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What's On



 Panel Discussion - Disaster Recovery and Human Connections

As we draw closer to the anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami, the Japan Foundation Sydney brings a panel discussion to Melbourne and Sydney focusing on the recovery. The panel Discussion, entitled Disaster Recovery and Human Connections, will focus on ways of building disaster resilient societies with a focus on human connections.

The panel will include Professor Rikki Kersten, a specialist in Japanese politics from ANU, Mr Kiyotaka Akazawa, founder of the NPO Youth Vision, Mr Rob McNeil, Chief Superintendent of Fire & Rescue NSW, and Mr Andrew McNamara, also of Fire & Rescue NSW.

The discussion and the Q&A session afterwards, are sure to offer unique insight into Japan's recovery and ways to help prepare for such disasters in the future.

When: Thursday, February 23, 2012 (6:00pm - 8:00pm)
Where: Blake Dawson, Level 26, 181 William St, Melbourne
Entry: Free. Bookings essential.

To RSVP, email reception@jpf.org.au or phone 02 8239 0055.
For more information please visit the Japan Foundation Sydney website.


Japanese Summer Festival 2012

This summer will see the return of the hugely popular Japanese Summer Festival, or Natsu Matsuri at Docklands in Melbourne. Although last year was only the second time the event had been held it attracted a crowd of over 10,000 people! Organisers of the event expect that this year’s festival will be just as popular as Melbournians join in the celebration of Japanese culture and traditions.

The Natsu Matsuri is a festival held right across Japan and the Melbourne version includes a huge Bon Odori, a dance which is a traditional part of the Summer Festival. The dance is easy to learn and anyone is welcome to join in. The Natsu Matsuri is famous for its carnival atmosphere and the event will feature many terrific performances including drumming, singing and dancing.

This is a great chance to experience a traditional Japanese festival and to celebrate Melbourne's vibrant multiculturalism. With lots of Japanese food and drink stalls and a fantastic atmosphere, the Natsu Matsuri is an event not to be missed for Japanese people living in Melbourne or for those with a love of Japan and its culture.

When: Saturday, 11 February 2012 (4pm - 8pm)
Where: Waterfront City Piazza, Docklands, Melbourne
Entry: Free

For more information please visit the official festival website.


Japanese Martial Arts and Traditional Performing Arts

On Saturday the 18th of February, the Nippon Sport Science University will be showcasing an exhibition of Japanese martial arts and traditional performing arts. The demonstration will introduce various traditional martial arts and performing arts. Last year’s exhibition attracted a crowd of over 300 people and will this year be held at the Melbourne Sports & Aquatic Centre.

When: Saturday, February 18, from 5:00 pm
Where: Melbourne Sports & Aquatic Centre, Show Court, Aughtie Drive, Albert Park


The Art of Chinese Calligraphy - Lecture and demonstration at NGV International
The NGV International (National Gallery of Victoria) will hold a lecture and demonstration focusing on the evolution of Chinese characters and their development over thousands of years. The demonstration will also allow viewers to witness the work of some renowned calligraphers.

The speaker will be Professor Zhang Guohong, Shanghai University, lecturer and author of Chinese Calligraphy.

When: Sunday, February 19, 11:00 am
Where: Clemenger BBDO Auditorium, NGV International, St Kilda Road, Melbourne
Cost: Free

For more information please visit the NGV website.


Arrietty Screenings at Melbourne Cinemas

The latest production from the world renowned Studio Ghibli is Arrietty, a film based on the children's novel classic, The Borrowers. Arrietty was screened in Melbourne as part of the Japanese Film Festival but sold out, so people who missed out will be pleased to learn that the film is now showing in cinemas across Australia.

Mainstream cinemas are featuring the regular Western release with English dubbing, but the original Japanese version with English subtitles are screening at Nova Cinema in Melbourne and the Palace Nova Eastend cinema in Adelaide.

For more information please visit the Cinema Nova website or the Palace Nova Eastend cinema website.


Frankston Japanese Festival 2012

On Saturday the 25th of February, the Frankston Susono Friendship Association will be hosting the annual Japanese Festival. This year's festival will be a special occasion since it is a celebration of the 30th anniversary of the sister city relationship between Frankston and Susono, a city in Shizuoka prefecture in central Japan.

The day will feature all sorts of cultural demonstrations and workshops with entertainment suitable for all ages, such as taiko drumming, martial arts demonstrations and kite making and flying. The festival is free and will run from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. Come along and enjoy the many activities and help Frankston to celebrate this marvelous achievement of a 30 year friendship with Susono.

When: Saturday, February 25, 11:00 - 5:00 pm
Where: Kananook Creek Boulevard, between Wells and Playne Streets


For more information please contact Chris Hodgins on 9784 1043, or visit the Frankston City Council website.


Australia Supports Japan Webpage
The Japan Foundation, Sydney has added a page to their website for the specific purpose of advertising various fundraising events Australia-wide to raise money for the Tohoku - Pacific Ocean earthquake disaster appeal.

For a run down of charity events being held near you please visit their webpage.

If you are part of an organisation holding a fundraising event for the Japan - Pacific Disaster please contact the Japan Foundation, Sydney to see if your event would be suitable to be advertised on their website. The Japan Foundation, Sydney can be contacted on (02) 8239 0055.

JICC Exhibition Schedule

shingo_nozao_1 shingo_nozao_2 shingo_nozao_3
Calligraphy Exhibition by Shingo Nozao

The JICC will be displaying calligraphy works by Shingo Nozao until the end of January. Nozao san was born in Japan in 1982 and won several awards for calligraphy when he was young and progressed in rank through a prestigious calligraphy school before he began concentrating on his university studies. After graduating, Nozao san came to Melbourne on a two year performance visa, where he held calligraphy demonstrations, visited schools and opened a calligraphy class. In 2007 after returning to Japan, he opened a calligraphy academy where he continues to act as a part-time teacher. In October 2008 he began an artistic performance group called “Sumibashi” that performs in Japan and internationally.

The JICC display area is showing several magnificent pieces by this accomplished calligrapher. If you visit our offices, or if you're in the city of Melbourne with time up your sleeve, please come up to the JICC to appreciate them.

Where: JICC, Level 8, 570 Bourke St, Melbourne
When: 9am - 1pm, 2pm - 5pm weekdays only

If you are a Japanese artist or your art encompasses some form of Japanese influence, you may be able to exhibit on a short term basis at the JICC.
Please contact the JICC for more details: (03) 9679 4560

You may also be interested in the Japanese Art Directory in Australia maintained by the Japan Foundation, Sydney.


JSC Manga Library
The Japanese Studies Centre Manga Library is open to the general public, and houses a collection of over 7,000 manga. The library stocks a collection of books in Japanese and English as well as a small collection of bilingual manga. The library is located at Monash University's Clayton campus, in the Japanese Studies Centre (building 54; near the bus loop) and is open on Mondays to Saturdays from 1pm to 5pm. Visitors are welcome to read manga in the library, or borrow books upon joining as a library member. The library also runs a weekly language exchange circle, a manga translation workshop and other cultural events.

For more information please visit their website.


New Japanese Magazines Available at the City Library
The Melbourne City Library has expanded its collection of Japanese materials including a great range of popular Japanese magazines! Kateigaho, Orange Page, Shonen Jump, Men's Non-no, Kera, Ribon and Sweet are just some of the titles that can now be borrowed.

The City Library plans to add new Japanese language books as well as DVDs and CD's to its collection from March 2011. The library's decision to provide more Japanese materials gives you a great opportunity to stay in touch with Japanese media and culture directly without leaving Melbourne!


Adelaide's Himeji Garden
Adelaide and the Japanese city of Himeji have been sister cities since 1982. The Himeji Garden on South Terrace, Adelaide celebrates that relationship by demonstrating the beauty of a Japanese garden. The garden is divided into two different styles; Senzui, a style which uses water to create the impression of vast landscapes, and Kare Senzui, which uses sand and rocks to evoke the presence of water. Entry is free for this magnificent garden and with spring in the air what better time to go and enjoy its serenity and beauty.


New (and FREE!) Japanese Language Learning Website
from the Japan Foundation
The Japan Foundation has recently opened to the public its free Japanese language study website at www.erin.ne.jp. The website includes interactive lessons, videos, images, games and more!

A fantastic resource for teachers, parents and students of all ages, through this website you'll be able to say "I can speak Japanese!"


Japan in Melbourne website
Japan In Melbourne is a portal site which connects Japan with Melbourne!

What is “Japan In Melbourne”?
“Japan In Melbourne”is the first portal site in Melbourne which introduces various kinds of Japanese culture. News related to Japan, restaurants, shops, business activity, product information are introduced using articles and videos.

Who is “Japan In Melbourne” for?
Australians who like Japan, who have been to Japan, who want to visit Japan and who are interested in Japanese food, Japanese language, and Japanese culture...it's for everyone!

Website located at www.japaninmelbourne.com.au.


"Japanese in Anime & Manga" Website Grand Opening!
Many Japanese learners say that they begin to study the language because they were interested in Japanese cartoons and comics. However, given the sheer range of genres, the variety of different characters and the fact that there are lots of expressions you won't find in most textbooks and dictionaries, it's sometimes difficult to understand the kind of Japanese found in anime and manga. This new website was designed especially for such Japanese learners!

A flyer explaining the website is available both in English and Japanese.

The link to this new website is http://anime-manga.jp.
nomikai flyer The Australia Japan Society of Victoria
Konshin-kai - Young Professional's Network
Have you returned to Australia having spent time living in Japan and want to meet others who share a similar experience?

Do you have a general interest in Japan and/or would like to meet others who do?

Are you a Japanese person living or working in Melbourne who wants to meet locals with an interest in Japan and vice versa?

If you answered YES to any of these, then Konshin-kai is for you!

For details regarding the time and venue, please go to the AJS Victoria website.
The Australia Japan Society of Victoria
Shaberou-kai - Conversation Night
Shaberou-kai aims to foster friendships between people in a relaxed, informal environment, and to facilitate cultural exchange. Conversation nights cater to speakers of both English and Japanese of all levels, offering the opportunity to socialise informally in a mixed language environment while expanding Japanese/English skills.

Date: Usually 1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month *Please refer to AJSV website for specific dates and times.
Venue: Ross House, 247 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
Cost: Free for AJSV members, $3.00 for others

For more information please go to the AJS Victoria website.