Events & Programmes Archive

For four decades Asakawa Maki (1942-2010) was one of the most distinctive voices of the Japanese urban counterculture. Together with this screening of "The World of Maki Asakawa", guest speakers Yukiji Teramoto and Dr Alan Cummings will explore the tensions and contradictions of the post-war Japanese avant-garde at the heart of Maki’s work.

The Architecture Foundation, in association with the Barbican and The Japan Foundation London, presents a talk by one half of Atelier Bow Wow, architect Yoshiharu Tsukamoto. Founded soon after the collapse of Japan’s economic bubble in the 1990’s, Atelier Bow Wow’s series of distinguished house designs include the award winning Mini House (1998) and House and Atelier Bow Wow (2005, pictured). In this exclusive talk, Yoshiharu Tsukamoto will draw on his experiences as both a designer and observer in reflecting on Tokyo’s suburban landscape.  This event is part of Architecture on Stage- a programme of talks and debates organised by The Architecture Foundation and the Barbican. For tickets and more information, please click here

This symposium, co-organised with the Japan Sport Council and SOAS Japan Research Centre, reflects on the past, present and future role of sport as an opportunity for diplomacy

Six years after the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami of 2011, the Japan Foundation presents a screening of Vegalta: Soccer, Tsunami and the Hope of a Nation, a documentary telling the story of how a Japanese football club and their legendary fans set out on the long road to rebuild their hometown. On 5 March 2011, Vegalta Sendai, a professional football team based in the north-eastern region of Japan, opened their 2011 campaign. Still newly promoted to the top flight of Japanese football, the team's focus was very much on survival. Six days later, the word took on a distinctly different meaning. British filmmakers Douglas Hurcombe and Geoff Trodd travelled to Sendai to capture this remarkable story, following the response of both the team and its supporters in the aftermath of the disaster. Featuring interviews with the team's staff, players and supporters, as well as former Japanese league player Gary Lineker OBE, the film demonstrates how the team's activities both on and off the pitch not only helped give the city renewed hope, but would capture the imagination of the footballing world. In the run up to the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games, this film illustrates how sports can be close to people’s hearts and be instrumental in bringing communities together. The screening will be followed by a Q&A with the film's producer Ben Timlett and co-director Geoff Trodd. Directed by Douglas Hurcombe and Geoff Trodd, 2017, 64 min

In an exhibition co-organised with the Japan Foundation, Barbican presents the first major UK exhibition to focus on Japanese domestic architecture from the end of the Second World War to now

Naotaro Endo is a Japan-based filmmaker and director of Tsukiji Wonderland, a documentary featured in this year's Japan Foundation Touring Film Programme. Following the film's sell-out screening at the ICA in early February 2017, Endo will join us for a special talk to discuss his filmmaking style and the themes explored in Tsukiji Wonderland.For those who were able to see the film at ICA and even those who have not, it will be a great opportunity to hear about documentary filmmaking in Japan as well as more about Tsukiji, the world's largest fish market that is currently facing closure -- the topic which inspired this remarkable film.Endo began shooting at Tsukiji in spring 2014 when speculation of the market's closure began. Shot over the course of an entire year, Endo captures the extraordinary operations of this iconic fish market. Although the future of Tsukiji still hangs in the balance, Endo has ensured that its legacy will never be forgotten.

The next Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) will take place on Sunday July 2nd 2017.

Come along and listen to what university students studying Japanese in the UK have to say!

Attend the Japan Foundation Touring Film Programme screening of the emotional and beautifully animated school anime ‘A Silent Voice’ at HOME, Manchester, and discover opportunities to study Japanese Studies and Japanese Language in the UK through fun activities inspired by the film. Before or after attending  the screening of ‘A Silent Voice’ come to visit the ‘Discover Japanese Studies’ booth in the cinema foyer where you will have the opportunity to get advice from current students and graduates about studying Japanese at university and try your hand at a Japanese Language taster. All visitors to the Discover Japanese Studies booth will enter our free prize draw to win a selection of Japanese language study resources to further their studies!   Discover Japanese Studies Booth in Cinema Foyer: from 4.30pm - 8.30pm Screening of 'A Silent Voice' at HOME, Manchester: 5.40pm

After a very popular event in its inaugural year, Japan Now returns to the British Library with a packed day exploring the literature and culture of this fascinating country, with a range of artists, writers and translators. Alex Kerr, author of the acclaimed book, Lost Japan, reflects on the Japanese…

We are delighted to announce that the annual Japan Foundation and British Association for Japanese Studies Postgraduate Workshop will be held in 2017 at the University of Sheffield. This workshop aims to assist the development of the next generation of Japan specialists in the UK. It is a great opportunity to receive practical advice on your research from senior colleagues, and to get to know fellow postgraduate students and others in the Japanese Studies community. This year’s interactive workshop will explore how emerging Japanese Studies researchers can increase the impact of their research on wider academia and society in the UK and Japan. More information on workshop contents will follow shortly. Eligibility: This workshop is open to postgraduate students in Japanese Studies and those undertaking Japan related research in other disciplines. Priority registration will be given to PhD candidates. From 6th February 2017 registration will also be extended to Japanese Studies Masters students who are thinking about doing a PhD.

Noh is a traditional form of Japanese theatre characterised by its use of masks. A key element of the performance, Noh masks are both highly detailed and deeply expressive. Originating from just 60 basic designs, today there are believed to be over 200 different kinds in use. Following the success of his talk in 2009 and as a precursor to the Noh performance ‘Noh time like the present…’ A Tribute to Akira Matsui, the Japan Foundation are delighted to welcome back second-generation Noh mask carver Hideta Kitazawa. With Kitazawa, this illustrated talk will briefly explore the history of Noh masks and their role in Noh theatre, and will feature a live demonstration of the carving techniques used to create these distinctive pieces. Kitazawa will also discuss the different types of Noh masks and will examine how the creation and carving process has evolved since 14th century. Drawing on his personal experiences as both a Shinto temple carver and mask maker, Kitazawa’s talk will provide an invaluable insight into this ancient art.