kaiWA language exchange

会WA for July 2010: Thu 1, 15, 29

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.

Japanese Dance

Are you interested in Japanese culture? Ever seen the dances of Maikos, Geishas and Samurai on TV (or YouTube)? If you feel intrigued by the dance of Zhang Zi Yi as Sayuri in Memoirs of a Geisha, there is news for you!

Reitoku-Kai school of Nihon Buyo is looking for everyone interested in Japanese Dance. We teach traditional dance (the kind Geishas do as well as male dances relating to Samurai) and folk dance (as seen in street festivals). We welcome people of all ages, both male and female to join us! All that is required is an enthusiasm in learning the art!

Date: 5th June 2010 (Saturday)
Venue: Murdoch University Drama Workshop
Time: 1hr (Morning or Afternoon)
Fee: $50 (excluding rentals)

PLACES ARE STRICTLY LIMITED TO 8 PER CLASS. This is to ensure that all participants get a good amount of attention from the instructor. For all enquiries, please contact Kailin at 0433 177 644 or kailin98@hotmail.com (preferred).

About the Instructor – Naya Reitoku (Suiko Reitoku) has been dancing Nihon Buyo since 1988. In 1994 he was under the tutelage of Ms Hanayagi Momonosato (President of Reisen-Kai) and was awarded the title of Shihan (Master) by the Reisen-Kai school. This is a rare opportunity to be able to learn traditional Japanese dance under an instructor fluent in both Japanese and English language. Reitoku-Kai school is a member of International Organization of Folk Art (IOV), so there will be opportunities for international performances.

Drum-Tao 2010

For those familiar with the universal, primal energy of taiko drumming, you will be pleased to hear that Drum-Tao is back in town (including performances in Mandurah and Bunbury):

SPECIAL NOTE: There is a $10 discount across A and B Reserve for the next 72 hours from today (10 May 2010) when you book with BOCS – see details below.

Following the highly successful and critically acclaimed sell out world tours, and again a No. 1 box-office smash hit of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Japan’s most celebrated and elite company of martial art drummers, Drum-Tao, return to Australia commencing their national tour from Perth with their awe-inspiring and innovative production at the Perth Concert Hall for five performances only from June 22 to 26 inclusive with ‘The Samurai of the Drum’.

Seen by over 3 million worldwide, the incomparable quality and pure unadulterated power and spectacle of their work perfectly blends the ancient traditions of Taiko Drumming with the innovative and flawlessly choreographed production values of contemporary Japanese excellence.

The 16 young drummers beat their huge drums with outstanding precision, vehemence and persistency on their Wadaiko-Drums, which have a circumference of up to 1.70 metres and weighs about 400 kilograms.

The artists sculpt their artistic bodies and express their music with their whole being as they play – the precision and the power of the performance is heightened by their infectious smiles, enthusiasm and burning passion shining in their eyes.

Explosive percussion and timeless rituals are complimented perfectly in this Japanese spectacular featuring unrivalled drumming, martial arts mastery, and with the incorporation of the softer tones of the Japanese flute and horizontal harp the true brilliance of this show is the ability of the performers to balance the thunderous drumming with moments of delicacy and playfulness that create an unforgettable performance.

Tickets are on sale through BOCS (9484 1133; groups on 9321 6831). For the Mandurah & Bunbury shows: Mandurah Performing Arts Centre – June 19 – 9550 3900; Bunbury Entertainment Centre – June 27 – 1 300 661 272.

GATE: Atomic Flame

On Tuesday April 20 2010 (in English) and Wednesday April 21 2010 (in Japanese), St David’s Church Hall at 54 Simpson Street Ardross is the venue for the screening of GATE: Atomic Flame, a documentary produced by the Global Nuclear Disarmament Fund.

In the shadow of the ominous Doomsday Clock, Japanese Zen monks reveal the 60-year-long journey to intervene in the self-destructive fate of humanity set in motion by the Atomic Bomb.

Having just 25 days to retrace the path of the Atomic Bomb, on foot, over mountains and across deserts from San Francisco to Trinity, the monks set out on what will become the final leg of a journey. With the fate of the world hanging in the balance, and with the support of people from all walks of life, religions and nationalities, the monks must convince the United States government to open the gate to the Trinity Site for the first time in 60 years.

Doors open at 6:30 on both nights, with screening to start at 7pm. A small note donation is suggested, with all proceeds going to nuclear disarmament. Feel free to bring soft drinks and cushions.

Details are on this flyer.

Enquiries are to gateperth@gmail.com or 0411 725 135.

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.