Virtual Japanese Events around the Country

September 21: Japan’s Business Reinvention: How to lead Corporate Culture Change offered by the Japan Society

Over the past decade, Japan’s leading companies have undergone a reinvention, away from brand names and commoditized products to a stealth, deep-tech leadership in critical inputs into global supply chains. This reinvention requires new corporate processes and a new corporate culture that enable risk-taking and breakthrough innovation. This event will introduce the core message of Ulrike Schaede’s award-winning book “The Business Reinvention of Japan”, followed by a discussion with the key executives of JSR and AGC who have led this corporate renewal and reinvention in their effort to turn what used to be traditional, risk-averse, slow and steady companies into agile, tech-driven, global competitors. AGC Inc., formerly Asahi Glass Co., Ltd., is a supplier of flat, automotive, display glass, chemicals, ceramics and other high-tech components and the JSR Corporation, formerly Japan Synthetic Rubber Co., Ltd., engages in the manufacture and sale of synthetic rubber and fine chemical materials.

For registration and more information please Click Here

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September 22: Authentic Japanese Tofu: From Bean to Block offered by the Japan Society

Delicate and delicious, tofu is a versatile food enjoyed in many Japanese dishes, from silky, chilled hiyayakko to deep-fried agedashidofu. At this online workshop, learn how to make fresh, authentic tofu at home with London-based chef and culinary educator Akemi Yokoyama. In the spirit of sustainability embodied by the Japanese concept of mottainai, participants will also use the tofu by-product to make tasty okara mochi. Discover what this plant-based protein has to offer, from bean to block and everything in between!

All participants will receive a recipe and ingredient list, and may follow along during the workshop or simply observe. For registration and more information please Click Here

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September 23: Bridging the US and Japan: The Story of John Manjiro and Capt. William Whitfield offered by the Japan America Society of Boston

On May 6, 1843, a young Japanese boy named Manjiro sailed into New Bedford harbor, setting his eyes on the U.S for the first time and getting a glimpse of what would become his second home. After being shipwrecked on a deserted island during a fishing expedition, Manjiro and his crew were rescued by American whaling ship captain William Whitfield and taken aboard the John Howland. Because of Japan's closed-door policy, Manjiro and his crew were not allowed to return home to Japan. After sailing together for several months, Capt. Whitfield brought the crew members to safety in Hawaii, but he wished to take Manjiro back with him to his home in Fairhaven, MA, where he educated young Manjiro and welcomed him as a son. Years later, Manjiro returned to Japan as a fluent English Speaker and was critical to future U.S.-Japan relations. As the first Japanese man to live in the U.S., Manjiro was the first bridge between American and Japanese cultures. His bond with Captain Whitfield has spanned generations, and in 1987, a delegation from New Bedford/Fairhaven traveled to Tosashimizu (Manjiro's hometown) and signed a Sister City Agreement which has been active ever since.

Co-hosted by the Japan America Society of Chicago. We will hear from Gerald P. Rooney, President and CEO of the Whitfield-Manjiro Friendship Society, who is central to keeping the Manjiro-Whitfield legacy alive. For registration and more information please Click Here

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September 23: Bunraku and Beyond: The Evolving Tradition of Japanese Puppet Theateroffered by the Japan Society

Join us for an upcoming special program about Bunraku, a form of traditional Japanese puppet theatre. Our speaker for the program will be Martin Holman, a literary translator, professor, puppeteer, and puppet theater director. Through the stories and music of the puppet theater, the presentation will include a brief history of Japanese puppetry, from its religious origins through the commercial enterprise of Bunraku.

in to watch live from the Awa Jurobe Yashiki Puppet Theater and Museum in the Tokushima Prefecture–home of more traditional puppet troupes and theaters than anywhere else in Japan! The program will include an introduction to the history of the traditional Japanese puppet theater, as well as a close up look at the construction and manipulation techniques of the puppets and the wide variety of puppets used. We will also examine the puppet stage and see a short performance, followed by a Q&A session amid the puppets and stage materials.

For registration and more information please Click Here

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September 28: The Japanese Garden: Living Classroom of Nature, Architecture & Culture offered by the Japan Society

The Japanese garden is not simply a place of beauty, serenity and contemplation grounded in a long tradition, but it is also a holistic art form functioning as a place of discovery and innovation that continues to evolve through cross-pollination with other cultural forms. This talk explores the historical journey of one of the world's oldest land art forms and examines its evolving relevance to the world. Inviting experts of critical acclaim from various creative fields, this interactive webinar delves into how Japanese landscape design principles and aesthetics have impacted the ways in which modern society approaches art and architecture while helping mold the human relationship with nature. This is the first of the five-part Living Traditions webinar series.

For registration and more information please Click Here

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October 5: Japanese Business Etiquette Workshop offered by the Japan Society

This business etiquette workshop is designed to teach basic Japanese phrases and behavioral skills needed in Japanese corporate environments. Participants will learn practical expressions and manners used in various business contexts, such as formal greeting, business card exchange, seating order (Kamiza and Shimoza), proper bowing, unique hand gestures and table manners. The class will be conducted in English and is suitable for persons at any level of Japanese language experience, including those who have little or no previous background in Japanese.

For more information and registration, please click here.

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Get to Know Kanagawa: Virtual Series

Located just south of Tokyo, Kanagawa Prefecture is known for its breathtaking locales, from the grand Buddhist temples of Kamakura to the quaint hot spring town of Hakone. At this exclusive online series, join the Japan Society of Boston for a live sake webinar, a virtual exhibition of Kamakura-bori woodcrafts, a pop-up shop featuring delicious Kanagawa specialties, essays introducing the region, and more! For more information click here.

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