LJ Language Beyond the Classroom (Culture Pass) Events – Fall 2024/Spring 2025

Date: Friday on 1/31, 2/21, 3/28, 4/11, and 4/25

Time: 1:25-2:15pm (Except 2/21 12:20-1:10 )

Place: STH B24 

4:30-5:20 pm, Monday, February 24 @CAS 204B

4:30-5:20 pm, Wednesday, April 16 @STH 113

 Tadanobu Asano (浅野忠信):

The actor who dares

Spring 2025 GEDDES JAPANESE MOVIE SERIES

Four Wednesdays Screenings at 6:30pm

CAS 533B (Capacity strictly 30 maximum), 685 Commonwealth Avenue

BU COMMUNITY ONLY; previous sign-up is necessary

Credit for Language beyond the Classroom (Culture Pass)

2/5  – Maboroshi     幻の光 (1995)  109 min. Directed by Hirokazu Koreeda

A young woman’s husband commits suicide without warning or reason, leaving behind his wife and infant. Yumiko remarries and moves from Osaka to a small fishing village, yet continues to search for meaning in a lonely world. Asano’s role in this movie, the protagonist’s first husband, is small but impressive. This movie is well-known as the recent master director Hirokazu Koreeda’s directorial debut.

*Please sign up BEFOREHAND for this showing by 5pm on 2/5 at https://shorturl.at/lSCG6

2/26 – The Blind Swordsman Zatoichi  座頭市　 (2003)  116 min.

Blind Zatoichi makes his living by gambling and giving massages. But behind his humble facade, he is a master swordsman, gifted with lightning-fast draw and strokes of breathtaking precision. Zatoichi wanders into a town run by sinister gangs. He’s destined for violent showdowns. Asano played a ronin who became a bodyguard for gangs and had a great sword fight with Takeshi Kitano’s Zatoichi, who also directed this movie.

*Please sign up BEFOREHAND for this showing by 5pm on 2/26 at https://shorturl.at/0y2yl

3/26  – Mongol: The rise of Genghis Khan　(2008)  125 min.

In this movie, by Russian director Sergei Bodrov, Asano played the protagonist Temujin, who later became known as Genghis Khan. Impressively, Asano memorized all his lines in Mongolian. This movie was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, and thanks to this movie, Asano got a Hollywood agent and the role of Hogun in the Thor series of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

*Please sign up BEFOREHAND for this showing by 5pm on 3/26 at        https://shorturl.at/geW8d

4/23 – Harmonium　渕に立つ　(2016)  118 min. Directed by Koji Fukuda

Toshio hires Yasaka in his workshop. This old acquaintance begins to meddle in Toshio’s family life and all hell breaks loose. Asano played Yasaka, who has just been released from prison and gained employment at Toshio’s workshop. This movie won the Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival in 2016.

*Please sign up BEFOREHAND for this showing by 5pm on 4/23 at        https://shorturl.at/8FPlq

Presented by the Department of World Languages and Literatures, Boston University Center for the Study of Asia, and the Geddes Language Center. For further information, please contact Hiromi Miyagi-Lusthaus, the series curator (hmiyagi@bu.edu).

Consulate-General of Japan in Boston organizes cultural event series on Fridays. Please check their website for the most updated calendar.

Friday, April 25, 4:30 pm – 6 pm @CAS 533B (Geddes Language Center)

Let’s sing a song in Japanese. Don’t be shy! You can sing with your friends.

Sign up here.

Wednesday, April 9, 8:30 am – 5 pm @Kilachand Honors College, Room 101 (91 Bay State Road)

Program Schedule here.

Registration here.

Tuesday, April 8, 6:30 pm @Gund Hall Piper Auditorium (Quincy St, Cambridge, MA 02138)

Architecture must bridge the gap between human life and the natural environment, an ethos deeply ingrained in Kengo Kuma’s philosophy.  Kuma prioritizes harmony with surroundings, using materials like wood and stone that are not only sustainable but also evoke warmth and intimacy. This approach reconnects people with nature while redefining the boundaries of urban spaces. Throughout Kuma’s projects, such as the Japan National Stadium and V&A Dundee in Scotland, Kuma has challenged modernist trends that overemphasize industrial materials like concrete. Instead, he advocates for lightness, transparency, and adaptability—values rooted in Japanese traditions that are also universally resonant.

Kuma pursues “openness and intimacy” in his designs, promoting structures that welcome their surroundings rather than dominate them. By combining traditional craftsmanship with modern technology, architecture can evolve into spaces that respect both cultural heritage and ecological systems.

In this lecture, Kuma invites architects, designers, and students to reconsider their roles in fostering a symbiotic relationship with nature. Together, we can craft a future where urban landscapes complement their natural contexts rather than compete with them.

Registration here.

Monday, March 31, 10:10 – 11:00 AM @ CAS225

CFN hosts the largest job fair for Japanese-English bilinguals, helping thousands start their careers in Japan since 1987.

This is a great opportunity to learn more about working in Japan or at a Japanese company.

This event is conducted in Japanese.

Friday, March 21, 4:40 pm – 5:30 pm @CAS226

Wednesday, March 19, 7 pm @ Global House Lounge (Myles Standish Hall @610 Beacon St.)

Register here.

Saturday, March 8, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Hosted in person at Boston Latin School

78 Avenue Loius Pasteur, Boston, MA 02115

About the Event:

Join Japan Society of Boston and the Celebrity Series of Boston on March 8th at the Boston Latin School for a unique and exciting lecture and demonstration by Kodō, the award-winning Japanese Taiko Ensemble. 

At this session, members of Kodō will introduce an in-depth story behind their artistry and musicality, as well as diving deeper into one particular performer, Moe Niiyama, as she talks about her taiko journey for the first time in the United States.  The session will also have musical elements that will engage with the audience rhythmically, and there’s no substitute for the feeling of the in-person experience. Be there when they fill the Boston Latin School with their propulsive music and movement!

Free Admission: Register here.

Wednesday, March 5, 4:30 – 6:00 PM @STH B24

This workshop is for people with no previous experience.

No need to bring anything but black clothes are recommended.

Registration is necessary.

Tuesday, March 4, 6:00 PM

Yoshida Ayomi, Artist

Lillian Wies, Gregory and Maria Henderson Curatorial Fellow in East Asian Art

Havard Art Museums, Menschel Hall, Lower Level

32 Quincy Street, Cambridge, MA

About the Event:

Join us for an in-depth discussion featuring artist Yoshida Ayomi in conversation with curatorial fellow Lillian Wies. Yoshida’s work deals with themes of legacy, transience, and the environment, and she is known for her large-scale, intricate installations that incorporate traditional Japanese printmaking techniques while also pushing the boundaries of the medium. Yoshida is the fourth generation of the Yoshida family of artists, each of whom has significantly shaped modern Japanese painting and printmaking.

This event encourages but does not require registration; see further details here.

Wednesday, February 12, 4:40-5:30 pm @CAS B36 (725 Comm. Ave.)

Speaker: Mick Ogihara, CEO KINEW PTE. LTD.

Join Mick Ogihara, a Japanese serial entrepreneur, as he shares his unique journey from being a sushi chef in Ginza Japan to founding a successful fintech startup that was later acquired by Google. Born in Tokyo, Mick’s career path spans from culinary arts to tech entrepreneurship.
In this seminar, he will discuss three key topics:
Career Journey: How his diverse experiences, from sushi to software, taught him the value of curiosity and resilience.
Business Strategies: Insights on navigating Japan’s hyper-competitive market and how he differentiated his money transfer service.
Blending Tradition with Tech: Discover his latest venture, “Kinew”—a digital planner app inspired by Japanese aesthetics.
Whether you’re passionate about startups, tech, or Japanese culture, this seminar offers practical takeaways and inspiration. Don’t miss out!

Thursday, February 6, 5:00-6:30 pm @121 Bay State Road, Boston

Speaker: Mari Miura, Professor of Political Science at the Faculty of Law at Sophia University and Visiting Scholar at Reishauer Institute of Japanese Studies, Harvard University (2024-2025)

Please register here.

Friday, January 24, 4:15-5:45 pm@Consulate-General of Japan (100 High St. 6F, Boston)

Tuesday, November 19, 12:30 PM – 2 PM
Koichi Nakano (Sophia University)
Japanese Democracy in the Aftermath of the 2024 Elections
Pardee School of Global Studies, 121 Bay State Road, Boston MA
Please register here. 

One-party dominance of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has been shaken by the loss of a majority for the governing coalition in the October 27 election. Where is Japan headed? Will Japan return to another era of a frequent turnover of prime ministers? Can the LDP reconstitute a viable ruling framework? Or can the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party (CDP) present a credible alternative ahead of the Upper House election in summer next year? What is the impact of the US elections on Japanese politics? What are the policy implications of the state of flux?

Japan Day, taking place on November 16-17, promises an engaging lineup, featuring speakers from renowned organizations like A-1 Pictures, Aniplex, Recruit Holdings, and Toyota. The event will cover a diverse array of topics, from pop culture and anime to technological innovation and career pathways. It’s a wonderful opportunity for anyone with an interest in Japan and East Asia to connect and gain unique insights.

Event Schedule

Saturday, Nov 16, 2024

• 1:30-2:30 PM – Music Performance
  • The Beat, The Look, The Art: Japan’s Pop Culture to the Globe with PAIDA and Caleb Hyles.
• 3:00-4:00 PM – Fashion Panel
  • Tokyo Threads: Aki and Koichi’s Daily Style Diaries.
• 4:30-6:00 PM – Anime Panel
  • Kaguya-sama: Love Is War discussion with A-1 Pictures and Aniplex producers.
• 7:00-9:00 PM – Networking Reception
  • Soirée Tokyo in Boston with Asu Capital Partners.

 Sunday, Nov 17, 2024

• 1:30-2:30 PM – Startup/Business Panel
  • Global Impact, Women Power: Pioneers in Japan’s Startup and Innovation.
• 3:00-4:00 PM – Career Panel
  • Why Japan? Launching Your Career in a Changing Landscape.
• 4:30-6:00 PM – Innovators Forum
  • Exclusive Networking with Asu Capital Partners.
• 7:00-9:00 PM – Networking Reception
  • Soirée Tokyo in Boston at Ticknor Lounge.

Dive into the heart of Japan, from anime and pop culture to pioneering advancements in business and technology. Savor exquisite sushi and network with some of the most passionate minds in the field!

Be a part of history with us. Let’s make Japan Day legendary! Register today at: https://tinyurl.com/huji-japanday-2024

November 14, Thursday, 5pm @CAS 533B

October 4, Friday, CAS B36

Japanese and Music Performance dual major Christopher Ellars, whose thesis focuses on Noh and Queer Aesthetics, just completed intensive summer Noh training in Kyoto. Studying with masters of the Kanze and Kongo schools, Christopher acquired much knowledge about Noh dramaturgy, performance practice, and cultural significance. Join us as Christopher guides us through the world of Noh!

About the Event:

This is your chance to meet the composers of your favorite anime soundtracks right here in Boston! 

Join us at the Boston Children’s Museum to hear three prominent Japanese composers talk about their experiences creating beloved soundtracks for some of the most popular anime series such as Naruto, Fairy Tail,  My Hero Academia, One Punch Man, Spy x Family, and more! This is a special opportunity to see Yasuharu Takanashi, Yuki Hayashi, and Makoto Miyazaki in-person and ask them all your questions. 

We’re especially excited to welcome Yuki Hayashi, a native of Kyoto, Japan as we are celebrating the 65th anniversary of the Kyoto-Boston sister city relationship in 2024. 

If you are excited for more, check out their Symphonic Anime concert on the following night to hear over 100 musicians, including iconic female vocalist Nan Sathida, performing these pieces at Symphony Hall.

We are able to offer this event for free thanks to the generosity of our partners; Five Four Live, Kashamara Productions, SOHO Live, and Boston Children’s Museum. 

Event is free and open to the public, but pre-registration is required. 

Registration

Please join us for a special event in collaboration with the City of Tosashimizu! We present this program in efforts to combat current issues of over-tourism in Japan by highlighting the unique charms of smaller towns and less visited areas. 

Our speaker, Jason Sardinha, is a Massachusetts native who went to Japan through the JET Program, never expecting that he would one day call Tosashimizu home. Though it takes time to reach Tosashimizu, this town has a charm that draws people in—just as it did for Jason. Through his journey and life in Tosashimizu, Jason will share what makes this place so special, and its unique connection to our state of Massachusetts. Join us as we explore the beauty, history, and deep connections that make Tosashimizu a journey worth taking, and learn why it is a place worth staying!

This is a free, hour-long presentation with Q&A hosted on Zoom.

Registration is required. 

A poetic and moving picture book biography celebrating the life and work of the visionary Japanese American woodworker George Nakashima. Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, George Nakashima began a love story with trees that grew throughout his remarkable life as an architect, designer and woodworker.

Author Holly Thompson narrates Nakashima’s life using haibun, a combination of haiku and prose, which twines smoothly through Toshiki Nakamura’s earthy illustrations. 

Register here.

Omiyage, ochugen, oseibo, oh my! Are you interested in learning more about the complex and deeply meaningful world of Japanese gift giving?

Please join us as Professor Mary Eberhardinger will lead a conversation about gifting culture and etiquette in Japan so that you can feel prepared for your next gifting occasion in Japan, and learn some useful tips and tricks to become a great gifter, regardless of the recipient!

We will have an in-depth discussion of the philosophies of gift giving in Japan, common expectations and customs, specific situations, occasions, and more! Our friends at KO KYOTO will also provide a demonstration of a popular and traditional way to present wrapped gifts in Japan, furoshiki. 

This is a free, hour-long presentation hosted on Zoom. Registration is required. 

Registration

For advanced-level students, Prof. Vincent is one of the panelists

Masaoka Shiki was a Japanese poet who was born in Matsuyama in Ehime Prefecture.

The Shiki Museum hosted the special event which commemorating the 120th anniversary of his death.

Professor Vincent joined as a one of the panelist for this event.

Link:Video

Prof. Vincent Blog: Loofah Day

It’s August, and that means it’s Obon season and the perfect time to learn about Japanese folklore! Join us for a special program dedicated to yōkai, supernatural entities and spirits that appear in many Japanese tales. Yōkai play an important role in modern Japan, as they not only appear in folklore narratives told to children, but also feature in video games, manga, and anime. Yōkai have become increasingly popular in the U.S. with the spread of Japanese pop culture, like the video game series Yokai Watch.

Professor Michael Dylan Foster from UC Davis will be sharing his knowledge on the world of yōkai along with Matthew Meyer, a popular yōkai artist. This is a great opportunity to learn more about Japanese folklore, its traditional roots, and how both still play a role in Japan today!

世界でも数少ない日本研究のアメリカ人民俗学者 カリフォルニア大学デービス校のマイケル・ディラン・フォスター氏、そして、浮世絵調の自作イラストに英語の解説を付し日本の妖怪を世界に発信しているアーティスト、マット・マイヤー氏がアメリカでもじわじわと人気がでている日本の妖怪について語ります。

Speakers:

Michael Dylan Foster | Professor of Japanese & Chair of the Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures, University of California, Davis

Michael Dylan Foster is Professor of Japanese and Chair of the Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures at the University of California, Davis, where he teaches courses on Japanese folklore, heritage, tourism, and popular culture. He is the author of The Book of Yōkai: Mysterious Creatures of Japanese Folklore (2015), Pandemonium and Parade: Japanese Monsters and the Culture of Yōkai (2009), and numerous articles on Japanese folklore, literature, and media. He is also the co-editor of The Folkloresque: Reframing Folklore in a Popular Culture World (2016) and UNESCO on the Ground: Local Perspectives on Intangible Cultural Heritage (2015). His current project explores discourses of tourism and heritage as they relate to local festivals in Japan, and he recently co-edited Matsuri and Religion: Complexity, Continuity, and Creativity in Japanese Festivals (2021).

Matthew Meyer | Illustrator & Folklorist

Matthew Meyer is an illustrator and folklorist based in Japan. He received a BFA in illustration from Ringling College of Art and Design in 2005. His work is focused on Japanese folklore, particularly yokai studies. He is the author of The Night Parade of One Hundred Demons (2012), The Hour of Meeting Evil Spirits (2015), The Book of the Hakutaku (2018), and The Fox’s Wedding (2021). He is also the creator of yokai.com, an online illustrated database of Japanese ghosts and monsters. (Website/Patreon)

Link: Yokai 101

U.S.: February 8, 2021 @ 4:00 – 5:00 PM (U.S. Pacific Time)
Hear two experts share their views on Japan’s evolving role in Asia and what that means for the U.S. Hiroyuki Akita, commentator of the Nikkei Shimbun and former Washington correspondent, is one of Japan’s top analysts on foreign policy and the US-Japan relationship. Professor Thomas Berger, professor of international relations at the Pardee School of Global Studies at Boston University, is one of America’s top experts on Japanese foreign policy.

Please visit: https://www.usajapan.org/event/japan-changing-role-in-asia-opportunities-and-challenges/

Click here to view recordings from the event. 

Click here to view the full conference page.

Translation Now celebrated the fortieth anniversary of the Seminar by bringing to Boston some of the most distinguished translators and scholars in the field today.  The conference began with a keynote address by Rosanna Warren, who gave the Seminar its current shape and taught it until 2012. Professor Warren’s keynote was followed by a series of moderated conversations on key issues in literary translation.

Click here for the full event page with video recording.

Haiku is perhaps the best travelled of all world literary genres. Since the seventeenth century, when Matsuo Bashō wrote his masterpiece, The Narrow Road to the Deep North, haiku poets have embarked on countless figural and literal journeys, and they have taken the genre with them. By the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, dense social networks of haiku poets crisscrossed the whole of Japan, and by the early twentieth century, haiku in its modern form had spread across the globe through the work of poets including Ezra Pound, Rabindrath Tagore, Frederico Garcia Lorca, and Yu Ping Bo. Today millions of people write haiku in Japanese and dozens of other languages.

This symposium marks the 150th anniversary of the birth of the haiku poet Masaoka Shiki (1867-1902). Despite spending the last seven years of his life immobilized by tuberculosis, Shiki contributed more than any other poet to the genre’s emergence as a globe-trotting literary form. Scholars and poets working on haiku in Japanese, English, Persian, Chinese, and Spanish shared their work on Shiki and on the poetics of haiku in its global dimensions. 

Click here to see more information about this event, including conference recordings.

BU faculty from WLL, Art History, English, and Romance Studies joined together on November 5th, 2016 for an interdisciplinary symposium celebrating a new translation of on the world’s first novel written by a woman: Lady Murasaki’s 11th century Tale of Genj.

Visit here to find Japan-related talks!

http://www.bu.edu/translation/translation-seminar/archive-2/

Visit here for a list of lectures.
More lectures are uploaded here.  Search “Japan” under the channel.

Painting Edo — the largest exhibition ever presented at the Harvard Art Museums — offers a window onto the supremely rich visual culture of Japan’s early modern era. Selected from the unparalleled collection of Robert S. and Betsy G. Feinberg, the more than 120 works in the exhibition connect visitors with a seminal moment in the history of Japan, as the country settled into an era of peace under the warrior government of the shoguns and opened its doors to greater engagement with the outside world. The dizzying array of artistic lineages and studios active during the Edo period (1615–1868) fueled an immense expansion of Japanese pictorial culture that reverberated not only at home, but subsequently in the history of painting in the West.

03/11/2021 – 04/15/2021

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCulH8PzgERLlL9v-R1FfVWA

JFNY Literary Series: Sayaka Murata x Ginny Tapley Takemori