Sadler’s Wells will feature Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui’s 4D, a contemporary dance piece with four duets on Monday 23rd and Tuesday 24th June at 7:30pm.

Each duet –”Matter”, “Pure”, “Sin” and “Faun”- is a segment taken from Cherkaoui’s various works to create one whole performance.

The second of these duets, “Pure”, is taken from “TeZuKa”, a contemporary theatre piece produced with Bunkamura Theatre, Tokyo entailing the life and oeuvre of Osamu Tezuka: pioneer of manga and famous for his comics such as “Astro Boy” and “Metropolis”.

The world premier piece was the choreographer Cherkaoui’s tribute to Osamu, whose mangas formed a significant part of his childhood. It speaks in the context of post-World War II Japan, as well as including an explanation in French of the effects of the Fukushima nuclear plant. “TeZuKa” makes references to the ties between the artist and his characters, such as his medical training and his character ‘Black Jack’, who lectures on about bacteria.

While it is classified as a dance piece, within “TeZuKa” there are also martial artists, musicians and a calligrapher, all of whom interact along with video artist Taiki Ueda’s projections. The dancers’ movements imitate those of brush strokes, leaving cartoonish marks on the screen during a fight. Japanese characters are presented on the projections and dancers’ bodies, which eventually appear to be fluttering onto the floor.

“Pure” will focus on the young love aspect from “TeZuKa” as a part of “4D’s” exploration of love and lust.

Along with the duets there will be a showing of the dance film “Valtari” which Cherkaoui co-created with director Christian Larson for the Icelandic rock band Sigur Rós.

Tickets can be bought online, by phone or at the Ticket Office.

http://www.sadlerswells.com/whats-on/2014/Sampled-Eastman-Sidi-Larbi-Cherkaoui/booking

Text Written by Alyssa Ollivier, Hendon School

Tanabata is the Japanese ‘star festival’ which occurs on the seventh day of the seventh month each year. The festival is said to originate from a Chinese tale (The Weaver Girl and the Cowherd) of two lovers, Orihime and Hikoboshi. Their love disrupted their work, angering the king who sent them each to opposite ends of the Amanogawa – the Milky Way. He allowed them to meet once a year, on the seventh day of the seventh month. Some believe that if it is raining on Tanabata, Orihime and Hikoboshi cannot meet.

In the lunar calendar, the seventh month is August, therefore in some parts of Japan Tanabata is still celebrated then. However, in many parts the festival is celebrated in July. Traditions include writing a wish on tanzaku –a small piece of paper- and hanging this paper on a bamboo tree, in hope that it will come true. Some also put lanterns or bamboo leaves to float down a river.

The most famous Tanabata festival in Japan is held in Sendai, between the 6th and 8th of August.

On Sunday 13th July, the Royal Festival Hall will hold a Tanabata-inspired event from 11:00am to 5:30pm on the Level 2 Foyer and the Clore Ballroom, as part of their ‘Festival of Love’. Here, you will be able to make paper cranes, streamers and tanzaku, as well as try on a yukata (summer kimono). In addition to these activities, there will be performances of Japanese music and dance.

The event is organised in collaboration with the Embassy of Japan and the Japan Society, supported by the Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation.

Entry is free.

http://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whatson/tanabata-festival-85594

Text written by Alyssa Ollivier, Hendon School

Matsuo Bashō, renowned for his haiku poetry, is sometimes compared to William Wordsworth, a famous poet of the Romantic era. The two explored nature in their poetry, finding inspiration through long walks.

Matsuo Bashō’s love for poetry began at an early age, though he initially worked as a teacher. In the late 17th century, Bashō left Edo to have a rural life, due to traumatic events such as his mother’s death in 1683. He remained dissatisfied and unhappy for a while, advising the poets he met to ignore the literary craze of Edo and to disregard his early works. He seemed to, ironically, find satisfaction on the Edo Five Routes, the roads infamous during that time for being immensely dangerous. From Edo he travelled to Mount Fuji to Ueno and finally to Kyoto before returning to his home town Ueno to be an instructor.

Parallel to his life, Bashō’s work has travelled through various moods; the sadness, the serenity of nature, and even mock tributes to the Shogun:

甲比丹もつくばはせけり君が春

The Dutchmen, too,

kneel before His Lordship —

spring under His reign.

Bashō’s most famous poem depicts a frog splashing into a pond. Though it is simple, the poem has been praised for evoking the reader’s senses, including those of sound.

古池や 蛙飛び込む 水の音

The old pond:

A frog jumps in,—

The sound of the water.

His work has been regarded as so great that in 1793, criticising it was considered blasphemous as he was deified by the Shinto administration. Bashō has been a great influence to many poets, with the likes of Ezra Pound and poets from the Beat Generation.

In celebration of Bashō’s great work and its ties with Wordsworth’s, an exhibition at the Dove Cottage Garden, Lake District, has been set up to evaluate the two poets’ work. The exhibition will also feature manuscripts and early prints of their work, as well as new works by contemporary artists with new, abstract ideas.

The exhibition has been funded by the Daiwa Foundation through a grant given in 2012 to Dr Mike Collier of the School of Arts, Design and Media at the University of Sunderland. The grant was given in order to support mutual visits between the UK and Japan by academics and artists.

The exhibition runs until 2nd November 2014, and fees do apply.

Please check their website for further details.

https://wordsworth.org.uk/visit/walking-poets.html

Eluned Gramich completed a BA at the University of Oxford, and an MA in Creative Writing at the University of East Anglia. She participated on the Daiwa Scholarship  2012 programme, to explore Japan’s literature and culture. Her first published short story, Oku Hanafu was published in ‘Rarebit’, edited by Susie Wild in 2014.

Oku Hanafu by Eluned Gramich is a short story set in Japan. It follows the concept of ‘omiai’, arranged marriage. The story opens with Yoko and her mother waiting for a kabuki play to begin. There is tension, and the reader is filled with anticipation as “Yoko remembers the last time she was out in the evening”. After encountering Torimitsu and her son, Nakamura, at the theatre, the story goes back to “six months ago” when Yoko first met Nakamura, her potential partner. At the age of thirty-six Yoko may be perceived as undesirable, having passed the ‘tekireiki’ stage- marriageable age. However, it is not her age that seems to jeopardize an affiliation but rather her personality as well as expressed lack of interest in a relationship. The plot returns to the present, at the theatre, where the result of her and Nakamura’s meeting is revealed.

The mood within this short story is indescribable; one can somehow feel the tension of each scene, the start is almost foreboding but not in a way we expect it to. Initially, we are told that “there is something wrong about being out of the house at night,” leaving the reader with a sense of imminent danger. However as the story progresses we discover this may not be the case, and so one of Yoko’s characteristics is somewhat revealed. In a short story, there is little room for a plotline, therefore the characters and setting are crucial in giving the reader something to guess, to figure out. Oku Hanafu has just that, and whilst some aspects of this read can be reproached for almost giving too much away, Gramich has left room for the reader to speculate.

My personal approach to this work is that Yoko struggles with anxiety which is implied in her given characteristics, and this is perhaps an underlying reason that she avoids looking for a partner. Her shyness, insecurity, fear of “being out of the house at night” and loud noises as well as discomfort around people are various symptoms of anxiety and so whilst no diagnosis is mentioned, this is one factor that Gramich is allowing us to look out for. Yoko eventually blurts out that she wants to marry, but is confused by why she thought this. It can be inferred from here that she subconsciously wants what is referred to sociologically as an inevitable life stage, so, naturally the idea remains at the back of her mind. Despite her coldness when interacting with others, which is perhaps due to her social anxiety, she needs some intimacy though she is not outwardly aware of this. This is a further implication of introversion.

Oku Hanafu is gripping, and its author has succeeded in creating an atmosphere that practically brings the reader to the location, we are not only readers, mindful of Yoko’s thoughts in the free indirect narrator, but also observers within each scene that is presented.

One wonders whether Gramich’s intentions were to set the story in modern day Japan, or back a century or two ago when kabuki was introduced and developing. It includes many aspects of Japanese culture that are traditionally known but are overlooked in today’s Japanese society by the West. Perhaps she wishes for us to choose the time period, see what comes to mind first. The women wear kimonos, they partake in a traditional miai, and there is no indication of a postmodernist society, one might automatically presume that this was written as the 19th century. But Gramich’s understanding of Japanese culture is present- the Japanese wear traditional formal clothing to the theatre just as westerners put on formal attire, and the concept of arranged marriage is, whilst not as common amongst the newer generation, still acknowledged and considered by some people. For that reason it is feasible that Eluned Gramich aims to manifest the reality of Japan today.

 Text written by Alyssa Ollivier, Hendon School

Having previously been included in the British Council’s group exhibition, Mark-ing at Gallery Libby Sellers in 2013, Nagasaka returns with a solo presentation of the Flat Tables series which has been in development since 2009. Throughout this series Nagasaka explores his ongoing interest in finding modern solutions for abandoned objects through poetic re-purposing techniques. The ‘Flat Tables’ series takes found workstations and tabletops which are renewed through a layer of coloured epoxy resin in order to reveal and celebrate the textures of the woods, their time-weathered surfaces and the many narratives embedded in these cuts, scratches and abrasions.

Following his graduation from Tokyo National University of Arts, Nagasaka founded “Studio Schema” (currently Schemata Architecture Office) in 1998. In 2007, the office relocated to Kamimeguro and a collaboration office called “happa” that shares a gallery and other facilities was established. Among his works are Sayama Flat (2008); House in Okusawa (2010); Aesop Aoyama/Ginza (2011); Udukuri for Established and Sons (2012); Takeo Kikuchi store, Tokyo (2012); 3.1 Philip Lim Pop-Up store (2013/2014); Design of the year 2014 London Design Museum; Wallpaper* Handmade in collaboration with Hancock (2014). This will be his first solo exhibition in London.

The exhibition runs from 4 July to 15 August 2014 

A press release can be viewed below:

 Jo Nagasaka at Gallery Libby Sellers Press Release, PDF

Gallery Libby Sellers
41-42 Berners Street
London W1T 3NB
+44 (0)203 384 8785
www.libbysellers.com

‘Koki Tanaka visualizes and reveals the multiple contexts latent in the most simple of everyday acts.’

Tanaka’s Precarious Tasks #9: 24 hrs Gathering is his response to his friend’s experience during the March 2011 earthquake. He aims to explore how individuals feel and react when being together for an entire twenty-four hours. What is the experience like? Do people grow together and share stories? How do daily tasks differ when done with a whole other group of people? His other events involved drinking tea and discussing the themes of riots and disaster.

As part of his Precarious Tasks #9 project, Koki Tanaka arranged a book reading at St James’ Park in which guests brought along their favourite books and read extracts from them as a part of the 24 hour gathering. There was a fascinating variety of literature presented; Possession (A.S. Byatt), To Kill A Mocking Bird (Harper Lee), Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland (Lewis Carroll) and even a novel in German was read out.

Some may wonder why Tanaka would call this a ‘precarious task’, but there is, naturally, this feeling of fear, the fear of being judged by the book you chose, by how well you read, how interestingly you read.

Amazingly however, the daunting task of reading aloud to others, was warm like the comfort of reading a book on a rainy day. There was no sense of judgment, nor discouragement to read aloud. The heartening aspect was knowing why a book was someone’s or favourite, if it was. In addition, why someone chose it. Each individual’s experience with their novel and memories attached to it were shared. Even if we do not all read the same books, we understand each other in our affection for literature.

Text written by Alyssa Ollivier, Hendon School

The Toshiba International Foundation are inviting young non-Japanese researchers engaged in Japanese studies to enter an essay contest to commemorate their 25th anniversary. Application deadline is 30 October 2014. 

Toshiba International Essay Contest:

What does the world expect of Japan?

Japan must look to the past and build the future. As it continues to recover from the devastation of the 2011 Tohoku earthquake, it is also preparing for the 2020 Tokyo Olympiad. Strong currents of change are flowing through Japan and the wider world, the country faces many questions and must make choices, some of them tough. We ask our essayists to consider today’s Japan, and to explain and share their views on three points. :

1. What does Japan need to reform, and what should it protect and preserve?

2. As a country, What kind of message should Japan be sending to the rest of the world?

3. What does the world expect of Japan?

Prizes

Grand Prize (1 person) – A 1-million yen research grant

Outstanding Performance Prize (2 people) – 500,000 yen research grants

The three prize winners listed will be invited to receiver their awards at a ceremony in Tokyo

Essay language and length

Japanese or English

3000 – 4000 Japanese characters, or 3000 – 4000 English words

Entry conditions:  Submitted essays must be unpublished.  The copyright of the winning essays will become the property of the Toshiba International Foundation.

Entry qualifications

Young researchers engaged in Japanese studies. Assistants or trainees at research institutions, art galleries, museums, etc., who are either enrolled in or who have completed a doctoral program at the time of application. Lecturers, assistants and associate professors at universities who have yet to obtain tenure. Entry is open to all non-Japanese citizens. The object of the contest is to promote Japanese studies overseas.

Applicants must attach the following when submitting their essays:

1. Resume

2. A statement of future aspirations

3. Intended use of the research grant

4. A letter of recommendation from the applicant’s supervisor or leader

Application deadline October 30, 2014

Method of submission send to tifo@toshiba.co.jp

Announcement of winners March 2015

Award ceremony May 2015, in Tokyo

All enquiries tifo@toshiba.co.jp

Dr Jonathan Mackintosh, Lecturer in World History at the School of Humanities and Performing Arts (Faculty of Arts & Humanities) took up his post in Plymouth in September 2012. Recently he has been busily involved with Japan400 Plymouth which will take place from 26 September to 1 October 2014. Here he tells us all about it.

Firstly, what is Japan400 Plymouth?

Japan400 Plymouth is a celebration of UK-Japan relations, with a focus especially on the place of Plymouth and the South West in what is an epic story of exploration, curiosity, and adventure. Its core events will take place from 26 September to 1 October 2014, with others to follow in subsequent weeks.

Our centrepiece event – on 27 September 2014 – is the ‘Homecoming of The Clove’, when we recreate the return on 27 September 1614 to England, landing in Plymouth, of John Saris, Captain of the Clove and Commander of the expedition that saw the establishment of formal Anglo-Japanese trade relations.

An 112-foot tall ship will sail into Sutton Harbour to be greeted by a Japan Fair of festivities, including a formal programme of greetings, music, food, and performances.

Why Japan400 Plymouth/What will it celebrate?

As the title suggests, Japan400 Plymouth follows on from the wonderful series of events that took place across 2013 to commemorate the arrival of Saris in Japan and meeting with the Shogun.

But, the inclusion of Plymouth in the title is not simply to designate where our event will take place. Japan400 Plymouth is all about local, national, and global connections. Every one of its events has emerged to promote collaborations and relationships between individuals and organisations: Plymouth University, Plymouth City Council, Sutton Harbour, LEPs across the South West, the Scouts, the youth group Play it Again, the Japan Society, the Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation, the Embassy of Japan, to name a few, and of course, the Daiwa Anglo-Japanese Foundation. It is thanks to these groups and many, many individuals that Japan400 Plymouth promises to be a distinctive event, that above all, will showcase communities coming together.

Is this the very FIRST ever Japanese-themed festival in Plymouth?

There have been Japan-related festivals and events in the past. Over a decade ago, a culture day was held in the Guildhall. And, more recently, the local Japanese residents organised fund-raising activities in response to the Tohoku earthquake. Both were, I understand, great successes.

I hope that Japan400 Plymouth can help to stoke even more interest in Japanese culture that these events sparked, while introducing Japan to new audiences across a range of interests.

One thing I would like to emphasise is how Japan400 Plymouth approaches the idea of ‘Anglo-Japanese’. Its various events will hopefully be stimulating, productive, intriguing, and above all, fun. But, once the froth of the festivities has dissipated, hopefully a more profound journey will nevertheless be inspired. The goal isn’t simply to plonk a bit of Japan onto Plymouth for a few days. Rather, it would be great if people – especially young people – might feel that the bit of ‘Japan’ that they experienced and enjoyed is something they could learn about more, shape and give personal meaning to so that it could be a part of their lives; if Japan400 Plymouth might play a small part in stimulating this, then it will have achieved its most important goal of using Japan to animate in people here and now the spirit of exploration that defines the history – and future – of Plymouth and the South West.

Does Plymouth have any particular connections with Japan?

This is an interesting question. At first glance, Japan seems conspicuous by its absence. But, as with so much of the history of Plymouth, when you start digging around, intriguing, quirky, and sometimes profound connections begin to appear. For example, Admiral Tōgō Heihachirō – the man who led the Japanese victory in 1905 against the Russians, and is to Japan what Francis Drake is to England – studied in Plymouth during the formative period of the Imperial Japanese Navy.

One of the most rewarding aspects of the journey that has been Japan400 Plymouth so far, is discovering all sorts of pockets of interest. At Plymouth University, for example, activity is taking place across the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, in History, English and Creative Writing, Music, Performing Arts, Education, Tourism and Business, Illustration, Digital Art and Technology, Design and Architecture. This extends to the Sciences, for example Marine Science and Technology. I hope that Japan400 Plymouth will act as a platform on which to showcase these interests, and ideally, help to promote and develop enduring transnational academic links.

What will people be able to see and do at Japan400 Plymouth?

We’ve got all sorts of culture – food, film, arts, history, There’ll be something hopefully for everybody, children, young people, their parents and grandparents. Highlights include:

On 27 September, the Japan Fair will include performances by internationally-acclaimed musicians Hibiki Ichikawa and Akari Mochizuki as well as Kagemusha whose fanfare performance will welcome the Homecoming of The Clove – so, lots of music. Food will also feature, since Japan400 Plymouth will tie up with the Plymouth Seafood Festival to include, for the first time, Japanese cooking demonstrations. Visitors will be able to board and walk the main deck of The Clove. And, of course, there is the Homecoming of The Clove. There’ll be greetings from Plymouth’s Lord Mayor, and a number of ceremonial exchanges.

On 28 September, the Global Japan Culture Showcase at the Plymouth Guildhall will feature displays, workshops and performances, by local and international cultural practitioners. We’ve so far got lined up the tea ceremony, aikido and kendo, poetry readings, a fashion show, and taiko drumming to mention a few. There will also be an illustration corner, including for example, the ‘Make yourself Manga’ life drawing workshop, a kawaii stall, as well as the Embassy of Japan Manga Jiman exhibition.

On 30 September, Timon Screech, Professor of Art and Archaeology at the School of Oriental and African Studies (University of London), and one of the world’s leading experts on early modern Japanese art, will deliver the Japan400 Plymouth History keynote lecture, ‘Japan400 and Plymouth: Why 1614 matters in 2014’.

Every Monday for three weeks from 6 October, Peninsula Arts will screen Japanese films at the Jill Craigie Cinema.

And, on 20-21 October, Japan400 Plymouth teams up with the Plymouth International Book Festival in a duo of events whose theme of Japan in translation will feature the launch of a new short story by acclaimed author Mariko Nagai, and a panel of discussion by translation practitioners.

Will there be any specialist activities?

Yes, definitely. On 26 September, the ‘Doing Business with Japan’ event promotes inward investment. Companies located in the South West are invited to join this valuable information exchange who have existing ties to Japan and seek to expand their operations, and/or who wish to develop a Japanese export market.

And, on 29 September, the Plymouth University Institute of Education will collaborate in their third annual Primary Partnership Conference with The Japan Society. Teachers from across the South West are invited to participate in this special event which will introduce the range and use of Japanese resources into lessons. Lunch is catered by the JTJ Restaurant Academy, recently set up by UK Masterchef Peter Gorton, to help school leavers build up their work experience and qualifications.

Finally, on 30 September, Plymouth University welcomes Mr. Crispin Chambers from Tavistock College. Chambers, recipient of the 2013 Pearson Teacher of the Year Award, will run a series of language workshops for Plymouth University students and the general public.

Where will the festival take place? Will there be a few venues?

Japan400 Plymouth occurs in a variety of places depending on the event ranging from Sutton Harbour and the Barbican – the heart of historic Plymouth – to the University.

You can see a schedule of events via this link: 

Can people volunteer to help out or participate in any way?

Absolutely! If you’ve got Japan-related expertise you’d like to showcase in one or more of the events, or, if you want to get involved, helping to organise and deliver one of the events, and meet new people including potentially Japan-related experts and specialists, please contact Jonathan Mackintosh.

If you’d like to participate as a delegate in and/or would like more information on the ‘Doing Business with Japan’, and Plymouth Primary Partnership and Japan Society Teachers Workshops event, please contact Jonathan Mackintosh.

Is this a one-off?

Yes, very much so – there won’t be another Japan400 Plymouth ever again, so make sure you join us this year!

That being said, and as indicated above, Japan400 Plymouth festivities will finish by the end of October 2014, but a longer-term goal is the generation of enduring connections and inspirations. This could include academic exchanges for Plymouth University. And, with wider community in mind, there are a number of projects featuring Japan-related clubs, craft and design, arts, and a peace garden.

And, would you like to mention the symposium taking place on 29 September?

Japan400 Plymouth was initiated out of the History Department at Plymouth University. We’ve recently expanded to included posts in World History as well as Maritime and Naval History, with emerging research and teaching structures to help promote this growth.

It is in this context that we are extremely pleased to have the opportunity to collaborate with the Daiwa Anglo-Japanese Foundation on a half-day Symposium. It will take place on 29 September 2014, and will be the first time the Foundation has come to the South West. Our theme is, appropriate to Plymouth, Maritime Synergies. It is comprised of three panels that will explore the past, present, and future of Anglo-Japanese co-operation featuring: history, another on marine resources, and the final one featuring security.

Confirmed speakers and participants include Dr. Harry Bennett (Plymouth University), Dr. Anthony Best (LSE), Dr. Steve Fletcher (Plymouth Marine Institute), Admiral Yoji Koda (Japan Marine Self Defense Forces), Prof. Ian Nish (LSE), Dr. Alessio Patalano (King’s College London), Vice Chancellor Prof. Wendy Purcell (Plymouth University), Dr. Peter Roberts (RUSI).

If you would like to attend, please register with Jonathan Mackintosh.

Japan400 Plymouth:
Japan400 Plymouth, Website

Schedule of events:
Japan400 Plymouth what is on, Website

Stephen Friedman Gallery’s current exhibition of work from the 1960s and 1970s includes work from Japan as well as from the USA, Latin America and Europe. 4×4 is on until 19 July.

The Japanese room explores New Conceptualism and encapsulates the divergent activities of the post-war avant-garde in Japan. Jiro Takamatsu is accompanied by painter and sculptor Aiko Miyawaki; radical photographer Keiji Uematsu; and multi-media visionary Katsuhiro Yamaguchi. Takamatsu’s ‘Oneness of Rust’ and ‘Slack of Net’ explore the singularity and complexity of quotidian materials. Yamaguchi’s ‘Lighting Object T’ 1967 recalls his earlier work with the Jikken Kobo group (Experimental Workshop) in its performative aspects and engagement with new media.

 Miyawaki and Uematsu are shown here for the first time in London despite showing in various venues in Europe and Japan. Miyawaki’s pierced and cut brass objects capture her intrigue in light and space and draw a contemporary parallel to Yamaguchi’s light sculpture. Uematsu’s post-conceptual photograph ‘Wave Motion III’ features the artist rippling a piece of rope tied to a tree. The work combines intervention and performance in an exploration of gravity which typifies the progressive photography in Japan in the late 1970s. 

http://www.stephenfriedman.com/exhibitions

Emerging Sociopolitical Art after 3/11 – talk by Yuko Hasegawa in Norwich on Thursday, 10 July 2014.

Yuko Hasegawa, Chief Curator at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Tokyo will give a talk at Norwich University of the Arts on 10 July, 4pm to 5:15pm.

Thursday 10 July 2014
4pm – 5:15pm
Norwich University of the Arts
Room SG21, Saint George’s Building, Norwich

*Please meet at Saint George building’s foyer

TO BOOK:
**LIMITED AVAILABILITY** Please contact the Sainsbury Institute to book a place.

Telephone: 01603 597507 Email: sisjac@sainsbury-institute.org

Admission Free

The seminar will shed light on new forms of expressions and rise of sociopolitical art in response to 3/11 disaster that struck the eastern coastal region of Japan in 2011. Historically artists born in the late 1970s spent their youth during the economic slump of the 1990s referred to in Japan as the ‘lost decade.’ Many of these artists tend to look anew at society and everyday life from fresh perspectives and seek to share these with, and communicate them to, others through art. Their personal and small-scale political involvement could be labeled micro-politics, and while they remain self-aware of their own weaknesses and feelings of hopelessness, they embrace a kind of survivalist approach that involves searching for their own role or identity in an unstable environment.

Unlike conventional conceptual art, which is built logically and discursively, the emerging social and political art manifests in the form of what could be called ‘soft conceptualism’, which might be described as proposals and platform-building aimed at finding new forms of communication and dialogue.

The talk will feature artists who have adopted a variety of approaches. Koki Tanaka undertakes projects based on collective creative activity. The artist collective Chim↑Pom adopts a journalistic approach to topics in staging performances that involve intervention in urban space. The multimedia production group Rhizomatiks makes accessible hidden information and mega data through their data visualization work. Meiro Koizumi produces controversial narratives that embroil strangers. Meanwhile, Aya Takano produces drawing-like paintings reminiscent of manga in which figures with primitive, fragile bodies are depicted in various psychological and social landscapes. And Sputniko!, who uses social networks to put forward proposals for an alternative future.

Yuko Hasegawa is Chief Curator of the Museum of Contemporary Art, Tokyo (MOT) and Professor of the Department of Art Science, Tama Art University in Tokyo. Since 2008, Yuko has been a member of the Asian Art Council at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum (New York). She is Artistic Director of Inujima Art House Project (2011-present) and Curator for Art Basel in Hong Kong Encounters to be held in May 2014. Her recent projects include BUNNY SMASH– design to touch the world (2013), ARCHITECTURAL ENVIRONMENTS for TOMORROW (2011) at Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo, and Trans Cool Tokyo (2010-11) at the Singapore Art Museum. Her publications include Modern Women: Women Artists at the Museum of Modern Art, Museum of Modern Art, 2010, pp334-351 and Kazuyo Sejima + Ryue Nishizawa: SANAA, Phaidon Press, 2006.

This seminar is organised by the Norwich University of the Arts, Japan Foundation, and the Sainsbury Institute for the Study of Japanese Arts and Cultures.

http://us7.campaign-archive2.com/?u=99ebdbe0d03a43381a691f261&id=61974402bf&e=15d2354609

Carl Randall’s Tokaido Highway: Portraits from Edo to the Present will be displayed in Shizuoka, 8 July to 11 September 2014.

The Shizuoka City Tokaido Hiroshige Museum is dedicated to the work of renowned Japanese printmaker Ando Hiroshige, and former Daiwa Scholar, Carl’s paintings will be exhibited alongside his original woodblock prints.

The 14 oil paintings to be exhibited were commissioned by the National Portrait Gallery as part of the 2012 BP travel Award; touring to London, Aberdeen and Wolverhampton, and this is the first time the paintings will be shown in Japan.

Carl is giving an Artist’s Talk at the museum, Sunday July 13th, 1 – 2pm, in conversation with Hitoshi Iwasaki, Advisor of the Hiroshige Museum & Chief Curator of the Tobacco & Salt Museum, Tokyo.

He is also giving workshops on other dates.

Museum website: http://tokaido-hiroshige.jp/

Other pieces about  Carl Randall  on our website can be found via the following links:

For those in Japan or heading out to the Sapporo International Art Festival this July to September, you are invited to ‘Actinium – Nuclear Culture Exhibition & Forum’, a partnership between Sapporo-based S-AIR and the UK arts organisation The Arts Catalyst. Actinium forms part of the Sapporo International Art Festival Collaborative Programme 2014 and previews on  19 July 2014. The Actinium exhibition will close on 3 August 2014.

ACTINIUM – Exhibition & Forum

Artists are making the nuclear economy increasingly visible by rethinking nuclear materials and architectures, decay rates and risk perception; questioning the 20th century belief in nuclear modernity. The Actinium exhibition is a hub for an international discussion about contemporary nuclear culture. It is a partnership between Sapporo-based S-AIR and the UK arts organisation The Arts Catalyst, and forms part of the SIAF Collaborative Programme 2014. The Actinium exhibition is curated by Ele Carpenter of The Arts Catalyst and will be the base for film screenings, discussion forum and field trips, exploring the relationship between the metropolis and nuclear sites in rural Hokkaido.

Actinium is a radioactive element, named after the Greek word ‘aktis’ a beam or ray. We know surprisingly little about the behaviour of different kinds of alpha, beta and gamma radiation. Today the word actinium conjures ideas of action in response to radioactive materials as they enter the public realm through the nuclear cycle of weapons, energy, pollution and waste. As the international population becomes more aware of their role as participants in nuclear culture, this exhibition aims to create a space for open discussion. Today artists and geologists explore the human time of the Anthropocene as the nuclear industry tries to reverse-mine radioactive waste back into the ground. The geological time frames for radioactive decay are beyond human comprehension and challenge the limits of knowledge and not-knowing.

Exhibition

Actinium, the exhibition, includes works by artists James Acord (USA), Shuji Akagi (J), Chim↑Pom (J), Crowe & Rawlinson (UK/De), Karen Kramer (USA/UK), Cécile Massart (Belgium), Eva & Franco Mattes (USA), Thomson & Craighead (UK/Scotland). Curated by Ele Carpenter (UK).

Forum

The Actinium Forum brings together international artists from Japan, Britain and USA with Japanese academics, activists and researchers in the field of nuclear culture. Discussion topics include: political, social, material and philosophical concerns, geologic time, the nuclear cycle, DIY Science, radiation, immateriality and invisibility. The morning includes presentations by Nicola Triscott from The Arts Catalyst and artists Ryuta Ushiro (Chim↑Pom), Thomson & Craighead, Takashi Noguchi, Susan Schuppli, and others. The afternoon includes roundtable discussions on themes such as time, radiation and folklore. The afternoon includes roundtable discussions on themes such as time, radiation and folklore. The Forum takes place on Sunday 27 July, 10am-5pm, for booking contact: info@s-air.org

Field Trips

Field Trips will enable an interdisciplinary group of artists and researchers to visit nuclear sites on Hokkaido including the Underground Research Center for radioactive waste storage at Horonobe, and the Nuclear Power Plant at Tomari. A group of international artists will also travel to Sendai and Fukushima City.

Actinium is curated by Ele Carpenter, The Arts Catalyst, produced by S-AIR; and is a SIAF Collaborative Programme 2014. The project is organized by NPO S-AIR, Sapporo. Supported by: Daiwa Anglo-Japanese Foundation, Pola Foundation, Sapporo City, The Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan, Arts Council England, Goldsmiths College, University of London.

Exhibition: 19 July – 3 August 2014, open 1-9pm daily

Preview, 18 July 8-10pm (closed 22 & 28 July)

Forum: 27 July, 10am-5pm, Admission ¥1,500. Booking contact: info@s-air.org

Support

The Actinium project has been made possible by support from Goldsmiths, University of London, SIAF, Daiwa Anglo-Japnaese Foundation, Pola Art Foundation, Arts Council England, Agency for Cultural Affairs, City of Sapporo.

S-AIR (Sapporo Artist-in-Residence) gives talented domestic and foreign artists the opportunity to work and stay in Sapporo for two to three months. During their stay a broad range of cultural exchange takes place, with local artists and students, as well as, local citizens. Established in 1999, the Sapporo Artist in Residence Program is the first residence system in Hokkaido to invite contemporary artists on a regular basis. http://www.s-air.org/

Further information:

The Toshiba International Foundation are inviting young non-Japanese researchers engaged in Japanese studies to enter an essay contest to commemorate their 25th anniversary. Application deadline is 30 October 2014. 

Toshiba International Essay Contest:

What does the world expect of Japan?

Japan must look to the past and build the future. As it continues to recover from the devastation of the 2011 Tohoku earthquake, it is also preparing for the 2020 Tokyo Olympiad. Strong currents of change are flowing through Japan and the wider world, the country faces many questions and must make choices, some of them tough. We ask our essayists to consider today’s Japan, and to explain and share their views on three points. :

1. What does Japan need to reform, and what should it protect and preserve?

2. As a country, What kind of message should Japan be sending to the rest of the world?

3. What does the world expect of Japan?

Prizes

Grand Prize (1 person) – A 1-million yen research grant

Outstanding Performance Prize (2 people) – 500,000 yen research grants

The three prize winners listed will be invited to receiver their awards at a ceremony in Tokyo

Essay language and length

Japanese or English

3000 – 4000 Japanese characters, or 3000 – 4000 English words

Entry conditions:  Submitted essays must be unpublished.  The copyright of the winning essays will become the property of the Toshiba International Foundation.

Entry qualifications

Young researchers engaged in Japanese studies. Assistants or trainees at research institutions, art galleries, museums, etc., who are either enrolled in or who have completed a doctoral program at the time of application. Lecturers, assistants and associate professors at universities who have yet to obtain tenure. Entry is open to all non-Japanese citizens. The object of the contest is to promote Japanese studies overseas.

Applicants must attach the following when submitting their essays:

1. Resume

2. A statement of future aspirations

3. Intended use of the research grant

4. A letter of recommendation from the applicant’s supervisor or leader

Application deadline October 30, 2014

Method of submission send to tifo@toshiba.co.jp

Announcement of winners March 2015

Award ceremony May 2015, in Tokyo

All enquiries tifo@toshiba.co.jp

Here’s a roundup of events related to Japanese culture or have originated from Japan, featured in this year’s Edinburgh Fringe festival. With many different styles and genres, be sure to check out this exciting collection as there’s definitely something for everyone.

Music:

• Akiko Okamoto Piano Recital, 09-10 August

• Venue: St Andrew’s and St George’s West, George St

Come and hear this Japanese born international soloist perform a delightful series of two concerts of works by Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, Chopin, Ravel and Rachmaninov.

• All About Chopin Waka Hasegawa, 18 August

• Venue: St Andrew’s and St George’s West, George St

Japanese pianist Waka Hasegawa performs widely in concert and on radio, both as a soloist and in a duo partnership, in Europe, USA and Japan. Her recital includes much-loved Chopin masterpieces, including Mazurkas, Nocturnes and Sonata.

Waka Hasegawa

• Japan Marvelous Drummers, July 31 August 1-11, 13-2

• Venue: Assembly George Square Theatre

Prepare yourself for a once in a lifetime show, filled with power, humour, dance, and traditional Japanese drums, that has performed all around the world. Don’t miss this unique chance to see Japanese traditional instruments like Japanese drums, the Koto (Japanese harp), Shinobue (Japanese bamboo flute), Shakuhachi, and others

japanmarvelous.com

• Romi CANCELLED Hiromi Okoshi

• Venue: Spotlites @ The Merchants’ Hall

“I absorbed a variety of styles, such as blues and folk music, and took inspiration from cutting-edge experimental musicians and artists from around the world, which had a dramatic impact upon my current style. Using this consistent method of expression, I have always exposed the hidden true feelings of humans.”

• Samurai Spirit is Here! | Edinburgh Festival Fringe Samurai Drum IKKI, August 1-9, 11-17

• Venue: theSpace @ Symposium Hall

“They are fierce and focused… encompassed all of the traditional art form with techniques and rhythms worthy of very accomplished modern percussionist… a wonder to watch and this group is well worth seeing for the art and technique and worthy of following in the future.” (BritishTheatreGuide.info).

Theatre:

• Cirque Tsuki: Parade, July 30-31 August 1-11, 13-25

•Venue:  C venues – C nova http://www.cthefestival.com/

Parade comes from the furthest reaches of Japan, inspired by Izanagi and Izanami. The Cirque Tsuki is playing A Gathering of One Hundred Supernatural Tales, where 100 candles are lit and 100 ghost stories are told. Parade is last in the trilogy. ‘A fantastic five-star piece of theatre’ (RemoteGoat.com).

• News Junkie, August 19-25

• Venue: Paradise in The Vault

New piece from Japan, by the group Yorimichi. The story is about a man reflecting on life through the news. This story can be simply romance, comedy and also tragedy, which touches your feelings and delivers you some tenderness.

• Hecat’s Poison: Enter the three Witches, August 4-9, 11-16, 18-23

• Venue: Quaker Meeting House

Players Tokyo is a Japanese English-speaking theatre group specialised in Shakespeare, with their adaptation of the Shakespeare play Macbeth, which is through the point of view of Hecate, Goddess of Crossroads. Straightforward in style, the original text mostly preserved for this classical Shakespearean performance.

Comedy:

• Boxer Gamarjobat, July 30 August 1-4, 6-11, 13-18

• Venue: Gilded Balloon

Gamarjobat arrived on UK shores less than a decade ago, unknown inside and outside of Japan – a mime comedy act wanting to play the Edinburgh fringe. Five sell out Edinburgh runs later, Gamarjobat have established themselves as world leaders in physical comedy.

• Japanese Samurai Don Quixote Challenging Giant English Windmills! Hiroshi Shimizu, July 31 August 1-12, 14-24

• Venue: Laughing Horse @ The Free Sisters

A stand-up comedian arrived in Edinburgh from Japan, the country worst at speaking English! Based on a true story and performed with boundless energy and remarkable skills from 20 years acting experience, this is a solo documentary comedy show about the struggle of a new challenge.

• Japanese Terminatol is Back! Hiroshi Shimizu, July 31 August 1-12, 14-24

•Venue:  Laughing Horse @ The Free Sisters

This solo comedy battle show features all-time favourite parody movie trailers (middle-aged James Bond, French zombie, elderly Star Wars, Japanese Batman, Alien vs Predator vs Sadako vs Pikachu, etc.,) and slapstick sketches.

Dance and Performance Art:

• Bottle Mail from Okinawa Ship of the Ryuku, August 9-17, 19-24

• Venue: Spotlites @ The Merchants’ Hall

Ship of the Ryukyu returns with an exciting traditional song and dance show from Okinawa. When a bottle containing an ancient message is opened the audience are taken back in time to the glorious Ryukyu Kingdom.

• re:Fujisan LaN-T003, August 1-6, 8-10, 12-16

•Venue:  Zoo Southside

LaN-T003 are a contemporary performing art group and have been performing since 2006 visiting countries and cities all around the world, as well as in commercials and music videos. “urban energy and a pulsing, kinetic style of movement” (List).

• The Sake DEN Entertainment, August 2-24

•Venue:  New Town Theatre

Through the mediums of traditional Japanese Dance and Storytelling, as well as Acrobatics and Musicians, DEN Entertainment tells the story of Sake, through each season, coloured by world beating projection mapping and 3D sound.

• Sushi Tap Show Tokyo Tapdo!, July 30-31 August 1-25

•Venue: C venues – C

Awfully addictive eccentric performances combine tap, circus, and music hall schtik for an unforgettable toe-tapping experience you’ve never seen before.

www.tapdo.com

Text By Takeo Broadhurst (Eltham College)

Although most of the Japanese events are featured at The Edinburgh Fringe Festival, there are a few unmissable events at the Edinburgh Book Festival and International Festival. Be sure to check out Haruki Murakami’s new book release, and Midori 2′s  concert recital in which she brings the two genres of classical and electronic music together, featuring Mario Davidovsky.

Book Festival:

• Haruki Murakami ­­­– The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle, 23 August 3:00pm

• Venue: Baillie Gifford Main Theatre

Involving a trademark mix of Tokyo urban landscapes and dream imagery, the novel ‘The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle’ remains one of the Japanese writer’s most brilliant literary achievements. Murakami discusses his characters, plot and a wig factory with the Guardian’s John Mullan.

• Haruki Murakami – Japan’s Greatest Living Author, 24 August 6:30pm

• Venue: Baillie Gifford Main Theatre

Haruki Murakami joins us in Edinburgh for the worldwide English- language launch of his new novel, ‘Colorless Tsukuru Tamaki and His Years of Pilgrimage’, which sold more than 1 million copies in the week after its release in Japan.

International Festival:

• Midori 2 , 24 August

• Venue: The Queen’s Hall

She begins the second of her two Festival recitals, contrasting Bach’s seminal Sonatas and Partitas with contemporary violin music, and after the brilliant wit of a duo for violin and electronics by contemporary Argentinian-born composer Mario Davidovsky, Midori concludes with the exuberance of Bach’s lively final Partita in E major.

Text By Takeo Broadhurst (Eltham College)

Hyper Japan returns to Earl’s Court this summer with an exciting line up of events, covering all aspects of popular and traditional Japanese culture. Ranging from food, gaming, anime and technology, the unmissable event opens its doors on the 25th of July and runs through the weekend to the 27th.

Here is a selection of events to enjoy and experience this year:

Food

The Eat-Japan Sushi Awards have returned for 2014 with five Japanese restaurants in the UK to fight for the chance to be crowned winners of the Sushi of the Year Award. The nominees include chef Wojciech Popow from Roka Charlotte Street, and Eduardo Aguiar of Chisou Knightsbridge.

Be sure to book tickets for this specific event to taste delicious sushi and have the chance to see how real professionals go about making world class sushi- guaranteeing an amazing culinary experience, not available anywhere else.

The food court as always will be there for visitors to try new foods, and classic Japanese summer favourites such as Kakigori, or “shaved ice”, or the Asian taste sensation that is bubble tea.

Games and Anime

Many Anime and Manga fans will rejoice in the fact that there will be plenty of stores selling genuine books and hard to find original merchandise with companies like Manga UK bringing DVDs and J-comics, as well as Kodansha, publishers of series like Fairy Tail and Attack On Titan.

Some exciting news for Nintendo fans is that their new games, Super Smash Bros. and Monster Hunter 4 will be exclusively available to play at Hyper Japan on Wii U and Nintendo 3DS! This is the first ever opportunity for the members of the public in the UK to explore the game, so if you are thinking of going, this is not to be missed.

Technology

With Japan being infamous for the land of robotics and technology, it comes to no surprise that there will be a Robot Garage for guests to witness the robots coming to life and taking part in dance contests, kicking balls, and making eerily human facial expressions.

Robot company ITK are back this year too, showing us how they have developed incredibly complex robotic designs aimed primarily at the healthcare industry.

Tickets can be purchased at: http://hyperjapan.co.uk/category/tickets/

Text By Takeo Broadhurst (Eltham College)

How many objects do you own which are made of gold?

Gold isn’t just an exciting element on the periodic table. It has also been used for many different purposes and often has been used as an indicator of social status as well.

In this exhibition at the Embassy of Japan in London, Gold: All That Glisters – Japanese Gold Decoration, visitors can see a variety of Japanese gold-related products from different periods.

The exhibition is absolutely superb, and I found it fascinating; however, I found the “Kintsugi” and “Yobitsugi” section to be especially interesting.

Kintsugi is a Japanese technique for repairing broken ceramics using lacquer and resin, often dusted with gold powder. The ceramics on display in the Embassy’s gallery, which have been patched together using this technique, are absolutely beautiful. The first thing I thought when I viewed the pieces was that they didn’t look as if they had been repaired at all, but as though that was the original design or intention.

Yobitsugi is another technique for mending or patching broken pottery, using similarly shaped, but non-identical fragments – in this instance, using glass. Again, these particular pieces didn’t look like they had been repaired. The colours of the different types of glass used are beautiful and match the original ceramics very well. The diminutive yobitsugi tea caddy with green glass looks is shaped like a salt cellar and the pink glass used in the tea bowl is very striking. All these yobitsugi pieces on display have been embellished with gold leaf.

Both repair techniques are brilliant and highlight the Japanese tradition of preserving old products and taking good care of them.

Text by Satsuki Ishii (Moreton Hall)

Exhibition Details

14 July – 26 August 2014

Open weekdays 09:30 – 17:30, closed weekends

Admission is free, but photo ID is necessary to gain entry to the Embassy.

The Embassy of Japan, 101-104 Piccadilly, London W1J 7JT

The Carmen Blacker Lecture 2014, co-organised by the Japan Society with the Sainsbury Institute for the Study of Japanese Arts & Cultures, will be given by Peter Kornicki, Professor of Japanese Studies and Head of Department, East Asian Studies, University of Cambridge and Deputy Warden, Robinson College.

This year’s talk, Tsushima: Japan viewed from the margins – archives, books, ginseng will be held at the Sainsbury Institute for the Study of Japanese Arts and Cultures (SISJAC) in Norwich on Thursday, 17 July and at the Swedenborg Society in London on Monday, 21 July.

Tsushima: Japan viewed from the margins – archives, books, ginseng

Thursday 17 July 2014 at 6.00pm
Blackfriars’ Hall
St Andrews Plain
Norwich NR3 1AU

and

Monday 21 July 2014 at 6.45pm
The Swedenborg Society
20-21 Bloomsbury Way (Hall entrance on Barter St)
London WC1A 2TH

Nearest underground station: Holborn

Light refreshments will be provided

Job opportunity as an ETrading Client Support Analyst for someone fluent in English (written and verbal) and Japanese. Please apply by forwarding your CV to David Baker at david.baker@ithr.com or calling David Baker on 0207 747 1042. The salary for this vacancy is £25kpa rising to £30kpa upon completion of a six-month probation period.

 Job Specification

ETrading Client Support Analyst

This role sits within a multicultural global FX market and technical support team who are responsible for resolving incoming and outgoing FX market, transactional, functional and technical customer enquiries.

 Key Accountabilities

• Timely turnaround of reported issues and successful management of customer satisfaction.

• Meet vendor and customer service level agreements.

• Troubleshoot and resolve customer, internal and vendor issues.

• Responsible for technical, functional and transactional queries from investment banks and hedge funds globally.

• Take ownership of end to end resolution of customer problems.

• Log and document all enquiries.

• Update deployment, operations and network teams in Asia, EMEA and Americas on all issues.

• Escalate high priority issues to Customer Support management and other relevant parties internally.

• Execute scheduled administrative tasks.

 Special Job Requirements:

Fluent in English (written and verbal) and Japanese

 Person Specification

• Strong personal organisational skills

• Analytical ability and decision making

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Service oriented, adaptable and flexible

• Results oriented and personally accountable

• Technical knowledge and expertise

• Stress resilience and multi-tasking abilities

• Quality and control, with excellent attention to detail

• Resilience to embrace and deal with new challenges

• Excellent team member as well as being able to work independently

• Motivated to achieve above and beyond requested tasks

Knowledge:

• Technical aptitude and interest in learning

• Knowledge of the FX Market / Financial markets

• Skilled in Microsoft applications software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Project)

Experience:

• Bachelors Degree, or equivalent experience

• Experienced in direct interaction with customers

• Direct client facing experience in the service industry

• Understanding of the mechanics of service delivery

*Shift rotation basis as follows:

Day shifts

6am-2pm

8am-4pm

10am-6pm

12pm-8pm

1pm-9pm (2pm-10pm on Friday)

Weekend shift

Sun-Wed then Wed-Sat the following week (six days off in between)

Nightshifts

Sat-Mon (three nights) then Tue-Thu (three nights) the following week (seven days off in between).

Sun-Tue (three nights) then Wed-Fri (three nights) the following week (seven days off in between).

Hours: 8pm-6am (Exceptions: Fri-10pm-8am and Sat- 8pm-8am)

We are delighted to announce that the National Portrait Gallery in London is now selling prints of Carl Randall’s Japan work.

This includes prints of Mr Kitazawa’s Noodle Bar, Tokyo, Shinjuku, Sushi, Subway, The Rice Farmers’ Daughters, Aka-Fujii, and a special signed limited edition print of Onsen.

Japan Portraits, a 120-page full colour catalogue illustrating paintings and drawings made in Japan, is also available to buy this summer at the National Portrait Gallery bookshop.

The prints and catalogues can be ordered online (via the link below), or directly from the gallery’s new Print Room, (located in the gallery’s basement – images attached). Available for a limited time – please contact or visit the National Portrait Gallery if interested.

If you have friends interested in Japan and art, please let them know.

Other pieces about Carl Randall on our website can be found via the following links: