Events & Programmes Archive

Despite the complexity and difficult curatorial challenge in exhibiting architecture as a medium, a number of such exhibitions have been held in a variety of settings. Often involving installations, sketches, photos and models, we are able to gain an insight into the minds, worlds and inspirations of architects and the environments they create, but what can be truly understood about architecture through such exhibitions? Contemplating this question, the Japan Foundation has invited Kayoko Ota, a curator and editor specialising in architecture, to discuss the purpose of architecture exhibitions and how this format can help foster our understanding. Having been the commissioner for this year’s Japan Pavilion at the Venice Architecture Biennale and with long and established career overseas, Ota will draw on her global experience to explore various issues involved in curating architecture exhibitions both on a practical and theoretical level, while looking into what aspects in Japanese architecture have been and can be examined keeping its history, characteristics and current state in mind.

Kiyoshi Oka was one of the greatest Japanese mathematicians of the 20th century

Come and see the Japan Foundation at Language Show Live 2014! Language Show Live is the UK’s largest language event and the show for those who offer products and services to language teachers, learners, translators, linguists, language professionals and businesses. This year, the Japan Foundation are giving visitors more chances than ever before to learn about Japanese language and culture. Our attractions will include: The Japan Foundation Information Stand When: 17th, 18th, 19th October   Where: Olympia Central, Hammersmith Road, London (Stand no. 709)   Packed full of information about studying and teaching Japanese in the UK, our stand will be staffed with members of Japan Foundation who would be delighted to give you advice on your Japanese studies. Our stand will also include: A Japan Quiz, with the chance to win a goody bag full of Japan Foundation exclusive gifts A name-writing corner – make your own Japanese name sticker! Free little gifts to take home with you The stand will be shared with JP Books, a supplier of Japanese books including learning resources for Japanese language. Presentation: “Teaching Primary Languages & Culture through Kami-shibai – Traditional Japanese Storytelling” When:  Friday 17 October, 16.00 – 16.45 Kami-shibai (“paper drama”) is a traditional form of storytelling in Japan, in which the storyteller uses large pictures to engage the audience and aid their understanding. In this presentation, we will demonstrate how kami-shibai can be used to make the learning of any language fun and effective, in addition to inspiring pupils’ creativity and cultural awareness. The presentation will include examples of how kami-shibai has been used to teach language and other subjects in UK schools, as well as a bilingual kami-shibai performance that we hope all audience members, young and old, can enjoy! Japanese Language taster When:  Saturday 18 October, 13.30- 14.00 Experience Japanese language first hand by taking a taster lesson! Seminar: “Going beyond Europe: A case study of success in teaching Japanese language in a UK School” with Crispin Chambers When: Sunday 19th, 11.45 - 12.30 Crispin Chambers, 2013 winner of Pearson Award for Teacher of the Year in a Secondary School, will share his success story of raising enthusiasm and achievement among the students at Tavistock School, by teaching them a more unusual language: Japanese. Don’t miss out on the UK’s biggest languages event – click here for more information and to book your place (entrance is free if registered in advance)!

The Modern Lens: International Photography and the Tate Collection is an exhibition surveying key developments in international photography from the 1920s to the 1960s. The exhibition - the largest display of photographic works ever to be exhibited at the gallery - will uncover the sense of curiosity and experimentation as artists harnessed the medium in new ways. In addition to including artists from across Europe and the Americas, the exhibition will also feature work by pioneering Japanese artists Shoji Hamada, Kiyohiko Komura, Shikanosuke Yagaki and Iwao Yamawaki.

The Japan Foundation is delighted to present this special public seminar with Professor Akira Iriye, Professor Emeritus, Harvard University and recipient of the Japan Foundation Award 2013.  Drawing on decades of research, Prof Iriye will examine historical study today and international relations history, before discussing the defining characteristics of the contemporary world and offering his thoughts on the future.  Joining Professor Iriye in discussion will be Professor Rana Mitter, Director of the University China Centre at the University of Oxford.

Parasol unit foundation for contemporary art will present a solo exhibition devoted to the work of Japanese artist Shinro Ohtake. The exhibition is Ohtake’s first major show in a public London institution and provides an important exposure of Ohtake’s early, recent and new works. It focuses particularly on his ‘Retina’…

Shogi is a traditional Japanese board game, similar to Western Chess. Played by two players, the different ways in which the pieces can move arguably Shogi makes strategically more interesting and exciting to play through to the end. However, the downside of Shogi is that it takes some time to master… In order to encourage those who have always wanted to play Shogi but didn’t know where to start, the Japan Foundation has invited Madoka Kitao, one of Japan’s most distinguished Shogi players to teach you ‘Dobutsu Shogi’ (‘Animal Shogi’), a simplified version of Shogi, invented by Kitao herself. Having much less pieces on the board, Dobutsu Shogi may seem an easy game at first, but once you experience it, you will soon be drawn into the dazzling labyrinthine world of Shogi. The game is suitable for all ages (as long as you can recognize the animal pictures on the pawns!) and even those who consider themselves a Shogi master will also be fascinated to play this wild variation! At the beginning of workshop, Madoka Kitao will also talk about the culture and history of Shogi in Japan. Come and enjoy Dobutsu Shogi and meet the master and inventor of this cute board game! For ages 8 to 108! (Children under 11 must be accompanied by a responsible adult.) Times: 11:00am - 12:30pm (for adults and independent children)2:00pm - 3:30pm (for families) 

Constantly exploring the act of creating, Shinro Ohtake is a distinguished Japanese contemporary artist whose career spans over 35 years

Dr Shion Kono (Sophia University) exmines current debates on world literature...

With the increasing number of opportunities available, performing arts professionals have noted the benefits of international collaboration

The Japan Foundation is delighted to host the launch of The Growing Power of Japan, 1967-1972: analysis and assessments from John Pilcher and the British Embassy, Tokyo, compiled and edited by Sir Hugh Cortazzi. The publishers, Renaissance Books in association with the Japan Society, would like to thank the Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation, Julia Bonas and others for their generous help towards the costs of publication. In this volume Sir Hugh has compiled the defining reports from Sir John Pilcher’s time as ambassador to Japan from 1967 to ’72, a period in which Japan’s economy and power grew significantly and her relations with the United States became increasingly strained. Sir Hugh, who worked with Pilcher during these years and was himself Ambassador to Japan from 1980 to ’84, will open the launch with an overview of the changing character of Anglo-Japanese relations and of the first overseas visit by a Japanese Emperor. This will be followed by an open discussion led by Chairman of the Japan Society, Sir David Warren, and a drinks reception. We are delighted to announce that all attendees will receive copies of the book. This collection of Pilcher’s reports to Whitehall provides a valuable record of Japan’s progress at this turning point in her post-war history, as well as insights into the hopes and expectations of the British Government in her dealings with Japan. Pilcher’s role during this period was that of bridge-builder between the two countries following the post-war decades of disenchantment and distrust. Pilcher’s reports were not only unusually comprehensive but were characterised by his natural sympathy for the country and deep knowledge of its culture and religion. His writings on Japan have remained largely inaccessible, and unknown to most researchers, and The Growing Power of Japan offers readers a unique insight into the thoughts of this distinguished scholar-diplomat.

Yoshitomo Nara is one of the most influential and internationally renowned contemporary artists from Japan, best known for his impressionable paintings depicting children and animals. His painterly expression and use of colour are strongly influenced by Western and Japanese modern paintings. That, along with living in a rapidly changing post-war Japan, and being exposed and aware to various cultures – visual arts, literature, and music – that transcend borders, have culminated into forming his current artistic expression.  On the occasion of his solo exhibition, Greetings from a Place in My Heart, taking place at Dairy Art Centre, London, Nara will speak about his day-to-day creative practice, and what lies at the basis of his expression and artistic sensibility.  This is a very rare opportunity to gain a further insight into one of Japan’s most legendary artists who seldom makes public appearances, whilst surrounded by his paintings, drawings and sculptures on display.