Consulate Updates February 2014 In This Issue Consulate-General of Japan, Brisbane We’ve Launched a Facebook Page! We’ve Launched a Facebook Page! The Consulate-General of Japan in Brisbane has established a Facebook page! Japanese Government Monbukagakusho (MEXT) Scholarships – NOW OPEN The page will be used to keep subscribers up to date with local events, activities of the ConsulGeneral and our office, and also interesting Japanese cultural information. The Queensland Forum on Japanese Language Education – Past, Present and Future JENESYS 2.0 – JapanASEAN-Oceania Student & Youth Exchange Program Tokyo Metropolitan Government Scholarship Students Visit Queensland New Voices Journal BrisAsia Festival Hiromi Ashlin: TAKARA Solo Exhibition QJCCI Shinnenkai (New Year Party) Hands on Brisbane Workshops Cherry Blossom Film Festival: Visions of Japan Internment Symposium – Civilian Internment in Australia during WW2 Kakehashi Charity Concert Japanese Language and Cultural Workshops Japan and Friends Day Language Exchange Sessions Taiko Baka Festival – Jazz Band and Drumming Collaborative Australia-Japan Foundation Grant Program for 2014-15 Head over to our page and ‘like’ us to receive regular updates! https://www.facebook.com/JapanCons.Brisbane Japanese Government Monbukagakusho (MEXT) Scholarships – NOW OPEN The applications for MEXT Scholarship 2014 Japanese Studies and Teacher Training Categories are now open. The Teacher Training Scholarship is offered to teachers of primary and high schools who have more than five years of teaching experience as of the 1 st April, 2014. The scholarship will be paid up to 18 months for recipients to complete their chosen course. The Japanese Studies Category Scholarship is offered to undergraduate students to complete a major in the field of Japanese language or culture at a Japanese university and is for the duration of one year. Applications for both scholarships are due by Monday the 17 th of March, 2014. For further information please visit the Embassy of Japan, Canberra’s website below: http://www.au.embjapan.go.jp/en/education/education_monbukagakusho.html Any queries regarding these scholarships should be directed to the Embassy of International Animation Festival in Japan – HIROSHIMA 2014 Japan in Canberra: Email: [email protected] Telephone: (02) 6272 7268 Cultural Achievement Award for Mr. Nao Hirano Ethnic Business Awards – NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN UQ Japanese Taiko Drumming Team Japanese Cultural Centre Languages Australia Website Launch of the Ryokan Experience Website School Exchange Program in Kyoto Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University – Summer Educational Programme Recommended Websites Embassy of Japan, Canberra http://www.au.embjapan.go.jp The Queensland Forum on Japanese Language Education – Past, Present and Future | 12th April | South Bank The Queensland Forum on Japanese Language Education – Past, Present and Future will be held on Saturday the 12th April, 2014 at “The Shores” South Bank. Jointly hosted by the Consulate-General of Japan, Brisbane; Modern Language Teachers’ Association of Queensland; Griffith University; and The University of Queensland, this Forum is a unique opportunity for Japanese language teachers from all sectors to come together to examine the history of Japanese language education, the current situation and also discuss the future direction (including ACARA). Selected Japanese teachers will also present their successful Japanese language programs and offer suggestions for teachers on how to increase interest in Japanese language amongst their school community. For further information and to register to attend please visit: http://www.mltaq.asn.au/associationnews/qld-forum-on-japaneselanguage-education-sat-12-april The Japan Foundation, Sydney http://www.jpf.org.au/ Japan National Tourism Organization http://www.jnto.org.au/ Japan External Trade Organization http://www.jetro.go.jp/ Japan Exchange Teaching (JET) Programme http://www.jetprogramme.org / Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (MOFA) http://www.mofa.go.jp/ Official Tokyo Travel Guide: GO TOKYO http://www.gotokyo.org/ Contact Us Consulate-General of Japan, Brisbane 17th Floor, 12 Creek Street Brisbane Qld. 4000 JENESYS 2.0 – Japan-ASEAN-Oceania Student & Youth Exchange Program In January 2013, Prime Minister of Japan Mr. Shinzo Abe, during his visit to Indonesia, announced that a new youth exchange program would be undertaken between Japan and ASEAN Member States, among other Asian and Oceania countries, under the name “JENESYS 2.0”. Intended as a successor to JENESYS (Japan-East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youth) commenced by Prime Minister Abe in 2007, the purpose of the new program is to further strengthen partnerships between Japan and ASEAN Member States. The aim of JENESYS 2.0 is also to increase potential interest in Japan and the number of foreign visitors to Japan, by way of assisting Japan’s economic recovery as well as global understanding towards Japanese strengths such as “Cool Japan”, brands and values, and to further deepen mutual understanding among the youth of Japan and the ASEAN-Oceania region. Last year from the 2nd to the 10th of December, seven students from Robina State High School participated in the JENESYS 2.0 Program and travelled to Japan. Ashleigh Ross, Bridgette Taggert, Rebekah Efthymiou, Sam Jones, Bliss Bampton, Nicole Moore and Chloe Marshall joined 300 students from the Oceania and South East Asian regions on the scholarship program. Australian participants included those from high schools and universities throughout the country. Once in Japan, participants Phone: (07) 3221 5188 Fax: (07) 3229 0878 [email protected] http://www.brisbane.au.embjapan.go.jp Office Opening Hours Monday to Friday 9:00am – 12:30pm were separated into groups and sent to different prefectures. A number of participating students from Robina State High School have kindly shared their reflections about their time on the JENESYS 2.0 Program. From Rebekah Efthymiou I was in Chiba City. Chiba is located 1.5 hours from Tokyo, in the countryside. In Chiba they produce fresh fish and fruit. I was taken to a loquat and mandarin picking farm and sampled some of their freshest fruit. I was given a cooking lesson with one of Chiba’s finest cooks and he taught me how to cook fish and it was very delicious. I visited many temples and shrines whilst learning about the history of how these buildings were made. This was a great experience and I made many friends during my stay, not just from Japan but from many countries. We still keep in touch via Facebook and Instagram. From Nicole Moore My group stayed in Tokyo for the majority of the program, at the Shinagawa Prince Hotel. What an amazing place! It had everything from arcades to aquariums. We went to Shibuya, Harajuku, Asakusa, Akihabara and many more places. This meant that we experienced the cool side of Japan as well as the more traditional side. We had amazing tour guides and great presenters to take us everywhere and show us different things. On the last day of the program we went to a university and every country performed a traditional dance for our Japanese friends. It was amazing to see the different cultural aspects presented by the other participants. I feel so lucky to have been a JENESYS participant. 2:00pm – 4:00pm Gold Coast Consular Service The next Gold Coast Consular Service is scheduled for: Thursday 10th April 10:00am – 12:30pm 25 Mawarra Building 3108 Gold Coast Highway Surfers Paradise Rockhampton Consular Service The next Rockhampton Consular Service is scheduled for: Thursday 13th March 10:30am – 1:30pm From Bliss Bampton I was part of the group to travel to Wakayama. While we were there we stayed at a castle turned into a Japanese style inn that was situated in a lovely valley. Despite the cold temperature at this time of year the countryside was wonderful. The following day we visited a local high school that was very hospitable to our group. We participated in a class with the students and afterwards we were welcomed by their school concert band. After watching a short film about their school and town we were given treats of local foods and then we were off to visit a Buddhist temple. Whilst we were at this temple we were told a story, read from ancient scrolls, by a very humorous monk. At the end of the day we met our host families and settled down at home. There we ate local cuisine and slept on traditional futons on the tatami floor. The next day our host mother showed us some traditional Japanese clothes and we got dressed up in yukatas (cotton kimonos). We were also given some local produce because Wakayama produces lots of oranges and persimmons. After a wonderful stay in Wakayama we had to head back to Tokyo and it was sad to say goodbye to our host families. It was great to experience the cultural difference of Japan and other countries and I cannot wait to visit Japan again. Rockhampton Regional Council Chambers Ground Floor 232 Bolsover Street Rockhampton Word of the Month 留学生 Tokyo Metropolitan Government Scholarship Students Study in Queensland On the 13th of January, ConsulGeneral Ms. Yoko Yanagisawa visited Indooroopilly State High School where she welcomed 50 Japanese high school students to (ryūgakusei) “an exchange student; an international student” Queensland. The students have received scholarships from the Tokyo Board of Education to study in Queensland for 10 months under the “Development of Next Generation Leaders” Program. The students were selected from 650 applicants in their home city for a fully funded year of study in Queensland. This is the second year which the program has sent students to the state, with a further 150 students studying in New Zealand and the USA. The students spent two weeks at Indooroopilly State High School studying High School Preparation and were then transferred to their 50 destination schools (one student to each school) later in the month. Ms. Yanagisawa encouraged the students to try and approach the experience with an open mind, to make an effort to form new friendships and to not hesitate when trying new things. We warmly welcome them to Queensland and wish them all the best! New Voices Journal The latest issue of New Voices, an academic journal produced by the Japan Foundation, has been released. The issue features work on Japanese gardens, linguistics, Sino-Japanese relations and music in rakugo. The journal is available online at: http://newvoices.jpf-sydney.org/vol6.html Submissions are open to Honours and Masters graduates and PhD candidates who are citizens or residents of Australia or New Zealand. The next call for papers is scheduled to open in March. For further information, please visit The Japan Foundation, Sydney’s website: www.jpf.org.au BrisAsia Festival | Now Until 1st March | Brisbane The BrisAsia Festival is in full swing as Brisbane celebrates its connections with Asia through until the 1st of March! The BrisAsia Festival features a range of traditional and contemporary arts and cultural events, as well as hands-on workshops held across the city. Over this and next weekend you can check out these Japanese themed events and activities: -- Karate and self defence for all - Saturday 22nd February | 8:00 – 9:00am | A.R.C. Hill Park -- Art Bites: Paper Lanterns - Saturday 22nd February | 10:00am – 12:00noon | Weller's Hill and Tarragindi Uniting Church Hall -- Neon Pop - Saturday 22nd February | 5:00 – 8:00pm | King George Square -- Bands in Parks - BrisAsia Music - Sunday 23rd February | 2:00 - 4:30pm | New Farm Park -- Art Bites: Amigurumi - Saturday 1st March | 10:00am – 12:00noon | Manly Lota Scout Den -- Kick Arts - Saturday 1st March | 10:00am – 4:00pm | Albert Street, Brisbane -- Art Bites: Sashiko - Saturday 1st March | 12:30 - 2:30pm | Manly Lota Scout Den -- Boondall Wetlands Environment Centre: Celebrating BrisAsia Festival - 8:30am - 4:00pm daily | (Yatsu Higata in Tokyo Bay is the Sister Wetland of Boondall Wetlands) For further details about the BrisAsia Festival visit Brisbane City Council's website at: http://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/whats-on/featured/brisasia-festival/ Hiromi Ashlin: TAKARA Solo Exhibition | Showing Now Until 9th March | Cairns Regional Gallery Hiromi Ashlin is an artist who is based in Cairns and is actively engaged in the creative arts community. Her body of work blends her Japanese heritage with her connection to the Australian landscape. Hiromi utilises the traditional art forms of origami and calligraphy that she became fond of from a young age, whilst featuring the rich natural Australian environment. Hiromi’s artwork, which is currently on display until the 9 th of March at the Cairns Regional Gallery, will allow you to feel the depth and strength of life inherent in Australian nature. For further information, please visit the Cairns Regional Gallery website below: http://www.cairnsregionalgallery.com.au/exhibitions.html QJCCI Shinnenkai (New Year Party) | 26th February | Brisbane The Queensland Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (QJCCI) will hold a celebration of the New Year at their special Shinnenkai networking event on Wednesday the 26th of February. In Japan, shinnenkai have been held since the 15th century to celebrate the new year and toast each other's good health and prosperity. The QJCCI wishes to follow this tradition with an event aimed at helping you to meet other members and new contacts in a friendly environment. This event will even provide structured activities to ensure you make the most of the evening and will also feature the latest news about the QJCCI’s Business Matching website, which aims to link businesses in Queensland and Japan, as well as an update on the Chamber’s June 2014 Business Mission to Japan. So please come along, meet some old and new friends, and celebrate the new year together with QJCCI. Date: Wednesday 26th February Time: 5:30pm - 7:30pm Venue: Tattersall's Club (215 Queen Street, Brisbane, entrance via Tattersall's Arcade) Cost: Members - $49 | Premium Members - Free | Non-Members - $59 For enquiries please contact QJCCI's General Manager Paul Sergeant at [email protected] For further information about the event and to secure your booking, please visit the QJCCI's official website below. https://www.qjcci.asn.au/content/standard.asp?name=Event_2602201 4 Hands on Brisbane Workshops | February Onwards | Brisbane Bleeding Heart Gallery is continuing its ‘Hands on Brisbane’ workshops in 2014. This series of art, craft and design workshops, dem0nstrations and Q&A sessions, now in its third year, include a number of different art and craft techniques, and some Japanese art forms, such as origami. The workshops are a fantastic opportunity for people to learn new skills, showcase local talent and add extra creativity to Brisbane. The workshops are conducted by some of Brisbane’s finest artisans to give you a hands on approach to learning your new skill. Many classes also provide the materials you need to begin straight away, so all you need to do is turn up and start creating! Please visit the following link below for further information: http://handsonbrisbane.com Cherry Blossom Film Festival: Visions of Japan | Sundays in March | State Library of Queensland Celebrate the world of Japanese cinema through these free films showing at the State Library of Queensland throughout the month of March. All films are shown in Japanese language with English subtitles. Tokyo Story (PG, 1953, 136 minutes) Sunday 2nd March The melancholy beauty of mid-20th century Japanese life is played out amongst the simple poetry of the everyday. Izo (R18+, 2004, 128 minutes) Sunday 9th March A journey through space, time and the soul as a lowly samurai seeks revenge from the afterlife. Tetsuo II: Bodyhammer (R18+, 1992, 83 minutes) and Tetsuo III: The Bullet Man (R18+, 2009, 69 minutes) Sunday 16th March The modern allegory of a man shifting into machine has rarely played out as forcefully, dramatically or poetically. The Hidden Fortress (PG, 1958, 126 minutes); Throne of Blood (PG, 1957, 110 minutes); or Seven Samurai (PG, 1954, 207 minutes) Sunday 23rd March Choose between the above three classics from legendary director Akira Kurosawa. Vote at www.slq.qld.gov.au/whats-on Spotlight on Sogo Ishii (not rated, suitable for mature audiences) Sunday 30th March Sogo Ishii has been pushing the boundaries of cinema since 1978. Enjoy a selection of his thrilling, innovative works. Asia Strikes Back (30 minutes) The Master of Shiatsu (13 minutes) Shuffle (30 minutes) Internment Symposium – Civilian Internment in Australia during WW2: History, Memories and Community Heritage | 6th – 9th March | Cowra NSW The Internment Symposium presents a unique opportunity to learn about civilian internment in Australia during WW2, a less well-known part of our history. The Symposium will be held during Cowra’s annual Festival of International Understanding (6th – 16th March, 2014). Of particular significance to the town of Cowra is that about 200 graves of the Japanese internees who died during the Pacific War are now located in the Cowra Japanese Cemetery. Participants in the Symposium will be given the opportunity to learn more and meet others interested in this topic. Registration is open to the general public, and will be of interest to both researchers and non-researchers, as well as former internees and their families. It will be a very special chance to take a glimpse into and share in the life stories of those connected with this aspect of our history. Event details Dates: 6th – 9th March 2014 Venue: Civic Centre, Cowra, NSW Fee: $130 (to be confirmed) including; Lunches, morning and afternoon teas during the Symposium (7th – 8th March) Unlimited admission to the Japanese Garden Unlimited admission to the Ames Errantes photo exhibition Historians, creative writers, artists and members of the local community where intern camps were built will tell Symposium participants about how they have maintained and developed the legacy of the wartime camps as part of their community heritage. Participants will not only come from within Australia, but also Japan and New Caledonia. Attendees will be able to experience: A special talk by Professor Bill Gammage on his award-winning book, the Biggest Estate on Earth (on 6th March) Community youth performances inspired by civilian internment experiences, facilitated by Mayu Kanamori with artists Alan Schacher, Weizen Ho and Jumaadi A photographic exhibition Ames Errantes (Wandering Spirit: the fate of an Okinawan emigrant in New Caledonia) by Mutsumi Tsuda at Cowra Japanese Gardens and Cultural Centre. The exhibition tells a story about a Japanese-Kanak family broken up by the war. The unveiling of an interpretive board and a special commemoration ceremony for the Japanese civilian internees buried at the Cowra Japanese War Cemetery. The organisers of the Symposium hope it will expand our understanding of the consequences of, and the legacy of internment inflicted upon all nationalities, and re-examine the impact of war and conflict on the civilian population. For further information, and for a detailed provisional schedule of the Symposium, please contact conveners Dr Yuriko Nagata (The University of Queensland, [email protected]) and Dr Keiko Tamura (The Australian National University, [email protected]). The provisional schedule is also viewable at: http://nikkeiaustralia.com/symposium-civilian-internment-in-australiaduring-ww2-memories-history-and-community-heritage/ Kakehashi Charity Concert | 8th March | Brisbane A night of modern, contemporary and traditional Japanese music, art and creativity dedicated to the people affected by the March 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami in the Tohoku region of Japan. Kakehashi is a collective of Brisbane based musicians, artists and the like that aim to create a bridge of compassion between Brisbane and Tohoku. Despite the lack of media attention both in Japan and abroad, there is still a lot of work that needs to be done. Even though it’s been almost three years since the tragic event, many people are still living in temporary housing and have lost hope. One of the greatest concerns is the younger generation as they are at such an influential age. All profits raised from the event will go to the International PreSchool Pinocchio in Ishinomaki. This preschool is located in one of the worst affected areas. The money donated will go to the purchase of Japanese taiko drums that will be used to help the children move toward a more positive frame of mind while helping to build relationships and inspire others. Auditorium: Kurilpa String Quartet (QLD symphony), Nozomi Omote and Nick Harmsen (QLD symphony) marimba and clarinet, Bashow Kanagawa (Taiko drummer from Nara Japan), Takako Nishibori (Koto), Phill Wilson (Guitar), Hik Sugimoto (Drums) and Toko-ton (Brisbane based taiko group). Foyer: Japanese Artist/Printmaker sensation, Kay Watanabe, Japanese pop band and hula - Brisbane Japanese Hula Girls. There will also be food, snacks and drinks available to purchase on the night from Nonbei, GenkiMart, Japanese bakery and the BEMAC bar. Event snapshot Date: Saturday 8th March Time: Doors open from 6:00pm for foyer entertainment. Concert runs from 7:00pm to 9:30pm (20 minute interval) Venue: BEMAC, Queensland Multicultural Centre (102 Main Street, Kangaroo Point, directly under the Story Bridge) Tickets: Full price $20; Concession and BEMAC members $12 Bookings: http://www.trybooking.com/74739 Charity t-shirts now on sale You can also show your support by purchasing a stylish, high quality Kakehashi Tohoku t-shirt, depicting Brisbane’s own iconic Story Bridge. The t-shirts feature calligraphy by Brisbane based artist Eimatsu Kojima and a logo by Steve Mason from Toko-ton. Adult sizes: $20 Kids’ sizes: $15 To order a t-shirt please e-mail [email protected] and an order form will be sent to you. For more information you can visit www.facebook.com/kakehashitohoku, email [email protected] or phone Takako on 0418-188-347. Japanese Language and Cultural Workshops | Once a Month | Brisbane Would you like to expand your knowledge of Japanese language and culture? The Australia Japan Society – Queensland Inc. will again be holding various Japanese language and cultural workshops throughout 2014. There are two engaging sessions per day on a variety of topics, and the program is organised by Dr. Fujiko Chamberlain AM. Upcoming sessions include: Saturday 15th March Session 1 (10:00am – 12:00noon): Business and formal letter writing Session 2 (12:30pm – 2:30pm): Basic expressions: Kore wa X desu Saturday 26th April Session 1 (10:00am – 12:00noon): Australia-Japan historical relations (1832) Session 2 (12:30pm – 2:30pm): From 12:30pm: Introduction From 1:30pm: Japanese tea ceremony Venue: Brisbane City Square Library (266 George Street) For further information, please visit the Australia Japan Society – Queensland Inc.’s website below: http://www.austjpnsoc.asn.au/contact/ Japan & Friends Day | 16th March | Gold Coast The Japanese Society of Gold Coast in conjunction with the Consulate-General of Japan, Brisbane, will hold the annual Japan and Friends Day event next month, which aims to enhance exchange with the local community through Japanese culture. The event will feature Japanese dancing, performances such as taiko drumming, and stalls selling Japanese food and folk art. This year there will also be a Yukata Contest! Participants of any age are welcome to enter and should wear a yukata on the day. The winner of the contest will receive a prize. And, there will be Yosakoi Dance Workshop held on the day too! Those interested in taking part can register on the day. Date: Sunday 16th March Time: From 10:00am Venue: Albert Waterways Community Centre (Corner of Hooker and Sunshine Boulevardes, Mermaid Waters) For further information please contact the Japanese Society of Gold Coast on (07) 5531 6661 or at [email protected] You can also visit the Japanese Society of Gold Coast’s website below: http://www.jsgc.org.au/ Language Exchange Sessions | 18th March | Taringa The Japanese Club of Brisbane hold regular Language Exchange Sessions in Taringa. The organisation welcomes participation from English speakers wishing to practise their Japanese language skills, together with Japanese speakers wishing to practise their English language skills. English proficiency and Japanese proficiency levels do not matter. Please note the details of the next Language Exchange Session below: Date: Tuesday 18th March Time: 6:00pm – 8:00pm Venue: Place of Stones (86 Whitmore Street, Taringa), a 10 minute walk from Taringa Train Station Telephone: (07) 3870 0360 Admission: Free. (You can also order your own food from the restaurant menu.) For further information, please contact Mr. Ray Gagen ([email protected]) or Mr. Hideaki Maruoka ([email protected]) from the Japanese Club of Brisbane. Taiko Baka Festival – Jazz Band and Drumming Collaborative | 29th March | Somerset College, Gold Coast Somerset College presents an introduction to Japan’s culture through taiko drum performances, a jazz band, traditional Japanese dance, and a taiko collaboration. The event is supported by the Japanese Society of Gold Coast, and Multicultural Communities Council Gold Coast. Proceeds will be donated to earthquake relief in north eastern Japan. Date: Saturday 29th March Time: From 6:00pm Venue: Performing Arts Centre, Somerset College (Somerset Drive, Mudgeeraba) Entry: $20 Inquiries: Telephone the Somerset College Event Office on (07) 5559 7377 or email [email protected] For further information and to book tickets, visit the Somerset College website below: http://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/events/taiko-baka/ Australia-Japan Foundation Grant Program for 2014-15 The Australia-Japan Foundation’s Grant Program for 2014-15 is currently open for projects commencing between the 1st of July 2014 and the 30th of June 2015. Australia-Japan Foundation (AJF) grants are intended to provide seed funding for innovative proposals relevant to the objectives and key themes of the AJF. These include proposals which demonstrate the potential for the development of longterm links between individuals and institutions in Australia and their counterparts in Japan. In addition to the objectives and themes outlined, the AJF Board continues to be interested in receiving grant applications for proposals that aim to assist communities in the Tohoku region of Japan recover from the Great East Japan Earthquake of March 2011. As applications are assessed against the AJF funding guidelines, all applicants should familiarise themselves with these guidelines before submitting the online application for funding. Grant applications can be submitted up until Friday the 4 th of April at 7:00pm (AEST) or 5:00pm (Japan) using the smartygrants online application form at: https://dfat.smartygrants.com.au/AJFMajorGrantsRound2014-15 For further information about the AJF Grant Program, and to read the guidelines for funding applicants and recipients, please visit the website below: http://ajf.australia.or.jp/en/awards/grants/ Inquiries may be directed to the AJF Secretariat on (02) 6261 3989 (Australia) or +81-3-5232-4065 (Japan), or via e-mail at [email protected] or [email protected] 15th International Animation Festival in Japan – HIROSHIMA 2014 | 21st – 25th August | Hiroshima The 15th International Animation Festival will be held from the 21st to the 25th of August, 2014 in Hiroshima, Japan. The festival was established in 1985, as a project to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the atomic bombing. The festival is aimed at promoting international mutual understanding and the pursuit of peace through the development of animation art. It is endorsed by the Association Internationale du Film d’Animation (ASIFA), and is co-organised by the City of Hiroshima and ASIFA-Japan. The entry period for submitting works is from the 1st of February to the 1st of April, 2014. For further information about the festival, and to download an entry form and shipping label please visit the official festival website below: www.hiroanim.org Cultural Achievement Award for Mr. Nao Hirano We would like to congratulate Mr. Nao Hirano, Multicultural Community Development Officer at The Multicultural Communities Council Gold Coast on his recent Cultural Achievement Award! Mr. Hirano received the award at the City of Gold Coast 2014 Australia Day Awards in recognition of his ongoing and very significant contributions towards cultural development within the city of the Gold Coast over the past 15 years, and in particular his continued promotion of Japanese culture. He was presented with this award at an awards ceremony breakfast on the 17th of January. We wish Mr. Hirano all the very best in his future efforts as he continues to promote Japanese and other cultures to the people of Queensland. Ethnic Business Awards – NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN Nominations are now open for the 2014 Ethnic Business Awards. The Ethnic Business awards are Australia’s longest running business awards and recognise and reward the contributions of migrants and indigenous members of the community to the Australian economy. The awards highlight the benefits of diversity in ensuring sustainable economies, nurturing innovation and accelerating productive growth to secure Australia’s future. Last year’s gala event showcased the achievements of some of Australia’s most extraordinary migrants who came to Australia with a “suitcase full of dreams” and achieved success beyond measure. Nominations are in three categories: small business, medium to large business and indigenous in business. Visit www.ethnicbusinessawards.com for more information. UQ Japanese Taiko Drumming Team is looking for NEW MEMBERS A brand new taiko team has formed at The University of Queensland called the UQ Japanese Taiko Drumming Team! Although the team is based at The University of Queensland, the group’s motto is 「 み ん な の 太 鼓 グ ル ー プ (everyone’s taiko group) 」 , so anyone and everyone who is interested in trying out taiko drumming is welcome to join their team! They are looking for new members, and would love to have keen and enthusiastic community members join them. Absolutely no experience with taiko or any musical background is necessary. 一緒に太鼓を叩いてみたいという 方、経験を問わず募集しております! The group aims to share the joy of taiko drumming through weekly practices together and, eventually, with more people around Brisbane by performing at various community events. One to two hour practices will be held once a week from March at The University of Queensland's St. Lucia campus. First-time membership fee for community members is $35, which includes weekly practices throughout the university semester (beginning of March – end of June) and a pair of your very own drum sticks. From then on, each semester’s membership fee is $25 to cover the weekly practice costs. What is taiko? Taiko, in Japanese, literally means "big fat drum". Taiko is a form of traditional music and art that has been a very important part of Japanese culture for over 1000 years. Taiko drumming has now spread all around the world, and is capturing many people's hearts through a combination of powerful beats, dynamic movements, and energetic performances. Taiko is awesome because... (1) It's so much fun to hit these big drums!!! (2) You'll make new friends (3) It's great exercise (4) It's perfect for stress relief (5) You could become a musician! (6) You could get six pack abs! (7) If you're Japanese, it's one way to nurture and share your cultural heritage (8) If you're not Japanese, it's one way to learn about another culture (9) It makes people happy (10) It's never been so easy to make such as big, loud statement (11) It's for people of all ages, from all places, from all musical and non-musical backgrounds... It's just so much fun to play taiko together! For more information about the UQ Japanese Taiko Drumming Team or to express your interest in joining the group, you can e-mail them at [email protected] or visit their Facebook page below. https://www.facebook.com/pages/UQ-Japanese-Taiko-Drummingteam/1468439213376888?id=1468439213376888&sk=info Japanese Cultural Centre Japanese cultural activities have been offered by Ms. Akiko Yamada and Mr. Carl Rathus at the Japanese Cultural Centre (JCC) since 1987. The centre is a reference point for persons seeking lessons or demonstrations in aspects of Japanese culture and there is a particular emphasis on cultural programs for schools. The Japanese Cultural Centre conducts a special program for school groups of approximately 30 students at the Japanese Gardens in the Mt. Coot-tha Botanic Gardens in Brisbane, and also at schools upon special request. The centre offers students a rare opportunity to experience Japanese culture first-hand. Items offered for student participation include the Japanese tea ceremony; shakuhachi (bamboo flute) music; martial arts; Japanese calligraphy; an opportunity to wear kimono; folk dancing; kite making; and haiku (Japanese poetry). Generally at least one month notice is required to arrange an event, and performance items are dependent on the availability of presenters. For more information on the Japanese Cultural Centre or to make a booking please contact the centre via e-mail at [email protected] Languages Australia Website Languages Australia is a directory of foreign language options available in Australia for children aged 0-18 years. The directory listing contains: Over 270 bilingual playgroups in Australia Over 120 preschool age options: including day-care with a foreign language program and bilingual story-time in libraries A list of government schools, and their foreign language programs After school community language options and Saturday schools A new local cultural events noticeboard Visitors to the Languages Australia website can also add their own organisation or event details to the site, and sign up and contribute to their monthly newsletter. Languages Australia also has a Facebook page. Be sure to have a look at the website below: www.languagesaustralia.com.au You can also contact Karen Nejad, the owner and creator of the site at [email protected] for further information. Launch of the Ryokan Experience Website A new website has been launched called ‘Ryokan Experience’. This website gathers information from various traditional inns throughout Kyoto and brings all of the information together in one convenient place. Users can browse through 25 different accommodation sites and look at information such as location, facilities provided, whether or not the accommodation has an English speaker available, cuisine, accommodation options for children, cancellation policies and pictures of rooms. It is hoped that the number of sites featured will increase to 100 over the coming year. This information is all displayed in English and bookings can be made through the site. The Ryokan Experience website will certainly make booking traditional accommodation in Japan much easier and less intimidating. This is a must visit site for anyone planning an upcoming trip to Japan and wanting to book a stay in a traditional inn, without having to search for hours and being limited to the few websites that feature information in English. School Exchange Program in Kyoto Kyoto Utano Youth Hostel has started a School Exchange Program. Through this initiative visiting Australian school groups can have a school exchange program organised for them during their stay in Japan. Primary, high school or university groups can participate in the school exchange program, and must apply five months before departure. For further information about this program, please contact Ms. Kiyomi Seiriki via e-mail at [email protected] or telephone on +81-75-462-2288. Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University – Summer Educational Programme Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University is now accepting applications for its summer educational programme (Academic and Cultural Experience Programme). The 11 day programme is open to high school students in grades 10 to 12 who have an interest in Japanese language and culture. Students will be given the opportunity to study Japanese language and Asian culture at the university, interact with students from over 80 countries and regions, take part in a variety of educational and cultural activities, and enjoy a rural home stay and the natural beauty of Beppu City in Oita Prefecture. For further information please visit: http://admissions.apu.ac.jp/student_life/ace2014.html You have received this e-mail because your e-mail address is registered with the Consulate-General of Japan, Brisbane’s e-newsletter mailing list. To unsubscribe from this mailing list please e-mail: [email protected] We respect your privacy. We will not disclose your personal details to any third party. The Consulate-General of Japan, Brisbane is not affiliated with the above events unless stated, and is not responsible for these events or the content of linked websites. For further details on any of the above events, please contact the event organisers directly. If you know of any upcoming Japan-related events and would like to publicise them in our enewsletter, please e-mail the details through to us at: [email protected] The final choice of articles will be at the discretion of the Consulate-General of Japan, Brisbane.
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