Canada Japan Society Blog

February 10, 2012: The February CJS Movie Night is "The Choice of Hercules"

2012-02-04T11:01:00.007-05:00

The Canada-Japan Society is proud to present at its upcoming February Movie Night the acclaimed drama, "The Choice of Hercules" (突入せよ！あさま山荘事件).

(NOTE: while our Movie Nights usually take place on the 3rd Friday of each month, this screening takes place on Friday, February 10...)

This picturesque 2002 film from director Masata Harada gives an account of the Karuizawa Hostage Incident, which took place in the winter of 1972 in Nagano, Japan.

Radicals from the Japanese "Red Army" terrorist group have taken a local woman hostage in this resort town, and Police Officer Atsuyuki Sassa, played by veteran actor Koji Yakusho (13 Assassins, Shall We Dance?, Unagi), is sent to diffuse the situation. While Sassa and his force face a daunting set of challenges, including winter weather and local power struggles, perhaps their greatest challenge comes in the form of public opinion, as the whole event is broadcast live on Japanese national television.

Director Harada (Bounce Ko Gals, Inugami, Kamikaze Taxi) tells this historical story with deft humour, impressive cinematography, and "bite your nails" suspense. Unlike other films about this famous incident, "The Choice of Hercules" is portrayed solely from the viewpoint of the police force. The film was nominated for 9 Japanese Academy Awards in 2003, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor.

As always at CJS Movie Night, the screening will be followed by our post-party at Everest on Queen Street West, which is a great opportunity to meet new people and talk about the film over great food and drink.

We hope to see you there!!

THE CHOICE OF HERCULES

Friday, February 10th, 2012

National Film Board Theatre

150 John Street (at Richmond)

7:00 pm Start

CJS Members $5, Non-Members $10

February 2, 2012: February Ichimoku-kai (IMK)

2012-01-27T20:07:00.005-05:00

"We now return you to our regularly scheduled programming..."

After a rare scheduling change in the month of January, the Canada-Japan Society's long-running Ichimoku-kai (IMK) is returning to its usual time slot on the first Thursday of the month on Thursday, February 2. It was an absolutely full house at Manpuku Japanese Eatery for January's "nimoku-kai", so we warmly welcome you to join us once again for some fun socializing and great food and drinks. Also, first details will be released about our "special" movie night coming in March, so you won't want to miss this one.

Ichimoku-kai literally means the "first Thursday meeting" and since 1995 it has been the Canada-Japan Society's monthly social event. It is a great place to make new friends, practise your English and/or Japanese, informally network, learn more about life in Canada and Japan, and most of all, have fun! Our attendees are usually 50 percent Canadian and 50 percent Japanese, all with a a common interest in or connection to Japan. At IMK you will receive special food and drink discounts, get to talk to lots of interesting people, and have the chance to win some exciting door prizes.

We hope to see you there! (And be sure to come early for a good seat!)

ICHIMOKUKAI

Thursday, February 2, 2012

6-10 pm

Manpuku Japanese Eatery

105 McCaul Street

Units 29-31 (in the Village by the Grange building, south of the food court)

NOTE: There is a $5 cover charge for non-CJS members. Discounts are available for groups of three or more people.

January 20, 2012: The January CJS Movie Night is "Sawako Decides"

2012-01-13T18:50:00.003-05:00

The Canada-Japan Society, for our first film of 2012, is proud to present director Yuya Ishii's funny and charming look at a modern young woman's struggle with the direction her life is taking, the movie "SAWAKO DECIDES" (川の底からこんにちは).

The film tells the story of Sawako, a mildly depressed office work who has all but given up on any semblance of a hopeful future. After five years in Tokyo, five office jobs, and five boyfriends, her life seems like one big, unsatisfying compromise. When her father falls ill, she reluctantly returns to her hometown and is forced to decide between taking over the family business or returning to Tokyo - and hilarity ensues...

This low-key comedy stars the up-and-coming Hikari Mitsushima (Love Exposure) as Sawako, and is a great example of having to "tough it out".

As always, the film will be followed by our post-party at Everest on Queen Street West. It's a great time to meet new people with a connection to Japan and/or interest in Japanese film, enjoy some food and drink, and have fun on a Friday evening!

So please, come join us on Friday, January 20!

SAWAKO DECIDES (川の底からこんにちは)

in Japanese with English subtitles

Friday, January 20th, 2012

National Film Board Theatre

150 John Street (at Richmond)

7:00 pm start

CJS Members $5

Non-Members $10

January 12, 2012: January Ichimoku-kai (IMK) is next week!

2012-01-03T19:36:00.004-05:00

Happy New Year, CJS friends! Chilly out there, isn't it? Then why not come in from the cold for some Japanese comfort food, drink and good company at January's Ichimoku-kai (IMK)? Normally, IMK would take place on the first Thursday of the month, but with our friends at Manpuku Japanese Eatery enjoying a well-deserved holiday, IMK will take place NEXT week on Thursday, January 12.

At Ichimoku-kai you will receive special food and drink discounts, get to talk to lots of interesting people, and have the chance to win some exciting door prizes. Hope to see you there!

ICHIMOKUKAI
Thursday, January 12th
6-10 pm
Manpuku
105 McCaul Street
Units 29-31 (in the Village by the Grange building, south of the Food Court)

There is a $5 cover charge for non-CJS members. Discounts are available for groups of three or more people.

Free Japanese Films at the Royal Cinema this weekend!

2011-12-08T08:44:00.004-05:00

The Japan Foundation's annual FREE MOVIE SCREENINGS continues this year at the Royal Cinema (please note the venue change from previous years). This year's line-up includes:

Thursday, Dec. 8 @ 7 pm: Shindo
Friday, Dec. 9 @ 7 pm: Linda Linda Linda
Saturday, Dec. 10 @ 2:45 pm: The Summit:A Chronicle of Stones
Saturday, Dec.10 @ 6 pm: Always: Sunset on 3rd St. 2

For more information please visit: http://www.jftor.org/whatson/20111210FilmToronto.php

December 1, 2011: CJS's Big Event - BONENKAI

2011-11-14T18:51:00.003-05:00

December is coming and that means it’s time for the Canada Japan Society’s legendary BONENKAI celebration and party.

Bonenakai literally means “forget the year party” and it’s the perfect time to celebrate the end of another successful year and banish any negative memories you might have of 2011. The CJS is building on our successful Bonenkai events of years past with this, our largest party of the year.

We would love to have you join this event and enjoy an evening of meeting new people with a connection/interest in Japan, reconnecting with those you haven’t seen for a while, informal networking, practicing your English and/or Japanese, learning more about the Canada Japan Society, and most of all…..have a great time.

This year we’re once again at the cozy confines of the sleek ALIO Wine Bar on Dundas Street West near Bay.

BONENKAI
Thursday, December 1st, 2011
6 p.m. to 12 a.m.
ALIO Wine Bar
108 Dundas Street West (at Bay)

CJS Members and Students $15
Non-Members $20
Admission includes lots of great food and fun. Cash Bar.

***IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO ATTEND, or for more information, PLEASE RSVP to jeff@cjst.org

November 18, 2011: CJS Movie Night "Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence"

2011-11-08T20:16:00.001-05:00

The Canada Japan Society, as our last film of 2011, is proud to present director Nagisa Oshima’s haunting masterpiece of crippling nationalism, thwarted passion, and societal derangement: Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence.

The film tells the story of the relationships between four men in a Japanese prisoner of war camp during World War II. Jack Celliers (David Bowie), a rebellious prisoner who isn’t afraid to push anybody’s buttons but holds a deep dark secret from his past; Lieutenant Colonel John Lawrence (Tom Conti), who speaks fluent Japanese and has lived there; Captain Yonoi (Ryuichi Sakamoto), the young commander of the camp who also harbors a secret regret; and Sergeant Hara (Takeshi Kitano), a brutal person who shows bits of humanity and bonds with Lawrence throughout the film.

Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence is highlighted by excellent acting performances all around…featuring the very unlikely combination of two pop stars at the height of their popularity (David Bowie, Ryuichi Sakamoto), an up and coming comedian (Takeshi Kitano), and the established and acclaimed actor (Tom Conti). Also of note is the outstanding soundtrack by Sakamoto….you may not know the names of the songs, but you will recognize some of them for sure.

The film brings together great acting, music, and directing to explore from both sides this often overlooked portion of the War.

MERRY CHRISTMAS, MR. LAWRENCE (1983)
戦場のメリークリスマス
(English and Japanese with English Subtitles)
Friday, November 18th, 2011
National Film Board Theatre
150 John Street (at Richmond)
7:00 PM Start
CJS Members $5
Non-Members $10

As always, the film will be followed by our post – party at Everest. It’s a great time to meet new people with a connection/interest in Japan and Japanese film, enjoy some food and drink, and have fun on a Friday evening!

November 13, 2011: CJS is Proud to Co-Sponsor "Surrogate Valentine" at the Reel Asian Film Festival

2011-11-04T18:21:00.006-04:00

The Reel Asian Film Festival will soon be descending upon Toronto, and once again, the Canada-Japan Society is very proud to partner with the Festival by co-sponsoring one of their great films, "Surrogate Valentine". The film will be showing at the Royal Theatre on Sunday, November 13 at 3pm, and the director and cast will be in attendance. For additional information about the film, festival and showtimes, please visit the Reel Asian Film Festival website. We hope to see you at the festival!

November 3, 2011: November Ichimoku-kai (IMK)

2011-10-30T21:42:00.004-04:00

The last Ichimoku-kai (IMK) of the year is this week. That's right, it's already November, so please join us at the cozy Manpuku for Ichimoku-kai (IMK) on Thursday, November 3!

Ichimoku-kai literally means the "first Thursday meeting" and since 1995 it has been the Canada Japan Society of Toronto's monthly social event, naturally on the first Thursday of every month.

It is a great place to make new friends, practice your English and/or Japanese, informally network, learn more about life in Canada and Japan, and most of all…have fun! Our attendees are usually around 50 percent Canadian and 50 percent Japanese, all with a common interest or connection with Japan.

At Ichimoku-kai you will receive special food and drink discounts, get to talk to lots of interesting people, and have the chance to win some exciting door prizes.

ICHIMOKUKAI
Thursday, November 3
6-10 pm
Manpuku
105 McCaul Street
Units 29-31 (in the Village by the Grange building, south of the Food Court)

There is a $5 cover charge for non-CJS members. Discounts are available for groups of three or more people.

October 21, 2011: Movie Night with Wine and Cheese Reception

2011-10-15T06:26:00.002-04:00

The Canada Japan Society (CJS) invites its members and friends to a night of great film, wine and cheese! We are into our seventh season of showing Japanese films at the National Film Board of Canada and are proud to present, as our October film, director Tetsuya Nakashima’s (Kamikaze Girls, Memories of Matsuko) acclaimed movie“CONFESSIONS” (2010).

The film stars Takako Matsu as a teacher telling her pupils that she is leaving. She then begins a long tale revolving around her life and the tragic death that haunts her, which leads to serious repercussions for some of the pupils...

This dark and often disturbing drama was selected as Japan’s official entry in the Best Foreign Language Film category for the Oscars in 2010.

CONFESSONS
(Japanese with English Subtitles)
Friday, October 21, 2011
National Film Board Theatre
150 John Street (at Richmond)
6:30 PM Start
CJS Members $15 (including food and refreshments)
Non-Members $20 (including food and refreshments)

This month we feature the return of our always popular, all-inclusive wine and cheese party after the showing. The reception after the film is a great chance to discuss the movie, meet new people with an interest in Japan and Japanese film, and enjoy some good food and drink.

Please note the 6:30 PM start. If you would like to attend, please RSVP to jeff@cjst.org

We hope to see you there!

CONSUL GENERAL YAMAMOTO WELCOME RECEPTION

2011-10-13T15:01:00.000-04:00

CONSUL GENERAL YAMAMOTO WELCOME RECEPTION

Wednesday October 26 2011

Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre – Kobayashi Hall

6 Garamond Court, North York ON M3C 2E9

“EVERYONE IS WELCOME!”

Program Schedule

5: 30 pm – Doors open to Kobayashi Hall (cash bar)

6:30 pm – Welcome Speeches

7:00 pm - Buffet / meet the Consul General

8:00 pm – Closing

Sponsored by the Japanese & Canadian Network Organization:

Consul General Office of Japan

Canada Japan Society of Toronto

Church Organizations

Hamilton National Association of Japanese Canadians

The Canadian Japanese Cultural Centre of Hamilton

Japanese Social Services (JSS)

Japanese Visitors Association ( JAVA)

Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO)

JET Alumni Association Toronto ( JETAA)

Kenjinkai

Metropolitan Toronto Police – Community Policing

Momiji Health Care Society

National Association of Japanese Canadians – Toronto Chapter (NAJC)

New Japanese Canadian Association (NJCA)

Shinki-Kai – Association of Japanese Canadian Businesses and Professionals

Shokokai – Toronto Japanese Association of Commerce and Industry

The Canadian Japanese Cultural Centre of Hamilton

The Japan Foundation

The Japan Society

The Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre (JCCC)

Metropolitan Toronto Police – Community Policing

News Media – BITS, Nikka Times, Nikkei Voice, Wai Wai Wide

Please RSVP to JCCC by Friday October 21st, 2011$30 per person

At jccc@jccc.on.ca or 416 441 2345

Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre

For directions, go to jccc.on.ca and click on “contact”

November 4, 2011: Lecture by Japanese Economist

2011-10-12T17:34:00.002-04:00

On November 4, 2011, the Consulate-General of Japan's Japan Information Centre, together with Kwansei Gakuin University and Victoria University in the University of Toronto, will present:

The Global Financial Crisis and Financial Linkages in the Asia-Pacific Region

a Lecture by Akira KOHSAKA, School of International Studies, Kwansei Gakuin University

Professor Akira Kohsaka, who received his Ph.D. in economics from Stanford University in 1984, has been affiliated with the School of International Studies, Kwansei Gakuin University since April, 2011. He has worked for the Institute of Developing Economies in Tokyo (1975-1988), the Center for Southeast Asian Studies at Kyoto University (1988-1994) and Osaka School of International Public Policy (OSIPP) at Osaka University (1994-2011). Members and followers of the CJS with an interest in economics or current affairs should consider attending what is sure to be an informative event. Please RSVP if you plan to attend (details below).

Friday, November 4, 2011

4:00 pm

Victoria College Chapel

73 Queen's Park Crescent

Toronto, Ontario

PLEASE RSVP: events.victoria@utoronto.ca

October 6, 2011: October Ichimoku-kai (IMK)

2011-09-29T18:54:00.002-04:00

Starting to feel a little chilly on these cool September evenings? Instead of lamenting the end of summer, come join us for some comfort food, drink and good company at the cozy Manpuku for Ichimoku-kai (IMK) on Thursday, October 6!

Ichimoku-kai literally means the "first Thursday meeting" and since 1995 it has been the Canada Japan Society of Toronto's monthly social event, naturally on the first Thursday of every month.

ICHIMOKUKAI
Thursday, October 6th
6-10 pm
Manpuku
105 McCaul Street
Units 29-31 (in the Village by the Grange building, south of the Food Court)

There is a $5 cover charge for non-CJS members. Discounts are available for groups of three or more people.

September 16, 2011: The CJS Movie Night for September is "Fish Story"

2011-09-08T11:28:00.003-04:00

The Canada Japan Society (CJS) is proud to start off our seventh season of Movie Nights at the National Film Board with director Yoshihiro Nakamura’s genre-bending film that is comedic, dramatic, supernatural, action-packed, unpredictable, and full of fun. It’s a film about music and how even the most obscure song can reach far beyond its original tiny listening audience, and asks the question:

“Can one punk rock song save the world from destruction”???? (Hmm....)

We invite you to come out to this wildly innovative film that toured the film festival circuit a couple of years ago. Of course, we will also continue to have our post party at Everest following the film. All are welcome to attend - so please join us!

FISH STORY
Friday, September 16th, 2011
National Film Board Theatre
150 John Street (at Richmond)
7 PM Start
CJS Members $5
Non-Members $10

September 13, 2011: The Translator and the Novelist: Japanese Writing After Fukushima

2011-09-07T17:31:00.003-04:00

The final event in a series celebrating the Canadian launch of Monkey Business: New Writing from Japan will be held at The Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre on September 13: "The Translator and the Novelist: Japanese Writing After Fukushima".

This event will involve a dialogue between noted translator Motoyuki Shibata and Hideo Furukawa, one of Japan's hottest young novelists. Novelist Hiromi Kawakami and haiku master Minoru Ozawa will provide further comments.

Monkey Business: New Writing from Japan is edited by translators Motoyuki Shibata and Ted Goossen, who is also Professor of Humanities at York University. Shibata launched the Tokyo-based Japanese-language Monkey Business in 2008. Contents range from short stories to poems to manga to a long, comprehensive interview with Haruki Murakami.

The Translator and the Novelist: Japanese Writing After Fukushima
Tuesday, September 13
7:00 p.m.
Location: The Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre
6 Garamond Court, Toronto

Admission: $10 for JCCC Members, $12 for non-members +HST

For more information, please visit http://www.jccc.on.ca or e-mail jccc@jccc.on.ca

September 12, 2011: Japanese Literature Today

2011-09-07T16:56:00.004-04:00

In connection with a series of creative events celebrating the Canadian launch of Monkey Business: New Writing from Japan is an event taking place at York University on September 12, "Japanese Literature Today".

At this event, four of Japan's literary figures will conduct readings (in Japanese with English translation) and provide commentary. Please join haiku poet Minoru Ozawa, novelists Hiromi Kawakami and Hideo Furukawa, and translator/essayist Motoyuki Shibata in a celebration of the first annual English language edition of the acclaimed Japanese literary magazine, Monkey Business.

Monkey Business: New Writing from Japan is edited by translators Motoyuki Shibata and Ted Goossen, who is also Professor of Humanities at York University. Shibata launched the Tokyo-based Japanese-language Monkey Business in 2008. Contents range from short stories to poems to manga to a long, comprehensive interview with Haruki Murakami.

Japanese Literature Today
Monday, September 12
12:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Location: Harry Crowe Room, 109 Atkinson
York University
Admission: FREE

For more information, please visit http://www.yorku.ca/ycar or e-mail ycar@yorku.ca

September 9, 2011: Japanese and Canadian Writers in Conversation

2011-09-07T16:17:00.010-04:00

The Japan Foundation, in collaboration with a group of Japanese and Canadian authors, is organizing a series of creative events in early September to help celebrate the Canadian launch of Monkey Business: New Writing from Japan, the first annual English edition of the acclaimed Japanese literary magazine.

The first event, "Japanese and Canadian Writers in Conversation", will take place on Friday, September 9 at The Japan Foundation. Featured at this event will be novelists Hiromi Kawakami and Eric McCormack and poets Minoru Ozawa and Rob Winger. It promises to be a fun and revealing look into the way creative people in Japan are dealing with recent events.

Friday, September 9, 2011
6:30 p.m.
at The Japan Foundation
131 Bloor Street West
2nd floor of The Colonnade
Admission: FREE
RSVP: http://www.jftor.org/whatson/rsvp.php or 416-966-1600 x 103

This event is in English and Japanese with English interpretation. For more information, please call 416-966-1600 or e-mail info@jftor.org.

Hiromi Kawakami has written nine novels and several short story collections. She won the prestigious Akutagawa Prize in 1996 for Hebi wo Fumu (Tread on a Snake); in 2000 she won the Ito Sei Literature Prize and the Woman Writer's Prize for Oboreru (Drowning); and in 2001 she won the Tanizaki Prize for Sensei no Kaban (The Briefcase), which is being translated by Allison Powell and will be published by Counterpoint Press in 2012. Michael Emmerich's translation of her novel Manazuru was published by Counterpoint in 2010. She writes the serial People from My Neighborhood, a collection of vignettes, for Monkey Business, a part of which appeared in the first English issue of Monkey Business.

Eric McCormack came from Scotland to Canada in 1966 and taught literatureat St. Jerome's University, Waterloo till his retirement in 2004. His books have been published in a number of languages, most recently Russian and Chinese. His first novel, The Paradise Motel (1989) won the Scottish Council Book Prize. Other works have been short listed for various awards: a story collection, Inspecting the Vaults (Commonwealth Writers Prize, 1987); the novels, First Blast of the Trumpet Against the Monstrous Regiment of Women (Governor General's Award, 1997) and The Dutch Wife (City of Toronto Book Award, 2002). His stories have been included in such anthologies as The Oxford Book of Canadian Ghost Stories and The Oxford Book of Scottish Short Stories.

Minoru Ozawa is a leading haiku poet, and edits the highly regarded haiku journal Sawa. He won the Haiku Poet Association New Poet Award with his second collection Ryuuzou (Statue) in 1998; his 2005 collection Shunkan (TheMoment) was awarded the Yomiuri Prize for Literature; and Haiku no Hajimaru Basho (Where the Haiku Begins), a book-length essay on the art of haiku, won the Haiku Poet Association Criticism Award. He teaches at Atomi Gakuen Women's University and Waseda University . His haiku on monkeys appeared in the first English issue of Monkey Business.

Rob Winger grew up country in small-town Ontario. His first book, Muybridge's Horse, was named a Globe and Mail Best Book for 2007, and was shortlisted for the Governor General's Award, Ottawa Book Award and Trillium Book Award for Poetry. An active editor and teacher, Rob completed his PhD in literature and cultural studies while writing his second collection, The Chimney Stone (2010), a book of ghazals. Rob and his family live in the hills northeast of Toronto.

September 1, 2011: September Ichimoku-kai (IMK)

2011-08-29T10:53:00.004-04:00

The end of the summer may be near - but never fear - Ichimoku-kai is here! What better way to say goodbye to the heat and bring on the fall with some "cool" jazz? This month marks the return of live jazz with the Chris Kao Trio ... so please join us this Thursday, September 1!

Ichimoku-kai literally means the "first Thursday meeting" and since 1995 it has been the Canada Japan Society of Toronto's monthly social event, naturally on the first Thursday of every month.

It is a great place to make new friends, practice your English and/or Japanese, informally network, learn more about life in Canada and Japan, and most of all…have fun! Our attendees are usually around 50 percent Canadian and 50 percent Japanese, all with a common interest or connection with Japan. At Ichimoku-kai you will receive special food and drink discounts, get to talk to lots of interesting people, and have the chance to win some exciting door prizes.

ICHIMOKUKAI
Thursday, September 1st
6-10 pm
Manpuku
105 McCaul Street Units 29-31
(in the Village by the Grange building, south of the Food Court)

There is a $5 cover charge for non-CJS members. Discounts are available for groups of three or more people.

August 4, 2011: August Ichimokukai (IMK)

2011-07-29T16:17:00.004-04:00

Want to have something to look forward to in the work week after a summer long weekend? Then join us at Ichimoku-kai on Thursday, August 4!

Ichimoku-kai literally means the "first Thursday meeting" and since 1995 it has been the Canada Japan Society of Toronto's monthly social event, naturally on the first Thursday of every month.

ICHIMOKUKAI
Thursday, August 4th
6-10 pm
Manpuku
105 McCaul Street
Units 29-31 (in the Village by the Grange building, south of the Food Court)

There is a $5 cover charge for non-CJS members. Discounts are available for groups of three or more people.

July 15th, 2011: Last Movie Night of the Summer is VILLAIN 悪人

2011-07-12T08:30:00.001-04:00

The Canada Japan Society invites you to come on out for our last movie night of this summer; Lee Sang-il’s acclaimed thriller “Villain” 悪人.

Helmed by Lee (Hula Girls), Villain tells the tale of a young girl’s murder and explores the boundaries of good and evil through the stories of all involved with the case. The director expertly moves the story from a standard, very formulaic Japanese murder drama to an intriguing second half that exposes surprising aspects of human nature not commonly explored.

The film stars Eri Fukastsu, Satoshi Tsumabuki and Akira Emoto who give excellent performances and were rewarded with Best Acting awards from the Japanese academy last year for this work. The film was nominated for 15 awards in 2010, competing with “Confessions” for best overall film that year.

The film will be followed by our post-party at Everest. It’s a great way to finish off a Friday evening with a chance to meet new people, talk about the film, and have a bit of fun.

We hope to see you there.

VILLAIN 悪人
Friday, July 15th
National Film Board Theatre
150 John Street (at Richmond)
7PM Start
CJS Members $5, Non-Members $10

July 7th, 2011: July Ichimokukai....LAST CHANCE FOR BOAT CRUISE TICKETS

2011-06-30T07:49:00.004-04:00

Summer is in full swing...its time for holidays, relaxing...and fun at Ichimokukai!

Ichimoku-kai literally means the "first Thursday meeting" and since 1995 it has been the Canada Japan Society of Toronto's monthly social event, naturally on the first Thursday of every month.

It is a great place to make new friends, practice your English and/or Japanese, informally network, learn more about life in Canada and Japan, and most of all…have fun! Our attendees are usually around 50 percent Canadian and 50 percent Japanese, all with a common interest or connection with Japan.

At Ichimoku-kai you will receive special food and drink discounts, get to talk to lots of interesting people, and have the chance to win some exciting door prizes.

GET YOUR BOAT CRUISE TICKETS HERE! They are selling fast and this is the last chance at a CJS event to grab tickets for this super great cruise filled with fun, performance art, dancing, great scenery and a host of great people from the Canada Japan Community. (See details in the post below).

ICHIMOKUKAI
Thursday, July 7th
6-10 pm
Manpuku
105 McCaul Street
Units 29-31 (in the Village by the Grange building, south of the Food Court)

There is a $5 cover charge for non-CJS members. Discounts are available for groups of three or more people.

CJS-JAVA-JETAA Boat Cruise Fundraiser

2011-06-16T11:15:00.003-04:00

The Canada Japan Society, the Japanese Visitors Association, and the JET Programme Alumni Association of Toronto welcomes everyone aboard the CJS-JAVA-JETAA Boat Cruise Fundraiser on Sunday July 10th.

The summer boat cruise has become an annual event for local Japan-related NPOs, and this year CJS, JAVA, and JETAA have taken the lead and made this year’s a fundraiser for those affected by the March 11th disasters in Japan. All proceeds will be donated to the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre’s Japan Disaster Relief Fund. In addition to ticket sales, we will be accepting donations throughout the night, and will also offer all guests the opportunity to express themselves in our collection of “Messages of Support” to Japan, so please feel free to share your thoughts, gratitudes, and experiences with us.

The event will take place on the Stella Borealis, a 280-person cruise boat, and will feature DJs, dancing, two cash bars, and an unbelievable view of Toronto’s skyline at sunset. A special door prize will be give to anyone who comes in their yukata, jimbei, or any other traditional/cultural summer clothing, Japanese or otherwise.

The details are as follows:

-Date/Time: Sunday July 10th (boarding at 18:30, departure at 19:00, returning to port at 23:00)
-Place: The Stella Borealis departs from and returns to Pier 27, 1 Queens Quay East at Yonge Street
-Price: $20/ticket

Please note:

-Tickets much be purchased in advance. No tickets will be sold at the door.
-19+ event. Please bring your ID.
-For event and ticket inquiries, please contact letsboatcruisetoronto@gmail.com
-Tickets will be available for purchase at these events so please come on out.

CJS・日加協会 (The Canada Japan Society),
JAVA・ジャバ(the Japanese Visitors Association),
JETAA (the Japan Exchange and Teaching Alumni Association),

の三団体は合同で、7月10日にチャリティーボートクルーズを行います。

このボートクルーズは毎年、トロントの日系非営利団体によって運営されており、今年は3月11日に起きた震災の被害者の為の義捐金を集める為のイベントとします。このイベントの全ての収益は日系文化会館の救済基金へと一旦、募金され、その後日本へ送金されます。当日は募金も受け付けています。また、今回の災害に関連して、乗船者の皆様のいろいろな考え、思い、経験、感謝の念などを発表し、分かち合う機会を作りたいと考えています。

ステラボーリアリス(Stella Borealis)という280人乗りのクルーズにおいては、DJによる音楽の提供、二つのバーカウンター（有料）、ダンスフロアがあります。また、日没時の水平線とオンタリオ湖側から眺めるからトロントの夜景は、とても美しく、トロントの思い出を忘れないものにしてくれます。浴衣、甚平、その他の民族衣装をお持ちの方は、賞品を差し上げますのでぜひ着てお越しになってください。

詳細：

2011年7月10日（日曜日）午後6時半乗船開始、7時出港、午後11時寄港　

出港、寄港ともに、 27番埠頭(Pier 27), 1 Queens Quay East at Yonge Street

チケットは一枚20ドルとなります。

注意事項：

チケットは前売りのみで、当日販売はありません。

18歳以下は入場できません。入場時に必ず政府発行のID/写真付き身分証明書（英語）が必要です。

日本のパスポート、国際免許書、カナダ政府の発行した免許書などの原本。コピー不可。

当日、IDを確認するのはボート会社のセキュリティーがIDを確認しますので、必ず”上記の”IDをお持ちください。

運営団体は、IDのトラブル、乗り遅れなどによる払い戻しは行いません。

チケットお問い合わせはletsboatcruisetoronto@gmail.comまで。

チケットは例年完売しますので、お早めにお求めください。

June 10, 2011: Movie Night - Chef of the Antarctic 南極料理人

2011-05-28T08:51:00.002-04:00

The Canada Japan Society continues its monthly screenings of Japanese films at the National Film Board of Canada this June with the acclaimed, quirky, appetite inducing comedy Chef of the Antarctic.

Again, what better way to cool off than a comedy/drama based on the real life experiences of a chef sent to one of the most inhospitable places in the world; the chilling snow and ice of Antarctica! The film tells the tale of a group of researchers stationed there for a year. Isolated, bored and freezing, their bonding revolves around luxurious meals cooked for them by a chef resolved to survive by using his skills to the best of his abilities.

Subtle hilarity ensues!

Chef of the Antarctic (2009) 南極料理人
Friday, June 10, 2011
National Film Board Theatre
150 John Street (at Richmond)
7PM Start
CJS Members $5, Non-Members $10

As always, we will also have our post party get together at Everest after the film; it’s a great time to meet new people and practice your English or Japanese talking about the film. We hope to see you there!

June 2, 2011; June Ichimokukai

2011-05-28T08:49:00.002-04:00

As summer nears the temperature is getting hot….so what better way to cool down than with some live Jazz music at the Canada Japan Society’s ICHIMOKUKAI.

Ichimoku-kai literally means the "first Thursday meeting" and since 1995 it has been the Canada Japan Society of Toronto's monthly social event, naturally on the first Thursday of every month.

It is a great place to make new friends, practice your English and/or Japanese, informally network, learn more about life in Canada and Japan, and most of all…have fun! Our attendees are usually around 50 percent Canadian and 50 percent Japanese, all with a common interest or connection with Japan.

At Ichimoku-kai you will receive special food and drink discounts, get to talk to lots of interesting people, and have the chance to win some exciting door prizes.

THIS MONTH: Live Jazz performance by the Chris Kao Trio! Don’t miss out on the fun!

Ichimoku-kai
Thursday June 2, 2011
MANPUKU
6pm to 10pm +
105 McCaul Street
Units 29-31 (in the Village by the Grange building, south of the Food Court)
There is a $5 cover charge for non-CJS members. Discounts are available for groups of three or more people.

May 31, 2011: Japan Society Business Lunch: "The Changing Economic Global Landscape"

2011-05-26T19:22:00.002-04:00

The CJS is proud to invite our members to the Japan Society's next business luncheon, featuring Dr. Wendy Dobson. A teacher, author and researcher, Dr. Dobson will talk about five major trends changing the shape of the world economy (including the rise of China) and what is driving these trends before looking at the implications for international business and how the world economy is currently being managed. A Q&A session will follow the formal presentation.

The presentation will be held from 12:00 Noon on Tuesday of next week, May 31st, 2011, in the offices of McMillan LLP, 44th Floor, Bay/Wellington Tower, 181 Bay Street, Toronto.

Please call [416.366.4196] or email [ ben@japansocietycanada.com ] Ben Ciprietti to confirm your place for this special event.

A light lunch, with refreshments, will be provided at a cost of $20 for Members of The Japan Society, the Shokokai and Canada-Japan Society of Toronto and for representatives of JETRO, and $30 for non-Members [please note: costs include HST].

There are still a few seats left!

May 135h, 2011: THE CJS ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING and Movie Night

2011-04-30T14:56:00.004-04:00

You are cordially invited to The Canada Japan Society’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Friday, May 14th, 2010 at the National Film Board of Canada.

Following on the success of last year’s format we are again combining the AGM with our Movie Night and ever famous, all-inclusive Japanese food and drink reception for a memorable night! The event will start off with the AGM part of the evening.
An overview of what the CJS has done this past year will be given, along with goals for the upcoming year and future. Other topics will include the important election of the 2011/12 Board of Directors (non-members will not be allowed to vote).

This will be followed by a special screening of the 2009 comedy/drama “The Dark Harbour”. This charming film tells the tale of a lonely fisherman from a small village and his unusual quest for love.

THE 2011 CJS ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Friday, May 13, 2011
6:30 p.m. (doors open at 6:00 p.m.) to 11:00 pm
National Film Board Theatre
150 John Street (at Richmond)
CJS Members: FREE
Non-CJS Members: $20

ATTENDEES SHOULD RSVP TO jeff@cjst.org to attend!

It’s a perfect time for old and lapsed members to renew their memberships. For non-members it’s a great time to learn a bit more about the CJS and have a fun night with a movie, Japanese food, and drinks. Non-Members are invited to become members at this event. If so, you get in free to the event, saving $20 off your annual membership price! (Regularly $50 for individuals, $70 for families, $25 for students and seniors.)

CJS members receive free admission to all Ichimokukai events throughout the year, as well as discounted admission to most other events, including our movie nights.

May 5th, 2011: ICHIMOKUKAI

2011-04-30T14:52:00.002-04:00

Ichimoku-kai literally means the "first Thursday meeting" and since 1995 it has been the Canada Japan Society of Toronto's monthly social event, naturally on the first Thursday of every month.

It is a great place to make new friends, practice your English and/or Japanese, informally network, learn more about life in Canada and Japan, and most of all…have fun! Our attendees are usually around 50 percent Canadian and 50 percent Japanese, all with a common interest or connection with Japan.

At Ichimoku-kai you will receive special food and drink discounts, get to talk to lots of interesting people, and have the chance to win some exciting door prizes.

Ichimoku-kai
Thursday May 5th, 2011
MANPUKU
6pm to 10pm +
105 McCaul Street
Units 29-31 (in the Village by the Grange building, south of the Food Court)
There is a $5 cover charge for non-CJS members. Discounts are available for groups of three or more people.

Community Event: "Toronto to Japan: Hope Blossoms" gala fundraiser on April 21/11

2011-04-13T14:28:00.005-04:00

Hope Blossoms is a night of entertainment inspired by the grand tradition of the Japanese variety show.

Canadian icons including Margaret Atwood, Michael Ondaatje, Jian Ghomeshi, Adrienne Clarkson, Bob Wiseman, Basia Bulat, Jim Cuddy and Oh Susanna will share the stage to bring Torontonians laughter, tears – and hope. Not only a fundraiser, this is a show of solidarity for the people of Japan.

Entirely volunteer-run, Toronto To Japan is inspired by the Japanese notion of ganbaru (頑張る) – to do one’s best, to persevere in times of difficulty. Though ten thousand kilometers separate Toronto from Japan, we hold the tragedy of the earthquake and tsunami in our hearts – and there too blooms our hope.

All proceeds will be donated to the relief and reconstruction efforts on the ground in Japan by the Japanese Red Cross, Doctors Without Borders and Second Harvest Japan.

Our Silent Auction will feature items and services generously donated by a long list of fine businesses. Bidding starts at 6:30 p.m. so come early! (Cash, Mastercard and VISA will be accepted.)

For the complete listing of performers and silent auction donors, please visit the Toronto to Japan event site.

$40 tickets are available through the TIFF Bell Lightbox Box Office by calling 416-599-TIFF (8433), or in person at the Lighbox at 350 King Street West.

$20 tickets for students with valid ID may be purchased by clicking here.

For more information, please contact the event organizers.

April 15/11: CJS Movie Night - "All Around Us"

2011-04-11T15:22:00.001-04:00

The Canada Japan Society continues its 2010 – 2011 Movie Nights season this Friday (April 15th), with a screening of Ryosuke Hashiguchi’s “All Around Us,” an unflinching look at a couple’s marriage set against the backdrop of Japanese society from 1993 to 2001.

At first, laid-back Kanao (Lily Franky) runs a shoe-repair shop and flirts with the ladies, while Shoko (Tae Kimura) works at a publishing house and likes things to be orderly (sex with her husband is planned exactly three times a week in her calendar). We see them evolve as a couple and as individuals, as they react to the various cruel realities of life. Running parallel to the couple’s significant life events are the grim events occurring in Japan, from the early-90’s economic collapse to the 1995 subway sarin gas attacks and other high-profile crimes.

In turns uplifting, gloomy and humorous, “All Around Us” reminds us of life’s quiet sorrows and triumphs, and the fragile beauty of human interconnectedness.

As always, there will be an after-party at Everest Café (232 Queen W). Please join us!

ALL AROUND US (2008, 140 minutes)

Director: Ryosuke Hashiguchi
Cast: Lily Franky, Tae Kimura, Tamae Ando

Friday, April 15, 2011 at 7:00 p.m.
National Film Board Theatre
150 John Street (at Richmond)

CJS Members $5, Non-Members $10

April 19, 2011: Surviving in Canada; Information for Newcomers

2011-04-05T19:02:00.003-04:00

トロント日加協会(CJS) 主催第3回“ 新住民のためのカナダ生活情報イベント”

“カナダでサバイバルするために; 新住民のためのカナダ情報”
4月19日火曜日　
6.30 PM - 9.30 PM
トロント国際交流基金
(Japan Foundation, Toronto)

当イベントは、留学や永住権を取得したい、またはトロントでの生活を経験したいなど様々な理由で滞在してる日本人を対象に開催されます。3名の講演者がそれぞれの体験談を交えたアドバイスをお話します。講演の内容は移住に関することや日々の生活で生じる問題、そしてカナダに住む日本人のサポート体制など多岐に渡ります。また、カナダで生活していく上でどのような問題に直面するのか、カナダ社会への適応などについて
もお話しします。

講演は日本語と英語で行われます。終了後に質疑応答の時間がありますので、ご質問がある方はこの機会をぜひ利用してください。その後のレセプションではスナックと飲み物が用意されます。講演者や他の参加者と直接話ができる絶好のチャンスで
す。ぜひご参加ください。

皆様からいただいた参加費は当イベントの費用として使わせていただきます。

参加ご希望の方にtoshie@cjst.orgまでご連絡ください。

カナダの生活を始めたばかりの皆様にとっては見逃せないイベントです。

2011年　4月19日火曜日
6:30 p.m; 受付開始
6:45 p.m.; 8:30 p.m. (講演 - 質疑応答)
8:30 p.m.; 9:30 p.m. (レセプション)
トロント国際交流基金(The Japan Foundation, Toronto)
131 Bloor Street West, Suite 213
Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1R1
参加費: $5

April 7, 2011: Ichi-Moku-Kai at Manpuku

2011-04-05T12:52:00.004-04:00

Come on down to Manpuku this Thursday evening for the April edition of Ichi-Moku-Kai!

Ichi-Moku-Kai literally means the "first Thursday meeting," and since 1995 it's been the Canada Japan Society of Toronto's monthly social event, naturally on the first Thursday of every month.

It is a great place to make new friends, practice your English and/or Japanese, informally network, learn more about life in Canada and Japan, and most of all…have fun! Our attendees are usually around 50 percent Canadian and 50 percent Japanese, all with a common interest or connection with Japan.

As always, you’ll receive discounts on drinks and Japanese food. We also have a musical treat lined up for this month: a special live performance by Chris Kao’s jazz trio!

Please join us as we celebrate the arrival of spring with good company and good music.

Ichi-Moku-Kai
Thursday, April 7th, 2011
6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
MANPUKU
105 McCaul Street (Village by the Grange building, south of the food court)
CJS Members FREE, Non-Members $5 (discounts for groups of 3+)

Community Event: "ASHITA: Artists for Japan" fundraiser on March 29/11

2011-03-23T17:44:00.006-04:00

Our heart and minds are with the Japanese people, and now it’s time for action!

The Toronto arts community felt the shock much like everyone else when images first started to appear on the news and stories through friends started to come in.

Many of the artists have traveled to Japan as visiting artists or to study its rich culture and its embrace with nature. We have made many friends and built many bridges through collaborations and deep friendships.

Curator Rafi Ghanaghounian and Artist Daisuke Takeya are organizing a fundraiser event that will bring the arts community of Toronto together to support our friends in Japan both mentally and financially.

The evening will be hosted by Japanese model Nana Akimoto. Numerous musicians, artists, poets from both Canada and Japan will be performing. Galleries and artists have donated artwork, books and other items for purchase.

Thank you for your support!

DATE:
Tuesday, March 29 at 7:00pm

LOCATION:
The Great Hall, 1087 Queen Street West (at Dovercourt)

ADMISSION:
$10 (students $5 with ID) at the door.

All funds raised through the admission charge and sales of donated artwork will go to the Red Cross through The Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre’s Disaster Relief Fund. Tax receipts available for over $50 donations and art purchases.

CONTACT:

Daisuke Takeya: 416-729-3615 or daisuketakeya@gmail.com
Rafi Ghanaghounian: rafi.projects@gmail.com

Participating galleries (more coming!):

OBorn Contemporary, Le Gallery, Show and Tell Gallery, Art Metropole,
Koyama Press, Narwhal/Magic Pony

Participating artists (more coming!):

Howard Podeswa, Laura Horne, Max Johnston, Fiona Smyth, Yuriko Kubota,
Tomori Nagamoto, Winnie Truong, Nicholas Di Genova, Shigeko Okada,
Keiko Tokushima, Ayako Bando, Sonomi Kobayashi, Bernice Lum, Ron
Loranger, Pierre Julien, Richelle Forsey, Jae-hong Ahn, Juno Youn,
Yuriko Kubota, Miki Shinozaki, Keita Morimoto, Shinobu Akimoto, Yumi
Onose, Shinya Kumazawa, Mark DeCoste, Martin de la Rue, Joshua Choi,
Blair Prentice, James Fowler, Martin Ouellette, Patrick DeCoste,
Daisuke Takeya, Matt Evans,Martin Reis, Martin De La Rue, Aisha
Simpson

Participating performers (more coming!):

Clara Venice and Ken Ogawa
Arisa Itami
Nobu Adilman: Choir!Choir!Choir!
AKA Dance (Keiko Ninomiya, Amy Hampton, Mike Dell)
Ewan Whyte
Bonnie Bowman
VPV(Daisuke Takeya, Ayumi Sawada, Tatsu)
Risa Kusumoto
Ashely Ingram
Nana Akimoto
Tomori Nagamoto
Natasha Bailey

March 18th, 2011: FUNDRAISER FOR JAPAN

2011-03-14T19:10:00.002-04:00

This Friday the Canada Japan Society is using our Movie Night at the National Film Board Theatre to raise money for the devastated people in Japan. ALL MONEY taken in will be donated via an official agency to be determined shortly.

Please come out and help us support the people of Japan in their time of need.

We hope to see you there.

The Climbers High (2008)
Japanese with English Subtitles
Friday, March 18th, 2011
National Film Board Theatre
150 John Street (at Richmond), 2nd Floor
7 P.M. Start
CJS Members $5, Non-Members $10

Further donations are welcome at the door.

Movie details in the post below.

March 18th, 2011: Movie Night is "CLIMBER'S HIGH" and Yosakoi Dance Performance

2011-03-04T12:26:00.002-05:00

CLIMBER'S HIGH: The Canada Japan Society is proud to present the harrowing tale of newspaper reporters covering the largest, single aircraft disaster in history, the crash of JAL Flight 123 in 1985. Directed by Masato Harada (Bounce Ko Gals, Inugami, Kamikaze Taxi), this suspenseful tale brings us inside the workings of a Japanese newspaper department in the 1980s.

The film delves into the tumultuous and stressful world of Japanese reporting where politics, money and traditions often get in the way of the ethics of journalism. Harada brings his deft style to this film based on a book by the real life main character, ex-reporter Kazumasa Yuuki, then a coordinator at the North Kanto Times when JAL Flight 123 crashed into Mt. Takamagahara in Gunma Prefecture claiming 520 lives.

The film was nominated for 10 Japanese Academy Awards and features strong acting performances from Shinichi Tsutsumi, Tsutomo Yamzaki, Masato Sakai and Machiko Ono.

As a special treat we have a Yosokoi dance performance by the Buyaku Dance Troupe prior to the screening. And as always, our ever popular post party at Everest will take place after the film; it’s a great time to meet new people and practice your English or Japanese talking about the film.

Please come on out for a great evening of dance, film, and fun.

The Climbers High (2008)
Japanese with English Subtitles
Friday, March 18th, 2011
National Film Board Theatre
150 John Street (at Richmond), 2nd Floor
7 P.M. Start
CJS Members $5, Non-Members $10

Community Event: Introduction to Japanese Contemporary Dance and Dancers

2011-03-04T08:45:00.000-05:00

Introduction to Japanese Contemporary Dance and Dancers
A talk and video presentation by dancer/choreographer Naoko Murakoshi

Wednesday, March 9, 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm (doors open at 6 pm)

Naoko Murakoshi, a former member of the Toronto Dance Theatre, is now pursuing a dance career in Japan and teaching dance at Kobe College (Kobe Jogauin Daigaku). On the occasion of her return to Toronto for the Dai Don Den performance with the Green Tea dance collective, Ms. Murakoshi will visit the Japan Foundation, Toronto to speak about trends and give an update on the various dance scenes in Japan. In her talk and video presentation, she will address such diverse areas of dance as Active Abroad, Theatre, Butoh, Modern, Contemporary, Outcasts, and Ballet/Entertainment.

Location: The Japan Foundation, Toronto
Address: 131 Bloor St. West, 2nd Floor of the Colonnade Building
Admission: Free
Reservation required: www.jftor.org/whatson/rsvp.php or (416) 966-1600 x104
In Japanese with English interpretation

Community Event: 8th Annual Toronto Japanese Short Film Festival

2011-03-04T08:41:00.002-05:00

TJSFF is organized by Japanese Art Festival, a registered Not-for-Profit organization, and was founded in 2003 to present a side of contemporary Japanese culture that had not previously been seen in Toronto. Over the last 7 years, the festival has introduced more than 195 films made by Japanese filmmakers and international filmmakers whose work relates to Japan. We are very honoured by the continuing support and interest of our growing audience and hope you will enjoy this latest collection of Japanese shorts.

This year features the work of Isamu Hirabayashi in the opening program (MOMO program). Some of you may remember his film Doron, which won The Festival Choice Award at TJSFF in 2006. The MOMO program presents 6 of his short films, including his masterpiece TEXTISM, his recently produced Shikasha, which was screened at Cannes Film Festival Directors’ Fortnight 2010, and his latest film and first animation work KIBISO. This year’s other themed program is titled NASHI, which features Palm of the Hand Stories, adapted from a series of short stories written by Nobel Prize-winning author Yasunari Kawabata. The ICHIGO, MIKAN and RINGO programs show 4-10 of the latest shorts from Japan each.

Advance Tickets & Passes are now on sale for Toronto Japanese Short Film Festival 2011! Tickets & Passes are available for purchase at Queen Video (480 Bloor St. W. / 412 Queen St. W.) and SANKO (730 Queen St. W.).

More Info: www.tjsff.com

March 3rd, 2011: ICHIMOKUKAI

2011-03-02T07:15:00.002-05:00

Ichimoku-kai literally means the "first Thursday meeting" and since 1995 it has been the Canada Japan Society of Toronto's monthly social event, naturally on the first Thursday of every month.

It is a great place to make new friends, practice your English and/or Japanese, informally network, learn more about life in Canada and Japan, and most of all…have fun! Our attendees are usually around 50 percent Canadian and 50 percent Japanese, all with a common interest or connection with Japan.

At Ichimoku-kai you will receive special food and drink discounts, get to talk to lots of interesting people, and have the chance to win some exciting door prizes.

Come on out and hear about all our upcoming events this Spring!

Ichimoku-kai
Thursday March 3rd, 2011
MANPUKU
6pm to 10pm +
105 McCaul Street
Units 29-31 (in the Village by the Grange building, south of the Food Court)
There is a $5 cover charge for non-CJS members. Discounts are available for groups of three or more people.

February 18th, 2011: FUNUKE, Show Some Love You Losers

2011-02-14T07:13:00.002-05:00

The CJS Movie Night for February is Funuke, Show Some Love You Losers! Come join us for this entertaining black comedy about a modern dysfunctional family that loves to hate each other. First time director Yoshida Daihachi’s award winning debut stars Eriko Sato, Aimi Satsukawa, Hiromi Nagasaku, Masatoshi Nagase, and Shoichiro Tanigawa.

When their parents are killed in a bizarre cat-rescuing incident, the dysfunctional Wago siblings are reluctantly forced to endure each other once more under the same roof. Eriko Sato stars in her best role to date as Sumika, a totally selfish wannabe actress, returning to her hometown only to collect the inheritance. When she finds out there’s no money left she takes it out on the rest of the family, renewing sibling hostilities of years past…with no way out……

The film is equal parts drama and dark comedy, with some truly spectacular performances, especially from Sato. It’s a tale that will have you cheering for the “hero” and despising the villain…one you won’t likely forget.

Funuke, Show Some Love You Losers
Friday, February 18th
National Film Board Theatre
150 John Street (at Richmond)
7 P.M Start
CJS Members $5, Non-Members $10

As always the film will be followed by our post-party at Everest. It’s a great place to meet new people with a connection/interest in Japan and Japanese film, and have a good time on a cold Friday night!

Hope to see you there.

“Strawberry Shortcakes"

2011-01-18T18:02:00.002-05:00

The Canada Japan Society’s 2010 – 2011 season of Movie Nights resumes on Friday, January 21st with a screening of the 2006 award-winner, “Strawberry Shortcakes.”

The film depicts four young women living in the Tokyo megalopolis, all grappling with issues of relationships and careers. While this plot may sound like a Japanese version of “Sex and the City,” it is anything but. There is comedy, but it’s interwoven with dark and somber drama; the film tackles themes of isolation and obsession with a deft, sensitive hand.

The story is based on the manga “Sweet Cream and Red Strawberries” by Kiriko Nananan, who also stars in the film as one of the lead characters.

Read the Midnight Eye review of the film:
http://www.midnighteye.com/reviews/strawberry-shortcakes.shtml

Strawberry Shortcakes (2006, 127 minutes)

Director: Hitoshi Yazaki
Cast: Chizuru Ikewaki, Noriko Nakagoshi, Yuko Nakamura, Kiriko Nananan

Friday, January 21, 2011 at 7:00 p.m.
National Film Board Theatre, 2nd Floor
150 John Street (at Richmond)
CJS Members $5, Non-Members $10

As always, the screening will be followed by an after-party at Everest (232 Queen W.)

Hope to see you there!

Regards,

CJS Board of Directors

Community Event: Japan Canada Christmas Eve Party

2010-12-15T18:47:00.002-05:00

For all of you with nothing to do in Toronto on Christmas Eve, come on out to the 2nd Annual Japan/Canada Christmas Eve Party! Join lots of folk from both Japan and Canada for an evening of dancing and fun in the heart of Kensington Market.

Friday, December 24th, 2010
9:00 pm to 2:00 am
Augusta House
152 Augusta Avenue, Kensington Market
Tickets: $10 at the door (includes one drink)

Furhter Details here: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=151674098214116

December 2nd, 2010: BONENKAI!

2010-11-20T16:17:00.002-05:00

December is just around the corner and that means it’s time for the Canada Japan Society’s legendary BONENKAI celebration and party.

Bonenakai literally means “forget the year party” and it’s the perfect time to celebrate the end of another successful year and banish any negative memories you might have of 2010. The Canada Japan Society is building on our successful Bonenkai events of years past with this, our largest party of the year.

We would love to have you join this event and enjoy an evening of meeting new people with a connection/interest in Japan, reconnecting with those you haven’t seen for a while, informal networking, practicing your English and/or Japanese, learning more about the Canada Japan Society, and most of all…..have a great time.

This year we’re once again at the cozy confines of the sleek ALIO Wine Bar on Dundas Street West near Bay.

BONENKAI
Thursday, December 2nd, 2010
6 p.m. to 12 a.m.
ALIO Wine Bar
108 Dundas Street West (at Bay)

CJS Members and Students $15
Non-Members $20
Admission includes lots of great food and fun. Cash Bar.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO ATTEND, or for more information, PLEASE RSVP to jeff@cjst.org

November 26th, 2010 - The CJS Movie Night for November is "BAYSIDE SHAKEDOWN; the Movie" 踊る大捜査線

2010-11-13T15:52:00.002-05:00

For our November MOVIE NIGHT, The Canada Japan Society is proud to present the 1998 Blockbuster “Bayside Shakedown: the Movie”.

Based on the massive hit TV series Odoru Daisosasen the story and characters continue in this thrilling, funny and action packed look into life and politics in a big city police station. Three different stories are skilfully intertwined. First, the Tokyo police commissioner has been kidnapped and is being held for ransom. Second, a twisted killer uses an internet site to troll for victims. And, third, a thief is loose within the ranks of the police!

The star studded cast features Yûji Oda, Toshirô Yanagiba, Eri Fukatsu and a host of others as officers fighting for justice and yet caught within the bureaucracy and red tape of the Japanese police force.

Come on out for an evening of fun and enjoy the film that started the movie franchise, spawning two sequels and two more spinoffs!

Bayside Shakedown; the Movie
Friday, November 26th
National Film Board Theatre, 2nd Floor
150 John Street (at Richmond)
7 p.m. start
CJS Members $5, Non-Members $10

Of course we will continue after the movie with our ever-popular post party at Everest as well. Hope you can come out for a night of good fun and film! Hope to see you there!

Community Event: April Bride at the Breast Fest Film Festival

2010-11-07T10:14:00.002-05:00

There’s a great Japanese film playing in the 3rd annual Breast Fest Film Festival.

Chie (Nana Eikura) is a 'companion', a young woman hired to speak in a public-relations role at corporate events, who ends up in the wrong auditorium. There she encounters a young salaryman, Taro (Eita).

Their relationship proceeds quickly, and soon Taro is talking of marriage. Chie, however, is hiding something: she has been diagnosed with breast cancer.
When chemotherapy causes her hair to fall out, she ends the relationship and moves away. Taro finds her after she has lost a breast to surgery; he insists that she is still the same person she was, and that his feelings have not changed. The two promise they will stay together no matter what happens.

The couple reunites, but then Chie's cancer comes back. Knowing that she has only a short time to live, Taro, her family, and her friends secretly plan a wedding...

April Bride (2009)
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Royal Ontario Museum
100 Queen's Park
Toronto, ON
3 pm start
$10For more information or to order tickets please go here: http://www.breastfestfilmfest.com/about.shtml

The Breast Fest Film Festival uses the versatile medium of film to frame and explore the spectrum of issues surrounding breast cancer. This annual festival uses films, panels, workshops and speakers to connect people to the breast cancer cause, inspire dialogue, facilitate learning and foster community. Breast Fest is the world's first film festival dedicated to breast cancer awareness and is an initiative of Rethink Breast Cancer. on

November 13, 14, 2010 - CJS Co-Sponsors "TOILET" and "DEAR DOCTOR" at the REEL ASIAN Film Festival!

2010-10-30T16:29:00.002-04:00

The Canada Japan Society is proud, once again, to be a community co-sponsor for the 14th Annual REEL ASIAN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL, running from November 9-15th.

We are sponsoring TWO films again this year, and CJS members save 25% on regular screening ticket prices! Just enter promotional code CPORG when you buy tickets online at www.reelasian.com. Valid to Nov 8 2010.

TOILET (トイレット)
FEATURE PRESENTATION | SAT NOV 13 | 7:15 PM | INNIS TOWN HALL
Dir. Naoko Ogigami | Japan 2010 | 109:00 | 35mm | English | Rated: PG

Japanese director Naoko Ogigami’s most recent international cinematic offering, filmed in Toronto in 2009 and featuring a mostly Canadian cast and production team, is an off-the-wall comedy about three siblings — a nerdy engineer, a brilliant pianist and an aspiring air guitarist, who collectively struggle to relate to their estranged Japanese grandmother after the death of their mother.

Known for her poignant humour and the charming sensibility in her body of work — Kamome Diner (2006) and Megane (2007) — Ogigami delights in placing her characters in situations that force them to deal with the peculiarities and problems of everyday life. Nerdy thirty-something Ray (Alex House) is just fine, doing his own thing. Balancing his life somewhere in between peacefulness and boredom, he is content with his lab job, predictable work clothes and his obsession with plastic toys. But after his mother’s death, he reluctantly finds himself back home with his eccentric brother Maury (David Rendall), who suffers from severe anxiety, and their bossy sister Lisa (Tatiana Mazurani), who demands that Ray take more of an active role in the family. Still coping with the loss of their mother, the siblings must also care for their baa-chan, or grandmother (Masako Motai), who just arrived from Japan and doesn’t speak a word of English.

Frustrated by this disruption to his daily routine, Ray becomes increasingly obsessed with the bathroom rituals of his baa-chan and questions whether or not she is “really” part of their family. Through a series of hysterically comedic events, he discovers that she really isn’t who he’d expected. Of course, neither is he.

DEAR DOCTOR (ディアドクター)

FEATURE PRESENTATION | SUN NOV 14 | 2:00 PM | INNIS TOWN HALL
Dir. Miwa Nishikawa | Japan 2009 | 127:00 | 35mm | Japanese w/ Eng. sub. | Rated: PG

In a remote Japanese rural village of 1,500 aged residents, the sole and much-beloved physician, Osamu Ino (Tsurube Shofukutei), has gone missing. During the police investigation into his disappearance, Ino’s reputation is questioned, with emerging discrepancies in his credentials pointing to fraud and willful endangerment of the health of local residents.

In spite of these revelations, the town and even the mayor comes to the defence of Ino, who is also deeply admired and considered a cherished mentor by his colleagues — nurse Akemi Otake (Kimiko Yo, Departures) and a young medical intern, Keisuke Soma (Eita).

The film’s humorous vignettes of the trio visiting elderly patients show Ino’s wonderful bedside manner and sensitive approach to medicine. And after he miraculously brings a man back from the dead, Ino’s standing in the community approaches a godlike stature.

But then he encounters the case of an elderly widow — Torikai-san (Kaoru Yachigusa) — complaining of a stomach ache that appears to be more serious than Ino’s initial diagnosis. Complicating the issue, he has developed an ambiguous relationship with Mrs. Torikai, who is neglected by her grown daughters, one of whom is a doctor in Tokyo.

Based on her own novel, Kino no kamisama, director Miwa Nishikawa’s Dear Doctor is an endearing and artful comedy about how patients sometimes suffer more from loneliness than from physical illness. Posing a philosophical dilemma, the storyline asks: what qualifies someone to care for others — credentials or life experiences? This charming and nostalgic film, with gorgeous cinematography and a popular cast, has won more than 21 awards in Japan.

November 4th: the LAST ICHIMOKUKAI of 2010

2010-10-26T19:17:00.002-04:00

Yes, that's right...it is the LAST Ichimokukai of 2010!

Ichimoku-kai literally means the "First Thursday Meeting" and since 1995 it has been the Canada Japan Society’s monthly social event...It’s a great place to informally network, make new friends, practice your English and/or Japanese, learn more about life in Canada and Japan, and most of all…have fun!

You'll get special pricing on already inexpensive Japanese food and drinks, enjoy a great atmoshpere, and get a chance to win some door prizes!

PLUS...the first details of our Legendary BONENKAI event will be released! Don't miss it!

Thursday, November 4th, 2010
Doors open at 6:00
MANPUKU
105 McCaul Street (Unit 29-31, in the Village by the Grange building, past the food court)
CJS Members FREE, Non-Members $5
Hope to see you there!

Community Event: Free Lunchtime Video Screenings at the Japan Information Centre

2010-10-26T19:00:00.001-04:00

Every month, the Japan Information Centre (JIC) screens short video features on modern Japanese culture, society and other subjects in the JIC Event Room.
These screenings are FREE and wonderful opportunities to discover many things about Japan.

This month's videos are: Japanology: The Past in the Present, Sho (Bamboo flute), Funadansu Sea Chests, Sweet Accessories, Yamaga Lantern Festival, Wagakki – Ancient Japanese Music Instruments, Unfolding the story of the kyo-sensu fan, Highly polished skills, Matsuri-zushi – festival sushi, and Iriomote’s Shichi Festival

November 5th (Fri) 12:10 -12:55pm.
November 17th(Wed) 1:10 -1:55pm.

Feel free to drop in with your lunch!

For additional information, contact the Japan Information Centre, Consulate General of Japan at 416-363-5488.

Japan Information Centre, Consulate General of Japan
Suite 110, 6 Garamond Court, Don Mills, ON M3C 1Z5
Phone: 416-363-5488
URL: www.toronto.ca.emb-japan.go.jp

Community Event: Koki Tanaka Artist Talk and Video Screening

2010-10-26T18:55:00.002-04:00

KOKI TANAKA: Artist talk and video screening: "A Haircut by 9 Hairdressers at Once (second attempt)"

Drawing from his experience as artist-in-residence at Toronto’s YYZ gallery earlier this year, video artist Koki Tanaka continues to develop ideas inspired by his stay here. While in Toronto, Tanaka noted how the wide variety of international hair salons—Chinese, Portuguese, Indian, Jamaican, Japanese, old-style, hip-style, etc.—reflects the multicultural character of the city. During a recent stay in San Francisco, Tanaka observed the same thing, and created the video "A Haircut by 9 Hairdressers at Once (second attempt)" (duration 30 minutes). On Tuesday, November 2, at the Japan Foundation, he will show this new video and discuss his works and influences.

Tuesday, November 2, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. (doors 6:00)
The Japan Foundation, Toronto
131 Bloor St. W., 2nd floor of the Colonnade Building
Admission: free
This event is in English.

RSVP Required: jftor.org/whatson/rsvp.php or (416) 966-1600 x102

Tanaka’s work is currently on display at the Japan Foundation, Toronto as part of the exhibition “Winter Garden: The Exploration of the Micropop Imagination in Contemporary Japanese Art.” “Winter Garden” curator Midori Matsui describes his videos as documents of “transformations of banal everyday objects, motivated by his playful interactions with them.”

October 22/10: CJS Movie Night/Wine & Cheese Reception Features GREEN MIND, METAL BATS

2010-10-11T11:14:00.002-04:00

The Canada Japan Society is proud to continue our 2010/2011 season of Movie Nights at the National Film Board with Kazuyoshi Kumakiri’s nihilistic look at modern youth: “Green Mind, Metal Bats”.

This often dark comedy/drama tells the intertwining tale of three broken young people, whose lives are all seriously affected, good and bad, by their love of baseball. It is not a sports movie, but is instead an unpredictable and unsettling look at the sometimes negative influence of sport on daily lives of some modern young Japanese.

The film is directed by the up and coming Kumakiri, who has won praise for Hole in the Sky, Antenna, and Non-ko, and is based on the manga by Tomohiro Koizumi. It features an eclectic cast with newcomer Takehara Pistol, rising actor Ando Masanobu (Aegis, A Big Bang Love: Juvenile), and TV actress Sakai Maki (Kisarazu Cats Eye) in the lead roles. Look closely and you’ll see prolific pink film director Wakamatsu Koji appearing in a cameo as the spirit of Babe Ruth.

The event features the return of the ever-famous CJS RECEPTION following the movie. After the film, continue the fun with an all-inclusive wine and cheese party where you can meet lots of new people and talk about the film. It’s a perfect way to keep warm on a cold October night!

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN ATTENDING, PLEASE RSVP to jeff@cjst.org. We need and accurate count of numbers for the food and drinks.

Green Mind, Metal Bats
Friday, October 22nd, 2010
National Film Board Theatre
150 John Street (at Richmond), 2nd Floor
6:30 PM start time
CJS Members $15, Non-Members $20
*Admission includes film and wine and cheese reception

October 15/10: The CJS Presents a Lecture by Tokio Ohska on YUZURU: The Twilight Crane

2010-10-04T13:28:00.002-04:00

The Canada Japan Society and the Japan Foundation proudly presents a lecture by Tokio K. Ohska onYuzuru: the Twilight Crane, the first Japanese Opera performed in Japanese by a European cast.

Please come out and enjoy an intriguing evening with Tokio Ohska and find out why a
noted Doctor of Physics would want to direct a Japanese Opera!

Friday, October 15, 2010
The Japan Foundation Toronto
131 Bloor St. W, Suite 213
Toronto, ON M5S 1R1
Time: 6:30 pm
Admission: free

Seating is limited so PLEASE RSVP to JEFF@CJST.ORG

The lecture will be in English followed by a short Q&A session and reception.
Light refreshments will be served. For more informa􀆟on please contact jeff@cjst.org.

October 07/10 Start Off the Fall With ICHIMOKUKAI!

2010-10-04T13:25:00.002-04:00

It sure feels like Autumn outside....so it's the perfect time to stay warm and enjoy the Canada Japan Society's Ichimokukai!

Ichimoku-kai literally means the "first Thursday meeting" and since 1995 it has been the Canada Japan Society of Toronto's monthly social event, naturally on the first Thursday of every month.

It is a great place to make new friends, practice your English and/or Japanese, informally network, learn more about life in Canada and Japan, and most of all…have fun! Our attendees are usually around 50 percent Canadian and 50 percent Japanese, all with a common interest or connection with Japan.

At Ichimoku-kai you will receive special food and drink discounts and have the chance to win some exciting door prizes.

It will be lots of fun, so make sure to get there early for a seat!

Ichimoku-kai
Thursday October 7th
MANPUKU
6pm to 10pm +
105 McCaul Street
Units 29-31 (in the Village by the Grange building, south of the Food Court)
There is a $5 cover charge for non-CJS members. Discounts are available for groups of three or more people.

Community Event: An Evening of Classical Guitar, Flute, and Violin from Japan

2010-09-28T16:38:00.002-04:00

On Wednesday, October 27th, the Japan Foundation presents an evening of classical guitar, flute, and violin featuring:

大萩康司　 Yasuji Ohagi (guitar): Graduate of Conservatoire de Musique, Paris
瀬尾和紀　　 Kazunori Seo (flute): Studied and currently resides in Paris, France
鍵冨弦太郎　Gentaro Kagitomi (violin): First prize winner of the National Students Competition at the age of 15

The most sought-after Japanese performers bring their excellence in music making to Toronto in this unique ensemble of guitar, flute and violin. The program reflects the poetic hearts of the musicians as global travellers, encompassing works from Europe, Latin America, and Japan.

This concert is part of a cross-Canada tour organized by The Japan Foundation.

Wednesday, October 27, 2010 at 8:00 p.m.
Glenn Gould Studio
250 Front Street West, CBC Broadcast Centre
Admission: $30; students and seniors $20; reserved seating

Tickets available: In person at the box offices of Roy Thomson Hall and Massey Hall Please note that the tickets are not sold at Glenn Gould Studio)
Online www.roythomsonhall.com
Inquiry: 416.966.1600 x229 www.jftor.org
Presented by the Japan Foundation, in co-operation with the Consulate General of Japan in Toronto.

Community Event: Sayonara Hashima at the Japan Foundation

2010-09-28T16:32:00.002-04:00

SAYONARA HASHIMA

The Japan Foundation Toronto, along with the Goethe Institut, Toronto and OCAD University present a screening of Sayonara Hashima, along with a discussion with artists Nina Fischer and Maroan el Sani on Friday, October 1st.

Sayonara Hashima takes as its subject Hashima, an island off the coast of Japan with a fascinating history. Entirely manmade, the concrete island served as a coal-mining operation that, at its peak of operation, housed some 5000 inhabitants, at that time the most densely populated place on earth.

Abandoned in 1974, when its mineral resources had been exhausted, the island has since taken on a ghostly, mythic status in the national imagination, aided by its appearance in a Battle Royale II, a recent Japanese adventure/science fiction film. Nina Fischer & Maroan El Sani explore the changing roles of the island throughout its history, capturing the accounts not only of former inhabitants but also the current impressions of high school students of a place they know only indirectly through representations. As with many of Fischer & El Sani’s previous projects, Sayonara Hashima asks how memory operates, how a site wears its history, both physically and metaphorically.

Date: Friday, October 1
Time: 7:00 - 9:00 pm (doors open at 6:30)
Location: The Japan Foundation, Toronto
Address: 131 Bloor St. W., 2nd floor of the Colonnade Building
Admission: Free
Reservation required: www.jftor.org/whatson/rsvp.php or (416) 966-1600 x102

September 24/10: CJS Movie Night is "I JUST DIDN'T DO IT" それでもボクはやってない

2010-09-17T08:16:00.003-04:00

The Canada Japan Society is opening its 2010/2011 season of Movie Nights at the National Film Board of Canada with a showing of Masayuki Suo’s award winning “I Just Didn’t Do It”.

I Just Didn’t Do It tells the tale of a young graduate, Teppei Kaneko (portrayed by Ryo Kase) who is accused of molesting a schoolgirl on his way to a job interview. He is subsequently coerced by weary detectives to accept the charge and pay the fine instead of pursuing vindication. Teppei decides to try and prove his innocence, resulting in a surprisingly effective social drama that examines justice, truth and morality in the modern day Japanese legal system.

Acclaimed director Suo (Shall We Dance, Sumo Do Sumo Don’t) has put together an enthralling ensemble cast including Kase, Koji Yakusho, Asaka Seto, Koji Yamamoto, and Masako Motai. The film won 3 Japanese Academy Awards and was nominated for 8 more in 2008.

I Just Didn’t Do It
Friday, September 24th, 2010
7 P.M
National Film Board Theatre
150 John Street (at Richmond)
$5 for CJS Members
$10 for Non-Members

As always, we will also be having a post-screening party at Everest (232 Queen W.) after the film. The informal get-together is a great way for attendees to practice their English/Japanese while discussing the film, meeting some new people and making some new friends.

September 09 /10: Opening Night Reception for Puzzle Project

2010-09-05T13:05:00.003-04:00

The CJS is proud to be a sponsor of the PUZZLE PROJECT Canada 2010.

The Puzzle Project is a unique art exhibit that originated from Osaka, Japan in 2006. It later expanded to London, UK and is now coming to Toronto, Canada. Over 60 select artists from Japan and Canada will create work on individual puzzle pieces, unaware of the contents of the other artists work. Once finished, the individual pieces will be put together to form one final puzzle, representing the concept of "Fusion; exceeding the boundaries of nation, religion, and race with art." The Toronto edition will also feature the theme of "Your Movie Your Dream; Like a movie hero, believe in your dream and you can make it happen”. The final puzzle will be an exploration of the interplay of the different artists interpretation of the themes, with their individual styles and vision coming together to create a dramatic representation of the concept.

September 10th to October 9th, 2010
TYPE books
883 Queen Street West, Toronto
Hours: Monday to Saturday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sunday 11a.m. – 6 p.m
Admission FREE

The opening night reception is Thursday, September 9th, from 7-9 pm at TYPE Books and will feature drinks, h'ors deauvres, a live performance, and a chance to see a sneak preview of the Puzzle Project. More info can be found at:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=141772372505788&ref=ts
Web site (International): www.puzzle-project.org

September 02/10: SAKE Tasting at Ichimokukai

2010-08-25T13:44:00.003-04:00

The Canada Japan Society Presents SAKE TASTING AT ICHIMOKUKAI

Ichimoku-kai literally means the "First Thursday Meeting" and since 1995 it has been the Canada Japan Society’s monthly social event...It’s a great place to informally network, make new friends, practice your English and/or Japanese, learn more about life in Canada and Japan, and most of all…have fun! You'll get special pricing on already inexpensive Japanese food and drinks, enjoy a great atmoshpere, and get a chance to win some door prizes!

This month we are including a special SAKE TASTING featuring a variety of Junmai, Junmai Ginjo, and Junmai Daiginjo sakes, as well as a selection of Shochu and Umeshu. There will be a quick introduction to the world of Sake, followed by the tasting. S

Special thanks to both OZAWA Canada and Manpuku for their support in putting on this event.

Thursday, September 2nd, 2010
Doors open at 6:00, Sake Tasting begins at 7:00 MANPUKU
105 McCaul Street (in the Village by the Grange building, past the food court)
CJS Members FREE, Non-Members $5 Sake tasting tickets begin at $1 each

To ensure you get a seat make sure you come early!

For more information please contact jeff@cjst.org.

Community Event: Ogata Megumi: Live in Toronto!

2010-08-23T10:57:00.001-04:00

Ogata Megumi (緒方恵美) is coming to Canada! Cubeshops Incorporated, JTB Entertainment and Fan Expo Canada are proud to announce that legendary voice actress Ogata Megumi will be performing a rock concert live at the lovely John Bassett Theatre inside of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

She and her rock band will be performing hits off her newest CD, 666, and as a special treat to her fans, she will be also singing some rare anime hits off of her aniMegu album. Come see one of Japan’s most prolific voice actresses perform live for the first time in the US or Canada!

August 28 · 7:30pm
Metro Toronto Convention Centre - John Bassett Theatre
255 Front Street West
Toronto, ON

More info HERE: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=128326967204481

Information Session From the Japan Foundation for the New Japanese Language Proficiency Test

2010-08-23T09:26:00.001-04:00

The Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) was first held in 1984 by the Japan Foundation and Japan Educational Exchanges and Services (JEES) in order to measure and certify Japanese language learners. Although only 7,000 people took the test in its first year, the number of examinees rose to about 770,000 by 2009. The JLPT is now the largest-scale Japanese language examination in the world.

In addition to measuring Japanese-language ability for academic purposes, test results are now also used by employers to assess job seekers’ credentials and evaluate employees for promotion and recognition. Students use the test to demonstrate their language ability when applying to educational institutions, study abroad programs, internships, etc. As the number of students of Japanese-language has increased, it has become apparent that the test must be revised to meet the diverse and changing needs of Japanese-language learners.

By evaluating past test outcomes and developments in Japanese pedagogy and test theory over the past 25 years, the Japan Foundation and JEES have revised the content of the JLPT and in 2010 the New Japanese Language Proficiency Test was created.

The Japan Foundation is planning to hold information sessions led by a researcher from the Japan Foundation’s Japanese Language Test Centre. These sessions will review the changes that will take effect this year, including explanations based on actual exercises used in the new JLPT. We look forward to your participation.

Wednesday, August 25, 2010 1:30PM – 4:00PM
York University
Admission: Free
Registration: http://www.jftor.org/whatson/rsvp.php* You can participate in the session at York University (1) on site or (2) view a broadcast of the session on the internet. Please check the following site: http://buna.arts.yorku.ca/jlpt/

Main Target: Japanese language learners and teachers
Language: mainly English
Organized by: The Japan Foundation, York University
Contact: 416-966-1600 ext. 224 or nsaito@jftor.org 　

Community Event: Free September Lunchtime Video Screenings at the Japan Information Centre

2010-08-23T09:20:00.003-04:00

Every month, the Japan Information Centre (JIC) screens short video features on modern Japanese culture, society and other subjects in the JIC Event Room.
These screenings are FREE and wonderful opportunities to discover many things about Japan.

This month's videos are: “Japanology: The Past in the Present – Mathematics” and "Japan Video Topics: The Cherry Blossoms of Yoshino, Titanium Tiles for Temple Roofs, How Old Firms Survive, Old Crafts in Modern Art, Hiking the Shinetsu Trail, When Mending Becomes an Art, A Better Way to Peaceful Sleep, New Technology for Disable Sports”

September 3 (Fri) 12:10 -12:55pm.
September 15 (Wed) 1:10 -1:55pm
Feel free to drop in with your lunch!

For additional information, contact the Japan Information Centre, Consulate General of Japan at 416-363-5488.

Japan Information Centre, Consulate General of Japan
Suite 110, 6 Garamond Court, Don Mills, ON M3C 1Z5
Phone: 416-363-5488
URL: www.toronto.ca.emb-japan.go.jp

Posted by Canada Japan Society at 2:47 PM 0 comments

LOVE EXPOSURE 愛のむきだし "Exposed" in EYE WEEKLY

2010-08-19T08:21:00.002-04:00

Final notice for the CJS Special Toronto Premiere of Sion Sono's acclaimed, four hour masterpiece this Saturday, August 21st at the JCCC. It will be an evening of shocks, laughs and controversy. With a cash bar and Japanese snacks available, it's sure to be the can't miss event of August!

The film and event have recently been previewed in EYE WEEKLY (5 Stars!)
http://www.eyeweekly.com/film/feature/article/99660

Please contact jeff@cjst.org to reserve tickets and SUPPORT THE CJS!

Hope to see you there

TICKET INFORMATION FOR LOVE EXPOSURE

2010-08-11T10:26:00.002-04:00

Hi All! Tickets are going fast for the CJS' special Toronto premiere of one of the most acclaimed and controversial Japanese films of the last decade; Sion Sono’s 2008 four hour magnum opus, LOVE EXPOSURE....please see info below!

Advance tickets will be available at the JAVA Pub night this Friday at ALIO (108 Dundas Street West). If you can't make it, you can ensure you're tickets will be available by RSVPing to jeff@cjst.org!

Hope to see you there!

August 05/10; Cultural Exchange and Fun at the CJS's Last ICHIMOKUKAI of the Summer

2010-08-01T15:08:00.003-04:00

Come on out to the Canada Japan Society's last ICHIMOKUKAI of the summer for cultural exchange and fun!!!

Celebrate another great summer at our long-running event. Ichimokukai is a great place to make new friends, practice your English and/or Japanese, informally network, learn more about life in Canada and Japan, and most of all…have fun! Our attendees are usually around 50 percent Canadian and 50 percent Japanese, all with a common interest or connection with Japan.

At Ichimoku-kai you will receive special food and drink discounts and have the chance to win some exciting door prizes.

ADVANCE TICKETS FOR OUR SPECIAL AUGUST MOVIE NIGHT (SEE BELOW) WILL BE AVAILABLE THIS NIGHT ONLY.....SPECIAL.....THE FIRST TEN PEOPLE TO PURCHASE THEIR TICKETS AT ICHIMOKUKAI WILL GET A PRIZE!!!!

Also hear about he Canada Japan Society's event filled fall that will include a sake tasting, a special event for Opera lovers at the Japan Foundation, our upcoming movie night season.....and of course more Ichimokukai!

It will be lots of fun, so make sure to get there early for a seat!

Ichimoku-kai
Thursday, August 5th,
MANPUKU
6pm to 10pm +
105 McCaul Street
Units 29-31 (in the Village by the Grange building, south of the Food Court)

There is a $5 cover charge for non-CJS members. Discounts are available for groups of three or more people.

August 21/10: SPECIAL SUMMER EVENT: The Toronto Premiere of LOVE EXPOSURE

2010-07-15T10:34:00.005-04:00

The Canada Japan Society and the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre are proud to present the Toronto premiere of one of the most acclaimed and controversial Japanese films of the last decade; Sion Sono’s four hour magnum opus, LOVE EXPOSURE 愛のむきだし.

Takahiro Nishijima and Hikari Mitsushima star as two star-crossed lovers in a tale of a young man painfully dragged through the worlds of religion, family, violence, drugs, cults, and even pornography before he merely gets close to the girl he loves.

That being said, Love Exposure defies description…in a good way. The film is an action-comedy-drama-satire that touches on religion, family, sex, love, lust, guilt and more. It shocks, surprises, delights, and even disgusts, all the while cleverly dabbling in the unique otaku culture that is so seductive to some and repulsive to others. Love it or hate it, it’s sure to generate discussion and leave a lasting impression.

“Almost impossible to imagine a four-hour long film featuring castration, transvestism, religious cults and Catholic guilt complexes could be so darn passionate, so uplifting, so edge-of-the-seat entertaining. A one-off, indescribably experience”
– Jasper Sharp, Sight and Sound Magazine.

LOVE EXPOSURE
Saturday, August 21st, 2010
Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre
6 Garamond Court
7 PM Start (doors/bar opens at 6 pm)
$10
Admittance restricted to 18+

The night itself will be a fun way to finish off the summer. There will be a cash bar (with Japanese beverages of course), snacks and lots of chances to both enjoy the film and discuss it with your fellow attendees.

To guarantee admission advance tickets can by purchased at the Canada Japan Society’s ICHIMOKUKAI party on Thursday, August 5th, or contact JEFF at jeff@cjst.org
* Generously supported by BITS, the Japan Foundation, and the Royal Bank of Canada.

Community Event: The 2nd Annual Shinsedai Film Festival at the JCCC!

2010-07-12T13:59:00.001-04:00

The 2nd annual Shinsedai Cinema Festival will be bringing the best in new Japanese film to The Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre for four days between July 22nd and July 25th, 2010.

The Shinsedai Cinema Festival showcases films by some of the best new, young and independent Japanese filmmakers to Toronto, many for the very first time. The festival will have something for everyone; everything from insightful dramas, quirky comedies, hard-hitting documentaries, experimental shorts, and beyond.

For tickets and more information please visit http://shinsedai-fest.com/tag/shinsedai-2010/

PS. Come on out to the CJS movie night this Friday (The Hanging Garden; see below) for a chance to win free passes to the opening night of the Shinsedai Festival!

July 16/10: The CJS 2009/2010 MOVIE NIGHT Season Finale is "The Hanging Garden" 空中庭園

2010-07-06T08:06:00.003-04:00

The Canada Japan Society concludes it’s 2009/2010 season of Movie Nights at the National Film Board of Canada with a showing of Toshiaki Toyoda’s acclaimed drama “The Hanging Garden” (空中庭園).

"The Hanging Garden" is a surreal satire of the dysfunctional modern Japanese family unit. Toyoda’s film tracks the life of a fairly typical Japanese family – a salaryman father, a hard-working housewife, a headstrong 16 year old daughter and a sulky 14 year old son. The twist is that they're all completely open with each other and hide nothing. Is everyone as happy as they seem?

Based on a novel by Mitsuyo Kakuta, the film features strong performances by Kyoko Koizumi as the housewife and Itsuji Itao as the father. Toyoda’s incredibly innovative and beautiful camera work complement the strong storyline and performances, offering a truly memorable but haunting film that you are unlikely to forget.

The Hanging Garden
Friday, July 16th, 2010
7 P.M
National Film Board Theatre
150 John Street (at Richmond)
$5 for CJS Members
$10 for Non-Members

As always, we will also be having a post-screening party at Everest after the film. The informal get-together is a great way for attendees to practice their English/Japanese while discussing the film, meeting some new people and making some new friends.

PS. Please come on out to hear about our SPECIAL Movie Night event coming up in August!

June 30/10: July's ICHIMOKUKAI is on WEDNESDAY June 30th...really!

2010-06-22T07:54:00.003-04:00

Ichimoku-kai literally means the "first Thursday meeting" but since the first Thursday of July lands on Canada Day, we've moved it to WEDNESDAY, JUNE 30th!.

Start off the long weekend at our long-running event. Ichimokukai is a great place to make new friends, practice your English and/or Japanese, informally network, learn more about life in Canada and Japan, and most of all…have fun! Our attendees are usually around 50 percent Canadian and 50 percent Japanese, all with a common interest or connection with Japan.

At Ichimoku-kai you will receive special food and drink discounts and have the chance to win some exciting door prizes.

Come on out and hear more about what the Canada Japan Society has planned for the summer!

It will be lots of fun, so make sure to get there early for a seat!

Ichimoku-kai
Wednesday, June 30th
MANPUKU
6pm to 10pm +
105 McCaul Street
Units 29-31 (in the Village by the Grange building, south of the Food Court)

There is a $5 cover charge for non-CJS members. Discounts are available for groups of three or more people.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact Jeff jeff@cjst.org

******************

一木会とは文字通り「最初の木曜日に行われる会」という意味で、毎月第一週の木曜日に開催されています。７月の第一週の木曜日はカナダデー。ロングウイークエンドの始まりのイベントとして今回は６月30日(水)に開催が決定しました！

新しい友達を作りたい。英語・日本語の勉強したい。ネットワーキング作りたい。日本やカナダの生活についての情報を集めたい。一木会は絶好のチャンスです。参加者はカナダ人と日本人が約半分づつ。日本に興味がある、日本と結びつきがあるという人々の楽しい集まりです。

一木会の参加者は食べ物やドリンクの割引がありとてもお値打ちです。またドアプライズで賞品が当るチャンスも見逃せません。皆様のご参加をお待ちしております！

一木会
６月30日水曜日
MANPUKU
6pm to 10pm +
105 McCaul Street
Units 29-31 (Grange横のVillageの中のフードコート南側)

CJSの会員でない方は5ドルの参加費を申し受けます。3名以上のグループには割引が適用されます。

ご質問がありましたらご遠慮なくメール（jeff@cjst.org）でご連絡ください。

June 11/10: CJS Movie Night: “Fine, Totally Fine”

2010-06-02T18:28:00.002-04:00

The Canada Japan Society continues its series of Movie Nights at the National Film Board of Canada with a showing of Yosuke Fujita’s acclaimed quirky comedy “Fine, Totally Fine”.

“Life is more fun when you’re an idiot” sums up this touching comedy about a 30-something part-timer with dreams of opening up the world’s scariest haunted house. He inadvertently finds himself in a love triangle with one of his friends, and the hilarity ensues.

The film features the first leading role of the unforgettable YoshiYoshi Arakawa, whom we’ve previously seen in past screened films like Ping-Pong, Survive Style 5, and Kamikaze Girls. Arakawa, paired with Fujita’s impeccable comic timing, combine for a subtly funny and moving film.

“The plot unfolds as a collage of visual and quirky comic turns that are so deftly delivered and effective you'll be laughing so hard you never stop for one moment to question where the film is headed. And yet beneath the slapstick there's a genuine sense of warmth and affection for the eccentric characters that populate this oddball world.”
= Jasper Sharp, Midnight Eye

Fine, Totally Fine
Friday, June 11th, 2010
7 P.M
National Film Board Theatre
150 John Street (at Richmond)
$5 for CJS Members
$10 for Non-Members

As always, we will also be having a post-screening party at Everest after the film. The informal get-together is a great way for attendees to practice their English/Japanese while discussing the film and meeting some new people.

Hope to see you there!

Community Event: Free Lunchtime Video Screenings at the Japan Information Centre

2010-06-02T14:47:00.001-04:00

June 03/10: Ichimokukai: Live Music and Traditional Dance Performance

2010-05-31T17:32:00.003-04:00

It sure feels like summer outside....so it's the perfect time to enjoy the Canada Japan Society's ichimokukai!

Ichimoku-kai literally means the "first Thursday meeting" and since 1995 it has been the Canada Japan Society of Toronto's monthly social event, naturally on the first Thursday of every month.

It is a great place to make new friends, practice your English and/or Japanese, informally network, learn more about life in Canada and Japan, and most of all…have fun! Our attendees are usually around 50 percent Canadian and 50 percent Japanese, all with a common interest or connection with Japan.

At Ichimoku-kai you will receive special food and drink discounts and have the chance to win some exciting door prizes.

This month we feature a FINAL live performance by KEITA, a great Japanese singer songwriter who'll perform some famous covers and original songs as well. We will also have a performance of traditional Japanese dancing as well!

It will be lots of fun, so make sure to get there early for a seat!

Ichimoku-kai
Thursday June 3rd
MANPUKU
6pm to 10pm +
105 McCaul Street
Units 29-31 (in the Village by the Grange building, south of the Food Court)
There is a $5 cover charge for non-CJS members. Discounts are available for groups of three or more people.

Hope to see you there! Please send any questions to IMK@cjst.org

Community Event: Zazen Meditation Guidance

2010-05-25T14:37:00.002-04:00

Zazen - Meditation Guidance

"Communicating with nature, Imagining with a positive mind, Awareness of all senses, Harmonizing human relationships, Discovering yourself"

A free lecture by Katsuyuki Shimamoto, Master of Toyonaka Shosenji Temple
Osaka, Japan. With supplementary English translation

Attire: comfortable, relaxed clothing, and slippers or sandals. First come, first serve for 100 participants

Request a reservation at info@shinkikai.com

Sunday, June 6, 2010
3:00pm to 4:30pm
In the Aikido Tatami Dojo room
Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre
6 Garamond Court Toronto ON M3C1Z5, (416) 441-2345

This event is free, but donations to the Shinkikai or JCCC Aikikai are welcome.
Organized by the SHINKI-KAI Association of Japanese Canadian Business and Professionals and JCCC Aikikai

May 14/10: CJS 2010 Annual General Meeting

2010-05-04T10:45:00.007-04:00

You are cordially invited to the Canada Japan Society’s Annual General Meeting on Friday, May 14th, 2010 at the National Film Board of Canada.

As always, the AGM features a generous array of Japanese food and drinks, and the event is free for all current CJS members – one of the great perks of membership! Further, we are offering two new enhancements this year:

1. The AGM & reception will be combined with Movie Night for a big, memorable Friday evening; and

2. In response to numerous requests, the AGM will be open to non-members for a $20 admission fee (or even better – become a CJS member and enjoy free admission)

The evening will begin with the AGM, where we will review the CJS’s activities over the past year, as well as discuss goals for the upcoming year and beyond. Also on the agenda is the election of the 2010/11 Board of Directors. Please note that only current CJS members will be able to vote.

The short AGM will be followed by a special screening of Tetsuya Nakashima’s (“Kamikaze Girls”, “Memories of Matsuko”) 1997 directorial debut, “Happy Go Lucky” (夏時間の大人たち). This delightful 73-minute comedy tells the tale of fourth-grader Takashi, who along with four of his classmates cannot succeed in doing a forward pullover around a horizontal bar; his entire future appears to depend upon mastering it! His parents both seem to be acting weird and his cousin won't stop kissing him and beating him up. He's definitely stressed... and he's asking a lot of questions and pondering why things are the way they are.

After the movie, we get to the festive part of the evening. Mingle with your CJS friends at the famous AGM reception featuring Japanese food and a host of beverages!

The AGM is the perfect opportunity to renew your CJS membership, meet your fellow CJS members, and exercise your vote. Let’s celebrate another great CJS year, and share our ideas on how to make the next fiscal year even better.

2010 CJS ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Friday, May 14, 2010
6:30 p.m. to 11:00 pm (doors open at 6:00 p.m.)

National Film Board Theatre
150 John Street (at Richmond), 2nd Floor

CJS Members: FREE
Non-CJS Members: $20

Please RSVP to: jeff@cjst.org

AGENDA

1. Opening Remarks – Ken Bole, President

2. Highlights of Previous Year –Jeff Harju, Vice-President

3. Presentation of the Financial Statements – Don Waters, Treasurer

4. Departing Directors 
Sonia Cardillo

5. Election of the 2010 – 2011 CJS Board of Directors  
New Slate:
 Don Waters: Treasurer 
Jeff Harju: Vice President 
Grethe Liverud: Vice President
 Linda Adachi: Communications
 Fumiko Shiba: Director 
Atiq Ahmed: Director 
Chi Diep: Director
 Toshie Marinov: Director 
Ryan Kam: Director
 Masayo Toyama: Director 
David Simpson: Director
 Ken Bole: President

6. New President’s Address - President

7. Other Business – President

8. Adjournment of Annual General Meeting (film followed by reception)

May 06, 2010 Don't Miss ICHIMOKUKAI in May!

2010-04-28T10:03:00.002-04:00

The cherry blossoms are almost gone! Come celebrate the Spring one last time this year at the Canada Japan Society's ichimokukai party!

Ichimoku-kai literally means the "first Thursday meeting" and since 1995 it has been the Canada Japan Society of Toronto's monthly social event, naturally on the first Thursday of every month.

It is a great place to make new friends, practice your English and/or Japanese, informally network, learn more about life in Canada and Japan, and most of all…have fun! Our attendees are usually around 50 percent Canadian and 50 percent Japanese, all with a common interest or connection with Japan.

At Ichimoku-kai you will receive special food and drink discounts and have the chance to win some exciting door prizes.

Hot off his gig last month, we're featuring a return live performance by “KEITA”, a great Japanese singer songwriter who'll perform some famous covers and original songs as well.

We'll also have new information about our next HUGE event.....our Annual General Meeting on Friday May 14th!

Ichimoku-kai
Thursday May 6th
MANPUKU
6pm to 10pm +
105 McCaul Street
Units 29-31 (in the Village by the Grange building, south of the Food Court)

There is a $5 cover charge for non-CJS members. Discounts are available for groups of three or more people.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me: jeff@cjst.org

Community Event: A Literary Evening with Takashi Atoda and Jiro Asada

2010-04-15T10:20:00.003-04:00

Takashi Atoda (Black Humor Nyumon, Napoleon Crazy) and Jiro Asada (Metro Ni Notte, Poppoya) two of Japan's most respected contemporary authors, will discuss their works. The talks will be conducted in Japanese with English interpretation.

Date: Thursday April 29, 2010, 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Location: Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre (JCCC), 6 Garamond Ct., Toronto
Admission: $10 for JCCC members, $12 for non-members
*Please reserve your tickets by calling 416-441-2345

Organized by JCCC and The Japan Foundation in cooperation with PEN Canada and PEN Japan

April 16/10: The CJS's April Movie Night at the National Film Board is Takashi Miike's "Scars of the Sun" 太陽の傷

2010-04-05T09:56:00.002-04:00

The Canada Japan Society, as part of our continuing Movie Nights at the National Film Board of Canada, is proud to present Takashi Miike’s 2006 controversial “Scars of the Sun”.

Starring Sho Aikawa, Scars of the Sun tells the tale of an everyday salaryman who decides to do a good deed……and suffers terribly for it. He’s crucified by the media and abandoned by the both the police and justice system. What should he do?

This film shows director Miike at his best. It’s a very dark tale excellently told, taking incidents straight from Japanese headlines and combining them into a suspenseful criticism of parts of Japanese society. Aikawa shines as he plays a character against his regular casting, struggling with a moral dilemma. The movie is a very scary (though not horror) and at times disturbing take on revenge vs. forgiveness, resulting in a powerful film that you will surely not forget.

As usual, the screening will be followed by a post-party at Everest Café…a great place to casually meet new people from the CJS and talk a bit about the movie and the issues it’s sure to raise. Also please come and hear about our “special” plans for our May Movie Night….

Scars of the Sun (2006)
Friday, April 16th
National Film Board Theatre
150 John Street (at Richmond)
7 p.m. start
CJS Members $5
Non-Members $10

Hope to see you there!

カナダでサバイバル – 新住民のためのカナダ情報 (Surviving in Canada – Information for Newcomers)

2010-04-05T09:51:00.002-04:00

トロント日加協会(CJS)から第二回““カナダでサバイバル – 新住民のためのカナダ情報”のご案内です。

“カナダでサバイバル – 新住民のためのカナダ情報”
4月28日　水曜日　6.30 PM – 9.30 PM トロント国際交流基金
(Japan Foundation, Toronto)

当イベントは、留学や永住権を取得したい、またはトロントでの生活を経験したいなど様々な理由で滞在してる、カナダに来て間もない日本人を対象に開催されます。3名の講演者がそれぞれの体験談やアドバイスを当イベントに参加された皆様にお話します。講演の内容は移住に関する事項や日々の生活で生じる問題、そしてカナダに住む日本人としてどこにサポートを求めればいいかなど多岐に渡ります。また、カナダで生活していく上でどのような問題に直面するのか、カナダ社会への適応などもお話していただきます。

講演は日本語で行われ、終了後に簡単な質疑応答(英語または日本語)を予定しております。後半のイベントとしてレセプションが行われます。このレセプションでは飲み物が用意されます。

この機会を講演者や他の参加者とのネットワークにぜひご利用ください。

皆様からいただいた参加費は当イベントの費用として使わせていただきます。参加ご希望の方は4月24日までにgrethe@cjst.orgまでご連絡ください。カナダの生活を始めたばかりの皆様にとっては見逃せないイベントです。

2010年　4月28日　水曜日
6:30 p.m – 受付開始
6:45 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. (講演 - 質疑応答)
8:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. (レセプション)
トロント国際交流基金(The Japan Foundation, Toronto)
131 Bloor Street West, Suite 213
Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1R1
参加費: $5

Community Event: Free Lunchtime Video Screenings at the Japan Information Centre

2010-04-03T09:18:00.002-04:00

Every month, the Japan Information Centre (JIC) screens short video features on modern Japanese culture, society and other subjects in the JIC Event Room.
These screenings are wonderful opportunities to discover many things about Japan.

This month's video is "Project X: Innovators: Tokyo Tower - Mind over Matter"

A quick summary:

+ Tokyo Tower was completed after a miraculous fifteen months of high-speed construction and was then the tallest TV tower in the world.
+ Four thousand tons of steel beams were precisely bolted together at dizzying heights.
+ The project was made possible by a group of ambitious young construction workers.
+ Two of them were also planning to marry when the tower was completed.
+ On October 9, 1958 the workers ventured to raise the giant antenna.
+ Just as the antenna had been hoisted to a height of 250m, strong winds of 16 meters per second suddenly began to blow but the site supervisor ordered that they continue.
+ A voice echoed throughout the sight as it called out directions from the top of the tower to those operating the winch below.
+ At last the giant antenna was attached to the tower, extending it to 333 meters.

Wednesday, April 21st 1:10-1:55p.m.
Friday, May 7th 12:10-12:55p.m.
Wednesday, May 19th 1:10-1:55p.m.

Feel free to drop in with your lunch!

For additional information, contact the Japan Information Centre, Consulate General of Japan at 416-363-5488.

Japan Information Centre, Consulate General of Japan
Suite 110, 6 Garamond Court, Don Mills, ON M3C 1Z5
Phone: 416-363-5488
URL: www.toronto.ca.emb-japan.go.jp

Ichimokukai is this Thursday, April 1st!

2010-03-29T21:44:00.002-04:00

Spring is finally here and it's time to have some fun at the Canada Japan Society’s Ichimokukai party on April 1st!

Ichimoku-kai literally means the "first Thursday meeting" and since 1995 it has been the Canada Japan Society of Toronto's monthly social event, naturally on the first Thursday of every month.

It is a great place to make new friends, practice your English and/or Japanese, informally network, learn more about life in Canada and Japan, and most of all…have fun! Our attendees are usually around 50 percent Canadian and 50 percent Japanese, all with a common interest or connection with Japan.

At Ichimoku-kai you will receive special food and drink discounts and have the chance to win some exciting door prizes.

This month we feature a live musical performance from “KEITA”, a great Japanese singer songwriter who'll perform some famous covers and some original songs as well.

We'll also have new information about some of the CJS upcoming events including our famous Boat Cruise and Annual General Meeting!

Ichimoku-kai
Thursday April 1st
MANPUKU
6pm to 10pm +
105 McCaul Street
Units 29-31 (in the Village by the Grange building, south of the Food Court)

There is a $5 cover charge for non-CJS members. Discounts are available for groups of three or more people.

Hope to see you there!

The CJS Movie Night is BOUNCE KOGALS 「バウンスKo GALS」

2010-03-15T18:04:00.006-04:00

The Canada-Japan Society’s 2009 – 2010 Movie Nights series continues this Friday, with a screening of Masato Harada’s controversial award-winner, “Bounce Ko Gals”.

Set in the fading bubble economy against a backdrop of the “paid dating” (enjo kosai) scene, the film follows the trials and tribulations of three girls over the span of one day and night in the ultra-trendy Shibuya district of Tokyo. The film combines seediness and sentimentality in a coming-of-age drama, with some truly memorable characters.

Masato Harada is one of the more thoughtful directors in the Japanese movie industry. He has lived and worked for long periods in the West, informing his unique, insightful perspectives on Japanese society. “Bounce Ko Gals” won numerous awards on the film festival circuit in Japan, particularly for screenwriting and the acting of the three young leads Hitomi Sato, Yasue Sato, and Yukiko Okamoto. The films also features Japanese stalwart Koji Yakusho.

As usual, the screening will be followed by an after-party at Everest Café. Join us!

Bounce Ko Gals
1997, 110 minutes
Director: Masato Harada
Cast: Hitomi Sato, Yasue Sato, Yukiko Okamoto, Koji Yakusho

Friday, March 19, 2010 at 7:00 p.m.
NFB Theatre
150 John Street (at Richmond), 2nd floor

CJS Members $5, Non-Members $10

After-party at Everest Café (232 Queen St. W.)

March 4/10: Ichi-Moku-Kai at Manpuku

2010-03-02T13:33:00.006-05:00

Join us at Manpuku this Thursday (March 4th) for Ichi-Moku-Kai, our legendary monthly social event!

We’re now in our 15th year of IMK, stronger than ever. And as always, we receive special food and drink discounts as IMK attendees.

Ichi-Moku-Kai
Thursday, March 4, 2010
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

Free for CJS members; $5 for guests

Hope to see you there!

March 6/10: Sake lecture at the Japan Foundation

2010-03-02T12:53:00.005-05:00

On Saturday, March 6, 2010, our esteemed colleagues at the Japan Foundation are presenting a special, free-admission lecture on Sake culture. Tastings of three sakes will be offered. Please read on for details...

Date:
Saturday, March 6, 2010 at 7:00 p.m.

Location:
The Japan Foundation, Toronto
131 Bloor Street West, 2nd Floor

RSVP Required:
416.966.1600 ext. 102, or through online registration.

Contact: info@jftor.org

Ms. Chieko Fujita was born in Gunma Prefecture, Japan. She is a writer and a journalist, writing mainly about the sake culture of Japan. She has visited many local sake breweries all over Japan and one of her goals is to bring this culture to the public. Ms. Fujita also organizes the “Fermentation Link”, which brings together sake brewers, the producers of Japanese traditional fermented seasonings (such as miso and shoyu), chefs, and consumers through various workshops and networking activities.

Her articles have appeared in many magazines, and she is the author of numerous books, including Bishu no Sekkei (“Designing Excellent Sake,” published by Magazine House), Japan’s Daiginjo 100 (published by Shinchosha), Touji toiu shigoto (“The Job Called Sake Brewer,” published by Shinchosha) and Gokujo no chomiryo wo motomete (“In Search of Ultimate Seasonings,” published by Bungeishunju).

March 5/10: "2010 Asian Footprints" conference on Japanese food

2010-02-26T13:47:00.006-05:00

Our colleagues at the Munk Centre for International Studies Asian Institute, along with the Japan Foundation, the Consulate-General of

Japan

, and the Japan Information Centre, are presenting a conference on Japanese food. Read on...

Location: Vivian and David Campbell Conference Facility, University of Toronto, 1 Devonshire Place
Date and Time: Friday, March 5, 2010 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Website: www.utoronto.ca/ai/asianfoodprints
Register for conference: General admission $10, Student admission $5. Register here
Register for dinner: General admission $75, Student admission $65. Register here
Contact: asian.institute@utoronto.ca

The 2010 Asian Foodprints conference will focus on Japan and Japanese food. The aim of this event is to use Japanese food and its culinary traditions as windows to explore both continuities and change in Japanese society.

From Sanrio’s global merchandising of Kogepan, to saturated television programming in Japan about cuisine, to the cultural economy of fish and rice, food makes up the very social, political, and economic fabric of Japan. The globalization of sushi and the syndication of the Iron Chef model worldwide are a testament to the popular reach of Japanese food. And the several academic treatments of Japanese cuisine and food more generally are proof of their scholarly intrigue.

As such, this conference marries the popular with the academic. Indeed, as an important nexus between east and west, modern Japan has played a significant role in shaping global society, prompting ever more curiosity about the evolution of Japanese cuisine and food culture. In addition to a more “hands-on” perspective on Japanese food, the conference will feature three panel discussions about Food and Social Identity; Practicing Japanese Food Culture; and Food, Politics and Economy.

Feb. 19/10 - CJS Movie Night & Special Reception

2010-02-10T15:04:00.009-05:00

You are cordially invited to help celebrate the half-way mark of the sixth season of CJS Movie Nights at the National Film Board of Canada! Please join us on Friday, February 19th for a screening of Kenji Uchida’s “A Stranger of Mine” (Unmei janai hito), followed by a special wine & cheese reception.

This obscure gem of a film portrays the lives of a recently-jilted woman, a hapless salaryman, his con of an ex-girlfriend, a disillusioned private detective, and a mob boss. What starts off as a seemingly simple, typical “rom-com” develops into an intriguing, Rashomon-style web of perspectives as provided by each of the five characters. “A Stranger of Mine”, a multiple award-winner on the film festival circuit, is a charming, light-hearted tale that’s sure to generate conversation at the post-screening reception.

Speaking of which… Please do stay and join us for the wine & cheese reception after the movie. What better way to spend a mid-winter Friday evening than to watch a delightful film, and then mingle with your CJS friends over food and drinks.

A STRANGER OF MINE (Unmei janai hito)
2005, 98 minutes
Director: Kenji Uchida
Cast: Yasushi Nakamura, Reika Kirishima, So Yamanaka, Yuka Itaya, Kisuke Yamashita

Friday, February 19, 2010
6:30 p.m. (please note the early start time)
National Film Board Theatre
150 John Street (at Richmond), 2nd floor

CJS Members $15, Non-Members $20 (admission includes film and reception)

There will be limited seating available for this event, so please RSVP to Jeff Harju to reserve a seat.

Ichi-Moku-Kai (IMK) on Feb. 4/10

2010-02-03T16:53:00.002-05:00

Has it been an awesome winter so far, or what? Snowless and mild for the most part – let’s drink to that!

So, come on down to Manpuku tomorrow night and enjoy a little February cheer with your CJS friends. As usual, IMK-ers receive great discounts on Japanese food and drinks.

Ichi-Moku-Kai
Thursday, February 4, 2010
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)
Free for CJS members; $5 for guests

Japan Trivia: Why zippers always have "YKK" on them

2010-01-13T10:26:00.004-05:00

Read about Yoshida Kogyo Kabushikikaisha here.

CJS Movie Night - "A Taxing Woman" on Jan. 15/10

2010-01-08T18:28:00.001-05:00

Please joins us next Friday for the first CJS Movie Night of 2010, as we present Juzo Itami’s 1987 comedy classic, “A Taxing Woman” (Marusa no onna).

Nobuko Miyamoto stars as a tax inspector, assigned to investigate the owner of a chain of love hotels. Over time, the plucky and earnest government agent learns that the hotel owner (Tsutomu Yamazaki) is very creative when it comes to taxes…but also rather sympathetic as a human being.

Itami, best-known for his ‘noodle-western’ comedy “Tampopo”, provides a wry commentary on Japan’s political corruption and tax quagmire, as well as a snapshot of the country’s bubble-economy culture. Released in 1987, “A Taxing Woman” won nine Japanese Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Director, Actor, and Actress.

A Taxing Woman (1987, 127 minutes)
Director: Juzo Itami
Cast: Nobuko Miyamoto, Tsutomu Yamazaki, Masahiko Tsugawa

Friday, January 15, 2010 at 7:00 pm
National Film Board of Canada
150 John Street (at Richmond), 2nd Fl.

CJS members: $5
Guests: $10

After-party at Everest Café (232 Queen St. W.)

Ichi-Moku-Kai (IMK) on Jan. 7/10

2010-01-05T17:47:00.004-05:00

Happy New Year! I hope you had a great holiday season.

Come join your CJS friends this Thursday (January 7th) as we kick off the new decade with our legendary monthly gathering, Ichi-Moku-Kai, at Manpuku.

Manpuku menu = wallet-friendly.

Japanese food = healthy compared to what you had over the holidays.

These are important things in January.

So, do swing by on Thursday and help us celebrate the start of what promises to be another productive, fun-filled CJS year. Hope to see you there!

Ichi-Moku-Kai
Thursday, January 7, 2010
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)
Free for CJS members; $5 for guests

Japanese Film Screenings: Dec. 9 - 13, 2009

2009-11-27T11:16:00.005-05:00

Our colleagues at the Japan Foundation are offering free screenings of Japanese films. Read on...

FREE Screenings of Films from Japan
at the BLOOR CINEMA (506 Bloor St. W.)

December 9 - 13, 2009

The Japan Foundation presents four free screenings of contemporary Japanese films at the Bloor Cinema.

Films:
THE STARS CONVERGE - Wednesday, December 9 at 7:00 p.m.
WOMEN IN THE MIRROR - Thursday, December 10 at 7:00 p.m.
THE MILK WOMAN - Saturday, December 12 at 7:00 p.m.
DOG IN A SIDECAR - Sunday, December 13 at 4:30 p.m.

Location:
Bloor Cinema
506 Bloor Street West
Toronto, ON

Admission: FREE! No RSVP required.

Supported by the Consulate-General of Japan in Toronto

Please visit the Japan Foundation Toronto site for more details.

BONENKAI! Thursday, December 3rd, 2009

2009-11-14T19:40:00.005-05:00

December is coming and that means it’s time for the Canada Japan Society’s legendary BONENKAI celebration and party.

Bonenkai literally means “forget the year party” and it’s the perfect time to celebrate the end of another successful year and banish any negative memories you might have of 2009. The Canada Japan Soc...iety is building on our successful Bonenkai events of years past with this, our largest party of the year.

We would love to have you join this event and enjoy an evening of meeting new people with a connection/interest in Japan, reconnecting with those you haven’t seen for a while, informal networking, practicing your English and/or Japanese, learning more about the Canada Japan Society, and most of all…..have a great time.

This year we’re moving our venue from the now defunct Mochizuki to the cozy confines of the sleek ALIO Wine Bar on Dundas Street West near Bay.

BONENKAI
Thursday, December 3rd, 2009
6 p.m. to 12 a.m.
ALIO Wine Bar
108 Dundas Street West (at Bay)

CJS Members and Students $15
Non-Members $20
Admission includes lots of great food, live musical performances and fun.

If you would like to attend, or for more information, please RSVP to Jeff Harju.

***The Canada Japan Society is an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing a better understanding between Canada and Japan.

****************************

今年最後の月がもうすぐやってきます。12月といえば日加協会の忘年会を抜きに語ることはできません。

「その年にあったことを忘れる会」忘年会とは文字通りその年を忘れる会。日加協会の忘年会はこの一年の成功を祝い、また嫌な出来事を忘れて新年への飛躍の糧にする絶好のイベントです。日加協会の忘年会で楽しいひと時を過ごすしませんか。年間行事の中で最大規模を誇る当協会の忘年会は毎年大変な好評を頂いております。

日本という共通の話題で新しい友達を作ったり、しばらく遠ざかっていた友人と再会する。忘年会をとおして友達の輪を広げたり、英語・日本語でいろいろな話をしてみる。楽しさ盛りだくさんのパーティーです。そして、日加協会の具体的な活動を知るまたとないチャンス。でも忘年会で一番大切なのはみんなで「楽しむこと」。皆様のご参加をお待ちしております！

今年の会場はMochizukiからおしゃれでリラックスした雰囲気のALIO Wine Barに移りました。Bayに近いDundas Street West で便利なロケーションです。料金には食事とライブ音楽の料金が含まれています。

日加協会忘年会
日時：2009年12月3日木曜日
午後6時から12時深夜まで
場所： ALIO Wine Bar
108 Dundas Street West (at Bay)

会費
日加協会会員及び学生：$15
日加協会会員以外：$20

参加希望の方及び詳細に関してはJeff Harjuまでご連絡ください。

日加協会は、日加間の交流を促進し、相互理解を深めるために設立された独立の非営利団体です。

Movie Night - "The Twilight Samurai" on Nov. 20/09

2009-11-10T13:58:00.003-05:00

The CJS’s 2009 – 2010 Movie Nights series continues on Friday, November 20th with a screening of “The Twilight Samurai”.

Seibei, a lowly samurai, toils under financial hardship to raise his two daughters after his wife’s untimely death. He is nicknamed Twilight, for he always returns straight home after work to care for his family, never socializing with colleagues. Through an unfortunate turn of events, Seibei is forced to confront issues of courage, honour and love.

Director Yoji Yamada, perhaps best-known for his prolific output of Tora-san (Otoko wa tsurai yo) movies, brings a surprising perspective on the samurai period drama (jidai geki). Set in the late Tokugawa Period – near the twilight of the samurai years – the film portrays the domestic life of the average samurai, who struggle for survival with no wars to fight. Those expecting the usual hardboiled, sword-brandishing machismo will be surprised by this sentimental, quietly-paced work.

“The Twilight Samurai” swept the 2003 Japanese Academy Awards, winning in 12 categories including Film, Director, Screenplay, Actor, Actress, and Cinematography. It also earned a 2004 Oscar nomination for Best Foreign Language Film.

The Twilight Samurai (2002, 129 minutes)
Director: Yoji Yamada
Cast: Hiroyuki Sanada, Rie Miyazawa

Friday, November 20, 2009 at 7:00 pm
National Film Board of Canada
150 John Street (at Richmond), 2nd Fl.

CJS members: $5
Guests: $10

After-party at Everest Café (232 Queen St. W.) – join us!

Ichi-Moku-Kai (IMK) on Nov. 5/09

2009-10-27T18:09:00.003-04:00

As much as I’d like to say that the Ichi-Moku-Kai coming up on Thursday, November 5th is the penultimate IMK for 2009 (just because I get to use the world “penultimate”), it is actually the final one for 2009.

Why? It’s because the first Thursday of December (Dec. 3rd) will be the date of our 2009 Bonenkai (end-of-year party). Save the date for this hugely popular annual event, and stay tuned for details.

So, back to the November IMK. As usual, Manpuku offers a fun Japanese menu and Japanese drinks at reasonable prices. This month we’ll be featuring a special live performance by Tatsu the Fiddler. Our house band, Bonito Beat, might be popping by as well.

Ichi-Moku-Kai
Thursday, November 5, 2009
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)
Free for CJS members; $5 for guests

CJS Movie Night - "Inugami" on Oct. 16/09

2009-10-06T17:02:00.003-04:00

It's October! Get ready for the CJS's annual Halloween Movie Night!

This year we present Masato Harada's supernatural drama, "Inugami" (Dog God). The film mixes ancient myth and ceremony with the beauty of rural Shikoku in telling the tale of a family's inherited curse and descent into madness.

Popular actress Yuki Amami stars as a mysterious villager, who becomes involved with a younger man new to town. Soon, tragedies start to strike the village...

Don't miss this eerie,disturbing psycho-drama, the winner of several film festival prizes worldwide.

Inugami (2001, 106 minutes)
Director: Masato Harada
Cast: Yuki Amami, Atsuro Watabe, Eugene Harada, Shiho Fujimura, Eugene Harada

Friday, October 16, 2009 at 7:00 pm
National Film Board of Canada
150 John Street (at Richmond), 2nd Fl.

CJS members: $5
Guests: $10

Thurs., Oct. 1/09 - Ichimokukai

2009-09-30T09:34:00.002-04:00

Come celebrate the start of autumn at the Canada Japan Society’s Ichimokukai party on October 1st!

Ichimoku-kai literally means the "first Thursday meeting" and since 1995 it has been the Canada Japan Society of Toronto's monthly social event, naturally on the first Thursday of every month.

It is a great place to make new friends, practice your English and/or Japanese, informally network, learn more about life in Canada and Japan, and most of all…have fun! Our attendees are usually around 50 percent Canadian and 50 percent Japanese, all with a common interest or connection with Japan.

At Ichimoku-kai you will receive special food and drink discounts and have the chance to win some exciting door prizes.

This month we're featuring a special live jazz performance by the Dennis Sung Trio. Bonito Beat, our "house band", might drop in as well!

Ichimoku-kai
Thursday, October 1, 2009
MANPUKU
6pm to 10pm +
105 McCaul Street
Units 29-31 (in the Village by the Grange building, south of the Food Court)

There is a $5 cover charge for non-CJS members. Discounts are available for groups of three or more people.

If you have any questions, please contact me: jeff@cjst.org

Jeff Harju
Director
CJS
jeff@cjst.org

Ichimoku-kai September 3, 2009

2009-09-01T11:42:00.001-04:00

Come celebrate the end of summer at The Canada Japan Society’s Ichimokukai party on September 3rd!

Ichimoku-kai literally means the "first Thursday meeting" and since 1995 it has been the Canada Japan Society of Toronto's monthly social event, naturally on the first Thursday of every month.

It is a great place to make new friends, practice your English and/or Japanese, informally network, learn more about life in Canada and Japan, and most of all…have fun! Our attendees are usually around 50 percent Canadian and 50 percent Japanese, all with a common interest or connection with Japan.

At Ichimoku-kai you will receive special food and drink discounts and have the chance to win some exciting door prizes.

Our "house" band, "Bonito Beat", will return for another live performance , including some background music as well.

Ichimoku-kai
Thursday September 3rd
MANPUKU
6pm to 10pm +
105 McCaul Street
Units 29-31 (in the Village by the Grange building, south of the Food Court)

There is a $5 cover charge for non-CJS members. Discounts are available for groups of three or more people.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me: jeff@cjst.org

Jeff Harju
Director
CJS
jeff@cjst.org

Shinsedai Festival: August 21-23, 2009

2009-08-05T16:15:00.011-04:00

The Canada Japan Society is proud to help promote this new and exciting film festival featuring the new wave of young Japanese filmmakers. Click on the image below for more details, or visit: www.shinsedai-fest.com

CJS Movie Night Season Finale and Reception; "The Uchouten Hoteru"

2009-07-06T16:45:00.001-04:00

The Canada Japan Society cordially invites you to the end of our fifth season of showing great Japanese movies at the National Film Board of Canada, in the hopes of bringing Canadian and Japanese cultures closer together.

For this event we are presenting the highly acclaimed ensemble comedy piece “The Uchouten Hoteru” by director Koki Mitani (Rajio no Jikan, the Magic Hour). This hilarious film tells the story of an off the wall New Years Eve at a famous hotel. It stars a huge cast of “who’s who” in Japan, including Koji Yakusho, Takako Matsu, Koichi Sato, and Ryoko Shinohara, amongst many more. The film was nominated for 11 Japanese academy awards in 2006 and helped solidify Koki Mitani as one of Japan’s most gifted writers and directors.

The Canada Japan Society also invites attendees to the post movie reception at the National Film Board. This wine and cheese party (of course there will be lots of other beverages and snacks as well) will be a great place to meet and talk with others about the film, practice your English or Japanese, learn more about the Canada Japan Society, and most importantly have fun on a Friday night! The reception is included in the ticket price.

The Uchouten Hoteru (2006)
Friday, July 17th
6:30 pm start
National Film Board Theatre
150 John Street (at Richmond)
CJS Members $15, Non-Members $20

There will be limited seating available for this event, so if you wish to attend please RSVP to jeff@cjst.org to have a reserved seat.

For more information, or to make a reservation, please contact me at jeff@cjst.org

_________________

日加協会による今シーズン最後の映画のご案内です。日本とカナダの架け橋となるイベントとして毎月National Film Board ofCanadaでムービーナイトが開催されます。

今シーズン最後の上映は三谷幸喜監督（ラヂオの時間、ザ・マジックアワー）による「THE 有頂天ホテル」、2006年度の大ヒット作品。大晦日の夜、有名ホテルで起こる人間模様を描いたコメディーです。役所広司、松たか子、佐藤浩市、篠原涼子、その他多数が出演、まるで俳優の人名録を見ているようです。

最も才能のある監督の一人として評価の高い三谷幸喜監督による当作品は2006年の日本アカデミー賞で11部門にノミネートされました。

映画の後は日加協会主催によるワイン＆チーズパーティーをお楽しみください。映画の話や英語や日本語の練習、また日加協会の活動内容を知る絶好の機会です。金曜日の夜、楽しいひと時をおすごしください。映画のチケット料金にはパーティーの会費も含まれています。

座席に限りがありす。参加ご希望の方は jeff@cjst.orgまで予約をお願いいたします。イベントの詳細についても上記のメールアドレスまでご連絡ください。

Canada Japan Society Annual General Meeting

2009-05-21T11:28:00.001-04:00

The Board of Directors of the Canada-Japan Society
Invites all CJS members to attend

THE 2009 CJS ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
6:30 p.m. (doors open at 6:00 p.m.)

At the offices of
McMillan LLP
Brookfield Place, Suite 4400 Bay Wellington Tower
181 Bay Street

Drinks and hors d’oeuvres beginning at 6:00 p.m.
Perfect time to renew your CJS membership

The following items are included in the agenda:
Report of the Directors
Presentation of the Financial Statements of the Society
Election of the 2009-2010 Board of Directors

Many of the current Board Members will be standing for re-election,
and a slate of proposed Board Members will be announced on our
website and blog by May 8th.

This is the perfect opportunity to renew your CJS Membership!

Come out and meet your fellow CJS members, exercise your vote, celebrate
another great CJS year, and share your ideas on how to make the next fiscal year
even better.

Please RSVP before May 25, 2009 to:

shalini.singh@mcmillan.ca or 416.865.7148

CJS Movie Night: BOY'S CHOIR

2009-05-01T21:57:00.003-04:00

BOY'S CHOIR: A moving coming of age drama set in 1970's Japan

The Canada Japan Society shows a Japanese movie at the National Film Board of Canada on the third Friday of every month. This month we are featuring Akira Ogata’s touching coming of age drama set in an orphanage in 1970’s Japan. It's a moving film that brings many social/political issues of Japan at that time into the story. It is accompanied by some great performances by both Teruyuki Kagawa and Sora Toma.

The film was showcased in the Berlin Fim Festival and won numerous awards, both in Japan and elsewhere.

Boy’s Choir (Dokuritsu shonen gasshôdan) (2000)
Friday, May 15th
7 pm
National Film Board Theatre
150 John Street (at Richmond)
CJS Members $5, Non-Members $10

There will also be a post party following the screening at Everest Café, which is a great place to meet new people, discuss the film, and learn more about the CJS.

CJS Movie Night: Welcome Back Mr. MacDonald

2009-04-15T16:24:00.002-04:00

Come on out and watch this acclaimed comedy by director Koki Mitani (Suite Dreams, The Magic Hour). The story centers around a troup of live radio drama actors that decide to alter the script on the fly.....with hilarious results.

This film won 4 Japanese academy awards in 1997 and was nominated for 9 more!

Welcome Back Mr. MacDonald (Rajio no jikan)
Friday, April 17th @ 7 pm
NFB Theatre
150 John Street
Admission: $10.00 non-members, $5.00 members

Post party after the showing

Email: jeff@cjst.org

ＣＪＳ／日加協会が主催するこのイベントへのご参加、心よりお待ちしています “Surviving in Canada – カナダで暮らす・就職・移民について”

2009-03-25T15:36:00.003-04:00

ＣＪＳ／日加協会が主催するこのイベントへのご参加、心よりお待ちしています
“Surviving in Canada – カナダで暮らす・就職・移民について”
４月２９日（水）　午後　６：３０－９：３０ Japan Foundation　にて

今回、ＣＪＳ（Canada Japan Society）がお届けするのは、カナダに来て間もない方、もしくはカナダで学生として勉強をし、その後仕事を探そうとしている方、そして移民を考えている方々に焦点を当てたイベントです。カナダで何年か生活された、３名の日本人スピーカーの方々が、それぞれの貴重な体験談やアドバイスなどを話してくださいます。きっと、これからのあなたのカナダ生活に何らかのヒントを与えてくれるでしょう。

お話していただく内容は、それぞれ、カナダでの就職経験について・移民について・そして日本人としてカナダで生活していくことについて、となっています。

さらに、カナダで暮らすことと、異国の文化に慣れていくことのチャレンジなどについてもお話してくださる予定です。スピーチは英語で行われますが、その後に設けてありますＱ＆Ａの時間は英語、日本語どちらでも可です。それらが終わった後には、会場に軽食をご用意しますので、スピーカーの方々や参加者とご自由にお過ごしください。こじんまりした会場でのイベントですので、お気軽にお越しください。

これらの参加費はCJSによって管理され、このイベントにかかる費用として充てられます。お席に限りがありますので、参加ご希望の方は4月24日までにこちらへ: grethe@cjst.org
最近カナダに来たJapanese Newcomer, 必見！ぜひ足を運んでください！
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The Canada - Japan Society of Toronto (CJS) cordially invites you to the event:

“Surviving in Canada – Immigration and Employment”
Wed. April 29, 6.30 PM – 9.30 PM at the Japan Foundation, Toronto

This event is for Japanese people new to Canada who are studying, looking for a job, or considering immigration. The purpose of this event is to make the transition to Canadian life easier by offering Japanese speakers with real life experience. We will have three speakers who will each share their unique experience and advice with the audience. They will cover topics such as job hunting and employment, immigration and living in Canada as Japanese. They will also share their view on the challenges of living in Canada and culture adoption.

The presentations will be in English followed by a short Q&A session in either Japanese or English. The second part of the evening includes a short reception where you will have the opportunity to network and talk with the speakers and other guests over some light refreshments. Participation fee collected by CJS will be used to cover the expenses of the event.
Please RSVP by April 24, 2009: grethe@cjst.org
If you are a Japanese newcomer to Canada, this is an event you don't want to miss.

CJS (Canada Japan Society of Toronto)は日本とカナダの文化交流、友好関係を目的として設立された非営利団体です。
The CJS (Canada Japan Society of Toronto) is an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing understanding of Canada, Japan, and Canada-Japan relations.
www.cjst.org

2009年4月29日（水）
6:45 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. (３名のスピーチ・Ｑ＆Ａ)
8:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. (軽食・懇親会)
The Japan Foundation, Toronto
131 Bloor Street West, Suite 213 （最寄駅　Bay Station）　
Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1R1
参加費：＄５

Wednesday, April 29, 2009
6:45 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. (Speakers - Q&A)
8:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. (Reception)
The Japan Foundation, Toronto
131 Bloor Street West, Suite 213
Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1R1
Participation Fee: $5

Ichimokukai: April 2, 2009

2009-03-21T09:31:00.000-04:00

It’s time once again for Ichimokukai! Ichimokukai literally means the "first Thursday meeting" and since 1995 it has been the Canada Japan Society of Toronto's monthly social event, naturally on the first Thursday of every month. It's a great place to make new friends, practice your English / Japanese, informally network, and have fun! Many different kinds of people come to Ichimokukai, including Canadians who've lived and worked in Japan, Japanese living and working or studying in Toronto, people interested in Japanese language or culture, and people with business ties to Japan.

We are now having Ichimokukai at the popular MANPUKU…there will be drink specials and most of the food is under $7!. Of course we also offer door prizes and lots of fun.

ICHIMOKUKAI
Thursday, April 2
6pm to 10pm +
MANPUKU
105 McCaul Street
Units 29-31 (in the Village by the Grange building, south of the Food Court)

Admission is free for CJS members, and visitors are welcome for a $5 cover charge. Discounts available for groups of three or more visitors.

CJS Movie Night; DEADLY OUTLAW REKKA 実録・安藤昇侠道伝烈火

2009-03-03T14:12:00.002-05:00

As part of The Canada Japan Society’s movie nights at the National Film Board, the CJS is proud to present Takashi Miike’s 2002 yakuza (gangster) epic “Deadly Outlaw Rekka”.

Starring Riki Takeuchi, Renji Ishibashi, Sonny Chiba, and Tetsuro Tanba, this is an electrifying movie that provides laughs, excitement, and some really crazy action. It has all the trademarks of a classic yakuza film; betrayal, revenge, honor and love set in the heart of modern day Shinjuku to a pounding rock score from the Japanese psychedelic rock group “Flower Travellin’ Band”.

Whether you’re a fan of action movies, the yakuza genre, or Miike as a director, don’t miss this little known gem from a prolific director.

Deadly Outlaw Rekka (実録・安藤昇侠道伝烈火)
Friday, March 20, 2009 at 7:00 pm
NFB Theatre, 2nd floor
150 John Street (NW corner of John & Richmond)

$5 for CJS members; $10 for non-members

As usual, there will be an after-party following the screening at Everest Café (232 Queen W.).

Canada Japan Society Blog

February 10, 2012: The February CJS Movie Night is "The Choice of Hercules"

February 2, 2012: February Ichimoku-kai (IMK)

January 20, 2012: The January CJS Movie Night is "Sawako Decides"

January 12, 2012: January Ichimoku-kai (IMK) is *next* week!

Free Japanese Films at the Royal Cinema this weekend!

December 1, 2011: CJS's Big Event - BONENKAI

November 18, 2011: CJS Movie Night "Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence"

November 13, 2011: CJS is Proud to Co-Sponsor "Surrogate Valentine" at the Reel Asian Film Festival

November 3, 2011: November Ichimoku-kai (IMK)

October 21, 2011: Movie Night with Wine and Cheese Reception

CONSUL GENERAL YAMAMOTO WELCOME RECEPTION

November 4, 2011: Lecture by Japanese Economist

October 6, 2011: October Ichimoku-kai (IMK)

September 16, 2011: The CJS Movie Night for September is "Fish Story"

September 13, 2011: The Translator and the Novelist: Japanese Writing After Fukushima

September 12, 2011: Japanese Literature Today

September 9, 2011: Japanese and Canadian Writers in Conversation

September 1, 2011: September Ichimoku-kai (IMK)

August 4, 2011: August Ichimokukai (IMK)

July 15th, 2011: Last Movie Night of the Summer is VILLAIN 悪人

July 7th, 2011: July Ichimokukai....LAST CHANCE FOR BOAT CRUISE TICKETS

CJS-JAVA-JETAA Boat Cruise Fundraiser

June 10, 2011: Movie Night - Chef of the Antarctic 南極料理人

June 2, 2011; June Ichimokukai

May 31, 2011: Japan Society Business Lunch: "The Changing Economic Global Landscape"

May 135h, 2011: THE CJS ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING and Movie Night

May 5th, 2011: ICHIMOKUKAI

Community Event: "Toronto to Japan: Hope Blossoms" gala fundraiser on April 21/11

April 15/11: CJS Movie Night - "All Around Us"

April 19, 2011: Surviving in Canada; Information for Newcomers

April 7, 2011: Ichi-Moku-Kai at Manpuku

Community Event: "ASHITA: Artists for Japan" fundraiser on March 29/11

March 18th, 2011: FUNDRAISER FOR JAPAN

March 18th, 2011: Movie Night is "CLIMBER'S HIGH" and Yosakoi Dance Performance

Community Event: Introduction to Japanese Contemporary Dance and Dancers

Community Event: 8th Annual Toronto Japanese Short Film Festival

March 3rd, 2011: ICHIMOKUKAI

February 18th, 2011: FUNUKE, Show Some Love You Losers

“Strawberry Shortcakes"

Community Event: Japan Canada Christmas Eve Party

December 2nd, 2010: BONENKAI!

November 26th, 2010 - The CJS Movie Night for November is "BAYSIDE SHAKEDOWN; the Movie" 踊る大捜査線

Community Event: April Bride at the Breast Fest Film Festival

November 13, 14, 2010 - CJS Co-Sponsors "TOILET" and "DEAR DOCTOR" at the REEL ASIAN Film Festival!

November 4th: the LAST ICHIMOKUKAI of 2010

Community Event: Free Lunchtime Video Screenings at the Japan Information Centre

Community Event: Koki Tanaka Artist Talk and Video Screening

October 22/10: CJS Movie Night/Wine & Cheese Reception Features GREEN MIND, METAL BATS

October 15/10: The CJS Presents a Lecture by Tokio Ohska on YUZURU: The Twilight Crane

October 07/10 Start Off the Fall With ICHIMOKUKAI!

Community Event: An Evening of Classical Guitar, Flute, and Violin from Japan

Community Event: Sayonara Hashima at the Japan Foundation

September 24/10: CJS Movie Night is "I JUST DIDN'T DO IT" それでもボクはやってない

September 09 /10: Opening Night Reception for Puzzle Project

September 02/10: SAKE Tasting at Ichimokukai

Community Event: Ogata Megumi: Live in Toronto!

Information Session From the Japan Foundation for the New Japanese Language Proficiency Test

Community Event: Free September Lunchtime Video Screenings at the Japan Information Centre

LOVE EXPOSURE 愛のむきだし "Exposed" in EYE WEEKLY

TICKET INFORMATION FOR LOVE EXPOSURE

August 05/10; Cultural Exchange and Fun at the CJS's Last ICHIMOKUKAI of the Summer

August 21/10: SPECIAL SUMMER EVENT: The Toronto Premiere of LOVE EXPOSURE

Community Event: The 2nd Annual Shinsedai Film Festival at the JCCC!

July 16/10: The CJS 2009/2010 MOVIE NIGHT Season Finale is "The Hanging Garden" 空中庭園

June 30/10: July's ICHIMOKUKAI is on WEDNESDAY June 30th...really!

June 11/10: CJS Movie Night: “Fine, Totally Fine”

Community Event: Free Lunchtime Video Screenings at the Japan Information Centre

June 03/10: Ichimokukai: Live Music and Traditional Dance Performance

Community Event: Zazen Meditation Guidance

May 14/10: CJS 2010 Annual General Meeting

May 06, 2010 Don't Miss ICHIMOKUKAI in May!

Community Event: A Literary Evening with Takashi Atoda and Jiro Asada

April 16/10: The CJS's April Movie Night at the National Film Board is Takashi Miike's "Scars of the Sun" 太陽の傷

カナダでサバイバル – 新住民のためのカナダ情報 (Surviving in Canada – Information for Newcomers)

Community Event: Free Lunchtime Video Screenings at the Japan Information Centre

Ichimokukai is this Thursday, April 1st!

The CJS Movie Night is BOUNCE KOGALS 「バウンスKo GALS」

March 4/10: Ichi-Moku-Kai at Manpuku

March 6/10: Sake lecture at the Japan Foundation

January 12, 2012: January Ichimoku-kai (IMK) is next week!

CJS Movie Night; DEADLY OUTLAW REKKA 実録・安藤昇侠道伝烈火