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

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 10, 2013: January Ichimoku-kai (IMK) is *next* week!

Happy New Year, CJS friends! Chilly and snowy 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 IMK will take place NEXT week on Thursday, January 10.

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. (Or the second, on very rare occasions! ;)

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. Hope to see you there!

ICHIMOKUKAI
Thursday, January 10, 2013
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!

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

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"

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!