JAPAN FOUNDATION WORLDWIDE

"Pop Culture Corner"

 It seems difficult to define what is “pop” and what is “cool”. If I had to do so, the former is what the energetic younger generation is interested in and the latter is what the mature generation smartly dressed in a suit is interested in. In June 30, 2009, “Pop Culture Corner” was opened in the 35-year-old Japan Foundation, Bangkok (JFBKK). At this corner, the latest songs by J-pop artists in DVD are updated monthly and cutting-edge magazines for youngsters are provided. Although the number is limited, Japanese films and animated cartoons are also available. The influence of “pop” topics and information is spreading gradually. Situated at a corner of the library, each user of Pop Culture Corner has to listen to the material with a headphone. Even with such restriction, the users’ eyes or backs silently indicate that they are experiencing something exciting.  We are greatly relieved at this sight.

"Environmental Justice: Learning from Japanese Experiences"

In Thailand, just as in other countries, the economic development has caused various environmental problems that bother citizens and the government. It had been regarded that this field did not involve cultural exchange, but JFBKK collaborated with the Office of the Supreme Administrative Courts of Thailand that organized a special lecture on “Environmental Justice: Learning from Japanese Experiences” in August 6, 2009. Professor Noriko Okubo from Osaka University gave a detailed account of various administrative lawsuits against environmental issues in Japan, from a pollution of a copper mine in Ashio in Meiji Era to Minamata disease and traffic pollution. Prof. Okubo described these issues specifically and in chronological order, clearly indicated that they are contemporary matters for Thailand today. We were pleased with compliments from judges in suites, stating that it was the “coolest” lecture they had ever attended. In September, the second lecture will be held with two experts from Japan.

“Pop” and “cool” might be expressed with different passions, but both can be found in our immediate surroundings.

The first animated feature film in Brazil was created by Japanese illustrator the late Ippei Nakashima in 1972. The film “Piconze” was shown in major cities across the country, but its original print was discarded and has never been shown in public since then.

The Japan Foundation, Sao Paulo reproduced “Piconze” by digitizing the film recorded in video tapes, and hosted a special exhibition of Ippei Nakashima with his original celluloid pictures and story boards, as well as his personal photography (specifically pictures of his family taken when they had just settled down in Brazil) to bring the public the world of the cartoonist. During the exhibition period, a panel discussion with film directors and scholars of Brazilian animation film was held. In addition, there was a screening of a documentary film describing his life, “Ype Nakashima.” This film was produced under the Japan Foundation’s Support Program for Film and TV Program Production on Japan 2008-2009, and appeared in Anima Mundi International Animation Festival 2009.

The Japan Foundation, Sao Paulo has been introducing Japanese food culture from various perspectives to Brazilian public. In June 2009, we co-hosted a series of lectures “Wednesdays on Japanese Gastronomy” with Consulate General of Japan in Sao Paulo. Lecturers were: Mr. Arnaldo Lorencato, food journalist who was invited to Japan by the Japan Foundation in 2005; Mr. Josimar Melo, food critic; and Mr. Jun Sakamoto, famous sushi chef. Each of them told the audience what fascinates him about Japanese food.

Mr. Shen Ribeiro: Shakuhachi (bamboo flute) player

Another program co-hosted with Consulate General of Japan in Sao Paulo was a concert and workshop of Shakuhachi (bamboo flute) by Mr. Shen Ribeiro who spent long years in Japan to master the instrument. In addition to his performance, this program included a screening of a documentary film in which Mr. Ribeiro talked his encounter with shakuhachi and the possibilities this instrument has on the sounds. There was also a workshop of shakuhachi for people involving in Japanese traditional music. The combined effects of these activities resulted in an integrated program.

The Japan Foundation, Sao Paulo has been supporting outstanding artists who are inspired by Japan. This year, it supported a performance tour of Ms. Leticia Sekito, up-and-coming young choreographer. Recommended by the Sao Paulo State Bureau of Culture and hosted by the Social Service of Commerce (SESC) Sao Paulo, this performance tour was held at eight sites across the state from April through June, 2009.

As described in the previous report, Hungary is celebrating the "Japan-Danube Friendship Year 2009."
From April 9 through May 31, 2009, an exhibition "WA: The Spirit of Harmony in Contemporary Japanese Design" had been held at the Museum of Applied Arts in Budapest. Co-hosted by the Japan Foundation and the Museum, it was one of the highlights of the friendship year in Hungary. 161 excellent Japanese product designs from a variety of fields, including stationeries, cell phones, and a motorbike, were exhibited.

Hungarian people have always been friendly toward Japan and have great interest in two distinct sides of Japan: whereas traditional side is typified by budo, tea ceremony, and kimono, modern face is represented by automobiles, home appliances, and game software.
This exhibition of product designs presented that Japanese traditional craftsmanship and beauty are assimilated into contemporary technology that pursues convenience. It was a marvelous occasion to show Hungarians that traditional and modern aspects are coexisting in perfect harmony with our daily lives.

On May 16, during an official visit to four countries related to the Japan-Danube Friendship Year 2009, Their Imperial Highnesses Prince and Princess Akishino visited this exhibition and looked at the exhibits very intently. Their visit was broadcasted nationwide in a morning news show on Hungarian national television, giving considerable publicity to this event.