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Upcoming Event Guide
2008 Event Information
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Colorado State University students of Japanese in Theatre Workshop proudly presented A Midsummer Night’s Dream adapted from Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”. This all-time favorite play was retold in entirely Japanese with English supertitles. Mako Beecken, a long time Instructor at CSU and 2007 National Japanese Teacher Award winner directed the play. This production was made possible by the generous funds from the Toshiba International Foundation, the Lilla B. Morgan Memorial Fund and the CSU Department of Foreign Languages & Literatures.
This version of the play was truly an once-in-a-lifetime experience. It captured the essence of Kabuki, Noh and Kyogen style traditional Japanese theatre while incorporating a modernized script and contemporary music to create a unique blend of traditional and modern-day elements.The live music was original and drew from fundamental Japanese music as well as rock music, providing an amalgamation of different cultures and time periods.The stunning costumes were inspired by Japanese theatre.This rare performance is sure to captivate and entertain audiences of all ages.
Date/ Time Friday, December 5, 2008 7:00 p.m.- Saturday, December 6, 2008 2:00 p.m.- Sunday, December 7, 2008 7:00 p.m.-
Location Lory Student Center Theater, Colorado State University
Sponsor: The Toshiba International Foundation, the Lilla B. Morgan Memorial Fund and the CSU Department of Foreign Languages & Literatures.
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Consualte-General of Japan and Denver Film Society brought Japanese Cinema! Two samurai-period Japanese films were shown at the Starz FilmCenter from October 1st thru 9th, 2008. We hope these films gave you a touch of Japanese culture.
Loosely based on the famous tale of Hizakurige, Yaji Kita Douchu Telesco is another take on the legendary journey of two friends; Yajirobe and Kitahachi who walked from Edo to Kyoto. It is a comic-buddy road trip film filled with humor and adventure. There are also many touching moments as the film explores the many sides of friendship. In this version of the classic story the men travel to Osaka in search of the legendary Telesco fish and its supposed healing powers. The movie was released in Japan the last November and received wide acclaim from audiences and critics alike. |
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“WINDOWS ON A HIDDEN WORLD:Japanese Woodblock Prints from the BYU Museum of Art Collection”
The Brigham Young University Museum of Art was holding a new exhibition of Japanese Woodblock Prints (Ukiyo-e). Throughout the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, Japanese artists developed highly detailed techniques for multi-color printing, with which they created elegant images of people and places in their homeland. This exhibition featured sixty-three prints, including dozens of works by recognized masters of this art form. Each print opened a window on the world of old Japan. Admission was free.
Date/ Time September 26, 2008 – January 17, 2009 Monday – Friday / 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Saturday / noon to 5 p.m. （Closed Sunday）
Location Brigham Young University Museum of Art North Campus Drive, Provo, UT84602-1400
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The Japanese Association of Colorado invited you to a calligraphy demonstration by visiting calligraphy master, Rikuden Oishi. Mr. Oishi was visiting Colorado from Tokyo, Japan and they were honored by his visit. The calligraphy demonstration was free of charge.
Date/ Time Thursday, September 18, 2008 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Location Japanese Association of Colorado 1915 19th, Suite A, Denver, Colorado 80202
In addition, Mr. Oishi had many calligraphy pieces on exhibit at the Boulder Public Library from September 13-20th, 2008. All exhibit pieces were available for purchase. Mr. Oishi also gave a calligraphy lecture and introductory class at the Boulder Public Library on September 20th, 2008 from 2pm – 4pm.
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Nan Desu Kan, the largest convention in the Rocky Mountain region, was having their 12th annual Anime Convention at the Marriott hotel at the Denver Tech Center this weekend from September 12- 13, 2008. Nan Desu Kan was dedicated to furthering the knowledge of Japanese animation, art and culture in a safe, friendly environment for people of all ages to enjoy. The Consulate General of Japan at Denver was delighted to be involved with this event.
Date Friday, September 12nd, 2008 Saturday, August 13rd, 2008 Sunday, August 14th, 2008
Location Marriott DTC 4900 S Syracuse St. Denver, CO 80237
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Part of the 20th annual New West Fest celebration, Bohemian Nights featured nearly 60 Colorado bands performing on five stages in the Historic Downtown Fort Collins area. The three-day Bohemian Nights music program included a wide variety of music such as Rock, Hip Hop, World Music, etc plus Kids' Music Adventure - And it was ALL FREE!
Date/ Time Friday, August 15th, 2008 7:00 p.m.‐ 9:00 p.m. Saturday, August 16th, 2008 11:15 a.m.‐10:00 p.m. Sunday, August 17th, 2008 11:15 a.m.‐ 6:00 p.m.
Location Downtown Fort Collins On Sunday, August 17th, 2008, the last day of this event, Chie Imaizumi Jazz Orchestra performed from 4:30 p.m.‐ 6:00 p.m. at the Library Park Stage.
(Chie Imaizumi’s Biography) Chie started her musical career at the early age of four in her native home of SaitamaPrefecture in Japan. At age 18, she began her intensive study of jazz at Sengoku Gakuen College of Music, graduating at the top of her class. Since then, she has continued her success, appearing on several CD releases, performing with famous artists such as shamisen player Masahiro Nitta and receiving awards such as the Herb Pomeroy Award for Jazz Composition while attending Berklee College of Music in Boston. Her latest CD release, “Unfailing Kindness”, appeared in five categories on the ballot for the 50th Grammy Awards. |
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This year marked the 20th anniversary of the start of the Fujiyoshida- Colorado Springs Junior High School Exchange Program. To celebrate the occasion, visitors from Fujiyoshida, including 15 students and 6 adult officials, were welcomed with a fun-filled event in Colorado Springs as noted below.
Planned activities included the assembly and display of a ‘milk carton’ mosaic from Fujiyoshida, a potluck dinner, a dance & DJ, and other festivities. Local organizers and attendees included the City of Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs Sister Cities International, the Japan-America Society of Southern Colorado, the Colorado Springs Children’s Chorale, and the Colorado Springs Youth Symphony Orchestra.
Date/ Time Saturday, August 3rd, 2008 2:00 p.m.‐7:00 p.m. Location Colorado Springs City Auditorium 221 E. Kiowa St. C.S., 80903
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The 8th Annual Dragon Boat Festival was held at Sloan’s LakePark, once again bringing great excitement and an Asian flair to Denver this summer.
This festival featured not only a truly exciting boat-racing competition, but also traditional Asian cultural demonstrations and performances on a Performing Arts Stage, along with many booths exhibiting Asian foods and crafts. It was a wonderful opportunity to experience a variety of Asian cultures, including Japanese.
Admission was free. Parking was also available free at Invesco Field, along with a shuttle bus service to Sloan’s Lake from there.
Details:
Date/ Time Saturday, July 26th and July 27th, 2008 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Location Sloan’s LakePark (Corner of Stuart and 23rd Avenue, near the boathouse, northwest Denver)
The Dragon Boat Festival Kick-off Reception was held at the Denver Art Museum on June 4th. Festival organizers officially announced the event and introduced the committee/ board members. The excitement for this year’s Dragon Boat Festival is officially underway!
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The 20th National Aikido Tournament was held in Denver. This 3-day event consisted of seminars, meetings, and Randori and Kata competitions. On the final day, the tournament culminated with a Taiko performance by Mirai Daiko and Aikido demonstrations by Grand Masters. Admission was free.
Date/ Time Thursday, July 17th, 2008 9 a.m.～ Friday, July 18th, 2008 9 a.m.～ Saturday, July 19th, 2008 9 a.m.～ ※1:30 p.m.～ Mirai Daiko Taiko Performance and Grand Master Demonstrations
Location Denver Buddhist Temple 1947 Lawrence St. Denver CO 80202
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Every year there is a pilgrimage to the Granada War Relocation Center site. This was one of the Japanese-American internment camps located in Colorado during World War . The Granada War Relocation Center was in Granada, Colorado (in the southeast portion of the state). This year the pilgrimage was made with the schedule below. Space on this year’s pilgrimage quickly sold out for the $25 fee. If you are interested in participating next year, please contact Seiji Tanaka to get further information.
Date/ Time Saturday, May 17, 2008 6:00 am- Depart from Simpson United MethodistChurch 7:00 am- Depart from the Tri-State/ DenverBuddhistTemple
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The Japanese Association of Colorado hosted a lecture by Mr. Adam Schrager, the author of “The Principled Politician- The Ralph Carr Story” in accordance with the schedule below. It was followed by a book signing and a reception. Admission was free.
Location Date/ Time Simpson United MethodistChurch May 3, 2008 6001 Wolff St., Arvada CO 6:30 pm-
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The Simpson United Methodist Church hosted the 59th Asian Food Bazaar. For the Chow Mein- Beef Teriyaki plate, tickets were ＄８(adults) or ＄５(Children). They also served sushi, omanju, home baked pastries, etc. Tickets were available for pick up at the church before and after Sunday Services or during their weekday office hours.
Location Date/ Time Simpson United Methodist Church May 3, 2008 6001 Wolff St., Arvada CO 11:00am- 4:30 pm Phone:(303) 428-7963
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Laramie, Wyoming—The Japan-America Society of Wyoming (JASWY) held its second Japanese Film Festival in Classroom Building Room 133 at the University of Wyoming, from 1:30 to 3:50 P.M., and 7:00 to 9:00 P.M. on Saturday, April 19, 2008. Doors opened 20 minutes before show time.
This year’s Japanese Film Festival featured one contemporary movie and one Samurai movie. These Japanese films didn't only entertain but also promoted understanding of modern and traditional Japanese life. The films were shown in Japanese with English subtitles. Admission was free. First come, first served...seats were limited.
"Laramie is woefully short on chances to see foreign films, and I think it's great that JASWY is giving us this opportunity to get a closer look at Japan. The inaugural festival last year was well attended and a lot of fun, and I expect this year's film-screenings to be the same," said Dr. Philip Holt, Chairman of the Dept. of Modern & Classical Languages.
“Japan is a developed country that superficially looks like western countries. But she has a long history and offers a very unique way of life to western viewers. One of the best ways to learn about Japanese culture and people is to watch Japanese movies. I believe that the Japanese film festival offers this opportunity and will be worth watching,” added Ken Matsuno, President of JASWY.
The movie schedule was as follows.
Always: Sunset at 3-chome: April 19 (Sat) 1:30 PM (2005, Family movie, 133 minutes, Drama) Set in Tokyo in 1958, this film depicts human dramas of downtown residents who lived at the time of the construction of the TokyoTower—a symbol of Japan’s economic growth in the mid-20th century.
Zatoichi: April 19 (Sat) 7:00 PM (2003, R, 119 minutes, Samurai movie) A blind masseur and sword master helps two youngsters avenge their parents at a gang-infested local town of pre-modern Japan. (Caution: This movie contains some graphic scenes of violence.)
The Japanese Film Festival was co-sponsored by the Modern & Classical Languages Dept., English Dept., Honors Program, and Japan Culture Club at the University of Wyoming.
JASWY was founded by Laramie residents in December 2005. JASWY is a 501(C)(3) nonprofit tax-exempt organization whose mission is “to promote understanding and friendship between the people of Wyoming and Japan through cultural, social, educational and professional interaction.” For more information about JASWY and the Film Festival, visit www.jaswy.org
Location Date/ Time Classroom Building Room 133 at the University of Wyoming Saturday, April 19, 2008 Click here for a map. 1:30-3:45 pm and 7:00-9:00 pm Free Admission, open seating / Parking: Park around the UW campus
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Taiko group ”Shidara” toured throughout the Western United States from March through May of 2008. Their group consisted of eleven performers, technical and support staff, and 3000 pounds of drums!
In our region, they performed in New Mexico. Please see the schedule below.
Location Date/ Time The HendersonFineArtsCenter, Farmington, New Mexico April 12, 2008 8:00 pm The HendersonFineArtsCenter, Farmington, New Mexico April 13, 2008 2:00 pm The Macey Center Theater, Socorro, New Mexico April 15, 2008 7:30 pm Rio Grande Theater, Las Cruces, New Mexico April 17, 2008 8:00 pm WNMU Fine Arts Theater, Silver City, New Mexico April 19, 2008 8:00 pm
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The 22nd Sogetsu Ikebana Exhibition was held in accordance with the schedule below. They had Ikebana, koto and taiko performances.
Admission was ＄８. (Children under 12 was free all day, adults over 60 was ＄６ on Thursday and Friday.)
Location Date/ Time National Western Complex April 10, 2008 3:00 pm- 9:00 pm I-70 at Brighton Blvd Exit, Denver April 11, 2008 12:00 pm- 9:00 pm April 12, 2008 10:00 pm- 8:00 pm April 13, 2008 10:00 pm- 5:00 pm
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The Japan America Society of Colorado hosted the 1st Annual JASC Japan Cup in partnership with the Colorado Japanese Language Education Association.
This friendly competition featured teams of students from high schools and colleges from across the Rocky Mountain Region who compete against each other in their overall knowledge of Japanese culture, grammar, kanji, listening and reading comprehension.
The event was free for spectators and during the morning preliminary rounds everyone was invited to browse and partake in an array of cultural activities such as Aikido, go, anime, etc. In the afternoon, sit back and enjoy watching the top three teams from each level compete for the top prizes.
Last year’s competition was a resounding success with 250 spectators and 85 student participants from 10 educational institutions from across Colorado.
Location Date/ Time Sturm Hall at the University of Denver Saturday, April 5, 2008 2000 E. Asbury St.Denver, CO 80208 8：30 am
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West Bank Story
Director : Ari Sandel
Allied Jewish Federation of Colorado and the Colorado Hebrew Chorale
Screenings in the Shwayder Theatre at the Mizel Arts and Culture Center, 350 South Dahlia Street, Denver, CO 80246
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A Living Memorial Remembering Bill Hosokawa, local journalist, author and citizen diplomat, was held.
Location Date/ Time Gates Concert Hall, Newman Center for the Performing Arts Saturday, Feb. 16, 2008 University of Denver, 2344 E. Iliff Ave. Denver 2:00 to 4:00 pm
・ Attending Guests His Excellency Ryozo Kato, Ambassador of Japan Honorable Bill Ritter, Governor of Colorado Mr. John Temple, President and Editor, Rocky Mountain News Mr. Cressy Nakagawa, Past President of the National Japanese American Citizens League
・ Chairman Mr. Bob Sakata
A Living Memorial Remembering Bill Hosokawa
A Living Memorial Remembering Bill Hosokawa, a journalist, author and citizen diplomat, will be held on Saturday, February 16, 2008, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Gates Concert Hall of the NewmanCenter for the Performing Arts. It is located on the University of Denver Campus at 2344 East Iliff Avenue, Denver, Colorado. Bill Hosokawa passed away peacefully, with family members around him, at the home of his daughter Christie in Sequim, Washington, following an illness. He was 92 years old.
Although Bill will be missed, his legacy of community service, civil rights crusader, and supporter of excellent relations between Japan and the United States, should not be forgotten. Please join Bill’s family, many community organizations, diplomats and friends in this Living Memorial. The Hosokawa Family requests that in lieu of flowers or koden, any contributions be made to the Hosokawa Memorial of the Hosokawa Fellowship Fund, c/o Japan America Society of Colorado, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit Colorado corporation, at 1625 Broadway, Suite 680, Denver, Colorado80202. This fund was established several years ago and serves only as a conduit to enable contributors to make a tax-deductible contribution to the Hosokawa Memorial.
At the present time, a permanent bust in Sakura Square, honoring the life and accomplishments of Bill Hosokawa, is being considered. Because the study and promotion of ethics in journalism was so important to Bill, scholarships or other avenues are also under consideration.
Gates Concert Hall of the Newman Center for the Performing Arts is located on the University of Denver Campus at 2344 East Iliff Avenue, Denver, Colorado (shown in yellow on the below map on the right). Exit I-25 at University Boulevard (exit 205) and go south. The NewmanCenter is located on the corner of University Blvd. and Iliff Avenue.
Participants may park in the parking area adjacent to the NewmanCenter.
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