Category: Events

Japanese Embroidery Techniques and How They Came to the West

Anthony Shorrock

Calderstones Park, Liverpool, Sunday, 19th November 2023

“Japanese Embroidery Techniques and How They Came to the West”  a talk by Sandra MacFarlane with a demonstration of the 1600 year old embroidery techniques handed down by word of mouth only until the early 20th Century.

Date: Sunday 19th November 2023
Time: 1:45 – 3:30

£3.00 for members £5.00 for non-members, includes tea or coffee and biscuits

To attend please contact our events co-ordinator:

Nigel Cordon
events@jsnw.org.uk

Join us for a captivating afternoon as we delve into the rich tapestry of Japanese embroidery techniques and their voyage to the western shores. Through a lively and insightful talk by renowned embroidery artist Sandra MacFarlane, we will explore the meticulous artistry and profound cultural significance embodied in every stitch of Japanese embroidery.

Discover how the finesse and elegance of traditional Japanese embroidery have influenced and blended with Western textile arts, forming a beautiful fusion that celebrates the best of both worlds. From the vibrant threads of Nuido to the subtle elegance of Sashiko, traverse the thread trails that connect the East and West.

This is not merely a talk, but an experience—a chance to appreciate the delicate dance of needle and thread, and to understand how the art of embroidery transcends borders, binding cultures in a fabric of shared creativity.

The Old Café,
The Mansion House,
Calderstones Park,
Calderstones Rd,
Liverpool
L18 3JD

The End of August Bookcover

Book Signing – 17th October, 2023

Anthony Shorrock

Yu Miri and her translator Morgan Giles will be at Blackwell’s Bookshop, Manchester, on 17th October from 6:45 p.m. for the launch of THE END OF AUGUST – a ground-breaking, multi-generational novel about a Korean family living under Japanese occupation.

“The End of August” by Yu Miri is a profound multi-generational novel set against the backdrop of Japanese-occupied Korea. This epic narrative primarily delves into the themes of oppression both on individual and national scales. The book is often perceived as a commanding yet lengthy exploration of these themes, drawing parallels with the works of renowned authors like Tolstoy and certain aspects of “The Brothers Karamazov”​​.

Doors open at 6:30

Tickets are £3.00 or free when pre-ordering a copy of the book. THE END OF AUGUST will also be available to purchase on the night and Yu Miri and Morgan Giles will both be signing copies after the talk.

Click here to book

Blackwell’s Bookshop,
University Green,
146 Oxford Road,
Manchester,
M13 9GP

Movie Screening – 14th October, 2023

Anthony Shorrock
Kamikaze Girls

Join us at the Tim Parry Community Centre, Warrington, WA5 3NY on 14th October, 2pm – 3pm, and watch this movie with us

Tea, coffee and cakes are available for a small charge of £2.

“Kamikaze Girls” (originally titled “Shimotsuma Monogatari” in Japan) is a 2004 Japanese film based on the novel of the same name by Novala Takemoto. The film was directed by Tetsuya Nakashima.

The story revolves around two unlikely friends:

  1. Momoko Ryugasaki – A girl who is obsessed with the Rococo period and desires to live her life as a frilly-dressed ‘Lolita’. She wears elaborate and ornate clothing that’s reminiscent of European styles from the 18th century. Despite her delicate appearance, she has a tough and independent character. Her life revolves around her passion for the brand “Baby, The Stars Shine Bright.”
  2. Ichiko Shirayuri – A rough-and-tough Yanki (a type of Japanese delinquent) who is part of an all-girls biker gang. She is the complete opposite of Momoko in every sense, with her punk look and brash personality.

The story unfolds as their paths cross, and despite their stark differences, they form an unlikely bond. The film delves into themes of friendship, individualism, and the desire to find one’s place in the world. It’s a unique combination of comedy, drama, and a little bit of action.

The original Japanese title for “Kamikaze Girls” is “下妻物語”, which is read as “Shimotsuma Monogatari”. Here’s the breakdown:

  • 下妻 (Shimotsuma) refers to Shimotsuma City in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan.
  • 物語 (Monogatari) means “story” or “tale”.

So, “下妻物語” (Shimotsuma Monogatari) can be translated as “The Shimotsuma Story” or simply “Shimotsuma Tale”. The title was changed for Western audiences with the image of Kamikaze used to reflect the collision of the two girls different lives perhaps.

“Kamikaze Girls” was well-received for its quirky characters, vibrant visuals, and the way it showcased various subcultures within Japan. Watch the trailer – here!

Let us know you are coming

JSNW/ JET AA TATTON PARK Japanese Festival.

Nigel

Welcome to the TATTON PARK Matsuri; Celebrate with your hosts, JSNW and JET AA UK.
11 am to 4 pm on Sat 29th July.

*Entry to the Matsuri is free. Standard parking fees and entry fee to the Tatton Gardens Apply.

Tatton Park Japanese „Village Shrine“. Venue: – Tatton Park (Japanese Gardens), Knutsford WA16 6SG.

Activities include Koto Performances, Japanese Enka Singing, Tea Ceremony,
Japanese Food and Drink, Japanese Martial Arts, Iaidō, Calligraphy, Kimono Dressing, Arts and Crafts, …
… and Taiko Drumming by Tengu Taiko.

Art & craft stations for Kamishibai, tanzaku, calligraphy, origami, etc. Sushi by SushiCraft and Curry Buns by “Maki’s Curry Buns.”

This event is also supported by The Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation.

https://www.tattonpark.org.uk/events_at_tatton_park/event-listings/2023/july/japanese-summer-matsuri-festival.aspx

Tatton Park Japanese Garden Tea House.

POETRY IN MOTION: Kabuki Dance and the Onnagata.

Nigel

POETRY IN MOTION: Kabuki Dance and the Onnagata. This has been cancelled due to a Train Strike on Sat 26th August.
Venue: Unit 2, Chancery House, 98 Paradise Street, Liverpool, L1 3HJ.

For information please email: events@jsnw.org.uk.

Fuji Musume (The Wisteria Maiden, 藤娘) is one of the most popular dances for onnagata in the Kabuki repertoire. It features the spirit of the wisteria plant transformed into a beautiful maiden. Her dance describes various aspects of a young woman’s love affair.

A Kabuki presentation by Paul Griffith.
Paul will give a presentation about Kabuki dance and the onnagata female role specialist.
His talk will include DVD clips and copious illustrations of actor prints from his own and other collections.

Paul Griffith was formerly an associate professor at Saitama University (Education Faculty). He read for a D.Phil., degree at Oxford University in the field of Japanese theatre history.
He has been a translator and narrator for the Earphone Guide Co. Ltd. at the Kabukiza and the Tokyo National Theatre. He is also a translator and narrator for many Kabuki DVDs, and has written subtitles for Cinema Kabuki.

Previously, he worked in the Japanese department of the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, and continues to work as a volunteer for the British Museum’s online database of Kabuki actor prints.

This event is supported by The Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation.

JSNW EVENTS ..

A talk about JAPAN and the UK- and our Japan Society AGM.

JSNW Editor

Annual General Meeting.

For the JSNW to continue, we need you to vote in a new committee. Your Support is essential. Please come, and see how the Society is performing and have your say.
——– Saturday 3rd June @ 2:00 to 4:30 pm. ——–

This year we have a Talk by JSNW Chairman Samuel Rosen. The History of Anglo-Japanese Relations.

Free to Members.

Venue: Tim Parry Community Centre search for Cromdale Way Pre-School, Cromdale Way, Warrington WA5 3NY.

FOR CLARITY DO NOT GO TO the Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace, on Peace Dr, just off Cromwell Avenue. This is not the venue.

Send enquiries to Nigel at JSNW events: events@jsnw.org.uk .
We need to know how many members will be attending. So let us know.

A Piano Recital by Mariko Ishiyama

admin

Saturday 10th December @ 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm

Welcome to our next event, “A Piano Recital” with Mariko Ishiyama (piano), Midori Tramaseur (violin), and Natsumi McDonald (euphonium).

The programme will include among other pieces:

Mozart          – Violin Sonata F dur KV 376,

H. Bellstedt    – Napoli,

Michio Miyagi – Haru no Umi (Spring Sea), (… originally performed on koto and shakuhachi);

Japanese Shoka, (children’s songs put to music).

Instruments: Violin, Baritone horn and Piano.

Midori is a violinist in the BBC philharmonic orchestra and Natsumi is a euphonium player. Both are Japanese and both graduated from RNCM (Royal Northern College of Music).

Mariko Ishiyama
Midori Tramaseur
Natsumi McDonald