e-newsletter
November | 2011
Message from the President
In the October newsletter, I mentioned that I had been in Japan, and had visited five Japan-Australia Societies. This time, I would like to tell you something about my visit to the Joetsu Japan-Australia Society.
I knew that Carmel Ryan (AJSACT) and National Committee member Tony Mooney (Cowra Japan Society) had special links with the Joetsu Society, and I knew there was a Peace Memorial Park there, in Naoetsu, on the site of an old POW camp where Australian soldiers had been held during World War II. But that was about all I knew.
Then, two things happened that made me want to know more. First, I met three representatives of Joetsu JAS in Takayama last year, at the Japanese Federation’s biennial conference. Then, this year, I read a book called “Unbroken”, by Laura Hillenbrand. It was about Louis Zamperini, an American airman whose plane ditched in the Pacific, and who ended up in the Naoetsu POW camp. Evidently it was an awful place, not one at all likely to evoke pleasant memories. Sixty Australians died there
National Conference of the Federation of Japan-Australia Societies
This biennial get-together, which is definitely the best place to meet those active in grassroots bilateral relationship building, will be held at the Shin-Kobe Crown Plaza Hotel on 12 May.
A good representation from Australia would be useful, and appreciated. If you can arrange your travel around the Conference, please do, and let National Secretary Debbie O’Toole know of your plans.
Welcome to New Presidents
The AGM season has been upon us, and we have some new faces at the helm of Member Societies. Congratulations and welcome to new Presidents Margaret Beckett (Coffs Harbour), Andrew Hay (AJSQ), Sachi Hirayama (AJANT) and Michael Cocks (ACT).
Leigh McClintock
President
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Latest News
JET Programme 2012: Applications Open
The Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme invites university graduates from overseas to participate in international exchange and foreign language education throughout Japan.The programme offers university graduates the opportunity to serve in local government organisations as well as public and private primary, junior high and senior high schools.
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Latest Posts on the NFAJS Facebook page
Echigo-Tsumari Australian Artist-in-Residence Program 2012 Open Call
Deadline for entries: 18 December 2011
Submissions are called for two Australian artists and one curator / researcher / coordinator for the "Echigo-Tsumari Australian Artist-in-Residence Program 2012" (organised by the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale Executive Committee), which will be held in Tokamachi City, Niigata Prefecture, Japan between 30 January and 1 March 2012. The artists will create artworks using snow to be presented as part of the Snow Art Project 2012 to be held on 25 and 26 February 2012.
Seto International Ceramic & Glass Art Exchange Program 2011-2012
Aichi / 4 January 2012 - 10 February 2012
Sally Walk, based in Melbourne, Australia, is one of four artists invited to the Seto International Ceramic and Glass Art Exchange Program 2011-2012, organised by Seto City and sponsored by the Agency for Cultural Affairs. Ms Walk will create and exhibit her works while in residence in Seto.
Mingei Exhibition – Masuda Gallery, Sydney
4 November – 17 December, 2011
The concept ‘Mingei – folk art’ was created by Japanese philosopher Yanagi Soetsu who developed a movement in the 1920s-30s that excavated ‘handmade works’ by long forgotten craftsmen which were then re-discovered during the Japanese industrialisation period. This exhibition shows the beauty of traditionally utilised objects for everyday life.
The 4th Japanese History Workshop Australia – Murdoch University, WA
30th November to 2nd December, 2011
The school of Social Sciences and Humanities and Asia Resarch Centre, jointly with Monash University Japanese Studies, are hosting an international conference aiming to promote people’s understanding of Japanese history.
The conference is open to the public and will be Australia’s largest gathering of Japanese history specialists.
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Selected Upcoming Japan-related Events - around Australia
15th Japanese Film Festival
The 15th Japanese Film Festival continues with a bumper to bumper line-up of the latest films, guaranteed to stop traffic for 2011.
The Festival kicked off on 2 September with the debut of the Japanese Film Festival in Adelaide as part of the OzAsia Festival featuring ten Japanese films, six of which were Australian premieres.
Special guests Hirotaka Matsune (Cinematographer, Yamakoshi: the Recovery of a Tiny Japanese Village), Tsuyoshi Inoue (Director, The Town’s Children) and Mitsuhiro Kyota (Producer, The Town’s Children) will be in Melbourne attending the screenings.
Next Upcoming Dates | Cities:
MELBOURNE | 29 November – 6 December 2011
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November and DecemberGlimpses of Japan 2011
After a successful run last year, our “Glimpses of Japan” Film & Talk series returns in November & December 2011. Step back in time to Japan in the 1970s & 80s as we screen cultural films covering issues such as the ageing population, education, women’s rights and foreigners living in Japan. Each screening will be followed by a talk on the issues presented in the film by a Japanese studies expert, speakers include Professor Hugh Clarke, Emeritus Professor of Japanese at the University of Sydney.
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19 November 2011 – 11 March 2012
Yayoi Kusama: Look Now, See Forever | Queensland
Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA)
Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama is one of the most significant and influential artists working today. The Gallery has had a long working relationship with Kusama, and her installations Soul under the moon 2002 and Narcissus garden 1966/2002 are among the most popular works in the Gallery’s Collection.
Look Now, See Forever’ transforms the dramatic spaces of the Gallery of Modern Art with a series of spectacular immersive rooms, featuring new sculptures and paintings as well as film projection and installation. Showcasing Kusama’s innovative work with colour, form, space and perception, this exhibition shows a senior artist at the peak of her powers.
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National Federation of Australia-Japan Societies
PO Box R937,
ROYAL EXCHANGE NSW 1225
info@austjapanfed.org.au