kaiWA language exchange

会WA for February 2010: Thu 11th and 25th

The fortnightly Japanese-English conversation exchange 会WA (kaiWA) is back for the new decade.

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.

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.

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.

Catastrophe, Ritual, and Renewal in Japan, 1923-1957

On Tuesday, December 15 from 10am to 12:45pm, the Hyogo Cultural Centre is hosting a Murdoch University seminar entitled Catastrophe, Ritual, and Renewal in Japan, 1923-1957. It’s free, and those who would like to pre-order an obento to have for lunch following the seminar, are welcome to do so for just $10.

Please RSVP to reserve your seat by Thursday, December 10 by calling 9385 9002 or email hyogo@iinet.net.au.

The flyer is available here.

Opera by Okamura Takao

Japan-Australia Friendship Charity Concert

Okamura Takao: A voyage around the world in song

Vocal / address: Okamura Takao . Piano: Ito Yasuhide

Renowned Japanese opera singer Okamura Takao invites his audience on a voyage around the world, performing and light-heartedly discussing masterpieces from Japan, Europe and America. Interpreting into English is provided.

One of Japan’s leading operatic basses, at age 28 Okamura Takao began studying in Italy. Since receiving the Premier Grand Prix at the Concours International de Chant, he has graced stages around the world. With the motto of presenting songs that anyone and everyone can come to love, Okamura is currently active in several spheres, including opera performance; writing; lecturing; film; and TV. He is also the General Artistic Director of the NPO Minna-no Opera (Opera for Everyone).

• Sunday 24 January 2010
• Doors open: 3:00pm
• Performance: 3:30pm
• Octagon Theatre, University of Western Australia
• Entry: Free Seating: Unreserved

Presented by the Perth Waseda Alumni

Supported by the Australia-Japan Society of Western Australia, the Japan Australia News and the JET Alumni Association of Western Australia

Donations will be collected at the theatre for UWA’s Japanese language and Japanese Studies programs.

It is asked that young children not attend.

• Reservations: 08 9367 6191 from 2 December 2009

The official flyer is here.

PICA Intimate Acts

Until 2 August 2009, PICA in Northbridge is putting on an exhibition entitled Intimate Acts, featuring Japanese artist Futoshi Miyagi, among others.

Searching philosophical exchanges, fleeting glimpses and peephole voyeurism, Intimate Acts brings together a range of performative, video and photographic works that provide a glimpse into the nature of intimacy, desire and the suggestive power of the imagination. Drawing together national and international artists, this exhibition explores the social, physical and psychic relations between subjects.

More details are available here.

Japanese music: Bariken

From Thursday 30 July, angular Japanese noise-rock band Bariken will be performing 5 shows in Australia, including 3 in Perth. They are described as GALACTIC FAST! FAST!

They will also be releasing a split CD with local band Bamodi, who will be supporting them at their Perth shows.

The tour is:

• Thursday 30 July – Hyde Park Hotel
• Saturday 1 August – TAFE Leederville, all ages show 12-3pm
• Saturday 1 August – Kulcha Fremantle, 8pm
• Friday 7 August – Red Rattler, Sydney
• Saturday 8 August – Birmingham Hotel, Melbourne

Organisers of the TAFE all-ages show are looking for Japanese musicians or bands in Perth (of any genre) who would be interested in performing with Bariken and Bamodi on 1 August. If you are interested or know someone who is, contact contact@lovingperth.com.

World Cup Qualifiers: Australia v Japan

The Australia-Japan Society of WA has organised to watch the Australia-Japan world cup qualifier live (kickoff 6:20pm) this Wednesday, 17 June, at the Herdsman Tavern (33 Herdsman Parade, Wembley).

RSVPs are not required but get there early for good seating! The last version of this event was heavily attended. Non-members are more than welcome!

Sumo Sunday

On Sunday 24 May from 2-5pm, the Herdsman Lake Tavern Sports Bar is playing host to a live telecast of the final day of the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament.

This free-entry event is organised by the Australia-Japan Society but as seats are not allocated, it’s first in, best dressed.
Under-18s must be with a parent or guardian.

The info flyer is available here.

Nikko: Japan - The Tokugawa Clan

From 15-24 May 2009, artist Zachary Freshwater is holding an exhibition of Japan-inspired paintings, illustration and photography at the Moores Building (46 Henry St, Fremantle). Opening hours are 10-5 daily.

Four years ago a discovery was made in an antique shop of a black and gold lacquered box containing albumen photographs of Nikko, Japan, dating back to 1878.

These photographs led Zachary to an adventure as he found out that Nikko, in Tochigi Prefecture, is where the last of the Shoguns are buried – the famous Tokugawa clan, rulers of Japan for over 200 years.

These photographs were a source of inspiration for Zachary as they led him to revive them by introducing his art, and incorporating his traditional Japanese sumi-e paintings, different types of Japanese cloth, live sketches and fine art from his journal during his visit to Nikko.

These elements have been combined to bring 50 pieces individually on display for you to experience this wonderful journey.

Flyer here.

More info: call 0427 441 861

Japanese Movies - 16 April 2009 - One Missed Call

On Thursday 16 April 2009 (early Friday morning) from 12:00 am, SBS is screening the high school J-horror flick 着信アリ – One Missed Call).

During an evening get-together with friends, Murasaki Yoko’s cell phone suddenly rings in an unusual tone. Not recognizing the tone, Yoko doesn’t pick up soon enough and the call goes into “voice mail” (chakushin). When she sees that the call/message was from her own phone number and dated two days into the future both she and her friend Nakamura Yumi listen intently to the message. What they hear is the voice of Yoko in casual chit-chat, followed by a horrendous scream, and then dead silence.

Of course the two girls attempt to laugh this off and even share the story with their friends, but when Yumi receives a phone call on the very moment…

Mari Sakata: dreams and fairy tales

Mari Sakata is a Hong Kong-born pianist who grew up in Japan and Singapore. In 2002 she graduated with a distinction in postgrad performance diploma from the Royal Academy of Music. Since then, she has played at festivals and other events worldwide.

From 7:30pm on Thursday 26 March 2009, Mari will be performing “dreams and fairy tales”, a selection of music for piano influenced by fairy tales and indigenous folk music from around the world. The venue is the Callaway Auditorium at the UWA School of Music. Entry is free.

For more info, contact the Consulate-General of Japan in Perth on (08) 9480 1800 or info@jpnwa.com. The official flyer is here.