Gagaku and moon viewing at New Otani Hotel, Oct. 7, 2006
Topic: Gagaku

 

The New Otani Hotel in Little Tokyo presents the Cultural Fall Festival on Saturday, Oct. 7. On the night of the full moon, the hotel provides the Moon Viewing Festival tea ceremony and the 1200-year-old Gagaku music by Kinnara Gagaku Kai of Los Angeles at Japanese Garden from 7:00-8:00 p.m. Garden admission is free.

 

Program: Gagaku Kangen – Gagaku orchestral music

 

Hyojo Mode　A mode associated with Autumn

 

Etenraku ( transcending-heaven-music):  The most familiar of all Gagaku pieces, this melody has become the basis for many Japanese folksongs and popular songs.  It has come to be used in recent times as processional music in weddings.

 

Bairo:  One of eight pieces of Rinyu music brought to Japan by Fat Triet  and Bodhisena in 736 AD.  Rinyu  was a kingdom in Southeast Asia centered around the city Hue in present-day Vietnam.  It is believed that it originally was a military piece.

 

Intermission

 

Introduction to Gagaku:  Introduction and demonstration of instruments.

 

Sojo Mode  A mode associated with Spring

 

Shukoshi  (wine-barbarian -person):  This piece is categorized as Ancient Music, that is music written before the T’ang Dynasty  in China, i.e., before 618 AD.  The piece was widely played in the T’ang Dynasty court as banquet music.

 

Konju (barbarian-drinking-wine):  Another of the eight Rinyu compositions brought from Southeast Asia.  The music and dance is said to depict a barbarian getting drunk on wine and dancing.

 

The New Otani Hotel and Garden is located at 120 South Los Angeles Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012. (213) 253-9232.

 

 

Minor Earthquake to Hit Occidental College October 14th
Topic: Taiko

Celebrating 15 Years of Taiko

 

October 14, 2006   7:30pm

Occidental College, Thorne Hall

1600 Campus Road, Los Angeles, CA 90041

 

 

Photo: Venice Koshin Taiko and Los Angeles Taiko Okida-Gumi

 

(Los Angeles, CA, October 14, 2006) – On October 14, 2006 at 7:30 p.m. taiko lovers, as well as world music enthusiasts will have a unique opportunity to hear two of California’s most renowned taiko groups, Venice Koshin Taiko and Los Angeles Taiko Okida-Gumi, as they celebrate 15 years of playing taiko at Taiko Festival XI.

 

The concert, which is to be held at Thorne Hall on the Occidental College campus, will treat the audience to an evening of diverse taiko performances featuring invited guest performers Jodaiko, Makoto Taiko and Yoki Daiko,  two world premieres, and Thunder, one of the largest drums in North America.

 

 

Master Etsuo Hongo, Artistic Director of the groups, says, “This concert will fuse the traditional rhythms and feelings of Japanese taiko with the contemporary styles of North American drumming. The groups’ training and intense focus has been on capturing the Japanese feeling and sound and transcending to a high-level of performance art.” 

 

 

For 15 years, Venice Koshin Taiko has been mesmerizing audiences with the rich sounds of the taiko drums. In high demand, they have performed for the premier of Microsoft’s XBOX 360, LA Marathon, Nickelodeon, Viper Room for Hunter S. Thompson, and the Auto Dealers Association.  Koshin means "bright spirit" and aptly describes the vigor and enthusiasm the group exhibits both on and off stage. Koshin Taiko, the only taiko group in the U.S. that exclusively plays the okedo-daiko (drums tightened by ropes), incorporates powerful sounds and distinctive movements with concentration, discipline, and harmony. Virginia Minami, who played the Taiko lead in a Mitsubishi commercial, is Associate Director of the group. She states, "We want our local audiences to appreciate this cultural treasure – its diversity, history, and spirituality.”

 

Under the guidance of Master Etsuo Hongo, Los Angeles Taiko Okida-Gumi has been invited to perform at some of the largest taiko gatherings in the United States, including the International Taiko Festival and the North American Taiko Conference. The group, whose drums are made from oak wine barrels, has also performed at the U.S. Sumo Open, Tokyo City Cup at Santa Anita Park, and local community events. Okida-Gumi, which includes children as young as nine, seeks to raise the level of intensity and enjoyment of taiko for themselves, as well as the audience, by striving for a high level of group unity.

 

 

With its roots in the folk tradition of Japan, the taiko drum has served many purposes: priests played it to chase evil spirits and insects from the rice fields while the samurai used its powerful beat to bolster their courage and to instill fear in the enemy. Villagers would play the taiko to pray for rain, enliven festivals, and give thanks for bountiful harvests. 

 

 

Taiko playing in North America began 35 years ago, growing steadily in popularity thanks to TV commercials, as well as prominent films such as Rising Sun, Hero, Charlie’s Angels, Memoirs of a Geisha, and currently has over 250 groups in the United States and Canada. 

 

 

This concert will bring the taiko experience to a wider audience and showcase the innovation of taiko drumming in the Southern California community.

 

 

For all who wish to attend the concert, tickets are $25. To reserve tickets, go to http://taikofestival.koshintaiko.org or call (818) 995-1335.

 

Art Talk - Yoshihiro Tatsumi and Adrian Tomine, July 19
Topic: Manga

UCLA Hammer Museum, 10899 Wilshire Blvd., Westwood, CA 90095

Time: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM,   Cost: Free

Tel: 310-443-7000  www.hammer.ucla.edu

 

The legendary Japanese comic artist and manga-ka discusses the art form with Tomine, a comic artist and graphic novelist.

 

Pasadena Buddhist Temple Obon Festival, July 15-16
Topic: Buddhist

Saturday, July 15

5:30 PM,  Aikido: Pasadena Aikido

6:00 PM, Judo: Pasadena Kodokan

5:00-7:00 PM, Book Signing: Stan Sakai, author of the “Usagi Yojinbo” comic book series.

 

Sunday, July 16

4:45 PM, Tea Ceremony in the Temple garden Tea House

5:30 PM,  Kendo, Pasadena Kendo Dojo

6:00 PM, Iaido: Pasadena Kendo

5:00-7:00 PM, Book Signing: Naomi Hirahara, author of “Snakeskin Shamisen” “Sumer of the Big Bachi” and newly released “Gasa-Gasa Girl” and “Silent Scars of Healing Hands: Oral Histories of Japanese American Doctors in WWII Detention Camps”

 

Pasadena Buddhist Temple is located at 1993 Glen Ave., Pasadena, CA 91103. www.pcji.org.

 

Film Screening "Finding Home" July 29
Topic: Film

The Holywood Japanese Cultural Institute is hosting a documentary screening of the film, “Finding Home” by Art Nomura, on Saturday, July 29 with reception at 7 p.m., the film starts at 8 p.m. and discussion with the filmmaker at 9 p.m.

Nomura traveled around Japan interviewing Japanese American who had chosen to live there for the long term. He found over 50 of them, and his frank documentary focuses on six Americans of Japanese descent who have chosen to live in the country of their ancestors.

The Hollywood Japanese Cultural Institute is located at 3929 Middlebury Street in Los Angeles. Suggested donation is $5. For more information, go to www.geocities.com/hollywoodjci. More information on Art Nomura and the film, go to www.artnomura.com.

 

Yokkaichi-Long Beach Sister City Event, July 24
Topic: Sister City

 Yokkaichi English Fellows Program Observes 20th Anniversary 

 

The Long Beach-Yokkaichi Sister City Association will celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Yokkaichi English Fellows (YEF) program on Monday, July 24, with a dinner and reunion of those who worked as fellows in Japan. The dinner will be held at the Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden on the campus of California State University, Long Beach beginning with a social time at 5:30 p.m.

 

Yoko Kimura, director of the YEF program in Japan who is employed by the Yokkaichi Board of Education, will attend the special event. The program will include a video presentation made by a current YEF.

 

The Yokkaichi English Fellows program provides an opportunity for Long Beach teachers or California State University, Long Beach graduates to serve for two years as assistant English teachers at the elementary and middle school level in Yokkaichi. In some cases, teachers have remained for a third year. William Kevin was the first YEF in 1986 and since that time the program has had more than 60 participants.

 

Applicants are interviewed by members of the Long Beach-Yokkaichi Sister City Association. The interviews are taped and the tape is sent to the Yokkaichi Board of Education, which decides on the applicants to hire as YEFs.

 

On Sept. 25, 1963 the Long Beach City Council led by Mayor Edwin Wade unanimously recognized the Japanese port city of Yokkaichi as its Sister City. On Oct. 7, 1963 the City Assembly in Yokkaichi led by Mayor Sukenori Hirata approved the relationship. Since that time Long Beach has maintained an active Sister City relationship with Yokkaichi.

 

The Sister City Program has helped citizens of both cities to better understand each other through a variety of exchanges. In addition to the YEF program, they include summer home stays by students and teachers and physician visits to Long Beach hospitals, as well as official and unofficial visitors on both sides of the Pacific.

Symposium: U.S.-Japan Relations, July 21
Topic: US-Japan

Japanese American National Museum and Japan Foundation Center for Global Partnership present  Symposium    New Perspectives on U.S.–Japan Relations: The Japanese American and Japanese Partnership

on Friday, July 21, 2006, 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm  at Millennium Biltmore Hotel, Biltmore Bowl • 506 S. Grand Avenue, Los Angeles.

 

keynote speakers

 

Norman Y. Mineta Former U.S. Secretary of Transportation   Yohei Kono Speaker, House of Representatives, Japan

 Haruo Murase, President & CEO, Canon Marketing Japan Inc. and Co-Chairman of the Keidanren’s Committee on U.S. Affairs

 

panel discussion

New Perspectives on U.S.–Japan Relations: Pop Culture, Media and Sports

 

Opening Remarks

 

Scott Sassa,  CEO/Founder of W Cubed Media and former West Coast President of NBC-TV

 

Taro Kono, Vice-Minister of Justice, Japan (invited)

 

featured panelists

 

Seiji Horibuchi, Founder/Co-Chairman, VIZ Media, LLC, and President/CEO, VIZ Pictures, Inc.
Yukiko Ogasawara , President, The Japan Times, Japan’s oldest (founded 1897) independent English language newspaper   Shiro (Sho) Inoue, President, Famima Corp., leads the expansion of hip convenience stores throughout Southern California   Jack Sakazaki, President, Japan Sports Marketing, builds U.S.–Japan relations through the universal language of sports
Eric Nakamura, Publisher of Giant Robot and founder of Giant Robot stores, galleries, and restaurant   Panel Moderator—Frank Buckley, Anchor, KTLA–Los Angeles

                       

For Symposium reservation form please go to www.janm.org/events/2006/usjapan. 

 

Supporting organizations:  The Consulate-General of Japan in Los Angeles, Asia Society of Southern California, and Japan America Society of Southern California

In cooperation with: Japanese American Cultural and Community Center, Japan Business Association, Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Southern California, Japanese Prefectural Association of Southern California, Orange County Japanese American Association, Southern California Gardeners’ Federation, Inc., and Japanese Women’s Society of Southern California

 

These programs are made possible by the generous support of the Japanese American National Museum’s U.S.–Japan Network Fund supporters: Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi, Ltd., Canon U.S.A., Inc., Mitsubishi International Corporation, The Mitsui USA Foundation, NEC Corporation of America, Sumitomo Corporation of America Foundation, Toshiba International Foundation, and Toyota Motor North America. Special thanks to the Aratani Foundation for their ongoing support.  

  

11:30 am – 1:30 pm • LUNCHEON with U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye

Senator Inouye will deliver a keynote address on A Global Perspective: Business, Technology, and Defense in the Biltmore Hotel’s Gold Room. Tickets $50 per person. Reservations are required.

Please go to www.janm.org/events/2006/usjapan for a reservation form.

 

Funeral of Second Street Jazz Owner Mr. Matsumoto, July 20
Topic: Little Tokyo

Mr. Kohei Matsumoto, owner of Second Street Jazz at 366 E. Second St., Los Angeles, CA, 90012, passed away on July 10 in the mid-afternoon at the St. Frances Hospital in Lynwood.

 

The funeral service will be held on July 20 (Thursday) at 6:00 PM at Fukui Mortuary,

707 East Temple Street, Los Angeles, California 90012, Phone: 213-626-0441

 

 

From Heart to Hand, June 22 - Sept. 17, 2006
Topic: Art
Pacific Asia Museum

46 N Robles Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101
Wednesday – Sunday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Fridays 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Tel: (626) 449-2742

http://www.pacificasiamuseum.org


Modern Japanese Prints from the George and Marcia Good Collection. From Heart to Hand focuses on 15 modern Japanese prints from the post war era as represented in the George and Marcia Good collection, donated to Pacific Asia Museum in 1990.

These prints have been selected to present a sample of the wide array of styles and techniques found in works of the modern Japanese print movement.

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.