Upcoming film screenings at The Japan Foundation, Sydney:

9 July: Children on the Island (1988, PG)
23 July: The Glass Cape (1989, G)
6 Aug: Sadako Story (1989, PG)
20 Aug: Kids Return (1996, PG)

New Voices is an academic journal published biennally in print and online by The Japan Foundation, Sydney. The journal’s primary aim is to support young Japanese Studies scholars by providing a platform for the promotion of outstanding research and writing by students and early career researchers.

Volume 2, edited by Dr Matthew Stavros of the Department of Japanese Studies at the University of Sydney, will be published in December 2008. We are currently soliciting original papers from recent Honours graduates who completed their Honours thesis at an Australian University between January 2005 and December 2007. Submissions must be between 5,000 and 8,000 words long, and must be received by 31 July 2008.

Anyone interested in contributing to volume 2 of New Voices should obtain an information package from the New Voices website:  www.jpf.org.au/newvoices .

Enquiries should be directed to the Japanese Studies and Intellectual Exchange Department on (02) 8239 0055, or email newvoices@jpf.org.au .

Three young Australians will travel to Japan in June and July, to take part in the Japan–East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths (JENESYS) Programme.

Funded by the Japan–ASEAN Integration Fund, the JENESYS Programme invites young people from various fields to travel to Japan under one of several programme streams.  The JENESYS Programme aims to deepen understanding of the different facets of Japanese society, including politics, diplomacy, economics and culture; to build future vision and firm solidarity among countries in the Asia–Pacific region, and to promote communication and mutual understanding between these countries.

Sydney artist Mr Wade Marynowsky has been selected to take part in the Invitation Programme for Artists and Designers, which offers young and emerging artists and designers an opportunity to take a mid- to long-term residency in Japan, to produce works and to exchange ideas with their peers in Japan.  Mr Marynowski will complete a media art residency at S-AIR, in Hokkaido.

The other two JENESYS participants, Ms Danielle Domone and Ms Michelle Lindsay, both from Sydney, are specialists in environmental issues; they have been invited to attend the East Asia Future Leader Programme.  The theme for this year’s group forum is “Environment:  Symbiosis with Nature, and a Sustainable Society”, with a particular emphasis on urban regeneration and planning, creative cities, sustainable development and the revival of traditional culture and industries.  During their two-week study tour, we hope that they will gain a deeper understanding of Japan in regard to the environment, and create networks with other young leaders in this field from around the world.

The annual Japanese Language Speech Contests are held every year to encourage people studying Japanese as a LOTE to challenge themselves by using their Japanese skills to perform in front of an audience.

This year’s NSW contest will be held on Saturday, 13 September.
Applications close 5.00 pm, Friday 15 August.

The Library’s opening days for July–August 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

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

Around Australia is a list of Japan-related events being held around the country.  The Japan Foundation, Sydney is not affiliated with these events unless otherwise noted, and is not responsible for these events or the content of linked websites.

For further details on any of these events, please contact the event organisers directly.

A worldwide gathering of renowned shakuhachi players, Living National Treasures from Japan, professional performers, scholars, beginners and shakuhachi enthusiasts:  the World Shakuhachi Festival 2008 will be held in Sydney from 4–8 July.

Full of traditional and contemporary expressions of the shakuhachi, Japan’s traditional bamboo flute, this year’s festival will be the first of its kind to be held in Australia.  Directed by acclaimed Australian shakuhachi performer Riley Lee, the festival also features Australia’s own TaikOz and the Sydney Children’s Choir.

Several concerts will be held at various venues, including the City Recital Hall in Angel Place and the Conservatorium of Music.

Further details online:  www.worldshakuhachifestival08.com

On a cold February morning in Tokyo several years ago, I watched as a few dozen women, some young and many older, gathered at the Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa to pay their respects and offer prayers.  Contrary to expectations, the atmosphere at this memorial service was not at all sombre – no dark clothes for mourning; each of the attendees was clad in an exquisite, beautifully coloured kimono.  The mood seemed respectful, but almost jovial.  The ladies – seamstresses and embroiderers – had turned out not to farewell an old friend, but the used and broken tools of their trade:  bent needles and pins, ready to be retired after months of faithful service.

As most readers will be aware, this month we have ceased production of our printed newsletter. Omusubi and its predecessors, Dear Sensei and Across the Sea, have evolved over the last seventeen years with our growing membership. The next step in that evolution is publication online and by email, providing more frequent and up-to-date information about Japan-related topics and events.

Having worked as editor of both Omusubi and Dear Sensei, and would like to take this opportunity to thank our readers for your support. I will be leaving the Japan Foundation on 8 July, to pursue new opportunities elsewhere. I have enjoyed working with so many Japanese language teachers, Japanese Studies researchers and members of the public over the last five years, and I wish everyone all the best.

David Boyd
Editor, Omusubi Mail Magazine