Japan Society

Upcoming Japan Society Programs

Revolutionize the Maestro: New Ways of Craftsmanship
Thursday, September 11, 6:30 PM
Traditional art forms can serve as launching points for new, cutting-edge products and technologies. Japanese silk braiding, kumihimo, traces its roots to the Jomon era (5500 BC) with techniques now integral to the production of high-strength materials such as the fiber-reinforced plastics used in products from golf clubs to airplane wings. In fact, NASA has been researching silk braiding in attempts to develop applications for spacecraft. In this program, leading kumihimo artist Makiko Tada and Hiroyuki Hamada, Professor at Kyoto Institute of Technology, explore the artistry of kumihimo and how ancient craftsmanship is being applied to new technologies. Moderated by Joe Earle, Director of Japan Society Gallery. Tickets $10/$8 Japan Society members/$5 seniors & students.

Tadanori Yokoo
Friday, September 12, 6:30 PM
Hailed in the late 1960s as one of the world's great graphic designers thanks to his novel use of bright colors and imagery gleaned from popular culture, Tadanori Yokoo is also a respected painter and installation artist who has had major retrospective shows at museums around Japan as well as many international venues, including MoMA in New York and the Cartier Foundation in France. This program is held in conjunction with Yokoo's first New York solo gallery exhibition at Friedman Benda Gallery in Chelsea, where his most recent paintings and a large-scale installation will be on view. Moderated by independent curator, Eric C. Shiner. Tickets $15/$12 Japan Society members/$10 seniors & students.

ARICA Performance Company Kiosk
U.S. Debut Thursday, September 18, 7:30 PM, Friday, September 19, 7:30 PM, Saturday, September 20, 7:30 PM
Known for its Beckettian absurdity and stark aesthetic, ARICA Performance Company presents its critically acclaimed Kiosk. In this highly conceptual and visually arresting one-woman show, the narrative follows a day in the life of a woman working in a humble train station kiosk. Perched in her rolling chair, the woman sells newspapers and water. This simple premise is explored through fierce, physical repetition and live electronic music that unfolds the complex layers of the human body's relation to labor in this surreal landscape. ARICA Performance Company is a collective of artists from a variety of disciplines founded in 2001 by designer/director Yasuki Fujita with actress Tomoko Ando, musician Osama Saruyama, poet Shino Kuraishi and producer Keizo Maeda. Since then, the company has collaboratively created site-specific works in unconventional performance spaces. Kiosk was awarded Best Solo Performance at the 2005 Cairo International Experimental Theatre Festival. In Japanese with English subtitles. Tickets $28/$23 Japan Society members.

Japan's About-Face
Film Screening & Discussion Wednesday, September 24, 6:30 PM
Japan's About-Face offers a remarkable window into the shifting role of the military in postwar Japanese society. Filmmakers follow Defense Academy cadets preparing for a future that may involve overseas deployment and meet with a group of peace activists on a grueling two-month 700-mile protest march from Hiroshima to Tokyo. Viewers also witness joint maneuvers with the U.S. Marine Corps, surveillance flights over the Sea of Japan and the DDH Hyuga --the first Japanese aircraft carrier built since WW II. Post-screening discussion with Emmy-nominated producer and director Micah Fink and Richard Samuels, Ford Professor of International Studies, MIT. Tickets $10/$8 Japan Society members/$5 seniors & students.

Commodities Conundrum: The U.S. & Japan Battle a Byproduct of Emerging Market Growth
Corporate Luncheon Panel Thursday, September 25, 12 PM
The global credit crisis and sub-prime mortgage market woes have resulted in slowed growth – even recession by some definitions - in the U.S. and other developed nations. In contrast to past recessions in 1990 and 2001, the current period is characterized by markedly inflated prices for commodities, raising the specter of stagflation, not seen in the U.S. since the 1970s. While the root of the current global economic downturn may lie in the U.S.'s deflated housing market, Japan faces a similarly bleak forecast – rising prices for energy, raw materials and food, accompanied by slow or even negative growth. While the developed world may see improved economic growth and commodities conservation efforts, as long as emerging economies like China and India continue rapid industrialization, commodity prices will continue to rise. Our panel examines the relationship between growth in the developing world and skyrocketing commodities prices and assesses policy options for the world's two largest economies to combat rising prices. Speakers Lewis Alexander, Chief Economist, Citi, Brad Setser, Fellow for Geoeconomics, Council on Foreign Relations, Hiroyuki Tarumi, Executive Vice President, Mitsubishi International Corporation. Admission Nonmember admission: $65 for lunch and lecture, $15 lecture only. The academic and government admission rate is $30 for the luncheon and $10 for lecture only. Japan Society Corporate members are entitled to a designated number of free admissions to this event, based on their company's current membership level. To register for this event, please click "Register" above or send email to register@japansociety.org.

The Meaning of Life: A Message of Encouragement to Face these Difficult Times with Positivity and Bravery
Off-Site Event Wednesday, October 1, 5:15 PM
Speaker Dr. Kazuo Inamori, founder & Chairman Emeritus, Kyocera Corporation; Honorary Advisor, KDDI Corporation; Principal, Seiwajuku. One of Japan's most dynamic and charismatic entrepreneurs, Dr. Kazuo Inamori's approach to success in business draws on the traditions of Japanese spirituality and a clear view of the qualities one needs to lead a good life. Dr. Inamori uses analogies from Buddhism to present a fresh way of looking at the entrepreneurial spirit that one need not be Buddhist in order to appreciate. This event is not at Japan Society. Location: New York Society for Ethical Culture, 2 West 64th Street, New York, NY 10023 Admission This is a free event. However, you must register in advance in order to confirm your seat for the lecture. There is only one seat reservation available per registration. To register for this event, please visit http://www.seiwajyuku.org/.

New Bamboo: Contemporary Japanese Masters
Saturday, October 4 — Sunday, January 11
Over the past few years, Japanese bamboo artists have reached beyond the established boundaries of their craft. New Bamboo is the world's first exhibition devoted exclusively to Japanese bamboo as a sculptural medium, featuring 23 innovators, old and young, who explore to the full the tension between traditional skill and new expressive opportunities. Ranging from ethereal, computer-designed filigrees, through dramatic wall pieces to angry-looking, dirt-encrusted tangles and anthropomorphic, sexually charged sculptures, the more than 90 works on display demonstrate awesome technique, meticulous attention to detail and extraordinary creativity. Hours and Admission Japan Society Gallery hours: Tuesday through Thursday, 11:00 am–6:00 pm; Friday, 11:00 am–9:00 pm; Saturday and Sunday, 11:00 am–5:00 pm; the Gallery is closed on Mondays and major holidays (Nov. 27, Dec. 25 & 26, Jan. 1) . Admission: $12/$10 students and seniors/free Japan Society members and children under 16. Admission is free to all on Friday nights, 6:00–9:00 pm. $12; students & seniors $10; Japan Society members and children under 16 free.  Admission is free to all on Friday nights, 6-9 PM. Docent-led walk-in tours are conducted Tuesday-Sunday at 12:30 PM with additional tours on Saturday & Sunday at 2 PM.  Japanese language tours are conducted Friday nights at 6 pm by appointment.  Tours are free with admission and approximately one hour in duration. Group tours can be arranged by calling (212) 715-1224.

Dan Pink's Adventures in Manga
Monday, October 6, 6:30 PM
What business lessons can Americans learn from the wild world of Japanese comics? In this provocative, entertaining and highly visual presentation, Japan Society Media Fellow and bestselling author Daniel Pink draws on his research in Japan as well as on his own efforts as a manga creator to take us inside the world of Japan's dojinshi—amateur manga artists who remix and repurpose popular manga titles into new creations. Find out why these copyright-busting fans are actually helping the Japanese manga industry and get the reasoning behind Pink's decision to create the first American business book in manga, The Adventures of Johnny Bunko: The Last Career Guide You'll Ever Need. Followed by a reception and book signing. Tickets $10/$8 Japan Society members/$5 students & seniors.

Gagaku Revolution: New Sounds of Ancient Bamboo
World Premiere Commissions Friday, October 10, 7:30 PM
The otherworldly sounds of ancient Japanese instruments are brought into high relief in this rare concert of super-modern music. Three instruments, each made of bamboo and exclusively used in medieval Japanese gagaku (the oldest form of ensemble orchestra music, developed in the 8th century) will be played by Ko Ishikawa (sho) , Hitomi Nakamura (hichiriki) and Takeshi Sasamoto (ryuteki) members of Reigaku-sha, the most celebrated gagaku ensemble in Japan known for its activities in performing 20th- and 21st-century music. The evening features traditional works from the classical gagaku repertory as well as contemporary compostiions by Yoshiko Kanda, Mamoru Fujieda and world premiere commissions from three trailblazing American composers: Ken Ueno, Carlos Sanchez-Gutierrez and Gene Coleman. Tickets $38/$35 Japan Society members.

Konnichiwa Friends Tours of New Bamboo: Contemporary Japanese Masters
Saturday, October 11, 2 PM — 3 PM
Slated for the second Saturday of every month between October and January, this series of tours engages young children ages 2-4 and their families in fun, interactive learning experiences.  Using games, puzzles, storytelling, and other techniques for discussing art and culture, these tours explore exhibition themes and include Japanese vocabulary and language acquisition activity building skills. Free with adult admission to the exhibition.  No reservation required.  For more information, please call (212) 715-1224.

Citi Japan CEO Offers Insights into Japan's Financial Services Transformation in the Face of Volatile Global Markets
Corporate Luncheon Thursday, October 16, 12 PM
A 23-year veteran of Citi, with extensive experience in overseas markets, Citi Japan CEO Douglas Peterson arrived in Japan in 2004 with high expectations for growing Citi's presence in a strategically important market. Four years later, Citi has listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, localized its banking operations and completed an acquisition of Nikko Cordial. Mr. Peterson discusses the challenges and opportunities in Japan, running a large organization with over 16,000 employees across the entire nation and the outlook for U.S. Financial institutions in Japan and the broader Asian region. Speaker Douglas Peterson, Chairman, Representative Director, President & Chief Executive Officer, Nikko Citi Holdings Inc. Presider James S. McDonald, Chairman, Japan Society; President & CEO Rockefeller & Co., Inc. Admission Nonmember admission: $65 for lunch and lecture, $15 lecture only. The academic and government admission rate is $30 for the luncheon and $10 for lecture only. Japan Society Corporate members are entitled to a designated number of free admissions to this event, based on their company's current membership level. Additional corporate registrants and Japan Society individual members at the Patron Circle level and above pay the discounted corporate member rate of $45 for lunch and lecture, $10 for lecture only. When payment is required, prepayment must be made, or registration secured, with a credit card. All registrations and cancellations must be made at least 48 hours prior to the event. Substitutions are welcome. To register for this event, send email to register@japansociety.org.

The China Lover: The Life of Shirley Yamaguchi/Ri Koran
Thursday, October 16, 6:30 PM
Asian expert and Japanese film scholar Ian Buruma discusses his new novel, The China Lover, based on the life and career of actress Yoshiko (Shirley) Yamaguchi. Yamaguchi reflected the host of tensions that embody the development of modern Japan. Japanese by nationality, she was born in 1920 in Manchuria and for a time was known as Ri Koran. Her first films took place during the time of Japan's strong presence in China, and her personality was split between Chinese solidarity and a love affair with Japanese nation builders. Forced to return to Tokyo during WW II, Yamaguchi subsquently worked in pro-America and pro-democracy films. Moderated by Tom Vick, Film Programmer, Freer and Sackler Galleried, Smithsonian Institution. Followed by a reception. Tickets $10/$8 Japan Society members/$5 seniors & students.

Tora-san, Our Loveable Tramp (Otoko wa tsuraiyo)
Friday, October 17, 7:30 PM Twenty years after leaving the small town of Shibamata, Tora-san returns home and is reunited with his younger sister Sakura, who has been raised there by their aunt and uncle. Sakura is now a beautiful young woman with many suitors. When Hiroshi, a neighborhood factory worker, vows to win Sakura over, Tora-san stirs the pot with clumsy schemes that backfire into disaster. This film is part of the Monthly Classics series, Best of Tora-san.

Puzzling the World: Sudoku and Crossword
Thursday, October 23, 6:30 PM
Few puzzles have swept the world and created such passionate devotees as Sudoku and crosswords. While crosswords require specific linguistic capability, Sudoku players only need to understand basic numbers, a feature that makes Sudoku particularly transnational and global. Maki Kaji, godfather of Sudoku and President of Nikoli Company and Will Shortz, Crossword Puzzle Editor, The New York Times, discuss the similarities and differences of crossword puzzles and Sudoku as well as trends and themes driving the popularity of puzzles around the world today. Moderated by Liane Hansen, Host, Weekend Edition Sunday, NPR. Followed by a reception. Tickets $10/$8 Japan Society members, $5 seniors & students.

Celebratory Rituals for Children: Shichigosan (7-5-3) Ceremony
Saturday & Sunday, October 25 & 26, 10 AM & 2 PM
Celebrate and appreciate the growth and good health of children ages 3, 5 and 7 through the Shinto ritual of Shichigosan ("seven-five-three" in Japanese) .  Three- and 5-year old boys and 3- and 7-year old girls of all nationalities and religions, with parents or accompanying adults, are invited to participate.  Special candies (chitose ame) will be served to participating children. Co-sponsored with the International Shinto Foundation. For tickets and information, visit the website of the International Shinto Foundation New York Center at http://shinto.org/isf/index.htm or call (212) 686-9117.

An Evening with Conductor Alan Gilbert
Monday, October 27, 6:30 PM
One season before assuming the Music Director position of the New York Philharmonic in 2009, Alan Gilbert, one of the most sought-after young conductors today, will make his Metropolitan Opera debut this fall with Dr. Atomic. Composed by the celebrated John Adams and premiered in San Francisco in 2005, Dr. Atomic follows the invention of the atomic bomb and the unbearable tension in the final hours before it was dropped on Japan in World War II. Born into a "Philharmonic" family (his father a former and his mother a current New York Philharmonic violinist) and half Japanese himself, Gilbert discusses his cultural and musical background, life and career. The evening will feature a special live performance. Held in conjunction with the Metropolitan Opera's new production of Dr. Atomic. Tickets $20/$15 Japan Society members.

Robert Coffland on Collecting Bamboo Art in America
Tuesday, October 28, 6:30 PM
The emergence of bamboo as a high-level art form with named practitioners is a recent phenomenon. Robert Coffland, this country's leading dealer in Japanese bamboo art, is on close terms with many of today's most celebrated practitioners. In conversation with Joe Earle, Director of Japan Society Gallery, Coffland offers a unique perspective on the contemporary working environment, the domestic politics of craft associations and exhibitions, and the international world of art fairs and collectors. Tickets $10/$8 Japan Society members/$5 seniors & students.

Digital Social Responsibility: Search for a Sound, Responsible Information Society Corporate Luncheon Panel
Wednesday, October 29, 12 PM The Internet, and information and communication technologies (ICT) present a new socio-economic infrastructure that has become essential to everyday business and personal activities. Still in a state of continuous innovation, these technologies place new values on the process of using information and knowledge. Companies offering ICT services and technologies are expected to take an increasingly significant role in corporate social responsibility. Specifically, it is critical that they are proactive in seeking solutions to societal challenges such as protecting private information and Internet copyrights, regulating content and distribution, and improving security and safety for children on the Internet. Our panelists discuss how U. S. and Japanese corporations should position and promote their corporate social responsibilities, including how to tackle social challenges and provide viable solutions in the information era, and how both countries' IT and dotcom companies work to fulfill their corporate social responsibilities. Panelists Jun Kurihara, Senior Fellow, the Mossavar-Rahmani Center for Business & Government, John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, Charla Griffy-Brown, Associate Professor of Information Systems, Graziadio School of Business and Management, Pepperdine University. Agenda 12-12:30 pm Registration & reception, 12:30-1:00 Luncheon, 1:00-2:30 Panel presentations. Admission This is a free event open to the public, but you must pre-register for the program. Seating is available on a first come, first served basis. To register for this event, email to register@japansociety.org.