March 3rd, 2011: 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.

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

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"

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

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!

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