Japan Foundation, Manila

Arts and Cultural Exchange

Events & Courses|

ART ARCHIVE 02

A Collection of Essays on Philippine Contemporary Literature & Film

Published by the Japan Foundation, Manila, ART ARCHIVE 02 is the second book in a series that explores
current trends and concerns in Philippine contemporary art. This volume brings together eleven
writers from the Philippines, putting forth a diverse set of perspectives about contemporary literature
and film in the country.

In line with the Japan Foundation’s aim of carrying out comprehensive international exchange programs
throughout the world, the book is published in a digital format for accessibility. As a primer for
readers interested in Philippine art, ART ARCHIVE 02 is meant to be used as a resource to foster cultural
exchange and knowledge sharing for artists, educators, and art and cultural institutions in the
Philippines and abroad.

Download ART ARCHIVE 02 (Low Resolution 5.4 MB)

Download ART ARCHIVE 02 (High Resolution 21.6 MB)

Download ART ARCHIVE 01 here.

Send us your feedback on ART ARCHIVE 02 here: Feedback Form

 

… Read More

Events & Courses|

Talks on Contemporary Japanese Literature with Ginny Takemori

The Japan Foundation, Manila, in partnership with the Philippine Center of International PEN and Fully Booked, are pleased to announce a series of talks on contemporary Japanese literature with award-winning Japanese literary translator, Ginny Tapley Takemori, to be held at the 85th PEN International Congress in Manila at the National Museum of Fine Arts on October 3, Thursday, 11 am and at The Studio, Fully Booked Bonifacio High Street on October 5, Saturday, 2 pm.

Admission is Free for both events.

 

PEN International Congress in Manila

Ginny Takemori will be part of a panel of international writers and translators with the theme Words Crossing Worlds: Translation/Transliteration during the 85th PEN International Congress in Manila on October 3, Thursday, 11:00 -12:30 nn at the Auditorium of the National Museum of Fine Arts, Padre Burgos Ave., Manila.

 

Literature Talk with Ginny Takemori in Fully Booked

She will also be conducting a free talk entitled Bridging Worlds: Conversations on translating Contemporary Japanese Literature with Ginny Takemori, moderated by Philippine writer Jessica Zafra, on October 5, Saturday, 2:00 pm at The Studio, Fully Booked Bonifacio High Street, Taguig City. Registration starts at 1 pm on a first-come, first-served basis.

Ginny Takemori and Jessica Zafra will be discussing the bestseller Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata, the process of translation, the current trend of women writers in Japan, as well as other contemporary Japanese works.

 

 

 

 

Ginny Takemori has translated over more than a dozen early modern and contemporary Japanese writers, ranging from such early literary giants as Kyoka Izumi and Kido Okamoto to contemporary bestsellers Ryu Murakami and Miyuki Miyabe, and her translations have also appeared in Granta, Freeman’s, Words Without Borders, and a number of anthologies. Her translation of Tomiko Inui’s The Secret of the Blue Glass was shortlisted for the Marsh Award, and her translation of Sayaka Murata’s Akutagawa prize-winning novel Convenience Store Woman was one of the New Yorker’s best books of 2018, Foyle’s Book of the Year 2018, shortlisted for the Indies Choice Award and longlisted for the Best Translated Book Award. Her translation of Kyoko Nakajima’s Naoki prize winning The Little House was published in February 2019.

 

 

 

Please note that details are subject to change. For more information and updates visit facebook.com/jfmanila or www.jfmo.org.ph

Events & Courses|

Kenji Mizoguchi’s Orizuru Osen to feature at the 13th International Silent Film Festival

You’re in for a treat!

The Japan Foundation, Manila features Orizuru Osen by the renowned Japanese film director and screenwriter Kenji Mizoguchi on August 31, 2019, 3:00PM as part of the this year’s Silent Film Festival Manila (#ISFF2019) which will run from August 30 to September 1 at Samsung Hall, SM Aura, BGC, Taguig. ADMISSION IS FREE. (Ticket reservation: https://tinyurl.com/y6t28gyr)

Osen works as a servant girl for an unscrupulous antique dealer, Kumazawa, who forces Osen to help his illegal business by using her beauty. When Kumazawa is arrested, Osen agrees to finance penniless young Shokichi and help his dream of being a doctor. But the only way she can make money is to prostitute herself, and she is eventually caught by the police. Years later, when Shokichi becomes a doctor, he found that Osen is suffering from an incurable illness.

“The Downfall of Osen” is based on the novel “Baishoku Kamo Nanban” by Kyoko Izumi. This emotional Meiji era film is directed by Kenji Mizoguchi and was restored as part of the 2018 Kyoto Prefecture digital remastering development program.

Listeners can expect a wonderful mix of the ancient and the contemporary, of soothing vibes and danceable grooves from two-year-old band from Mindanao, Kaduma ni Karol/Kaduma hi Karol.

They play “contemporary precolonial music” – fusing indigenous traditional musical influences and languages from north to south of the Philippines with contemporary sounds. As such, their original compositions invoke heart-felt melodic memories of the “kachaanan” (ancestry in Cordilleran banao language).

Performing at the 2019 International Silent Film Festival are Philippines’ queen of chants Karol Dawonlay a.k.a. Carol Bello of Pinikpikan/Kalayo Band and singer-songwriter Dandy Dawonlay of the Higaonon Tribe in Mindanao. The couple is joined by Mindanaoan musicians, Richard Mira (rhythm guitar) and Joshua Gultiano (bass guitar) as well as Manila-based ones, master percussionist Jean Paul Zialcita (kali drum, aqua drum, and percussions) and young flute player Iwag Alcalde.

ADMISSION IS FREE.  Reserve tickets through this link: https://tinyurl.com/y6t28gyr

 

Events & Courses|

Special Video of “I BELIEVE” by Little Glee Monster featuring the JapaFunCup

The Japan Foundation Asia Center and the Japan Football Association held the JapaFunCup last June at J-Village Fukushima, Japan.
JapaFunCup is an international friendly football match between the U18 all-star Southeast Asian team and the U18 all-star Tohoku team.

The Philippines was represented by U18 Football Players Samuel Chavez and Jhon Betanio, together with their coach Mr. Niño Datoy.

Watch the Special Video of “I BELIEVE” by Little Glee Monster featuring the JapaFunCup game.

Little Glee Monster ASIAN ELEVEN SPECIAL VIDEO:

ASIAN ELEVEN Official website: https://asian-eleven.jfac.jp/en/

Events & Courses|

MOSHI MOSHI HOKKAIDO on TV5

STORY

MOSHI MOSHI HOKKAIDO is a travel variety show where Japanese actor and comedian Ya Chang goes around Hokkaido as a tourist with MNL48 member Abby. They will visit Kita Kita filming locations, meet the locals, and discover the breathtaking views, excellent food, and the warm hearts of the people of Hokkaido.

 

                                               

 

AIR DATES

Catch the show on TV5 every weeknight 10:00 pm to 10:05 from July 29 – August 09 (10 episodes in total).

Replay Air Date: Weekday 8:00 am to 8:05 am from August 05 – August 16.

PLANNING PRODUCTION

Hokkaido Television Broadcasting Co. Ltd.

* This program is under the supervision of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications.

 

SYNOPSIS

Japanese actor and comedian Ya Chang goes around Hokkaido as a tourist with MNL48 member Abby. In their journey, Ya Chang chose the top spots in Hokkaido for Abby. Together they enjoy the excellent Hokkaido local cuisines such as ramen, jingisukan (grilled mutton dish), and fried half-cut chicken. They also visit the cold but amazing Asahidake, the highest peak in Hokkaido. Furthermore, they get to check the beautiful sights shown in the blockbuster movie, Kita Kita.

Ya Chang runs a production company nowadays. But after hearing about the program, he decided to go back to the screen to promote Hokkaido in the Philippines.

MNL48 member Abby Trinidad is one of the top figures in MNL48, all-girl Filipino idol group which is the Philippine chapter of Japanese pop group phenomenon AKB48. Abby will be shown in the Japanese movie, Seikimatsu Blue as a leading actress next year.

 

Events & Courses|

Japanese Netsuke Exhibition opening on July 1

 

Japanese “Netsuke” Exhibition to open at Greenbelt, Makati

July 1-21, 2019

Greenbelt 5, Makati City

 

 MANILA (JUNE 20) –  The Japan Foundation, Manila, in collaboration with Ayala Museum and Ayala Malls, with the support of Ateneo de Manila University Japanese Studies Program, Arete, and the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines, presents Contemporary Wood-Carved Netsuke, a traveling exhibition to open at Ayala Malls Greenbelt 5 from July 1 to 21, 2019. Viewing is free.

As kimono culture flourished during the Edo period in Japan (1603-1868), netsuke, small carvings, were created as toggles to secure the small personal items such as money pouches, inrō (medicine containers), or tobacco containers worn suspended on cords from the obi (a sash worn with kimono). What began as functional pieces to prevent those little containers from falling to the ground evolved into small but highly creative carvings. In Japan, some netsuke enthusiasts and carvers have managed to keep the tradition alive. Today, classic netsuke have gained international acclaim as remarkably detailed carvings, collected as valuable art pieces or worn as fashion statements with traditional Japanese clothing.

“Netsuke is unique in that daily commodities have evolved into an art form in the course of time. I believe viewers can enjoy and appreciate the delicate work of art created by Japanese craftsmanship.” shares Hiroaki Uesugi, director of The Japan Foundation, Manila.

Contemporary Wood-Carved Netsuke, our new traveling exhibition, is an innovative contemporary crafts exhibition presenting 65 works by contemporary Japanese netsuke carvers and artists.

A series of special events are also lined up to complement the Netsuke exhibition. We have invited two renowned netsuke artists and experts from Japan, Mr. Tadamine Nakagawa and Ms. Asuka Kajiura, to give a talk, demonstration, and workshop on netsuke, together with a talk by Dr. Karl Cheng Chua from Ateneo de Manila University.

In celebration of Philippine-Japan Friendship Month this July, the exhibition run also coincides with the 22nd Japanese Film Festival or EIGASAI, screened in film theaters around the Philippines, and The Strangers, a dance collaboration to be held at the Blackbox Theater, De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde.

 

Contemporary Wood-Carved Netsuke Exhibition

July 1 – 21, 2019

3rd Level, Greenbelt 5 Phase 1, Makati City

Mall hours: Mon-Thurs, 11 am to 9 pm; Fri-Sun 11 am to 10 pm

VIEWING IS FREE

 

  Special Events:

 The Art of Netsuke: Talk and Demonstration

With Netsuke Masters Tadamine Nakagawa and Asuka Kajiura, and Karl Cheng Chua of Ateneo de Manila University

July 1, Monday, 4 pm

3rd Level Gallery, Greenbelt 5, Makati City

FREE ADMISSION

 

Netsuke Workshop

With Netsuke Masters Tadamine Nakagawa and Asuka Kajiura, and Artists from Paete, Laguna

July 2, Tuesday, 10 am to 2 pm

Arete, Ateneo de Manila University

Participants in the workshop are already pre-selected, but we invite observers to be a part of the audience. Free Admission.

 

 

Please note that details are subject to change. For more information and updates visit facebook.com/jfmanila or www.jfmo.org.ph

Please use the hashtag #netsukeinmanila

Events & Courses|

Japanese Netsuke Exhibition

Japanese “Netsuke” Exhibition to open

at Manila and Bacolod

Unique miniature Japanese carvings to be presented by the Japan Foundation, Manila
in collaboration with Ayala Museum and Ayala Malls

MANILA and BACOLOD (April 22) – The Japan Foundation, Manila, in collaboration with Ayala Museum and Ayala Malls, with the support of the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines, present “Contemporary Wood-Carved Netsuke”, a traveling exhibition to open at Ayala Malls Capitol Central, Bacolod City from May 1 to 26, 2019 and at Ayala Malls Greenbelt 5 from July 1 to 21, 2019. Viewing is free.

DOWNLOAD THE PRESS KIT HERE.

As kimono culture flourished during the Edo period in Japan (1603-1868), netsuke, small carvings, were created as toggles to secure the small personal items such as money pouches, inrō (medicine containers), or tobacco containers worn suspended on cords from the obi (a sash worn with kimono). What began as functional pieces to prevent those little containers from falling to the ground evolved into small but highly creative carvings. Today, classic netsuke have gained international acclaim as remarkably detailed carvings. In Japan, meanwhile, some netsuke enthusiasts and carvers have managed to keep the tradition alive.

“Netsuke is unique in that daily commodities have evolved into art form in the course of time. I believe viewers can enjoy and appreciate the delicate work of art created by Japanese craftsmanship.” shares Hiroaki Uesugi, director of The Japan Foundation, Manila.

Contemporary Wood-Carved Netsuke, our new traveling exhibition, is an innovative contemporary crafts exhibition presenting 65 works by contemporary Japanese netsuke carvers and artists.
A series of special events are also lined up to complement the Netsuke exhibition. To celebrate Philippine-Japan Friendship Month in July, we have also invited two renowned netsuke artists and experts from Japan, Mr. Tadamine Nakagawa and Ms. Asuka Kajiura to give a lecture and demonstration about this distinct and historical art form.

Contemporary Wood-Carved Netsuke Exhibition
May 1 – 26, 2019
1st Floor, Ayala Malls Capitol Central, Bacolod City
Mall hours: Mon-Thurs, 10 AM to 9 PM; Fri-Sun 10 AM to 10 PM

July 1 – 21, 2019
3rd Level, Greenbelt 5 Phase 1, Makati City
Mall hours: Mon-Thurs, 11 AM to 9 PM; Fri-Sun 11 AM to 10 PM

Special Events:

Japanese Yukata Demonstration and Workshop
5 pm, May 1, Activity Center, Ayala Malls Capitol Central Bacolod
Free admission (for limited number of participants only)

Netsuke Talk and Demonstration
With Tadamine Nakagawa and Asuka Kajiura
Greenbelt 5 Phase 1, Makati City
*More information to be announced

Please note that details are subject to change. For more information and updates visit facebook.com/jfmanila or www.jfmo.org.ph

Please use the hashtag #netsukeinbacolod or #netsukeinmanila

 

 

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About the Japan Foundation, Manila
The Japan Foundation was established in 1972 by special legislation in the Japanese Diet and became an Independent Administrative Institution in October 2003. The mission of the Japan Foundation is to promote international cultural exchange and mutual understanding between Japan and other countries. As the 18th overseas office, the Japan Foundation, Manila was founded in 1996, active in three focused areas: Arts and Culture; Japanese Studies and Intellectual Exchange; Japanese-Language Education Overseas. For more information please visit our website at www.jfmo.org and Facebook.

Events & Courses|

JAPAN FILM WEEK 2019: Film Screening in the Region

In celebration of the Philippine National Arts Month in February, The Japan Foundation Manila, in partnership with the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) and NIHONGO Partners’ SPFL-CJH schools will have a Japanese Film Week–offering a series of Japanese film screenings in several regions targeting students and film goers as well as the general public who rarely have access to Japanese films. Admission is free on a first-come, first-served basis.

Japan Film Week officially kicks off with screenings of MUMON: The Land of Stealth (Japanese title: 忍びの国) at FDCP Cinematheque Centre in Iloilo City on February 13 at 6:30pm. It is a Japanese jidaigeki film, directed by Yoshihiro Nakamura and based on the novel by Ryō Wada. Set during the Sengoku period, the film focuses on fictional events that take place surrounding the Tenshō Iga War. Completing the line-up are six more films with English subtitles offering viewers the chance to experience their favorite genre while discovering something new:

 

▪           GINTAMA (銀魂)
▪           YOUR NAME (君の名は。)
▪           5 CENTIMETERS PER SECOND (秒速5センチメートル)
▪           YOUR LIE IN APRIL (四月は君の嘘)
▪           SHODO GIRLS!!  (書道ガールズ!!　わたしたちの甲子園)
▪           THE GARDEN OF WORDS (言の葉の庭)

Catch below screenings to be held at the following venues nationwide:

Cinematheque Centre Iloilo

February 13, 2019 February 14, 2019 February 15, 2019 February 16, 2019
6:00 PM 4:00 PM 4:00 PM 4:00 PM
Reception Night The Garden of Words 5 Centimeters per Second Your Name
6:30 PM 6:00 PM 6:00 PM 6:00 PM
Mumon: The Land of Stealth Your Lie in April Gintama Shodo Girls

 

Cinematheque Centre Manila

 

February 19, 2019 February 20, 2019 February 21, 2019
4:00 PM 3:30 PM 2:00 PM
5 Centimeters Per Second Shodo Girls Garden of Words
6:00 PM   3:30 PM
Reception Night   Your Lie in April
6:30 PM 6:00 PM 6:00 PM
Mumon: The Land of Stealth Your Name Gintama

 

Shang’s Red Carpet Mandaluyong

 

February 23, 2019 February 23, 2019
5:15 PM 7:30 PM
Your Name Mumon: The Land of Stealth

 

Cinematheque Centre Davao

 

February 27, 2019 February 28, 2019 March 1, 2019 March 2, 2019
3:00 PM 3:00 PM 3:00 PM 5:00 PM
Mumon: The Land of Stealth Your Lie in April Shodo Girls
5:30 PM 5:30 PM 5:30 PM Gintama
Your Name 5 Centimeters per Second The Garden of Words

 

*We have special screenings for students of the following schools/universities:

San Lorenzo National High School (SLNSH), Bantayan National High School (BNHS), Tabaco National High School (TNHS), Tabaco City and Bicol University (BU), Tabaco City, Albay – Bicol Region

 

March 6, 2019 March 7, 2019
9:30 AM – San Lorenzo National HS 9:00 AM – Tabaco National HS
Your Name 5 Centimeters per Second
2:30 PM – Bicol University 2:00 PM – Bantayan National HS
Gintama Your Name

 

Juan G. Macaraeg National High School, Binalonan, Pangasinan

 

March 7, 2019 March 8, 2019
9:30 AM 9:30 AM
Your Lie in April Shodo Girls

 

Adlaon National High School, Adlaon Cebu City

 

March 14, 2019
9:30 AM 2:30 PM
Shodo Girls The Garden of Words

 

Capitol University, Cagayan de Oro, Misamis Oriental

 

March 14, 2019
9:30 AM 2:30 PM
Your Name 5 Centimeters per Second

 

Liceo de Cagayan University, Cagayan de Oro, 9000 Misamis Oriental

 

March 15, 2019
9:30 AM 2:30 PM
Your Lie in April Shodo Girls

 

 

 

Events & Courses|

Japanese Sit-down Comedy “RAKUGO” returns to Davao

After their successful and well-received performance in Davao City last 2017 – Masters of English Rakugo together with special Japanese guest artists return with new laughs and captivating performances.

Organized by All Nippon Airways (ANA) in cooperation with Japan Foundation, Manila and the Consulate General of Japan in Davao, Rakugo in English, a Japanese Sit-down Comedy will be staged at the Ballroom of Marco Polo Hotel Davao, C.M. Recto Street, Davao City on Wednesday, January 23, 7:00 pm.

This rare cultural performance is open to the public and admission is free. For ticket reservations, online registration is required through  https://goo.gl/forms/lCCSdWTsT8PxBjzn2 . Reservations will be accepted until January 21, 2019.

Rakugo is a comic storytelling art that has been entertaining the Japanese for over 400 years and is still widely popular in Japan today. The Rakugo storyteller single-handedly creates the humorous side of traditional Japan, playing any number of characters such as Samurai, Geisha, Merchant, Burglar, Child or Drunkard, wearing kimono and sitting on a small cushion using only two small props: a Japanese fan and a hand towel. The audience is encouraged to use their imagination while listening to Rakugo. Currently, it is said that 800 professional Rakugo performers exist in Japan.

Davaoeños will enjoy Rakugo with Kaishi Katsura, the world’s top performer of English Rakugo, along with fellow Rakugo masters Asakichi Katsura and Fukuryu Katsura. Completing the cast is Hayashiya Emimaru who is famous performing with traditional mask and Yose fans, and Akatsuki Anko who will amaze audience showcasing her foot juggling act.

For more information, please access the Japan Foundation, Manila website: www.jfmo.org.ph and www.facebook.com/jfmanila or contact the Consulate General of Japan in Davao at (082) 221-3100.

Download:  Rakugo in English Returns to Davao Flyer

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