Obon Festival on Saturday, July 1, 2006
Topic: Buddhist
Senshin Buddhist Temple, 1311 West 37th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90007
(323) 731-4617
From 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM

West Covina Buddhist Temple, East San Gabriel Valley Japanese Community Center, 1203 West Puente Ave., West Covina, CA 91790
(626) 913-0622
From 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM
www.livingdharma.org

Japan Night at Women?s Football Game, July 1, 7 PM
Topic: Event
A sumo demonstration and a Japanese classical dance performance by Bando Hidesomi Buyo Class at the half time at Veterans Memorial Stadium, 5000 East Lew Davis Street, Long Beach. Antelope Valley Attack vs. Breakers.
www.avattack.com

Ebata Memorial Fund Award to be presented, July 9, 2 p.m.
Topic: Buyo
Bando Hidesomi Named 2006 Duane Ebata Memorial Fund Award Recipient

Classical Japanese dancer, Bando Hidesomi, (Mihoko Kawakami) was recently named the 5th recipient of the Duane Ebata Memorial Fund Award, given in recognition of excellence and accomplishments of Asian Pacific Island performing artists.

The award will be presented to her at a special reception on Sunday, July 9, 2pm in Doizaki Gallery (Main Floor) of the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center.

Born in Torrance, California, Bando Hidesomi began her dance training under Madame Bando Mitsuhiro at the age of 3 years old. At the age of twelve, she advanced her art by going to Japan to study under Madame Bando Hideko, daughter of Grand Master Bando Mitsugoro IX. While attending Keio University, Hidesomi trained in Japan intensively for five years where she received the title of Shihan (Master’s degree). She also participated in the Bando School’s Charity Recital in Tokyo and Bando-Kai’s 75th Anniversary Recital at the National Theater of Japan.

Returning to the U.S. in 1996, Hidesomi directed her energies to building a career as a professional dancer and establishing Bando Hidesomi Nihon Buyo Kai. It is her desire to encourage the continuation of Japanese traditional cultural arts by focusing efforts to teach classical Japanese dance to young people and promoting audience appreciation of the traditional cultural arts of Japan through their performances.

She currently teaches 20 students, ranging in age from 4 years to 17 years of age. The group has performed at the Monterey Park Cherry Blossom Festival, the Autumn Festival in East San Gabriel, Summer Festival at Rancho Los Alamitos, the Iris Festival at the Arboretum, and other local festivals and events.

“Through Nihon Buyo, I want to express my feelings of appreciation and respect for all cultures. Perhaps my own passion for Japanese dance will help to create a bridge of unity between all cultures.” Bando Hidesomi expressed.

This year’s recipient of the Duane Ebata Memorial Fund, Bando Hidesomi joins a growing list of talented Asian Pacific Islander artist awardees, including Visiting Violette (2005), Zero 3 (2004), Keoki Kahumoku (2003) and inaugural recipients the On Ensemble (2002). Friends and colleagues of Duane Ebata, who passed away in 2000, established a Memorial Fund to carry on his artistic vision and legacy.

Artistic Director of the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center, Duane was committed to nurturing promising Asian Pacific American performing artists, building coalitions between communities through the arts, and advocating for funding and support for the arts.

The Duane Ebata Memorial Fund reception on July 9 is open to the public. For more information, contact: Gail Matsui, (213) 628-2725, ext 108. The Japanese American Cultural and Community Center is located at 244 S. San Pedro Street, in the Little Tokyo area in downtown Los Angeles. Convenient parking is located on San Pedro Street across from the Center.

Descanso Gardens : Asian Concert by On Ensemble, July 9 (Sun) 2 to 3 p.m.
Topic: Taiko
Seeking to explore new realms for traditional Japanese drums, On Ensemble incorporates varied musical influences into a unique and provocative performance. With powerful taiko music at its foundation, centuries-old Noh and Kabuki mingle with contemporary, experimental composition and combust into ground-breaking music.

The On Ensemble utilizes Japanese drums hand-made by Miyamoto Unosuke Shouten instrument maker to the Emperor of Japan. Drums are interlaced with dance, bamboo flute, koto (Japanese zither), and Tuvan overtone singing. The concert, part of this summer’s Under the Oaks World Music Tour, is free with Gardens admission.

Theater seating is first come, first served.

Descanso Gardens is at 1418 Descanso Drive, La Ca?ada Flintridge, near the interchange of the #2 and #210 freeways.

The Gardens are open 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily except Christmas Day. Parking is free. Admission fees are $7 for adults; $5 for seniors and students; $2 for children 5 to 12, and free for members and children 5 and younger.

Fees for classes and programs include Gardens admission.

For information call (818) 949-4200 or visit www.DescansoGardens.org.

Descanso Gardens is accredited by the American Association of Museums.

Itinerant troupe style variety show with veteran sword actor Ryuji Sawa to come to Little Tokyo, Jul. 2
Japan’s veteran sword actor, Ryuji Sawa, presents an itinerant troupe style variety show of the early Showa-era (1930s to 1960s) on Sunday, July 2, at 1 p.m., at the Aratani Japan America Theatre in Little Tokyo. Sawa, 70, has been an actor since age four. In Japan, he is also well known as zacho (leader of a troupe) because of his talent for producing popular shows not only for his troupe but also for the entire itinerant troupe circle in Japan.

Japan’s itinerant troupes (taishugeki) often feature sword fighting. Sawa claims himself the best sword actor in Japan and runs his acting school in Tokyo to teach sword fighting techniques on stages.

Part one of the July 2 program features The Return of The Tabi- Garasu (Vagabond).
The story is about a man who commits murder for his boss and escapes leaving his wife and child in his town. When he returns to help his family and boss, he is a changed man. It is a story of morality including its highs and lows, culminating in a dramatic taiko performance by Sukeroku Daiko of Tokyo.

Part two is titled Samurai Musashi and includes singing and dancing performances in the style of a Las Vegas revue.

Sawa’s itinerant troupe performed in Laughlin, Nevada, seven years ago for a two-month period. For the first month, he struggled to understand what American audiences wanted to see, then developed his show to receive a standing ovation for every performance.

In a press conference in Los Angeles in May, Sawa said “I would like the audience to see the fastest sword fighting with Sukeroku Daiko, a lively Japanese style drum performance because people never get to see them in American theaters.”

Following his Los Angeles show, Sawa’s itinerant troupe will perform in New York City on July 6 and 7, and plans to return there within the next year.

Tickets for the July 2 show are $45 and $35 and are available at the Box Office, (213) 680-3700. Proceeds will benefit Keiro Senior HealthCare in Los Angeles.

Kaori Isaka, UCLA exchange student from Geiji Gakuin University of Tokyo, contributes to this article.

(Photo)
Ryuji Sawa, actor and leader of his itinerant troupe, will perform in Little Tokyo on July 2 for benefiting a senior health organization. (Cultural News Photo)

Emerging taiko drummers to perform at Ford Amphitheatre in Hollywood, Jul. 8
Topic: Taiko
The TaikoProject, emerging taiko group in Los Angeles, brings their pulse-pounding drumming virtuosity to a special summer performance, "Rhythmic Relations 2006," on Saturday, July 8 at 8 p.m. at Ford Amphitheatre in Hollywood. Tickets are $35 and $30. Tickets for students and children under 12 are $12. For seats, call Ford Amphitheatre at (323) 461-3673 or visit www.FordAmphitheatre.org.

"Rhythmic Relations 2006" performers includes TaikoProject’s sister groups Bombu Taiko and Kitsune Taiko of the Higashi Hongwanji Buddhist Temple in Los Angeles, and UCLA Yukai Daiko.

"Rhythmic Relations 2006" presents performances by an extended family of affiliated Los Angeles-based groups, who have supported one another’s respective endeavors as well as shared the stage in community performances such as at obon (festival of the dead), hanamatsuri (Buddha’s Birthday celebration), and cherry blossom festivals.

The different approaches of these four groups represent the range that currently characterizes American taiko: Buddhist-temple-based community groups, children’s groups, collegiate groups, and professional performing groups.

The Taikoproject, founded in 2000, is preserving and disseminating American taiko drumming through educational activities and public performances. The ensemble's work balances the traditions and rich history of American taiko with a contemporary edge exploring new dimensions in taiko.

This event is part of the Ford Amphitheatre 2006 Season, a multi-disciplinary arts series produced by the Los Angeles County Arts Commission in cooperation with Los Angeles County- based arts organizations.

(Photo)
TaikoProject

Giant Monsters on the Loose, June 30 - July 2
Topic: Film
The American Cinematheque at the Egyptian Theatre presents Giant Monsters on the Loose!, June 30 - July 2. At the risk of being redundant...what is it about watching actors in rubber monster suits kick the living daylights out of a plaster-and-paint model of Tokyo (and each other), that seems so, well, satisfying?

We can't say for sure ... WE JUST KNOW WE LOVE IT!! For those of you who can never seem to get enough of city-stomping, radioactive-fire-breathing action, we're back with more GIANT MONSTERS ON THE LOOSE

-yes, more classics and rarities from the Japanese kaiju ("giant monster") genre –

including the Los Angeles Theatrical Premieres of he latest by Takashi Miike, THE GREAT YOKAI WAR,

as well as the completely-cgi-generated short "Negadon:

The Monster From Mars," the U.S. Premieres of GAMERA THE BRAVE and Tsubaraya Productions' MIRROR MAN:

REFLEX plus three episodes from their ULTRAMAN MAX television show (one directed by Shusuke Kaneko and two by Takashi Miike!!),

a rare screening of GODZILLA, KING OF THE MONSTERS (the 1956 American version of GOJIRA starring Raymond Burr),

with son of American co-director Terry Morse, Terry Morse, Jr. on hand for a Q&A, GODZILLA 2000 with American version producer Mike Schlesinger and the English-language voice actors discussing the dubbing, and much more!!

Anime Jungle will be on-site selling merchandise. All screenings are at the Lloyd E. Theatre at the historic Egyptian (6712 Hollywood Boulevard between Highland and Las Palmas) in Hollywood.

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Friday, June 30, 2006 - 7:30 PM | Egyptian Theatre

The Friday, June 30th program is a 7:30 PM Double Feature. First up is the Los Angeles Premiere of "Negadon: The Monster From Mars" (2005, Central Park Media, 26 min.).

The world's first 100% computer generated kaiju film is a loving homage to the classic Japanese monster movies of the 1950's and 60's. In the year 2025, extreme overpopulation results into the "Mars Terraforming Project," a plan to make the red planet a habitable world.
The MTP's efforts awaken the space monster Negadon, who crashes into Tokyo and destroys all in its path.

Earth's only hope is Miroku, a prototype robot piloted by its inventor. The award-winning NEGADON: THE MONSTER FROM MARS marks the directorial debut of graphics & special effects wizard, Jun Awazu, whose previous credits include KAMEN RIDER 555 and the Godzilla film GMK. In Japanese with English Subtitles.

Next on the same bill is the Los Angeles Premiere of THE GREAT YOKAI WAR, (2005, Media Blasters & Kadokawa, 124 min.) directed by Takashi Miike. While attending a festival at an ancient shrine, a timid young boy named Tadashi is chosen to be the next Kirin Rider, a warrior of peace who must defend the world in times of darkness.

To prove his worth, Tadashi tries to claim the legendary Goblin Sword from the yokai...strange mystical beings that come in a variety of bizarre forms- some hideous, some cute-and who have incredible supernatural powers. As Tadashi sets out on his quest, the evil Lord Yasunori Kato and his henchwoman Agi the Bird-Stabbing Witch (Chiaki Kuriyma of BATTLE ROYALE and KILL BILL) have been capturing yokai and merging them with discarded items to make an army of mechanical monsters called Kikai.

Tadashi must unite the good yokai to oppose Lord Kato, with the fate of the world hanging in the balance. Acclaimed director Takashi Miike's big budget update of the classic Daiei films is great entertainment; a wonderful blend of adventure, horror, and comedy featuring hundreds of bizarre creatures. Co-starring Bunta Sugawara. In Japanese with English Subtitles.

Next on the same bill is the U.S. Premiere of GAMERA THE BRAVE, (2006, Kadokawa, 97 min.) Thirty years after Gamera disappeared during a battle with the flying monsters called Gyaos, a young boy named Toru Aizawa discovers a turtle egg while playing on a beach.

The egg hatches in his hand, and Toru keeps the tiny newborn as a pet. The little turtle grows quickly and soon displays some very odd behavior like flying and breathing fire. Toru soon realizes he has found a baby Gamera. When the sea monster Zedus comes ashore and attacks the town of Isheshima, the new Gamera comes to the rescue of Toru and his friends.

But the little monster is no match for his larger and much stronger opponent. Will this new Gamera be able to recover and find a way to beat the villainous Zedus?

A new creative team led by director Ryuta Tazaki (KAMEN RIDER AGITO, SHIBUYA 15) and special effects director Isao Kaneko (GODZILLA VS. BIOLANTE, TETSUJIN 28) launches a fresh cycle of films unconnected to the 1990's Gamera trilogy.

GAMERA THE BRAVE mixes the traditional "friend of all children" Gamera from the classic films of the 1960's with modern special FX techniques.

The film opened in Japan on April 29, and makes its US debut at this festival. In Japanese with English Subtitles. Please Note: Due to the current unavailability of a 35mm print, GAMERA THE BRAVE will be screened off of a Digi-Beta source.

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Saturday, July 1, 2006 - 6:00 PM | Egyptian Theatre

The Saturday, July 1st program is a 6:00 PM ultra-rare screening of GODZILLA KING OF THE MONSTERS, (1956, Rialto, 80 min.) directed by Ishiro Honda and Terry Morse.

In 1954 Toho released the blockbuster hit GODZILLA, the first of 28 movies starring the giant monster. The following year, US rights to the film were acquired by a group of independent distributors who combined to form Trans World Releasing Corp.

In order to increase the appeal of a Japanese production, barely a decade after World War II, Trans World decided to recut GODZILLA to give it an American perspective. Director Terry Morse was hired to supervise the process and helm new scenes with actor Raymond Burr (REAR WINDOW, "Perry Mason") as an American reporter who witnesses Godzilla's rampage during a layover in Japan.

This new version, entitled GODZILLA KING OF THE MONSTERS, was a huge success upon its release in 1956, and launched Godzilla as an international icon. In celebration of the 50th anniversary of Godzilla's American debut, and in anticipation of the upcoming DVD release of both the US and Japanese versions of this film, the American Cinematheque and Classic Media present a rare theatrical screening of GODZILLA KING OF THE MONSTERS.

English Dubbed Version. Discussion following film with Terry Morse Jr., editor of GKOTM and son of Terry Morse, who directed the American footage with Raymond Burr. Sponsored by Classic Media's Godzilla DVD collection.

Following at 8:30 PM is a Double Feature. First up is GODZILLA 2000, (1999, Sony Repertory, 99 min.) directed by Takao Okawara. Following TriStar Pictures' poorly received American GODZILLA, Toho brought back the original Japanese Godzilla for his first film in four years.

A government team salvages a spaceship that had crashed into the ocean millions of years ago. Unfortunately the craft still houses the consciousness of the long-dead alien crew, who begin looking for the material needed to recreate new bodies.

They soon discover that Godzilla's unique genetic structure would allow them to conquer the world. But the King of the Monsters has other ideas and takes on the spaceship and the alien beast Orga for a duel to the death in the heart of Tokyo.

GODZILLA 2000 launched the third wave of Godzilla films that recently ended with GODZILLA: FINAL WARS. It was quickly picked up by Sony Pictures and became the first Toho-produced Godzilla movie to receive a wide stateside release in 15 years. English Dubbed Version.

Next on the same bill is GODZILLA, MOTHRA & KING GHIDORAH: GIANT MONSTERS ALL-OUT ATTACK, (2001, Sony Repertory, 105 min.).

Acclaimed by fans as one of the most exciting Godzilla films since the heyday of the 1960's, "GMK" features a terrific, redesigned Big G (hint: he's leaner, meaner and packs a nasty bite), bent on destroying Japan as vengeance for the restless souls of WWII victims.

Standing in his way are the "Guardian Deities" - i.e. Mothra, King Ghidorah and Baragon. Director Shusuke Kaneko helmed the astounding trio of GAMERA films for Daiei in the mid-1990's - here, he's practically reinvented the Godzilla series for the 21st century.

In Japanese with English subtitles. Discussion in between films with GODZILLA 2000 American producer Michael Schlesinger and the cast and crew responsible for the American version.

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Sunday, July 2, 2006 - 6:30 PM | Egyptian Theatre

The Sunday, July 2nd program begins at 6:30 PM with 4 Hours of Giant Superheroes & Monsters episodes, plus the US Premiere of MIRROR MAN: REFLEX. First up is ULTRAMAN MAX, (2005, Tsuburaya Prod. Approx. 90 min.) directed by Shusuke Kaneko and Takashi Miike.

The Ultraman franchise returned to it roots with this hit series that brought back several classic monsters as well as original ULTRAMAN stars Susumu Kurobe (Hayata) and Hiroko Sakurai (Fuji). Some of Japan's top directors took a rare turn at television with ULTRAMAN MAX, including this trio of episodes from Takashi Miike (AUDITION, GREAT YOKAI WAR) and Shusuke Kaneko (the Gamera trilogy, GMK) (All three episodes in Japanese with English Subtitles.)

Ep. 1: "Ultraman Max Is Born" - The lava monster Grangon and the freezing monster Ragorath are ravaging Japan, and only the defense force Team DASH and a brave, but reckless young man named Kaito Toma stand in their way. As the tide of battle turns against the defenders, a powerful alien being from Nebula M78 arrives on earth. Shusuke Kaneko directs this pilot episode establishing the cast and premise of ULTRAMAN MAX.

Ep. 15: "Miracle On Planet Number Three"- Max and Team DASH battle a giant monster that feeds off the energy of their attacks. What is the creature's connection to a young blind musician? This episode is a rather dark commentary on the escalating nature of violence and war by Takashi Miike.

Ep. 16: "Who Am I?" - Takashi Miike changes gears with this silly, slapstick parody of the Ultraman series. Three bizarre monsters cause everyone on earth to lose their memories. When Ultraman Max shows up to save the day, he forgets what he is supposed to do.

Next on the same bill (starting approximately 8:15 PM) is the First Episode of MIRROR MAN, (1971, Tsubaraya Prod., 25 min.).

Episode 1: "Mirror Man is Born." In the 1980's, the Earth comes under attack by the mysterious forces of the Invaders, nefarious beings from an unknown world bent on conquest and destruction.

Professor Mitarai forms the Science Guard Members (SGM), a high-tech fighting force whose task it is to protect our world. Meanwhile, newspaper photographer Kyotaro Kagami discovers he is actually a member of a race of super powered beings from the Second Dimension.

When the Invaders send a gigantic beast to devastate the city, Kyotaro uses his newfound power and transforms into Mirror Man, a towering superhero. But is even Mirror Man strong enough to defeat this terrible foe?

Next on the same bill is the U.S. Premiere of MIRROR MAN: REFLEX, (2006, Tsuburaya Prod., 90 min.) directed by Kazuya Konaka. Brothers Chiaki (ARMITAGE III) and Kazuya Konaka (ULTRAMAN: THE NEXT) update the 1971 superhero show for the new millennium.

The story revolves around a troubled young man, a strange girl who possesses incredible powers, a beautiful scientist with an unforgettable trauma in her past, giant city-smashing monsters, and a mysterious being from a parallel universe that exists beyond the looking glass.

Featuring stunning special effects, moody velvet-dark photography, and the classic MIRROR MAN monsters Aian, Darklon, and Golden Satan, MIRROR MAN: REFLEX will shred your expectations of Japanese science fiction. In Japanese with English Subtitles. Please note all materials tonight are from a digital video source.

General Admission is $9; $6 Cinematheque members; $7 Seniors (65+ years) and students with valid ID card. 24-Hour information: 323.466.FILM

THE PROGRAM IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.

American Cinematheque, 6712 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, CA 90028
(tel) 323.466-FILM (fax) 323.461.9737 On the web: http://www.egyptiantheatre.com

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GODZILLA 2000; GODZILLA KING OF THE MONSTERS; GODZILLA, MOTHRA & KING GHIDORAH ARE AVAILABLE ON VIDEOTAPE (NTSC) COMMERCIALLY AT LOCAL VIDEOSTORES UNLESS NOTED. SEE LIST BELOW.

Eddie Brandt's Saturday Matinee (5006 Vineland Ave., N. Hollywood- 818.506.4242)
VideoActive (2522 Hyperion, SilverLake - 323.669.8544)
Jerry's Video (1904 Hillhurst, Los Feliz - 323.666.7471)
Rocket Video (726 N. La Brea - 323.965.1100)
Cinefile (11280 Santa Monica Blvd. - Corner of Sawtelle Ave. - 310.312.8836)
Vidiots (302 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica - 310.392.8508)

The Seven Samurai (Shichinin No Samurai), July 2
Topic: Film
UCLA James Bridges Theater, Los Angeles, CA 90095

Cost: $10, Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
www.lafilmfest.com

Japan, 1954, 207 min, B/W, 35mm
In Japanese with English subtitles

Japanese master Akira Kurosawa’s boldly elaborate chambara tale of wandering swordsmen who band together to protect a village against marauding bandits remains a touchstone of the genre.

Famed for its vigorous editing, dynamic compositions and spectacular battle sequences, The Seven Samurai also speaks eloquently about class politics and questions of national identity besetting postwar Japan.

Japanese Community Festival in June
Topic: Festival
Gardena Valley Japanese Cultural Institute, June 24, 25 (Sat, Sun)
Venice Japanese Community Center, June 24, 25 (Sat, Sun)
San Fernando Valley Japanese American Community Center, June 24, 25 (Sat, Sun)
Long Beach Japanese Community Center, June 24 (Sat)

Kabuki Dance of Bando School Charity Show in Los Angeles, Jun. 11 Photo
Topic: Buyo







(Photo) Shin Hitotsuya. Photo by Tomoyuki Yoshino
















(Photo) Tsuri Onna. Photo by Tomoyuki Yoshino

















(Photo) Kisen. Photo by Tomoyuki Yoshino





In a rare Los Angeles appearance, Bando Mitsugoro X, a renown Kabuki actor and Headmaster of the Bando School in Japan, will be performing in two shows at the Aratani Japan America Theatre on Sunday, June 11 at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.

His appearance is part of a charity show to benefit the Japanese American community, a vision of his grandfather, the late Bando Mitsugoro VIII who was recognized by Japan as a Living National Treasure, and his father, the late Bando Mitsugoro IX.

Other celebrated guest artists will include his sister, Bando Hideko, leading dancers Master Bando Mitsujiro and Madame Bando Katsutomo, and about 25 other performers and staff/stage assistants who will accompany Headmaster Mitsugoro X from Tokyo to present two programs of Japanese classical dance that will delight American audiences with colorful costumes and graceful artistry.

Three Los Angeles area Bando dance instructors, Madames Bando Mitsusa, Bando Mitsuhiro, and Bando Wakatsuye, and their prot?g?s (natori and shihan students) will also perform in the programs.

The afternoon program at 1 p.m. will feature the dances Shoochikubai, Shin Hitotsutoya, Niwakajishi, Yuugaodana, and Ryuusei. Headmaster Mitsugoro X will perform in Ryuusei which is a dance based on a Chinese fable in which a shooting star comically tells of a domestic quarrel between Father and Mother Thunder, and of the subsequent intervention of Child Thunder and Grandmother.

The evening show at 5 p.m. will present Shoochikubai, Sakuraemaki, Tsuri Onna, Omatsuri, and Kisen. The Headmaster will perform in the role of Kisen, a priest who is traveling through Gion place in Kyoto during the Edo period and who is attracted to the hostess of a tea house.

Bando Hideko will perform in the supporting role of Okaji, and ten natori (dancers with professional stage names) of the three local Bando dance schools will assume the role of the monks. Bando Mitsugoro X performed this number for his shumei or name-taking recital in Tokyo when he was conferred his current title in 2001.

With both the afternoon and evening programs featuring Headmaster Mitsugoro X and dancers from Japan, audiences are encouraged to attend both shows to take advantage of an unprecedented visit to Los Angeles by this entourage of renown Japanese classical dance artists.

Tickets for the Los Angeles Bando Ryu Charity Show are $50 and $40 per show and are available at the Theatre Box Office, 244 S. San Pedro St., Downtown Los Angeles, (213) 680-3700. Proceeds will benefit Keiro Senior HealthCare.

(In this article, Japanese names appear in order of the family name and given name.)

Chanson Vocal, June 18
Topic: Music
Singer and vocal instructor Hiroki Konno of Gardena presents the sixth annual Pari Sai music concert featuring French songs chanson on Sunday, June 18 at 2 p.m. at El Camino College Campus Theatre, 16007 Crenshaw Blvd. Torrance, CA 90506.

Guest artists are Yuki kaiyama from Tokyo for vocal and Harumi Baxer from New York for piano. Proceeds will benefit Nikkei Accessible Information and Services in Torrance.

Tickets are $35. For seats call (310) 415-3161 or e-mail info@konnohiroki.com.

Japan Art Now featuring three Japanese painters, Jun. 3 - 30
Topic: Art
The Henken Gallery presents three Japanese artists in the exhibit, Japan Art Now, at the Henken Gallery located inside New Otani Hotel in Little Tokyo, from June 3 to June 30. This exhibition features works that showcase the artists’ unique personality:

Dr. Letsu Sugiyama (1925- ) Born in Fukuoka. He is an artist beyond explanation who has established a unique style that has been widely recognized throughout the art world. Sugiyama has said, “There is no past and no future of my art. Only the present work to express my history, my value and my career. The painting is an expression of my self.”

Mas Kawamoto (1943- ) Born in Whittier, California. Kawamoto’s interest in abstract art has always been present through his life. His creativity flows freely but occasion after several false starts. Recent his works integrating vibrant colors and powerful brush strokes, allow him to express himself at every aspect of his life.

Kiyokazu Itou (1952- ) Born in Mie. He is a renowned artist who primarily works in oil and watercolors. His style originated from a traditional Japanese art. His style is still seen, not only through his works, but also from the works of his art students. His paintings depict a new style of Japanese art in which he presents his subjects in sharp lines and harmonious colors.

The Henken Gallery is located in the grand floor in the New Otani Hotel, 120 South Los Angeles Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012, (213) 626-2505. www.thehenkengallery.com.

(Photo)
“Yawaragu toki” by Kiyokazu Itou, oil and gold leaf on canvas.

Bonsai shows, sales scheduled at Descanso Gardens, Jun. 16-18
Topic: Bonsai
The Descanso Bonsai Society’s 36th annual three-day Bonsai Show, one of the largest of its kind in Southern California, will take place during the weekend, Friday, June 16, through Sunday, June 18 at Descanso Gardens at 1418 Descanso Drive, La Ca?ada Flintridge.

Carefully sculpted trees, shrubs and other plants will star at this event and experts will explain how to create and care for bonsai. The show will be open 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day. Demonstrations are scheduled at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Raw and completed bonsai plants, tools, pots and related items will be for sale, and an opportunity to win bonsai items will occur at 3 p.m. Sunday.

For information call (818) 949-4200 or visit www.DescansoGardens.org Descanso Gardens is accredited by the American Association of Museums.

Jazz Koto Artist Kuramoto in free concert, June 18
Topic: Koto
June Kuramoto, whose jazz koto has been heard on major motion picture soundtracks and as key component of the legendary Hiroshima band, will present a free concert on Sunday, June 18, at the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center Plaza.

June Kuramoto and Friends are featured performers in the day-long Little Tokyo Food Fair and Concert taking place on Father’s Day from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Also appearing will be Latin jazz artists Soul Sacrifice, Opus fusion quartet, D.J. Hideo of radio station 98.6 The Beat, and singing artists Kiyoshi Graves and Miyuki Matsunaga.

In addition, cuisine from Sohoju, Chop Suey at the Far East, the New Otani Hotel, Capperi Italian Ristorante, Mikawaya, and other restaurants will be available for purchase.

Fathers who attend will each receive a free gift.
Sponsored by the Little Tokyo Business Association, the event will benefit the LTBA’s ongoing efforts to promote Little Tokyo merchants and preserve the area’s unique cultural identity.

Admission is free. For further details or booth information, call (818) 906-2161.

Re-creation of Tang Dynasty tea ceremony by an expert from Kyoto, Jun. 25
A re-creation of a tea ceremony from the Tang Dynasty (618-900 AD) will be conducted by Chinese culture expert Mr. Kouhou Tanahashi of Kyoto, on Sunday, June 25 at 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. at the New Otani Hotel in Little Tokyo.

Tanahashi will demonstrate the tea ceremony of the Tang dynasty when Chines tea ceremony originated. The demonstration will use tea Tanahashi produced from methods of that era along with his reproduction of original utensils.

His lecture will also include historical background about China and how people enjoyed tea in Tang period.

In 1987, Chinese archeologists unearthed approximately 900 valuable cultural icons of the Chinese Court from Famen-Si Temple, including Buddha’s ashes and gold and silver utensils. The tea utensils were dedicated at Famen-Si Temple in 873.

Famen-Si Temple, located near Xian City in Shaanxi province, was originally constructed during the Eastern Han Dynasty (25 – 220 AD). It became the prayer temple of successive emperors and led a wave of prosperity. It was destroyed and rebuilt multiple times.

The excavated tea utensils were used at the court and provided the key to proving the origins of the Lu Yu tea ceremony of the Tang dynasty.

Tanahashi, who established the International Certification of Culture of Chinese Tea and the Organization of Chinese Tea Ceremony, has given lectures and demonstrations across Japan. June 25 event is his first lecture and demonstration outside of Japan. English translation will be provided.

“Much mystery remains regarding the art of Tang Dyasty tea ceremony. But I hope that more people will be able to learn more about and come to appreciate Chinese tea ceremony,” Tanahashi said. “I think Japanese tea ceremony may have its roots in Chinese tea ceremony.”

Tickets are $30 per event. For further information, call Okumura at (323) 728-1990 or Kichimi at (818) 547-1122. This lecture and demonstration is presented by Okyu Chinese Poem Association, 1033 Yorktown Ave., Montebello, CA 90640.

(Photo)
Chinese culture expert Mr. Kouhou Tanahashi of Kyoto will demonstrate the tea ceremony of Tang dynasty in Los Angeles.

Japanese vocal and shamisen music Yamatogaku workshop, Jun. 10, 13
Topic: Yamatogaku
Yamatogaku was created by entrepreneur and philanthropist Baron Kishichiro Okura in Tokyo to harmonize Japanese tradition and Western music in 1930s.

Second headmaster (iemoto) Hisamitsu Yamato will visit Los Angeles to present lectures and demonstrations: June 10 (Sat) at 7 p.m. at Nishi Hongwanji Temple, 815 E. First Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012; June 13 (Tue) at 7 p.m. at Konko Church, 15722 Normandy Ave., Gardena, CA 90247.

One-hour lecture and demonstration is free of charge. The group lesson after the lecture and demonstration will be held for $30 per person. English translation will be provided. Call (310) 404-9622.

Mme. Wakana Hanayagi?s Classical Dance Workshop Graduation Program, June 10
Topic: Buyo
Mme. Wakana Hanayagi presents 2006 Los Angeles Regional Grant – Artist-in-Residence Japanese Classical Dance Workshop Graduation Program on Saturday, June 10 at 1:00 p.m. at Maryknoll Catholic Center, 222 South Hewitt Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012. Special guests are Masakazu Yoshizawa and Narumi Nakamura. Open to public. Admission free. For more information, call Mme. Hanayagi at (310) 822-9193.

Reflections of Beauty: Women from Japan's Floating World at Pacific Asia Museum, Pasadena, Mar.10 - June 18
Topic: Art
Pacific Asia Museum in Pasadena will present the exhibition Reflections of Beauty: Women from Japan’s Floating World, curated by Kendall H. Brown, Associate Professor of Art History at California State University, Long Beach, from March 10 through June 18.

The exhibition consists of nearly 75 works that explore how representations of these artistically accomplished and aesthetically enticing women have been utilized not to capture the reality of their existence but to express a range of attitudes towards sex, culture, class and nation.

The exhibition features paintings, woodblock prints, ceramics, textiles and personal ornaments, most coming from the museum’s large but rarely seen collection of Edo-period (1616-1868) art. It also features rare objects and photos from private collections as well as paintings by contemporary artists that play with now stereotypical ukiyo-e forms.
At the broadest level Reflections of Beauty invites the audience to question its own assumptions about Japanese art, female identity and even Asian culture at a time when Westerners are confronted with appealing but potentially misleading images in popular culture.

In most cultures, images of women are laden with symbolism and associations far beyond those of men. In Japan, beginning in the Edo period (17th century), depictions of women were particularly complex in their meanings as bijinga (“pictures of beauties”) and comprised the most popular and dynamic subject in ukiyo-e, “pictures of the floating world.”

Paintings and woodblock prints alike express the values and fantasies of a society in which women, particularly courtesans (y?jo) and artistic entertainers (geisha), were veritable cultural heroes. These images have accumulated layers of significance in Europe and America where, from the publication of Madame Butterfly in 1898 to Memoirs of a Geisha a century later, Westerners have been fascinated with the mystique of Japanese femininity.

Distinguishing between painted ladies and painted lads

The first part of the exhibition elucidates the basic physical and functional differences between various beauties, first distinguishing between painted ladies and painted lads—the latter including young male prostitutes and onnagata, the kabuki actors who played female roles.

One critical goal of the exhibition is to educate viewers about the differences between the appearance, activities and cultural roles of courtesans, geisha, apprentice geisha (maiko), and even the merchant-class married women who often adapted elements of style from women of the floating world. This introductory display also shows the standard dress, hairstyle and ornament of courtesans and geisha, providing an introduction to the aesthetics of feminine beauty and suggesting how pictorial images provoked new fashion trends.

The show’s second section examines various themes in the representation of women that disclose in part the physical and psychological lives of these women as well as their social roles, both actual and symbolic.

Themes range from the descriptive and poetic—including “Celebrating the Seasons”(flower viewing), “Auspicious Performances” (dance), “Beauty on Parade,” (processions), “Entertaining Clients” (eating, drinking and carousing) “Private Moments”(bathing, resting, sewing, raising children), and “Thoughts of Love” (reading and writing letters)—to the political, where the satirical transpositions and juxtapositions between these merchant-class Japanese icons and Chinese patriarchs are evident in themes including “Literature and Lore” (transpositions of geisha into fiction and history), and “Subverting the Patriarchy” (parodies of establishment themes).

A diverse program of films, lectures and gallery talks will accompany the exhibition and expands upon the core concepts of the show.

Pacific Asia Museum is located at 46 North Los Robles Avenue in Pasadena. Hours are Wednesday through Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and until 8 p.m. on Fridays. Free parking is located adjacent to the museum. Admission is $7 for adults and $5 for students and seniors. Children under 12 are admitted free. For more information call 626-449-2742 or visit www.pacificasiamuseum.org.

(Photo)
Anonymous, Meiji-era photo of Geisha writing, Dawn Frazier Collection, dimensions 991 x 1724. (Courtesy of Pacific Asia Museum)

Surface, Line and Color: The Spirit of Design in Japanese Art, April 4 - July 29
Topic: Art
HANFORD, California - Although the Lee Institute collection is famous for its rich Edo period paintings, the collection also includes Japanese art objects from a variety of periods and medium. The upcoming spring exhibition “Surface, Line and Color: The Spirit of Design in Japan,” will be a perfect opportunity to acknowledge this fact, where the viewers will find a selection of art works highlighted by their design quality rather than their categories.

Over the years, Japanese artists have established a reputation for their acute sense of design in enhancing any surface, whether large or small, two- or three-dimensional, and no matter how banal or regal an object. Art connoisseurs have also long discussed issues surrounding design in Japanese art. Design can be regarded as an overall plan for something, a basic scheme or pattern, or the elements to organize a work of art.

This exhibition focuses on three elements of design in Japanese art—surface, line, and color—as they are expressed in a selection of paintings and sculptural ceramic and bamboo works from the Lee Institute collection.

“Surface” can constitute the composition of a painting or the textural aspects of a three-dimensional object. “Lines” are powerful expressions of the inner spirit, but they also create rhythm, movement, patterns, and designs in art.

And “Color” is the essential element in Japanese art; it not only compliments linework, but it actually embodies Japanese aesthetics.

This exhibition will illustrate how the spirit of Japanese design can be observed in many situations, sometimes bold and clear and other times in more subtle manners. It is the curator’s hope that students and visitors from all walks of life will visit and discuss what they see while learning something new about Japanese art.

For this particular show, the institute welcomes Midori Oka, museum educator at the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, Massachusetts, as guest curator. In 1997, Midori came to the institute as its first curatorial intern and was subsequently hired by the institute, on completion of her internship in 1998, as its first curator. Interestingly, most of the objects she has chosen for this exhibition were acquired after she left the institute in 2000.

The Lee Institute is a public museum gallery and library study center dedicated to Japanese art located 6 miles south of Highway 198 in Hanford between Jackson and Jersey Avenues at 15770 Tenth Avenue.

The gallery hosts regular exhibitions of Japanese art of various styles and media ranging from the 12th to the 21st centuries. Regular gallery hours are Tuesday to Saturday 1-5 p.m. with a docent-led tour every Saturday at 1 p.m.
For more information, visit the website at www.shermanleeinstitute.org or call (559) 582-4915.


(Photo Caption)
Ueda Kōchū (1819-1911), Boys on a Bull, hanging scroll, ink and colors. Lee Institute Permanent Collection.

(Photo Caption)
Mimura Chikuhō (b.1973), Hope, bamboo sculpture, lacquered madake bamboo and rattan. Clark Family Collection, on loan to the Lee Institute.

Out of ordinary/extraordinary, May 13 through June 18
Topic: Photo
Out of ordinary/extraordinary: Japanese contemporary photography at the JACCC Doizaki Gallery, May 13 through June 18

The Japanese American Cultural and Community Center and The Japan Foundation, Los Angeles, present Out of ordinary/extraordinary: Japanese contemporary photography, an exhibition featuring the work of eleven different exciting Japanese artists.

The exhibition, which is sponsored in part by The Japan Foundation, Los Angeles, will be in the George J. Doizaki Gallery, on the main floor of the JACCC from Saturday May 13 and runs through Sunday June 18.

The exhibit’s opening on Saturday, May 13, also marks the 23rd Annual Children’s Day or “Kodomo no Hi” Celebration. The Family FunFest features free performances, games, crafts, delicious food, hand-crafted items for sale. This year will offer Discovery Workshops series, designed to give children and adults special hands-on cultural experiences led by professional artists and cultural teachers.

Out of ordinary/extraordinary features images that are fun, insightful, sometimes disturbing and intriguing: Out of the ordinary/extraordinary: Japanese contemporary photography shows a new collective voice by examining cultural and societal norms.

An opening reception is scheduled for Saturday, May 13, 2006, 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
The Exhibition runs Saturday, May 13 through June 18, 2006.
The gallery is open Tuesday-Friday 12 noon to 5 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Admission is free. For information call the Aratani/Japan America Theatre Box office at 213. 680-3700, open Monday - Saturday from 12 noon to 5pm. The George J. Doizaki Gallery is located in the JACCC 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 JACCC.

This is an API/2 event, which is supported by grants from The James Irvine Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts and the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors through the Los Angeles County Arts Commission.

The JACCC launched the Asian and Pacific Islander Artist Presenting Initiative (API/2) in Fall 2003 to support the creative process of API performing and visual artists who are developing work for presentation to the public. With initial three-year funding from The James Irvine Foundation, the goal of API/2 is to strengthen the artistic capacity of exemplary Asian and Pacific Islander artists, and to deepen public understanding and appreciation of API arts and cultural heritage.