Events & Programmes Archive

In this special talk Japanese practitioners who use media and techniques close to craft production will challenge the standard concept of cute

This exhibition supported by the Japan Foundation explores the many levels of meanings of the word ‘kawaii’. Exploring this notion are a number of Japanese artists using the traditional crafts of Japan, including textiles, urushi (lacquer), ceramics, glass, Ohigashi (sculpting soft bean paste), washi (handmade paper). Combining the seemingly opposing elements of these crafts and popular culture, this exhibition will look at the cultural impact of contemporary crafts.

At this workshop, the Japan Foundation will give teachers the opportunity to learn more about developing extra-curricular Japanese lessons and Japan Clubs.

The Japan Foundation, in collaboration with the Gateshead Council, is pleased to present a double bill of films by Makoto Shinkai, one of the most exciting animation filmmakers in Japan today. Often cited as ‘the next Miyazaki’, Shinkai produces animation films full of stunning scenes and visuals combined with beautiful stories. The programme will include two of Shinkai’s films, his early film Voices of a Distant Star and his 2013 production, The Garden of Words. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Voices of a Distant Star (ほしのこえ) Dir. Makoto Shinkai, 2002, 25min, English subtitles In the year 2046, middle school students and close friends Mikako and Noboru find they will go their separate ways when Mikako is chosen to be a member of the United Nations Space Army. Separated by space, the two keep in touch through e-mail, only to find that the ever-increasing distance between them makes keeping their friendship more difficult. The Garden of Words (言の葉の庭) Dir. Makoto Shinkai, 2013, 46min, English subtitles When Takao, a high school student dreaming of becoming a shoemaker, skips school one day in favour of sketching shoes in a rainy garden, he has no idea how much his life will change when he encounters the mysterious Yukino. Older, but perhaps not much wiser, she seems adrift in the world. The two strike up an unusual relationship through chance meetings in the same garden on each rainy day. But the rainy season is coming to a close, leaving many things left unshared between them.

The Japan Foundation, in collaboration with the Gateshead Council, is pleased to present a double bill of films by Makoto Shinkai

As part of the Japan Foundation’s Primary Japanese Campaign to support and encourage primary schools teaching Japanese language, we will be giving 20 primary head teachers the opportunity to take a study trip to Japan from Saturday 24th October to Saturday 31st October on the Japan Group Tour Programme for UK Head Teachers 2015. 

This October, the Japan Foundation will present a day of events exploring the musical phenomenon of Hatsune Miku, Japan’s most iconic and globally-recognised singer

Japanese-Italian Oyama Enrico Isamu Letter is a unique visual artist whose creative practice overlaps and blurs the borders between contemporary art and street art

The Japan Foundation will co-present a gallery talk at the British Museum by Japanese shojo manga artist Akiko Hatsu and historian, critic and curator Paul Gravett. For further details about the event, please click here.

The Japan Foundation will co-present a gallery talk at the British Museum by Japanese shojo manga artist Akiko Hatsu and historian, critic and curator Paul Gravett. For further details about the event, please click here.

Come and see the Japan Foundation at Language Show Live 2015!

The Japan Foundation is pleased to support this year’s TUSK Festival, a festival featuring 3 days of music, films, talks, workshops, exhibitions and more. Continuing its dedication to showcasing artists from the Japanese avant-garde music scene, the festival has invited Reizen, a musician said to be part of a new…