Five Important Policy Agendas of PM Kan 
 
Saying that he had  

reached the point of departure for his "true-to-its-word cabinet," Prime Minister Kan outlined the five important policy agenda which he resolved to tackle.

Calligraphy Exhibition


Is it art, or is it scribbling? You might not be able to read this but you can enjoy the energy of calligraphy. See the work of masters and students at the Beikoku Shodo Kenkyukai 45th Anniversary exhibition! Oct. 16-31.
 

Design Your Furoshiki
 
The Japan Foundation is sponsoring a furoshiki design competition. Furoshiki are beautiful squares of cloth used to wrap and tote things. The top four winners will have their designs produced into furoshiki. 

Deadline Oct. 29.

 

JET Applications Available! 
Applications for the JET Program will be available from October 25 on our website. Applications are due Nov. 18! Hurry!

Today's Kotowaza:
Kobo fude o erabazu 
Kobo doesn't choose his brush. The priest Kobo Daishi was such an expert calligrapher that he didn't need to be particular about his brush. Whatever he used came out good. More important than tools are skill and talent.

Energy keeps wheels turning! Japan's 2010 Annual Report on Energy provides a concise overview on domestic and international energy issues, including energy security and trends in new energy sources and renewables. Here is the latest on how Japan (and the world) will power our future! 

Growing the Friendship  Garden for San Diego 
The San Diego Japanese Friendship Garden is moving forward on its expansion goals. Consul General Junichi Ihara encouraged those who gathered to promote the project.
  CG Ihara's message

 San Diego Friendship Garden
  

Japan OC Festival

photo courtesy Pomegranate Artists

The Japan OC Festival explores the fascinating diversity of Japanese and Japanese American performing arts. The riveting Sankai Juku starts out the series on Oct. 30. The festival runs through April 2011.
 Philharmonic Society of Orange County
 Brochure

Consulate Visits Schools

Are your students hooked on Japanese manga and anime? If so, the time is right to teach them more about Japan. Motivate them by having a Japan School Visits program with Consulate staff offering various topics!

 

Stars for Japanese Cuisine

Assortment in styles and skilled chefs are just two reasons why Japanese  cuisine has been highlyrated. 

Learn more in this article from Japan Echo. 

Ministry of Foreign Affairs News