Chronology of Events 2019—2020

Home , Kazuo Hara, Ken Watanabe, Shinya Tsukamoto, Toshio Masuda (director), Yoji Yamada

CHRONOLOGY OF EVENTS 2019—2020

In mid-March, 2020, Japan Society closed its doors to staff, guests and the public in compliance with the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown. All onsite programs were cancelled or postponed, including the newly opened spring Gallery exhibition, with virtual events and other digital initiatives replacing physical programming.

2020 Japan Society Annual Dinner: LEADERSHIP BRIEFINGS SPECIAL EVENTS Reimagined Gala and Awards An ongoing series of C-suite invitational 18 June briefings brings together influential 2019 Bash + Benefit Auction executives and other thought leaders from 7 November Japan Society’s first ever virtual 2020 Annual Dinner: Reimagined Gala and Awards led the way the U.S. and Japan to discuss industry- Japan Society’s seventh annual benefit auction, an for fundraising events in New York during the COVID specific topics defining and driving the U.S. evening of festive food, drink and entertainment with pandemic, with New York and Tokyo co-hosts and and Japan. live and online auctions, was held in support of the approximately 350 guests—20 percent of the Society’s Arts & Culture programming. Following a audience joined from Japan. The program featured VIP dinner with special guests David Bouley, Candice presentations by Keynote Speaker Daniel P. Amos, Leadership Briefing Kumai, Shohei Shigematsu, Hiroshi Sugimoto and Chairman and CEO, Aflac Incorporated and kyogen 21—22 May Basil Twist, Christy Williams Coombs of Sotheby’s actor Mansaku Nomura, the Japan Society Award Online invitational program. Co-presented with conducted the live auction. Guests enjoyed Recipient. TV personality and international model Brunswick Group. With Neil Wolin, CEO, Brunswick installations, live performances, and projections Mika Ahn was the Master of Ceremonies Tokyo and Group. by Ximena Garnica and Shige Moriya featuring Joshua W. Walker, Ph.D., President & CEO, Japan the LEIMAY Ensemble, with featured performers Society was the Master of Ceremonies New York. Masanori Asahara, Krystel Copper, Mario Galeano Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan, offered a TEA TIME VIDEO SERIES and Andrea Jones. message of hope for New York and reinforced the Tea Time, streaming on YouTube, is an Supporters: Bash Chairs Joseph and Amy Perella; immutable friendship and alliance between the U.S. online space to enjoy a cup of tea while Vice Chairs Bank of America, Louis J. Forster, Jun and Japan. Additionally, there were exclusive video remarks from The Hon. Caroline Kennedy, former listening to a conversation between an Makihara and Mimi Oka, and William K. Tomita; and expert on topics affecting U.S.-Japan Committee members Amy Cherry-Abitbol, Ariel and U.S. Ambassador to Japan, Governor George Pataki, Cathy Deckelbaum, Yosuke J.O. Honjo/ITO EN (North 53rd Governor of New York State and Ambassador relations and series host Joshua Walker, America) INC., Shigesuke and Noriko Kashiwagi, Joseph M. Young, Chargé d’Affaires, U.S. Embassy in Ph.D., President and CEO, Japan Society. Hidemoto Mizuhara/Mitsubishi Corporation Japan. Pianist Yuri Aoki and soprano Yunuet Laguna, Lindemann Young Artists at the Metropolitan Opera, (Americas), Masako H. Shinn; and Joshua and Geula Tea Time Season #1 Solomon. gave a heartfelt musical performance. Our two countries’ relief worker efforts were recognized March—June Special Thanks: Anomaly, Artsy, Asahi-Shuzo Sake through the presentation of an award to the Guests: Dr. Robert Yanagisawa, Professor of Brewing Co., Ltd., Chef David Bouley, Brooklyn Japanese Medical Society of America in New York Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai; Kura, Christy William Coombs, EN Japanese and the Disease Control and Prevention Center/ Co-Director of the Mount Sinai Global Health Brasserie, Issey Miyake USA Corp., Kubota Sake National Center for Global Health and Medicine in Program in Japan; President of the Japanese USA Inc., Dr. Stephen and Michiko Levine, Malfatti Japan. Glass, Miyako Yoshinaga Gallery, Mizuma Art Medical Society of America; Sakura Yagi, COO T.I.C. Gallery, Moto Creative Services, Chef Hiroki Restaurant Group; Vice Chair, U.S.-Japan Council; Odo, Paul & Joe Beauté, Ronin Gallery, Ryuichi Parag Khanna, Managing Partner, FutureMap; Sakamoto, Scholten Japanese Art, Masako H. Shinn, EXECUTIVE Catherine Kobayashi, journalist; Jeremy Hunter, ShugoArts, Sotheby’s, Suntory America Inc., Taka Founding Director, Executive Mind Leadership Ishii Gallery, Chef Masa Takayama, Takuro Someya INITIATIVES Institute; Ambassador Kanji Yamanouchi, Consul Contemporary Art, Julie Taymor, Tiffany & Co., The Two new executive initiatives were launched General of Japan in New York; Rona Tison, Executive Vice President, ITO EN (North America) INC; Kumiko Tolman Collection of Tokyo, Wuhao New York Inc., in 2020, Leadership Briefings and Tea Time. Ximena Garnica and Shige Moriya | Leimay, Koichi Makihara, author; Rosanne Haggerty, President Yanagi and Yuko Hosomi, Kazuhito Yoshii, and & CEO, Community Solutions; and George Pataki, participating artists. former Governor of New York. This program was supported, in part, by an With Richard Clarida, Vice Chairman, Board of BUSINESS & POLICY award from the Japan-United States Friendship Governors of the Federal Reserve System. Hiroyuki Commission as part of the institution-wide Passing Kasama, President & CEO, Mizuho Bank (USA), the Torch series. presiding. CONFERENCES, PANEL DISCUSSIONS, SEMINARS & SYMPOSIA With Ken Ruoff, Professor of History & Director of the Center for Japanese Studies, Portland State Japan’s Indo-Pacific Strategy in the University. Carol Gluck, George Sansom Professor of Emerging U.S.-China Rivalry History, Columbia University, presiding. 16 January Korea-Japan Relations & the U.S. Role 12 September With Yuichi Hosoya, Professor of International Cybernics Revolution: Politics, Keio University. Joshua W. Walker, Ph.D., With Sheila A. Smith, Senior Fellow for Japan Cyberdyne’s Vision & Strategy President & CEO, Japan Society, discussant. Studies, Council on Foreign Relations and Thomas 7 October C. Hubbard, Senior Director, McLarty Associates; This program was supported, in part, by an Chairman, The Korea Society; former U.S. award from the Japan-United States Friendship WORKSHOPS Ambassador to the Republic of Korea. Commission as part of the institution-wide Passing the Torch series. Energy & Geopolitics: Is Japan Ready With Yoshiyuki Sankai, Founder, President & CEO, Applied Mindfulness Workshop to Deal with the Uncertainties? CYBERDYNE Inc.; Professor & Executive Research Life is a Practice: Transform Your Mind, 10 December Director, Center for Cybernics Research, University of Tsukuba. Bruce Lieberthal, Chief Innovation Create Quality of Life With Go Katayama, Senior Consultant, Poten & Officer, Henry Schein, Inc., presiding. 21 February Partners, Inc.; Katherine Spector, Research Scholar, With Jeremy Hunter, Founding Director of the Center on Global Energy Policy, Columbia University; Executive Mind Leadership Institute & Associate and Michael Tran, Managing Director, Global Energy Free & Open Indo-Pacific: U.S.-Japan- Professor of Practice, Peter F. Drucker Graduate Strategy, RBC Capital Markets. Carolyn Kissane, Australia Alliance School of Management, Claremont Graduate Academic Director and Clinical Professor at Center 16 October University and Dai Ajari Ryojun Shionuma, Head for Global Affairs, New York University, moderating. With Tadashi Maeda, Governor, Japan Bank for Priest of Fukuju-san, Jigenji Temple. International Cooperation. Alan MacDonald, Chief 2020 Global Risk Landscape: Client Officer, Vice Chairman, Citibank, N.A., Professional Development Workshop: What Lies Ahead? presiding. Advancing Your Career Your Way 28 January 27 February With Keishi Hotsuki, Executive Vice President & Special Duty: A History of the With Maureen McGurl, CEO of Sutton Place HR Chief Risk Officer, Morgan Stanley; Alessandrea Japanese Intelligence Community Consulting Group, LLC. Quane, Executive Vice President & Chief Risk 12 November Officer, AIG; Gillian Tett, Chair of the Editorial Board & Editor-at-Large, Financial Times; and Joshua W. With Richard Samuels, Ford International Professor WEBINARS Walker, Ph.D., President & CEO, Japan Society. of Political Science, Director of the Center for International Studies, Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Gerald Curtis, Burgess Professor The Future of Digital Currencies: Emeritus of Political Science, Columbia University; Geopolitics of Coronavirus: Libra & Beyond Director, Toyota Research Program, Weatherhead Japan & Korea 5 February East Asian Institute; Distinguished Senior Research Fellow, Tokyo Foundation, presiding. 10 April With Oki Matsumoto, Chairman & CEO, Monex Group, Inc. and Simon Potter, Nonresident Online. With Sheila A. Smith, Senior Fellow for Japan Studies, Council on Foreign Relations and Stephen Senior Fellow, Peterson Institute for International LUNCHEONS Economics; former Head of the Markets Group & Noerper, Senior Director, Policy and Corporate System Open Market Account Manager, Federal Programs, The Korea Society. Joshua W. Walker, Reserve Bank of New York. Brady Dale, Senior Ph.D., President & CEO, Japan Society, moderating. Reporter, CoinDesk, moderating. NEC’s Facial Recognition Technology: Vision for a Brighter Biometric Promoting Our Mission in the Age of Overcoming Mountains: Mindfulness Tomorrow COVID-19: U.S. Relations with Japan, as a Leadership Practice for Anyone 17 September Asia & the World 20 February With Masahiro Ikeno, President & CEO, NEC 21 April Corporation of America. Satoru Murase, Partner, With Jeremy Hunter, Founding Director of the Online. With Bill Clifford, President and CEO, World Mayer Brown LLP, presiding. Executive Mind Leadership Institute & Associate Affairs Councils of America and Ambassador Professor of Practice, Peter F. Drucker Graduate Josette Sheeran, President and CEO, Asia Society. School of Management, Claremont Graduate Has the Japanese Economy Changed? Joshua W. Walker, Ph.D., President and CEO, Japan University and Dai Ajari Ryojun Shionuma, Head Challenges & Prospects Society, moderating. Priest of Fukuju-san, Jigenji Temple. 3 October COVID-19: Economic Implications for With Masazumi Wakatabe, Deputy Governor, Bank LECTURES of Japan. Kathleen Hays, Global Economics & Policy Japan & the United States Editor, Bloomberg Television and Radio, presiding. 29 April Online. With Glenn Hubbard, Dean Emeritus; Russell From Heisei to Reiwa: Special Luncheon with Federal Reserve L. Carson Professor of Finance and Economics, Board Vice Chair Richard Clarida Columbia Business School; Takeshi Komoto, The People’s Emperor Minister, Embassy of Japan in the United States 1 October 1 November of America; and Keiko Tashiro, Deputy President / & Co-Head, Nagashima Ohno & Tsunematsu NY Topolsky, Executive Director, Community Strategies Member of the Board, Daiwa Securities Group Inc. LLP. Philip M. Berkowitz, U.S. Practice Co-Chair, Group, Aspen Institute and Richard McCarthy, Slow Yumiko Shimabukuro, Director, Urban and Social International Employment Law Practice Group & Food International. Kate Cox, Editor, New Food Policy Program, School of International and Public Co-Chair, Financial Services Industry Group, Littler Economy, moderating. Affairs, Columbia University, moderating. Mendelson, P.C., moderating. The Innovators Network was made possible, in part, by James Read Levy and Japan Society’s endowment for policy projects. Transportation The Role of Central Banks INVITATION-ONLY EVENTS in the COVID-19 Pandemic: assistance was provided by United Airlines, the The U.S., Japan & Beyond exclusive U.S. airline sponsor of Innovators Network programs, and All Nippon Airways Co., Ltd. 1 May Private Dinner & Discussion with The Online. With Patricia Mosser, Director, MPA Program Honorable Haruhiko Kuroda, Governor, in Economic Policy Management; Senior Research Bank of Japan GALLERY Scholar, School of International and Public Affairs, Columbia University and Koji Nakamura, General 19 July Manager for the Americas, Bank of Japan. Kathleen With The Honorable Haruhiko Kuroda, Governor, Made in Tokyo: Architecture and Hays, Global Economics & Policy Editor, Bloomberg Bank of Japan. Motoatsu Sakurai, President, Japan Living, 1964/2020 Television and Radio, moderating. Society, presiding. The exhibition was supported, in part, by the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in COVID-19: Practical Guidance partnership with the City Council, the E. Rhodes Private Meeting with Keizai Doyukai and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation, The Japan for Employers 2 October Foundation New York, the Graham Foundation for 15 May Advanced Studies in the Fine Arts, Thierry and Online. With Devjani H. Mishra, Shareholder, Littler SDGs, Climate Change & Yasko Porté, and Shigesuke and Noriko Kashiwagi. Mendelson, P.C.; Melissa K. Peters, Special Counsel, Environmental Issues This program was also supported, in part, by an Littler Mendelson, P.C.; and Hironobu Tsukamoto, award from the Japan-United States Friendship 5 March Commission as part of the institution-wide Passing Partner & Head of Overseas Office (New York Office), With Mari Yoshitaka, Chief Environmental & Social Nagashima Ohno & Tsunematsu NY LLP. Philip M. the Torch series. Transportation assistance was Strategist, Environmental Strategy Advisory Division, provided by Japan Airlines, the exclusive Japanese Berkowitz, U.S. Practice Co-Chair, International Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley Securities Co., Ltd. Employment Law Practice Group & Co-Chair, airline sponsor, and American Airlines, the exclusive Joshua W. Walker, Ph.D., President & CEO, Japan U.S. airline sponsor of Gallery. The East-West Financial Services Industry Group, Littler Mendelson, Society, presiding. P.C., moderating. Dialogues series was sponsored by the Asian The season was sponsored by Global Leaders Citi Cultural Council. and Deloitte; and by Corporate Partners Mizuho Statecraft in the 21st Century: Policy Exhibitions and Arts & Culture Lecture Programs at Americas, Toyota and United Airlines. Japan Society were made possible, in part, by the Coordination on Traditional & Non- Additional support was provided by: All Nippon Lila Wallace-Reader’s Digest Endowment Fund, the Traditional Security Threats Airways Co., Ltd.; Henry Schein; Littler Mendelson, Mary Griggs Burke Endowment Fund established by 20 May P.C.; and Nagashima Ohno & Tsunematsu NY LLP. the Mary Livingston Griggs and Mary Griggs Burke Foundation, Raphael and Jane Bernstein, Friends of Online. With Ambassador Oh Joon, Professor of Program co-organizers and outreach partners were: the Gallery, and an anonymous donor. Support for United Nations Studies, Kyung Hee University; APEC Study Center at Columbia University; Center Arts & Culture Lecture Programs was provided, in Kanehara Nobukatsu, Senior Advisor, The Asia on Japanese Economy and Business at Columbia part, by the Sandy Heck Lecture Fund. Group; Distinguished Research Fellow, Japan Forum Business School; Consulate General of Japan in New on International Relations; Ambassador Kathleen York; Mount Fuji Dialogue; National Committee on Stephens, President & CEO, Korea Economic American Foreign Policy; Poten & Partners, Inc.; U.S.- VIP and Members’ Receptions Institute in America; Chair of the Board, The Korea Japan Council; and The Korea Society. 10 October Society; and Ambassador Qi Zhenhong, President, China Institute for International Studies. Joshua W. Walker, Ph.D., President & CEO, Japan Society, EXHIBITION moderating. INNOVATORS 11 October, 2019—26 January, 2020 NETWORK Tokyo, the transforming metropolis, has experienced The Storm Makes You Stronger: a variety of social, economic and political shifts. Managing Your Mind in the Face of PUBLIC FORUM The 1964 Summer Games, hosted by Tokyo, were Crisis with Jeremy Hunter Ph.D. the trigger to facilitate the rapid improvement of 16 June infrastructure. And the city is still changing—in advance of the 2020 Tokyo Summer Games Online. With Jeremy Hunter, Founding Director of Embrace Rural: Why it Matters (postponed to 2021). Following a period of strong the Executive Mind Leadership Institute & Associate 22 October economic growth up to the 1970s, Japan’s bubble Professor of Practice, Peter F. Drucker Graduate economy of the 1980s greatly reduced property School of Management, Claremont Graduate Embrace Rural: Why it Matters, presented as part of Exploring an Innovative Model for Rural values. In the new century, the population ratio University. Joshua W. Walker, Ph.D., President & CEO, shifted to elderly-dominant, and the 2011 Great East Japan Society, presiding. Revitalization, was supported by The Japan Foundation Center for Global Partnership. Earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disaster critically Transportation assistance was provided by United altered the population’s sense of values for living. New York & California Privacy Laws: Airlines, the exclusive U.S. airline sponsor of With Japanese architectural firm Atelier Bow-Wow What Employers Need to Know Innovators Network programs. Co-organized by taking on a double role as curator and exhibition designer, this exhibition explored the development 25 June New Food Economy; Design and Urban Ecologies, Parsons, The New School for Social Research; and of socio-architectural facilities and compared Online. With Philip L. Gordon, Chair, Privacy & Slow Food New York City. landscapes with art and performance generated Background Checks Practice Group, Littler from Tokyo between the two seminal worldwide Mendelson, P.C.; Zoe M. Argento, Shareholder, Littler With Tsuyoshi Sekihara, founder, Kamiechigo games, in 1964 and 2020. Mendelson, P.C. and Hironobu Tsukamoto, Partner Yamazato Fan Club in Joetsu, Niigata; Janet EXHIBITION-RELATED PROGRAMS the Gallery, and an anonymous donor. Support for COVID-19 Response and Impact Fund in The New Arts & Culture Lecture Programs was provided, in York Community Trust. part, by the Sandy Heck Lecture Fund. 28 May | Vol. 1 TALK | Rirkrit Tiravanija & Atelier With artist Mika Tajima. Bow-Wow on Current Work VIP and Members’ Receptions 5 March 25 June | Vol. 2 11 October With architect Florian Idenburg (Co-founder, SO–IL). Co-organized with The Architectural League of EXHIBITION New York. With artist Rirkrit Tiravanija and Atelier INSTALLATION 6 MARCH—19 JULY, 2020 Bow-Wow. En/trance: Teppei Kaneuji Boro (“rags” or “tatters”) are patchwork textiles 2020-21 TALK | Shohei Shigematsu and Atelier hand-pieced by peasants in Japan in the 19th and For his new installation in the Society’s lobby garden, Bow-Wow on the Past & Future of early 20th centuries. The inability to cultivate cotton in the northern climate of Tohoku necessitated S. F. (Splash and Flakes), Teppei Kaneuji combined Architecture the practice of stitching remnants of used fabric natural elements—tree branches from New York 11 October into utilitarian items, including blankets, coats and City—with ready-made artificial items—tubing and pipe fittings—in bricolage sculptures that add Co-organized with The Architectural League of New mittens. These hard-used garments—reworked a dynamic narrative to the space. Works from his York. With architects Shohei Shigematsu, partner of over generations—express essential principles signature series, White Discharge, for which he OMA, and Atelier Bow-Wow. of Japanese ethics and aesthetics, such as an appreciation for distinguished imperfections and assembled everyday objects and plastic goods the avoidance of waste. For the first time in the U.S., covered with white resin, were displayed on the LECTURE | East-West Dialogues this exhibition assembled over 50 archival pieces second floor atrium. Kengo Kuma: Vision of Architecture from the personal collection of folklorist and cultural Beyond 2020 anthropologist Chuzaburo Tanaka (1933-2013), 12 November presented alongside new portraits by editor- PERFORMING ARTS photographer Kyoichi Tsuzuki, designs by pioneers Organized in collaboration with the Asian Cultural of Japanese avant-garde fashion Rei Kawakubo, Japan Society’s 2019-20 Performing Arts Council (ACC). With architect Kengo Kuma. Issey Miyake, Yohji Yamamoto and textile-based season, while cut short by COVID-19, works by Susan Cianciolo and Christina Kim—part featured five full-scale productions—two LECTURE | Architectural New Wave: of a generation of contemporary artists influenced of which enjoyed U.S. tours produced and by the aesthetics and ethics of mending, patchwork From Ruins to the Future of Housing and re-use. The installation, designed by New York organized by the Society. The season 17 January architecture firm SO–IL, rediscovered this traditional struck a balance between traditional With architects Fuminori Nousaku and Mio handicraft, its history of survival and ingenuity, and and contemporary performing arts, and Tsuneyama. Jing Liu (architect and co-founder of its continued legacy within creative practices today. included such illustrious names as Shiro SO–IL), moderating. In March 2020 the newly opened Boro exhibition was Sano, Kurouemon Katayama X and visual closed to the public under New York City’s lockdown artist Tabaimo. ESCAPE EAST @ 333 SERIES during the COVID-19 pandemic. A multimedia tour of the exhibition and an educational tour for kids with Following the COVID-19 lockdown in mid- 18 October related activities were offered to viewers through the March 2020, online viewers enjoyed JS- With artist Nobutaka Aozaki. Society’s website, and discussions and studio visits ENCORE, a video series highlighting popular went virtual. 20 December past performances, as well as a month-long With clarinetist Mingzhe Wang and cellist Mihai streamed video performance of Seinendan Marica. EXHIBITION-RELATED PROGRAMS Theater Company’s Control Officers, 17 January written and directed by Oriza Hirata, one of With artist Zai Nomura. Japan’s most influential theater makers and LECTURE | Kyoichi Tsuzuki: The pioneer of the “quiet theater” movement, Boro Textiles: Sustainable Aesthetics Beauty of Survival that also featured a newly recorded Q&A The exhibition was supported, in part, by The Coby 7 March with Hirata and Japan Society’s Artistic Foundation, Ltd., the New York State Council on Director Yoko Shioya. the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew M. With photographer/editor Kyoichi Tsuzuki. Cuomo and the New York State Legislature, and the E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation. PANEL DISCUSSION | Japanese Reigakusha: Gagaku & Bugaku This program was also supported, in part, by an Textiles: New Perspectives 21 September award from the Japan-United States Friendship Reigakusha: Gagaku & Bugaku was supported by Commission as part of the institution-wide Passing 7 June Arts Council Tokyo (Tokyo Metropolitan Foundation the Torch series. Transportation assistance was Online. This program was organized in collaboration for History and Culture), The Japan Foundation, provided by Japan Airlines, the exclusive Japanese with the Japanese Art Society of America (JASA). The JEC Fund, and The Asahi Shimbun Foundation. airline sponsor and American Airlines, the exclusive With Elizabeth Wilson, owner of Asiatica, author This program was also supported, in part, by an U.S. airline sponsor of Gallery. Additional support Thomas Murray and Dr. Monika Bincsik, The award from the Japan-United States Friendship was provided by Ralph Puccii Mannequins and Metropolitan Museum of Art. Commission as part of the institution-wide Passing Sugimoto Production. the Torch series. Exhibitions and Arts & Culture Lecture Programs at The distinguished gagaku ensemble Reigakusha Japan Society were made possible, in part, by the GALLERY EVENTS presented two back-to-back shows with stunning Lila Wallace-Reader’s Digest Endowment Fund, the performances of ancient and modern pieces as Mary Griggs Burke Endowment Fund established by well as a bugaku piece—a traditional ensemble the Mary Livingston Griggs and Mary Griggs Burke SPOTLIGHT, ONLINE ARTIST SERIES piece accompanied by dancers in court costumes. Foundation, Raphael and Jane Bernstein, Friends of This series was supported, in part, by the NYC Dr. Joshua Banks Mailman, professor at Columbia University’s Department of Music, led a pre- Yamamoto held a special Q&A session for students Artists Reception support was provided by MetLife performance lecture an hour before curtain. from Marymount College and New York University Foundation. following Tuesday night’s performance. ‡ In memoriam. Kwaidan—Call of Salvation Heard from the Depths of Fear Fruits borne out of rust 24 October 6—7 March FILM Kwaidan was supported by Matsue City, The JEC Fruits borne out of rust was supported by the Agency Fund, and the ORIX Stewardship Foundation, and, for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan through in part, by public funds from the New York City the Japan Arts Council, and The Japan Foundation MONTHLY CLASSICS Department of Cultural Affairs, in partnership with through the Performing Arts JAPAN program. Year-round screenings of beloved classics, Special thanks to NEC Display Solutions Ltd. the City Council. Special thanks to the Embassy of hidden gems and recent discoveries of Japan in the United States of America and Shimane Internationally known Japanese visual artist Tabaimo Japanese cinema. Prefecture. used her signature-style animations to transform Acclaimed actor Shiro Sano gave a dynamic reading the stage in this multimedia dance piece set to live of his selection of Japanese folktales and writings music that probed themes surrounding birth and Tora-san’s Cherished Mother (Yoji by Lafcadio Hearn (1850-1904), highlighting the aging. Performed by Paris-based dancer Chiharu Yamada, 1969) author’s open-minded view of Japan and the world. Mamiya, the program was also part of a four-city tour 6 September Accompanied by distinguished guitarist Kyoji produced and organized by the Society. Yamamoto, the performance was preceded by a lecture from Bon Koizumi, Hearn’s great-grandson Tora-san’s Dear Old Home (Yoji and the Director of the Lafcadio Hearn Memorial WORKSHOPS Yamada, 1972) Museum in Matsue City. 4 October

Taiten: Noh & Kyogen Introduction to Gagaku for Musicians Tora-san’s Runaway (Yoji Yamada, 14—16 November 22 September 1970) Taiten: Noh & Kyogen was supported by the Agency Held in conjunction with Reigakusha: Gagaku & 1 November for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan through Bugaku. Members of the ensemble Reigakusha the Japan Arts Council, and, in part, by public funds introduced the individual instruments in a traditional Tora-san Meets His Lordship (Yoji from the New York City Department of Cultural gagaku ensemble, providing a rare opportunity for Affairs, in partnership with the City Council.Taiten amateur and professional musicians to try their hand Yamada, 1977) was presented in association with Yokohama Noh at them. 6 December Theater. Pre-performance lectures were supported by the Japan-United States Friendship Commission, as part of the institution-wide Passing the Torch The Basics of Noh & Kyogen Keep Your Chin Up (Toshio Masuda, series, and the National Association of Japan- 15—16 November 1962) America Societies, with funding from the Japan Held in conjunction with Taiten: Noh & Kyogen. This 3 January Foundation Center for Global Partnership. two-day workshop introduced the basic movements Kurouemon Katayama X returned to the Society’s from two of Japan’s most distinguished theatrical It Was a Faint Dream (Akio Jissoji, stage with a modern noh play titled Taiten, originally traditions. The first day was led by Kurouemon 1974) create to commemorate the Taisho Emperor’s Katayama X and focused on the intricate costumes 7 February enthronement, to celebrate the new Emperor and history of noh. On the second day, members of Naruhito and the Reiwa Era. Noritoshi Yamamoto the prestigious Yamamoto Tojiro Family taught the from the prestigious Yamamoto Tojiro Family exaggerated physicality and voice work needed to Nowhere Man (Naoto Takenaka, 1991) performed a beloved piece from the traditional perform kyogen—noh’s comedic cousin. 13 March kyogen repertoire, Kagyu (The Snail). Dr. Roberta Strippoli, amateur noh practitioner and professor at The season was sponsored by Lead Sponsor MetLife Binghamton University’s Department of Asian and Foundation and Corporate Partner Orix Stewardship FILM SERIES Asian American Studies, held a pre-performance Foundation. Major support was provided by The lecture an hour before curtain. New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, Doug and Teresa Tokyo Stories: The Unknown Dancer in the Peterson, the New York State Council on the Arts Neighborhood with the support of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and Japan in the Global Imagination the New York State Legislature, and The Fan Fox 8 November—7 December 10—14 January and Leslie R. Samuels Foundation, Inc. Additional This program was supported, in part, by an The Unknown Dancer in the Neighborhood was support was provided by Dr. and Mrs. Carl F. Taeusch award from the Japan-United States Friendship presented by Japan Society as part of The Public II, Dean Jeanette C. Takamura, Mr. Alan M. Suhonen, Commission as part of the institution-wide Passing Theater’s Under the Radar Festival 2020. This Sarah Billinghurst Solomon and Howard Solomon, the Torch series. production was supported by Arts Council Tokyo The Royal Little Family Foundation, Pamela Perlman, (Tokyo Metropolitan Foundation for History and Mr. Norton Belknap‡, Dr. John K. Gillespie, Paula S. An 11-film series considering the ways Culture), The Japan Foundation, and, in part, by Lawrence, Dr. Stephen and Mrs. Michiko Levine, Japan—and the elusive concept of public funds from the New York City Department of Hiroko Onoyama, Karen and Samuel Richardson, “Japaneseness”—has been rendered Cultural Affairs, in partnership with the City Council. and Lyndley and Samuel Schwab. Endowment and interpreted outside its borders with a Playwright-director Suguru Yamamoto shared his support was provided by Lila Wallace-Reader’s revealing selection of Tokyo-set films by multifaceted portrayal of city life in this one-man Digest Endowment Fund and the Endowment for dance theater piece performed by Wataru Kitao, the Performing Arts, established with a leadership foreign directors, including Japanese co- director/founder of Dance Company Baobab. The gift from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation. productions, Hollywood blockbusters and production featured Yamamoto’s signature directing Special transportation assistance was provided by European arthouse favorites. style, in which invisible characters’ thoughts and All Nippon Airways Co., Ltd. Yamaha was the official feelings are conveyed through projected text. piano provider of Japan Society. MetLife Meet-the- Family Romance, LLC (Werner Herzog, Poem (1972) Fukushima 50 (Setsuro Wakamatsu, 2019) New York Premiere 2020) 8 November WATCH PARTY i—Documentary of the Journalist— Tokyo-Ga (Wim Wenders, 1985) (Tatsuya Mori, 2019) 9 November Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro It Feels So Good (Haruhiko Arai, 2019) (Hayao Miyazaki, 1979) Cherry Blossoms (Doris Dörrie, 2008) Onllne. 7 May Kinta and Ginji (Takuya Dairiki, 9 November Takashi Miura, 2019)

Like Someone in Love (Abbas FILM FESTIVAL Kontora (Anshul Chauhan, 2019) Kiarostami, 2012) Labyrinth of Cinema (Nobuhiko 9 November JAPAN CUTS: Festival of New Obayashi, 2019) Lost in Translation (Sofia Coppola, Japanese Film 2020 Life: Untitled (Kana Yamada, 2019) 2003) with introduction by producer 17—30 July This festival was generously supported by The New Lost Three Make One Found (Atsushi Stephen Nomura Schible York Community Trust. Sponsorship was generously 19 November provided by Shiseido Americas. Additional support Kuwayama, 2019) was provided by The Japan Foundation, New York Mrs. Noisy (Chihiro Amano, 2019) Tokyo Pop (Fran Rubel Kuzui, 1988) and Sapporo U.S.A., Inc. Transportation assistance was provided by Japan Airlines, the exclusive with introduction and Q&A by director Japanese airline sponsor and American Airlines, the The Murders of Oiso (Takuya Misawa, Fran Rubel Kuzui exclusive U.S. airline sponsor of Film. 2019) 22 November Online. North America’s largest festival of My Identity (Sae Suzuki, 2019) contemporary Japanese cinema returned Sans Soleil (Chris Marker, 1983) for its unprecedented 14th edition as an My Sweet Grappa Remedies (Akiko 23 November entirely online experience. Featuring a Ohku, 2019) diverse slate of 30 features and 12 shorts— Fear and Trembling (Alain Corneau, including studio blockbusters, independent Nana (Fumiya Hayakawa, 2019) 2003) productions, documentaries, restored 23 November classics, animation and avant-garde On-Gaku: Our Sound (Kenji Iwaisawa, works—JAPAN CUTS 2020 offered 14 days 2020) Tokyo! (Michel Gondry, Leos Carax, of unique access to the best new films from Prison Circle (Kaori Sakagami, 2020) Bong Joon-ho, 2008) Japan with filmmaker video introductions, 7 December live virtual Q&As and panel discussions for Reiwa Uprising (Kazuo Hara, 2019) audiences across the entire United States. House of Bamboo (Samuel Fuller, 1955) Roar (Ryo Katayama, 2020) 7 December Bath House of Whales (Mizuki Kiyama, 2019) Sacrifice (Taku Tsuboi, 2019)

The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift Beyond the Night (Natsuki Nakagawa, The Sculpture of Place & Time (Justin Lin, 2006) 2019) (Tatsuhito Utagawa, 2019) 7 December Birdland (Takeshi Kogahara, 2019) See You on the Other Side (Yoko Akio Jissoji: The Buddhist Trilogy Yamanaka, 2019) 15 & 22 February Bleached Bones Avenue (Akio Fujimoto, 2020) Seijo Story—60 Years of Making Films A two-day presentation of brand-new digital (Isshin Inudo, Eiki Takahashi, 2019) re-masters of the innovative and overlooked Blind Bombing, Filmed by a Bat (Kota independent filmmaker Akio Jissoji’s trio Takeuchi, 2020) Sending Off (Ian Thomas Ash, 2019) of highly experimental and visually daring narrative features that offer transgressive Book-Paper-Scissors (Nanako Hirose, Shell and Joint (Isamu Hirabayashi, interpretations of Buddhist philosophy and 2019) 2019) the existential problem of impermanence. Cenote (Kaori Oda, 2019) Special Actors (Shinichiro Ueda, 2019)

This Transient Life (1970) introduced by The Day of Destruction (Toshiaki Tokyo Girl (Nebiro Hashimoto, 2019) Ethan Spigland, Professor of Humanities & Media Toyoda, 2020) Studies, Pratt University Tora-san, Our Lovable Tramp (Yoji Extro (Naoki Murahashi, 2020) Yamada, 1969) Mandala (1971) Fuel (Yu Araki, 2019) Tora-san Meets the Songstress Again (Yoji Yamada, 1975) Tora-san, My Uncle (Yoji Yamada, With Hitoshi Suzuki, Director, JETRO NY, Kanagawa 1989) TALKS+ Division, Nanako Sadasue, Director, Maker’s Shirt Kamakura Co., Ltd., and Kenichi Noda, Odakyu Tora-san, Wish You Were Here (Yoji Japanese Craft Beer: Lecture & Electric Railway Co., Ltd. Susan Miyagi McCormac, founder of JapanCulture·NYC, moderating. Yamada, 2019) Tasting 2019 13 September Voices in the Wind (Nobuhiro Suwa, The Food Talk series was sponsored by Kikkoman Japanese Self-Care: Me-byo 2020) Corporation. 27 January With Anne Becerra, beverage director at Treadwell With Wataru Kasahara of the International Tourism What Can You Do About It? (Yoshifumi Park and NYC’s first female Certified Cicerone. Division in Kanagawa, Dr. Rai Shimoyama, from Tsubota, 2019) Timothy Sullivan, certified Sake Samurai and founder Shonan Kamakura General Hospital and Dr. Hideki of UrbanSake.com, moderating. Katano, founder of Venex Co. recovery-ware. Wheel Music (Nao Yoshigai, 2019) Japanese Nerikomi Pottery Kamakura Zen: A Samurai Legacy Wolf’s Calling (Toshiaki Toyoda, 2019) 27 September 27 January With Risa Nishimori of NY Togei Kyoshitsu studio. With Rev. Eon Asahina, head priest of Jochi-ji Temple TALK EVENTS/PANEL DISCUSSIONS of Engakuji and Pamela D. Winfield, Associate Forest Bathing: Seeking Wellness Professor of Religious Studies, Elon University. Nobuhiko Obayashi: A Conversation through Nature Online. With Chigumi Obayashi, Takako Tokiwa, Yo 23 October Functional & Alluring: Japanese Nakajima, Noriki Ishitobi and Aaron Gerow. Part of Bamboo Art JAPAN CUTS 2020. With Dr. Yoshifumi Miyazaki, former deputy director of Chiba University’s Center for Environment, Health, 6 February This program was co-organized by Beppu City. Collaboration & Community in and Field Sciences and author of Shinrin Yoku: The Japanese Art of Forest Bathing. Japanese Cinema during the Pandemic With Kenichi Otani and Takayuki Shimizu, master bamboo craftsmen, Takashi Kawakami, Deputy Online. With Ryusuke Hamaguchi, Noriko Yamasaki, Get to Know Japan Series: Nagano Mayor of Beppu City and Satoru Nakajima of Yuichi Watanabe, Yuko Iwasaki and Aiko Masubuchi. Sestante Japan. This series was co-organized by Nagano Prefectural Part of JAPAN CUTS 2020. Government. New Approaches to Documentary Japanese Tea Ceremony: Omotesenke from Japan Get to Know Nagano: The Home of 26 February Nature, History & Sports With an instructor from the Omotesenke Domonkai Online. With Ian Thomas Ash, Nanako Hirose, Kaori Eastern Region USA school of tea ceremony. Oda and Kaori Sakagami.Part of JAPAN CUTS 2020. 20 November With Akira Kumagai, Executive Director for Opening Night Live Q&A with Shinshu Brands and Director General of Business Japan’s Alcohol Traditions: Sake, Shinichiro Ueda Bureau. Susan Miyagi McCormac, founder of Shochu, Whisky & More 17 July JapanCulture·NYC, moderating. 10 March Online. Part of JAPAN CUTS 2020. With Stephen Lyman, co-author of The Complete Get to Know Japan Series: Nagano Guide to Japanese Drinks: Sake, Shochu, Japanese Centerpiece Presentation Live Q&A Mizuhiki: Japanese Embellishment Whiskey, Beer, Wine, Cocktails and Other Beverages. with Koichi Sato & Ken Watanabe Cords 23 July 21 November (Virtual) Annual Sake Lecture & Online. Part of JAPAN CUTS 2020. With an instructor from Kinoshita Mizuhiki. Tasting: Sake Etiquette 11 June Closing Night Live Q&A with Obayashi Get to Know Japan Series: Nagano Online. This program was co-organized by the Sake Prize Recipient Anshul Chauhan Shichimi Making: Spice of Japan Export Association. 30 July 21 November With sake expert Timothy Sullivan. Online. Part of JAPAN CUTS 2020. With Yuki Muroga from spice shop Yawataya Isogoro. The season was generously sponsored by MUFG Shinya Tsukamoto on Nobuhiko (Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group). Additional support Stitch & Design: Watoji Bookbinding Obayashi was provided by an anonymous donor and the Sandy 12 December 30 July Heck Lecture Fund. Transportation assistance was Online. Part of JAPAN CUTS 2020. With Amanda Hu, mixed media artist. provided by United Airlines.

The season was generously supported by the Get to Know Japan Series: Kanagawa Lila Wallace-Reader’s Digest Endowment Fund This series was co-organized by Kanagawa EDUCATION & FAMILY and Gaia Holistic Health Foundation/Dr. Kazuko Prefectural Government. Tatsumura- Hillyer. Additional season support was Programs for Families provided by an anonymous donor, The Globus Education and Family Programs received generous Family, George Gallagher, James Read Levy, Masu Get to Know Kanagawa: Hot Springs, support from an anonymous donor, The Norinchukin Hiroshi Masuyama, Geoff and Fumi Matters, David Zen & the Great Wave Foundation, The Japan Foundation Center for Global Toberisky, Akiko Koide and Shoehi Koide, Dr. Tatsuji 23 January Partnership, the New York City Department of Namba, David S. Howe, and Michael Romano. The Food Talk series was sponsored by Kikkoman Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, Corporation. Council Member Keith Powers through the New York City Department of Youth and Community Family Workshop: Colorful NJ; Dr. Kaoru Iokibe, Professor at Tokyo University, Development, James Read Levy and Takayoshi Suminagashi—Paper Marbling Designs Tokyo, Japan; Dr. Fumiko Sasaki, Adjunct Assistant Wiesner and Pan Gu. These programs were also Professor, School of International and Public Affairs, 9 February supported, in part, by an award from the Japan- Columbia University, NY; Dr. Akira Shimizu, Assistant United States Friendship Commission as part of the Professor, Global Culture, Wilkes University, Wilkes- institution-wide Passing the Torch series. Creative Play: Hinamatsuri (Doll’s Barre, PA; and Dr. Takeshi Watanabe, Assistant Festival) Professor of East Asian Studies, Wesleyan University, CT. Japan’s Annual Festivities Family Workshop: Japanese Folk Japan Society’s Annual Festivities programs Dance brought together diverse communities 1 March East Asia Since 1800 to experience Japanese culture through 26 October & 16 November In collaboration with the U.S.-China Institute at interactive workshops, art-making and live VIDEO University of Southern California. performances. Offsite at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles. With Dr. Saori Katada, Professor of Shichigosan: Celebrating the Health of Bilingual Kamishibai Storytelling International Relations, Director of the Center Children Video. A series of kamishibai stories for International Studies, University of Southern 19 & 20 October California; Prof. Vinayak Bharne, Adjunct Associate introduces some of Japan’s most popular Professor of Architecture and Public Policy, folktales featuring Japanese-English University of Southern California; Dr. Ulrike Schaede, Oshogatsu: New Year’s Celebration bilingual narration. These free online videos Professor of Japanese Business, University of 26 January are designed for children of any age, but are California, San Diego; Dr. Toshihiro Nakayama, also perfect for students and adults learning Adjunct Fellow, The Japan Institute of International Affairs, Keio University; and Mr. Clayton Dube, Children’s Day (Kodomo no Hi) at Home about Japanese language and culture. Director of U.S.-China Institute, University of 5 May (online) Southern California. Issunboshi (The One-inch Boy) Monthly Family Program Series April Social Studies Supervisors Association Creative Play (for 3-5 year-olds) & Professional Development Conference Family Workshops (6-10 year olds) Momotaro (Peach Boy) 5 November Introduced children and their caregivers May In collaboration with the NYC Social Studies to Japanese arts and culture through Supervisors Association. storytelling, craft activities and performance Kaguya Hime (Bamboo Princess) Offsite at Edward Murrow High School, Brooklyn, workshops. NY. With Fumiaki Kubo, Tokyo University, and Jack June P. Chan, President, Social Studies Supervisors Association in New York City; and Motoatsu Sakurai, Creative Play: Tsukimi (Autumn Moon President, Japan Society. Viewing) PROGRAMS FOR EDUCATORS Family Workshop: Japanese Four-Hole Teaching Japanese Internment Using Bookbinding (Watoji) Memoir Farewell to Manzanar 15 September Educators Professional Development Program 7 February In collaboration with the nonprofit Facing History and Support for the Professional Development Program Ourselves. Creative Play: Yokai Masks was provided by an anonymous funder. Family Workshop: Kowai/Kawaii With Juan Castellanos, Associate Program Director, Basket Making The Professional Development program New York, Facing History of Ourselves and George 27 October provided educators with the resources Hirose. and skills to create and refine lesson plans for middle and high school social studies, Creative Play: Autumn Foliage literature, global history, geography and art STUDENT PROGRAMS (Momijigari) classrooms. Family Workshop: Japanese Architecture Japan Society Junior Fellows Japan Goes Global: History & Impact of 10 November Leadership Program International Exchange The Japan Society Junior Fellows Leadership Creative Play: Nengajo Postcards 5, 19 October, 2, 9 November & 7 December program was supported by generous grants from In collaboration with the New York City Department Family Workshop: Woodblock Printing an anonymous family foundation, ITO EN (North of Education. America) INC., Mitsubishi Corporation (Americas), 8 December With Dr. Michael Barnhart, Distinguished Teaching the Wendy Obernauer Foundation, THE TOKYO Professor, Department of History, Stony Brook CLUB, Sony Corporation of America, the Sojitz Creative Play: Sapporo Snow Festival University, NY; Dr. Thomas Conlan, Professor of East Foundation and Hiroko Onoyama. Transportation Family Workshop: Kakizome—New Asian Studies and History, Princeton University, assistance was provided by All Nippon Airways Co., Ltd. Year’s Calligraphy NJ; Dr. Matthew Feely, Adjunct Professor, Business School, Columbia University, NY; Dr. Matthieu Felt, The Junior Fellows Leadership Program 12 January Assistant Professor of Japanese, University of Florida, FL; Dr. Robert Fish, The Masters School, brings 20 selected high school students Creative Play: Setsubun (Bean Dobbs Ferry, NY; Dr. Sheldon Garon, Professor of to Japan and the United States to meet Throwing) History and East Asian Studies, Princeton University, with industry leaders, experience daily life with a host family and travel to historical of the exhibitions Made in Tokyo: Architecture and Japanese Language Levels 1, 2, & 10 sites. This ongoing three-week culturally Living, 1964/2020 and Boro Textiles: Sustainable 12 August-11 September Aesthetics and/or a 90-minute arts & culture immersive program connects Junior Fellows 9 December-16 January workshop, including sumi-e, woodblock printing with present leaders and establishes a and bonsai. Most visiting schools were NYC public 13 April-12 May (online) network of Junior Fellow alumni with a global schools, and a significant portion of the visiting Level 1 introduced elementary Japanese to students worldview, forming close bonds between the school groups received Title 1 funding, which means with no previous background in the language. In Level U.S. and Japan. that the majority of their students live below the 2, students continued to actively participate in the poverty line. Participating schools: World View High process of acquiring beginners level language skills School, New York, NY; NYC Museum School, New in basic Japanese, while Level 10 students continued U.S. Junior Fellows to Japan York, NY; Girls Prep Bronx Middle School, New York, formal study of Japanese grammar, vocabulary and 8—28 July (program) and 22 August NY; and New Settlement School, New York, NY. kanji, with particular emphasis on speaking practice. (luncheon) Offsite in Japan. Ten American students participated Virtual Gallery Tour for Kids: Boro Intensive Japanese Weekend Courses in company visits, school experience, homestay, Textiles: Sustainable Aesthetics 20, 21, 27 & 28 July team projects, networking with Japanese Fellow Spring 2020 9, 10, 16 &17 November alumni and a post-program leader luncheon. With Desmarie Carby, Worldview High School, NY; To enhance at-home learning and opportunities Total immersion in the Japanese language for people Alexandra Cherry, Belleville High School, NJ; Connor for families, a free child-friendly video tour of Boro planning to travel or move to Japan, or for students Johnston, The Hudson School, NJ; Katherine Kolitch; Textiles: Sustainable Aesthetics was created unable to attend regular weekday classes. Columbia Preparatory School, NJ; Jared Cohen, in collaboration with Japan Society Gallery, supplemented with an at-home activity worksheet. Clarkstown High School South, NY; Erica Levine, Conversational Japanese LaGuardia HS, NY; Pierson Cohen, Horace Mann School, NY; Nathaniel Plesner; United Nations High 12 August—11 September School, NY; and Jacob Grimm, Bronx HS of Science. LANGUAGE CENTER 9 December—16 January 13 April—12 May (online) Junior Fellows Host School: Gakuho High School, Aizuwakamatsu, Fukushima Japan. Company visit 2019—20 Language Classes Designed to help students master the fundamentals supporters: Ashinaga; Safecast; Meiji Ginju Shrine; of Japanese conversation, with an emphasis on Nikkei Inc.; and SONY Corporation. communicating effectively in social situations, with Mini-Workshops: Learn to Read classes for beginners through advanced students. Hiragana & Katakana Japanese Junior Fellows to the U.S. 23 August, 6 September 14 March—30 April Learn Japanese: Anime for Beginners 10, 17 January 1 June—14 August (online) Online. Ten Japanese Junior Fellows participated 1, 8 May (online) in online leader meetings, networking with the U.S. A free course for high school aged children of Fellows alumni, and conducted team projects. Workshops for beginner students to efficiently frontline workers of the COVID-19 pandemic that With Taiki Koizumi, Kaijo Senior High School, master the reading of hiragana and katakana. used popular anime as a medium to introduce Tokyo, Japan; Daiki Kusahara, La Salle High elementary Japanese language. School, Kagoshima; Akira Kusama, Japan; Waseda Mini-Workshops: Fundamentals of University Senior High School, Tokyo, Japan; Joichi Matsunaga, Seiko Gakuin High School, Kanagawa, Kanji Mini-Workshops: Crash Course for Japan; Rei Mitsui, Ishikawa Prefectural Kanazawa 12 September Travelers to Japan Izumigaoka Senior High School, Ishikawa, Japan; 22 January This program was supported, in part, by an award from the Japan-United States Friendship Ayumi Namba, Notre Dame Seishin Girls’ High 13 May (online) School, Okayama, Japan; Airi Seya, Fukushima Commission as part of the institution-wide Passing Prefectural Sukagawa Toyo High School, Fukushima, Introduction to the fundamental concepts of kanji the Torch series. Japan; Daiki Utoo, Okayama Asahi Senior High structure, radicals, on and kun readings, and more. 25 June School, Okayama, Japan; Noa Yamamoto, Gunma 8 August Kokusai Academy, Gumma, Japan; and Ai Yoshida, Mini-Workshops: Onomatopoeia 13 September Fukui Fujishima High School, Fukui, Japan. 23 January 26 November Online leadership: Ivan Cheung, Chairman, Eisai 14 May (online) 10 February Inc., Global President, Neurology Business Group, 13 March Senior Corporate Officer, Eisai Co., Ltd. and Robert Students learned different groups of onomatopoeia L. Noddin, President and Chief Executive Officer, AIG such as giongo and gitaigo, covering many topics 15 May (online) including animal sounds, weather, health, action and Japan Holdings KK. A quick introduction to the Japanese language and food. customs for first-time travelers to Japan. Manga Madness Japanese Language Courses 12-16 August Mini-Workshops: Japanese Business In collaboration with HiArt! 16 September—6 December Etiquette 27 January—6 April A weeklong workshop for aspiring young manga 7 June 18 May—31 July (online) artists and enthusiasts. 30 July Thirteen levels of Japanese, from beginning to 4 October advanced, including JLPT preparation, kanji K-12 School Group Tours & Workshops 13 December and specialized courses including J-Drama, K-12 School Group Tours & Workshops were Conversation, Anime, Japan Right Now (breaking Participants learned practical expressions and supported by the U.S.-Japan Friendship news) and Poetic Expressions. manners used in Japanese corporate environments, Commission. such as formal greetings, business card exchange, In October 2019-March 2020, K-12 students seating order, proper bowing, unique hand gestures visited Japan Society for a one-hour guided tour and table manners. Haiku Workshop Shodo Workshop for Beginners Open House for Teacher Training 13 December 17 January Program and English Courses With Japanese haiku poet Sho Otaka. Two A workshop structured for absolute beginners 21 August separate sections were offered, one for native wishing to experience Japanese calligraphy. An information session for the Japanese Language Japanese/advanced Japanese learners and one for Teacher Training Program, English Conversation intermediate Japanese learner,. Nihongo Chat for Japanese natives and other Language Center The Nihongo Chat + J-Culture series was presented opportunities. English Conversation Courses in partnership with New York University, Hunter 23 July—10 September College, Baruch College, and LaGuardia Community Open House for Teacher Training 17 September—3 December College. Generous support for the Nihongo Chat Program + J-Culture series was provided by The Japan 28 January—31 March Foundation, Los Angeles. 16 December 9 April—12 May (online) 2 July An information session for the Japanese Language 21 May—23 June (online) 4 September (Nihongo Chat + J-Culture: Teacher Training Program and other Language Center opportunities. Beginner and intermediate/advanced levels of Koto) English as a Second Language (ESL), with classes 8 October (Nihongo Chat + J-Culture: Noh) specifically designed for Japanese natives living in 8 November (Nihongo Chat + J-Culture: Private Lessons the New York metropolitan area. Wagashi) Ongoing 21 January (Nihongo Chat + J-Culture: Private lessons were offered onsite and offsite in Japanese-Language Teacher Training Kabuki Dance) Japanese language, shodo or English tailored to an Program: Introductory individual’s needs. 18 September—4 December Japanese-language students and native Japanese gathered at these monthly informal events to 13 January—19 February practice Japanese and English conversation. Corporate Group Lessons Essential classroom teaching skills for native and Nihongo Chat + J-Culture events featured special Ongoing fluent speakers of Japanese with little or no formal guests who demonstrated and spoke about an Instructors traveled offsite to visit and teach group training in the teaching of Japanese as a second aspect of Japanese culture. lessons tailored to a company’s needs. language.

Japanese Trial Lessons for Beginners Support for Japan Society’s Toyota Language Japanese-Language Teacher Training 1 July Center was provided, in part, by Mark F. Goldfield Program: Intermediate 25 July and Mary E. Hatch, Christopher Hong, Kurumi 26 Feb—11 March, 20 May—8 July (online) 1 August Fukushima, Steven Giordano, James Read Levy, and Dr. Bic Kanayjorn. A continuation of the teacher training program, 26 August providing the skills necessary to teach Japanese at 29 August the intermediate level. 1 November 19 November Shodo Workshops 20 November Shodo course materials were provided by The Japan 7 January Foundation, Los Angeles. 15 January 5 August—13 September 28 February 16 September—6 December 13 December—17 January A single trial lesson structured for absolute beginners wishing to experience a Japanese 31 January—3 April language class. Hands-on workshops on the techniques of shodo.

Weekend Shodo Workshops 19 October-16 November Weekend hands-on shodo workshops for students at all levels. The Passing the Torch Series: Gallery exhibitions Made in Tokyo: Architecture and Living, 1964/2020 and Boro Textiles: Sustainable Aesthetics; Education & Family programs throughout the season; Fall 2019 Performing Arts programs Reigakusha: Gagaku & Bugaku and Taiten: Noh & Kyogen; Tokyo Stories: Japan In the Global Imagination Film Series; Business & Policy talks From Heisei to Reiwa: The People’s Emperor, and Cybernics Revolution: Cyberdyne’s Vision & Strategy; and Crash Course for Travelers to Japan were funded, in part, by a grant from the Japan-United States Friendship Commission.

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