The second volume of New Voices, the Japan Foundation, Sydney’s academic journal has been published and is now available in print and online. The journal’s main aim is to support emerging Japanese Studies scholars by providing a platform for the promotion of outstanding research and writing by students and early career researchers. New Voices Volume 2 contains articles adapted from recent Honours theses of students from a variety of Australian universities, with topics ranging from popular culture to literature and history.

The Way Of Taiko / Heidi Varian
California: Stone Bridge Press, 2005
Call #: 768.17 VAR
ISBN: 978-1-880656-99-0

Taiko drumming is an ancient sacred practice in Japan. While taiko are drums, playing them involves more than merely hitting – when done correctly it includes the whole body as a focus of mind and spirit. Taiko playing today has evolved into a form of mental, physical, and martial arts training combining rhythm, harmony, and movement. Ensembles in Japan as well as overseas are experimenting with new forms and arrangements, making taiko a dynamic bridge between ancient traditions and modern performance art.

The Library’s opening days for April - May are as follows:

Opening hours:
Mon-Fri (except Wed): 11.00 am - 5.30 pm
Wed: 11.00 am - 6.00 pm
Sat (every third week): 11.00 am - 4.00 pm
Sun: Closed

There is a book returns chute at the library entrance.  It is available during the Chifley Plaza building operation hours:
Mon-Fri: 6.30 am - 10.00 pm
Sat : 8.30 am - 10.00 pm
Sun/Public Holidays: Closed

Dear Omusubi Readers,

I am honoured and delighted to be appointed to my new position in Sydney and excited to be joining the staff members of the Japan Foundation, Sydney.

Before I came to Sydney, I served as Director of Visual Arts Exchange in Tokyo for about 4 years. We were lucky to have a ‘2006 Australia-Japan Year of Exchange’ during these years and to be able to organise the art project ‘Rapt!20 Contemporary Artists from Japan’ with many Japanese and Australian curators and artists. I also worked in Japanese-language education, for 3 years, at the Japanese- Language Institute, Urawa, and for 6 years in Tokyo at the headquarters. My experiences in countries other than Japan were mainly in Germany: I worked at the Japan Cultural Institute, Cologne, from 1987 to 1991 and again from 1999 to 2004.

As you may probably know, the mission of the Japan Foundation is to promote a wider knowledge of Japan abroad and to promote mutual understanding among nations. Our main fields of activity are:
・Art and Culture Exchange
・Japanese-Language Education
・Japanese Studies and Intellectual Exchange
 In the art and cultural field, I would like to further develop the vibrant network that has been created through our activities in recent years. Japanese-language education in Australia is one of the most important areas for the Japan Foundation: Australia has the third largest number of Japanese learners in the world. I would like to strengthen the ties and networking among educational authorities and schools teaching Japanese. Regarding Japanese Studies and Intellectual Exchange, I look forward to the success of the JSAA-ICJLE2009 conference to be held in Sydney in July.

Australia is an important partner for Japan. The two countries have created and maintained a good relationship and many Japanese feel a sense of familiarity toward Australia. We Japanese are eager to learn many things from Australia, i.e. living together with cultural diversity. I believe that the Japan Foundation can contribute to enriching Australian society through our programs introducing our culture. 

Thank you for your continued interest in and support of the activities of the Japan Foundation, Sydney. 

Discover the work of internationally acclaimed Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama with this major exhibition that spans decades of her artistic practice.

The Japanese Studies Association of Australia (JSAA) is delighted to host JSAA-ICJLE 2009. Featuring research and discussion in various disciplines of Japanese language and studies, the main theme of the conference will be "Bridging the gap between the Japanese language and Japanese studies". The conference aims to provide a forum for Japanese language and studies academics and educators from around the world to meet and share ideas beyond and across their disciplines.

For more information and registration please visit
http://jsaa-icjle2009.arts.unsw.edu.au/en/events.html