J.LIVE Talk 2024 (deadline on 9/24/2024)

J.LIVE (Japanese Learning Inspired Vision and Engagement) Talk was founded in 2015 as a college-level Japanese language presentation competition. It’s similar to a TED Talk where a presenter shares his/her vision using audio-visual materials and interacts with the audience. This …

Annual Tanabata Festival (7/10/2021)

Tanabata or the Star Festival is a Japanese festival on the July 7th, celebrating the meeting of Orihime and Hikoboshi (the stars Vega and Altair). According to the Chinese legend, the Milky Way separates these lovers, and they are allowed …

“Japan’s Cultural Code Words” by De Monte (2011)

De Mente (2011)’s book “Japan’s Cultural Code Words” presents one-page descriptions for various keywords to understand “the emotional and traditional side of Japanese attitudes and behavior.” The keywords cover both contemporary and historical cultural practices in Japan, including relatively well-known …

“Japanese Mind” by Davies and Ikeno (2011)

Davies and Ikeno (2011)’s book, “Japanese Mind,” presents a short introduction and discussion topics for each of the 28 topics that characterize Japaense society. The topics were originally selected by Japaense college students and their perspectives and understanding of these …

TV show on Japan: Prime Japan (Amazon Prime)

“Prime Japan” is a TV series by Jonathan Sherr who introduces different themes ranging from sushi, sake, Japanese sword and other traditional cultural elements, to design, fashion and other items of Japanese culture.

This show focuses on artistic visual presentation …