The Miyagi Prefectural Government, in collaboration with Kuraichi and Japan Village, will host the “Tastes of Miyagi,” an event that aims to introduce the local sake of Miyagi Prefecture to New Yorkers. This three-day free tasting will feature different sake products each day and take place at Kuraichi, a specialty sake and Japanese spirits shop at Japan Village.

For a limited time, customers who purchase any sake from Miyagi will receive a free furoshiki (Japanese traditional wrapping cloth) and will be eligible to purchase the very rare and precious Date Seven sake.

Featured Sake Products

Katsuyama Junmai Ginjo KEN
Tanaka 1789ｘChartier Blend 001 Vintage 2018
Hoyo “Kura no Hana” Fair Maiden
Hoyo “Manamusume” Farmer’s Daughter
Tokubetsu Honjozo Sake, Atago no Matsu
Tokubetsu Junmai Sake “The Connoisseur” Hakurakusei
Genshu Urakasumi
Himezen Sweet Junmai

Image from @japanvillagebrooklyn on Instagram

“Tastes of Miyagi” Food Booth

November 18 from 12:00 p.m. (one day only!)

In conjunction with this event, there will also be a special one-day “Tastes of Miyagi” food booth inside the Japan Village food court, where customers can purchase Miyagi’s special local cuisine and pair these dishes with Miyagi’s sake.Offerings include harako-meshi, a seasoned rice bowl topped with cooked salmon and roe, and kaki-fry, deep-fried oysters.

For more information, please follow Visit Miyagi on Instagram.

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Susan McCormac 11/14/23 Susan McCormac 11/14/23

Film at Lincoln Center to Spotlight Japan’s Cinematic Rebel

The Radical Cinema of Kijū Yoshida

Friday, December 1 through Friday, December 8

Walter Reade Theater – 165 W. 65th Street (unless otherwise noted)

Admission: $17 General Public | $14 Students, Seniors, individuals with disabilities | $12 Members

Film at Lincoln Center presents “The Radical Cinema of Kijū Yoshida,” a retrospective spotlighting the films of one of Japan’s greatest cinematic rebels. Running from December 1 through 8, all 16 films will be presented on 35mm or 16mm at Film at Lincoln Center’s Walter Reade Theater, the Elinor Bunin Munroe Film Center, and Japan Society.

The retrospective presents the most comprehensive collection of Yoshida’s work ever screened in the United States. Most notably, the series will feature Yoshida’s famed political trilogy, which captures significant moments in 20th century Japanese history: Eros + Massacre (1968), regarded as his masterpiece; Heroic Purgatory (1970), a kaleidoscopic, mazelike memory piece about an atomic engineer whose past as a college-age revolutionary militant erupts into the present; and Coup d’état (1973), a spellbinding portrait of notorious militarist Ikki Kita.

To purchase tickets, please visit Film at Lincoln Center’s website. Use promo code OKADA to enjoy $5 off all ticket purchases.

Lineup

Good-for-Nothing
Friday, December 1 at 2:00 p.m.
Tuesday, December 5 at 8:45 p.m.

Yoshida’s debut feature vividly depicts the ennui and intellectual and spiritual restlessness of a generation of bourgeois youth in Tokyo at the dawn of the 1960s.

Blood Is Dry
Friday, December 1 at 4:15 p.m.
Saturday, December 2 at 8:30 p.m.

Yoshida’s satirical second feature again ferociously critiques Japanese society following its postwar reinvention as a capitalist giant.

Eros + Massacre
Friday, December 1 at 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, December 5 at 2:00 p.m.

Among the greatest of all political films and perhaps the work that best embodies the spirit of Yoshida’s artistic project, Eros + Massacre is an epic, historiographic examination of the points of intersection between the domains of desire and politics.

Affair in the Snow
Saturday, December 2 at 1:00 p.m.

A love triangle plays out in the snow in Yoshida’s eleventh feature, a striking deconstruction of the melodrama.

Heroic Purgatory
Saturday, December 2 at 3:15 p.m.

The second film in a trilogy (inaugurated by Eros + Massacre) concerning 20th century Japanese history, Heroic Purgatory is a kaleidoscopic, mazelike memory piece that is perhaps Yoshida’s most recognizably avant-garde work.

The Affair
Saturday, December 2 at 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday, December 6 at 1:00 p.m.

Elinor Bunin Munroe Film Center – 144 W. 65th Street

Again using the melodrama genre as an instrument of oblique social critique, Yoshida’s ninth feature stars Mariko Okada as a woman trapped in a loveless marriage to a philandering businessman who finds herself mysteriously drawn toward an old lover of her deceased mother’s.

Akitsu Springs
Sunday, December 3 at 1:00 p.m.
Thursday, December 7 at 1:00 p.m.

The first great commercial success of his young career, Akitsu Springs is a tear-jerking romance that finds Yoshida working in color and in collaboration with his frequent star and lifelong filmmaking partner Mariko Okada (in her 100th on-screen appearance).

Wuthering Heights
Sunday, December 3 at 3:30 p.m.
Thursday, December 7 at 3:30 p.m.

Emily Brontë’s Gothic romance is transposed to feudal Japan for Yoshida’s powerfully stark, elemental take on the story.

18 Who Cause a Storm
Sunday, December 3 at 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, December 6 at 3:15 p.m.

Elinor Bunin Munroe Film Center – 144 W. 65th Street

A group of migrant workers fed up with their being ruthlessly exploited by the society around them lash out in Yoshida’s rugged widescreen chronicle of proletarian unrest.

Women in the Mirror
Sunday, December 3 at 9:00 p.m.

In his final fiction feature, Yoshida returned to an old subject in his work: the unfathomable trauma known by Japan due to the United States’s dropping of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Flame and Women
Tuesday, December 5 at 6:30 p.m.

Yoshida returned to the melodrama—this time synthesizing elements of the horror film in the process—with this chronicle of a woman’s suddenly swelling desire for her child’s biological father.

Coup d’état
Wednesday, December 6 at 6:30 p.m.

Elinor Bunin Munroe Film Center – 144 W. 65th Street

The culminating film in the trilogy formed by Eros + Massacre and Heroic Purgatory, Yoshida’s 16th feature is a spellbinding portrait of notorious militarist Ikki Kita, whose 1936 attempt at staging a coup against the Japanese government would later serve as inspiration to the similarly controversial nationalist writer Yukio Mishima some years later.

A Promise
Wednesday, December 6 at 8:45 p.m. – Elinor Bunin Munroe Film Center
Friday, December 8 at 9:00 p.m. – Japan Society

Yoshida came out of his feature filmmaking retirement with this typically idiosyncratic meditation on what was, at the time, a taboo topic: euthanasia.

Farewell to the Summer Light
Thursday, December 7 at 6:30 p.m.

A fascinating transitional film for Yoshida, Farewell to the Summer Light finds the restless iconoclast heading to Europe to tell the tale of an on-again-off-again romance between Naoko, a married expat who specializes in import-export (Mariko Okada), and Makoto (Tadashi Yokouchi), a Japanese scholar who is searching for a cathedral that served as the architectural inspiration for a church built in Nagasaki by Portuguese missionaries.

Confessions Among Actresses
Thursday, December 7 at 8:45 p.m.

Something like Yoshida’s response to Ingmar Bergman’s Persona, Confessions Among Actresses finds Yoshida teaming up with three prominent Japanese actresses—Mariko Okada, Ruriko Asaoka, and Ineko Arima, each renowned for playing eminently modern women who have been wronged by the men around them—to craft a fragmentary, perpetually shapeshifting work on the relationship between performance and trauma.

A Story Written with Water
Friday, December 8 at 6:00 p.m.

Japan Society – 333 E. 47th Street

Bearing a title inspired by John Keats’s epitaph and taken from the Yōjirō Ishizaka novel it adapts, Yoshida’s first independent film is a startling affair, depicting the unbreakable love of mother and child.

For full descriptions of the films and to learn more about Kijū Yoshida, please visit Film at Lincoln Center’s website.

Susan McCormac 11/13/23 Susan McCormac 11/13/23

A Unique Stay at Henn na Hotel

A Blend of Quirkiness and Comfort in Midtown’s Garment District

Noted for its animated dinosaur in the lobby, Henn na Hotel in Midtown Manhattan stands out as a unique and inviting space, perfectly situated near Herald Square and Penn Station. This boutique hotel with 92 rooms offers an intimate atmosphere and excellent customer service.

Prime Location for Anime Enthusiasts

If you're planning to attend Anime NYC from November 17 through November 19, Henn na Hotel's proximity to the Javits Center is ideal. The convenience of being only a 17-minute walk away from the venue makes it the perfect accommodation choice for those looking to maximize their time at the con. Plus, the Japanese-inspired amenities will keep the spirit of Anime NYC throughout your stay.

A Peek into a suite on the 18th Floor

Full disclosure: Henn na Hotel offered me a stay in one of their suites on the 18th floor for an honest review.

The suite décor is minimalist but still exudes comfort, featuring a plush, king-sized bed that promised a restful night's sleep. The pull-out couch and an extra pillow and duvet in the closet are great if you’re staying with a group. The room has a desk and complimentary WiFi, perfect for posting your Anime NYC reels to Instagram at the end of the day.

One distinctive touch is the shoji screen-like doors that separate the bedroom from the sitting area, providing an authentic touch of Japanese design. The suite also boasts modern amenities that epitomize luxury and innovation, including TVs in both spaces, a fridge, a deep soaking tub, and—the pièce de resistance—the Toto toilet.

A highlight of the suite is the LG Styler steam closet, a fascinating addition that sanitizes, deodorizes, and freshens clothes without chemicals. I couldn't resist testing my jacket in the cool infrared lighting.

While the suite has ample outdoor space, it’s worth noting that there’s no outdoor furniture. Despite this, the opportunity to step outside and get a breath of fresh air was a nice experience.

Dining Delights at Gosuke Restaurant

For a taste of Japan without leaving the hotel, Gosuke Restaurant offers a delightful dining experience. For the sushi lover, the menu features a reasonably priced omakase option as well as a variety of Japanese comfort dishes such as katsu curry and sukiyaki.

During my visit, I opted for the shrimp shumai, a vegetable roll, and a piece of hamachi sushi. With an Orion beer to start and a glass of sake to finish, the meal hit the spot.

A Quirky Stay Is the Best Stay

The word henna (変な) means “weird” or “strange” in Japanese. While a hotel with a T-Rex in its lobby might not feel normal, Henn na Hotel seamlessly blends quirkiness with comfort, making it a standout choice for those attending Anime NYC or anyone seeking a unique stay in the city.

Henn na Hotel
235 W. 35th Street (between 7th and 8th Avenues)
New York, NY 10001
212-729-4366
Hello@HennNaHotelNY.com
https://www.hennnahotelny.com/
IG: @hennnahotelny

Susan McCormac 11/3/23 Susan McCormac 11/3/23

Tokyo to New York at Bargemusic

Bargemusic: Here and Now Series presents THOMAS PIERCY - TOKYO TO NEW YORK 東京とNY

Friday, November 3 at 7:00 p.m.

Bargemusic – 1 Water Street, Brooklyn (GPS address)

Admission: $35

Bargemusic’s Here and Now Series presents music with Thomas Piercy, clarinet and ohichiriki; Aaron Wolff, cello; and Marina Iwao, piano. Three of the works are world premieres composed for Thomas Piercy by composers Miho Sasaki, Michael Schelle, and Emilio Teubal, and a composition by Dai Fujikura will have its New York premiere. Rounding out the program will be a masterpiece from 1992 from Pulitzer Prize-winner Tania Leon.

For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit Tonada Productions or Bargemusic.

Program

Dai Fujikura “Hop” for clarinet, cello, and piano (2019) (US Premiere)
Tania Leon “Arenas d’un tiempo” for clarinet, cello, and piano (1992)
Miho Sasaki “黎明-reimei-Dawn” for ohichiriki, cello, and piano (2023) (World Premiere)
Michael Schelle “Kingfish Levinsky” for clarinet, cello, and piano (2023) (World Premiere)
Emilio Teubal “The Offspring of MMXX” for clarinet, cello, and piano (2023) (World Premiere)

Susan McCormac 11/2/23 Susan McCormac 11/2/23

Asia Society to Co-Host NYJCF

New York Japan CineFest 2023

Friday, November 3 from 6:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. (Opening reception)

Saturday, November 4 from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. (Shodo performance)

Asia Society – 725 Park Avenue at 70th Street

Admission: $15 Adults | $8 Members

New York Japan CineFest, a film festival that introduces Japanese-themed short films, is celebrating its twelfth anniversary this weekend. The two-day event will present a total of16 short films and is co-hosted by Asia Society and Mar Creation in partnership with JICC-Japan Information and Culture Center (Embassy of Japan in Washington, D.C.), Short Shorts Film Festival, Boston Japan Film Festival, Aichi International Women’s Film Festival, and Tokyo Independent Movie Festival.

Day One features seven short films selected by JICC and NYJCF; Day Two includes two programs: “Japanese Film Festivals” at 1:00 p.m. and “Long Story Short” at 3:30 p.m. “Japanese Film Festivals” consist of six short films in association with five Japanese film festivals such as Short Shorts Film Festival, which celebrated its 25th anniversary this year. “Long Story to Short” features four shorts that are relatively long, more than 20 minutes.

The 2023 program includes director Daichi Amano’s Don’t Go, in which fragments of the memories of a deceased father can be accessed using a special device; TOKYO ANIMAL by Toshiki Yashiro, a collection of five vignettes about life in Tokyo; Seen, a love story directed by Shinji Hamasaki and based on Ryūnosuke Akutagawa’s short story "The Nose”; and Oshirasama, Takako Saga’s look at a mysterious folk belief in Japan's Tohoku region. This year’s highlight is Shuhari, a documentary that was produced by NYJCF co-founders Kosuke Furukawa and Hiroshi Kono.

For full details and to purchase tickets, please visit Asia Society’s website. Students and Seniors should contact Asia Society’s box office at 212-517-ASIA (2742) for a discounted price. NYJCF is offering a special discount for JapanCulture•NYC members! Not a member? Join today at https://www.japanculture-nyc.com/membership!

*Third Wheel*, Directed by Kevin Haefelin

Day One – Friday, November 3 at 6:30 p.m.

Films selected by NYJCF and the Japan Information & Culture Center organized by Embassy of Japan in Washington, D.C.

Third Wheel

Dir. Kevin Haefelin | 2023 | 4:50 | comedy, drama, period, fantastic | Switzerland
Edo Period. Following his abrupt death, Gohei, a master carpenter, returns as a ghost to make peace with his wife, Sachi, but finds out he is invisible. He must rely on Sakichi, his once-neglected apprentice, who is gifted with psychic abilities.

What To Do To Be Like You

Dir. Chris Rudz | 2022 | 5:01 | comedy | Japan
Young Natsumi returns to the island of her ancestor to become an Ama-san, a traditional female diver of Japan. She follows her mentor, Reiko, who's the best Ama-san in the area, to discover her secrets.
In association with Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia [SSFF & ASIA]

Aufguss

Dir. Daigo Matsui | 2022 | 24:52 | drama | Japan
A sauna spa that has been in business for 50 years is about to reach the very last day but without letting any of its regular customers know. Toji, an aufgussmeister, is preparing for the last aufguss session, and the regular customers are puzzled about why he is so fired up. This is a story about the special night of a small sauna business.
In association with Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia [SSFF & ASIA]

The Floating World

Dir. Hiroshi Yokota | 2023 | 15:17 | documentary | Japan
When a university student struggling with an environmental studies assignment searches for inspiration at an art gallery, she is magically transported into a painting and lands in 19th-century Japan. In Edo, today’s Tokyo, she witnesses a range of everyday sustainable practices––using ashes in the dyeing process, fertilizing fields with night soil, repurposing used kimonos into towels and rags––that helped the country overcome environmental collapse.

Shuhari (World Premiere)

Dir. Tatsuya Ino | 2023 | 12:36 | documentary | Japan, USA
Born and raised in Kyoto, Japanese calligrapher Chifumi Niimi teaches students not only how to write characters beautifully but also break through tradition to develop self-esteem and find a new you through shodo (Japanese calligraphy).

The Swamp

Dir. Sorao Sakimura | 2023 | 4:55 | animation | Japan
He, in the painful days of living deep in a shell, picks up a stone. It gains an identity in a moment and becomes a different individual from him. It pulls him up and takes him somewhere he would never imagine. This is written as a record of the writer himself, who has kept creating while feeling the hardness of life.
In association with Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia [SSFF & ASIA]

Seen

Dir. Shinji Hamasaki | 2022 | 23:37 | drama | Japan
A love story based on Ryunosuke Akutagawa's short story "The Nose." Tatsuya, a man afflicted with a nose complex, meets Fumi, a reclusive woman with an eye patch. Both burdened with their emotional scars, the two find themselves drawn to each other.
In association with Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia [SSFF & ASIA]

*Tokyo Animals*, Directed by Toshiki Yashiro

Day Two – Saturday, November 4 at 1:00 p.m.

“Japanese Film Festivals”

Tokyo Animals

Dir. Toshiki Yashiro | 2022 | 7:58 | drama | Japan
Directed by Toshiki Yashiro, Tokyo Animals is a collection of five scenarios, five vignettes about life in Tokyo. A life where things in the fore fall toward the back, until they circle back again into focus. A circular movement that is often palpable in our crammed little town. Whether it be the rigid rituals of a salaryman, empty gestures by empty people, or the sexualization of all things living or not. Bizarre little things populate the city.
In association with Boston Japan Film Festival (BJFF)

COUNT 100

Dir. Hiroshi Tamaki | 2023 | 20:00 | SciFi | Japan
Professional boxer Mitsuki was once the champion. One day, he was handed a mysterious leaflet on the street.
In association with Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia [SSFF & ASIA]

Oshirasama

Dir. Takako Saga | 2023 | 11:47 | animation | Japan
In this folktale of Japan's Tohoku region related to a mysterious folk belief called "Oshirasama,” a girl gets a horse from her father and takes care of it affectionately, then eventually, they fall in (carnal) love with each other. Maddened by the fact, the father kills the horse, but the horse's corpse takes the girl away with it to the other world up in the sky. To her weeping parents in despair, the girl appears in their dream and tells them about silkworms. With threads and cloth from the silkworms they keep, the girl's parents become able to earn their living, and they later make a pair of wooden figures after their daughter and the horse to worship as their gods.
In association With Aichi International Women’s Film Festival (AIWFF)

Minwoo and Rie

Dir. Jinrung Chun | 2022 | 26:19 | drama | Japan
Rie, from Japan, visits Gunsan, Korea, to deliver her grandfather’s unsent letter. With a help of a local boy, Minwoo, she gets closer to the addressee yet acknowledges what her grandpa did during the period of Japanese colonialism.
In association with Tokyo Independent Movie Festival (TIMF)

The Old Young Crow

Dir. Liam LoPinto | 2022 | 12:00 | mystery, thriller, animation | Japan
An Iranian boy befriends an old Japanese woman at a graveyard in Tokyo.
In association with New York Japan CineFest: FilmFreeway

Shuhari

Dir. Tatsuya Ino | 2023 | 12:36 | documentary | Japan, USA
Second screening

Day Two – Saturday, November 4 at 3:30 p.m.

“Long Story to Short”

Blue and White

Dir. Hiroyuki Nishiyama | 2022 | 27:22 | documentary | Japan, USA
Ryusuke, mourning his wife, ceaselessly crafts salt, even during her funeral. Witnessing this, granddaughter Midori probes his motives. Safeguarding the region's unique salt-making legacy is Ryusuke's mission. In conversing with salt, he strives to pass down its ancient flavor. Could Ryusuke's bond with salt link him to his departed wife?

Scabiosa

Dir. Tsuyoshi Takamura | 2022 | 19:47 | drama | Japan
Haruka is unexpectedly asked to attend the memorial service for Instagrammer Hina. At the service, Hina's relatives share their memories of her. Unable to bear the situation any longer, Haruka runs from the scene.
In association with Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia [SSFF & ASIA]

Nisei

Dir. Darren Haruo Rae | 2023 | 21:18 | drama, action | USA
Based on stories from Rae’s grandfather, Nisei follows the journey of two Japanese American brothers during World War II, Minoru and John Miyasaki. Stripped of their citizenship and placed in internment camps, they volunteer for the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, an all-Japanese American unit that sacrificed everything to prove their loyalty to a country that didn’t want them. Torn between country and family, they must face the enemy overseas along with adversity back home.

Don’t Go

Dir. Daichi Amano | 2023 | 24:46 | drama | Japan
Enter a world where fragments of memory of the dead can be accessed using a special device. A father, who lied about his whereabouts, dies in a car accident in a seaside town. His bereaved family dives into his memory to uncover his secret.

About New York Japan CineFest

NYJCF was founded in 2012 by three Japanese producers based in New York: Yasu Suzuki, an actor, dancer, and filmmaker; film director Kosuke Furukawa; and Hiroshi Kono, CEO of Mar Creation, Inc. The festival highlights independent filmmakers who are committed to expressing their voice and vision to the world. Their mission is to explore and find unique talent, supporting filmmakers' work, vision, and causes while providing a playground for creativity in New York City. Since 2015, the film festival has been invited to screen its programs in multiple cities, including Boston; Washington, D.C.; Houston; Los Angeles; and San Francisco. Follow them on Instagram.

Susan McCormac 10/27/23 Susan McCormac 10/27/23

Final JAPAN Fes of 2023

JAPAN Fes

Saturday, October 28 from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.

East Village – Astor Place (Broadway and Lafayette Street)

Admission: Free

The final JAPAN Fes of the year is tomorrow, October 28. More than 60 Japanese vendors will provide most delicious Japanese street fair experience in New York. JAPAN Fes is also welcoming two special vendors from Japan. One is from Hokkaido and will serve a luxurious kaisen-don (seafood bowl); the other is a traditional kokeshi doll maker from Fukushima. Don’t miss this one-day-only opportunity!

As usual, you’ll be able to purchase fluffy takoyaki, award-winning ramen, savory okonomiyaki, and more amazing Japanese treats!

Select Vendors

The Boiis Co. – Mochi-filled desserts
Catmint Wheel Cake – Imagawayaki (Taiwanese dessert influenced by Japan)
C Bao – Teriyaki chicken buns
Exciting Manga – Vandel Marchen
Japanklyn – Clothing inspired by the cultures of Japan and Brooklyn
J-Spec Wagyu Dining – Wagyu Philly cheesesteak
Kare Girls – Grilled pork onigiri
Karls Balls – Takoyaki
Kuu – Ikayaki (grilled squid)
the last call - Yakitori
Mao’s Bao – Takoyaki bao
Menya Jiro – Kagoshima tonkotsu ramen
Mingei Japan – Vintage kimono
MoCA – Sushi hand roll
moqi – Mochi-infused treats
mumu bath shop – Cherry blossom candle
Nakamura NYC – BBQ chashu bowl
Oconomi – Okonomiyaki
Odango Masa – Dango (mochi balls on a skewer)
Ombrato – Craftworks from Japan
Onigiri Town - Onigiri
Takosan Yakisoba – Yakisoba
Tang Hulu – Ichigo ame (strawberry candy on a stick)
Toribien – Karaage
Twisted Potato – Wasabi-flavored potato on a stick
wuhao newyork Tenugui Art – Japanese tenugui and furoshiki
Yakitori Tatsu – Yakitori meat and vegetable skewers

For the full list of vendors and more details, please visit JAPAN Fes’s website.

Susan McCormac 10/18/23 Susan McCormac 10/18/23

Chinatown Street to be named after Asian American Activist

Unveiling of Corky Lee Way

Sunday, October 22 at 4:00 p.m.

Corner of Mott and Mosco Streets, Chinatown

The Corky Lee Way Street Co-Naming Committee, Think!Chinatown, and 21 Pell will host a gathering on the corner of Mosco Street and Mott Street in the heart of New York City's Chinatown to unveil the street sign which co-names Mosco Street as Corky Lee Way in honor of the late Corky Lee. This beloved intersection is the site of Corky Lee’s last public photography exhibition hosted at the historic newsstand in October 2020 and continues his vision as a gathering place for community joy.

Photographer and activist Corky Lee with his iconic photographs

About Corky Lee

Corky Lee was an Asian American photographer, activist, and historian known for his passion for capturing the vibrant stories of the Asian American community through his lens. His dedication to celebrating the diversity and culture of our AANHPI communities made him a beloved and inspirational figure for current and future generations.

Join the committee and friends of Corky Lee to honor his enduring legacy and his commitment to amplifying the voices and stories of Asian Americans.

Event Details

Corky Lee Way Street Sign Unveiling
Remarks by community leaders and special guests
Special Performance of “It’s Tough Being Corky Lee” by Judo Club

To Be Followed By

Chinatown Block Party
Display of Corky’s Iconic Photographs
Corky Lee Film Screenings
An opportunity to get your own "Where's Corky?" sticker (courtesy of George Hirose) and a "Corky Lee Way" sticker (designed by Alice Hennessy)
An opportunity to add personal notes to the Corky Lee Memory Board

About Mosco Street and Frank Mosco

Frank Mosco (1920-1982) was a beloved community leader who grew up on the Lower East Side and knew Corky Lee through their civic involvement at the Two Bridges Neighborhood Council and other community work. Mosco was known for bringing the Chinese and Italian American communities together. Joining Corky Lee Way and Mosco Street not only honors two great men, but also the enduring bond of our two communities.

Susan McCormac 10/18/23 Susan McCormac 10/18/23

Celebrate Fall at The New York Buddhist Church

Aki Matsuri: Japanese Fall Festival

Saturday, October 21 from 11:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m.

New York Buddhist Church – 331-332 Riverside Drive (between 105th and 106th Streets)

Admission: Free

The New York Buddhist Church is hosting Aki Matsuri: Japanese Fall Festival to commemorate their 85th Anniversary and the arrival of their new resident minister, Rev. Kurt Rye.

The festivities begin at 11:00 a.m. with a performance by the taiko drumming group Soh Daiko. Visitors can watch Japanese silent films and immerse themselves in the artistry of the Ikebana flower arranging demonstration. Children will be entertained by Japanese-style storytelling, known as Kamishibai. Attendees can engage in a moment of tranquility with "Present Moment," an interactive mandala and walking meditation experience. Japanese crafts, ceramics, textiles, and snacks will be available for purchase.

Celebrate the season as well as the 85th anniversary of this important community institution!

For more information, please visit the New York Buddhist Church’s website.

Exterior of the New York Buddhist Church with the statue of Shinran Shonin, founder of the Jodo-Shinshu Sect

Susan McCormac 10/17/23 Susan McCormac 10/17/23

Join the Kaede Scavenger Hunt and Search for the One Piece

Kaede Scavenger Hunt

Saturday, November 4 at 9:00 a.m.

Venue given upon registration

Admission: Free

Kaede Kimonos is hosting a special and exciting scavenger hunt throughout the city. They’re calling on all pirates to join, so read their message below and register today!

Message from Kaede Kimonos

Ahoy, New York City! On November 4th, gather your courage and join us for an epic adventure of a lifetime. This ain't your ordinary scavenger hunt – it's a treasure hunt fit for a true pirate!

Whether you're a solo pirate, a captain in search of a loyal crew, or a ready-made crew of three, this is your chance to experience the thrill of the Grand Line right here in the Big Apple.

As a solo pirate, conquer the challenges ahead, unravel mysteries, and claim your victory on your own terms. Embrace the spirit of freedom and cut through the waves of excitement!

Want to be a captain and build your very own crew along the way? Well, fear not, fellow explorer! Gather your “nakama” (that means “friends” in pirate-speak) and choose the captain option. Build your crew as you navigate uncharted territories, bond through teamwork, and unleash your pirate awesomeness!

And for those who are already a powerhouse team of three, set sail together and let your synergy shine! The dynamics of trust, camaraderie, and synchronized attacks will be your key to triumph on this unforgettable treasure hunt.

Expect mind-bending puzzles, cunning riddles, and challenges that will test your mettle. Immerse yourself in the world of One Piece as you uncover clues hidden across the city. This is your chance to step into the shoes of a real pirate and make memories that will last a lifetime!

So, mateys, don your pirate hats, grab your maps, and sign up for the pirate themed scavenger hunt on November 4th. Swords will clash, bounties will be claimed, and legends shall be written!

Head over to our website to secure your spot and choose your pirate path—solo, captain looking for his crew, or three-member crew. Get ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime!

Remember, it's not just about the treasure, it's about the journey itself. Mark your calendars, assemble your crew, and prepare for the One Piece scavenger hunt in the heart of New York City. Don't miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime experience!

But just as a tease the One Piece treasure includes and XBOX S Series bundle and more.

So, are you ready to conquer The Grand Line? Join us on November 4th and let's set sail, New York!

P.S. – Don't let the Marines catch you.

Special Thanks to Senpai Project and Anubis House Productions.

NOTE: We are not affiliated with Toei Animations or Netflix, and this is not an official event put on by them.

Official Rules

All teams (Except Individual Captains), must have a minimum of 2 team members and a maximum of 3 members.
All teams/individuals must complete a waiver form to participate in the Scavenger Hunt.
If you are a minor, a parent or legal guardian must provide consent for you to participate.
Team members must remain together throughout the race and must check in at every checkpoint before and/or after each challenge (unless specified otherwise). You may not split up to “divide” Scavenger Hunt tasks or enlist others to help complete your tasks.
Individuals can add/recruit a team member along the way. Max team is 3. All recruiting must be done before the 5th Challenge.
All teams/individuals must be courteous and respectful to all participants and volunteers.
Each team/individual will be provided with a "Passport." The goal of the scavenger hunt is to complete all challenges and find the final location.
Scavenger Hunt clues are NOT required to be completed in order. However, teams or individuals must have all challenges completed before going to the final location
All teams have 8 hours to complete the race.
All teams must stop and get to the finish area by 6:00 p.m. and turn in team’s passport (full) to a volunteer at the Scavenger Hunt end.
There will be Marines searching for you. If you or a team member is caught. That person or crew will be "locked up" for 30 minutes. You will be able to continue after your release. The Marines will also get all the info you gathered to use to beat you to the end.

To register, please fill out this Google Form or visit Virtual Nippon’s Eventbrite page.

This listing is a paid advertisement on JapanCulture-NYC.com by Kaede Kimonos. If you’re interested in sponsorship and advertising opportunities, please send an email to info@japanculture-nyc.com.

Susan McCormac 10/17/23 Susan McCormac 10/17/23

Aesthetic Services at Atlantic Grace

Located in Chelsea, Atlantic Grace is a Japanese relaxation and beauty house that offers a variety of services from hair removal to facials. Their experienced Japanese technicians and estheticians use state-of-the-art technology from Japan to provide safe, gentle, and effective treatments for both women and men.

Learn more about the different types of facials that Atlantic Grace offers in this video:

Two Current Specials

Brazilian Hair Removal

Photofacial Treatment

To see their full range of offerings, please visit their website. Atlantic Grace is open Monday through Friday from 11:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. Make an appointment today!

Atlantic Grace
115. W. 29th Street
Suite 902
New York, NY 10001

Text: 929-404-8338
Email: springgrace.co@gmail.com

This listing is a paid advertisement on JapanCulture-NYC.com by Atlantic Grace. If you’re interested in sponsorship and advertising opportunities, please send an email to info@japanculture-nyc.com.

Susan McCormac 10/16/23 Susan McCormac 10/16/23

JAPANESE FOOD EXPO AT JAPAN VILLAGE

Japanese Food Expo New York 2023

Friday, October 20 from Noon until 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, October 21 from 11:30 a.m. until 8:00 p.m.

Sunday, October 22 from 11:30 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.

The Loft at Japan Village – 934 3rd Avenue, Brooklyn (2nd Floor)

Admission: Free

Sushi and ramen are just a fraction of Japan's rich culinary heritage. To that end, the Japanese Food Culture Association presents the Japanese Food Expo 2023, which will introduce food products that represent the wide spectrum of Japanese cuisine.

Experience the unwavering dedication of Japan's producers, shining through in their meticulous creations. There will be limited quantities of free samples available, so go and explore the profound depths of Japanese food.

Products

Shoyu
Tamari
Ponzu
Yaki imo
Sweet potato cakes
Shiitake mushroom powder
Kombu
Umeboshi
Sports jelly
Melons
Buttercream and caramel sweets
Curry mix

For full details about the vendors, please visit the Japanese Food Expo website and follow them on Instagram.

Susan McCormac 10/16/23 Susan McCormac 10/16/23

CELEBRATION OF JAPANESE TEA

Chanoyu Week NYC 2023

Friday, October 20 through Sunday, November 19

Various Locations and Admission Prices (See schedule below)

Chanoyu is a traditional Japanese art form in which the tea master and guests gather in a tearoom for a ceremony centered around drinking powdered tea. Developed and intertwined with Zen philosophy, chanoyu aims to purify the human mind, promote a deep spiritual exchange with one another, and unite nature, people, and things.

Headed by New York-based Japanese tea master Yoshitsugu Nagano, Chanoyu Week aims to provide spiritual healing and enrichment through the spirit of Wa Kei Sei Jaku (和敬清寂): harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility, the philosophy of Chanoyu, and to contribute to the building of a stronger community in New York City by integrating various genres, cultures, and ideologies around the tea ceremony. Chanoyu Week NYC is the largest chanoyu festival in the United States.

Kenjutsu × Chanoyu – The Resonance of Stillness and Movement Created by the Samurai

Friday, October 20 from 5:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m.

LINES NY – 302 Bowery (between Bleecker and Houston Streets)

Admission: $18.07 (includes fees)

A demonstration and dialogue between a sword master and a tea master, the opening of Chanoyu Week NYC 2023 will immerse attendees in the samurai’s search for a world where movement and stillness coexist in harmony. To reflect the essence of movement, Masami Shioda, master of Shinkage-ryu, one of Japan’s most famous sword arts, will demonstrate special sword kata forms. These flawless, physical techniques, passed down for more than 500 years, are not usually displayed in public.

After the captivating performance, the audience will experience the serenity of chanoyu with Yoshitsugu Nagano, a master of the samurai tea style Ueda Soko Ryu. Preparing matcha using ritualistic gestures and meticulous attention to detail, he reveals the world of “stillness” hidden within the warrior.

Together they will discuss the theme of “form” and related abstract sensibilities of spirituality and aesthetics. They will consider the mechanisms of transmitting a tradition from one individual to another and from one generation to another. They will also address why the samurai’s approach to human development through kata is still so important in contemporary Japanese society.

To register, please visit Chanoyu Week NYC’s Eventbrite page.

Chanoyu Week NYC 2023 Opening Reception

Friday, October 20 from 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.

LINES NY – 302 Bowery (between Bleecker and Houston Streets)

Admission: $23.41 (includes fees)

Chanoyu Week’s opening reception will feature demonstrations by Masami Shioda, master of Shinkageryu U.S. Marobashikai, Japan's most famous swordsmanship school, and tea master Yoshitsugu Nagano, followed by a discussion.

There will be a matcha stand, alcoholic beverages, and h’orderves. Bags containing commemorative goods will be handed out on a first-come, first-served basis.

To register, please visit Chanoyu Week NYC’s Eventbrite page.

Please note: The opening reception requires a separate registration from the 5:30 p.m. event, Kenjutsu and Chanoyu – The Resonance of Stillness and Movement Created by the Samurai.

Chashaku Carving Workshop: Make Your Own Tea Scoop

Tuesday, October 24 from 6:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m.

RESOBOX East Village – 91 E. 3rd Street (at 1st Avenue)

Admission: $100 (Includes chashaku materials, use of carving tools, and matcha served after the workshop)

The chashaku, or tea scoop, is also referred to as “the sword of the tea master.” Beginning with Sen-no-Rikyu and Furuta Oribe, many tea masters have carved their own chashaku to express their personal aesthetic sense. These chashaku are known through historical record, and some survive to this day.

Just as a Zen monk puts their whole spirit into their brush when creating their work of calligraphy, and just as a warrior puts all their power into a single cut of the sword, the chashaku is the ultimate utensil that embodies the tea master’s soul.

You don’t need to be a tea master to make your own chashaku. Chanoyu Week NYC 2023 presents this lecture, workshop, and matcha-making session to offer you first-hand experience. Once you finish carving and are ready to enjoy tea, the final touch is naming your chashaku with a simple word that symbolizes your thoughts in this special moment.

Because of the use of knives and sharp tools for carving, this workshop is not recommended for young children. The organizers are not responsible for any injuries sustained during this workshop. Participants should wear comfortable clothing that may get messy during the carving process.

To register, please visit RESOBOX’s website.

Samurai Tea Ceremony "The Ritual of Kuchikiri 2023"

Saturday, October 28 from 10:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. or from 2:30 p.m. until 4:30 p.m.

Globus Washitsu – 889 Broadway, PHC (at E. 19th Street)

Admission: $129.89 (includes fees)

Enjoy the most prestigious tea ceremony!

While each month has its special characteristics, November is regarded as most important month of the chanoyu calendar. The “New Year” of the Japanese way of matcha tea is celebrated with the Kuchikiri ritual.

In Japan, tea leaves are harvested every May, dried, packed into the chatsubo (tea jar), and stored in a cool, dark place to mature for six months. The umami of the tea leaves deepens, just like aging wine or whiskey. During Kuchikiri, the tea master cuts the seal of the chatsubo with a sword in front of the guests and removes the tea leaves. The leaves are ground into matcha and served as koicha (thick matcha/formal matcha), so everyone tastes the new tea of the year together.

Kuchikiri has been handed down since ancient times as a very important ritual, though nowadays it is rarely performed.

To register, please visit Yoshitsugu Nagano’s Eventbrite page.

Reunion Between the Tunes of the Guqin and the Ritual of Matcha

Sunday, November 12 from 1:00 p.m. until 1:45 p.m. or from 3:00 p.m. until 3:45 p.m.

Fu Qiumeng Fine Art – 65 E. 80th Street, Ground Floor (between Park and Madison Avenues)

Admission: $34.12 (includes fees)

This event at Fu Qiumeng Fine Art offers a special opportunity to savor the sounds of ancient Guqin (Chinese lyre) music from the Northern Song Dynasty in China and witness a demonstration of the traditional matcha tea ceremony by tea master Yoshitsugu Nagano. The Guqin performance will be conducted by Liu Li, a renowned Guqin virtuoso and president of the New York Guqin Association.

The culture of matcha dates to the Northern Song Dynasty, approximately one thousand years ago. Emperor Huizong of the Northern Song Dynasty, known for his contributions to matcha culture, wrote the "Da Guan Tea Classic." He was also celebrated as a master of calligraphy, painting, and the Guqin. As you listen to the graceful melodies of the Guqin and savor the aroma of matcha, allow yourself to be transported back to the ancient Chinese capital a millennium ago.

To purchase tickets, please visit Chanoyu Week NYC’s Eventbrite page.

Susan McCormac 10/13/23 Susan McCormac 10/13/23

Japan Society Spotlights Women Artists

Image: Products for Fluxus editions, 1964.

Digital Image © The Museum of Modern Art/Licensed by SCALA / Art Resource, NY

Out of Bounds: Japanese Women Artists in Fluxus

Friday, October 13 through Sunday, January 21

Japan Society – 333 E. 47th Street (between 1st and 2nd Avenues)

Admission: $12 | $10 Seniors and Students | Free Japan Society Members

Japan Society’s latest exhibition, Out of Bounds: Japanese Women Artists in Fluxus, explores the essential role of Japanese women in Fluxus, a movement instigated in the 1960s that helped contemporary artists define new modes of artistic expression. Near the 60th anniversary of the movement’s founding, this exhibition highlights the contributions of four pioneering Japanese artists: Shigeko Kubota, Yoko Ono, Takako Saito, and Mieko Shiomi. Displays of their works and the ephemera surrounding it contextualize their place within Fluxus and the broader artistic movements of the 1960s and beyond.

Out of Bounds: Japanese Women Artists in Fluxus is organized by guest curator Midori Yoshimoto and Tiffany Lambert, Curator and Interim Director, Japan Society, with Ayaka Iida, Assistant Curator, Japan Society.

For full details and to book your tickets, please visit Japan Society’s website.

Susan McCormac 10/12/23 Susan McCormac 10/12/23

POKÉFEST NYC

POKÉFEST NYC: Pokémon Event in the Lower East Side @ Sour Mouse

Saturday, October 14 from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. (Early admission at 9:00 a.m.)

Sour Mouse – 110 Delancey Street (between Essex and Ludlow Streets)

Early Admission (9:00 a.m.): $12.71 (includes fees)
General Admission (10:00 a.m.): $7.37 (includes fees)

Japanese Pokémon vendor Tenshi & Zilla and Lower East Side pool hall Sour Mouse present POKÉFEST NYC! Get ready for the ultimate Pokémon event in the heart of the Lower East Side.

This all-ages event will have a wide variety of vendors with goods ranging from cards, funko pops, plushies, and more. Food and drink will be available for purchase. In addition, voice actor Emily Cramer will join as a special guest.

To purchase tickets, please visit Sour Mouse’s Eventbrite page.

About Emily Cramer

Emily Cramer is a voice actor and singer whose work can be heard internationally in commercials, animated television shows, movies, video games, dark rides, and audio dramas. Her most notable titles are currently Pokémon, Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS, The Winx Club, Bread Barbershop, Battle Game In 5 Seconds, EDF World Brothers, many Yu-Gi-Oh! video games, and Genshin Impact.

Before falling in love with voiceover, Cramer performed for many years in Broadway and national touring productions of Shrek the Musical, Mary Poppins, Les Misérables, and School of Rock. For more information about Cramer, please visit her website.

Susan McCormac 10/12/23 Susan McCormac 10/12/23

CELEBRATE WORLD SAKE DAY AGAIN!

World Sake Day

Friday, October 13 from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.

Union Square – 31 E. 17th Street, 2F (between Broadway and Park Avenue South)

Admission: $35 in advance | $45 at the door

Sake lovers, rejoice! If you didn’t have enough sake on World Sake Day on October 1, you have another chance this Friday! MIKA is holding its third annual World sake Day, collaborating with Upstairs NYC and niji. Explore the world of Japanese craft Sake, discover delicious Japanese foods, support the Asian-own artist market pop-up.

About the Event

MIKA, Upstairs NYC, and niji are turning all 5,000 square feet of a premier, stunning space in front of Union Square into a World Sake Day celebration featuring a walkaround tasting that will give you the full sake cultural experience. Guests can try ten kinds of sake and receive an original sake glass. Additional tasting tickets will be available for purchase. There will also be a mouthwatering Japanese menu ranging in price from $10 to $20. Handcrafted accessories, candles, outfits, crafts, and more by small, Asian-owned businesses will be available for purchase.

To purchase tickets, please visit Upstair NYC’s Eventcreate page.

What Is World Sake Day?

World Sake Day is an annual celebration dedicated to traditional Japanese sake. Sake enthusiasts around the world come together every October 1 to honor the rich history and cultural significance of this beloved beverage, as it is the traditional starting date of sake production in Japan.

About MIKA

MIKA was a lively event space in Bushwick that closed in June. They hosted artist pop-ups and sourced local products, including Bushwick-based beers, local craft sake, and Finger Lakes wines paired with American and Japanese cuisine. They established a GoFundMe to help support their former employees.

About niji

niji is a marketplace that serves as a bridge connecting Japanese artists with people from around the world. It was born from the desire to expand the reach of Japanese artists globally. They organize Japanese handmade Maker's Market events, where you can meet the artists in person, at various locations throughout New York. The next event is Sunday, October 22.

Their newly opened online platform, called ‘niji,’ lets you find amazing artworks from Japanese artists and Japanese-inspired artists.

About Upstairs NYC

Founded in 2022, Upstairs NYC is a non-profit organization based in New York City dedicated to promoting friendly relations between New York and its diverse culture. The organization focuses on fostering learning and community engagement across four pillars: arts and culture, lifestyle, technology, and food. Upstairs NYC regularly hosts panel discussions, experiential events, cultural celebrations, and socials.

Susan McCormac 10/7/23 Susan McCormac 10/7/23

AKIKO YANO AT JOE’S PUB

Akiko Yano Trio feat. Will Lee and Chris Parker

Sunday, October 22 at 6:00 p.m. (Doors open at 5:30 p.m.)

Joe’s Pub – 425 Lafayette Street (at Astor Place)

Admission: $35

A resident of New York City, Japan's beloved pianist/composer/singer-songwriter Akiko Yano will perform at Joe’s Pub for the first time in four years. Joining her onstage will be Will Lee (The Fab Faux, The Brecker Brothers, The World’s Most Dangerous Band) and Chris Parker (Stuff, The Brecker Brothers).

To purchase tickets, please visit Joe’s Pub’s website. There is a two-drink or one-food minimum per person.

About Akiko Yano

Since her debut album, Japanese Girl (1976), which was recorded in LA with Little Feat, Akiko Yano has collaborated with numerous renowned musicians, including Yellow Magic Orchestra, Pat Metheny, Thomas Dolby, The Chieftains, Toninho Horta, Marc Ribot, and many more. She spent years recording and touring as a trio with Anthony Jackson on bass and Cliff Almond on drums. Her duets with the late electronica artist Rei Harakami and pianist Hiromi showcased her genre-free, creative, and pleasantly adventurous musical artistry. Yano’s latest duo project is with Tsugaru Shamisen virtuoso Hiromitsu Agatsuma.

She has released 27 original albums, three on Nonesuch Records: AKIKO YANO, LOVE LIFE, and PIANO NIGHTLY. T Bone Burnett produced her 27th original album, akiko, in 2008. In March of this year, Yano released I Want to See You So Badly, a collaboration with Soichi Noguchi, the sixth Japanese astronaut to journey into space.

Yano has also composed music for and lent her voice to several films created by Hayao Miyazaki's Studio Ghibli.

Susan McCormac 10/7/23 Susan McCormac 10/7/23

KAMMERRAKU PROMISE

Chamber music by Japanese composers featuring the Cassatt Quartet with James Nyoraku Schlefer, shakuhachi and Yoko Reikano Kimura, koto

Arts at TCI and Kyo-Shin-An Arts Present Kammerraku Promise

Sunday, October 8 from 4:00 p.m. until 5:30 p.m.

Tenri Cultural Institute – 43A W. 13th Street (between 5th and 6th Avenues)

Admission: $25 in Advance ($30 at the Door)

Celebrate the 15th anniversary season of Kyo-Shin-Ann Arts!

Kyo-Shin-An Arts and the Cassatt String Quartet are together again, performing a special program of contemporary chamber music by three extraordinary Japanese composers, including a second commission to American Prize winner, Masatora Goya.

Program

“Tree of Life” (2023) by Masatora Goya for shakuhachi and string quartet (World premiere)
“Ai for Shakuhachi and Strings” (1978) by Minoru Miki
“Between the Leaves” (2017) by Yoko Sato for shakuhachi, koto, and string quartet

Performers

Yoko Reikano Kimura – Koto
James Nyoraku Schlefer – Shakuhachi
Cassatt String Quartet – Muneko Otani and Jennifer Leshnower, violins; Rosemary Nelis, viola; Gwen Krosnick, cello

To purchase tickets, please visit Kyo-Shin-An’s Eventbrite page.

About Kyo-Shin-An Arts

Kyo-Shin-An Arts brings Japanese instruments—specifically koto, shakuhachi, and shamisen—to Western classical music by working with established chamber ensembles, orchestras, and great individual performers to bridge two musical cultures. It introduces composers, performers, and audiences to the beauty and versatility of Japanese instruments and the virtuosity of the musicians who play them. Concerts feature a blend of KSA commissions; other World, US, and New York premieres; and traditional and contemporary music for Japanese instruments and Western repertoire.

About Cassatt String Quartet

Hailed for its “mighty rapport and relentless commitment,” the Cassatt String Quartet has performed to critical acclaim around the world since its founding in 1985, with appearances at Alice Tully Hall, Weill Recital Hall, Tanglewood Music Center, the Kennedy Center, Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, Centro National de las Artes, Maeda Hall, and Beijing’s Central Conservatory. The group’s discography includes more than forty recordings, spanning the Koch, Naxos, New World, Point, CRI, Tzadik, and Albany labels—including three discs that have been named by Alex Ross to his “10 Best Classical Recordings” feature in The New Yorker.

Arts at TCI and Kyo-Shin-An Arts Present

The excellent acoustics and intimate gallery setting of the Tenri Cultural Institute create a superb setting for listening to chamber music and offer audiences the rare opportunity to hear both traditional and contemporary music from two cultures in a setting similar to the music rooms of the courts and castles of both Europe and Japan. More than 300 years of chamber music tradition are presented throughout this series. Performances feature piano trios and string quartets from the great composers of Europe; music from Japan’s Edo period written for shamisen, koto, and shakuhachi; and contemporary music combining Western and Japanese instruments.

Susan McCormac 10/5/23 Susan McCormac 10/5/23

JAPAN FES TO HOST RAMEN CONTEST

JAPAN Fes x New York Ramen Contest

Saturday, October 7 from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.
East Village – 4th Avenue from 9th to 11th Streets

Sunday, October 8 from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.
Upper West Side – Broadway between 75th to 77th Streets

Admission: Free

The street fair season is winding down, and this weekend brings the two of the final three JAPAN Fes events, which will feature a ramen contest. Six ramen chefs, including last year’s champion, have created special dishes for this contest and will battle it out for votes from the crowd to see who will be crowned the World Ramen King.

Participating Ramen Chefs

Of the chefs, five are from Japan, and one is from New York.

Menya Tyson – Hakata-style Aburi Niku Tyson Ramen
Menya Ultra – Tonkotsu Shoyu Ramen
Naruto Ramen – The lone participant from New York offers reMix Ramen, a fusion of Southern American Creole cuisine with Japan's perfect comfort food
Onisoba Fujiya – Last year’s champion is returning with their Premium Lobster Miso Ramen
Ramen Chicken Yaro – Chicken in Thick Broth and Japanese Dashi
Shibasakitei – Shio-Soba with Japanese Pepper

Ramen will be the star this weekend, but there will be plenty of vendors offering a full range of the best Japanese street food, from okonomiyaki to yakitori to karaage and more.

For full details on each vendor, please visit JAPAN Fes’s website and Facebook page.

Remaining JAPAN Fes Schedule

October 7 in East Village – Ramen Contest
October 8 in Upper West Side – Ramen Contest
October 28 in East Village

Susan McCormac 10/5/23 Susan McCormac 10/5/23

NIJI-JAPANESE ARTIST POP UP SHOP TO HOLD MARKET AT RESOBOX

Autumn Japanese Maker’s Market

Sunday, October 22 from 12:30 p.m. until 5:30 p.m.

RESOBOX – 91 3rd Street (at 1st Avenue)

Admission: Free

Discover Japanese-inspired accessories and art at niji-Japanese Artist Pop Up Shop’s craft show at RESOBOX in the East Village.

Accessories such as earrings, necklaces, and more Japanese-inspired products will be on sale, and you’ll have the opportunity to meet the artists in person, hear their stories, and learn about the intricate details behind each item. Discover truly unique and creative works for yourself, or find the perfect gift for your loved ones.

To learn more about the vendors and reserve your spot, please visit niji-Japanese Artist Pop Up Shop’s Eventbrite page.

Participating Vendors

Chocolateclayyy – Polymer clay and resin jewelry and sculptures
Kazaria3 – Handmade hats made of used Japanese kimono fabric
Usagiduck – Stationery, apparel, and art prints of original character Usagiduck and their animal friends
Pucci Ropa Jewelry – Handmade sterling silver/brass jewelry in organic and abstract shapes
satokomatsu – “Word picture” jewelry
Hooks and Luxe – Accessories made from eco-friendly materials
Unipaca Studio – Handmade stationery items such as vinyl stickers, sticker sheets, and acrylic keychains
Karepango – Whimsical art that celebrates the satirical side of everyday life
TeaLoveCrochet – Knit and crocheted accessories inspired by food, Harajuku, and the artist’s Asian American culture
Poiful Rugs – Handcrafted rugs inspired by Japanese culture and nature
Fragrant Olive – Handmade soaps with Japanese koi fish and makeup bags using Japanese fabrics
Riverside Wrapping Co. – Mizuhiki (Japanese paper cords) accessories
Nappel – “Pop Up Sox” baby socks that are made of organic cotton and have 3D animal ears that “pop up”

Crafting Workshops

Before the event begins, there will be two crafting workshops from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.

Soap Making Workshop by Tamami

Cost: $30 (includes materials for two soaps)

Accomplished instructor Tamami, the founder of the esteemed handmade brand Fragrant Olive, will guide participants as they craft two unique handmade soaps: a rabbit soap with natural exfoliant and a teddy bear sandwich soap. To register, please visit niji-Japanese Artist Pop Up Shop’s website.

Let’s Make Teru Teru Bozu Ghost Amigurumi with Petrina/TeaLoveCrochet

Cost: $35 (includes yarn, crochet hook, and accessories)

“Amigurumi” is the Japanese art of crocheting or knitting small stuffed animals or toys using yarn and a hook or needles, often resulting in cute and charming creatures. A “teru teru bozu” is a Japanese talisman made to stop the rain and bring good weather. Petrina of TeaLoveCrochet will teach participants simple crochet stitches and how to read a pattern to make a cute teru teru bozu ghost, perfect for this spooky season! To register, please visit niji-Japanese Artist Pop Up Shop’s website.

Susan McCormac 10/5/23 Susan McCormac 10/5/23

Tech Fluency

by Yvonne Burton, Business Editor

Technological Fluency

That is a mouthful. I call it Tech Fluency.

What is Tech Fluency?

Let me define it by looking at its components.

Technology: Techniques, skills, methods, and processes used in the production of goods or services or in the accomplishment of objectives.

Fluency: The quality or condition of being fluent. In addition, it is also defined as the ability to express oneself easily and articulately. It is usually applied to languages.

In this article, I am taking creative license and applying fluency to the language of technology to describe the level of proficiency and/or comfort in using the technological tools and applications that are needed to perform work responsibilities.

Pain Points

Over the course of the past year, I have witnessed the major challenges facing some Japanese companies and their employees when they use existing tools such as MS Teams, WebEx, Slack, and the pandemic-created juggernaut that is Zoom.

The pandemic exposed the seriousness of many Japanese companies’ inadequate technological infrastructure. Not just from hardware and software perspectives, but also proficiency and usage. Part of infrastructure includes people skilled in relevant applications’ functionality and using them to perform job responsibilities and tasks.

Japan has dominated in consumer electronic goods and the auto industry, to name just two, and is “cutting edge in areas such as robotics, supercomputing, and artificial Intelligence. Where there is a need for more widespread growth is in areas that are driven by information technology.”*

A comment I hear from several Japanese managers is, “We need to train Japanese (business) people how to use modern IT tools.” The ability to use modern IT tools to perform at higher levels and efficiency in the course of your work was important pre-pandemic; now it is essential.

Lack of Tech Fluency in workers translates into lost time, ineffective use of resources, lost opportunities, bloated workflows, redundancies, and at the bottom line, loss of money. It can also lead to frustration with oneself (if you’re not “getting” it) or between employees who have varying skill levels.

Tech Fluency is a major part of global business skills.

Why should you pay attention to your Tech Fluency, or the lack thereof?

As the saying goes, technology drives business. Yes, and I think people effectively using technologies drives personal and business success.

In case anyone is wondering, remote/virtual work on a large scale is here to stay.

More and more applications are being created to address business needs. If you are not familiar (or at ease) with working with the current mainstream applications, it will only get more difficult.

Many companies are suffering with issues of security, implementation, training, and general know-how and usage of these tools. IT departments implement tools that are meant to service business needs and streamline workflows, but workers are either not using them at all or lack minimum levels of proficiency. This applies to offices in Japan and their overseas branches. Yes, it takes time to become proficient in these tools, and it should be regarded as an investment that is well worth the ROI. The only way to become proficient is through training and usage.

Companies must implement a strategy to build tech infrastructure that includes training and USAGE.

This is an issue for large Japanese companies as well as medium and small firms. Technology usage can lead to efficient and cost-effective ways of fulfilling workflows. Platforms such as MS Teams can help large companies eliminate redundancies in business operations as well as to communicate across and within branches, departments, and teams. That same technology can help smaller companies automate many functions so that resources’ time can be spent on tasks that are more critical to business success.

The excerpt below is from a blog article I wrote more than ten years ago in relation to Japanese companies and technology, and it still applies today:

Companies need to proactively identify opportunities for system and business process improvement by assessing current and emerging systems/applications for their ability to meet business requirements, saving themselves time and money.”

At the end of last year [2020], I collaborated on a team working with a major Japanese corporation that, at first, was unsure of how virtualized workshops could be as engaging and impactful as past in-person ones. With training and practice to gain familiarity with the applications to be used and redesigning activities using the features of the apps, the workshops were so successful that a large percentage of the feedback we received was “the virtual sessions surpassed the in-person sessions in many ways.”

Still, many Japanese companies are behind in harnessing the power of technology in daily work in comparison to companies in Europe and the United States. One of the contributing factors for this gap is the risk-avoidance policies practiced at many large companies, which impede access and usage of some mainstream applications.

At the employee level, in addition to the anxiety caused by using English (Global English) in business, the discomfort and lack of “articulation” with technological tools will continue to hinder professional development and productivity. This deficit causes many Japanese professionals to lag behind their foreign counterparts, business partners, and clients.

On a larger scale, Japan is facing issues in terms of an aging population, decreasing workforce, and the increasing reliance on revenue growth from outside the country. Effectively using technology is one of the best ways to manage these risks.

It is important to note that there can be issues with just having tech for tech’s sake. The market is flooded with applications, so part of building a good tech infrastructure is to make sure you are selecting the correct tools to address your business’s needs.

One of my workshop participants complained that he was trained in a new application, but he did not know why he should use it when his manual process worked fine. This “usage” component is often missed.

My software development lifecycle analysis experience has taught me the criticality of the define phase in everything. Without understanding of the problem to be solved, the solution reached will not wholly address the problem/need. It is the same when implementing tech tools in your business.

There are often overall best practices given for an application but not RIGHT practices to meet specific needs. There should be clarity around for what the application is needed and the desired impact of using it.

In summary, Tech Fluency is a critical component in doing business and doing business globally. Companies that do not develop proactive plans to improve Tech Fluency overall and within their employee ranks will continue to experience reductions in efficiency, productivity, competitive ability, and ultimately revenue.

Integration with and interaction within the global business community will only continue to rise. The need to increase Tech Fluency levels for both employees and companies is paramount for a company to maintain competitive advantage.

Contact Burton Consulting International to learn more about our Tech Fluency offerings.

* David “Chet” Chetwynd of JMNC Solutions zoominar on “How Japanese Companies Compete Globally.”

Yvonne Burton provides services to Japanese firms operating internationally and companies operating in the Japanese market.
To learn more, please visit burtonconsulting.biz.

“Tastes of Miyagi”

Featured Sake Products

“Tastes of Miyagi” Food Booth

The Radical Cinema of Kijū Yoshida

Lineup

A Blend of Quirkiness and Comfort in Midtown’s Garment District

Prime Location for Anime Enthusiasts

A Peek into a suite on the 18th Floor

Dining Delights at Gosuke Restaurant

A Quirky Stay Is the Best Stay

Bargemusic: Here and Now Series presents THOMAS PIERCY - TOKYO TO NEW YORK 東京とNY

Program

New York Japan CineFest 2023

Day One – Friday, November 3 at 6:30 p.m.

Day Two – Saturday, November 4 at 1:00 p.m.

Day Two – Saturday, November 4 at 3:30 p.m.

About New York Japan CineFest

JAPAN Fes

Select Vendors

Unveiling of Corky Lee Way

About Corky Lee

Event Details

To Be Followed By

About Mosco Street and Frank Mosco

Aki Matsuri: Japanese Fall Festival

Kaede Scavenger Hunt

Message from Kaede Kimonos

Official Rules

Two Current Specials

Japanese Food Expo New York 2023

Products

Chanoyu Week NYC 2023

Kenjutsu × Chanoyu – The Resonance of Stillness and Movement Created by the Samurai

Chanoyu Week NYC 2023 Opening Reception

Chashaku Carving Workshop: Make Your Own Tea Scoop

Samurai Tea Ceremony "The Ritual of Kuchikiri 2023"

Reunion Between the Tunes of the Guqin and the Ritual of Matcha

Out of Bounds: Japanese Women Artists in Fluxus

POKÉFEST NYC: Pokémon Event in the Lower East Side @ Sour Mouse

About Emily Cramer

World Sake Day

About the Event

What Is World Sake Day?

About MIKA

About niji

About Upstairs NYC

Akiko Yano Trio feat. Will Lee and Chris Parker

About Akiko Yano

Arts at TCI and Kyo-Shin-An Arts Present Kammerraku Promise

Program

Performers

About Kyo-Shin-An Arts

About Cassatt String Quartet

Arts at TCI and Kyo-Shin-An Arts Present

JAPAN Fes x New York Ramen Contest

Participating Ramen Chefs

Remaining JAPAN Fes Schedule

Autumn Japanese Maker’s Market

Participating Vendors

Crafting Workshops

Pain Points

Tech Fluency is a major part of global business skills.

Companies must implement a strategy to build tech infrastructure that includes training and USAGE.

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