The Japan Center at Stony Brook ![]() Site Designed by Melissa Bishop/DoIT Last Modified 05/13/2009 07:09:00 AM EDT | Selected Past Events Delicious Movement Workshop:
The 3rd JCSB Annual Meeting & Essay Competition Award Ceremony/Reception April 26, 2008, Charles B. Wang Center Click here for detailed information. Click here to view the photo gallery. Click here to view the slide show. Symposium: Asian Languages and the Professions April 8, 2008, 9:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., Charles B. Wang Center Cosponsored by the U.S. Department of Education, Department of Asian and Asian American Studies, the Center for India Studies, The Japan Center at Stony Brook, The Center for Korean Studies, The China Studies Program, The Program in Korean Studies, The Program in Japanese Studies, The Pre-College Japanese Language Program 2007 "MOURNING": Dance and Music by Eiko & Koma, and Tan October 6, 2007, Charles B. Wang Center Theater Admission: $15 general; $10 for students and seniors; $25 VIP Butoh-inspired MacArthur “Genius” awardees Eiko & Koma collaborate with acclaimed avant-garde pianist Margaret Leng Tan in celebrating their idiosyncratic styles and spirits. Delving into themes and images associated with dislocation, death and mourning, this fusion of dance and music allow intimacy and inspiration, evoking the depth of the ocean and the density of a remote forest. “Deep inside our dance are ancient memories that we hope people can sense and share, even if they do not remember from where and when” – Eiko and Koma Japanese Movie Shows (JCSB and Wang Center have established full cosponsership) September 27, October 9, 15, and November 8, 28, 2007; Charles B. Wang Center Theater. he Sea is Watching: Based on famed Japanese director Akira Kurosawa's last screenplay, Director Kei Kumai delves into the complex class and sexual dynamics of 19th century Japan. In a brothel in a Japanese village where the ruling and common classes mingle, Fusanosuke, a disgraced samurai, seeks refuge from authorities after he injured a more powerful samurai. Oshin, a young and naive prostitute with a heart of gold, falls in love with Fusanosuke against the advice of older and wiser prostitutes, leading to disastrous results. (In Japanese with English subtitles). Co-sponsored by the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute 1 Litre Of Tears: One day on her way to school, middle school student Aya (Asae Onishi) suddenly falls to the ground. The doctor diagnoses her with spinocerebellar degeneration, a rare and incurable neurological disease. Entering high school, Aya's condition continues to worsen as physical movements become more difficult. Forced to attend a special boarding school, she nonetheless finds hope and happiness through the support of her new friends and family. Working hard, she completes her high school education and bravely begins a new stage in her life, despite her weak health and continuous trips to the hospital. Aya never gives up, living each day of her life to the fullest until the very end. (Directed by Riki Okamura, 2004, 96 min, In Japanese with English subtitles) Abduction–The Megumi Yokota Story: The remarkable story of two parents’ three decade search for their daughter. Megumi Yokota, a 13 year old Japanese girl who was kidnapped by North Korean spies in 1977 while coming home from school. Husband and wife filmmakers, Patty Kim and Chris Sheridan, chronicle the twists and turns faced by an ordinary banker and housewife as they search for their long-lost daughter in an internationally hostile political climate. Winner of the Best Documentary, Audience Award at the 2006 Sundance Film Festival (Directed by Patty Kim and Chris Sheridan, 2006, 85 min., English) Co-sponsored by the Greater Port Jefferson and Northern Brookhaven Arts Council When a Woman Ascends the Stairs Onna ga kaidan wo agaru toki: Keiko, an aging geisha in the modern world, faces a life changing decision: either seek marriage or buy a bar of her own. This film chronicles the trials and tribulations of Keiko, surrounded by a wide range of men (from respectable businessmen to vicious drunks), as she struggles with the financial demands of her family, the image of her craft, and her own quiet dignity in a system where every choice has consequences. (Directed by Mikio Naruse, 1960, in Japanese with English subtitles).Co-sponsored by Osher Lifelong Learning Institute The Last Atomic Bomb: A Survivor’s Story: Sakue Shimohira is Hibakusha, a survivor of the 1945 atomic blasts that ended World War II. This Nagasaki survivor dedicated her life as an activist working on the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons. This documentary follows Sakue as she journeys to rallies, school campuses, and political capitals interweaving her personal past and experiences with rarely seen archival footage, coverage of U.S. censorship of the bombs and life for survivors after the blasts, and interviews of other Nagasaki survivors. (Directed by Robert Richter, 2005, 92 min, In English) News May 21, 2007 The "Tentaroh Inoh Collection" in Japanese Studies was dedicated to the Stony Brook University and housed in the Melville Library The Program in Japanese Studies and Stony Brook University Library announced the acquisition of the "Tentaroh Inoh Collection" in Japanese Studies. The books were donated to Stony Brook University by the late Professor Tentaroh Inoh (1915-2003), renowned historian and collector of rare books. The collection contains more than 40,000 Japanese volumes on history, literature, philosophy, anthropology, archeology, religion, linguistics, and political science, including numerous reference books. The "Inoh Collection" has been housed in the Melville Library, Room N4065. The ribbon-cutting dedication ceremony was held on May 21, 2007 in the presence of Professor Inoh's son, Mr. Shizuo Inoh, and formally opened to the public. For details, go to the Program in Japanese Studies website. 2007 Ryushukan's Japanese Summer Festival, "Natsu Matsuri" July 28, Martha Clara Vineyard, Riverhead, 4-8 PM Admission: Adult $10; Child (5-17 years old) $5; Child (less than 5 years old) free. Featuring shakuhachi performance, "Bon Odori" workshop, "Origami" workshop, "temaki sushi" workshop, sugarworks demonstration, marshal art exhibition, koto performance (Ms. Masayo Ishigure), "bonsai" demonstration, and "Bon Odori" with Ryushu Daiko performance. 2007 Origami Heaven Festival August 1-8, Charles B. Wang Center Third Annual Origami Exhibition & Festival: After two highly successful festivals, the Charles B. Wang Center, Long Island Folding Enthusiasts (LIFE), and the Japan Center are very excited about this year’s festival which promises to be a true Origami Heaven! Oriland: A mind-blowing exhibition by Yuri and Katrin Shumakov (http://www.oriland.com) features Origami clowns and goblins, beautiful flower arrangements (Oribana), and sprawling medieval castles. This exhibition is a visual feast of amazing creativity, artistry, and talent. August 1–8, Wang Center, Room 201 Origami Heaven Festival This day-long festival features: 1. Storigami performances by renowned storytellers. 2. Traditional Japanese tea ceremony. 3. Short films, 6 Artists ON ORIGAMI and Origametria, from Green Fuse Films. 4. Body Wrapping: Origami master and certified Kimono dresser, June Sakamoto demonstrates the art of kimono dressing. 5. Greeting card workshop by acclaimed Origami artist, Sok Song. 6. Festival crown, in a whole new format and with an important message. 7. The very popular Puppet portal is back this year! 8. Teaching tables where you can come and learn, fold, and play with paper! Suitable for all ages! (Groups of 15 or more must pre-register by e-mailing rsvp@origamiheaven.org) Wednesday, August 8, Wang Center Oriland is free and open to the public. Suggested donation of $5 for materials for Origami Heaven. Hours: Oriland Exhibition by Yuri and Katrin Shumakov; Room 201; Weekday hours 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m., Weekend hours 12:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m. Origami Heaven Festival: August 8, 11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. For more information, please contact the Wang Center at wangcenter@stonybrook.edu. "Sakura Matsuri" (Cherry Blossom Festival) Saturday, May 5, 2007, Charles B. Wang Center Japan Center presented Ryushukan's "2007 Long Island Sakura Matsuri" at the Charles B. Wang Center. This event was co-sponsored by the Japan Center at Stony Brook, the Charles B. Wang Center, Japan Foundation, and the Consulate General of Japan, New York. The Festival attracted more than 500 attendees from local communities, who enjoyed a variety of performances, workshops, film shows and exhibitions. The cherry trees at the Wang Center were full bloom in a nice spring weather, which contributed to the great success of this event. Click here to view the flyer of the "Sakura Matsuri" JCSB Annual Meeting & Essay Competition Award Ceremony/Reception Saturday, April 28, 2007, Charles B. Wang Center Click here to view the names and affiliated schools of award winners, honorable mention recipients and semi-finalists as well as award winning essays. Click here to view the slide show. Click here to see the photo album. The Second Japan Center - Canon Essay Competition at Stony Brook University was announced on September 1, 2006 and concluded by the Award Ceremony held on April 28, 2007. The Japan Center received 193 essays by the December 31, 2006 deadline. Those essays were carefully evaluated in two stages by a panel of judges composed of the faculty members of Stony Brook University and their decision was endoresed by two honorary judges, Shirley Strum Kenny (President of Stony Brook University) and Jeo Adachi (President and CEO of Canon U.S.A.). Each of the first, second, and third place Best Essay Award Winners in the high school division receiveed $1,500, and the Best Essay Award Winner in the college division received $2,000. The First Place Best Essay Award Winner in the high school division also received a special certificate with Japanese Ambassador's signature from the Consulate General of Japan in New York. These prizes were presented by Shirley Strum Kenny, President, Stony Brook University, William Reed, Senior Vice President, Canon U.S.A., Jiro Okuyama, Director, Japan Information Center, the Consulate General of Japan in New York, and Iwao Ojima, President of the Japan Center.Taikoza: Japanese Drums and Music 8 p.m. Saturday, February 24, 2007 $10 for students and seniors, $15 for general admission Like rolling thunder, Taikoza, the internationally renowned performance group, uses the powerful rhythms of the Japanese Taiko drums to take audiences to a new dimension of excitement. Artistic director Marco Lienhard, a Swiss native, brings an electrifying energy to this ancestral form, transcending national boundaries. In the past decade Taikoza has performed at some of the world’s most renowned halls including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Boston Symphony Hall, Suntory Hall in Tokyo, and Osaka Festival Hall. Innovating on a fifteen century old Japanese tradition of music and performance, Taikoza creates a new sound using a variety of drums of assorted sizes, and Japanese wood winds - the shakuhachi, and the fue. Brace yourself for a powerful performance! An East Wind Production. Co-sponsored with the Japan Center@Stony Brook and Taiko Tides ![]() New Year's Celebration GalaSaturday, January 20, 2007 12:00 - 4:30 PM Charles B. Wang Center, Theater Lobby Admission: JCSB, LIJA Member $20; Under 12 years of age $10; Under 3 years of age - Free; Non-Member $35. Registration: 12:00 PM Opening Remarks and Greetings: 12:30 PM Introduction of New Members and Announcements: 1:00 PM Entertainments and Games: 1:30 PM special performances featuring Junko Nagahama Fisher (Okinawa Dance) Cynthia Nyoen Chaffee (Shakuhachi Music) Bazzar: 12:00-4:30 PM "NHK Kohaku Utagassen" screening: 3:30 PM 2006 Japanese Movie Shows November 16, 2006, November 29, 2006, Charles B. Wang Center Shinobi: The year is 1614. Japan has been united under Ieyasu, first of the Tokugawa Shoguns. Two remote ninja villages, Manjidani / Koga, and Tsubagakure / Iga, are ancient enemies. Gennosuke of Koga and Oboro of Iga, are the last hope of two isolated ninja villages wracked by endless tragedy and a cycle of revenge. The blessing of their love should have brought peace to the suffering people. However, the conspiracy brought by Ieyasu once again sets the two villages against each other, and to exterminate each tribe. Five ninjas of Manjidani / Koga will battle five of Tsubagakure / Iga. With each Ninja having super human powers, the battle is set to fight off each other for their own existence. Now destined to meet as enemies, will Gennosuke and Oboro find a way to pursuit their star-crossed love? Nana: Nana Komatsu (Aoi Miyazaki) journeys to Tokyo to be with her boyfriend. A stroke of luck finds her sitting on the train next to NANA Osaki (Mika Nakashima), a budding rock vocalist. Although they part at Tokyo Station, their paths cross once more as they compete for the same apartment. They decide to move in together and despite their differences, introspective NANA and outgoing nana become firm friends. NANA finds a new bassist and reforms her old band, Black Stones. Unfortunately, nana finds that the course of true love does not always run smoothly. nana receives some good news, however, when she wins a pair of tickets to see her favorite band, the hit sensation TRAPNEST, in concert and invites NANA along. NANA has reservations about seeing the band play live and it is now that nana discovers the secrets of her friend's past - NANA's unresolved feelings towards TRAPNEST's guitarist, Ren, her ex-boyfriend and ex-BLACK STONES bassist. The curtain goes up on the TRAPNEST concert and Ren steps onto the stage. NANA sits below in the front row of the audience. Her eyes fill with tears as memories come flooding back. Will NANA and Ren be reunited...?April 29, 2006, Wang Center The JCSB-LIJA Joint Annual Meeting & Award Ceremony for 2005-2006 JCSB-Canon Essay Competition at Stony Brook University * Click here to view the names and affiliated schools of award winners, honorable mention recipients and semi-finalists as well as award winning essays. The First Japan Center - Canon Essay Competition at Stony Brook University was launched in September 2005. The Japan Center received 99 submissions, and they were carefully evaluated in two stages by a panel of judges composed of the faculty members of Stony Brook University and their decision was endoresed by two honorary judges, Shirley Strum Kenny (President of Stony Brook University) and Jeo Adachi (President and CEO of Canon U.S.A.). Each of the first, second, and third place Best Essay Award Winners in the high school division receiveed $1,500, and the Best Essay Award Winner in the college division received $2,000. The First Place Best Essay Award Winner in the high school division also received a special certificate with Japanese Ambassador's signature from the Consulate General of Japan in New York. These prizes were presented by Shirley Strum Kenny, President, Stony Brook University, Yukiaki Hashimoto, Senior Vice President, Canon U.S.A., Jiro Okuyama, Director, Japan Information Center, the Consulate General of Japan in New York, and Iwao Ojima, Distinguished Professor, Chair of the Board, JCSB Lunch Reception with Music and Raffle koto (Masayo Ishigure), shakuhachi (Sholom Gold), and harp (Rachel Schuts) Past Event (3/28/2006, Wang Center) Piano Journey in Japan by Junko Ueno Garrett Admission Free. (Sponsored by the Japanese Consulate General in New York) “An Artist of Exceptional Talent and Skill” – La Montagne, France, “Virtuosic and Committed” – San Antonio Express News, Texas USA, “Beautiful Lyricism and Wonderful Technique” – Kanagawa Shinbun, Japan “Piano Journey in Japan” starts with a historical overview of Western music in Japan before the Meiji Restoration (1868). The program begins with the first Japanese piano piece, composed by Rentaro Taki in 1900. She discusses and performs some of the key Japanese piano pieces from the 20th century, dividing the program into two sections: before and after the World War II for each half. Reception follows at the Theater Lobby. Past Event Japanese New Year's Celebration Gala (1/29/2006, Wang Center) ![]() Japanese foods, Shishimai (The Japanese Folk Dance Institute of New York), Screening of Kohaku Utagassen (NHK's Japanese music program). Special Guests from Consulate General of Japan in New York Sponsored by the Japan Center at Stony Brook, Long Island Japanese Association, Program in Japanese Studies, Pre-College Japanese Language Program, and Charles B. Wang Center 2005 Japan Center - Canon Essay Competition at Stony Brook University *Click here to view the names and affiliated schools of award winners, honorable mention recipients and semi-finalists as well as award winning essays. Past Event (12/5/2005, Asian Studies Seminar Room) Lecture "The Cross-Cultural Study of Japanese and American Mother-Child Attachment Relationships " by Tomotaka Umemura Sponsored by the Japan Center at Stony Brook and the Pre-College Japanese Language Program Past Event(11/9/2005, Asian Studies Seminar Room, Humanities Bldg. 1049) Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program Seminar Organized by the Consulate General of Japan at New York and the Program in Japanese Studies Past Event(11/9/2005, Student Activity Center) Translation service for Iron Chef (Masaharu Morimoto) Organized by Campus Dining Services Past Event (11/4/2005, Wang Center Theater) Musical "Our Forest Is Alive, Part III: Our Earth Charter"Commemorating the 60th Anniversary of the United Nations Sponsored by ON Co., Ltd., the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Japanese Ministry of the Environment, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, the Japan Center at Stony Brook, the Wang Center, and Department of Asian and Asian American Studies Past Event (10/18/2005, Wang Center Theater) Japanese Horror Film: Chakushin Ari (One Missed Call) Sponsored by the Japan Center at Stony Brook and the Wang Center Past Event (5/15/2005, Wang Center Theater Lobby)Art Lee and Tokara, Taiko Drumming Sponsored by the Japan Center at Stony Brook and the Pre-College Japanese Language Program Past Event (3/3, 3/10, and 3/17, 2005, Wang Center Theater) Japanese Samurai Film Series Seven Samurai (Akira Kurosawa/1956), Twilight Samurai (Yoji Yamada/2002), The Last Samurai (Edward Zwick/2003) Sponsored by the Japan Center at Stony Brook, the Japan Foundation New York Office, and the Charles B. Wang Center Past Event (January 30th, 2005, Student Activity Center) The Japanese New Year's Celebration GalaCo-organized by the Japan Center at Stony Brook, the Long Island Japanese Association, the Pre-college Japanese Language Program, the Program in Japanese Studies, and the Japanese Cultural Association. 2004 Past Event (October 7, 13, 21, and 27, 2004, Wang Center)
|