US Sumo Open, April 9
Topic: Sumo
Sumo originated over 1,500 years ago in Japan as an oracular ritual connected with prayers for the harvest. In spite of the fact that foreigners like Americans, Mongolians, and Bulgarians become top professional sumo wrestlers, including the current yokozuna (grand champion), professional sumo maintains most traditions, such as not allowing women to enter or even to touch the dohyo (sumo ring) in Japan.

Just like other Japanese martial arts spreading throughout the world, sumo is gaining popularity amongst an American audience.

The Sixth Annual US Sumo Open tournament will take place at the Los Angeles Convention Center in Petree Hall on Sunday, April 9 from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Athletes are coming from Japan, Eastern and Northern Europe, Mongolia and from around the U.S., including a large portion from Southern California. Athletes from all walks of life, large and small, male and female face off at the yearly event.

The US Sumo Open was founded and organized by Andrew Freund, an English teacher to foreign students at Santa Monica College and UCLA Extension. The first US Sumo Open was held in 2001 at UCLA’s John Wooden Center gymnasium with former top-ranked professional sumo wrestler Konishiki and Japanese university champions.

It was 15 years ago when Freund was introduced to Sumo for his first time when he was teaching English in Tokyo. After coming across an advertisement in a local journal for a sumo tournament, Freund bought a ticket in the nosebleed section and spent the entire day, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., watching the professional sumo wrestlers go at it.

Upon returning to Japan in 1994 to again teach English, Freund was exposed to more sumo, but it wasn’t until he was living in Los Angeles in 1997 when he urged a friend to compete in a sumo exhibition at the Japan Expo that Freund got hooked. “He was a big guy, and I pushed him to try it,” Freund explained. “He said ‘I’ll do it if you do it.’”

After participating in the exhibition, Freund started the California Sumo Association at UCLA. CSA had three to four participants at the time and would practice from one to three times a week.

“In 2000, I ran into (Bulgarian) Svetoslav Binev, who won the ‘98 and ‘99 World Sumo Championships,” Freund said. “I got his input and philosophy in the club.” With Binev’s input, Freund organized the first US Sumo Open in 2001 at UCLA.

“Our first year, we had only 25 athletes and the level of competition was not very high,” Freund explained. “but Konishiki had such a big heart and was very energetic, so the event was a big success.” Each subsequent US Sumo Open has seen top-ranked guests from the world of sumo, including former Yokozuna Akebono, Yokozuna Musashimaru and the Japanese teams.

From the first US Sumo Open at a UCLA gymnasium to this year’s Los Angeles Convention Center, things have changed. With more foreign teams participating and the level of U.S.-based sumo athletes increasing with each passing year, Freund is looking for this to be the best tournament yet.

“Every year we’re trying to improve our level. Foreign teams are a big part of that. Athletes from Mongolia, maybe a team from Japan, European teams including teams from Bulgaria, Norway, and Germany all add to the quality,” Freund explained. “It’s really a step up when you bring over the foreign teams.”

In the past, Freund has recruited many teams from overseas to participate. While he has had success, there were visa issues for many of the invitees who ended up not being able to make it over. But this year, it was Freund who was approached by a team of Mongolian sumo athletes, who were already in Los Angeles, and who are also helping to invite more top sumo athletes from Mongolia.

“The Mongolians will be a very interesting story. Many are students here in the U.S. learning English,” Freund said. “Like the Japanese, their speed and techniques are great.”

But it’s not just the new foreign talent that sets the Sixth Annual US Sumo Open apart. According to Freund, it’s been the constant strong showing from Los Angeles and U.S.-based athletes. For example, 39 year-old LAPD officer Troy Collins, who has medaled in both the middle and open weight classes every year since 2002, will compete in this year’s US Sumo Open. “He’s been a really positive influence and a role model,” said Freund.

According to Freund, most of the U.S.-based sumo athletes practice and participate for fun, but with time, some learn about the tradition and the culture. “Most of the guys in the club (California Sumo Association), don’t watch sumo regularly,” Freund explained. “Most are guys with football or wrestling backgrounds who just like to compete.”

Another differentiating factor over the years has been the officiating. Last year, two officials came from the Shizuoka Sumo Federation, and played important roles as referees and judges in the tournament. According to Freund, their expertise on sumo brought more authenticity to the US Open.

“Japanese officiating is a big deal,” said Freund. “These guys have decades and decades of experience.” He is currently working to get last year’s officials to return.

Freund sees the tournament as changing the image of sumo wrestlers that the novice might hold. “One of the biggest comments that fans tell me is ‘Wow, that wasn’t what I was expecting at all’ or ‘They really are athletes.’”

The US Sumo Open tournament for both the men and women is broken into three different weight classes: lightweight, middleweight, heavyweight, along with an open weight selection, where all are able participate against each other. Those who wish to participate in this year’s competition can get more information by calling (310) 288-3641 or by logging onto www.usasumo.com.

Freund went on to explain that while he’s made mistakes in the past, and that the tournament has not always made money, particularly in the first few years, with each passing year the turnout has been getting larger, hence the move from UCLA to the L.A. Convention Center last year, and now to a larger hall this year, that can sit twice as many as last year.

“We want to make it (US Sumo Open) a standard, like the L.A. Marathon, as THE sumo tournament every year. We bring over the best from around the world every year,” explained Freund. “and we are building a good fan base.”

This year, ticket prices range from $15 for general admission to $45 for V.I.P. seating. For tickets, call (310) 617-3343. A free preview event will be held on Saturday, April 8 at Noguchi Plaza in the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center, Little Tokyo. This event will run from 11 a.m.- 3 p.m.

Sogetsu 80th Anniversary Ikebana Display, April 1, 2
Topic: Ikebana
Sogetsu Ikebana (Japanese flower arranging) presents 80th anniversary display at Japanese American National Museum in Little Tokyo on April 1 and 2 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

The Sogetsu Display is free with paid admission to the museum

Japanese American National Museum
369 East First Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 625-0414
www.janm.org

Japan Family Day at Santa Anita Park, Apr. 1
Topic: Event
Tokyo City Cup Race Celebrates A Decade-Long Relationship Between Two Premier Horse Tracks

Santa Anita Park and Tokyo Ohi Race Track provide various Japanese cultural exhibitions to local community. Raffle drawing grand prize is a pair of airline tickets to Japan.

Santa Anita Park will host the annual Tokyo City Cup, in conjunction with Tokyo Ohi Race Track on Saturday, April 1. The annual spring event celebrates a 12-year-long partnership between two of the premier tracks followed with the presence of Soma Nomaoi samurai warriors, and a wide variety of cultural exhibitions and travel information on Japan.

The Tokyo City Cup has been upgraded to a Grade III since last year. The upgraded race, with their higher level of competition, appeals to even more horse race fans. In the 71-year history of Santa Anita Park, Tokyo City Cup is the sole graded stake race that has been named for a major city outside of the U.S. and no other prestigious race tracks have similar graded races.

“We are very proud of our decade-long partnership with Ohi Race Track and looking forward to developing a new level of relationship,” said Ron Charles, Santa Anita Park President.

Every year, Tokyo Ohi Race Track also hosts ‘Santa Anita Trophy’, celebrating its friendship with having Santa Anita Park representatives. Santa Anita Park and Ohi Race Track have been actively developing their partnership in each side. “While we are celebrating our partnership through Tokyo City Cup race, all of the Santa Anita Park staff are pleased to present Japanese culture to the local communities because it provides wonderful cultural exchange opportunities,” Charles added.

On the Tokyo City Cup day, the Soma Nomaoi samurai warriors from Fukushima Prefecture, a National Important Intangible Folk-Custom Cultural Property, will participate to the event for the fifth consecutive year. Soma Nomaoi is a festival that recreates a battle scene from more than 1,000 years ago. Between the races, mounted samurai in traditional Japanese armor with ancestral flagstaffs streaming from their backs, will ride across the track.

The Japan Day, which was held along with Tokyo City Cup and provided various Japanese cultural exhibitions, has been renamed to Japan Family Day. The upgraded cultural exhibition will showcase more Japanese cultural exhibitions such as Sado (tea ceremony), Kado (flower arranging), Koto (Japanese harp), Shodo (calligraphy), Karate and Shin Kendo (Japanese martial arts) and Wadaiko (Japanese drums).

Also, as a new addition, Japan Travel Expo provides tourism information to the event attendees, introducing Japan as a more attractive travel destination. The event will feature two fabulous raffles - one for a pair of round trip tickets to Japan and the other for a trip to Las Vegas. Event attendees will receive one free admission ($5 worth) with the event advertising included coupon for the event. Free admission coupon will be also available at www.tokyocitycup.com. The web site provides more information about the specific event schedule.

Santa Anita Park is located in Arcadia, California, a residential community 14 miles northeast of downtown Los Angeles. Santa Anita Park opens each year on December 26, with daily racing continuing through late April, from Wednesday through Sunday. On the Tokyo City Cup day, gates open at 10:30 a.m. and post time for the first race is 12:30 p.m. Please visit at www.tokyocitycup.com for more information.

(Photo)
The Soma Nomaoi samurai warriors from Fukushima Prefecture, a National Important Intangible Folk-Custom Cultural Property, will participate to the event for the fifth consecutive year.

Film Screening: Nobody Knows Mar. 30, 6:00 PM at Irvine City Hall
Topic: Film
The Irvine Multicultural Association and Japan America Society of Southern California present “Nobody Knows” film screening with introduction and discussion by Yuka Kanno Japanese contemporary film expert and UC Irvine Fulbright Scholar:

Time: Thursday, March 30, 6:00 to 8:45 pm
Place: Council Chamber, Irvine City Hall, 1 Civic Center Plaza, Irvine 92606

Free admission: 1st Come, 1st Served. Light Japanese refreshments prior to the viewing.

RSVP: fax 213-627-1353 tel 213-627-6217 x202 online www.jas-socal.org

Japanese director Hirokazu Koreeda's touching film follows the empty lives of 12-year-old Akira (Yuya Yagira) and his three younger siblings (Ayu Kitaura, Hiei Kimura and Momoko Shimizu) after their mother abandons them in a tiny Tokyo apartment. Pragmatic, determined and wise beyond his years, Akira manages the household as best he can--but eventually the money runs out, and the children must find new ways to survive. The movie is based on a real 1988 event best known as the "Affair of the Four Abandoned Children of Nishi-Sugamo". “Nobody Knows” was Japan's entry to the Academy Awards’ Foreign Language Film in 2004. Fourteen-year-old Yuya Yagira, who plays as Akira, won the "Best Actor Award" at the 2004 Cannes Film Festival.

"Kore-eda is the most gifted of the young Japanese directors"
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

"Beautiful, elevating and achingly sad"
Sean Axmaker, Seattle Post-Intelligencer

"It's a quietly powerful work, pulsing with gentle humor and a gripping sense of imminent calamity and dread"
Steven Rea, Philadelphia Inquirer

MPAA Rating: PG-13 For mature thematic elements and some sexual references

April 8, 9 Orange County Buddhist Church Hanamatsuri Bazaar
Topic: Buddhist
Orange County Buddhist Church
909 South Dale Ave., Anaheim, CA 92804
(714) 827-9590

Saturday, April 8, 2:00-9:00 PM
Sunday, April 9, 2:00-8:30 PM

Cultural Exhibits: Kimekomi Dolls, Tea Ceremony, Fabric Dyeing, Sumi-e, Kimono Display, Bonai, Chigiri-e, Koi fish, Dharma School displays, Ikebana, Display of Sword, Japanese school displays, pictorial displays of Buddhists in Internment Camps, Books on Buddhism.

Stage Performances: Japanese Classical Dance, Aikido, Kendo, Karate, Minyo, Koto, Taiko Group.

Food: Chicken Teriyaki, Wontan, Sushi, Udon, Beef Teriyaki, Chow Mein, Teri-Burgers, Oden, Dango, Imagawayaki, Corn, Spam Musubi, and many more.

Games: For Youngs and old. Raffle prizes.

Modern Mode: Kimono for Japan's New Woman at Lee Institute, through Apr. 1
Topic: Kimono
Hanford, Calif. -- The Ruth and Sherman Lee Institute for Japanese Art presents the new exhibition Modern Mode: Kimono for Japanese New Woman from Dec. 6 through Apr. 1, 2006.

This past summer, over seventy modern-style kimonos have been incorporated into the Lee Institute Permanent Collection, allowing the institute to have its first kimono exhibition in its ten-year history.

The kimonos exhibited in Modern Mode are made from a type of silk plain-weave fabric known as meisen that owes much of its existence to Western technology.

Meisen is a commercial term used to describe a textile of inexpensive machine-reeled silk thread and colored with synthetic dyes that was developed in the 1880s. Western dye technology adapted to traditional Japanese dye methods resulted in new, cost-effective techniques and dazzling, multicolored pictorial designs resembling paintings.

Both traditional and Western-inspired motifs decorated the affordable meisen kimono worn by the upper and middle classes as everyday wear and by the working-class, such as the increasing number of women who worked in the new textile mills, as formal attire.

Meisen is often considered a fashion associated with Taishō period (1912-1926) Japan. Through those years, meisen remained affordable and the quality of the textile improved greatly. In addition, the Japanese women’s life style has immensely modernized.

Many women started working as office workers, store clerks or waitresses and the trend was to go window shopping in Ginza; the main shopping area in Tokyo which resembled that of Champs-Elys?es in Paris, France.

The iconic modern girl of that time wore meisen kimono with a bob style hair cut. It was only when wool and western clothing were introduced to Japan, that the popularity of meisen came to an end in the early Shōwa period (1926-1989).

These vibrant meisen kimonos reflect the stimulating changes that occurred in the lives of women living in a modern Japan. Along with twenty-five of the meisen kimonos and haori (short coat), the exhibition includes various objects from the Lee Institute Permanent Collection to enhance the world of meisen.

This exhibition has been curated by Sharon Sadako Takeda, Senior Curator and Department Head, Costume and Textiles at Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Ms. Takeda will also present a special opening lecture for members of the Institute.

The Lee Institute is located 6 miles south of downtown Hanford at 15770 Tenth Avenue. The gallery and extensive reference library are wheelchair accessible and open to the public Tuesday-Saturday from 1:00–5:00 pm. Entrance fees are $5 for adults, $3 for students with valid ID, members and children under 12 are free. Docent tours of the exhibition are held every Saturday at 1:00 pm and special pre-arranged group tours are available for an additional fee. For more information, see our website at www.shermanleeinstitute.org or call (559) 582-4915.

(Photo Caption)
Kimono with Lozenge and Triangle Designs (detail), artist unknown. Kimono, dye on silk. (Courtesy of Lee Institute for Japanese Art)

Huntington Library to host Bonsai show, Mar. 25, 26
Topic: Bonsai
The California Bonsai Society will present its 49th annual show on Saturday and Sunday, March 25-26, at The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens. More than 100 beautiful specimens will be on display, skillfully created by bonsai masters. Hours for the show are from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. both days in Friends’ Hall.

From its ancient origins in China and Japan, the art of creating miniature bonsai trees has grown in popularity to become an international hobby. Today, bonsai reflects the nationalities, philosophies, and regional plants of enthusiasts worldwide.

Included in the two-day show at The Huntington will be miniature maples, elms, and other deciduous trees in early leaf; flowering plants such as wisteria and bougainvillea; classic Japanese black pine and California juniper specimens, and beautiful examples of non-traditional bonsai styles.

Special displays, educational materials, and informal demonstrations of bonsai techniques will be offered throughout the weekend.

After seeing the bonsai show, visitors may want to take a short stroll across the grounds to the Japanese Garden area, where The Huntington’s own bonsai collection is showcased in the Bonsai Court. An extensive selection of books on the subject, for the expert or the beginner, can be found in The Huntington’s Bookstore and More.

The bonsai show is included with general admission: $15 for adults, $12 for seniors, $10 for students (12-18), $6 for youth (5-11), and free for children under 5. Members are admitted free. For information, call (626)405-2100

Bando Hidesomi's studio to showcase their dances with renowned masters from Tokyo, Mar. 4
Topic: Buyo
Bando Hidesomi Nihon Buyo Class and Japanese American Cultural and Community Center in Los Angeles will present The Four Seasons of Japan: Through the Art of Nihon Buyo on Saturday, March 4, from 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. at Aratani/Japan America Theatre, 244 South San Pedro Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012. Tickets are $25 for general, ($23 in balcony), $22 for students, senior citizens and members of JACCC ($20 in balcony). Tickets are available at the box office, (213) 680-3700; Bando Hidesomi, (323) 269-3119; Hirata Camera and Sound, (310) 329-4911. (The related story appears on the page 1)

The program of The Four Seasons of Japan: Through the Art of Nihon Buyo is following:

Tsurukame Crane and Turtle (Nagauta)
Performed by Bando Hideko, Bando Mitsuhiro and Bando Hidesomi
Tsurukame is a very popular Nagauta dance performed for congratulatory occasions. It is choreographed and composed directly to the lyrics chanted in the Noh song of Tsurukame. The emperor received greetings by his people in the beginning of the new year. It was a custom for a crane (Tsuru) and a turtle (Kame) to dance for the emperor in his beautiful royal garden, praying for his longevity.
It is believed that a crane can live 1,000 years, and a turtle can live 10,000 years. The emperor overcome with emotions, starts to dance,
praying for his country to be peaceful and prosperous. The Noh origin fills the dance with solemnity and elegance.

Ehigasa Parasol with pictures (Kayou shoukyoku)
A little girl is enjoying her playtime under the blue skies with her colorful parasol, sharing the sunny day with the butterflies.

Sakura Emaki Cherry blossom picture scroll (Nagauta)
Originally a song with lyrics filled with various kind of cherry blossoms, this particular dance piece portrays a group of young girls at a cherry blossom viewing, celebrating the spring season.

Ayame Uri Iris Vendor (Tokiwazu)

Danjuro Musume Danjuro maiden (Yamatogaku)
This light spirited piece portrays a young daughter of a wealthy merchant, who is a fan of Danjuro, a very popular kabuki actor. She has just come out of the theater after seeing Danjuro perform one of his most
known role, Sukeroku.
As she is imitating Sukeroku, a young servant sent by her father arrives. The daughter refusing to go home, the servant comes up
with a plan. The servant calls to her as if she was Sukeroku. The daughter, without hesitation starts pretending to be Sukeroku. While she is doing so, the servant prompts her into going home.

Fuji Musume Wisteria maiden (Nagauta)
Fuji Musume was originally one of five quick-changes in the dance Kaesu Gaesu Onagori Otsu-e first performed in 1826 at the Nakamura-za, Edo (present day Tokyo). Otsu-e were hand painted folk prints made as
souvenirs in Otsu, Oomi province (currently Shiga prefecture near Kyoto).
Fuji Musume belongs with a small group of other dances, all depicting characters from pictures which come to life. In this dance, a young maiden, personifying the wisteria expresses her feeling toward the noble pine
tree. The sweet and lovely dance pose of a young girl wearing a headpiece with red threads and holding a wisteria branch over her shoulder is a familiar image known to many. Fuji Musume is also one of the most
popular dance performed in dance recitals.

Kikuzukushi Chrysanathemum dance (Nagauta)
This song was created by the first generation Hanayagi Jusuke from a verse written on a folding screen, expressing the beauty and splendor of the colorful chrysanthemum blossoms. In many of the dance schools,
this piece is used to teach the basics of traditional Japanese dance.

Yashiki Musume Mansion maiden (Tokiwazu)
In order to prepare for marriage, daughters of wealthy merchants were usually sent to a lord's mansion to learn proper etiquette and social grace. The training is hard and strict. The young maiden is given some
free time when she is allowed to return to her home for a brief vacation. This dance portrays the joy she feels on her way home during a clear autumn day.

Seigaiha (Kiyomoto)
Performed by Bando Mitsujiro
This ceremonious dance sings of the various famous places during the four seasons of Japan. Seigaiha, which exhibits Kiyomoto style's distinct
characteristics is known to be one of the masterpieces of its kind.

Kurokami Black hair (Nagauta)
Performed by Bando Hidesomi
Accompanied by Kineya Minnosuke for singing and Kineya Yakouji for shamisen.
The Nagauta version of Kurokami is based on a Kabuki act in which Tatsu Hime (Princess Tatsu) sacrificially gives the person she loves away to Masako (Daughter of Hojo Tokimasa) for political reasons.
She suppresses her feeling, but as she is brushing her black hair in front of the mirror, she is troubled by the feeling of envy slowly arising in her heart. Though this Kurokami is a Nagauta version, this particular piece was choreographed by the 8th Headmaster Bando Mitsugoro into Jiutamai style dancing, which delicately expresses the heart of a woman who must hold her feelings back from the person she loves. As the sound of the temple bell penetrates into the night, her feeling of longing piles up like
the white snow gently falling down in the quite night.

(Photo)
Bando Hidesomi

Tea ceremony at Descanso Gardens, Feb 23
Topic: Tea Ceremony
Tea, and the traditional Japanese tea ceremony, will be featured during a special class at Descanso Gardens in La Ca?ada Flintridge. The class will meet from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 23.

Rieko McMillan will discuss and demonstrate the Japanese tea ceremony during this introduction to the Way of Tea - an Art of Living.

Participants will have the opportunity to sample the tea and sweets that are part of Chaji tradition. Chaji, a full tea gathering in the Urasenke chado tradition, incorporates rules to capture the spirit of the season, the occasion, the time and place.

Principles underlying the tea ceremony are harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility. Rieko McMillan is chief administrator of the Urasenke Tankokai Los Angeles Association, and an instructor in the Way of Tea.

This class coincides with Descanso Gardens’ annual Camellia Festival, appropriate because true teas worldwide are made from the leaves of Camellia sinensis plants.

Fee: $35 ($30 members). Early reservations are recommended. Because of space limitations, this class is limited to 15 students, and walk-in space may not be available. To register, call (818) 949-7980. www.DescansoGardens.org.

(Photo)
Reiko McMillan

Ronald Reagan Presidential Library?s Cherry Blossom Festival, Feb. 24
Topic: Event
“The people of Japan and the people of America are friends of separate pasts. We have a different language, different ancestry, and yet together, our actions have helped to shape the future. Today we have a chance to bring freshness and a new direction to the deep friendship between our two peoples.” - Ronald Reagan, May 7, 1981

To continue this friendship, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library announces the debut of its Cherry Blossom Festival on Friday, February 24th from 10:30 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.

The festival will focus on the beginning of Spring and includes programs fun for the entire family. All activities and events relating to the Festival are free to attend, regular admission rates apply for Museum entrance. For more information, call 805-522-2977.

PROGRAM:

10:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. (in the Library’s main courtyard):

Opening Remarks
Traditional Japanese Shinto Rite, conducted by Rev. Tsuyuki
Kendo Performance (Japanese Fencing Demonstration)
Japanese Harp Koto Music Performance
Samurai Sword Demonstrations
Taiko Drums

11:20 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (in the Library’s Presidential Learning Center):
Japanese Odori Dance Performance
Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony
Art of Japanese Brush Calligraphy Demonstration
Japanese Art of Flower Arrangement Presentation

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, 40 Presidential Drive, Simi Valley, California 93065

The Reagan Library and Museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.

The Museum admission fees are $12.00 general admission, $9.00 for seniors 62 and over, $3 for children 11-17, and free for children 10 and under. For more information, please call (800) 410-8354.

Cultural Twist, Feb. 23
Topic: Music
“Cultural Twist” will be held at The Second Street Jazz, 366 Second Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012 (Little Tokyo) 213-680-0047, on Thursday, February 23 at 9 p.m.

It will be a variety of music from Taiko Drums, Enka, J-pop, moving towards Contemporary Jazz to American Music Comedy and finally Psychedelic Hip Hop...

Performing artists are: Shin3, Kiyu, Milk:Blood, Heaven Bound Train, Webb, Christal, Herbal Influence.

Door Open at 8:30 p.m. Cover charge: $3 Drink special price between 8:30-9:00 p.m.

Fen-X Productions presents CULTURAL TWIST

By Marisa Kosugi - Doozo Yoroshiku Onegaiitashimasu!
aka: Lisa Ishikawa - Whassup, ya'll !! Come down and chill!

We would like to welcome you and your friends to this event. The theme is CULTURAL TWIST and by reading the performer's info, you will understand why!

The opening of this program will start with sounds from the Far East? The pounding beats of the Taiko Drums by Shin3, celebrating tonight's event with true spirit by 3-performers who believe in the value of 'Shin to the Power of 3'- the Heart-Mind, Truth & Trust}, you will definitely feel their energy so go on and stomp your feet and bob your head to the beat!

We will then sway your mood into a calm but mysterious way of this beautiful artist, Kiyu, who will sing Enka & Pop. She carries a true sexiness & soulfulness in her every movement which will capture your emotions with her voice that will be irresistible.

It is intriguing to say that being caught between cultures is a blessing and Webb, Christal is proof of this. After living in Japan for two years, she has been inspired to challenge of embracing and performing a whole new culture of songs. The uniquely composed pieces will share an amazing transition from Pop to R&B, as well, the natural flow from Japanese to English.

The uniqueness of Heaven Bound Train, an alternative indie band, carries a passionate, powerful and honest blend of worldly sounds with American, Carribean and Japanese Influences. This creation of music will make you want more but not in an aggressive way. Their energy will flow in your heart and you will remember.

Now, moving towards the West Side, you?ll need to hold on to your seats or is this possible? Milk:Blood will definitely pull you away from the monotony of life. A world unknown and sometimes misunderstood, but if you open your hearts and drop your masks, you will understand the meaning of Freedom in their music.

Have you heard of Psychedelic Hip Hop? Not only will you exist in a dream world of heavy based beats with Herbal Influence, their message is to keep it real, straight forward and to the point!

Looking forward to see everyone.. Peace!

Phoenix's Matsuri: A Festival of Japan to feature martial arts, Feb. 25, 26
Topic: Event
PHOENIX - The 22nd Annual Matsuri Festival will take over Heritage and Science Park in the center of Downtown Phoenix on Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 25 and 26 from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The colorful Festival of Japan is a celebration of Japanese culture with authentic arts, crafts, food, and entertainment. Admission free. The Theme for 2006 is “Martial Arts.”

Matsuri: A Festival of Japan is sponsored by Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department, Japan-America Society of Phoenix, Japanese American Citizens League, Himeji Sister City Committee, Arizona Buddhist Church, Phoenix Japanese Free Methodist Church.

Heritage and Science Park is located at 7th Street and Monroe Street. For details, call Heritage Square Office at (602) 262-5071 or visit www.azmatsuri.org. Recorded information available at (602) 262-5029.

Highlights of the event include Japanese exhibits, demonstrations, arts and crafts, children’s activities, Bonsai displays, Japanese food and entertainment. Estimated attendance is 80,000.

Martial arts demonstration

There are many different styles of Martial Arts. Some of these arts are tied to the weapons of the Japanese Warrior Class – the Samurai. These weapons include the yumi (longbow), yari (stabbing spear), or tanto (short blade). The most important of the samurai weapons, the ken or katana (curved sword) will be taught in the event in two forms: Kendo – the Way of the Sword and Kenjutsu – Techniques of the Sword.

‘Do’ Martial Arts are competitive or contemplative forms. They are characterized by bogu (armor, from the Japanese word for ‘tools’) worn by players for safety reason and stress weapons mastery by allowing only deliberately chosen/artificially small target areas.

But they allow for free-form practice. Some Japanese high schools and colleges have kendo teams, just as an American school might have a football team.

Other arts include: Kyudo – the Way of the Bow, Naginata-do – the Way of the Reaping Spear, Iaido – (from iai, Japanese word for ‘to assume a swordplayer’s posture’)

‘Jutsu’ Martial Arts, sometime also spelled ‘jitsu’, are technique-oriented forms. They stress the historical nature of the ryu – or school, to which the sensei/student belongs, through the explicit reproduction of the techniques used with historically accurate weapon replicas.

The entire body is considered a target as well as, for example, weak points in the style of armor that was in use at the time the ryuha – family lineage within a specific ryu – was codified.

These arts allow for muted demonstrations; but, as many techniques contain a ‘subdue by death or injury’ nature, these arts do not allow for free-form practice or competition. These arts remain private to the families that teach and maintain them.

Other Martial Arts made use of simple tools available to farmers and craftsmen that could be used, if necessary, for self-defense. These weapons include the bo (Japanese staff used by traveling monks), and even farm implements, such as kama (rice harvesting sickles) attached to a length of kusariga (chain).

As the Shogun era came to a close in the 19th century and the Meiji restoration opened Japan to the outside world, educated Japanese wondered how to make their traditions available to Japanese youth, as young men from all social classes were now offered equal opportunities in voting and public education.

Fighting forms were combined from elite, historical ryu to create standardized education-oriented and modern forms such as: Judo – (from ju, Japanese word for softer/gentle) and Aikido – (from ai-ki, Japanese word for ‘to bring different spirits into harmony’)

The 2006 Arizona Matsuri offers its first ever-formal Tendo Ryu Naginata Jutsu demonstration.

(Photo)
Kendo practices are characterized by bogu (armor) worn by a player.

(Photo)
A form of Iaido

Preview of 2006 Bi-Lingual Tour to Japan, Mar. 6
Topic: Exchange
Prior to its Spring Japan Tour, Santa Monica Playhouse American Cultural Youth Ambassadors present a preview of 2006 bi-lingual English-Japanese show on Thursday, March 6 at 6:00 p.m. at Santa Monica Playhouse Arts Complex, 1211 Fourth Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401.

Titled as Youkoso!(Welcome Party), one act play musical was written by Evelyn Rudie, Co-Artistic Director of Santa Monica Playhouse in collaboration with Model Language Studio of Tokyo.

Admission is $5 and includes a post-show reception of Japanese snacks and green tea. The family friendly event includes a Japanese language lesson and sing-a-log. The space is limited. For reservation, call the Playhouse Box Office at (310) 394-9779 ext. 2.

Santa Monica Playhouse Cultural Youth Ambassadors are the international touring arm of Santa Monica Playhouse promoting cross-cultural awareness through theatrical exchange.

Find out how you can be a part of the Playhouse’s Santa Monica-Tokyo exchanges, as a member of next Spring’s Tokyo Tour or to a participate in this summer’s one-week Japan-America bi-lingual theatre intensive tour (July 31-August 4).

Author Masayo and Peter Duus to discuss thier book "The Life of isamu Noguchi" Feb. 19
Topic: Art
MASAYO, PETER DUUS TO DISCUSS BOOK, 'THE LIFE OF ISAMU NOGUCHI: JOURNEY WITHOUT BORDERS' AT
JAPANESE AMERICAN NATIONAL MUSEUM FEB. 19

LOS ANGELES.-As part of the installation of the international traveling exhibition, Isamu Noguchi - Sculptural Design, the Japanese American National Museum will host the public program, "An Enduring Odyssey:Masayo Duus and Peter Duus Talk About the Life and Times of Isamu Noguchi" on Sunday, Feb. 19, beginning at 2 p.m.

Author Masayo Duus has written what critics have described as the definitive biography of artist Isamu Noguchi, originally published in 2004, the 100th anniversary of his birth. Her husband, Peter Duus, a historian, did the English translation for The Life of Isamu Noguchi: Journey without Borders, which examines Noguchi's life in great detail.

Born as Sam Gilmour to a Japanese father, Yonejiro Noguchi, and an American mother, Leonie Gilmour, Noguchi spent his life expressing his bicultural heritage in his work, often fusing together elements and aesthetics from East and West.

The first full-length biography of the artist, the book draws on Noguchi's letters, his reminiscences, and interviews with his friends and colleagues to cast new light on his youth, his creativity, and his relationships. Noguchi was born in Boyle Heights and his mother moved them to Japan when he was three in an attempt to be close to his father.

That relationship never developed and young Sam eventually was sent to school in Indiana, where, after some struggles, he lived a life similar to many young American boys in the 1910s and 1920s.

His exceptional artistic talents took him to New York City and eventually Paris, where he befriended Alexander Calder and became an assistant to Constantin Brancusi.

Duus also reveals much about Noguchi's personal life, including his many romances with such public figures as dancer Ruth Page, painter Frida Kahlo and writer Anais Nin. Yet his own sense of being an outsider never ended. "With my double nationality and my double upbringing, where was my home?" he once wrote. "Where were my affections? Where my identity?"

This search even led to his voluntarily entering the Poston, Arizona World War II concentration camp to be with other Japanese Americans in hopes of improving their lives. His proposed projects for a park and a recreation center were never realized and he left camp after several months.

As the exhibition makes clear, Noguchi, in his six decades of work,explored various fields of both applied and the fine arts. Besides creating over 2,500 sculptures, he designed stage sets for choreographer Martha Graham, invented furniture for Herman Miller and developed his own style of landscape architecture all over the world. He often traveled to Japan, seeking to explore his father's world and collaborated with many Japanese artists.

The exhibition was organized by the Vitra Design Museum, Weil am Rhein,Germany, in cooperation with the Isamu Noguchi Foundation Inc., New York. The exhibition design and visual concept by Robert Wilson were developed at the Watermill Center on Long Island, New York.

Masayo Duus has written several books on the history of Japanese Americans and U.S.-Japan relations and has published collections of her essays on life in America. Translations of her work include The Japanese Conspiracy: The Oahu Sugar Strike of 1920 and Unlikely Liberators: The Men of the 100th and the 442nd. Peter Duus is William H. Bonsall Professor of History at Stanford University. His most recent book is Japanese Discovery of America.

All Isamu Noguchi - Sculptural Design public programs are free with admission to the exhibition. Seating is first-come, first-served. Reservations are recommended. All programs are free for National Museum members, unless otherwise noted. For non-members, public programs are included with admission to the Noguchi exhibition ($12 adults, $9 seniors 62 & over, $8 students). Children five and under are free. For more information call (213) 625-0414.

Warabi-za ensemble from Akita prefecture to perform traditional Japanese folk dance and music, Feb. 18
Topic: Folk Ensemble
Japan’s renowned folk dance ensemble Warabi-za makes a return appearance at the Aratani/Japan America Theatre at Japanese American Cultural and Community Center, Little Tokyo, on Saturday, Feb. 18 at 8 p.m. as part of its 2006 U.S. tour. The company, based in the Akita prefecture, presents a program of traditional Japanese folk performing arts. They are recognized for its energetic dance, music and taiko.

The program will showcase works from various prefectures in Japan. Dances that celebrate the joy of life (Aomori) the daily life of fishermen (Hokkaido and Kumamoto), farmers' prayers for rain (Ishikawa) and rice planting (Hiroshima). Dances from traditional Japanese festivals that celebrate a good harvest (Miyagi), festivities from a night festival (Saitama) and an ancient performing art piece of the Tohoku region of Iwate prefecture.

Highlights include a creative dance piece as a prayer for children's growth through hardships danced in the disguise of mother lioness and her cub (Kagawa prefecture) and a traditional dance characterized by wave-like movements in Sado Island (home of the famed Kodo group) (Niigata prefecture).

Warabi-za was founded in February 1951 and has created many works based on traditional music and dance throughout Japan for 55 years. Performing throughout Japan, the company has appeared in many parts of the world, including two tours to the U.S. in 1997 and 2002.

Folk performing arts have been handed down for centuries from ancestors, providing a zest for living. A characteristics of Japanese folk performing arts is that many of them have been germinated from daily life work and resulting in strengthening of the bond of the people. Another characteristic is the appreciation for the beauty of nature or the expression of life or wishes through animals -in other words, these works depict our live-and-let-live attitude with nature. (The program of Feb. 18 performance is lasted in page 5.)

The 2006 U.S. Warabi-za tour is under the direction of Hiroshi Kuriki, with composition and choreography by Kenji Osakake and music direction by Masaru Iijima. The tour coordinated by An Creative Inc. and is sponsored by The Agency for Cultural Affairs of Japanese government.

Tickets are available for $30 orchestra, $27 balcony and $ 27 and $25 for JACCC Members and groups of 10 or more. Call the Aratani/Japan America Theatre Box office at (213) 680-3700, open Monday - Saturday from 12 noon to 5pm. The Japan America Theatre is located at 244 S. San Pedro Street in Little Tokyo in downtown Los Angeles. Convenient parking is located on San Pedro Street across from the Theatre.

Photo
Warabi-za ensemble from Akita prefecture has been performing traditional Japanese folk dance and music for 55 years throughout Japan.

Manga Symposium at Pomona College, Feb. 17
Topic: Manga
Marauding Rabbits, Starry-Eyed Girls, Battling Boys, 'Ordinary Ladies':Japanese (American) Manga in Review

Friday, February 17, 2006

Pomona College
Pacific Basin Institute, Hahn 101

420 N Harvard Ave, Claremont, CA 91711
Cost: Free, Time: 1:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Lynne Miyake Tel: (909) 621-8931

www.pomona.edu/pbi

Providing the plenary address will be Frederik L. Schodt, the premier scholar on manga in English and author of the seminal, Manga! Manga!: The World of Japanese Comics and Dreamland Japan: Writings on Modern Manga. Also featured will be Stanley Sakai, the creator of the long running and highly successful samurai rabbit Usagi Yojimbo series, providing a step-by-step demonstration of how a manga story is written and drawn. Kinko Ito, professor of sociology at the University of Arkansas, will speak to the genre of ladies comics, its emergence in the 1980s to its newest trends in the 21st century. Matthew A. Thorn, associate professor at Japan?s only Department of Comic Art in the School of Cartoon and Comic Art at Kyoto Seika University and an expert on girls sh?jo manga, will round out the program.

1:30PM
Introductory Remarks: Lynne K. Miyake (Department of Asian Languages & Literatures, Pomona College)

1:40PM
Introduction: Mage Macchione (Classics Major, Pomona College)

1:45-2:30PM
Frederik L. Schodt (Conference Interpreter, Translator, and Free Lance Writer)
“The Manga Way”

2:30PM
Introduction: Tom Bayles (Japanese Major, Pomona College)

2:35-3:10PM
Stan Sakai (Comics Artist and National Cartoonists Society Award Winner)
“Creating Comics, Making Manga”

3:10PM
Introduction: Chen Jiang (International Relations Major, Pomona College)

3:15-3:50PM
Kinko Ito (Department of Sociology, Anthropology, & Gerontology, University of Arkansas at Little Rock)
“Japanese Ladies' Comics: Now and Then”

3:50PM
Introduction: Julia Fields (Asian Studies Major, Pomona College)

3:55-4:30PM
Matthew A. Thorn (School of Cartoon & Comic Art, Kyoto Seika University)

4:30-5:30PM
Open Discussion

5:30PM
Buffet Dinner (hall outside room 101)

Taiko Fest at Biola University, Feb. 11
Topic: Taiko
Biola University in La Mirada presents Taiko Fest on Saturday, Feb. 11 at 7:30 p.m. at 13800 Biola Ave., La Mirada, CA 90639. This year the festival will be featuring Koshin Taiko and Kishin Daiko.

Taiko Fest is an event that was originally started on the campus to expose students and the community who are not familiar with Taiko to it's beauty and energy. It is now an event open to the public. For more info call (562) 944-0351 ext 5832.

The 8th Annual Shikishi Exhibit Extended
Topic: Event
The 8th Annual Shikishi (Japanese Greeting Card) exhibit at the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center (JACCC) is being extended through Sunday, February 26, 2006.

The exhibit in the JACCC's George J. Doizaki Gallery includes work from of a former Prime Minister of Japan to school children in America, and everything in-between. The theme for this year's exhibit is Hatsu-hanashi (First Story).

Seen as a way to ring in the New Year (2006, Year of the Dog), the exhibit includes over 70 Shikishi from Japan and Korea, making the total on exhibit over two-hundred Shikishi. The exhibit also includes a colorful variety of Japanese kites and tops.

8th Annual Shikishi Exhibit
George J. Doizaki Gallery (JACCC)
244 So. San Pedro St., L.A., CA 90012
Hours: Tuesday-Friday, 12 noon-5 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Jan. 8, 2006-Feb. 26, 2006
Admission: Free

California Association of Japanese Language School Conference, Feb. 18
At East San Gabriel Valley Japanese Communty Center.
ESGVJCC Gakuen: 626-337-6174

New Year's Dance by Wakana Hanayagi Conservatory, Feb. 11
Topic: Buyo
Free admission

Saturday, Feb. 11, 1:30PM

Maryknoll Catholic Center
222 South Hewitt Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Mme. Wakana Hanayagi: (310) 822-9193