Sachiyo Ito and Company presents the culmination performance of her Dance and Poetry of Japan Workshop on Tuesday, June 24. Participants will present the Japanese classical dance Yanagi no Wakaba (Young Leaves of Willows) and dances inspired by haiku and renku (linking verses). Special guest vocalist Beth Griffith will join to accompany the dances.

The program highlight is Sachiyo Ito’s work created for the Chinese community, titled Hiei Oroshi (Cold Wind from Mt. Hiei). Sung by Yong Jhong Jia from the Chinese Opera Theater with the Japanese melody, the work is choreographed to selected poems from Shajin-Shu, the collection of poems by Chinese poetesses.

The presentation will conclude with dance improvisations on haiku stanzas from the audience. Audiences are invited to bring their own haiku. A reception with refreshments will follow the program.

To reserve your spot, please send an email to sachiyoitoandcompany@gmail.com. (Please note: The venue has changed from 94 E. 1st Street to the current location of 189 Allen Street.)

Photo courtesy of Sachiyo Ito and Company

About the Dance and Poetry Workshop

Sachiyo Ito has conducted the free Dance and Poetry Workshop for the last ten years at several senior centers in Manhattan. Seniors from various cultural backgrounds who share a love for and interest in Japanese culture have attended.

The culmination concert showcases an example of artists’ efforts to unite the peoples of New York, known for its diversity in culture, ethnicity, and races.

Sachiyo Ito’s Memoir on JapanCulture-NYC.com

Sachiyo Ito has been serializing her memoir on JapanCulture•NYC, each chapter revealing a different aspect of her early life in Tokyo and career in New York City.

Ito offers of a profound exploration of the experience of dedicating herself to traditional Japanese dance at an early age, arriving in New York City during the tumultuous ‘70s, and making a successful career in the arts. Each chapter offers a glimpse into the complexities that shaped her journey. It is a literary examination of not only Ito Sensei’s life, but of how New York City’s culture evolved over the decades and what sacrifices one must make to achieve a thriving career in the arts.

The memoir is an invitation to delve into the layers of a creative life and career that has spanned more than 50 years. As a work in progress, it is also an invitation for you to offer your feedback. Your insights will contribute to the evolution of this extraordinary work.

To read all the chapters, please click here. For more information about Sachiyo Ito, please visit her website, dancejapan.com.

Support JapanCulture•NYC by becoming a member! For $5 a month, you’ll help maintain the high quality of our site while we continue to showcase and promote the activities of our vibrant community. Please click here to begin your membership today!

Susan McCormac 5/30/25 Susan McCormac 5/30/25

Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan Talk #3

JapanCulture•NYC is thrilled to continue our Expo 2025 Talk series with cross-cultural consultant Yvonne Burton of Burton Consulting International!

Yvonne has been on the ground in Osaka, exploring the site of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan. She’s visiting pavilions and reporting on the dynamic energy and discoveries at this once-in-a-lifetime global event.

Photo: Night view of the Netherlands Pavilion with Singapore in the background. Photo courtesy Yvonne Burton

Expo 2025 Talk #3: A Conversation with Cross-Cultural Consultant Yvonne Burton

Wednesday, June 11 at 8:00 p.m. ET | 5:00 p.m. PT | Thursday, June 12 at 9:00 a.m. JST

Zoom Meeting

Admission: Free (Registration Required)

JapanCulture•NYC is thrilled to continue our Expo 2025 Talk series with cross-cultural consultant Yvonne Burton of Burton Consulting International!

In Talk #3, Yvonne will share her latest insights, show photos, and answer your questions in an interactive conversation that brings you closer to Expo 2025—even from afar!

Previous Sessions

If you missed the previous sessions, catch up here:
📺 Talk #1 Recording on YouTube
📺 Talk #2 Recording on YouTube
🎥 Watch previous Instagram Lives: @JapanCultureNYC
📝 Read Yvonne’s Expo blog posts: burtonconsulting.biz/blog
🔗 Connect with Yvonne on LinkedIn: Yvonne Burton

Prepare and Register

Have a question for Yvonne?
📧 Email susan@japanculture-nyc.com or DM us on Instagram @JapanCultureNYC.

🎟 Register for Talk #3 here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/zKIDr2rxQYODO6fMXHKeUg

Susan McCormac 5/27/25 Susan McCormac 5/27/25

Yankees/Dodgers Watch Party

Bring your cheers and business cards. Watch Aaron Judge and the Bronx Bombers take on Shohei Ohtani and the World Champion Los Angeles Dodgers in a regular season showdown at Dodger Stadium. View all the action on multiple screens throughout the Pub's 2nd floor. Enjoy beer and food and network with fellow young professionals and members.

JCCI & JAA Young Professionals Networking and Baseball Watch Party

Playwright Irish Pub – 27 W. 35th Street (between 5th and 6th Avenues), 2nd Floor

Saturday, May 31 – Doors Open at 6:00 p.m., Game Starts at 7:10 p.m. ET | 4:10 p.m. PT

Admission: $20

On the heels of a successful Japanese and Japanese American Community Night at Citi Field on May 23, which had a one hour and 38-minute rain delay and several extra innings between the Dodgers and the Mets, the Young Professionals of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry and The Japanese American Association of New York are hosting a watch party of Saturday’s matchup between the Mets’ cross-town rivals, the Yankees, against the Dodgers.

About the Event

Admission

Cost to enter is $20, which includes one free drink. Organizers will collect payment at the door, but please register at this link or email info@jcciny.org.

There will be a 5th Inning raffle for New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers merchandise and game tickets. Raffle tickets are $10 each.

Please note: Cash only for admission and raffle tickets.

Susan McCormac 5/23/25 Susan McCormac 5/23/25

Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan Talk #2

Join JapanCultureNYC for Part 2 of my live conversation with cross-cultural consultant Yvonne Burton reporting from Osaka, Japan, where she’s been exploring the site of Expo 2025!

Expo 2025 Talk: A Conversation with Cross-Cultural Consultant Yvonne Burton – Part 2

Wednesday, May 28 at 8:00 p.m. ET | 5:00 p.m. PT | In Japan: Thursday, May 29 at 9:00 a.m.

Zoom

Admission: Free (Registration Required)

On May 13 JapanCultureNYC and cross-cultural consultant Yvonne Burton of Burton Consulting International held a special live Zoom conversation from Japan, where she’s been exploring Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan. We had so much fun, we’re doing it again!

Yvonne has been on the ground, visiting pavilions, observing the process, and soaking up the energy at this year’s World Expo. Prior to the event, Yvonne joined JapanCultureNYC for two Instagram Live tours—one at night, the other during the day—and gave us insightful tours.

On Zoom, Yvonne will share highlights, show photos, and answer your questions about what she’s learned so far. Curious about what Japan is showcasing to the world? Wondering how Osaka prepared for millions of visitors? Don’t miss this insightful and interactive session!

What to See

📺 Watch the first Zoom session on @JapanCulture-NYC’s YouTube channel
📌 Watch the recordings of our Instagram Lives on @JapanCultureNYC’s feed
📝 Read Yvonne’s blog posts from each visit at burtonconsulting.biz/blog
🔗 Connect with her on LinkedIn: Yvonne Burton

📧 Have questions for Yvonne? Email susan@japanculture-nyc.com or DM @JapanCultureNYC

Register in advance

🔗 Click here to register on Zoom

Susan McCormac 5/20/25 Susan McCormac 5/20/25

JapanCulture•NYC Turns 14!

JapanCulture•NYC launched 14 years ago today! Let’s celebrate bridging New York to Japanese culture!

A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Community

May 20, 2025 marks the 14th anniversary of JapanCulture-NYC.com!

It’s hard to believe that what began as a small passion project in 2011 has grown into a trusted resource for All Things Japanese in New York City. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of covering a wide range of events—from traditional tea ceremonies and sake tastings to contemporary art exhibitions, film premieres, concerts, and community festivals.

At the heart of it all has been one goal: to connect people through culture.

I’m endlessly grateful to everyone who has read an article, shared a post, attended an event I featured, or reached out with a kind word. Your support and enthusiasm keep this platform going. Whether you're a long-time follower or a recent reader, thank you for being part of this journey.

I'm also deeply appreciative of the artists, performers, chefs, scholars, community leaders, and organizers who have allowed me to share their work. Your stories are what make JapanCulture-NYC meaningful.

As I look ahead, I’m more committed than ever to spotlighting the richness and diversity of Japanese culture in New York. There are still so many stories to tell—and I can’t wait to keep telling them.

Thank you for 14 amazing years!

With gratitude,
Susan Miyagi McCormac
Founder and Editor-in-Chief, JapanCulture-NYC

Susan McCormac 5/14/25 Susan McCormac 5/14/25

Dodgers vs Mets on Japanese & Japanese American Community Night at Citi Field

Catch the Los Angeles Dodgers vs the New York Mets on Japanese and Japanese American Community Night at Citi Field!

Japanese and Japanese American Community Night

Friday, May 23 at 7:10 p.m. | Pregame Ceremonies at 5:45 p.m.

Citi Field – Flushing, Queens

Admission: $63.25 to $232.50

Kick off Memorial Day weekend in a memorable way on Friday, May 23 as Kodai Senga and the New York Mets host reigning National League MVP Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Roki Sasaki and the defending World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers at Citi Field.

Once again, The Japanese American Association of New York, the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI), The Nippon Club, Japan Society, U.S.-Japan Council, and the Japanese American National Museum (JANM) will host Japanese and Japanese American Community Night, celebrating the strong bond between the U.S. and Japan through our shared love of baseball.

Pregame Activities

Taiko Drumming
Soh Daiko in Tom Seaver Plaza from 5:45 p.m. until 6:15 p.m.
Amazin' Awards Presentation to Community Leaders
Gary S. Moriwaki – Japan Society Board Member
Masaaki Maeda – Vice President & Assistant Secretary, JCCI
Koji Sato – President, The Japanese American Association of America, Inc.
Darin Arita – Co-Chair, New York & Vicinity Region, U.S.-Japan Council
Kathryn Bannai – Member of the Board of Trustees, JANM
First Pitch Thrown by a Dignitary in the Japanese and Japanese American Community
Pitcher: Tetsuo Kawate – Former JCCI President, President & CEO, Mitsubishi Corporations (Americas)
Catcher: Dr. Joshua Walker – President & CEO, Japan Society

The Mets are offering discount tickets to the Japanese and Japanese American community for the entire three-game series. Click this link https://www.gofevo.com/group/JJANight2025 to purchase tickets. With each purchase, $10 will be donated to the Japanese community organization of your choice, which you will select upon checkout.

Susan McCormac 5/9/25 Susan McCormac 5/9/25

Dive into Expo 2025 with Yvonne Burton

Join JapanCulture•NYC for a special Zoom conversation with Yvonne Burton, founder of Burton Consulting International, reporting live from Osaka, where she’s been exploring Expo 2025!

Live from Osaka: A Conversation with Cross-Cultural Consultant Yvonne Burton on Expo 2025

Tuesday, May 13 at 8:00 p.m. ET | Wednesday, May 14 at 9:00 a.m. in Japan

Live on Zoom

Admission: Free (Registration Required)

Join JapanCulture•NYC for a special live Zoom conversation with cross-cultural consultant Yvonne Burton of Burton Consulting International, streaming in from Osaka, Japan, where she’s been exploring Expo 2025!

Yvonne has been on the ground, visiting pavilions, observing preparations, and soaking up the energy at this year’s World Expo. She previously joined JapanCultureNYC for two Instagram Live tours—one at night, the other during the day—to give us a tour.

Yvonne Burton of Burton Consulting International on the Ring at Expo 2025 in Osaka

📌 Watch the recordings of our Instagram Lives on @JapanCultureNYC’s feed
📝 Read Yvonne’s blog posts from each visit at burtonconsulting.biz/blog
🔗 Connect with her on LinkedIn: Yvonne Burton

📧 Have questions for Yvonne? Email susan@japanculture-nyc.com or DM @JapanCultureNYC

Register in advance:
🔗 Click here to register on Zoom

Susan McCormac 5/7/25 Susan McCormac 5/7/25

Japan Parade Returns to Celebrate NYC’s Friendship with Japan

Join thousands on the Upper West Side for the 4th annual Japan Parade and Street Fair on Saturday, May 10! Celebrate Japanese culture with taiko drumming, traditional dance, cosplay, Hello Kitty, and an appearance by Grand Marshal Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto. With more than 110 groups marching and JAPAN Fes hosting a Japanese food and culture fair, this free event is one of NYC’s most vibrant celebrations of Japan.

Japan Parade

Saturday, May 10 from1:00 p.m. until 3:30 p.m.

Parade Route: Central Park West from 81st to 67th Street

Street Fair: 11:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. on 72nd Street between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue

Admission: Free

New York City’s celebration of Japanese culture takes over the Upper West Side this Saturday with the fourth annual Japan Parade and Street Fair. This vibrant event showcases the richness and diversity of Japanese culture and serves as a heartfelt "thank you" from the Japanese community to NYC.

Leading the Parade as Grand Marshal is none other than Chef Masaharu Morimoto, the Iron Chef whose culinary empire spans the globe. “I am deeply honored,” says Morimoto. “This role gives me a unique opportunity to celebrate and share the rich, dynamic culture of Japan with the heart of one of the world's most vibrant cities.”

Joining him is this year’s Community Leader, Koji Sato, President of The Japanese American Association of New York. News correspondent Sandra Endo, a former reporter and anchor at NY1, is serving as emcee once again.

Highlights

A major highlight this year is the live appearance by the cast of Attack on Titan: The Musical, the 2.5D stage adaptation of Hajime Isayama’s internationally beloved manga. Paradegoers can catch performers portraying fan favorites such as Levi, Hange Zoë, and Erwin Smith.

Pop culture fans can also look out for Sayaka Yamamoto, former captain of NMB48 turned solo singer-songwriter, and the always-adorable Hello Kitty, joined by My Melody and Kuromi, celebrating milestone anniversaries.

The Parade lineup features more than 110 groups and floats with more than 2,700 participants—the largest in the Parade’s four-year history. Expect lively performances from taiko drummers (Soh Daiko, COBU, Taiko Masala Dojo), yosakoi and folk dancers, gospel singers, and martial artists. Students from Japanese schools in New York and New Jersey will also march, along with Anime NYC cosplayers and a delegation from Toyama City, led by Mayor Hirohisa Fujii.

STREET FAIR

Before the Parade, explore the Japan Street Fair starting at 11:00 a.m. on 72nd Street between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue. Produced in collaboration with JAPAN Fes, the Street Fair will feature hands-on cultural activities like calligraphy and origami, tourist info booths, giveaways, and nearly 20 food stalls offering authentic Japanese eats.

ABOUT JAPAN DAY

Organized by Japan Day Inc., the nonprofit behind Japan Day @ Central Park, the Japan Parade and Street Fair continue to grow as one of NYC’s most spirited celebrations of Japanese culture.

Don't miss this joyful fusion of tradition, community, and creativity—right in the heart of Manhattan.

Susan McCormac 3/26/25 Susan McCormac 3/26/25

Celebrate Japanese Culture at Columbia

Experience a vibrant celebration of Japanese culture with delicious food, captivating performances, and engaging activities. Since 2006, Matsuri has brought the Columbia community and New Yorkers together for an unforgettable day of cultural exchange.

Columbia Japanese Students Association Matsuri 2025

Friday, March 28 from 5:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m.

Columbia University Low Plaza – W. 116th and Broadway

Admission: Free

The Japanese Students Association of Columbia University presents its Matsuri 2025 this Friday, March 28. JapanCulture-NYC is honored to be one of the sponsors Matsuri 2025 and to support the students of JSA who are bringing this dynamic cultural event to life!

Matsuri, the Japanese word for “festival,” embodies the spirit of community celebration through food, entertainment, and cultural exchange. Since 2006, JSA’s Matsuri has evolved into one of Columbia University’s most anticipated cultural events, transforming the heart of campus into a vibrant celebration of Japanese culture. Drawing nearly 1,000 attendees to the iconic Low Plaza each spring, Matsuri is more than just a festival; it’s a landmark event that brings together students, faculty, and New Yorkers.

Attendance is free, and guests can sign up through Columbia JSA’s Eventbrite link. However, due to current restrictions to access campus, people not affiliated with Columbia University and anyone without a valid Columbia University ID MUST fill out this form as well by today, Wednesday March 26. Columbia will send a QR code to your email. Please bring the QR code and a valid form of ID when you arrive, or you will not be able to enter campus.

What can you expect at this year’s Matsuri 2025?

Cultural Performances

Traditional taiko drumming echoing across campus
Martial arts demonstrations
Powerful Sōran Bushi (traditional Japanese song) performances

Culinary Journey

Authentic Japanese street food vendors
Traditional and modern festival treats
Interactive food demonstrations

Games and Activities

Photo booth with props
Traditional Japanese matsuri games
Japanese drinks and snack prizes

Food Vendors

Dokodemo
Inari Zushi
Karl’s Balls
Mr. K Katsu Sando
Mu Cha
Musubin
Rai Rai Ken
Sam’s Fried Ice Cream
Yakitori Tatsu

Cultural and Community Vendors

Golden Gate Global
Vision USA
Taro’s Origami Studio

Performance sCHEDULE

6:30 p.m. - 6:40 p.m. CU Goju Karate
6:40 p.m. - 6:50 p.m. CU Taiko
6:50 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. CU Naginata
7:00 p.m. - 7:10 p.m. Kendo
7:10 p.m. - 7:20 p.m. Columbia Pops
7:20 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Columbia Pops
7:30 p.m. - 7:40 p.m. Upper West Side Kenshikai Karate & BJJ
7:40 p.m. - 7:50 p.m. Kogyoku Yosakoi
7:50 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Kogyoku Yosakoi
8:00 p.m. - 8:10 p.m. CU Lion Dance
8:10 p.m. - 8:20 p.m. CU Lion Dance
8:20 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. CU Wushu
8:30 p.m. - 8:40 p.m. Columbia Taekwondo
8:40 p.m. - 8:50 p.m. Columbia Taekwondo
8:50 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. JSA 48

To learn more about Columbia University’s Japanese Students Association, please visit their website and follow them on Instagram.

Susan McCormac 3/21/25 Susan McCormac 3/21/25

Local Hero to Be Featured in NHK Documentary

Takeshi “Tak” Furumoto is the subject of the NHK documentary RAISED IN HIROSHIMA, FOUGHT IN VIETNAM

Takeshi “Tak” Furumoto is a Japanese American who was born in an incarceration camp, raised in Hiroshima, and fought in the Vietnam War. In the NHK documentary Raised in Hiroshima, Fought in Vietnam, Furumoto travels in search of closure to his complicated past.

About Tak Furumoto

Born in 1944 in Tule Lake War Relocation Center, one of the ten Japanese American incarceration camps established for the mass incarceration of more than 120,000 Japanese Americans and Japanese nationals living on the West Coast, during World War II, Tak Furumoto is the youngest of Sam Kiyoto and Yoshi Furumoto’s five children. Raised in his father’s war-torn hometown in Hiroshima after the atomic bombing, Furumoto’s family returned to the U.S. in 1956, settling in Los Angeles. After Furumoto graduated from UCLA in 1967, he volunteered to enter the Army. Despite the injustices his family endured in the U.S. during WWII, Furumoto valiantly served our country in the Vietnam War, earning a Bronze Star.

A New Jersey resident since 1971, Furumoto and his wife, Carolyn, have run Furumoto Realty in New Jersey, New York City, and Westchester for more than 50 years. They have dedicated their lives to the betterment of the Japanese American community in both New Jersey and New York. They were instrumental in New Jersey’s adoption of Fred T. Korematsu Day in 2023, relentlessly advocating for the state of New Jersey to recognize January 30 as the Fred T. Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution, a day that honors civil rights hero Fred Korematsu, a California native who refused to enter the incarceration camps in 1942.

To learn more about Furumoto and his contributions to our community, please read Karen Kawaguchi’s in-depth article in Discover Nikkei.

On-Air Schedule

NHK World will broadcast Raised in Hiroshima, Fought in Vietnam on the following days:
Friday, March 21 from 8:10 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.
Saturday, March 22 from 2:10 a.m. until 3:00 a.m. | 8:10 a.m. until 9:00 a.m. | 2:10 p.m. until 3:00 p.m.

NHK World is available in New York at these channels: Spectrum 1279, Optimum 142, FiOS 482, Xfinity 265 and 1157, and OTA channel 58.2 To find the full details of where you can watch the documentary in your area, please visit the NHK World Channel List on NHK’s website.

Susan McCormac 3/20/25 Susan McCormac 3/20/25

Live Martial Arts Demos at Japan Village

Experience the power, precision, and philosophy of Budo, the way of the warrior, through thrilling demonstrations of Aikido, Judo, Battodo, and Karate. Witness skilled martial artists from Kaizenkan Aikido Dojo, Japanese American Budokan, and Zentokan Dojo in action at Japan Village.

Martial Arts Day

Saturday, March 22 from Noon until 6:50 p.m. (First demo begins at 1:00 p.m.)

Japan Village - 934 3rd Avenue, Brooklyn (2nd Floor)

Admission: Free

Witness the strength, skill, and discipline behind martial arts movements as practitioners bring centuries-old traditions to life. Japan Village is hosting an action-packed, FREE showcase of Aikido, Judo, Battodo, and Karate, featuring live demonstrations from skilled martial artists representing Kaizenkan Aikido Dojo, Japanese American Budokan, and Zentokan Dojo. Each dojo will have information tables as well.

Experience the power, precision, and philosophy of Budo, the way of the warrior, at Japan Village!

Schedule of Demonstrations

1:00 p.m. – 1:25 p.m. – Aikido by Kaizenkan Aikido Dojo
1:30 p.m. – 1:55 p.m. – Judo by Japanese American Budokan
2:00 p.m. – 2:25 p.m. – Battodo by Zentokan Dojo
2:30 p.m. – 2:55 p.m. – Karate by Japanese American Budokan
3:25 p.m. – 3:50 p.m. – Aikido by Kaizenkan Aikido Dojo
3:55 p.m. – 4:20 p.m. – Judo by Japanese American Budokan
4:25 p.m. – 4:50 p.m. – Battodo by Zentokan Dojo
4:55 p.m. – 5:20 p.m. – Karate by Japanese American Budokan
5:25 p.m. – 5:50 p.m. – Aikido by Kaizenkan Aikido Dojo
5:55 p.m. – 6:20 p.m. – Judo by Japanese American Budokan
6:25 p.m. – 6:50 p.m. – Karate by Japanese American Budokan

Susan McCormac 3/17/25 Susan McCormac 3/17/25

A Panel on Women in STEM by JMSA & the Consulate

Join the Consulate General of Japan in New York and the Japanese Medical Society of America (JMSA) for a panel on women’s empowerment in STEM on March 25 at the Nippon Club. Featuring distinguished speakers from MIT and Eisai Co., Ltd., the discussion will explore challenges in Japan and the U.S., moderated by JMSA President Dr. Maki Kano-Lueckerath. A networking reception follows.

Empowering Women in STEM: U.S. and Japan Perspectives

Tuesday, March 25 from 6:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.

Nippon Club – 145 W. 57th Street (between 6th and 7th Avenues), 2nd floor Rose Room

Admission: Free

In honor of International Women’s Month, please join the Consulate General of Japan in New York and the Japanese Medical Society of America (JMSA) for a panel discussion on women’s empowerment in STEM fields on March 25 at the Nippon Club. Prominent women in STEM-related professions will provide timely insight and guidance in navigating the challenges they have faced in Japan and the U.S. The distinguished panelists are Dr. Angeliki Diane Rigos of MIT and Dr. Saori Watanabe of Eisai Co., Ltd. JMSA President Dr. Maki Kano-Lueckerath will moderate. The emcee will be Haruka Kokaze, a workplace mental health research associate and lead Japan strategy analyst at Columbia University's Mental Health + Work Design Lab and One Mind, a heartfulness fellow at Stanford School of Medicine, a multidisciplinary addiction training scholar at NYU Langone Health, and a JAA Junior Board Member.

A networking reception will follow the discussion. Please register here: https://forms.gle/uqpogFV2kvS8zrFWA.

About the Speakers

Dr. Angeliki Diane Rigos
Dr. Rigos teaches leadership in the Physics Department at MIT and is the founder and president of Epistimi, a nonprofit organization that promotes the advancement and leadership of women in STEM fields. She conducted a workshop titled “U.S.-Japan Collaborative Leadership Program for Women in STEM” in Tokyo last summer.

Dr. Saori Watanabe
Born in Niigata City, Dr. Watanabe joined Eisai Co. D. (Medicine) after completing studies at the Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences at Tohoku University’s Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences. She oversees the creation of preclinical disease-related models in the company’s focus areas of neurology and oncology.

Dr. Maki Kano-Lueckerath
Dr. Kano-Lueckerath is an Associate Professor in General Internal Medicine at Mount Sinai and practices internal medicine and pediatrics. She is the President of the Japanese Medical Society of America (JMSA), an organization that provides mentors and scholarships for Japanese and Japanese American students in health-related professions. She is the founder of NY Sukusuku-kai, an NPO that strives to improve the health and welfare of the local Nikkei families and their children through outreach and education.

Susan McCormac 3/11/25 Susan McCormac 3/11/25

Unique Wellness Experience

Kokoro Gathering – Japanese Principles of Intentional Living

Saturday, March 15 from 1:00 p.m. until 4:30 p.m.

Japan Village – 934 3rd Ave, Brooklyn

Admission: $55

Join Peatix in celebrating International Women’s Day at a unique wellness experience at Kokoro Gathering, an afternoon dedicated to nurturing your mind, heart, and spirit.

Led by four renowned Japanese wellness practitioners, this thoughtfully designed event offers more than inspiration; it provides practical techniques that integrate seamlessly into your daily routine. Each workshop focuses on actionable strategies that create meaningful change in your life, work, and home environment. In addition to the workshops, there will be light refreshments, community connection opportunities, and access to post-event resources.

To purchase tickets, please visit Peatix’s website.

Four Transformative Workshops

ZEN PRACTICES FOR MODERN LIFE with Yoko Ohashi (Brooklyn Zen Center)
Learn practical meditation techniques and experience a guided practice designed to help you incorporate mindfulness into your daily routine with simple rituals that create calm during challenging situations.

THE ART OF MINDFUL SPACE ORGANIZATION with Junko Matsushita
Unlock new strategies to reduce stress, declutter your mind, and maximize your day with valuable tips for boosting your productivity and well-being through organized spaces.

HARMONIOUS SPACE DESIGN PRINCIPLES with Ai Matsui Johnson
Understand how Feng Shui can help create harmonious environments and pick up practical tips on arrangement and placement techniques to channel optimal energy flow in your living spaces.

JAPAN'S SECRET TO A HEALTHY LIFE with Dr. Michiko Yoshifuji
In this session, Dr. Yoshifuji will delve into traditional Japanese self-care rituals, unveiling time-honored practices designed to foster a deeper connection between your body and mind.

Meet the Experts

YOKO OHASHI
A dedicated meditation advocate from Osaka, Japan, Ohashi serves as a community leader at Brooklyn Zen Center. With her background in fine arts and current studies in divinity, she offers a unique perspective on integrating mindfulness into modern life.

JUNKO MATSUSHITA
Based in New York since 2010, Matsushita specializes in organization coaching for career-driven women. Her approach blends life coaching principles with customized strategies that create harmony, efficiency, and balance by integrating Japanese mindfulness practices.

AI MATSUI JOHNSON
Founder of Ai Feng Shui Interior Consulting and author of A Little Bit of Feng Shui, Matsui Johnson combines her expertise in Feng Shui, interior design, and decluttering to create personalized, harmonious spaces that reflect and empower her clients' lives.

DR. MICHIKO YOSHIFUJI
As a Doctor of Acupuncture and owner of ROOTS Mindful Acupuncture in Midtown NYC, Dr. Yoshifuji is dedicated to providing holistic, patient-centered care that improves overall health and quality of life through traditional Japanese wellness practices.

About the Organizer

Kokoro Gathering is an exclusive event series organized by Peatix. Since 2011, Peatix has effectively connected more than 130,000 organizers worldwide through shared experiences via its user-friendly event platform. Learn more about their global community of event creators at https://peatix.com/us/about-us

Susan McCormac 2/17/25 Susan McCormac 2/17/25

“Biri Gal” at Japan Society

Sayaka Kobayashi, the inspiration behind the Japanese film Flying Colors (Biri Gal / ビリギャル), will give an author talk and book signing at Japan Society on Thursday, February 27 at 7:00 p.m.

Author Talk & Signing: Meet Real-Life Biri Gal Sayaka Kobayashi

Thursday, February 27 at 7:00 p.m.

Japan Society – 333 E. 47th Street (between 1st and 2nd Avenues)

Admission: $25 | $23 Seniors, Students, and Persons with Disabilities | $20 Japan Society Members

Sayaka Kobayashi is the real-life inspiration behind the 2015 Japanese movie Flying Colors (Biri Gal / ビリギャル), which is based on her journey from a troubled middle school student on the verge of expulsion to passing one of Japan’s most difficult university entrance exams. Now, on the 10th anniversary of this beloved film, Japan Society presents Kobayashi for a talk about her life, career, writing and motivation.

About Sayaka Kobayashi

Struggling with poor academic performance throughout high school, Kobayashi dedicated herself to an intense study regimen for a year and a half, and after tremendous effort, she succeeded in securing admission to the prestigious Keio University. Her story became the best-selling book The Story of a Gal at the Bottom of her School Year who Raised her Standard Score by 40 Points in One Year and Got Accepted into Keio University, written by her dedicated tutor, Nobutaka Tsubota. This book, which has sold more than one million copies, led to Flying Colors (Biri Gal / ビリギャル).

Since her Keio success, Kobayashi earned a master’s degree in cognitive science from Columbia University in 2024, and she has recently written the book How I Fell in Love with Learning, a guide that explores the essential elements for effective learning.

To purchase tickets to this event, please visit Japan Society’s website. Our friends at Japan Society are offering JapanCultureNYC members a discount to this event! Members will receive a separate email with the code for $10 tickets. Not member of JapanCultureNYC? Join now by going to https://www.japanculture-nyc.com/membership.

*How I Fell in Love with Learning* by Sayaka Kobayashi

About the Book

How I Fell in Love with Learning (私はこうして勉強にハマった) was published by Sanctuary Publishing in Japan in July 2024. Sayaka Kobayashi unpacks her success story through the lens of cognitive science, drawing on insights gained at Columbia University. The book explores three essential elements for effective learning: strong motivation, the right strategies and study methods and a supportive environment that sustains the learner’s enthusiasm. By focusing on these key factors, How I Fell in Love with Learning offers a practical guide to study techniques for anyone. The book is accessible to everyone from middle school students to parents and educators, providing tools to improve academic performance alongside guidance on fostering a love of learning and confidence-building.

Autographs and Book Sales

Attendees of Japan Society’s Sayaka Kobayashi talk and signing will be able to purchase copies of How I Fell in Love with Learning at the event or bring books from home for a signing session following the author’s talk. Please note How I Fell in Love with Learning is available only in Japanese.

Susan McCormac 1/29/25 Susan McCormac 1/29/25

Webinar to Explore the founding of I-House

The founding of the International House of Japan

Reflections on the Founding of the International House of Japan: Insights from Rockefeller & Matsumoto for the Future

Thursday, February 6 at 7:00 p.m.

Live Webinar

Admission: Free

As the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII approaches, the International House of Japan and American Friends of the International House of Japan present a live virtual discussion focused on the documentary film John and Shige: The Quiet Builders about the founding of the International House of Japan in the aftermath of such devastating global conflict. The event explores the friendship between John D. Rockefeller III and Shigeharu Matsumoto and the context of the time in which they built the International House of Japan. Panelists will consider how such an institution was developed and the ways in which it helped rebuild positive relations between the U.S. and Japan and its aim to prevent future conflict.

The panel intends to examine how the International House of Japan collaborated with U.S. institutions such as Japan Society. Through a close reflection on the origins of the I-House, AFIHJ hopes to generate a discussion about lessons for the future as the International House of Japan continues to work with partners to prevent future conflicts and enhance cross-cultural understanding.

To register, please visit afijh.org. Registrants will receive a link to watch the film John and Shige: The Quiet Builders.

Speakers

Victoria Bestor
Victoria Lyon Bestor has been fascinated by Japan since growing up in Seattle, Kobe’s sister city; her interest in the Rockefeller Family began when she was a program officer at Japan Society of New York in the early 1980s. As a Fulbright scholar she combined those interests to study the role of Rockefeller Philanthropy in Japan, making use of archives internationally including the Rockefeller Archive Center and International House of Japan. She has published several articles and chapters related to that research.

From 1999 to 2017 she was the executive director of the NCC (North American Coordinating Council on Japanese Library Resources), an international nonprofit, and has served on the board of the American Friends of International House of Japan.

Dr. Kent Calder
The Chair of AFIHJ, Dr. Kent E. Calder is an Edwin O. Reischauer Professor and Director of the Edwin O. Reischauer Center for East Asian Studies at the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). A specialist in East Asian political economy, Calder lived and researched in Japan for eleven years and across East Asia for four years. His recent publications include Global Political Cities: Actors and Arenas of Influence in International Affairs (2021), Super Continent: The Logic of Eurasian Integration (2019), and Circles of Compensation: Economic Growth and the Globalization of Japan (2018), among others.

In 2014, he was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon.

Dr. Carol Gluck
The George Sansom Professor of History Emerita at Columbia University, Dr. Carol Gluck is a historian of modern Japan specializing in international relations, World War II, and history-writing and public memory in Asia and the West. Publications include Japan’s Modern Myths, Showa: The Japan of Hirohito, Asia in Western and World History, Words in Motion, Thinking with the Past: Japan and Modern History, and Past Obsessions: World War Two in History and Memory.

A past President of the Association for Asian Studies, Gluck is the founding member and chair of Columbia's Committee on Global Thought, a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and a member of the American Philosophical Society. She is a recipient of the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon from the government of Japan and an awardee of the International Japanese Studies Prize from the National Institute of the Humanities.

Susan McCormac 1/28/25 Susan McCormac 1/28/25

Fred Korematsu Day in Fort Lee, NJ

Honoring the civil rights activist Fred T. Korematsu

Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution

Thursday, January 30 at 5:00 p.m.

Fort Lee Municipal Building – 309 Main Street, Fort Lee, NJ 07024

Admission: Free

The Borough of Fort Lee and New Jersey AAPI Commissioner Tak Furumoto celebrate Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution. The event honors the legacy of Fred Korematsu, a U.S. civil rights hero who had the courage to stand up for what is right during World War II. January 30 would have been Korematsu’s 106th birthday.

About Fred Korematsu

In 1942, 23-year-old California native Fred Korematsu refused to enter the concentration camps established for the mass incarceration of more than 120,000 Japanese Americans and Japanese nationals living on the West Coast, citing the directive as unconstitutional. After his arrest for defying government orders, he took his case all the way to the Supreme Court – and lost. In 1944, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled against Korematsu, claiming that the incarceration was justified by “military necessity.” However, nearly forty years later, researchers uncovered evidence revealing there were no acts of treason by Japanese Americans to justify their internment. This discovery of government misconduct led to the reopening of Korematsu’s case. On November 10, 1983, a federal court in San Francisco overturned Korematsu’s conviction, marking a significant moment in the fight for civil rights.

Korematsu dedicated his life to activism, becoming a symbol of resilience and justice. In 1998, President Bill Clinton awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States, recognizing his tireless efforts to defend the civil liberties of all Americans. Learn more about him at the Korematsu Institute’s website.

Establishing Fred T. Korematsu Day

In 2010, when then California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed the legislative bill recognizing January 30 as the Fred T. Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution, it became the first statewide day in U.S. history named after an Asian American. Following California’s lead, seven other states officially recognize the observance in perpetuity: Arizona, Florida, Hawaii, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, and Virginia. Other states, including Georgia, Illinois, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Utah recognize Fred T. Korematsu Day by proclamation.

Tak Furumoto, who was born in Tule Lake War Relocation Center, one of the Japanese American incarceration camps, was instrumental in New Jersey’s adoption of Fred T. Korematsu Day in 2023. Raised in his parents' native Hiroshima after the atomic bombing, Furumoto returned to the U.S. to attend college and eventually served our country in Vietnam War. Furumoto and his wife, Carolyn, have run Furumoto Realty for more than 50 years and have dedicated their lives to the betterment of the Japanese American community in both New Jersey and New York.

Fred T. Korematsu Day in New York City

New York State, under the guidance of State Senator Shelley Mayer, passed a bill recognizing Fred T. Korematsu Day last year, but New York City first observed this day in 2018 after City Council unanimously passing Resolution 792, proposed by then Councilmember Daniel Dromm, on December 19, 2017. The day serves not only to honor Korematsu’s brave act to fight injustice, but also to educate the public in the hopes that the history of mass incarceration, prompted by wartime hysteria, will never be repeated.

Susan McCormac 1/17/25 Susan McCormac 1/17/25

JapanCulture•NYC Business Directory

The JapanCultureNYC Directory announcement

The Place for All Things Japanese in New York City

Since launching JapanCulture-NYC.com in May 2011, I have received daily emails and DMs asking for recommendations of the best sushi or ramen restaurants as well as the best places to find Japanese Oshogatsu decorations in New York City. This made me realize that a compilation of these businesses was beneficial as well as necessary for the community.

What is the Directory?

A listing of all Japanese and Japanese-related businesses in New York City on JapanCulture-NYC.com, the Directory will help people who are interested in Japanese products and services find the right business—all in one place. Think of it as an online phone book.

What kinds of businesses benefit from being listed in the Directory?

Restaurants
Retail
Wholesale
Super Markets
Liquor Stores
Fine Art Galleries
Stationery and Gift Items
Language Schools and Independent Teachers
Dance Studios
Martial Arts Dojos
Event Organizers
Musicians
Filmmakers
Translators and Interpreters
Societies and Nonprofit Organizations
Any kind of business!

How Will Being Listed in the Directory Help Me?

Tangible Benefits for Everyone Who is Listed

Increased visibility – JapanCulture•NYYC attracts thousands of visitors each month who are actively searching for businesses like yours, using high-ranking keyword searches such as “Japanese restaurants in NYC.” Plus, exposure to around 1K email subscribers and 10K social media followers of JapanCulture•NYC.
Proven traffic value – The organic traffic to our website is valued at $260/month, equivalent to what you’d spend on Google Ads for similar visibility, but we deliver this value at a fraction of the cost, making it ideal for small businesses with limited advertising budgets.
Increased traffic to your website as well as your physical store – Unlike generic directories, we specifically cater to NYC’s Japanese community, ensuring your advertising reaches the audience most likely to engage with your business.

How Much Does It Cost?

Tiers to Fit Your Budget

Hajime (Starter): Name of business, address, phone number – Cost: Free
Naka (Mid-Tier) Photo of business or related products, link to website – Cost: $50 yearly (less than a dollar a week!)
Takumi (Expert): All of the above + featured article about the business (or aspect of business that owner wants to highlight) + prominent position on JapanCulture•NYC + monthly blasts on social media. – Cost: $500 yearly

How Can I List My Business in the Directory?

For Free Hajime Listing: Fill out the Google Form below:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSenNRzzMmb0Nb3zSBBCXI7pC9-bqM-LFD714Sv9-bLBgoaGFg/viewform

For Paid Listings: Schedule a 30-minute consultation to get started with Susan Miyagi McCormac, JapanCulture•NYC Founder & Editor-Chief, through Calendly: https://calendly.com/jcnyc/30min

Be a part of JapanCulture-NYC.com, the English-language website dedicated to showcasing All Things Japanese in New York City.

Susan McCormac 12/8/24 Susan McCormac 12/8/24

JapanCulture•NYC’s Holiday Gift Guide

Reported and compiled by JapanCulture•NYC’s Fashion Editor Jen Green

JapanCulture•NYC’s 2024 Holiday Gift Guide is here with a round-up of all-Japanese holiday markets or pop-up shopping events this December. This curated list will help you find that special gift while supporting local businesses or vendors in a one-stop-shopping situation.

Bin Bin Sake Holiday Market

29 Norman Avenue, Brooklyn

Sunday, December 8 from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.

The first market this season is Bin Bin Sake’s third annual holiday market this Sunday, December 8. Holiday gifts, Japanese crafts, and delicious treats by local artists and vendors will be available for sale. There’s four six for’s jewelry, home goods like Wuhao’s tenugui and Towka’s candles, and art prints from illustrator Megan Troung, plus much more. For the foodies on your shopping list, there are some tasty gifts such as MiMAKi’s premium umeboshi sour pickled plums and fresh onigiri from HIBINO day by day.

For a full list of vendors, please see Bin Bin’s Instagram post here. In addition, there will be bottle engraving and Bin Bin merchandise, perfect for that sake lover in your life. As you shop, be sure to participate in the free sake tasting!

Niji Holiday Market

Japan Village – 934 3rd Avenue, Brooklyn (2nd floor)

Saturday, December 14 and Sunday, December 15 from Noon until 6:00 p.m.

Niji Japanese makers market is back at Japan Village for their holiday shopping event. Explore unique creations from more than 20 Japanese craft vendors for the ultimate gifts this season. Jewelry offerings range from Pucci Ropa’s handmade metal pieces to Rockin’ Wasabi’s origami jewelry and chocolateclayyy’s sculpted earrings. For home goods gifts, vendors such as HANATURAL will be selling handmade Japanese-inspired soaps along with pottery by some local potters like Namiko Kato and Hiroko Yokotagawa. Kawaii-style gifts will be available from HikariwoSagasu, Boy Oh Boy Co., and Tharaphy NY. For a full list of vendors, please see Niji’s Instagram post here.

A Night with the Makers: Holiday Edition

The Makers Guild – 51 35th Street, Brooklyn (2nd floor)

Saturday, December 7, Saturday, December 14, and Saturday, December 21 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.

The Makers Guild is hosting a holiday shopping series every Saturday until Christmas. It’s not just shopping; it’s an experience with live music, complimentary drinks, tastings, gift guides, and other activities. Of the participating shops, four of them are Japanese women-owned businesses that you need to be sure to check out:

Logo and right photo from n+a; bottom right photo by Jen Green

n+a jewelry was established in 2007 by Japanese sisters Noriko and Akiko Sugawara from Yokohama, Japan. Pulling inspiration from both the city and nature, while combining it their unique perspectives and Japanese sensibilities, the sisters create original and timeless designs.

Logo and left photo from Tadaima; right photo by Jen Green

Tadiama bakery has been a staple at The Makers Guild with a fan following and long lines for their delicious baked goods and intricate, beautifully garnished beverages. But it’s more than a bakery; it’s a quaint Japanese gift shop, too. With items like candles, stationery, and home décor that owner, Ayaka Ando, sources on her trips back home to Japan, you can pick up a gift for someone while you treat yourself to one of those coveted Tadiama pastries.

On December 14 Tadiama is hosting a fine coffee pop-up featuring 95RPM Coffee Roaster, serving hand-brewed coffee from this Brooklyn based micro-roaster.

IPPIN PROJECT is collective of Japanese artisans’ products that are handcrafted using traditional Japanese techniques to create high quality designs. The products they carry are not mass-produced in Japan; they are made from limited materials by skilled artisans. IPPIN PROJECT also produces custom-made furniture using traditional Japanese materials with a contemporary twist. From pottery to kitchenware and home decor to jewelry, IPPIN PROJECT offers many options for the ultimate gift.

KAJIHA’s owner Sonoko Kaneko uses natural resources to create botanical arrangements, objects, preserves, and natural-scent products in her Brooklyn studio, which is connected to IPPIN PROJECT.

Outside the hours of A Night with the Makers, KAJIHA also offers workshops where you can create your own unique gift. Spots are limited as the workshops are done in small groups for one-on-one attention with the instructor. Please check out the schedule here and consider giving a gift you’ve made yourself.

TEN TEN NYC Presents: Kawaii Holiday

Ideal Glass Studios – 9 West 8th Street, New York

Saturday, December 14 and Sunday, December 15
Ticketed time slots: December 14 at 1:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.; December 15 at 10:00 a.m.

TEN TEN NYC is hosting THE kawaii event of the holiday season in NYC, and it’s so much more than a holiday market. Join them for a two-day celebration of Japanese “kawaii” culture that includes music, art, performance, workshops, and a market of local vendors. Immersive installations by local artists offer the perfect backdrop while the kawaii fashion challenge is a great chance to show off your festive kawaii holiday looks.

Sebastian Masuda, Godfather of Kawaii, is hosting a workshop on Saturday, December 14 as well as bringing items from his iconic Harajuku shop 6%DOKIDOKI for their first NYC pop-up! Saturday’s workshop is your chance to make a custom 12-inch teddy bear with decora materials provided by Sebastian Masuda Studio Tokyo. Tickets to this limited-seat experience also include VIP perks such as a lecture by Masuda and a photoshoot opportunity.

Other artists and designers participating in the market are Breanna Watson with various accessories featuring her illustrations, Harrison Scott with his iconic bags, Shampooty with one-of-a-kind collectibles that evoke childhood nostalgia in a cheeky way, and many more!

Come out to this Kawaii Holiday Wonderland to get festively creative, have fun, and get some shopping done.

But Wait, There’s More . . .

In addition to these holiday markets, here are two more opportunities to secure a Japanese gift this season at these month-long shopping events:

YAMMA Holiday POP UP

CIBONE 50 Norman Avenue, Brooklyn

Now through Sunday, January 5, 2025

Every day from 11:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. (Closed every third Tuesday)

Curated by YAMMA brand director Nana Yamasaki and hosted at CIBONE in Greenpoint, this holiday pop-up features brands Yammakko, HARAPPA, Yammaman. Known for genderless and timeless pieces made from traditional Japanese cotton Aizu Momen, YAMMA brand’s styles boast clean lines and colorful combinations. Aizu Momen is durable cotton made by using a traditional craft techniques that have been preserved in old Aizu region in Fukushima Prefecture.

Niji Japanese Seasonal Shop

Tangram Flushing 133-33 39th Avenue, Flushing

Saturdays and Sundays in December from Noon until 6:00 p.m.

A second Niji market is set up all month long at Tangram in Flushing, Queens. Items range from fresh fruit from Japan to accessories, pottery, soaps, stickers, and more! HANATURAL will also sell their handmade Japanese-inspired soaps here. Bun’s Blooms brings her joyous art to stickers and keychains.

Heartfish Press is selling festive wreaths and hosting a workshop on Sunday, December 22. Here is another opportunity to create a thoughtful handmade gift that the recipient will cherish. For more details and to register in advance, please check out Niji’s website.

Susan McCormac 11/12/24 Susan McCormac 11/12/24

Conference to Examine Leadership transitions in U.S. and Japan

Elections Aftermath: Exploring Opportunities and Challenges in U.S.-Japan Relations

Monday, November 18 from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

Joseph D. Jamail Lecture Hall, Pulitzer Hall, Columbia Journalism School – 2950 Broadway

Admission: Free

In a world marked by growing political volatility and escalating U.S.-China rivalry, the United States and Japan face a crucial opportunity to collaborate under new leadership to maintain and strengthen peace and stability in East Asia and beyond. Co-sponsored by Columbia University and Keio University, this full-day conference will convene top experts on East Asian and global politics to explore the challenges and opportunities arising from leadership transitions in both Tokyo and Washington and discuss how the two allies can shape the security and political dynamics of the Korean Peninsula, in Southeast Asia, across the Taiwan Strait, and the International Order.

The speakers will examine how the U.S.-Japan partnership can navigate these complexities and shape a cooperative future in an increasingly intricate global landscape.

This event is hosted by the Weatherhead East Asian Institute and co-sponsored by China and the World Program, Columbia Journalism School, Keio Center for Strategy, and Keio Institute of East Asian Studies.

For non-Columbia affiliates, registration is required to access the Morningside campus. Registering here will generate an email with a QR code which must be presented along with a government-issued ID (your name must match exactly the name registered for the event) at either 116 Street & Broadway or 116 Street & Amsterdam gates for entry. Please register by Friday, November 15 at 4:00 p.m. for campus access.

Agenda

9:00-9:10 a.m. Welcome Remarks

Duy Linh Nguyen Tu, Dean of Academic Affairs and Professor of Professional Practice, Columbia University
Lien-Hang Nguyen, Director, Weatherhead East Asian Institute, Columbia University
Yuichi Hosoya, Director, Keio Center for Strategy, Keio University

9:10-9:20 a.m. Opening Videos

9:20-10:40 a.m. Session 1 U.S.-Japan-South Korea Relations after the Elections

Junya Nishino, Professor of Political Science, Faculty of Law and Politics, Keio University
Ambassador Kathleen Stephens, Global Senior Advisor, McLarty Associates
Scott Snyder, President & CEO, Korea Economic Institute of America
Carol Gluck, George Sansom Professor Emerita of History, Columbia University
Gerald Curtis, Burgess Professor Emeritus of Political Science, Columbia University (moderator)

10:50-12:10 p.m. Session 2 Japan and the U.S. in Southeast Asia after the Elections

Ambassador Derek Mitchell, Senior Advisor, Center for Strategic and International Studies
Ambassador Masafumi Ishii, Special Adjunct Professor, Faculty of Law, Gakushuin University
Ken Jimbo, Managing Director, International House of Japan; Professor, Faculty of Policy Management, Keio University
Lien-Hang Nguyen, Dorothy Borg Associate Professor of the History of American-East Asian Relations, Columbia University
Ann Marie Murphy, Professor, School of Diplomacy and International Relations, Seton Hall University (moderator)

12:10-1:00 p.m. Lunch Break

1:00-2:20 p.m. Session 3 China, Taiwan, and the U.S.-Japan Alliance after the Elections

Andrew J. Nathan, Class of 1919 Professor of Political Science, Columbia University
Thomas Christensen, James T. Shotwell Professor of International Relations, Columbia University
Satoru Mori, Professor, Faculty of Law, Keio University
Ayumi Teraoka, Postdoctoral Research Scholar and Lecturer, Columbia University
George Miller, Associate Dean, Academic Affairs and Adjunct Professor, Columbia’s Journalism School (moderator)

2:30-3:50 p.m. Session 4 Global Politics and International Order after the Elections

Yuichi Hosoya, Professor, Faculty of Law, Keio University
Michito Tsuruoka, Associate Professor, Faculty of Policy Management, Keio University
Stephen Biddle, Professor of International and Public Affairs, Columbia University
Zongyuan Zoe Liu, Maurice R. Greenberg Senior Fellow for China Studies, Council on Foreign Relations
Merit Janow, Professor of Practice in International Economic Law and International Affairs, Columbia University (moderator)

3:50-4:00 p.m. Closing Remarks

Conference Adjourn

Click here for a full list of speaker bios.

Susan McCormac 10/3/24 Susan McCormac 10/3/24

ALL-DAY JAPANESE CULTURAL FESTIVAL

FUN FEST JAPAN

Sunday, October 6 from noon until 4:00 p.m.

Corlears Hook Park – 479 Cherry Street

Admission: Free

Presented by The Japanese Folk Dance Institute of New York (JFDINY), FUN FEST JAPAN celebrates Japan and New York with an all-day Japanese cultural festival, featuring traditional performing arts and cultural activities for the entire family. Head to Corlears Hook Park in the Lower East Side to enjoy performances by JFDINY’s own Minbuza (Japanese Folk Dance), Samurai Sword Soul (Traditional Sword Fighting), and Taiko Masala (Taiko Drumming). In the activities area, experienced teachers will lead children in a variety of engaging Japanese arts and crafts such as origami, calligraphy, kendama, and kimono dressing. The finale of the day will be the Bon Odori, a traditional Japanese summer event where everyone joins in and dances together!

For more information about FUN FEST JAPAN and The Japanese Folk Dance Institute of New York, please visit their website and follow them on Instagram and Facebook.

FUN FEST JAPAN is made possible in part with funds from Creative Engagement, a regrant program supported by The New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by Lower Manhattan Cultural Council. Private support is provided by City Parks Foundation and Partnerships for Parks through the NYC Green Fund.

Culmination Performance of Dance and Poetry of Japan Workshop

About the Dance and Poetry Workshop

Sachiyo Ito’s Memoir on JapanCulture-NYC.com

Expo 2025 Talk #3: A Conversation with Cross-Cultural Consultant Yvonne Burton

Previous Sessions

Prepare and Register

JCCI & JAA Young Professionals Networking and Baseball Watch Party

About the Event

Admission

Expo 2025 Talk: A Conversation with Cross-Cultural Consultant Yvonne Burton – Part 2

What to See

Register in advance

A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Community

Japanese and Japanese American Community Night

Pregame Activities

Live from Osaka: A Conversation with Cross-Cultural Consultant Yvonne Burton on Expo 2025

Japan Parade

Highlights

STREET FAIR

ABOUT JAPAN DAY

Columbia Japanese Students Association Matsuri 2025

Cultural Performances

Culinary Journey

Games and Activities

Food Vendors

Cultural and Community Vendors

Performance sCHEDULE

About Tak Furumoto

On-Air Schedule

Martial Arts Day

Schedule of Demonstrations

Empowering Women in STEM: U.S. and Japan Perspectives

About the Speakers

Kokoro Gathering – Japanese Principles of Intentional Living

Four Transformative Workshops

Meet the Experts

About the Organizer

Author Talk & Signing: Meet Real-Life Biri Gal Sayaka Kobayashi

About Sayaka Kobayashi

About the Book

Autographs and Book Sales

Reflections on the Founding of the International House of Japan: Insights from Rockefeller & Matsumoto for the Future

Speakers

Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution

About Fred Korematsu

Establishing Fred T. Korematsu Day

Fred T. Korematsu Day in New York City

The Place for All Things Japanese in New York City

What is the Directory?

What kinds of businesses benefit from being listed in the Directory?

How Will Being Listed in the Directory Help Me?

How Much Does It Cost?

How Can I List My Business in the Directory?

Bin Bin Sake Holiday Market

Niji Holiday Market

A Night with the Makers: Holiday Edition

TEN TEN NYC Presents: Kawaii Holiday

But Wait, There’s More . . .

YAMMA Holiday POP UP

Niji Japanese Seasonal Shop

Elections Aftermath: Exploring Opportunities and Challenges in U.S.-Japan Relations

Agenda

FUN FEST JAPAN

LEARN MORE