kaiWA conversation exchange

Next 会WA: Thu 13 November 2008

The fortnightly Japanese-English conversation exchange 会WA (kaiWA) is still going strong.

The event is hosted and organised by the JET Program Alumni Association of WA, and is a great chance to practise your English or Japanese, or to learn more about going to teach English in Japan on the JET program.

For those who need a refresher, see our article on the inaugural event.

JETAAWA asks for a gold coin donation for participation (and, as JETAAWA is non-profit, that money all goes back into your body in food form during the evening).

会WA is held at 43 Below (formerly known as the Bar on Barracks) on the corner of Hay and Barrack Sts in Perth city every second Thursday – the next edition is 13 November 2008, and thereafter it will be 27 Nov, 11 December … and so on.

It starts from 5:30 pm and will run until everyone gets sick of each other (usually about 8:30/9), so don’t worry if you can’t be there spot on the start time.

Tony Takitani

Like Haruki Murakami? Yeah, yeah, get in line. And while you’re waiting, check out Tony Takitani – on SBS this Thursday, 6 November 2008, from 10:05 pm. Japanese with English subtitles.

Because of his Western name, Tony was shunned by other kids and spent a solitary childhood. Though gifted as an artist, his drawings lacked feeling, so as an adult, he carved a career as a technical illustrator. In middle age, the reclusive Tony falls for a pretty young woman, Eiko Konuma, who visits him one day on business. Eiko is like an angel in Tony’s daily existence, and for the first time in his life, he feels connected to the outside world. However, Eiko does have one (fatal) fault: she’s a clothing shopaholic.

This movie is actually far more melancholic than the blurb suggests. It’s not typical Murakami (although the lead might seem familiar), but it is based on one of his short stories. Enjoy it – but you will feel terrible at the end.

Casual conversation exchange: kaiWA

Next 会WA: Thu 30 October 2008

The fortnightly Japanese-English conversation exchange 会WA (kaiWA) is still going strong.

The event is hosted and organised by the JET Program Alumni Association of WA, and is a great chance to practise your English or Japanese, or to learn more about going to teach English in Japan on the JET program.

For those who need a refresher, see our article on the inaugural event.

JETAAWA asks for a gold coin donation for participation (and, as JETAAWA is non-profit, that money all goes back into your body in food form during the evening).

会WA is held at 43 Below (formerly known as the Bar on Barracks) on the corner of Hay and Barrack Sts in Perth city every second Thursday – the next edition is 30 October 2008, and thereafter it will be 13 Nov, 27 Nov… and so on.

It starts from 5:30 pm and will run until everyone gets sick of each other (usually about 8:30/9), so don’t worry if you can’t be there spot on the start time.

Japanese Film Festival 2008

From 5-14 November 2008, the annual Japanese Film Festival will be held at the State Library of Western Australia.

Admission is free, but you need to pick up a ticket (limit of 2 per person) from the State Library Shop at 25 Francis Street. Tickets are available from this Saturday, 24 October, and normally disappear fast.

All movies start from 7pm (doors open from 6:30).

The lineup and schedule (including an Otoko wa tsurai yo! fest) is:

Always – Sunset on Third Street (PG) Wednesday 5 November

Based on Japan’s best-loved comic book series Sunset on Third Street, this multi-Japanese Academy Award winning film takes viewers on a nostalgic journey back to Tokyo circa 1958. Set in the old residential area of Yuhi, Tokyo, this moving story of hope reveals the lives and struggles of ordinary residents in a time of economic depression. The heart-warming residents of Third Street will surprise you with their optimistic outlook in life that demonstrate the inner strength of a blue-collar community.

Love and Honour (M) Thursday 6 November

Young samurai Shinnojo’s world is shattered when he loses his vision after a tragic poisoning and loses his wife to his sly superior and renowned swordsman, Shimada. After discovering that he has been deceived by deceitful plans, the blind Shinnojo challenges Shimada to a duel in a passionate battle to regain his love and honor.

The Girl who Leapt Through Time (PG) Friday 7 November

When 17-year-old Makoto gains the ability to leap backwards through time, she sets about preventing personal mishaps. Yet she soon realises that changing the past isn’t so simple! Can she use her new powers to shape the future of herself and her friends?

Tora-san’s Rise and Fall (G) Thursday 13 November

Tora-san is travelling around the northern part of Japan. During his travels he meets a strange middle-aged man who has left home to find the woman he first loved.

Tora-san’s Forbidden Love (G) Friday 14 November

Tora-san meets a high-flying young stock-broker and, after a long night of drinking, ends up at his house where he meets the stockbroker’s wife. He feels a secret attraction for her…

Japanese School Festival & Volunteers

Keen to check out an authentic Japanese festival? On Saturday 8 November, the Japanese School in Perth is holding its annual bunkasai, or school festival, at its campus at 157 Deanmore Rd, Scarborough. There will be freshly cooked Japanese food and refreshments, as well as plenty of stalls and activities.

The ‘school festival’ part is from 9am – 10:40, where JSP students will be giving performances. The ‘festival proper’ starts from 11am, when the stalls will open and the air will fill with the delicious smells of Japanese cooking. You can take part in demonstrations such as kendo, origami, kendama, and plenty more.

Volunteering

The JSP is currently looking for (preferably) Japanese-speaking volunteers to help out on the day. English application forms are available as doc and pdf.

Applications are also being sought from those interested in setting up a stall on the day. Here are the application form and conditions.

Any questions? Email the JSP at info@japaneseschool.wa.edu.au or call them on 92451087.

kaiWA conversation

Next 会WA: Thu 16 October 2008

The fortnightly Japanese-English conversation exchange 会WA (kaiWA) has been hugely popular of late, with over 40 people showing up some weeks!

The event is hosted and organised by the JET Program Alumni Association of WA, and is a great chance to practise your English or Japanese, or to learn more about going to teach English in Japan on the JET program.

For those who need a refresher, see our article on the inaugural event.

JETAAWA asks for a gold coin donation for participation (and, as JETAAWA is non-profit, that money all goes back into your body in food form during the evening).

会WA is held at 43 Below (formerly known as the Bar on Barracks) on the corner of Hay and Barrack Sts in Perth city every second Thursday – the next edition is 16 October 2008, and thereafter it will be 30 Oct, 13 Nov… and so on.

It starts from 5:30 pm and will run until everyone gets sick of each other (usually about 8:30/9), so don’t worry if you can’t be there spot on the start time.

The Outdoor Room: Japanese garden

For anybody who watches Channel 7’s The Outdoor Room from 6:30pm on Sundays, you’ll know they apparently plan their backyard renovations by sending Jamie Durie to overseas countries and having him check out local art and architecture.

The next episode (which, according to the website, is Sunday October 12, rather than this Sunday, October 5) features a Japanese garden makeover. Check it out and get some ideas for your own garden. All I want is a nice roten-buro!

There will apparently be a recipe for tuna tataki with soba noodles and wasabi dressing too (as if you needed it).

Perth Loves Earth

On Saturday 4 October from 10am – 4pm, the Esplanade Reserve (near the Covention Centre) is the setting for Perth Loves Earth, a free gathering themed on sustainable, environmental practices to fight climate change.

Individuals can make a difference.

Learn simple changes to your lifestyle which:

• Support local farmers and community
• Reduce your carbon footprint
• Save water
• Help protect wildlife and ecosystems
• Reconnect with our planet

It begins on your plate.

Learn how to create a healthy, environmentally friendly diet for yourself and your family.
Learn how to grow your own vegetables in a sustainable and easy way.
Learn how to save fuel, power and still get things done easily and simply.

Enjoy free vegetarian food tastings, live entertainment, fun for the kids, and lots more. Food and beverages are available, or you are welcome to bring a picnic. In keeping with the theme, come by public transport where possible!

Tea Ceremony Demonstration & Course

Free demonstration

On Tuesday, September 23 from 10:30am to 12:30pm, a Japanese Tea Ceremony (Sado) demonstration by Certified Sado Instructor of the Omotesenke School, Ms Soka Yoshiko Okamoto (Perth Hoseikai), will take place at the classroom at the Consulate-General of Japan in Perth. Ms Okamoto will introduce the history of Japanese Tea Ceremony, as well as some basic information about the traditional form of culture in easy to understand terms.

A simplified version of Japanese Tea Ceremony that enables anyone to enjoy tea in their own home using basic tea equipment will also be demonstrated. Admission is free and advance bookings are not required, so please invite your friends and come along to the demonstration.

Introductory course

Ms Okamoto will also conduct a Japanese Tea Ceremony Introductory Course at the Consulate-General of Japan in Perth (sponsored by the Australia-Japan Society WA), featuring a simplified version of Tea Ceremony. Due to tea equipment restraints, lessons are only able to accommodate four participants. If a large number of applications are received, four applicants will be drawn at random.

The lessons will take place on October 21, 28, November 4, 11 and 18 (five lessons in total, each taking place from 10:30am to 12:30pm). A course fee of $115 applies to each participant. Upon notification, each participant will be required to forward their payment by cheque to the Australia-Japan Society WA before the first lesson.

If you have any enquiries as to the demonstration, please call the Consulate General of Japan in Perth (9480 1800). Questions as to the sado course should be to Emmanuel from AJSWA (9384 8048).

Japanese Film: Aragami - The Raging God of Battle

On Thursday night (Friday morning) 18/19 September 2008 from 1 am, SBS is screening Aragami, a 2003 Japanese action film directed by Ryuhei Kitamura. It was Kitamura’s contribution to the Duel Project, a challenge issued by producer Shinya Kawai to him and fellow director Yukihiko Tsutsumi to film a feature length movie with only two actors, battling in one setting, in only the time frame of one week. The other movie in the Project was 2LDK, which was on SBS earlier this year.

Two seriously wounded samurai find refuge from a storm at an isolated temple, the home of a swordsman and a mysterious young woman.

One samurai awakes to find that not only has his comrade died, but that his wounds have miraculously healed. He discovers that he has been given the power of immortality by the swordsman, a man once known as the legendary Miyamoto Musashi, who now lives an endless existence as Aragami, a “god of battle”.

Starring Takao Osawa, Masaya Kato and Kanae Uotani.

Japanese with English subtitles – perfect for language learners of either!