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An Online Newsletter Showcasing Our Programs for the Month of September 2025! |
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We’re kicking off September with a special collaborative event: four nights of film screenings celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the Japan Film Festival Los Angeles! The lineup includes two full-length feature films, followed by two evenings of captivating short films so don’t miss this cinematic celebration of Japanese storytelling. Later this month, our newest exhibition "Yokai Parade: Supernatural Monsters from Japan" will open to the public. Join us for the opening reception, which will feature a special talk by Meher McArthur, a perfect opportunity to dive deeper into the mysterious world of Yokai. Looking ahead, we’re excited to host another Tea Time event at California State University, Dominguez Hills in October. Following that, we’ll launch a monthly lecture series exploring the artistry and cultural significance of Japanese sculpture in November. Be sure to mark your calendars! As the school year begins, we’re energized and ready to continue supporting the teaching and celebration of Japanese language and culture in the months to come! One quick note: We've noticed that Google Maps has been incorrectly marking our location. Please make sure your search directs you to Mid-Wilshire, between Masselin and S Curson Ave. The entrance is located on Courtyard Place. You can find a map and street view of our building below for easy reference.
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COLLABORATIVE EVENT The Japan Film Festival Los Angeles, celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, will be held online and in theaters from September 1 to 14. During this period, our center will also screen wonderful Japanese films from September 9 to September 12. September 9 (Tue) at 6:45 pm September 10 (Wed) at 7:00pm September 11 (Thu) at 6:00 - 8:00pm September 12 (Fri) at 3:00 - 6:00pm More details and the registration, check their website here. |
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TRAVELING EXHIBITION Opening Reception RSVP PREFERRED This exhibition introduces Japan’s Yokai culture that has been depicted in picture scrolls and Nishiki e (“brocade picture,” a type of Japanese multi colored woodblock print) since ancient times. Presenting the way in which the image of Yokai came to change from a subject of fear to a more charming and friendly presence along with transitions in media from picture scrolls to Nishiki e, books and toys which would gradually become familiar to the masses, the exhibition showcases the charm of Yokai culture that continues to live within people’s imagination until the present day. Curated by Yumoto Koichi Director Emeritus of the Yumoto Koichi Memorial JAPAN YOKAI MUSEUM (Miyoshi Mononoke Museum) |
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CONVERSATION We're having our ever popular “Tea Time” Japanese conversation tables at California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH)! Come and explore the campus, as well as meet new friends and Japanese native speakers! All Japanese levels are welcome -- Japanese language experience is not necessary; this event is open to everyone. Additionally, we will have some time to share information about career paths for Japanese language learners. We're excited to meet all of you! |
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MONTHLY LECTURE SERIES Why did Buddhist image-makers choose certain materials for their projects? How could woodworkers during the thirteenth century complete the two massive gate guardians in the Nandaimon at Todaiji in less than three months? What is being done to preserve the old traditions of sculpture-making alongside the new, innovative techniques that move the possibilities of sculpture forward? In this series of monthly classroom-style lectures, Michael VanHartingsveldt will trace the development of sculpture in Japan through its material and technical aspects. These lively discussions invite participants to engage with Japanese sculptures from various time periods and mediums where they will not only learn fundamental information about how the sculptures were made and to what purpose but also encounter obscure topics related to the art and artifacts of Japan. Michael will also incorporate details from his dissertation research on the tools and techniques used by Buddhist image-makers in medieval Japan and the rituals they practiced to maintain the sacrality of the raw materials, especially wood, as they were transformed into icons for worship. November 12, 2025 December 3, 2025 January 7, 2026 February 4, 2026 March 4, 2026 April 1, 2026 |
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ON DEMAND Six new films have been streaming on JFF Theater for the past month and below are the top three films based on viewing. Top 3 Films by views If you watch a film on JFF Theater, don’t forget to leave your comments on the dedicated page! Easy 3-Step Sign-Up
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New Video Interview Series: My Keisho Nihongo, Your Keisho Nihongo Being a Keisho Nihongo/Japanese-as-a-Heritage-Language (JHL) learner, as opposed to a Japanese-as-a-Foreign Language (JFL) learner, can carry with it a set of unique challenges when there is a lack of local access to specialized education and community. Bicultural identity, especially in countries rich in diversity like the U.S., can factor into these learners' language acquisition and can be difficult for them to navigate. In this interview series, we talk with Keisho Nihongo learners about the personal challenges they faced and what helped them overcome those challenges. We hope that the advice, perspectives, and unique stories offered in these interviews will help and motivate other Keisho Nihongo learners throughout the U.S. William Kimmel: https://youtu.be/cQ-hhFGQUrk Luke Palermo: https://youtu.be/Y3EopxyplYs |
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General Invitation to Join JF USA Digital Library We recently renewed and added many new books in coordination with our New York and Toronto offices for our patrons in the US and Canada. There have also been an uptick in the number of applicants as well, which shows that this is a very popular service. We have also updated the application survey and the confirmation emails are still going out once a week on Wednesdays by 6:00PM pacific time. If you register and do not receive a welcome email from us within a Wednesday of registering, please contact us so we can help you out. |
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2025-2026 Japanese Language Grants Now Available! Grant for Nationwide/Statewide/Region-wide Projects for Teachers Grants for Individual Japanese Language Programs Advocacy Support Letter Click Here to contact us and select Anything Related to Japanese Education. |
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Japanese Language Education Update 140
As Labor Day passes, the school year kicks off for everyone this month, except those on a semester schedule. We wish all educators and students a successful and inspiring year ahead! If you're looking to stock up on advocacy materials to share with your students or need posters to brighten up your classroom, you can place an order by Clicking Here! For educators in Keisho Nihongo Programs, we’re excited to launch our support initiatives this month! We’re offering three opportunities: Book Donations, Event Support, and Project Grants.
To learn more and apply, Click Here! |
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5700 Wilshire blvd, Suite 100
Los Angeles, CA 90036
jflainfo@jpf.go.jp
323.761.7510
