Canada Japan Society’s Bonenkai year end bash

The Canada Japan Society’s annual Bonenkai is our huge end of year bash!

It’s a great place to meet new people, informally network, practice your English/Japanese, enjoy great Japanese food and drink, and celebrate the end of the year with the CJS!

For the last two years we’ve had over 100 people attending and are looking for the same amount of excitement this year. The restaurant has a great atmosphere; we’ll have door prizes, special drink pricing, and lots of fun!

Mochizuki Restaurant
655 Bay Street (at Elm)…about a 5 minute walk from Dundas Station
6 pm to 12 pm
$20 for non-CJS members
$15 for students
(includes lots of great Japanese food and chances to win door prizes)

Please RSVP to jeff@cjst.org if you would like to attend, or have any questions.

"Train Man" Movie Night

The CJS is proud to present a showing of Shosuke Murakami's 2005 popular hit "Train Man", adapted from Hitori Nakano's novel. It's a romantic comedy starring Takayuki Yamada and Miki Nakatani as the unlikely couple.....lots of fun and laughs!

TRAIN MAN
(Japanese with English Subtitles)
Friday November 7th
National Film Board Theatre
150 John Street (at Richmond)i
7 pm start
CJS Members $5
Non-Members $10

There will also be a post party following the movie.

Please note the date change....usually our showings are on the third Friday of the month.....BUT IN NOVEMBER IT WILL BE THE FIRST FRIDAY!

The 6th Annual Toronto Japanese Short Film Festival

The 6th Annual Toronto Japanese Short Film Festival is being held from October 7 - 10, 2007 at Innis Town Hall, 2 Sussex Avenue @ St. George Street, one block south of Bloor.

This year, we are holding an Opening Gala on Tuesday, the 7th of October. The Gala Screening begins at 7:00pm and features the work of Hiroyuki Nakano, whose name you may recognize from his stylish feature film “SF Samurai Fiction”. This program presents 4 of his short films, including the 2006 Cannes-winning film “IRON” and 3 international-premiere presentations. It is thus the first time that this collection of Nakano ’s films is being screened together in one program.

After the films, we invite you to join us for food and drink at the Opening Gala party at Victory Cafe (581Markham St., just behind Honest Ed ’s), beginning at 8:30pm. Asahi Beer, Otsumami (Snack Food) & a Goody bag are included with your Opening Gala Ticket! Please share this special evening with us in celebration of the sixth anniversary of the Toronto Japanese Short Film Festival.

Festival Dates & Screening Times
Opening Gala:
Tues, Oct. 7th - Screening 7:00pm, Party 8:30pm
Regular Screenings:
Wed, Oct. 8th - 7:00pm, 8:45pm, 10:30pm
Thur, Oct. 9th - 7:00pm, 8:45pm, 10:30pm
Fri, Oct. 10th - 7:00pm, 8:45pm, 10:30pm

Location
All Screenings:
Innis Townhall Theatre (2 Sussex Ave.)
Opening Gala Party:
Victory Cafe (581 Markham St.)

Ticket Information
Opening Gala Tickets: $17 in advance, $20 at the door
Single Program Ticket: $7 in advance, $10 at the door
4 Screenings Pass: $25 in advance (save $15!), $30 at the door (save $10!)

Advance Tickets are on sale at:
Queen Video (480 Bloor St. W. & 412 Queen St. W.)
SANKO (730 Queen St. W.)

A complete schedule and description of each film is available on the festival web site at http://www.tjsff.ca

Facebook event site at: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=28384363165

"Opening Night of The CJS's 2008/09 MOVIE NIGHT Season."

The Yakuza

The Canada Japan Society is proud to present, as our opening night of the 2008/09 Movie Night Season, Sydney Pollacks 1974 action - drama starring Robert Mitchum and Ken Takakura in his first major Hollywood role.

The film is masterfully filmed by Pollack in equisite colours, showing Japan in the early 1970s. The story revolves around an ex-GI who is drawn into the shady world of the Japanese Yakuza to fulfill an obligation to an old friend.

After the action settles down, please join us for an all inclusive wine and cheese reception after the film. It's a great chance to talk about the film and mingle with other movie lovers!

*Admission: $10.00 for CJS Members and $20.00 for others *Ticket price covers post-screening reception.

Please RSVP if you are planning to attend: jeff@cjst.org

Time and Place:
Friday, September 19, 2008
6:30pm - 10:30pm
National Film Board Theatre
150 John Street
Toronto, ON

NEW Ichimokukai Location!

The CJS has a new IMK home! Starting in August, we’ll be meeting at Manpuku, an awesome new Japanese restaurant inside the Village by the Grange (across the street from the AGO/OCAD).

Finally, Toronto has a hip, casual eatery to eat takoyaki, curry udon and natto gohan instead of tempura, teriyaki and bad sushi. And if you’d prefer to sip something non-alcoholic, they have Ramune and Calpis.

Read the write-ups in the Globe & Mail, NOW, Chowhound, etc. And try the food for yourself – it’s inexpensive and very tasty.


Ichi-Moku-Kai
Thursday, September 4, 2008
6:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Manpuku Modern Japanese Eatery
105 McCaul Street, Unit 29-31.
INSIDE the Village By the Grange Building, south of the food court
Thursday August 7,
6pm to 10pm +
$5 for non-CJS Members

MOVIE NIGHT: "Tokyo Tower (Mom, Me, and Sometimes Dad)"

The Canada Japan Society is proud to close its 2007/08 movie night season with the winner of this year’s Best Picture Award at the Japanese Academy Awards: Joji Matsuoka’s “Tokyo Tower: Me, Mom and Sometimes Dad”.

Based on the autobiography of Japanese artist, actor, musician Lily Franky the film traces the relationship between a young man, his loving mother and his bohemian artist father. Starring Jo Odagiri and Kirin Kiki this gentle family drama will have you chuckling and weeping in equal measure.

Date: Friday, June 20, 2008
Time: 7:00pm - 10:30pm
Location: The National Film Board Theatre
Street: 150 John Street
City/Town:Toronto, ON

Admission: $8.00 ($5.00 for CJS members)
Email: jeff@cjst.org

For those of you that experienced the dreaded fire alarm at the "Doing Time" movie night we will be showing the ending of that film as part of this presentation.

Post party to take place after the showing.

“Japan in Transition” – Talk given by the Canadian Ambassador to Japan, Joseph Caron

On June 4, 2008 Canadian Ambassador to Japan, His Excellency Joseph Caron, gave a talk at a luncheon held at the offices of McMillan LLP (formerly of McMillan Binch Medelsohn). Japan Society hosted the event with JETRO, Shokokai, Shinki-Kai and JCCC as co-sponsors. It was a well attended event with close to 90 people.

After a networking lunch, Ambassador Caron gave a talk titled “Japan in Transition: An Update on Political and Economic Developments”.

The Ambassador first talked about the sectors in which Japan is very active – Environment, Petroleum/Energy, Aerospace, Nanotechnology and ICT. He also noted that many Canadian companies are actively involved in the sectors, including companies that are exporting to Japan (e.g. about 50 Canadian companies in the Aerospace sector.)

Japan is also the second largest producer of videogames, holding eight of the flagships in the world - Nintendo Wii being one of them. It was noteworthy to learn that Canadian companies are the suppliers of software to many of them.

The Ambassador outlined some challenges Japan is facing even though it is the second largest economy in the world. One of the challenges Japan has to deal with is the demographic issue of declining fertility rate when a large part of the population is aging.

Fertility/birthrate in Japan is currently at 1.3, with Tokyo at 1.0. At the same time, there are 128 million people in Japan with 25% older than 65 years.

Among other challenges, taxes in Japan are also an issue. Corporate taxes are 11% higher than those of other OECD countries.

In explaining what will aid Japan in responding to challenges to move on from the transitional stage, Ambassador Caron outlined four factors:

• Creativity. Japan has a highly esthetic culture that spurs creativity and is reflected in various areas and forms and it has been the strength in economic growth – e.g. industrial design, “anime”.
• Politics. Government’s ability to coalesce partisan differences in choosing a prime minister, who is more a national leader than simply a leader of the LDP. Also, “Yoshida Doctrine” of placing highest national priority on economic development is still in evidence.
• Response to the evolving international situation. Capitalize on the trends of international politics and situations to increase Japanese influence and standing. US-Japan relations are solid.
• History. Throughout its history, Japan has been highly responsive to changes - Japan can “turn the dime” if it has to.

Written by Grethe Liverud and Eiko Shaul

CJS Board of Directors Looking Forward to Another Great Year!

On May 29th, the Canada Japan Society held its 2008 Annual General Meeting at the elegant offices of McMillan. We would like to thank outgoing board members Lisa Houston, John Le Blanc and Eiko Shaul for their invaluable contribution to the CJS. Returning to the board for 2008 – 2009 are Linda Adachi, Atiq Ahmed, Ken Bole, Sonia Cardillo, Chi Diep, Jeff Harju, Fumiko Shiba and Don Waters. The CJS welcomes Grethe Liverud, Chris McGee and Chiyoko Tomii as new board members.

The board presented CJS’s financial statements, and highlighted some major events held over the past year. Returning president Ken Bole spoke to plans for the upcoming year, which promises to be another productive, activity-filled one for the CJS.

As usual, the “business” portion of the AGM was kept brief, with the attendees enjoying most of the evening with wine, Japanese food, and the wonderful company of fellow CJS members.

CJS Annual General Meeting & Elections May 26, 2008

CJS AGENDA

1. Opening Remarks – Ken Bole, President

2. Highlights of Previous Year – Ken Bole, President

3. Presentation of the Financial Statements – Lisa Houston, Treasurer

4. Report of the Directors

a. Membership – Sonia Cardillo
b. Communications – Linda Adachi
c. Ichi-Moku-Kai – Jeff Harju
d. Movie Night – Jeff Harju
e. Advisory Group – John Le Blanc

5. Election of the 2008 – 2009 CJS Board of Directors

6. New President’s Address - President

7. Other Business – President

8. Adjournment of Annual General Meeting (please stay and mingle)

Canada-Japan Society (CJS)
2008 Annual General Meeting
Thursday, May 29, 2008
6:30 p.m.
McMillan Binch Mendelsohn LLP

A Special Movie Night: AFTERLIFE

In celebration of the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Canada and Japan, the Canada Japan Society, the Consul General of Japan, and the National Film Board of Canada are very proud to present a special screening of Hirokazu Koreeda’s 1998 film “After Life”.

The storyline follows five “case workers” who work with the recently deceased, asking them the deceptively simple question, “What single memory of your life would you take into eternity?”

Winner of the 1998 FIPRESCI Prize at the San Sebastián International Film Festival and best film at the Beunos Aires International Festival of Independent Cinema “After Life” transcends the borders of language, culture and religion in a film that makes you glad to be human.

The screening of “After Life” will be proceeded by the Genie and Cannes Award winning and Oscar nominated animated short film “Madame Tutli Putli” directed by Chris Lavis and Maciek Szczerbowski, and produced by the National Film Board of Canada.

Following the films there will be a wine and cheese reception at the NFB. Please note this will be our big bash for the end of this season's movie nights. Our final movie night in June will not have a reception.

Admission: $15.00 ($12.00 for CJS members)
* Advance tickets will be available only at JAVA pub night, this Thursday at ALIO (108 Dundas Street West) from 8pm to 11pm.
*There will be limited tickets at the door. Please RSVP to jeff@cjst.org for more information, or to RSVP.

The Canada Japan Society would like to thank the Consul General's Office of Japan and The National Film Board of Canada for helping make this event possible.

Friday, May 16, 2008
6:30pm - 10:30pm
National Film Board of Canada
150 John Street
Toronto, ON

Email: jeff@cjst.org

ICHIMOKUKAI: "We're Still At Alio!"

Ichimokukai, literally "First Thursday Meeting", is the Canada Japan Society's legendary social night, held on the first Thursday of every month.

We've been going strong for over 12 years with lots of great people, door prizes and food and drink specials. Whether you're interested in informal networking, practicing your English or Japanese, or just meeting others with a connection or interest in Japan, it's a fun time had by all.

We've still got dicounted pricing on Japanese beer and special food pricing just for us!

Date: Thursday, May 1, 2008
Time: 6:00pm - 10:00pm
Location: ALIO
Street: 108 Dundas Street West
City/Town: Toronto, ON

CJS Members are FREE!
Non-Members are $5

Hope to see you there! If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact me.

Jeff Harju
Director
CJS
www.cjst.org

CJS Annual General Meeting & Elections

TO:  The Membership of the Canada Japan Society
RE: CALLS FOR NOMINATIONS
 
Once again, it is time for the election of the Board of Directors.  In order to assist Members in applying for nomination as a candidate for election to the Board of Directors pursuant to our bylaws, members should note the following:
 
The Board of Directors is to be composed of no more than thirteen (13) Directors.    At the 2008 Annual General Meeting, up to thirteen (13) Directors are to be elected.  These Directors will have a one (1) year term of office from the date of the 2008 Meeting until the next Annual Meeting after such election.
 
In completing the nomination forms, please comply with the following procedures:
1. All nominations must be signed by two Members, in good standing, and contain the written assent of the Nominee.  (Please see below for Nomination Form.)
2. Nominations must be lodged at the Institute offices by no later than April 29, 2008 (30 days prior to the Annual Meeting, excluding the date of the Annual Meeting).
3. Biographical notes of the Nominees will be circulated by the Institute with the ballots.  To allow time for distribution, these short bios are to be delivered at the same time as the nomination papers.  Please remember that in order to be circulated with the ballots, the biographical notes must be less than one hundred and fifty (150) words (typed and e-mailed).
 
Your close attention and compliance with the deadline dates and details are required to make the nomination procedure work to everyone's benefit.
 
The Annual Meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 29, 2008 at the offices of
McMillan Binch Mendelsohn
Brookfield Place, Suite 4400 Bay Wellington Tower
181 Bay Street .

Please be sure to mark this date on your calendar.
 
Yours very truly,

Ken Bole President
Canada Japan Society 
 

NOMINATION OF DIRECTOR FORM
 
We nominate, ____________________________________________, a member in good standing, of the Canada Japan Society, as a candidate for election to the Board of Directors, and, if elected, to hold office from the 29th day of May, 2008, being the date of the next Annual Meeting of Members.
 
Please print name                                                                  Signature
  
Please print name                                                                  Signature
 
I,                                                                                  , assent to be nominated as a candidate for election to the Board of Directors of the Canada Japan Society.
  
Signed:                                                                       
Date:                                                              
 
Note:
 
1.  The two persons signing a nomination must be members in good standing on the date of the nomination.
2.  Biographical notes of the nominee containing not more than one hundred and fifty words shall be submitted with this nomination and sent by e-mail to info@cjst.org. These biographical notes, providing they contain not more than 150 words, will be circulated to all members with the ballot for election to the Board of Directors.
3.  All nominations must be submitted to the Canada Japan Society no later than April 29, 2008.
  

CANDIDATE FOR ELECTION TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
 
CANDIDATE                                                                                                                       
OCCUPATION                                                                                                                    
ADDRESS                                                                                                                          
TELEPHONE NO.                                             FAX                                                           
E-MAIL                                                                                                                                 
 
Biographical Notes (150 Words)

ICHIMOKUKAI: "We're Back At Alio!"

Ichimokukai, literally "First Thursday Meeting", is the Canada Japan Society's legendary social night, held on the first Thursday of every month.

We've been going strong for over 12 years with lots of great people, door prizes and food and drink specials. Whether you're interested in informal networking, practicing your English or Japanese, or just meeting others with a connection or interest in Japan, it's a fun time had by all.

We've still got dicounted pricing on Japanese beer and special food pricing just for us!

Date: Thursday, April 3, 2008
Time: 6:00pm - 10:00pm
Location: ALIO
Street: 108 Dundas Street West
City/Town: Toronto, ON

CJS Members are FREE!
Non-Members are $5

Hope to see you there! If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact me.

Jeff Harju
Director
CJS
www.cjst.org

The CJS Movie Night: "DOING TIME"

The Canada Japan Society is proud to present a screening of Yoichi Sai's 2002 film "Doing Time" starring Tsutomu Yamazaki (Tampopo, Taxing Woman).

Adapted from the autobiographical manga by Kazuichi Hanawa it covers the three years that Hanawa spent in a Japanese prison for a weapons possession charge. Don't expect the violence and brutality so common to the prison film genre, "Doing Time" is a warm, insightful comedy/ drama about how people can adapt to even the most difficult circumstances.

CJS Members $5
Non-Members $8

Date: Friday, April 18, 2008
Time: 7:00pm - 10:00pm
Location: National Film Board Theatre
150 John Street
Toronto, ON
Email: jeff@cjst.org

CJS Movie Night: GOZU

While our movie nights are usually the third Friday of the month we've had to change it slightly this time...please note the date.

Thursday, March 13, 2008: 7:00 PM

The Canada Japan Society is proud to present a screening of Takashi Miike’s 2003 yakuza mind bender “Gozu". Yakuza foot soldier Minami is uncomfortable about whacking his mentor Ozaki who’s insane behaviour has become a liability to his crew, but when Ozaki disappears Minami’s quest for his old gang brother goes straight down the rabbit hole into a surreal world of lactation, cow-headed gods, body snatching and gender shifting...

Midnight Eye describes it as "An utterly bizarre excursion into the realms of post logic...far out and at times riotously funny." It's Miike at his strangest.

For the post-party this time we'll be heading over to the JAVA pub night at ALIO (Dundas and Bay).

CJS Members $5
Non-Members $8

ICHIMOKUKAI: "We've Moved Again!"

Ichimokukai, literally "First Thursday Meeting", is the Canada Japan Society's legendary social night, held on the first Thursday of every month.

We've been going strong for over 12 years with lots of great people, door prizes and food and drink specials. Whether you're interested in informal networking, practicing your English or Japanese, or just meeting others with a connection or interest in Japan, it's a fun time had by all.

Though saddened by the demise of our last venue (IZAKAYA), the CJS has moved on and are happy to announce our new location for Ichimokukai. ALIO at 108 Dundas St. West, just West of Bay.

We've still got dicounted pricing on Japanese beer and special food pricing just for us!

Date: Thursday, March 6, 2008
Time: 6:00pm - 10:00pm
Location: ALIO
Street: 108 Dundas Street West
City/Town: Toronto, ON

CJS Members are FREE!
Non-Members are $5

Hope to see you there! If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact me.

Jeff Harju
Director
CJS
www.cjst.org

Sachiko Kato in "A Piano Concert" February 13, 2008

The Canada Japan Society, in partnership with the Consulate General of Japan, is pleased to present an evening with Sachiko Kato in a piano concert with works by contemporary Japanese composers.

February 13, 2008 7:00 pm (doors open at 6:30)
at the Japan Foundation, 131 Bloor Street West, Suite 213
FREE ADMISSION
Seating is limited.
Please call 416-380-2307 to reserve.

PRESENTED BY: THE CONSULATE GENERAL OF JAPAN & THE CANADA JAPAN SOCIETY in celebration of 80 years of diplomatic relations between Canada and Japan.

ICHIMOKUKAI: "Come on out and see our NEW Ichimokukai venue!"

Ichimokukai, literally "First Thursday Meeting", is the Canada Japan Society's legendary social night, held on the first Thursday of every month.

We've been going strong for over 12 years with lots of great people, door prizes and food and drink specials. Whether you're interested in informal networking, practicing your English or Japanese, or just meeting others with a connection or interest in Japan, it's a fun time had by all.

We're proud to announce the start of new season with a new venue; IZAKAYA, on Front Street. We've got a private section, drink specials under $5, and 15% off mains from the menu....plus a dj for some background tunes.

CJS Members are FREE!
Non-Members are $5
Special for February IMK: JETAA members are FREE!

Date: Thursday, February 7, 2008
Time: 6:00pm - 10:00pm
Location: IZAKAYA
Street: 69 Front Street East
City/Town: Toronto, ON

Hope to see you there! If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact me.

Jeff Harju
Director
CJS
www.cjst.org

February Movie Night: Fear and Trembling

Ever wanted to work for a big Japanese company in Japan?

The Canada Japan Society is proud to present a screening of Alain Corneau's 2003 film "Fear and Trembling". The story follows a young Japanese born/ Belgian woman as she unsuccessfully tries to cope with the office politics in a large Japanese corporation. Both hilarious and moving, this French film is a cross between "The Office" TV series and "Lost in Translation".

February 15th @ 7:00 p.m.
NFB Theatre
150 John Street
Admission $8.00 ($5.00 for CJS members)

The film is in Japanese and French with English sub-titles.
There will also be a post-party following the showing at Everest Cafe.

Email: jeff@cjst.org

January Movie Night: "A Snake Of June"

"Shinya Tsukamoto's critically acclaimed, erotic and disturbing drama...for fans of David Lynch and European art house theatre...its compelling and bizzarre...not for the kiddies."

The Canada Japan Society is proud to present a screening of Shinya Tsukamoto's 2002 surreal drama "A Snake of June". When Rinko starts to receive disturbing letters and phone calls from a mysterious stranger her life and that of her neat freak husband Shigehiko changes forever. An erotic dreamscape for fans of David Lynch and the darker side of cinema this is a must see... but not for the kids.

Admission: $8.00 ($5.00 for CJS members)

Time and Place
Date: Friday, January 18, 2008
Time: 7:00pm - 10:00pm
Location: National Film Board Theatre
150 John Street
Toronto, ON

Email: jeff@cjst.org