SEARCH

Contact Us

Site Map

BREEZE #94

AUGUST, 2015: BREEZE ISSUE #94
Like 0ShareA Free E-Newsletter for Friends of Japan & Teachers of Japanese

GREETING FROM THE DIRECTOR

August in Japan is the month of family and festivity. People take long breaks and families get together.
There are festivals in local communities with Bon Odori dances in the evening and fireworks at night. The
heat can be excruciating in August, but it is also the month for relaxation and having fun.
JFLA will bring Japan to LA this August, except for the heat. The 'Kyogen' and 'Daidengaku' groups will bejoining this year’s Nisei Week in Little Tokyo. We are currently recruiting citizen dancers who would be
willing to perform with the ‘Daiden-gaku’ group. So if you are into dancing or just want to move your bodyunder the blue sky, here is your chance to dance with pros. For younger enthusiasts of Japanese culture,
we have invited Japanese girl pop group ‘Little Glee Monster’ to perform at the J-Pop Summit in SanFrancisco. They are not just another ‘kawaii’ idol group, but a well-trained group of teenage singers whocan sing a cappella. If you want to take a glimpse of up-and-coming J-Pop talent, this show is a must-see.
If you are thinking of finally becoming serious about learning Japanese, we have some opportunities foryou to prep this summer. We will have conversation cafe 'Tea Time' where you can get a chance tocommunicate with native speakers of Japanese in a casual setting. We will also hold a workshop on
Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) which will be held in December all over the United States.
Let me once again invite you to all of these exciting activities. My summer vacation can wait, but your funcan’t.
Privacy - Terms
Hideki Hara, Director

LITTLE GLEE MONSTERON FORT MASON STAGE (SAN FRANCISCO)!!
AUGUST 8 & 9, 2015
Japan Foundation is proud to announce that Little Glee Monster, the incredible a cappella groupconsisting of six Japanese teenagers, will join the J-POP SUMMIT and sing loud at the Fort Mason Center
Stage on both days during the weekend! They were chosen out of a very competitive vocal audition thatJapanese entertainment agencies held to find the best vocalists. Come listen to their powerful voice inharmony!

JAPANEMA: FREE JAPANESE CINEMA SCREENING"YOUTH OF THE BEAST" (92MINS, 1963)
DIRECTED BY SEIJUN SUZUKI
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12 @ 7PM (JFLA AUDITORIUM)
When a mysterious stranger muscles into two rival yakuza gangs, Tokyo’s underworld explodes withviolence. Youth of the Beast (Yaju no Seishun) was a breakthrough for director Seijun Suzuki, introducing
the flamboyant colors, hallucinatory images, and striking compositions that would become his trademark.
This film revitalized the yakuza genre and helped define the inimitable style of a legendary cinematic
renegade.

*This film may include hard language, or tough violence, or nudity within sensual scenes, or drug abuse orother elements, or a combination of some of the above, so that parents are counseled, in advance, to takethis advisory very seriously.
Watch Trailer

Privacy - Terms

JLPT: THE BASICS
SATURDAY. AUGUST 15
N5: 10AM-12PM, N4: 2-4PM (JFLA)REGISTER NOW!
This JLPT explanatory workshop aims to provide learners of Japanese with an overview of the Japanese
Language Proficiency Test (JLPT). It will provide learners with the opportunity to practice answering
questions using sample test questions.

CONVERSATION CAFE TEA TIMETUESDAY AUGUST 18 @ 7PM (JFLA)REGISTER NOW!
Come join our casual conversation café! At this popular event, you’ll enjoy conversation with native
Japanese speakers while having Japanese tea & snacks! Japanese language experience is not necessary—this event is open to everyone, ages 18 and up. Bring your friends with you!

DAIDENGAKU DANCE WORKSHOPSATURDAY, AUGUST 22 @ 1PM (JFLA AUDITORIUM)
CLICK HERE TO RSVPThe Japan Foundation has invited an extraordinary group of daidengaku (traditional Japanese folk dance)
dancers to Los Angeles to perform at Nisei Week in Little Tokyo this August. For this occasion, we will holda fun workshop for those interested in learning this energetic and unique Japanese folk dance from theperformers themselves.
Sunday, August 23, Daidengaku will perform at JACCC Plaza from 2pm to 3pm, and at First Street(between San Pedro St. & Central Ave. ) from 4pm to 4:30pm. Please join us to celebrate 75th anniversaryof Nisei Week!

Privacy - Terms

KYOGEN PERFORMANCE BY MANZO NOMURA IX
JACCC (JAMES IRVINE JAPANESE GARDEN)TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 8PM-9:30PM
TICKETS WILL BE AVAILABLE SOON @ WWW.JACCC.ORG
From childhood, he received rigorous training from his grandfather (Manzo Nomura VI) and father (ManNomura), both of whom are recognized Living National Treasures. At the age of 4, Manzo Nomura IX
appeared on stage in his debut role as a child monkey in the play Utsubo-zaru . After that, he performed
numerous roles in plays such as Nasunoyoichigatari (1985), Sanbasou (1988), Tsurikitsune (1990), Kanaoka(1994), Hanago (1996).Manzo Nomura IX leads Yorozu Kyogen, a branch of the Manzo family school, andhas held performances not only in Japan but in America, Canada, Spain, Korea, and other countries aswell. One can see a dignified style in Manzo Nomura IX’s acting which he has inherited from his father, andwhich makes him a precious and rare performer in the modern age.

JAPANEMA: FREE JAPANESE CINEMA SCREENING"WHY DON’T YOU PLAY IN HELL?" (130MINS, 2014)
DIRECTED BY SION SONOWEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26 @ 7PM (JFLA AUDITORIUM)
Based on a screenplay master filmmaker Sion Sono wrote nearly fifteen years ago, Why Don't You Play In
Hell? is among his very best work, as his trademark excess and outrageousness is infused with anaffection for the previous century of Japanese cinema. This is Sion Sono with his talent and unique visioncompletely unleashed.
There's a war going on, but that won't stop the inexperienced but eager wannabe film crew from following
their dreams of making the ultimate action epic. Ten years ago, yakuza mid-boss Ikegami led an assault
against rival don Muto. Now, on the eve of his revenge, all Muto wants to do is complete his masterpiece,a feature film with his daughter in the starring role, before his wife is released from prison. And the filmcrew are standing by with the chance of a lifetime: to film a real, live yakuza battle to the death...on 35mm!
Endlessly irreverent and wildly, hilariously visceral, this film is a Tarantinoesque ode to the yakuza films ofyore, and features an over-the-top, blood-soaked finale for the ages.
Privacy - Terms

*This film may include hard language, or tough violence, or nudity within sensual scenes, or drug abuse orother elements, or a combination of some of the above, so that parents are counseled, in advance, to takethis advisory very seriously.
Official US Release Trailer

JAPANESE COURSES FALL TERM
SEP. 12 - NOV. 18
REGISTER NOW!
Our courses are designed for new Japanese-language learners, as well as those who are interested in
improving their existing language skills. Each course focuses on specific themes and learning goals, suchas inviting friends or business e-mail. Register before August 28 and get 10% discount!
Read More

CALL FOR APPLICATIONSPERFORMING ARTS JAPAN 2016-2017
DEADLINE: OCTOBER 20, 2015 @ 5PM ESTThe Japan Foundation is now accepting project proposals for Performing Arts Japan (PAJ) touring andcollaboration grants for the 2016 - 2017 fiscal year. For further details, including guidelines andapplication, please visit here.

FISCAL YEAR 2015-2016 JAPANESE LANGUAGE GRANTS

Privacy - Terms

We are accepting applications for the following grants:
1. Japanese Language Learners Event Grant previously known as "Speech Contest Grant" (Deadline:9/1/2015)
2. Japanese Teaching Material Purchase Grant (Deadline: 9/15/2015)
3. Japanese-Language Education Project Grant (Deadline: 2 months prior to project start date)
Read More

JFLA AWARDS $30K GRANT TO NIJI-IRO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL IN LIVONIA, MI
On July 8, 2015, Consul Eguchi from the Consulate General of Japan in Detroit visited the Niji-Iro
Japanese Immersion Elementary School (Livonia, MI) and presented our grant payment check to Ms. Karen
Young (Principal).
Facebook Post

JAPANESE LANGUAGE EDUCATION UPDATE 21:
THE SCHOOL HUNT CONTINUESThe Japan Foundation is the only organization which attempts to gather data about all the schools aroundthe world teaching Japanese language. We do this by conducting a global institutional survey, the Survey
on Japanese-Language Education Abroad. The results of this survey help us decide how best to allocate
funding and which support programs would be most beneficial in which regions. We also make the results
public in an online database where people can search for Japanese-teaching schools around the globe.
Read More

Privacy - Terms

NEW LIBRARY ACQUISITIONS
We acquired several new books in English and Japanese during the past few months and below is a list ofwhat we added. There are books in English focusing on events we have origanized such as Raku, cookingand sake as well as books in Japanese and children's books. Make sure to drop by and apply to become amember if you haven't already done so. Our annual library membership fee is only $2 and you get a freecloth book bag. All DVDs are now available to check out!

OPERA KAGUYA-HIME (JFLA SUPPORTED EVENT)
PRINCESS FROM THE MOON TO MAKE ITS US DEBUT IN LOS ANGELESSATURDAY, AUGUST 22 @ 7PM (ARATANI THEATRE IN LITTLE TOKYO)Fans of opera and Japanese folklore alike will be thrilled to hear that an opera is coming to Los Angeles
which features a unique blend of the two. Critically acclaimed conductor and composer Maestro Hideaki
Hirai is bringing his opera to the US for the first time: KAGUYA-HIME: Princess from the Moon is based on
the classic Japanese folktale “Princess Kaguya” in which an elderly couple discovers a glowing baby girlin a piece of bamboo and raises her as their daughter.
The cast will feature a combination of opera singers from Japan, local choirs and soloists from Los
Angeles, and a local orchestra.
Tickets are between $30 and $40, with a $50 “pair ticket” for a parent with a child. A special reception
will be held after the event; Those wishing to attend the reception may purchase a combination
show/reception ticket for $75. For more information and to buy tickets, email LADaiku@aol.com or call Mr.
Tanano at 310-625-4222. Some tickets are also available online at this link.

Past Issues (2020)

Past Issues (2019)



Past Issues (2018)



Past Issues (2017)

Privacy - Terms

Past Issues (2016)

Past Issues (2015)

Breeze #98

Breeze #97

Breeze #96

Breeze #95

Breeze #94

Breeze #93

Breeze #92

Breeze #91

Breeze #90

Breeze #89

Breeze #88

Breeze #87

Breeze Past Issues

Breeze Issues #1-#36 (PDF)

Headquarters

New York Office

Center for Global PartnershipJapan Related Links

Volunteer

ボランティア募集

Job Openings (Updated)

5700 Wilshire blvd, Suite 100
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Privacy - Terms

P. 323.761.7510

Annual Report© 2019 The Japan Foundation, Los Angeles
Web Design.

Privacy - Terms