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Yosuke Tanaka
President & CEO
How long have you been working in Boston?
I have been living in Boston since the end of July, 2023, setting up the company and advancing everything needed for the store opening.
What does your company do?
FOOD & LIFE COMPANIES, Ltd. operates restaurant brands such as Sushiro and Sugidama and is aiming to realize the vision of “Discovering new tastiness, Sharing moments of joy” together with our "COMPANIES" - the various multinational brands in our group. As a Japanese food service leader, F&LC operates over 1,000 restaurants across Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, Mainland China, and Indonesia. On April 25th, 2024, we grand-opened Sakabayashi Sushi Tavern, our only store in the United States, on Boylston Street in Boston.
Click here to read the full interview!
Check out the newly opened Sakabayashi Sushi Tavern in Back Bay!
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Japan Society of Boston Historic Anniversary Gala
We wish to extend a heartfelt thanks to each and every person who supported our annual fundraising gala and auction. Your contributions will help us to continue empowering US-Japan relations here in Boston.
Here's to the wonderful memories and connections made, and the brighter future we are building together!
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The JSB College Events Hub
We have launched a new page on our website to gather and promote Japan-related college events, opportunities, and resources for college students and young adults pursuing Japanese studies!
We currently have a large collection of jobs, internships, scholarships, and other opportunities posted for your reference.
Check out the hub below for more information, to view our current listings, or to submit an event or opportunity!
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JSB Fundraising Apparel
Marie Romano's winning Japan-Boston design is now available to purchase as a T-shirt or sweatshirt to help us fundraise for JSB.
Check out our online shop to see the different colors and styles!
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Navigating Japan: A Workshop for Travelers
Thursday, June 13th, 2024 - 6:00 to 8:30 PM EDT
Showa Boston Institute
420 Pond St, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
This immersive workshop co-hosted by Showa Boston and The Japan Society of Boston aims to empower travelers with the knowledge and skills necessary to make the most of their journey to Japan while fostering cross-cultural understanding and meaningful connections with the local community.
Workshop Highlights:
- Travel resource fair with representatives from local organizations
- Included dinner with Showa Boston students
- Language class with essential Japanese travel phrases and tips
- Culture Sessions with Dos and Don'ts for visitors
- Q&A Panel of Experts
- Mini cultural Experiences
Don't miss this opportunity to prepare for your journey to Japan! Reserve your spot today. Limited space available. See registration for all details.
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Gyotaku: A Deep Dive
Wednesday, June 5th, 2024 - 6:00 PM EDT
Online
Join us to learn about the traditional Japanese art of gyotaku. Gyo (fish) taku (to press or rub) is a method of fish printing in which real fish (and other sea creatures) are used as a printing plate. Professional gyotaku artist, Nate Garrett, will be discussing the origins of gyotaku, first as a form of record keeping, and its evolution into a modern day art form exploring three different methods and five distinct styles.
Along the way we will also touch on Japanese sumi ink and paper making as well as traditional and modern tools of the trade. Nate will share his perspective on why gyotaku has relevance and importance in our modern world. Following the presentation there will be a live demonstration of the art form.
This is a free 1 hour and 30 minute long presentation with Q&A hosted on Zoom.
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GHIBLIOTHEQUE
May 1-29th, 2024
Coolidge Corner Theatre
290 Harvard St, Brookline, MA 02446
Join us for a month of screenings celebrating the works of visionary writer/director and Studio Ghibli co-founder Hayao Miyazaki!
His creations have inspired filmmakers and audiences alike over the last 30 years with beloved stories and breathtaking visuals. We're proud to collaborate with Coolidge Corner Theatre to present a number of these gorgeous films in 35mm!
Tickets are on sale now. JSB members visit the Members-Only Portal for a discount code!
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JSB Language Room
Friday, May 17th, 2024 - 6:00 PM EDT
（日本時間では5月18日土曜日午前7時）
Online
Practice your Japanese (or your English) at our next online Japanese / English language exchange. Our monthly language room is sponsored by Temple University, Japan Campus (TUJ). TUJ is the oldest and largest foreign university in Japan.
Theme: Prefectures 都道府県
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おうちごはん！Ouchigohan - Tofu Miso Curry
Sunday, May 19th, 2024 - 7:00pm EDT
Online
Join us for the May 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 Tofu Miso Curry!
We are excited to announce May’s Ouchigohan class featuring guest chef and cooking teacher of her own online cooking school, Miwako Kishi, of the very popular website, Miwa’s Japanese Cooking. Her recipes are often plant based and feature balanced meals that embrace the Japanese concept ichiju sansai: one soup, three side dishes. This month Miwa will be showing us how to make a simple and delicious vegan Tofu Miso Curry and Miso Yogurt Pickles. Our Debra Samuels from Table for Two, will be cooking alongside Miwa-sensei who will be joining us from her home kitchen in Japan. Q&A will follow the class.
JSB members use code: "boston" for a discount.
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Boston Red Sox Japanese Celebration
Saturday, September 28th, 2024 - 4:10pm EDT
Fenway Park
Join the Boston Red Sox and the Japan Society of Boston in celebrating Japanese heritage and culture at Fenway Park on Saturday, September 28! Show your support as we honor the rich history, culture, and contributions of the Japanese-American community of New England.
Ticket holders who purchase tickets through this special offer will receive a Red Sox Japan jersey, available in sizes Adult Small to XL, with preferred sizes distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Arrive early to enjoy lively traditional taiko drumming performances and other festivities that showcase the spirit of Japan. Classic Japanese ballpark food and drink will also be available for purchase.
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Save the Date!
JSB will be hosting the third annual Celebrate Japan! at Long Hill Gardens in Beverly, MA on Saturday, July 13th, 2024.
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JSB Book Club
Wednesday, May 29th, 2024 - 6:00 PM EDT
Online
Do you love Japanese literature? The JSB Book Club will be meeting to discuss What You Are Looking For Is in the Library by Michiko Aoyama.
This charming novel is about a librarian, Sayuri Komachi, who has a special ability to recommend the perfect book for all her visitors. This heartwarming story features a unique cast of characters that is sure to capture your intrigue.
Find a copy here. You are welcome to read any translation.
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!
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JSB Film Club
Wednesday, June 26th, 2024 - 6:00 to 8:00 PM ET
Online
Our next film is Kikujiro no Natsu or Kikujiro (1999) directed by Takeshi Kitano, an iconic actor who also stars in the film. The score was composed by Joe Hisaishi, and tells the story of a young boy searching for his mother during his summer vacation in bittersweet episodic scenes.
Watch the Trailer.
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 Tubi (after June 1), 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!
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Between the Lines
Thursday, September 5th, 2024 - 6:00 PM EDT
Online
We will be taking a break for the summer months of June, July, and August and continuing our meetings in September with The Ink Dark Moon as translated by Jane Hirshfield and Mariko Aratani. This work has wonderful translations of poetry by Ono no Komachi, a key figure in Japanese literature.
You may find a copy of the book here.
The club is limited to Japan Society of Boston Members.
Consider becoming a Member today!
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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: Marie Romano
"It all started with one cup of matcha when I was 13. In 2018, I ended up being invited to Japan on a TV show to get an insider-look on tea agriculture in Uji and Wazuka, Japan..."
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"When I was a JET, we did a story based on 'Alice in Wonderland,' but instead it was called 'Alice in Tosaland.' It incorporated key cultural aspects of Kochi culture." | | |
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Famous in Japan
Studying individuals from around the world who are famous in Japan, both past and present.
This month we are featuring the famous Japanese female priest, writer, and activist, Jakucho Setouchi.
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Other Japan-Related Events | |
Evil Does Not Exist
Starting May 10th, 2024
Coolidge Corner Theatre
Landmark Kendall Square Cinema
AMC Boston Common 19
Don't miss your chance to see the newest film from Ryusuke Hamaguchi, director of Oscar winner for Best International Feature Film with Drive My Car, in theaters in Boston!
The film opens Friday, May 10th, and will have a theatrical run at Coolidge Corner Theatre, Landmark Kendall Square Cinema, and AMC Boston Common 19.
We are giving away an official film poster signed by Ryusuke Hamaguchi himself, anyone who purchases a ticket to a Boston screening is welcome to enter for a chance to win. Check out our Instagram, @japansocietyboston, for details.
See individual theater websites for full schedule. For Coolidge Corner Theatre only, use discount code: EDNE24
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Cosmic Connection: Ceramics by Ken Matsuzaki
May 11th to June 23rd, 2024
Pucker Gallery
240 Newbury Street, 3rd floor, Boston MA 02116
Public Opening Reception on Saturday, May 11th from 3-6PM. The artist will be present.
Ken Matsuzaki received a degree in Ceramic Art from Tamagawa University School of Fine Arts in Tokyo in 1972, after which he moved to Mashiko to apprentice with Tatsuzo Shimaoka. After a five-year apprenticeship, Matsuzaki established his own kiln, Yuushin Gama. Although Matsuzaki's work has a strong grounding in Mingei philosophy, his approach is very contemporary and focuses on the style of Oribe-yaki with yohen, shino, and oribe glazes.
2024 Cosmic Connection Exhibit Catalogue
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Yukiko Tominaga with Hanna Halperin: See: Loss. See Also: Love
May 14th, 2024 at 7:00 PM EDT
Brookline Booksmith
279 Harvard Street, Brookline, MA 02446
Brookline Booksmith presents a free literary event featuring new author, Yukiko Tominaga. Please see site for event details.
Depending on the volume of responses, an RSVP may be required for entrance to the event. You will also be alerted to important details about the program, including safety requirements, cancellations, and book signing updates.
Yukiko Tominaga was born and raised in Japan. She was a finalist for the 2020 Flannery O’Connor Award for Short Fiction, selected by Roxane Gay. Her work has been nominated for the Pushcart Prize and has appeared in The Chicago Quarterly Review, The Bellingham Review, among other publications. She also works at Counterpoint Press where she helps to introduce never-before-translated books from Japan to English language readers. See: Loss. See Also: Love. is her first book.
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Tales of Now and Zen with Motoko
May 23rd, 2024 at 7:00 PM EDT
Robbins Library, Community Room
700 Massachusetts Ave, Arlington, MA 02476
The Friends of the Robbins library are pleased to present award-winning Japanese storyteller Motoko as she regales her audience with hilarious tales from her old country, Japan, as well as poignant personal stories from her childhood in Osaka and her experiences as an immigrant to the US.
It will be recorded by Arlington Community Media and made available on YouTube afterwards so that those who cannot attend in person may enjoy it.
Motoko is a renowned storyteller who has been bringing Japanese culture to American and international audiences for many years. A native of Osaka who settled in Massachusetts in 1987, she has performed traditional Japanese songs and classic plays and stories at libraries, schools and festivals. Dressed in a kimono, gesturing with her fan, she fosters empathy and understanding among cultures, She received the National Storytelling Network's Circle of Excellence Award, the Parents Choice Silver Honor Award and the National Parenting Publications Award among many others.
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Boston Red Sox Hello Kitty 50th Anniversary Celebration
June 25th, 2024 at 7:10 PM EDT
Fenway Park
4 Jersey St, Boston, MA
Hello World & Hello Kitty's 50th Anniversary!
You can never have too many friends, so bring them out to Fenway Park for Hello Kitty's 50th Anniversary. We're celebrating with red bows and the Boston Red Sox as they take on the Toronto Blue Jays on Tuesday, June 25.
Everybody say Hello Kitty and join us for an evening of throwing kindness like confetti. Ticket holders who purchase through this special offer will receive a limited-edition Hello Kitty bobblehead wearing a Red Sox jersey with the 50th Anniversary logo. Additionally, Hello Kitty will be available for photos at select times once gates open.
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Japanese Tea Ceremony
June 30th, 2024 at 2:00 PM EDT
The Art Complex Museum
189 Alden Street, Duxbury, MA 02332
A ritual practice of preparing and drinking tea, the Japanese tea ceremony is a symbol of Japanese formality and spiritual aestheticism. The ritual is known in Japan as “chanoyu,” which literally translates to “hot water for tea.” Traditionally, it would be practiced in a specialized space called a tea house, designed specifically for tea ceremony gatherings.
The Art Complex Tea House, Sho-fu-an or “Wind in the Pines” was designed by Sano Gofu and built in Kyoto, Japan in 1969. It was reassembled at the museum in 1975 under the direction of Yasahiro Iguchi of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. It is a sanjo daime (3 and ¼ mat) hut with two doors (one for service and one for tea) and a daime tokonoma or alcove.
2024 Schedule: June 30, July 28, September 29
The ceremony begins at 2:00 p.m. and admission is free.
All are welcome on a first-come, first-served basis.
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Intersections
Asian American Ballet Project June 29th - 30th, 2024
Calderwood Pavillion at the BCA
Last year the Asian American Ballet Project brought you Beginnings, their inaugural concert by the world’s first ever Asian American ballet company.
They are currently planning for their upcoming concert: Intersections is a mixed bill of four uniquely Asian American ballets, exploring connections between Asia and America.
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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!
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Showa Boston Friendship Program 2024 | |
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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
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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.
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Arts of Japan
Starting May 11, 2024
Museum of Fine Arts Boston
These galleries open at 2 pm on May 11, following the Japanese Buddhist Temple Room Rededication ceremony.
The MFA has one of the most comprehensive collections of Japanese art anywhere in the world. Reimagined galleries explore Japan’s art and visual culture from the 7th century to today, including painting, sculpture, decorative arts, and selections from the Museum’s vast collection of ukiyo-e prints. Evocative spaces include the renovated Japanese Buddhist Temple Room, which opened in 1909, and an adaptation of a traditional tea room, with tatami mats and an alcove. Multimedia displays illuminate performative art forms, such as Nō theater, bringing their drama to life.
The new space for the Museum’s unparalleled Japanese collection—which was the first of its kind in America when established in 1890, and now holds about 100,000 objects—will change regularly, giving visitors the opportunity to see even more works in a setting that honors and celebrates Japan’s rich history and cultural legacy.
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Songs for Modern Japan
April 13 - September 2, 2024
Museum of Fine Arts Boston
“Songs for Modern Japan: Popular Music and Graphic Design, 1900–1950” explores how sheet music covers provide a window into Japanese society and culture during this period of immense transformation. Visitors discover how leading Japanese graphic designers of the day interpreted modernist international art movements like Art Nouveau and Art Deco, and how demand for military sheet music with propagandist images grew in the 1920s and ’30s, reflecting the country’s imperialist aspirations. Through investigating styles of graphic design, bold typography, genres of music, and the societal environment in Japan, visitors get a glimpse of how design and music celebrating modernity and globalism gave way to endorsing nationalism.
About 100 sheet music covers from the collection of Mary and Robert Levenson—alongside paintings, photographs, textiles, music, film clips, and musical instruments from the period—capture the dynamic effects of international artistic exchange and the profound societal shifts in a globalizing Japan. The exhibition presents an opportunity to draw parallels between this pivotal time in Japan’s history and today.
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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.
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