Please View Entire Message in your Email to see all of what we have to offer in our newsletter! | |
Yoshinori Uda
President & CEO
How long have you been doing business in Boston?
Ogawa Coffee has been serving the Boston community since May 2015. We proudly opened our first international shop in the city, bringing our dedication to coffee perfection from Kyoto, Japan, to the U.S.
What does your company do?
Our company, Ogawa Coffee, is deeply rooted in the art of coffee. Originating from Kyoto, Japan since 1952, we specialize in cultivating the finest beans, meticulous roasting, and serving exceptional coffee, ensuring every cup meets our high standards of quality and customer care.
Click here to read the full interview!
Thank you, Ogawa Coffee USA for kindly offering JSB members a discount at your Boston location for many years!
| |
|
Japan Society of Boston Historic Anniversary Gala
Tuesday, April 16th, 2024 - 6PM EDT
Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel
We are excited to announce that individual registration for our 2024 Annual Gala is now open!
Japan Society of Boston will be hosting the 2024 Historic Anniversary Gala to celebrate our 120th anniversary and the 65th anniversary of Boston-Kyoto Sister City partnership.
In addition to honored guests, the annual gala features fine cuisine, world-class music and entertainment, and an opportunity to support our mission: to connect Boston and Japan in friendship for the greater good.
Information for corporate sponsorship is still available here.
| |
|
Gala Silent Auction
This year our annual silent auction held in conjunction with our fundraising gala will be hosted on Charity Auctions Today. Please check out our selection of specially curated goods and experiences!
The auction is currently open and will remain open until Thursday, April 18th at 12pm. Please see the auction page site for all items and more information.
| |
|
Hausu (House) Film Screening
Wednesday, March 27th, 2024 - 7:00 PM EDT
Coolidge Corner Theatre
290 Harvard St, Brookline, MA 02446
In celebration of the debut of the Coolidge Corner Theatre's new expanded theatre space, the Big Screen Debuts film series, which showcases prominent first films from a variety of famous and highly regarded directors, is happening now through late March.
An unforgettable mixture of bubblegum teen melodrama and grisly phantasmagoria, Nobuhiko Obayashi’s deranged fairy tale Hausu is one of Japanese cinema’s wildest supernatural ventures and a truly startling debut feature.
Tickets are on sale now. JSB members visit the Members-Only Portal for a discount code!
| |
おうちごはん！Ouchigohan - Tofukatsu and Tonkatsu
Saturday, March 23rd, 2024 - 5:00pm EDT
Online
Join us for the March edition of the family-friendly online Japanese home cooking class series おうちごはん！Ouchigohan! – Japanese Home Cooking and cook along or just watch from your own kitchen! On the menu this month is Tonkatsu, Tofu Tonkatsu, and Katsu Sando! Originating in Japan during the Meiji Era in the late 19th century, tonkatsu is a type of yōshoku - Japanese versions of European cuisine - and has become one of the most popular dishes in Japan today.
Tonkatsu & Tofu Tonkatsu Cooking Class Menu: tonkatsu fried pork cutlet, tofu tonkatsu, katsu sando, cabbage cole slaw, and spicy edamame.
| |
The Contest for Japan's Economic Future:
Entrepreneurs vs. Corporate Giants
Monday, March 18th, 2024 - 12:00pm EDT
Bowie-Vernon Conference Room (K262), CGIS Knafel Bldg.
1737 Cambridge St, Cambridge, MA
And Online (Zoom)
In this program on US-Japan Relations Seminar, Richard Katz will discuss how a new generation of entrepreneurs is challenging Japan's established corporate institutions. Richard Katz is a senior fellow at Carnegie Council for Ethics In International Affairs, as well as a special correspondent for Weekly Toyo Keizai.
Moderated by Christina L. Davis, Director, Program on U.S.-Japan Relations; Edwin O. Reischauer Professor of Japanese Politics, Department of Government, Harvard University.
Note: Registration is not required for in-person attendance.
| |
|
Connect with JSB!
Tuesday, March 19th, 2024 - 6:00 to 8:00 PM EDT
Fuji at Kendall
300 Third St, Cambridge, MA
Join Japan Society of Boston staff and members for dinner at Fuji at Kendall! Connect with JSB is a great way to get to know us better, meet other society members, practice your Japanese in a casual environment, and enjoy great food at Japanese restaurants in Boston!
Fuji has multiple locations for upscale Japanese food in the Boston area and we will be visiting their Kendall Square restaurant. See their website for their full menu of sushi and other Japanese dishes.
This event is open to JSB members only. Registrants are welcome to bring a plus one, but their guest must be included in the registration. All attendees should be prepared to pay for their own meal/drinks.
| |
|
JSB Book Club
Wednesday, March 20th, 2024 - 6:00 PM EDT
Online
Do you love Japanese literature? The JSB Book Club will be meeting to discuss Spring Snow by Yukio Mishima.
Spring Snow is the first of Yukio Mishima's Sea of Fertility tetralogy, a series of four connected novels that was his final work and is considered to be his literary masterpiece. It is the story of star-crossed lovers, friendship, political mishaps, and conniving servants that takes place in 1912 Tokyo in the inner circle of the imperial court.
Due to a scheduling conflict, March's Book Club meeting will be held on March 20th instead of the usual final Wednesday of the month.
The JSB Book Club meets on the last Wednesday of every other month to discuss great modern Japanese novels. The purpose of our club is to strengthen the Boston community of Japan enthusiasts by creating a space for thoughtful and sociable discussion.
The club is limited to Japan Society of Boston Members.
Consider becoming a Member today!
Find a copy of Spring Snow here. You are welcome to read any translation.
| |
|
Between the Lines
Thursday, April 4th, 2024 - 6:00 PM EDT
Online
Join us to discuss some of the greatest classics of medieval Japanese literature, written by women authors! Our book for the next two sessions will be Sarashina Nikki or As I Crossed a Bridge of Dreams by Takasue no Musume (Lady Sarashina) as translated by Ivan Morris. We will read the entire book for this session. Articles about the work will be provided for our continued discussion in the next session.
You may find a copy of the book here.
The club is limited to Japan Society of Boston Members.
Consider becoming a Member today!
| |
 | |
JSB Film Club
Wednesday, April 24th, 2024 - 6:00 to 8:00 PM ET
Online
Our next film will be Departures (2008), directed by Yojiro Takita. It was the first Japanese film to win the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film. In the film, a failed cellist (Masahiro Motoki) reluctantly returns to his quiet hometown to start a new job as a nokanshi or ritual mortician. The film highlights the profoundly intimate nature of traditional Japanese funeral rituals like hand-washing bodies for cremation and is a thought-provoking and disarmingly moving piece about life, death, and intricate familial bonds.
Films should be viewed in advance of our meetings. Due to copyright laws, meetings will not feature screenings. This film can be viewed for free on Plex, rented from the Boston Public Library, or purchased online at various sites.
The Japan Society of Boston Film Club meets on the last Wednesday of every other month to discuss great classic and contemporary Japanese films. The purpose of our club is to support the community of Japan film enthusiasts in the New England region by creating a space for thoughtful and sociable discussion.
The club is limited to Japan Society of Boston Members. Interested in joining but not yet a member of the Japan Society of Boston? Consider becoming a Member today!
| |
|
Member Highlight
The Japan Society of Boston is pleased to introduce you to the wonderful members of our community through this blog series.
Each month we feature a JSB member and ask them to share with us their Japan Story.
This month: Wendy Dodek
"I have been a member of the Japan Society of Boston since 1989, joining after I returned to the US from Tokyo where I worked for three years as a language consultant and editor."
| | |
|
|
USJETAA is Hiring!
USJETAA is adding a part time (15-20 hrs/wk) Programs & Membership Coordinator to their team. They are looking for a well-organized, detail-oriented individual with exceptional writing and editing skills who enjoys relationship building and creating and executing events/programs. Applications will be considered through March 24, 2024.
| | |
|
|
Famous in Japan
In Memory of Seiji Ozawa
Studying individuals from around the world who are famous in Japan, both past and present.
This month we are honoring Seiji Ozawa, renowned conductor and Advisory Board Member and friend of JSB who recently passed away.
| |
Other Japan-Related Events | | |
|
|
Ko・Kyoto Bunny Ear Bookmark Workshop with Mizuhiki Cords
Saturday, March 16th - 5:00PM EDT
1 hour 30 minutes @ $40.00
1 Bow Market Way, Unit 33, Somerville, MA
Discover the art of crafting a charming bunny ear bookmark with Mizuhiki cords! Choose your favorite color and relish the joy of reading with your personalized creation.
Join for this traditional craft workshop at $40 per person, tools and materials included.
| |
UNIQLO Festival of Films from Japan
February 23 - April 4, 2024
Museum of Fine Arts Boston
Harry and Mildred Remis Auditorium (Auditorium 161)
The UNIQLO Festival of Films from Japan returns with a showcase of bold new titles and restored classics. This year's lineup includes Monster, the explosive new drama from Palm d’Or winner Hirokazu Kore-eda (Shoplifters, Broker); Nobuhiko Obayashi's 1977 cult horror classic House; and a 70th-anniversary screening of Akira Kurosawa’s timeless epic Seven Samurai.
Upcoming screenings: Seven Samurai, Blue Giant, and Perfect Days
All films are in Japanese with English subtitles. See the MFA's website for details.
| |
 |
TEKE::TEKE
Wednesday, April 3rd, 2024 - 12:00 PM ET
The Red Room at Cafe 939
939 Boylston St, Boston, MA
Psychedelic rock group TEKE::TEKE are intimately familiar with duality, of splitting reality between past and present, complex melodies and hushed interludes, intense action and lingering response. After building their sound through careful assembly of countless splinters of Japanese folk, psychedelia, Brazilian surf rock, and other far-flung touchstones, the Montreal-based seven-piece indulged in and learned from stretching out in free-floating experimentation on the road.
Now releasing their sophomore album, Hagata (due June 9th via Kill Rock Stars), TEKE::TEKE move fully in the space between, embracing the power of mythic pairings and identities lived at once. Matching muscly intensity with moments of cloudy meditation—like a world-class high jumper finding bliss at the apex of their leap—the group frame expressive compositions with regal flute, rich horns, ecstatic guitar, and a thumping rhythm section.
Tickets on sale now.
| |
Mia Elezović Piano Recital
Friday, April 5th, 2024 - 8:00 PM ET
Houston Hall, Boston Conservatory at Berklee
8 Fenway, Floor 1, Boston, MA
Mia Elezović is an acclaimed Croatian-Japanese pianist who has won numerous competitions abroad. She will hold a recital of mostly Japanese compositions on piano.
Admission is free, but space is limited. For questions, contact Berklee Professor Derek Hurst at dhurst@berklee.edu
Recital including works by: Malika Kishino, Michio Mamiya, Shin-Ichiro Ikebe,
Tōru Takemitsu, Srdjan Dedić, and Derek Hurst.
| |
Ikebana Exhibition
April 19, 2024 at 5:00 PM ET
The Garden at Elm Bank
900 Washington St, Wellesley, MA 02482
The Sogetsu Massachusetts Branch of Ikebana present an exhibition on Japanese Flower Arranging.
The opening reception offering refreshments, a concert, floral demonstrations, and free admission to the gardens is a fundraiser for the Massachusetts Horticultural Society to revive their long-neglected Asian Garden. All proceeds go to the Massachusetts Horticultural Society and The Suzuki Association of Massachusetts.
Tickets: $45 each at Mass Hort's website
JSB members get a discount for $35 tickets. Check our event page here to learn how.
The rest of the Ikebana showcase will run from 10am-6pm on Saturday 4/20 and Sunday 4/21 at the Garden at Elm Bank. Check their website for updated information on the Ikebana showcases, vendors, and workshops & activities schedule. Entrance to the Gardens to view the showcase is $10 for April 20-21.
| |
Ken Matsuzaki Pottery Workshop
Sunday, May 12th, 2024 - 9:30 AM-3:00PM ET
Clay Lounge
75 Thayer St, Boston, MA
The Pucker Gallery, one of JSB's member discount providers, is hosting a Ken Matsuzaki pottery workshop at Boston's Clay Lounge!
Ken is coming from Mashiko, Japan to demonstrate his beautiful wheel throwing and hand building style. He will tell his story and share his philosophy of clay.
This limited workshop is $165 per person and includes a lunch.
Visit here and click through to the week of May 12-18 to register!
| |
Still Walking: The Cinema of Hirokazu Kore-eda
March 15th-17th, 2024
Brattle Theatre
The Brattle Theatre is partnering with the Chlotrudis Society for Independent Film and Independent Film Festival Boston to welcome acclaimed Japanese writer/director Hirokazu Kore-eda to Boston for a celebration of six of his films.
All films are in Japanese or Korean with English subtitles.
| |
Temple University Japan High School Summer Program 2024
Wednesday, July 31 – Thursday, August 8, 2024
Temple University, Japan Campus in Tokyo
Program Fee:
260,000 JPY (additional 20,000 JPY registration fee applies)
Eligibility:
The program is open to high school students entering 9th-12th grade in the 2024-2025 academic year.
TUJ invites high school students to a summer of language and cultural experiences in Tokyo. The 8-night program includes a unique mix of Japanese language classes and one of four exciting electives. With adventures in Tokyo, an overnight excursion to Nikko, and a trip to DisneySea, this will be your summer to remember!
| |
Showa Boston Friendship Program 2024 | |
|
Boston-area 5th and 6th graders
August 5-9, 8:30am-4:30pm daily
Program highlights:
Teacher-led morning instructions in integrated groups Hands-on cultural activities Trips to Fenway Park, the Science Museum, and more
Program fee: $700
Lunch, transportation, and trip admissions are all included
*$50 discount for JSB members
| |
Otoboke Beaver
Thursday, March 21, 2024 - 7:00 PM EDT
Royale
279 Tremont St, Boston, MA
Otoboke Beaver are a punk-rock-garage quartet from Kyoto, Japan. Formed at Kyoto University’s music club, the band consists of Accorinrin (Lead Vocal & Guitar), Yoyoyoshie (Guitar & Vocals), Hirochan (Bass & Vocals) and Kahokiss (Drums & Vocals).
Tickets now on sale. Show is 18 and up.
| |
|
Anime Boston 2024
March 29th-31st, 2024
Hynes Convention Center
900 Boylston St, Boston MA
Anime Boston is a three-day convention held annually in Boston, Massachusetts under the supervision of the New England Anime Society. Their goal is to celebrate and promote Japanese animation, comics, and pop-culture.
Stop by and say hi at JSB's table at Community Row!
Tickets on sale now. See their website for more information.
| |
|
Japan Festival Boston 2024
April 27th-28th, 2024
Boston Common
In 2012, the first Japan Festival Boston was hosted, celebrating the 100th anniversary of the gift of cherry blossom trees from Kyoto (Boston's sister city) to Washington D.C. The Japan Festival Boston provides the opportunity to share Japanese culture with the Greater Boston area and the festival has been steadily expanding every year (about 70,000 visitors in the past few years). The festival is completely organized by volunteers (more than 400 volunteers in 2019) and is supported by many sponsors and contributors from the community.
Read their interview of our Executive Director, Naoko Takayanagi, here.
For businesses and organizations interested in having a booth, see their vendor page.
They are looking for volunteers! If you are interested, use their contact form to make an inquiry.
To support Japan fest, check out their fundraising campaign.
| | |
|
|
Rishiri Island Summer Camp
August 5-9
August 12-16
August 19-23
August 26-30
A once-in-a-lifetime experience for 18-25 year olds to explore Northern Japan while interacting with the local fishing community and beautiful scenery.
Registrations are now open on a rolling basis. See their website for more information.
| |
|
Toshiko Takaezu: Shaping Abstraction
September 30, 2023 - September 29, 2024
Museum of Fine Arts Boston
Saundra B. and William H. Lane Galleries (Gallery 332)
Born in Hawaii to parents of Okinawan ancestry, Toshiko Takaezu (1922–2011) was a technically masterful and innovative artist best known for her ceramic sculptures, which she treated as abstract paintings in the round. The MFA holds a significant collection of Takaezu’s pottery—more than 20 examples are featured here alongside loans from private collections.
Challenging traditional presentations of American abstraction, “Toshiko Takaezu: Shaping Abstraction” celebrates the extraordinary range of Takaezu’s work, aiming to make her contributions more widely known. It is organized in partnership with the Noguchi Museum and the Toshiko Takaezu Foundation.
| | | | |
