almost fifty years. In the English-speaking world\, she is perhaps best known for her story “Rabbits\,” a gory retelling of Alice in Wonderland where a young girl puts on a suit made of freshly skinned rabbit fur. \nABOUT THE TRANSLATOR\nPolly Barton is a writer and Japanese translator based in Bristol. Her translations include Aoko Matsuda’s Where the Wild Ladies Are\, Kikuko Tsumura’s There’s No Such Thing as an Easy Job\, and Tomoka Shibasaki’s Spring Garden. In 2019\, she won the Fitzcarraldo Editions Essay Prize for her debut book Fifty Sounds. \n\nABOUT THE MODERATOR\nWriter Kris Kosaka moved to Japan in 1996 to accept a position teaching high school English at an international school. She fell in love with the country and soon met her future husband\, Makoto. They made their home in Kamakura\, where Kris continued teaching and writing while raising their two children. Although temporarily in Tampa\, FL (her hometown) while their daughter completes her high school education in the States\, Kris’s heart is in Japan. In her spare time\, Kris enjoys reading and running. Kris is a frequent contributor to The Japan Times\, and a regular columnist for their Books pages. \n\n \nPrevious Book Clubs\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\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\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\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-mild-vertigo-by-kanai-mieko/
LOCATION:The Japan Foundation\, Toronto\, 2 Bloor St. East\, 3rd Floor\, Toronto\, ON\, M4W 1A8\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Library
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20240201T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20240201T193000
DTSTAMP:20260916T091528
CREATED:20240212T170148Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240212T170148Z
UID:91831-1706812200-1706815800@tr.jpf.go.jp
SUMMARY:Play\, Communication\, and Media in Japanese Videogame Arcades
DESCRIPTION: \n\n \nHow have videogame arcades maintained their social and economic relevance in Japan? How did arcade videogames influence play practices in North America\, and how are they distinct from them? \n \nJapanese videogame arcades\, commonly called game centers\, have been a mainstay of the Japanese urban entertainment scene since the release of Space Invaders in the late 1970s. They introduced culturally significant games such as Pacman\, Street Fighter II\, and Dance Dance Revolution\, which have had a lasting impact on arcade and videogame culture throughout the world. This presentation will provide an overview of the evolution of videogame arcades in Japan\, examining their social functions as alternative sites of interpersonal communication and as urban hubs embodying the interconnectivity of the videogame\, anime\, and manga industries within Japan’s media environment. \n \n\n\n\n \n \nJérémie Pelletier-Gagnon is an assistant professor in the Pôle d’études et de recherches en cultures numériques at the Université de l’Ontario français in Toronto\, where he teaches both theoretical and practical approaches to the social issues raised by digital media. His work focuses on the study of videogames from a cultural\, transnational and spatial perspective\, mainly through the study of Japanese videogames. He is also interested in the analysis of textual data and the study of artificial intelligence in the context of videogames. He is the author of Space and Play in Japanese Videogame Arcades (forthcoming 2024) and co-editor of the anthology Japanese Role-Playing Games: Genre\, Representation and Liminality in the JRPG (Lexington\, 2022). \n 
URL:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/event/japanese-videogame-arcades/
LOCATION:The Japan Foundation\, Toronto\, 2 Bloor St. East\, 3rd Floor\, Toronto\, ON\, M4W 1A8\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Lecture
ORGANIZER;CN="The Japan Foundation%2C Toronto":MAILTO:info_jftoronto@jpf.go.jp
GEO:43.6710659;-79.3857432
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END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR