The Canada-Japan Society's "Bonenkai" is SOLD OUT - thank you to everyone who RSVP'd!

Until December 12, 2012: The Travel Road of Kiso - Photographs by Jeff Kucharski

We are pleased to inform you about a photography event currently taking place at The Japan Foundation, "Travel Road of Kiso: Photographs by Jeff Kucharski."

The Nakasendo was one of the major travel roads in Japan, established during the governance of the Tokugawa Shogunate in the Edo period (17th-19th century) which linked Edo (modern-day Tokyo) and Kyoto via Kiso. Kucharski, a Canadian diplomat, lived almost alongside the Nakasendo when he and his wife Hideko were first married.

The Kucharskis lived in Itabashi, on the outskirts of Tokyo, which used to be one of the post towns on the Nakasendo route. Encountering many preserved signs and references to the Nakasendo in his neighbourhood, Kucharski developed an interest in various aspects of this travel road, such as transportation, culture, politics, trade, and commerce. He became especially fascinated by the Edo and Meiji eras, in particular, the opening of Japan in the 1850s and the subsequent arrival of foreigners who traveled and wrote about early modern Japan.

Over 50 photographs introduce the beauty of Kiso, where history, the nostalgia of the rural community, and the serene mountain scenery are all peacefully combined.

This exhibition is running until December 12, 2012. For more information, please visit The Japan Foundation website.

November 22, 2012: CJS Small Business Networking Event

CJS Members: Are you interested in starting your own small business? Do you currently operate your own business? If so, you know the challenges in finding clients, branding yourself, staying motivated, and keeping your business running.

The Canada Japan Society is proud to present our second Small Business Networking Event on Thursday, November 22nd. This event will feature two great speakers who will give their insights and advice on starting a small business and keeping it going. There will also be ample opportunity to ask questions, talk with your fellow attendees, and expand your business network.

Our featured speakers include:

Ken Bole - Canadian Study Tours Ltd. - Ken Bole is the owner of Canadian Study Tours Ltd. and has been managing high school study tours from Japan to Canada for over twenty years. He is a talented orator and relationship builder and he will speak about how to keep your business running smoothly and your clients loyal.

Janine Harris - Keyring Media Inc. - Janine Harris is a Producer, Director and Editor with over 15 years experience developing and producing for commercials, television series and documentaries. She brings broadcast skill and technique along with web and new media strategies to develop training and marketing videos for small, mid-sized and large organizations, helping them to tell their story and promote their business using video.

The cost of admission to this event is $10 for CJS members and $15 for non-members. Admission includes delicious Japanese food!

If you would like to attend this event, please RSVP to masayo@cjst.ca by Tuesday, November 20th.  Thank you.

CJS SMALL BUSINESS NETWORKING EVENT
Thursday, November 22, 2012
6:15 to 9:00 pm
Manpuku Japanese Restaurant
105 McCaul Street, Units 29-31 (Village by the Grange Building, south of the food court)
Cost: $10 for CJS Members; $15 for non-members
Admission includes Japanese food
RSVP to masayo@cjst.ca by Tuesday, November 20

November 8, 2012: David Boyle's film "Daylight Savings" at the Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival

The Canada-Japan Society is proud to continue its long-running support of the Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival by sponsoring the screening of David Boyle's film, Daylight Savings. 

Daylight Savings sees the team of director David Boyle and actor/musician Goh Nakamura together again with a follow-up to last year's romantic comedy, Surrogate Valentine. Nakamura reprises his character, Goh, an alternate-universe version of himself, who finds that life is not quite imitating art when his suddenly successful life no longer mimics the lovelorn lyrics of his music.

Less of a sequel and and more of a new chapter, Daylight Savings explores relationships, break-ups, heartbreak and road trips in a more dreamy and melancholic tone than the previous film - all while still poking fun at the lifestyle of the working musician. 

DAYLIGHT SAVINGS @ Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Innis Town Hall Theatre
2 Sussex Avenue (at St. George)
5:40 pm start

CJS Members receive 25% off the regular price of single tickets when buying tickets online at reelasian.com. Simply enter promo code "community16" when prompted. Please note that this promo code is not valid for the purchase of passes or 4-packs.  For more ticket information, please visit the Reel Asian ticketing FAQ page. 

November 1: LIVE JAZZ at the November Ichimoku-kai

It’s getting cold outside, but it’ll be a hot night with LIVE JAZZ at the Canada-Japan Society’s ICHIMOKU-KAI on Thursday, November 1st. Everyone is invited to join us for a great evening of cultural exchange, tasty Japanese food and drinks, door prizes, and lots of fun!

Ichimoku-kai (IMK) literally means the “first Thursday meeting” and since 1995 it has been the Canada-Japan Society’s signature monthly social event, naturally taking place on the first Thursday of every month.  It is a great place to informally network, make new and interesting friends, practise your Japanese or English, and – most of all – have a good time!  Usually, half the attendees are Japanese and half are Canadian, all with an interest in or connection to Japan.  Attendees receive special food and drink discounts and have the chance to win some exciting door prizes.

This month’s IMK will feature a live performance of some cool jazz, funk, R&B, poetry and improvisation by The CCDC-M Band (Chris Kao, Chris Hercules, Dennis Song, Chris Virtue and Martin Kuwawi and featuring YUKO). It is sure to be an unforgettable night – so come out and come early! 

ICHIMOKU-KAI FEATURING THE CCDC-M BAND
Thursday, November 1st , 2012
6-10 pm
Manpuku Japanese Restaurant
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 28, 2012: CJSA Hallowe'en Party

This Sunday, October 28 will see the return of theJapanese Canadian Students' Association (JCSA) 2012 Hallowe'en Party, co-presented by CJS, JAVA and Japanada. There will be music, dancing, discounted drinks ($15 pitchers of beer) and a costume contest - so come on out in your best costume and celebrate Canada's most fun holiday!

Tickets are $5 in advance and $10 at the door.  This week, you can purchase tickets from Japanada (japanada.ca) on Tuesday (6-9pm) at Urbana Coffee at 920 Yonge Street, and from JCSA on Saturday (2-5pm) at U of T (see jcsaonline.ca for meeting location details).

For more information, please e-mail hajjjoween@gmail.com.  Thank you.

JCSA HALLOWE'EN PARTY
Sunday, October 28, 2012 
Starting at 8:30pm
The Annex WreckRoom
794 Bathurst Street, Toronto
Tickets: $10 at door, $5 in advance

 

October 26, 2012: Japanese and Canadian Writers in Conversation

Now in its second year, "Japanese and Canadian Writers in Conversation", an event hosted by The Japan Foundation, will again bring together two pairs of renowned Japanese and Canadian writers in conversation. Featured is a dialogue between novelists Hiromi Kawakami and Pasha Malla, contrasted and complimented by a second dialogue between poets Hiromi Ito and Roo Borson. Motoyuki Shibata and Ted Goossen, co-editors of the Japanese literary magazine, Monkey Business, will moderate.

Admission is free.  RSVP is required: click here or call 416-966-1600 x104.

For more information, including authors' bios, please visit The Japan Foundation website.


Japanese and Canadian Writers in Conversation
Friday, October 26, 2012
The Japan Foundation
131 Bloor Street West, 2nd floor
6:30 pm

October 4, 2012: October Ichimoku-kai (IMK)

September's been a busy month for the Canada-Japan Society, and we're excited that October will bring more events, starting with our famous Ichimoku-kai (IMK) on Thursday, October 4!  Start the fall season on the right foot by joining us for an evening of cultural exchange, tasty Japanese food and drinks, door prizes and good fun!

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, practise your English and/or Japanese, informally network, and most of all, have a good time!  Our attendees are usually around 50 percent Canadian and 50 percent Japanese, and all have 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 great door prizes.

We hope to see you there - and come early to get a good seat!


ICHIMOKU-KAI
Thursday, October 4, 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)

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

Important Update About "The Boat Cruise" on Saturday, September 29, 2012

If you are one of the lucky individuals who purchased a ticket for "The Boat Cruise" on Saturday, September 29, we just want to update you about a few important things.

First of all, boarding time begins at 6:30 pm and the boat departs at 7:00 pm.  If you arrive after 7:00 pm, you will be out of luck, sorry!  So please plan enough time to get there.

Secondly, please bring ID. If you plan to purchase alcohol on the boat, ID will be required (and you must be at least 19 years of age).

Finally, if you attended a boat cruise in prior years, please note that the docking location is NOT the same. (In prior years, people boarded at a pier at the foot of Yonge St.) This year's boat is operated by Pioneer Cruises and the location is at 333 Lake Shore Boulevard East, at the foot of Parliament Street.  The name of the boat is the "Pioneer Princess."

To get to the docking location by TTC, you have several options.  (Please see further below for a map showing the locations of the nearest bus/streetcar stops that are closest to the pier.)

From Union Station (on the Yonge/University subway line):

Take the 72 Pape Bus (at Front and Bay Streets)

Get off at the corner of Parliament and Mill Streets

Walk south towards the lake, approximately 5 minutes

Alternatively, board the southbound 6 Bay bus (at Front and Bay Streets)

Get off at Dockside Drive and Queen's Quay East in front of the new George Brown College waterfront campus

Walk east along Queen's Quay East to the intersection of Parliament Street, approximately 10 minutes

From the Bloor/Danforth subway line:

Take the subway to Pape Station

Take the southbound 72 Pape Bus

Get off at the corner of Cherry Street and Lake Shore Boulevard East and walk west, approximately 10 minutes.

Alternatively, take the subway to Sherbourne Station

Take the southbound 75 Sherbourne Bus

Get off at Lower Sherbourne Street and Lake Shore Blvd East

Walk east to Parliament Street, approximately 10 minutes

From King Street East:

Take the 504 Streetcar to Parliament Street (approximately 5 mins. east of Yonge Street)

Walk south towards the lake, approximately 10 minutes

Alternatively, take the 504 Streetcar to Sherbourne Street

Transfer to the southbound 75 Sherbourne bus

Get off at Lower Sherbourne Street and Lake Shore Blvd East

Walk east to Parliament Street, approximately 10 minutes

****

Thank you - and we look forward to seeing you on The Boat Cruise!

JCSA PRESENTS THE BOAT CRUISE

Saturday, September 29 (rain or shine)

7-11 pm (boarding time 6:30, boat departs at 7)

Boarding location: 333 Lakeshore Boulevard East (Pioneer Cruises)

Tickets: $20 each

DJs, dancing, cash bar, food available

ID required

Prizes for yukata and cosplay

Two Films by Makoto Shinkai: Anime Screenings at The Japan Foundation, Toronto

We at the Canada-Japan Society are pleased to advise that The Japan Foundation, Toronto is presenting two films by one of the leading talents in contemporary animation, Makoto Shinkai, known for his stunning visuals and thoughtful writing.

Of his debut feature, The Place Promised in Our Early Days (2004) (see image below), Jeff Shannon of the Seattle Times wrote, "[this film] is also the best proof yet that anime cannot be dismissed as kid stuff. In theme, design and emotional depth, it's entirely worth of serious consideration, embracing but also transcending the fantastical spectacle that defines most of the genre's sci-fi and fantasy milestones."

5 Centimetres per Second (2006) (see image above) earned rich praise from Variety Magaine, who called it "an exquisite, light-drenched tone poem [that] ... vividly capture[s] the lost promise of youth."

Please see below for showtimes and location. Admission is free. Please note that RSVP's are required. (See below for a link to RSVP.)  Thank you!

5 Centimetres per Second (Monday, Sept. 24 and Thursday, Oct. 4 at 7pm)
The Place Promised in Our Early Days (Thursday, Sept. 27 and Monday, Oct 1 at 7pm)
Location: The Japan Foundation, Toronto
131 Bloor St. West, 2nd floor of the Colonnade Building
Admission: FREE
RSVP Required: http://www.jftor.org/whatson/rsvp.php
Language: Japanese with English subtitles

September 27, 2012: Craft Beer Night at the Granite Brewery

Attention, Toronto beer lovers! Come out and taste locally-made beer at the Canada-Japan Society's first-ever CRAFT BEER NIGHT. Experience a wide variety of hand-crafted, all natural ales at Toronto's famous Granite Brewery. They have over 20 years of experience in making award-winning beers... and this is your chance to try them! Taste the difference of Canadian, hand-crafted, small batch beer, and - of course - enjoy an evening out and meet lots of interesting and fun people!

Admission to the event ($20) includes the beer tasting and a selection of finger foods.  Attendees are welcome to order more food or drink if they like (at their own cost).

Please note: if you are interested in attending, you MUST RSVP to jeff@cjst.ca no later than Wednesday, September 26. Space is limited. Attendees must be at least 19 years old. Bring ID.

CRAFT BEER NIGHT AT GRANITE BREWERY
Thursday, September 27, 2012
7-9 pm
Granite Brewery
245 Eglinton Avenue East, Toronto
(at Mt. Pleasant, approx 5-10 mins walk from Eglinton subway station)
Cost: $20

September 29, 2012: JCSA presents The Boat Cruise

Long-time members and friends of CJS may remember the annual summer boat cruise on Lake Ontario organized by CJS, JETAA, JCSA and JAVA, one of our most popular and successful annual events. Well, thanks to our good friends at the JCSA, "The Boat Cruise" is back on Saturday, September 29!

If you've been on a Toronto harbour boat cruise, you'll know that it's an amazing way to take in our scenic skyline. The Boat Cruise will feature DJs, dancing and more, including food and a cash bar - all in all a fun way to spend a Saturday night!  Tickets are $20 each.

Now, the organizers at JCSA have offered CJS a very limited number of tickets to sell to our members and non-members alike. It is expected that tickets will sell out quickly, so don't miss out on this opportunity!

What to do if you want tickets?  Please contact Jeff Harju at jeff@cjst.ca and indicate how many tickets you wish to purchase. IMPORTANT NOTE: tickets must be picked up and paid for at the next CJS Ichimoku-kai on Thursday, September 6.

Thank you - and we hope to see you on The Boat Cruise!

JCSA PRESENTS THE BOAT CRUISE
Saturday, September 29 (rain or shine)
7-11 pm (boarding time 6:30, boat departs at 7)
Boarding location: 333 Lakeshore Boulevard East (Pioneer Cruises)
Tickets: $20 each
DJs, dancing, cash bar, food available
ID required
Prizes for yukata and cosplay

September 6, 2012: September CJS Ichimoku-kai

The Labour Day weekend may soon be upon us, but summer's not over yet!  Join us at the Canada-Japan Society's Ichimoku-kai (IMK) on Thursday, September 6 for another great evening of cultural exchange, "oishii" Japanese food and drink, door prizes, and lots of fun!

Ichimoku-kai literally means the "first Thursday meeting" and since 1995 it has been the Canada-Japan Society's monthly social event, naturally taking place on the first Thursday of every month. It is a great place to make new friends, practise your English and/or Japanese, informally network, learn about life in Canada and Japan, and most of all... have fun! Typically, attendees are around 50 percent Canadian and 50 percent Japanese, all with 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.  It's sure to be a fun evening and we hope to see you there!

ICHIMOKU-KAI

Thursday, September 6, 2012

6-10 pm

Manpuku Japanese Eatery

105 McCaul Street

Units 20-31 (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 24, 2012: Farewell to CJS Movie Nights - FINAL Film Screening at National Film Board and an All-Inclusive Wine & Cheese Reception

Save the Date!  After SEVEN years of screening entertaining films about Japan, the Canada-Japan Society is wrapping up our CJS Movie Nights at the National Film Board Theatre. We will be showing our *final* film on Friday, August 24.  The evening will be a celebration of cultural exchange through movies and will feature Alain Corneau's critically acclaimed "Fear and Trembling (Stupeur et tremblements)", to be followed by an all-inclusive wine and cheese reception.

"Fear and Trembling" is based on the autobiographical novel by Amelie Nothomb, and is a comedic look at a young Belgian woman's epic struggle to fit into a large Japanese company in Tokyo. Sylvie Testud stars as Amelie, who grew up in Japan as a child, and whose life-long dream is to return there to work. She succeeds in landing a one-year contract job as an interpreter with a large Japanese company, but soon finds out that not everything is as she imagined it nor does speaking the language mean she can easily fit into another society. An epic struggle between East and West takes place and - of course - hilarity ensues!

We hope you can come out and enjoy an evening of fun, laughs, food and drink and help us celebrate seven wonderful years of sharing Japanese and Canadian culture through film.

PLEASE NOTE: As space is limited, if you wish to attend, you MUST RSVP to aobadai@rogers.com.

Thank you - and we hope to see you at our "wrap party"!

Fear and Trembling (Stupeur et tremblements)
(in Japanese and French with English subtitles)
6:30 pm start
National Film Board Theatre (2nd floor)
150 John Street (at Richmond)
CJS Members: $15
Non-CJS Members
RSVP: aobadai@rogers.com

August 17-19, 2012: North American Premiere of Susuriwka - Willow Bridge with Kaha:wi Dance Theatre and the Ainu people of Japan

Presented with support from the Japan Foundation Performing Arts Japan Grant Program, Planet IndigenUS is proud to present the commissioning of the North American Premiere of Susuriwka - Willow Bridge with Kaha:wi Dance Theatre Japan.


Susuriwka is an Ainu word meaning willow bridge and was offered up as a fitting title by Ainu composer Oki. The willow tree holds sacred meaning for the Ainu and the bridge represents our inter-dependent and connected web of existence. As with traditional Ainu and Iroquois practice, Susuriwka - Willow Bridge intertwines music and dance together by taking inspiration from Ainu rhythms and the melodious serenity of Tonkori while maintaining a strong sense of connectedness to the earth.


At its essence Susuriwka - Willow Bridge is a dance piece that explores the connection between Iroquois and Ainu song and dance, and expresses and honours our many shared cultural beliefs while seeking relevance and empowerment from our ancient tenants in today's reality.


Co-produced with Yokohama Noh Theatre, Kaha:wi Dance Theatre, and Harbourfront Centre's Planet IndigenUS Festival 2012.

For more information, please visit the Harbourfront Centre website.

August 2, 2012: Live Jazz, Funk, R&B, Poetry and Improvisation at Ichimoku-kai

Looking to start the August long weekend on the right foot? Join us at the Canada-Japan Society's Ichimoku-kai (IMK) on Thursday, August 2 for another great evening of cultural exchange, "oishii" Japanese food and drink, door prizes, and lots of fun!

Ichimoku-kai literally means the "first Thursday meeting" and since 1995 it has been the Canada-Japan Society's monthly social event, naturally taking place on the first Thursday of every month. It is a great place to make new friends, practise your English and/or Japanese, informally network, learn about life in Canada and Japan, and most of all... have fun! Typically attendees are around 50 percent Canadian and 50 percent Japanese, all with 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.

This month's IMK will also feature a special musical performance by Chris Kao, Chris Hercules and Riko Shimatani.  Come out and hear some cool jazz, funk, R&B, poetry and improvisation. It's sure to be a fun evening and we hope to see you there!

Also... come early to ensure a good seat!

ICHIMOKU-KAI
Thursday, August 2, 2012
6-10 pm
Manpuku Japanese Eatery
105 McCaul Street
Units 20-31 (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.

Saturday, July 14, 2012: The CJS Presents Yosuke Kubozuka in "GO"

This month, the Canada-Japan Society is presenting a special SATURDAY Movie Night at the National Film Board Theatre, featuring director Isao Yukisada's "mega" award-winning and critically acclaimed film "GO".


This 2001 movie is a super quirkly, cool, and stylish tale of teenage angst and search for identity. What does it mean to be Japanese (or any nationality at that)? This film has it all: action, comedy, drama... and at its heart it is really a love story. Thoroughly entertaining, it also brings up serious issues affecting Japan, including youth struggling with their futures, inter-cultural relationships, and the plight of non-Japanese residents in Japan.


The film won over 40 awards in festivals across Japan, sweeping the Japanese Academy Awards with awards for best director, actor, supporting actor, supporting actress, cinematography, screenplay, editing, and lighting. It features superb performances by a youthful Kou Shibasaki, the never-aging Tsutomu Yamazaki, and Yosuke Kubozuka in perhaps one of his best performances. 


Following the film, we will continue with our post-party at EVEREST.


This will be a great way to spend a summer Saturday evening with an entertaining film and good company, conversation, food and drink at the post-party - so join us!


We hope to see you there!


GO (in Japanese with English subtitles)
Saturday, July 14, 2012
The National Film Board Theatre
150 John Street (at Richmond)
7:00 pm start
CJS members $5, non-members $10

July 22, 2012: 21st Shinki-kai Open Charity Golf Tournament for Japan Earthquake Relief Fund and Scholarship Fundraising

Shinki-kai (The Association of Japanese Canadian Business and Professionals) is holding its 21st Annual Open Charity Golf Tournament on Sunday, July 22, 2012 at Angus Glen Golf Club.  The mission of the 2012 Shinki-kai Golf Tournament is to raise funds to award scholarships to needy students both in Canada and Japan; in Japan, scholarships will be offered to students who tragically lost their parents and homes during the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami. For more information about this event, please contact Ms. Ritsuko Lown at Shinki-kai (info@shinkikai.com) or visit www.shinkikai.com. Thank you.

July 19, 2012: Japanese Jazz Singer Riko Shimatani and Sometimes Quintet and Spoken Word Artist Chris Hercules

Community Event: Thursday, July 19, 2012 - An evening of great jazz, funk, blues and poetry with Japanese jazz singer Riko Shimatani and Sometimes Quintet and Spoken Word Artist Chris Hercules. Waterfalls Tapas Bar & Grill, 303 Augusta Avenue, 8pm-11pm. Cover charge $7. For more information, please contact chrishercules@hotmail.com, and for reservations, please contact Waterfalls (416-927-9666).

July 5, 2012: July Ichimoku-kai (IMK) Features a Japanese and English Book Swap

The summer is in full swing and the Canada-Japan Society's Ichimoku-kai (IMK) returns on Thursday, July 5 for another great evening of cultural exchange, Japanese food and drinks, door prizes, and fun!


Ichimoku-kai literally means the "first Thursday meeting" and since 1995 it has been the Canada-Japan Society's monthly social event, naturally on the first Thursday of every month.  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 around 50 percent Canadian and 50 percent Japanese, all with a common interest or connection with Japan. At IMK you will receive special food and drink discounts, get to talk to interesting people, and have the chance to win some exciting door prizes.


This month, for the first time, we are featuring a Japanese & English Book Swap!  Bring your unwanted Japanese or English books and trade them for others.  Textbooks, cookbooks, manga, fiction, non-fiction, magazines... anything is ok to bring and exchange!  There will be no charge for the books and anyone who attends IMK can take them.  (All we ask is that if you bring books and some remain at the end of the evening that you kindly take them home with you - books cannot be left behind at the restaurant.)


We hope to see you there!


ICHIMOKU-KAI
Thursday, July 5, 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)


There is a $5 cover charge for non-CJS members. Discounts are available for groups of three or more people.  Bring a book to swap and get free admission!

June 22, 2012: The CJS June Movie is Palme d'Or-nominated "Shara"

It's time once again for Movie Night with the Canada-Japan Society! On Friday, June 22, we will be showing acclaimed director Naomi Kawase's 2003 drama "Shara".

Shara is an exquisite portrait of a family dealing with an unfathomable loss.  Ten years after a child is "spirited away", the family strives to stay together and grow, each in their own way dealing with their grief.

Director Kawase brings this tale of renewal and hope to the screen with exquisite cinematography.  Filmed entirely in Nara, the camera brings a hazy, summery beauty to the film, an excellent representation of everyday life in modern Japan. The film was nominated for the Palme d'Or at Cannes, and Kawase has won the Grand Prize at Cannes for her 2007 film, Mogari no Mori (The Mourning Forest).

The movie will be preceded by a short presentation by PAN-GEAR, a Japanese volunteer group continuing to raise awareness of the ongoing recovery and reconstruction in the quake and tsunami-ravaged parts of Japan.

As usual, the movie will be followed by our post-party at EVEREST.

We hope to see you there!

SHARA
Friday, June 22, 2012
The National Film Board Theatre (NFB Cinematheque)
150 John Street (at Richmond)
7:00 pm Start
CJS Members $5, Non-Members $10

  

June 7, 2012: CJS June Ichimoku-kai (IMK)

The Canada-Japan Society's Ichimoku-kai (IMK) returns this Thursday, June 7 for another great evening of cultural exchange, "oishii" Japanese food and drinks, door prizes, and lots of fun!

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, practise your English and/or Japanese, informally network, and most of all, have fun!  Our attendees are usually around 50 percent Canadian and 50 percent Japanese, all with 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.

Also at IMK this month... this will be the LAST CHANCE to purchase discounted tickets for the CJS and JAVA's screening of the hilarious comedy "MOTEKI" at the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre's inaugural Toronto Japanese Film Festival on Friday, June 8. Don't miss out!

We hope to see you there - and come early to ensure a good seat! :)

ICHIMOKU-KAI 
Thursday, June 7, 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)

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

June 8, 2012: CJS and JAVA Present the Hilarious Film "Moteki" at the Toronto Japanese Film Festival

The Canada Japan Society (CJS) and the Japanese Visitors Association (JAVA) are proud to be sponsoring the incredibly popular comedy MOTEKI during the first ever Toronto Japanese Film Festival (www.torontojff.com) this June at the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre (JCCC). This inaugural festival will be a two-week showcase of the best of Japanese contemporary cinema in Toronto. Proceeds will go to the JCCC’s Japan Earthquake Relief Fund.

Moteki is the story of a 31 year-old virgin Yukiyo Fujimoto, a young fellow with no money, no aspirations and no girlfriend. Leaving his temp job, he decides to finally get a life and lands a job as a writer for an Internet news site. But love continues to elude him. At the nadir of his loneliness and social isolation comes the arrival of his “Moteki” – a period of sexual magnetism and romantic irresistibility.

Suddenly he finds himself in the amorous sights of four very attractive but very different women. Is Yukiyo ready for all the joy, heartbreak, promise, delusion, ecstasy, and agony that await him? Will he reach the elusive promised land of true love?

Moteki is hilarious, energetic and heartfelt with extravagant visuals and an eclectic mix of main and subculture J-POP. Nominated for numerous Japanese Academy Awards, it was a Top Film selection of 2011 by The Japan Times, Kinema Jumpo and Eiga Geijutsu.

MOTEKI
Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre
6 Garamond Court, Toronto
Friday, June 8th, 2012
7 pm start

Tickets purchased through JAVA or the CJS will be at a discounted rate of $8 each. They can be purchased at the following event: CJS Ichimokukai – Thursday, June 7th, 2012 – MANPUKU, 105 McCaul St, Units 29-31 (in the Village by the Grange building) 6pm – 10pm – Ask for Jeff


For more information or ticket inquiries, please contact jeff@cjst.org

May 11, 2012: CJS Annual General Meeting including Reception, Film and Fun!

The Canada Japan Society cordially invites you to our 2012 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM).

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 the goals for the upcoming year and future. Other topics will include the important election of the 2012/13 Board of Directors (non-members will not be allowed to vote).

This will be followed by a showing of Yūichi Satō’s KISARAGI キサラギ. This star-studded comedy involves the fanclub of a deceased Japanese idol getting together to celebrate the first anniversary of her death. Together they hope to unravel the circumstances of her mysterious passing.

And after that? Of course it’s our always popular ALL INCLUSIVE RECEPTION featuring great JAPANESE FOOD and DRINKS!

THE 2012 CJS ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Friday, May 11, 2012
6:30 p.m. (doors open at 6:oo) to 11:00 p.m.
National Film Board Theatre
150 John Street (at Richmond)
CJS Members: FREE, Non-CJS Members: $20

ATTENDEES MUST RSVP to jeff@cjst.org to attend!

SPECIAL OFFER, ONE NIGHT ONLY: Renew or begin your membership with the CJS tonight and get the following discount:
* Regular Membership $40 (save $10)
* Student or Senior Membership $20 (save $5)

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 the event. If so, you get in free to the event, saving $20 off your annual membership price.

CJS members receive free admission to all Ichimokukai events throughout the year, as well as discounted admission to most other events. They are also invited to special events not open to the public.

June 8, 2012: The CJS and JAVA present MOTEKI at the Toronto Japanese Film Festival

The Canada Japan Society (CJS) and the Japanese Visitors Association (JAVA) are proud to be sponsoring the incredibly popular comedy MOTEKI during the first ever Toronto Japanese Film Festival (www.torontojff.com) this June at the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre (JCCC). This inaugural festival will be a two week showcase of the best of Japanese contemporary cinema in Toronto. Proceeds will go to the JCCC’s Japan Earthquake Relief Fund.

Moteki is the story of a 31 year-old virgin Yukiyo Fujimoto, a young fellow with no money, no aspirations and no girlfriend. Leaving his temp job, he decides to finally get a life and lands a job as a writer for an Internet news site. But love continues to elude him. At the nadir of his loneliness and social isolation comes the arrival of his “Moteki” – a period of sexual magnetism and romantic irresistibility.
Suddenly he finds himself in the amorous sights of four very attractive but very different women. Is Yukiyo ready for all the joy, heartbreak, promise, delusion, ecstasy, and agony that await him? Will he reach the elusive promised land of true love (sex included)?

Moteki is hilarious, energetic and heartfelt with extravagant visuals and an eclectic mix of main and subculture J-POP. Nominated for numerous Japanese Academy Awards, it was a Top Film selection of 2011 by The Japan Times, Kinema Jumpo and Eiga Geijutsu. 


MOTEKI
Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre,
6 Garamond Court, Toronto
Friday, June 8th, 2012
7 pm start


Tickets purchased through JAVA or the CJS will be at a discounted rate of $8 each. They can be purchased at the following events:

CJS Ichimokukai – Thursday, May 3rd, 2012 – MANPUKU, 105 McCaul St, Units 29-31 (in the Village by the Grange building) 6pm – 10pm – Ask for Jeff

JCSA Language Exchange – Saturday, May 5th, 2012 – the University of Toronto’s Sandford Fleming Building (room 3201), 10 Kings College Road, 2:30pm – 5pm – Ask at front desk

High Park Spring Picnic with JAVA, JCSA, & JETAA – Sunday, May 6th, 2012 – High Park, (see javatoronto.com for location details), 1pm – 4pm – See JAVA Staff

CJS Annual General Meeting – Friday, May 11th, 2012 – National Film Board Theatre, 150 John Street (at Richmond), 2nd Floor 9pm – 11pm – Ask for Jeff

JAVA Pub Night – Friday, May 11th, 2012 – Alio, 108 Dundas St W, 8pm – 12pm – Ask at front desk

JCSA Language Exchange – Saturday, May 12th, 2012 – the University of Toronto’s Sandford Fleming Building (room 3201), 10
Kings College Road, 2:30pm – 5pm – Ask at front desk

JCSA Language Exchange – Saturday, May 19th, 2012 – the University of Toronto’s Sandford Fleming Building (room 3201), 10 Kings College Road, 2:30pm – 5pm – Ask at front desk

JCSA Language Exchange – Saturday, May 26th, 2012 – the University of Toronto’s Sandford Fleming Building (room 3201), 10 Kings College Road, 2:30pm – 5pm – Ask at front desk

JCSA Language Exchange – Saturday, June 2nd, 2012 – the University of Toronto’s Sandford Fleming Building (room 3201), 10 Kings College Road, 2:30pm – 5pm – Ask at front desk

CJS Ichimokukai – Thursday, June 7th, 2012 – MANPUKU, 105 McCaul St, Units 29-31 (in the Village by the Grange building) 6pm – 10pm – Ask for Jeff

For more information or ticket inquiries, please contact:
CJS: jeff@cjst.org
JAVA: letsjavatoronto@gmail.com