Boston Children’s Museum. Boston, MA
Tanabata:Festival of Summer Stars
Project Director: Loren Stolow
$3,200
The Boston Children’s Museum is pleased to present “Tanabata: Festival of
Summer Stars” on the Fort Point Channel, a romantic and beautiful Japanese
summer custom. The event will take place August 5th, coinciding with the
beginning of the Sendai Tanabata Festival in order to highlight Sendai City and
those areas affected by the Eastern Japan disasters of March 2011. Tanabata is
the Japanese star festival, celebrated every summer in Japan. For our event, we
will prepare hands-on activities to make the seven traditional decorations made
in Sendai; provide traditional Japanese games and summer festival customs;
provide opportunities for reflection on the recent disasters in Japan and
encourage celebration of Tanabata through live performances in music, dance and
the arts. As visitors walk around and participate in these activities, they can
make wishes in the tradition of Tanabata, and celebrate their own well-being
with their families and community.
Eastern
Michigan University Foundation. Ypsilanti, MI.
Bright Futures Meets Japan
Project Director: Lynn Malinoff
$5,000
Eastern Michigan University’s Institute for the Study of Children, Families and
Communities, “Bright Futures 21st Century Community Learning Centers”
Program will develop a 5-week Japanese Club at each of our three sites within
the Willow Run Community School District in Ypsilanti, Michigan, where students
have little or no exposure to the rich culture of Japan. These clubs will bring
multiple collaborating partners together to expose students in grades 3 through
12 to Japanese culture in the following areas: Food, Art, Writing and
Literature, Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM), and Kinesthetic
Clubs.
Eckerd Theater Company. Clearwater, FL
A Thousand Cranes
Project Director: Julia Flood
$5,000
Eckerd Theater Company (ETC), a theater company
for young audiences, offers touring productions which reach many rural and
underserved populations. Between October 3, 2011 and February of 2012,
ETC will present and tour “A Thousand Cranes”, based on the true
story of Sadako Sasaki. Teacher and student guides will prepare students to see
the performance and offer activities and discussion topics for classroom use
after the production. Actors will conduct Question and Answer sessions
following each performance as well as workshops tailored to the production and
the age group of each audience.
Findlay University. Findlay, Ohio.
Performing Japanese Culture: Rakugo Workshops for K-16 Students in Ohio
Project Director: Dr. Hiroaki Kawamura
$5,000
Based on the success of the an introductory project on
Japanese storytelling traditions in 2010, our new project aims to fill in the
gaps by organizing a series of smaller Rakugo performance workshops in rural
schools in northwest Ohio. This project is part of a larger initiative
entitled, “International K-12 Education in Hancock County”, a
three-year project funded through the Findlay-Hancock Community Foundation and
developed based on CGP’s Japan Outreach Initiative (JOI) program. We strive to
help young people gain a better understanding of Japanese culture through
direct human interaction. Target audiences include K-12 students in small Hancock
county schools, middle/high schools that have Japanese language programs and
University of Findlay Japanese program students, who will later share what they
have learned with the greater college community.
Honolulu Festival Foundation. Honolulu, Hawa’ii.
18th Honolulu Festival Presentation of the film “Kono Sora no Hana:
Nagaoka Hanabi Monogatari”
Project Director: Masakazu Asanuma
$4,620
In conjunction with the 18th Annual Honolulu Festival, HFF will be showcasing
the spectacular Nagaoka Fireworks from Niigata, Japan in Honolulu. The
fireworks are displayed annually in Nagaoka with the sole purpose of preserving
world peace. Together with the Nagaoka fireworks, HFF will be presenting the
film ” Kono Sora no Hana: Nagaoka Hanabi Monogatari” (Flower in the
Sky: the story of the Nagaoka Fireworks) and following up with a seminar
attended by the director and a cast member, both from Japan, to discuss Nagaoka
in depth. Nagaoka will soon become a Sister City to Honolulu.
International Child Art Foundation. Washington, DC
Culture of Japan through the Arts
Project Director: Faith Antonini
$5,000
The “Culture of Japan through the Arts” Project has been incorporated
into the World Children’s Festival’s overall educational programming as one of
the main artistic and cultural components. The project introduces predominately
DC public school students of ages 8-16 and their families to basic artistic and
cultural history about Japan. It will help participants attain deeper
understanding of the Japanese culture among the mosaic of multiculturalism
present in our nation’s capital and its place and relevancy in our community’s
past, present and future. The project entails a Japanese-themed program with
participatory, hands-on activities, workshops and stage performances. All
activities are free and open to the public, expected to benefit more than 6,000
under-served DC public school students, economically-challenged families,
residents and visitors in the DC area. In light of the recent earthquake and
tsunami the project serves as a symbolic renewal of the Japanese people’s
resilience and strength that deserves to be celebrated with DC communities.
Japan Day, Inc. New
York, NY.
Voices Together
Project Director: Ayumi Manabe
$5,000
Voices Together creates the opportunity for Japanese participants to share
their knowledge of Japanese culture with youth from Harlem who have little
exposure to the culture of Japan. By having group rehearsals and practicing
both English and Japanese songs, participants learn not only about each other’s
cultural background, but language as well. Through stage rehearsals and stage
experience with a professional chorus quartet from Japan, all participants
deepen their understanding of one another and learn how to collaborate without
letting language barriers and cultural differences interfere.
Japanese
Association of Greater Boston (JAGB). Boston, MA.
Haru Matsuri 2012
Project Director: Ms. Mino Endo
$3,000
The objective of this project is 3 fold: 1) to
celebrate the 10 year anniversary of the gift of cherry trees from Kyoto to
Washington DC; 2) to promote exchange between Japan and the US; and 3) to
strengthen the friendly goodwill between the two nations. The Japanese
community of Boston will have an opportunity to show their deep appreciation
and gratitude for the fundraising and relief efforts undertaken by the American
people after the earthquake and tsunami in March of 2011. Approximately 100
booths showcasing cultural activities, Japanese cuisine and other Japanese
goods and merchandise. JAGB will also be featuring 8 groups that will be
performing and introducing various examples of Japanese culture.
Japan-America Society of Indiana. Indianapolis, IN
Japanese Kite Project–Cherry Tree Centennial Commemoration Event
Project Director: Tamayo Fukumoto
$5,000
The Japan America Society of Indiana (JASI) will bring the Sendai Kite Club to
the Japan U.S. Cherry Tree Centennial Celebration in Indianapolis. The planting
of cherry trees will be held in a park setting overlooking a river near the
downtown area. The flying of Japanese kites by the masters and by the public
will provide the perfect spring activity. Lectures will be held in area schools
and cultural institutions teaching about Japanese kites and creating enthusiasm
for the main event.
JAS
of Greater Cincinnati. Japan America Society of Greater Cincinnati, OH.
100 Years of Friendship: the Centennial Gift of Cherry
Trees
Project Director: Neil Hensley
$4,482
The Japan America Society of Greater Cincinnati seeks to expand cultural
awareness and understanding between the citizens of the Cincinnati area and
Japan, leveraging the 100th Anniversary of Cherry Blossoms in America by
hosting numerous events and activities toward teens and children. Several new
and exciting events have been designed to appeal to and bring out many young
adults. Through these events, we expect to create greater cultural
understanding and awareness of the long lasting
friendship of our two countries. Given the broader audience of our efforts this
year, we are seeking a grant to help cover the expense of public relations
efforts, including promotional materials to get our message out.
Lander University. Greenwood, SC.
Focus on Japan Week
Project Director: Dr. S. Jae Park
$4,000
Focus on Japan week provides a dynamic teaching interface through intercultural
exchange and dialogue. Thorough specifically designed activities and programs,
Lander University and the greater community of Greenwood will gain a deeper
understanding of how to be responsible and effective global citizens; how to be
contributing participants in a global community, and how to develop
international goodwill and friendship. During “Focus on Japan week”
at Lander, there will be numerous programs and activities promoting Japan, in
which its people and those of surrounding cities and counties will participate.
We at Lander are committed to promoting international goodwill and friendship
among the people of Japan and the United States.
Ohio
State University. Columbus, Ohio.
Cherry Tree Planting Educational Initiative in Columbus, Ohio
Project Directors: Janet Stucky Smith and Richard Torrance
$5,000
To commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the initial gift of Cherry Trees to the
United States, the gift of 20 Cherry trees from the Government of Japan to the
city of Columbus will be marked in several ways in 2012. These events and
projects will be tied in closely with the city of Columbus’ Bicentennial plans
and with the Franklin Park Conservatory, where the trees will be planted. The
Japan-America Society of Central Ohio, Columbus 2020, and others within our
community will also be involved in an educational endeavor for our school
children.
One to World. New York, NY.
Global Classroom: Passport to Japan
Project Director: Samara Hoyer-Winfield
$4,271
The goal of Global Classroom: Passport to Japan is to introduce the many rich
aspects of Japanese culture to underpriviledged youth living in New York City
through authentic face-to-face interactions with visiting Japanese scholars.
Through workshops that provide authentic interactions with Japanese citizens,
we will bring Japan to life and open young minds to a world far beyond their
immediate surroundings. As the United States and Japan have become increasingly
linked through trade, the environment, and global politics, it is imperative
that today’s youth have a firm grasp on the diverse facets of Japanese history,
lifestyle and culture. We believe there is no better way to offer that
information than through the voices of Japanese citizens.
Radford University. Radford, VA.
Japanese Cultural Awareness in Appalachia Week
Project Director: Dr. Sam Minner
$5,000
The objective of the project is to introduce the
community, especially Radford University and Local K-12 students, to the rich
culture of Japan by offering a variety of films, lectures, demonstrations and
K-12 activities. Bringing these activities to campus and community will result
in more interest in Japan including new study abroad opportunities and enhanced
curricular offerings.
Rebuilding Together Oklahoma City (RTOKC) and Japan Society of Oklahoma (JASO). Oklahoma City, OK
Japan in a Suitcase
Project Director: Dr. Gigi Hu
$4,848
RTOKC and JASO will present short educational
workshops on varying aspects of Japanese culture to the Oklamhoma City and
surrounding communities. These workshops will feature JASO members, who will
share their knowledge and expertise in various areas. This collaboration will
contribute to the multi-cultural citizen life of Oklahoma. The theme,
“Japan in a Suitacase”, promotes Japanese art and culture in a
compact and portable manner and allows JASO and RTOKC to tailor the topics to
desired audiences including students from K-12th, college students and the
elderly.
Saeko Ichinohe Dance Company. New York, NY
Free Educational Program Introducing Japanese
Culture through Dance
Project Director: George Horishige
$1,084
A series of free programs that blend a
traditional dance performance with interactive educational elements introducing
Japanese customs, language and folk dances/traditional games. Half of the
program is dedicated to an interactive performance where dancers teach children
Japanese characters, greetings and gestures, culminating in a folk dance lesson where all audience members participate.
These programs help to preserve traditional performing arts and provide a spark
to interest a new generation of children as well as adults about Japan. All
performances are for underprivileged communities with little chance of exposure
to Japanese performing arts, including two Children’s Hospitals.
South Carolina
Kyudo Renmei.
Atlanta, GA
Japan Connection:Cultural
Symposium 2011
Project Director: Jean Murphy
$4,400
The South Carolina Kyudo Renmei proposes a
one-day, semi-formal, educational, multi-media symposium in Atlanta, GA with a
follow-up event feautring similar content in Greenville, SC. The program will
be presented by renowned experts in tea ceremony, kimono, ikebana, netsuke,
architecture and history. The forum will facilitate close contact and personal
interaction with the audience, allowing ample opportunities for discussion and
exhibitions. Participants in Greenville will also have the opportunity to visit
Furman University’s Japanese Garden and Buddhist Family Mortuary Temple, moved
from Japan and reconstructed on campus.
State University of New York, Stony Brook Japan Center. Stony Brook, NY
Sakura Matsuri (Cherry Blossom Festival)
Project Director: Gerard Senese
$1,000
The Goal of the Festival is to involve the Long
Island community in Japanese Arts and crafts to entertain, educate and enrich
their lives; and to involve the Japanese-American community in sharing both
their ancient and modern cultures. The significance of Long Island having having its own Sakura Matsuri is the opportunity for the
Nassau & particularly Suffolk communities to attend a Japanese Festival
that is easily accessible and culturally on par with NYC’s festivals. Our
future aspirations are to match the scope of Brooklyn’s Sakura Matsuri which
has a 28 year history of growth that we will work to
emulate.
Tulane
University. New Orleans, LA.
Nariyama-Shihan’s Aikido Seminars in New Orleans
Project Director: Michael Wood
$4,920
Tulane University will hold a series of Shodokan Aikido seminars conducted by
the Chief Instructor of the Japan Aikido Association, Mr. Nariyama. In what
will be his first visit to New Orleans, he will teach for the purpose of
setting the standards required for the practice of Shodokan Aikido. Even
though primary beneficiaries of these seminars will be practitioners of Aikido,
invitations will be extended to local public schools and teachers, scholars,
and practitioners of other martial arts throughout North America. The project
is an innovative approach to the study of Japanese cultural arts, history and
philosophy, and has the potential to inspire an underserved community with an
interest in Japan. Links to the martial arts, performing arts and academic
communities offer an interdisciplinary look at Aikido.
University of Virginia.
Charlottesville, VA.
Tsunagaru Initiative
Project Director: Professor Rachel Stauffer
$5,000
The Tsunagaru Initiative will work to connect Virginia teachers with resources
on Japanese language, literature, history, traditional culture, and
contemporary issues. The initiative will be part of the existing efforts of the
University of Virginia Asia Institute and East Asia Center Outreach Programs
which focus especially on rural and/or otherwise underserved Virginia school
districts. The requested funds will be used to provide free professional
development for K-12 teachers on Japanese language and culture, to provide
guest speakers in schools and the community, and to develop curriculum and
materials that uniquely address Japanese content in the Virginia Standards of
Learning, and, subsequently, to offer these as free resources to Virginia K-16
educators.
U.S. Japan Council. Washington, DC.
Sakura: Cherry Blossoms as Living Symbols of
Friendship
Project Director: Ms. Saki Takasu
$5,000
The US Japan Council’s exhibition is comprised
of three sections: a) the gift of cherry blossom trees from the City of Tokyo
to Washington DC in 1912; b) the beauty and symbolism of cherry blossom trees
to the Japanese people; and c) American views of cherry blossom trees. A
special tour of the exhibition will be provided by reference librarians and
curators of the collections to a broader audience not limited to users of the
Library of Congress (LC).The Library welcomes between
10,000 and 30,000 visitors a day. Asian Division and Youn Reader’s Center at
the LC will also provide educational outreach programs focusing on Japanese
culture and language to assist K-12 schools and students in the Washington
Metropolitan area. An interpretive online exhibition will also be available at
LC’s website, free accessible to students and the general public regardless of
location.
Youth Arts New York(YANY). New York, NY.
Hibakusha Stories: High School Initiatives
Project Director:Kathleen Sullivan
$5,000
Youth Arts New York will facilitate 16 school visits by 4 Hibakusha (A-bomb
survivors) from Hiroshima and Nagasaki that will include personal testimonies
and interactive educational workshops. Workshops will stress the importance of
nuclear disarmament and peace between cultures, and
show students the human side to one of the most terrible events in Japanese
history. In addition to providing interactive learning experiences for
approximately 2,000 students, the Hibakusha will present their testimonies to
United Nations interns and guides. They will cover their personal experiences
as well as discussion groups on reactions to the stories, lasting effects of
radiation, ethics and rebuilding peace out of tragedy. YANY provides New York
youth with a chance to effect real change through guided responses to the
living testimonies of Hibakusha, invaluable historical resources that will not
be around forever.