Recipients of Fall 2015 Decorations Announced
The government of Japan announced on Nov. 2, 2015 the recipients of its Fall 2015 Decorations. From the jurisdiction of the Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles, the following two distinguished persons will be awarded:
Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon
Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette
To read more about their distinguished careers and accomplishments, please read here:
|
Japan's Takaaki Kajita Shares 2015 Nobel Prize in Physics
Takaaki Kajita, Director of the Institute for Cosmic Ray Research at the University of Tokyo, has been jointly awarded the 2015 Nobel Prize in Physics with a scientist in Canada. Dr. Kajita has been recognized for "for the discovery of neutrino oscillations, which shows that neutrinos have mass," according to the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences.
The Nobel Prize Award Ceremony will be held on Thursday, Dec. 10.
To find out more, please see here:
|
Japanese Microbiologist Satoshi Omura Shares 2015 Nobel Prize for Medicine
Satoshi Omura, Professor Emeritus at Kitasato University, has won the 2015 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine along with two others, according to the Nobel Assembly of the Karolinska Institutet. The assembly cited his work in developing a drug used to fight parasitic diseases. The Nobel Prize Award Ceremony will be held on Thursday, Dec. 10.
To read more:
 |
Japan US Military Program (JUMP) Inaugural Reception To Be Held Nov. 19
The Japan America Society of Southern  California invites all past and present service members, families and government civilians who have served in Japan -and those who are interested in thanking and honoring them- to its inaugural Japan US Military Program (JUMP) Reception. The reception will take place on Thursday, November 19, 2015 aboard the Battleship USS Iowa in the Port of Los Angeles. 
Through social networks and events, JUMP builds relationships and provides opportunities for service members to engage with each other. It also offers a powerful foundation for sustaining the solid alliance and relationship between the U.S. and Japan. JUMP is a collaborative effort between Sasakawa Peace Foundation USA, the Embassy of Japan in the USA and the National Association of Japan-America Societies.
JASSC's inaugural JUMP event, co-presented with the Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles, will take place on the fantail of the Battleship USS Iowa. Greetings will be provided by Admiral Dennis Blair, past Commander in Chief of the U.S. Pacific Command and current Chairman of the Board & CEO of Sasakawa USA, as well as representatives from the Air Force, Army, Marines and Navy.
The JUMP Reception includes Japanese food, beverages and entertainment.
For more information and reservations, please click here:
|
Accoustic at the Aratani: Keiko Matsui
Pianist and composer Keiko Matsui is teaming up with acclaimed Cuban Jazz musicians Carlitos del Puerto and Jimmy Branly to collaborate with her on a new trio concept.
Come see Ms. Matsui perform on Dec. 4 at The Aratani Theatre, where she will headline the first "Acoustic at the Aratani" series.
|
Come See the L.A. Nebuta Float at the Hollywood Christmas Parade!
|
| Credit: LA Nebuta Bayashi |
If you missed the giant Nebuta float at this year's Nisei Week Japanese Festival parade, you're in luck! The float will participate in The Hollywood Christmas Parade on Sunday, November 29th.
To find out more :
|
Massive "Floats" That Do Nothing of the Kind...
 The Karatsu Kunchi is one of the major festivals of the Kyushu region. This festival features floats called hikiyama, the largest ones being 6.8 meters tall (or 22.3 feet) and 3 tons in weight. All hand carried with appropriate antics and animated expression through the appreciative crowds.
Plenty of footage for this spectacular event here:
|
More Approachable Natto!
 Natto, a nutritious concoction of pungent and slimy fermented soybeans, is a healthful Japanese staple but is also the bright red line that many foreigners will not cross in their exploration of Japanese foods. To the rescue is a new formulation modified for the global market.
More information here:
|
Ministry of Foreign Affairs News
|
Check out our community calendar!
JAPAN RELATED EVENTS FOR SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA & ARIZONA
|
|
Foreign Minister's Commendation Conferred on Mr. Chogi Higa
On Sept. 25, 2015, the Foreign Minister's Commendation was conferred on Mr. Chogi Higa, who was recognized for his achievements, including contributions to the Japanese American community.
To read more:
|
Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce, Japan Business Association Networking Reception
Consul General Harry H. Horinouchi hosted a reception at the official residence on the Oct. 22 to facilitate the business relationship between Los Angeles Latino Chamber of Commerce (LALCC) and the Japan Business Association of Southern California (JBA). Exchanging toasts to the success of the event with Japanese sake and tequila, it proved to be an exceptional networking opportunity for both the JBA and LALCC.
To find out more about both organizations, please see here:
|
Hidden Japan "Tokushima" Event Held
Consul General Harry H. Horinouchi hosted a reception at the official residence on 22th of October to help shine a spotlight on a region of Japan that is  beautiful and rich in culture and history, and very much "off the beaten path" for most international tourists.
The lucky visitors who do travel to Tokushima are treated to unforgettable natural scenery and experiences in  communities and villages that look and feel like Japan from many years ago - a beautiful traditional countryside.
To find out more about Tokushima's hidden gems for travel, please see here:
|
Celebrating the Budokan of Los Angeles
On October 21, Consul General and Mrs. Horinouchi hosted a reception celebrating the Budokan of Los Angeles project. Attendees included members of the Japanese American community and Japan Business Association of Southern California. Dean Matsubayashi, Executive Director of the Little Tokyo Service Center, gave a presentation on the project's latest developments.
|
Welcome Back Reception for JET Program
On Oct. 9, Consul General Harry H. Horinouchi hosted a
festival-themed Welcome Back Reception for Japan Exchange and Teaching, or JET, Program participants who recently returned from Japan after completing the program.
The night celebrated JET participants' commitment and time to serving their former Japanese communities in local schools and educational centers and offices.
Returnees were encouraged to share and build their relationships in Japan with others, always keeping in mind that what they had completed was more than a program-they had made lasting bonds.
|
Catch Japanese Movie Screenings at AFI Movie Fest 2015!
AFI Fest 2015 presented by Audi is the American Film Institute's annual celebration of international films, which showcase up-and-coming talent alongside seasoned filmmakers.
Looking for a good Japanese film? You're in luck.
Sweet Bean (Japanese Title: An) - Directed by Naomi Kawase
(Screening dates Nov. 11, 12)
|
| Credit: Comme Des Cinemas, Nagoya Broadcasting Network, Twenty Twenty Vision, ZDF-ARTE |
Our Little Sister (Japanese Title: Umimachi Diary) - Directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda
(Screening dates Nov. 10, 12)
|
| Credit: Fuji Television Network Inc., Shogakukan Inc., Toho Co., Gaga Corp. |
|
Global Tourism to Japan Sets a Blistering Pace!
Japan has hosted over 15 million foreign tourists so far this year (as of the first week of October) - already well past the previous record of 13.4 million visitors for all of 2014.
Get the scoop on the rising and vital tourist trade right here:
|
2016-17 Japanese Language Teaching Grants 
The Japan Foundation administers grant programs designed to support and promote Japanese language education in the United States.
Training Programs for Japanese Language Teachers (Application Deadline Dec. 1)
The goal of these programs is to help Japanese language teachers improve their proficiency in the language, teaching methodology, and knowledge of Japan through Japanese language classes, cultural programs, field trips, etc.
For more information:
Japanese Language Program for Specialists in Cultural and Academic Field (Application Deadline Dec. 1)
This program provides specialists (Researchers, Postgraduate Students, Librarians, Museum Curators, etc.) who need a good command of Japanese language for conducting their field-related work and research with Japanese language courses specifically designed for their needs.
For more details:
|
|
Destinations
Travel to Japan!!
Japan has rebounded in tourism and affordability. Visit us and see all the reasons Japan is the place to visit this year. Follow the link to "Affordable Japan" and get a glimpse of landscapes, food, inns, and events -- all in your budget.
A Big City View
Fantastic Destinations
Up and Down the Coast
Special Events of the Season
Click links for budget-friendly airfare, food, inns and events.
|
|
California invites all past and present service members, families and government civilians who have served in Japan -and those who are interested in thanking and honoring them- to its inaugural Japan US Military Program (JUMP) Reception. 
The Karatsu Kunchi is one of the major festivals of the Kyushu region. This festival features floats called hikiyama, the largest ones being 6.8 meters tall (or 22.3 feet) and 3 tons in weight.
Natto, a nutritious concoction of pungent and slimy fermented soybeans, is a healthful Japanese staple but is also the bright red line that many foreigners will not cross in their exploration of Japanese foods. To the rescue is a new formulation modified for the global market. 
beautiful and rich in culture and history, and very much "off the beaten path" for most international tourists. 
communities
This newsletter is issued by the Japan Information & Culture Center