The Japanese instruments koto and sangen will be the focus of this fundraising concert, accompanied by ancient poem singing. The theme of the event is ‘Four Seasons in Japan’, and will feature 17th century to modern day music.

The workshop element will involve explanation of the history of the music, scores and techniques, plus an opportunity to get your hands on the instruments!

Brought to us by the Kakahashi Koto Ensemble and Japan-UK 150, the fundraising is in aid of the Royal National Institute for the Blind Sunshine Hose School in Northwood. The proceeds will go towards musical instruments and CDs for the students of music at the school.

The centrally located London venue is Trefusis Hall, Cecil Sharp House, 2 Regent's Park Road, NW1 7AY.

(image from Fine, Totally Fine / Zen Zen Daijobu)

A not-to-be-missed opportunity to catch some independent film from around the world, the Raindance Film Festival 2008 features ten Japanese films!

Now, I… (Ima, Boku Wa) is written and directed by 23-year-old Yasutomo Chikuma. It is based on his experience of the modern social phenomenon of NEETs (not engaged in employment, education or training). Chikuma plays the main character Satoru, a reclusive, video-game addicted ‘NEET’. Now, I… will be shown at Cineworld, Shaftesbury Avenue, on Friday, 10th October at 4.30pm.

Fine, Totally Fine (Zen Zen Daijobu), another popular choice for the film festival, is a comedy written and directed by Yosuke Fujita. An eclectic mix of characters star in the film: Terao is a part-time manual labourer who dreams of opening a haunted theme park, Hisanobu is an over-polite hospital manager, and Akari is a geeky girl who loves fish sausages. Fine, Totally Fine will be screened at Cineworld, Shaftesbury Avenue, Thursday, 9th October at 9.15pm.

In addition, three other Japanese titles, Adrift in Tokyo, This World of Ours and Tokyo Wings of Defeat are in the running for Jury prizes in the International Feature, Debut Feature and Documentary categories respectively.

For times of other screenings and venues, visit the Raindance Film Festival website. You can also buy tickets online.

not-to-be-missed -ないにあ逃される
opportunity - 機会
independent -独立
social - 社会
phenomenon - 現象
reclusive - 孤立した
eclectic - 折衷的
screened -示されている

Japanese Alumni of The University of the Arts London have created a series of short films to be screened on their newly refurbished Rootstein Hopkins Parade Ground at Chelsea College of Art & Design. This open-air cinematic experience will take place on Thursday, 9th October 2008 at 7.30pm.

In collaboration with the Japan Society and the Embassy of Japan, this event will bring together Japanese students and the London arts community to enjoy films, food, and music from contemporary Japanese DJs.

There will be traditional Japanese food stalls selling great festival food such as takoyaki, yakitori, okonomiyaki and yakisoba… as well as free drinks and goodies from the sponsors.

The event is free, but registration is necessary. Email events@japansociety.org.uk or call the Japan Society office at 0207828 6330. Find out more at The Japan Society website.

Meeting monthly upstairs in the function room of The Clachan pub, the Japan Society’s Conversation Group is a terrific chance to speak Japanese and get to know a wide assortment of people, all with a keen interest in Japan!

A finger buffet is provided – the typically stodgy English fare (sandwiches, sausages, crisps and other nibbles) does seem to go down well along with the pay-as-you-go bar and freely flowing conversation…

The Clachan is a bustling Soho pub with a lavish Victorian interior and a “sip before you sup” policy that allows you to try before you buy! Located at 34 Kingly Street, W1B 5QH, the nearest tube is Oxford Street.

Entrance is £5 for Japan Society members and students, and £7 for non-members. Check out the Japanese Conversation Group’s website for more information.

keen – 強い
finger buffet – 指のビュッフェ
nibbles - 軽食
go down well - 楽しまれなさい
bustling – 活発に
authentic – 確実
“sip before you sup” – sip ‘一口’, sup ‘飲む’

‘Island Nations’ is a lecture series in English for adults celebrating the 150 years of fully-fledged diplomatic relations between two distinct island nations: the UK and Japan.

Noted experts and leading academics will explore how the island nations have shaped and influenced each other socially, culturally, scientifically and politically.

The series of lectures is held on Thursdays from 11am – 1pm at the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich. Register on-line at their website, or call the bookings office at 020 8312 8560.

fully-fledged - 本格的
diplomatic – 外交
distinct –明瞭

Escape the crowds with this exclusive after-hours tour of St Paul's Cathedral for Japan Society members on Monday October 13th from 6 - 7.30pm. The tour will include glimpses into less well-known areas of the Cathedral, as well as those open to the public.

If you arrive at 5pm, you’ll also be in time for evensong, with a reserved seat in the front row. Evensong is the tradition of evening prayers being rendered chorally, that is, sung by the choir and clergy.

Booking is required; the tour will cost £20, payable in cash on the night. For more information, go to the Japan Society website.

exclusive – 排他的
after-hours - 時間後
glimpses – 一見
prayers - 祈り
choir – 聖歌隊
clergy – 聖職者

This is a rare opportunity to hear the mesmerising chanting of the Shichiseikai Buddhist Monks from Kyoto.

The monks are part of the Jodo sect and will perform traditional shomyo – Buddhist sutra chanting - led by Mimami Chushin from the Daikoji Temple, Kyoto.

The splendid neo-gothic St Luke’s church in Chelsea will play host to the event. It’s certainly an atmospheric place to appreciate the power of the monks’ voices. They will also enact ancient Jodo Buddhist rituals.

You can buy your tickets, costing £15.00 plus booking fee online, or call the box office on 0845 890 2435.

mesmerising -魅了
chanting – 詠唱
atmospheric -大気

If you want to speak Japanese in a fun, relaxed atmosphere, try the London Japanese Conversation Meetup Group. Founded in 2002, this is a casual, ‘free’ (£1 donation optional) event held on the second Tuesday of every month at 7.30pm.

Often crowded, this conversation group attracts a young crowd of Japanese speakers, both native and non-native. The current venue for the event is The Crooked Surgeon pub, due to refurbishment at the Captain’s Cabin. The Crooked Surgeon is on Lisle Street, off the bottom end of Wardour Street.

You can join The London Japanese Conversation Meetup Group at Meetup.com.

This fascinating exhibition at the Daiwa Foundation Japan House will be Kishio Suga’s first solo show in the UK. His work is from the ‘Mono-ha’ (school of things) movement which swept through Japan’s art scene in the late 1960s.

‘Mono-ha’ emphasises the placement of natural ‘things’ such as wood, paper, stone, etc. into a context that highlights their relationship with people and their environment. This causes the viewer to perceive the ‘things’ in a different, unfamiliar way, opening a new channel of communication between the art and the viewer.

There are a number of events surrounding this exhibition: a private viewing on Thursday 16th October, a conversation with Simon Groom (Director of Modern and Contemporary Art, National Gallery of Scotland) on Friday the 17th, as well as late night and weekend openings.

Book your place for the special events online at the Daiwa Anglo-Japanese Foundation website, or simply drop-in between 9.30am and 5pm Monday to Friday to see the exhibition.

(I'll be attending the private viewing on Thursday and hope to have a few words with Kishio Suga about his art. Stay tuned!) Update: read the interview here!

solo - 単独
emphasises - 強調する
placement - 配置
context - 文脈
environment - 環境
unfamiliar - 不慣れ

In town on the ‘Taste of Chaos’ tour, J-Rock band MUCC will be signing copies of their latest album ‘Shion’ at Orbital Manga this Thursday from 5pm – 7pm.

Considered a ‘visual’ band – MUCC combine pop-like sounds with heavy rock guitar riffs that have proved endingly popular since their launch in 1999. This experimental band delivers emotionally-charged lyrics and high-intensity style.

You can listen to the band on their MySpace page or check out their website at:
www.55-69.com. Orbital Manga is located on Upper St Martins Lane, WC2H 9NY.

enduringly – 耐えること
experimental – 実験
emotionally-charged – 感情的
high-intensity - 高輝度

Haru Ichiban group performs exquisitely trained Japanese classical dance to the accompaniment of traditional koto music. They’ll be at Westminster Cathedral Hall on Thursday October 16th for a special charity performance in aid of The Passage.

Featuring a performance by famous koto artist, Rie Yanagisawa, this is a rare opportunity to enjoy Japanese Music in a beautiful setting. Admission includes Japanese refreshments supplied by Atami.

The Passage has been helping homeless people since 1980. The £20.00 admission charge will raise funds to assist homeless people to live independently, with The Passage’s aid.

Admission is by advanced ticket only: telephone 020 7592 1856 or email tickets@passage.org.uk.

exquisitely - 絶妙に
setting - 場所
homeless -ホームレス
independently -独自に

This exhibition features 150 works by manga and anime artists, and is in conjunction with the Japan-UK 150 festival.

Until the 2nd of November it will be at Westminster Reference Library, London. The exhibition will then move to St John's Wood Library, London until the 30th of November.

There will be an opening party at St John’s Wood Library on Monday 3rd November from 6pm to 8pm with Japanese dancing, traditional instruments and a lecture by Akemi Solloway entitled "How Manga and Anime's costume is connected with Japanese traditional Culture".

You can read more about the events and exhibitors at Akemi’s website.

Kulu Kulu Sushi
39 Thurloe Place
London SW7 2HP
Tel: 020 7589 2225

Why? I took my dad here last time he was in London visiting and he really liked trying out different dishes from the revolving kaiten belt. He requested a second visit!

When? Saturday 27th September, 5.30pm. Not busy when we arrived, but more so when we left.

Impression: Appetising dishes revolve on belt, the green tea is free. The Sri Lankan sushi chef (does anyone know why there are so many Sri Lankan sushi chefs in London?) works diligently away in the middle making fresh dishes.

Prices: The usual plating system is in operation, with plates ranging from £1.50 to £3.90. And it really is refreshing to help yourself to unlimited free green tea.

Service: Polite. The chef promply prepared my request for fresh inari. I had a nice chat with the staff about the baffling preponderance of Sri Lankans working there on the way out!

Description of food and drink: I had a hand roll that I watched the chef prepare (see photo!) – I couldn’t resist the combination of an ‘ebi fry’ (fried shrimp) with avocado. It was excellent, although possibly a bit steep at £3.90.

I adore the Nasu Miso here (aubergine in soy bean sauce). It’s so creamy.

My dad picked a green seaweed dish that I had not tried before. It was lovely and crunchy. When I asked what type of seaweed it was, none of the staff knew. I guess it comes pre-packed!

Everything else that we tried (sashimi, sushi, chicken) was pretty standard – but rather tasty and worth the price.

Toilets: OK.

Come again? Yes. This is a calm, affordable place to grab a bite at lunch or dinner time. There are also branches of the dependable chain in Soho and Covent Garden. Be aware that they close for two and a half hours in the afternoon – from about 2.45pm – 5.30pm (branches vary).

revolving - 回転
appetising - 食欲を刺激する
diligently - 勤勉に
refreshing - 新たになること
baffling - 迷うこと
preponderance - 優位
steep - 高い
standard - 正常
affordable - 安く
dependable - 信頼できる

Last Thursday evening I was lucky enough to attend the private viewing of Kishio Suga’s art exhibition at the Daiwa Foundation Japan House. This is his first UK solo show, and his work will be here until November 7th 2008.

The evening was an enlightening one. Sipping red wine I puzzled at the unfamiliar placements and interpretations of wood, stone, metal, paper, etc. that make up the art. Yet, I left with a deep appreciation of the hidden currents of the Japanese artistic genre of ‘Mono-ha’.

Suga has devoted over 40 years of his life to Mono-ha. Even so, he explained concepts behind the art without drama or even discernable emotion, speaking evenly into the microphone and pausing for translation. But by the end he had made clear the depth of his dedication to Mono-ha: “I would like to talk all evening about this...” he confessed shyly to the appreciative listeners.

Mono-ha is translated as the ‘School of Things’. Suga described how we must abandon the idea that things exist for us, or for a function. As humans, we think that all things exist for our purpose. In art, we think of things as material from which to create art. However, we should think about the special characteristics of natural things, without assigning our preconceived symbolic meanings.

It seems natural objects, in any form, inspire Suga. I asked him what he likes best about England he answered without hesitation: “Bijin!” (Beautiful women!). When pressed he expanded – “In Japan we have many mountains. Here you do not. I like that.” Nature impresses him – especially if it’s by a conspicuous absence.

I wondered about the surprising titles of his work. The branch and cement block sculpture is known as ‘Separating-Space’. Other pieces at the exhibition were called ‘Multiple-Reason-Cultivation’ and ‘System of Gathered Points’, for example. Suga explained that we should deprive things of their accepted names: “How do we perceive things without names?” he questioned. “The important thing is the reality of existence, the condition of things,” he went on; “it’s stimulating when you see yourself and natural things as equal.”

In setting up his exhibition at the Daiwa Foundation Japan House Suga had to think about putting the ‘natural’ things that comprise his art into an ‘artificial’ space. However, he said, the way you interpret the contextual placement of the art all depends on your point of view. Reality is ambiguous.

Catch Kishio Suga at the Daiwa Foundation Japan House. Make of it what you will... that's certainly the artist's wish.

enlightening 啓発的な
sipping - すすること
puzzled - 困惑する
unfamiliar - 不慣れ　⇒　見慣れない、馴染みの無い
placements - 配置
interpretations - 解釈
appreciation - 感謝、賞賛
hidden - 隠される
currents - 流れ　⇒　思潮、風潮
drama - 戯曲
discernable - 認識できる
emotion - 感情
dedication - 献呈　⇒　献身
abandon- 断念
preconceived - 予想される　⇒　偏見的な
symbolic - 象徴的
hesitation - ちゅうちょ
pressed - 再度頼まれる
expanded – literally 拡大される but meaning 付け加える
conspicuous - 顕著
absence - 不在
sculpture -彫刻
deprive -奪い取りなさい　⇒　取り上げる
perceive - 感知しなさい
reality - 現実
existence - 存在
ambiguous -曖昧

Hafu exhibition is a photographic exhibition of half Japanese people with seminars on identity and appearance. Held at the Bodhi Gallery on Brick Lane, you can see the exhibition from 24th – 30th October 2008, 11am – 5pm.

A collaborative project, Hafu showcases 9 photographs from "Hafu/ Half Japanese" by the photographer Natalie Maya Willer along with interviews by researcher Marcia Yumi Lise. The stories of the half Japanese people featured richly illustrate how they construct their identities and create their sense of belonging in their place between two different cultures.

For Japan Society members, there will be a private exhibition tour with the photographer Natalie Maya Willer and researcher Marcia Yumi Lise on Friday 24th October, from 7-9pm. Booking is required for this event, call the Japan Society Office at 020 7828 6330 or email events@japansociety.org.uk.

There is also a seminar on Saturday 25th October 2008 from 2pm - 6:30pm exploring various issues surrounding the topic of half-Japanese descent given by the creators of the exhibition as well as other prominent experts. Booking is essential.

For more information on the exhibition visit the (rather nice!) Hafu website.

The BFI 52nd London Film Festival brings together fascinating glimpses into human nature all around the world, and includes an eclectic selection of recent Japanese films.

‘German + Ame’ (German + Rain) tells the story of a strong-willed sixteen-year-old heroine Yoshiko (nick-named ‘Gorilla Man’ by her unsympathetic boss!) who fights against what she sees as wrong… up to a point. Directed by Satoko Yokohama (Japan, 2007), ‘German + Ame’ is playing Friday October 24th, 7pm at Studio BFI Southbank.

‘Nishi no Majo ga Shinda’ (The Witch of the West is Dead) is based on a hugely popular, prize-winning novel by Kaho Nashiki. The touching film recounts a junior high school student’s trip to see her eccentric English grandmother in the countryside. Directed by Shunichi Nagasaki (Japan 2008), the film shows at 1.30pm Sunday 26th at the Odeon West End and 1.45pm Thursday 30th October at NFT1 BFI Southbank.

‘Yah Chayka!’ is directed by Shuntaro Tanikawa – Japan’s greatest living poet - and Wakako Kaku – a former ‘rock chick’ and is almost completely composed of still photographs that explore deep themes of human emotions. Teamed with short surrealist film ‘Babin’, the two will be showing on Wednesday 29th October at 8.45pm at NTF3 BFI Southbank, also on Thursday 30th October at 1.45pm at NFT” BFI Southbank.

You can book online, by calling 020 7928 3232, or get tickets in person at the Box Office at the BFI Southbank. You can also queue for standbys, which are available 30 minutes before screenings.

The Akita Prefectural Government is holding two saké tasting dinners at the Japanese restaurant Soseki. The newly-opened kaiseki-kappo style (Japanese haute-cuisine) restaurant is named after the great Japanese novelist and is getting great reviews – what better chance to try it?

The two evenings will give you the chance to sample 6 Akita brewers’ 17 different kinds of saké and learn more about brewing the best saké from the Japanese experts.

The omakase system (a seasonal, no-choice menu) means that the creative chefs at Soseki can take advantage of the sustainably-sourced ingredients delivered fresh each day, combining them to make refreshing dishes of uniquely high quality.

To reserve your place, call Soseki Restaurant on 0207621 9211 or email them at info@soseki.co.uk. The price is £40 for Japan Society members and £45 for non-members, so let them know if you qualify for the reduced price!

Remember coaching students for English speech contests in Japan? What fun! Volleyball, hamsters, babysitting, vegetables… all potentially winning topics. Now here’s your chance to have a go!

The Sir Peter Parker Awards for Spoken Business Japanese Speech Contest (try saying that five times quickly) will be held on 12th February 2009 at the School of Oriental & African Studies (SOAS), London. You can see videos of 2008 finalists here.

Great prizes include return air tickets to Japan, a Japan Rail Pass, Laptops, etc. Contact the Sir Peter Parker Awards Office at SOAS for an application form, or you can download one from the awards website. Be sure to mail or fax it back to the office by 30th November 2008.

Gambarimasu!

This leading art fair involves top art dealers from Kensington Church Street, Mayfair and St. James’s, and incorporates selling exhibitions and auctions at Bonham’s, Christie’s and Southeby’s. Also, London museums present exhibitions and lectures to complement the events.

Japanese art is well represented in the 2008 event programme, highlights include:

* Japanese and Other Asian Works of Art Auction at Bonhams: Monday, 3rd November at 2.30pm

* Japanese Lacquer Workshop at Gallery 27: Tuesday 4th November 08, 12.30 – 5pm (This event entitled ‘Magical Moments in the Stream of Life’ is free, but must be booked – call Simon Pilling 07946 577 303 or email sjp@simonjp.plus.com

* Fundraising Lecture for the Denys Eyre Bower’s Japanese Collection at Chiddingstone Castle: Tuesday 4th November 08, 7pm (pictured here is Japanese armour from the collection). Held at Christie’s, tickets cost £25 and include a reception. Contact Alex Lochrane, director of Chiddingstone Castle 01892 872 747 or email director@chiddingstonecastle.org.uk

* Gallery Talk on Conservation Work on Japanese Paintings in the Japanese Galleries: Wednesday 5th November at 1.15pm. The free talk is in Room 92 at The British Museum.

* Japanese Art & Asian Textiles Auction at Christie’s South Kensington: Thursday 6th November, 10.30am and 12noon.

See the Asian Art in London website for more information on events.

Down a flight of steep stairs on Brick Lane, a typical multi-cultural London crowd milled around in Bodhi’s intimate gallery space.

They had braved the dark, drizzly October evening to check out something a little bit different: the Private View of Hafu / Half Japanese photographic exhibition.

Contemplating the large, clear photos of half Japanese, reading their candid profiles and sipping vivid green Midori cocktails people eyed each other curiously – are they a ‘hafu’? Are they not? Does it matter anyway?

I caught up with Natalie Maya Willer, the photographer, and Marcia Yumi Lise, the social researcher to ask them a few questions.

What attracted you to London?

Natalie: I decided not to embrace either side of my cultural background (German and Japanese) and try something completely new. It’s easy to live in London because there are so many cultures.

Marcia: I’m half Italian so I was attracted to Europe generally. I choose London because it’s so culturally rich.

What are your favourite Japanese spots in London?

Natalie: I haven’t been involved in Japanese London very much before. But now I am starting to engage with contemporary Japanese culture and I enjoy visiting the Daiwa House and going to Japan Foundation talks.

Marcia: The Japan Centre has absolutely everything!

What do you want people to take away from your exhibition?

Natalie: I’d like people to explore identity – to more deeply enquire into our perceptions of identity. When the half Japanese people here came to the photo shoot we found that questions came out… everyone wanted to talk about their experiences of being a ‘hafu’.

Marcia: I think when you see the group of photos here you can see the diversity... We need to stop making generalisations but instead look at each person individually. The exhibition has given us a domain to explain individual experiences of being half-Japanese.

What do you think is the future for the concept of ‘race’?

Natalie: Society creates identities out of appearances. In the future we’ll be more aware that race does not equal identity.

Marcia: There is a general consensus that ‘races’ don’t actually exist! Humans are 99.9% the same. But confusion and issues stem from the concept of ‘race’ – which is a false premise in itself...

Read more about the concepts of Hafu at the website. Photos of the exhibition are by Paola Sarappa. Photo of the seminar is by Hitomi Yoda.

Remember, remember the fifth of November

Should ever be forgot...

In England we don’t enjoy fireworks on balmy summer evenings. Oh no. Rather, we wait until it’s freezing outside, and then try cheer ourselves up with them! Guy Fawkes Night is rapidly approaching - offering many chances to watch fireworks around London, beginning as early as Hallowe’en Night.

Also known as Bonfire Night, fifth of November is the anniversary of the Gunpower Plot of 1605 when a group of English Roman Catholic revolutionaries planned to blow up the House of Lords. This would have killed King James and most of the aristocracy, but Fawkes was caught trying to ignite the gunpowder. He was tortured and then executed.

Traditionally, on Guy Fawkes Night children stuffed an effigy called a ‘guy’ and asked for a donation saying “Penny for the guy”. The children bought fireworks with the proceeds and the guy was later thrown on a bonfire.

To find fireworks in your area, have a look at the handy Firework Finder website. Or, View London has displays listed by date.

gunpowder - 火薬
treason - 反逆
plot - プロット
balmy - 暖かい
bonfire - 篝火
Roman Catholic - ローマカトリック教
revolutionaries - 革命家
aristocracy - 貴族政治
tortured - 苦しめられる
executed - 死刑
effigy - 彫像