Japan Society Boston

This month, we invite you to read about Kakuzo Okakura, a highly influential scholar whose work focused on the research and preservation of Japanese and Asian art, through roles such as director of the Chinese and Japanese Art Department at the Museum of Fine Arts Boston

Famous in Japan is our blog series where you can learn about individuals from around the world who are famous in Japan, both past and present. Find the full article here: loom.ly/FgkLZHs

NORMAN H. TOLMAN July 12, 1936 – January 15, 2025 metropolisjapan.com/celebrating-th…

We are saddened to hear of the passing of art dealer, Norman Tolman, who was a prominent figure in contemporary Japanese graphic art. The Japan Society of Boston wishes to thank him for his kind support over the years, and offer condolences to those who knew and treasured him.

The Santera Mairi (Three Temple Visit) Festival takes place every year on January 15th in Hida Furukawa, Gifu. Warosoku (Japanese candles) and lanterns light the town creating a beautiful scene. Special thanks to former JSB staff.

Please check out our webpage for details. japansocietyboston.org/private-events

Interested in incorporating authentic Japanese culture into your next event? We offer a variety of hands on workshops throughout greater Boston to suit any age range or group such as schools, companies, clubs, private gatherings and more.

Thank you to MIT Arts Scholars who had us for a wonderful suminagashi workshop today. Participants had a fun time learning about the traditional art of Japanese water marbling and had the chance to try it for themselves!

The Nakasendo Trail is the ancient route connecting Kyoto and Tokyo that runs along the Kiso Valley. The 2-3 hour walk from Magome to Tsumago is popular among hikers. The Ochiai Cobblestone Path still has cobblestones from the early Edo period. Special thanks to former JSB staff.

Registration is not required for this event, but tickets to the museum must be purchased for entry to the museum. However, Tickets are $1 on Sundays after 1pm, see more information on the discount on their website.

We will be doing readings at 1:30 and 2:30 pm on Sunday, January 26th. All museum guests, please gather at the Floor 3 Bridge in front of the Machiya Japanese House for bilingual storytime followed by a tour of the machiya to check out their new year's decorations!

JSB will be performing a traditional kamishibai, or paper theater storytelling, of the Japanese children's story "Buying Mittens" or「手袋を買いに」 (tebukuro wo kai ni) by Nankichi Niimi at the Boston Children's Museum. Contact joanneha@japansocietyboston.org for questions.

This interview is part of a partnership between JSB and the US JET Alumni Association in which JET alumni contribute short interviews about their experiences in Japan in each prefecture! #discoverjapan #japan #explorejapan #jet #jetprogramme #nonprofit

"Osaka is an incredible place to spend time- its vibrancy, fast pace, and food culture are renowned all over Japan. The Hanshin Tigers is a popular baseball team and watching a game at Koshien cannot be beat..."

#JSBMeetsAlumni Rachel Eio shares their story as a JET in #Osaka prefecture from 1997-1998! Read the full interview here: loom.ly/3pPJXso

We will start with a fun mini Japanese language lesson and then split members into small breakout rooms for casual conversation. Make a new friend or see some familiar faces and share about your wishes for 2025! We welcome you to enjoy food or drink during the event.

We would like to invite all JSB members to join us for our new year's gathering, or shinnenkai 新年会! In Japan, shinnenkai are parties held among friends or co-workers in January to celebrate the new year and wish each other good fortune. Register: loom.ly/0Fx4SvU

Check out our monthly newsletter for important updates, and more! January's edition can be found here: conta.cc/40btoHR

@ginza_itoya's flagship store is located in Tokyo. Look for the big red paper clip sign. They have two buildings and a total of 18 floors of stationery goods. It was founded in 1904, the same year as JSB! We are lucky to have three Topdrawer stores by Itoya in the Boston area.

Celebrate Japanese New Year, or “Oshogatsu” with the Japan America Society of Washington DC and make some of the special foods, known as “Osechi-ryori“. Details and registration: loom.ly/yyC8mS8