Japan's National Theatre Presents Bunraku

Images by night.sky.creative

On Saturday, October 12, Japan-America Society of Houston in partnership with Japan Society celebrated a historic evening of Japanese art and artistry at The George Theatre.

As an organization dedicated to promoting in Texas meaningful lasting understanding between Japan and America, it gave JASH great pleasure to be a part of the National Theatre’s first bunraku theater production presented in the U.S.

Founded in Osaka in the beginning of the 17th century, ningyo joruri bunraku is one the representative forms for Japanese performing arts integrating the globally influential three-person puppet manipulation technique with tayu narration and live shamisen music.

The dramatic storytelling artform is recognized as a UNESCO “masterpiece of the oral and intangible heritage of humanity.”

In bunraku’s Texas debut, attendees were treated to an evening filled with beauty and heartbreak through scenes from two select masterpieces of classic bunraku repertoire:

Oshichi, the Greengrocer’s Daughter, co-written by Sensuke Suga and Wakichi Matsuda in 1773, drew inspiration from an actual incident in 1683, in which a girl who fell in love with a temple page committed arson to see him again and was sentenced to death.

The Love Suicides at Sonezaki, premiered at the Takemotoza Theater in Osaka in 1703. It was written by Chikamatsu Monzaemon (1653–1725), who is regarded as one of Japan’s greatest dramatists. Gaining significant, if morbid fame for the increase of double suicides amongst lovers in Japan in the 1700s, this piece established a new genre of plays, called sewa-mono, depicting the contemporary life of commoners, in contrast to the pre-existing jidai-mono genre that recounts historical stories. For the U.S. tour of this piece, the National Theatre paired the performance with background scenography by Kazuo Oga, art director for many classic Studio Ghibli anime such as My Neighbor Totoro and Princess Mononoke.

“We hope that you are fascinated by Japanese culture through today’s experience and motivated to visit Japan, and that you will appreciate the entire scope of the art of bunraku in its home country.”

-Mariko Hasegawa, President, Japan Arts Council

The Houston performance concluded a five (5) city North America tour with a full house and a post-performance meet-and-greet.

We are honored to have been able to share this art with our community.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this special performance.

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The U.S. tour of National Bunraku Theater is produced by Japan Society under partnership with Japan Arts Council, which is supported, in part, by Japan Cultural Expo 2.0, All Nippon Airways Co., Ltd., Kikkoman Corporation and Suntory Holdings Limited. The program is also supported by the John and Miyoko Davey Foundation and Takenaka Corporation.

This performance of National Bunraku Theater is funded in part by the City of Houston through Houston Arts Alliance.

Support was also provided by Miwa Sakashita and Dr. John Stroehlein, Akemi and Yasuhiko Saitoh, and Nanako and Dale Tingleaf.

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This program is part of Houston’s celebration of the U.S.-Japan Tourism Year 2024.

Youth Ambassador Program at the USA Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka

Sister Cities International has been selected by the U.S. Department of State for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity - to recruit young Americans (ages 19-27) to work at the USA Pavilion at the 2025 Osaka World Expo in Japan next year for three or six months. 

The Department of State Youth Ambassador, or Student Ambassador, program is a long-standing U.S Government exchange program which began in the 1950’s.  For decades, young Americans have served as docents or guides for USA Pavilions at International Expositions or World’s Fairs.  The opportunity to engage with millions of visitors of all ages and backgrounds throughout the six-month Expo is a once in a lifetime experience.  Serving as the “Faces of America” is an important role at a World’s Fair as many of the visitors may have never met face-to-face with an American before.

Youth Ambassadors have embarked on internships and careers in foreign policy with various U.S. Government agencies, including the State Department, USAID, the Department of Agriculture and others, as well as careers in international business, event management,  and entrepreneurship.  Youth Ambassadors are considered U.S. government exchange alumni and become part of a 1 million+ community of exchange alumni with opportunities for continued grants and other programs.

All travel, accommodations, and insurance are fully covered, and participants will receive a monthly stipend. Japanese language ability is preferred, but not required. The application deadline is TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2024 at 11:59pm ET.

Please see below additional information and how to apply:

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Application Requirements:

• Young adults ages 19-27, who want to represent the U.S.;

• Ideally multilingual in English and one of the following languages: Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, Cantonese, Korean, Vietnamese, or Portuguese;

• Contact information of two (2) references;

• A current resume or CV;

• An official or unofficial transcript of your current or most recently completed degree;

• Any supporting documents to support language abilities; and

• A "one-way interview" video submission of yourself (max. 3 minutes)

Youth Ambassadors will be divided into three cohorts:

• Full-Term of the Expo: March 26, 2025 – October 15, 2025*

• Spring 2025: March 26, 2025 – July 23, 2025*

• Fall 2025: July 12, 2025 – October 15, 2025*

*All YAs will meet for a multi-day, in-person orientation March 22 – 26, 2025 in Fort Worth, Texas.

Houston Chronicle Highlights Houston's Own 'Shōgun' Director, Emmanuel Osei-Kuffour

On Thursday, July 11, the Houston Chronicle highlighted Houstonian film maker and hit FX series Shōgun director, Emmanuel Osei-Kuffour, Jr. Born in Houston to Ghanaian parents and raised in the city's southwest area, Osei-Kuffour’s experiences as a first-generation African-American and his love for Japanese language and culture lead him to directing one of the best Shōgun episodes to be aired, episode 8: "The Abyss of Life.”

Emmanuel Osei-Kuffour, Jr.'s journey from Houston to the hit FX series Shōgun took him to Stanford University, Kyoto, Singapore, and back to Japan. What started as a passion for al. things Nintendo ultimately landed him a spot directing a show about a country and culture he has grown to love.

On Sunday July 14, Osei-Kuffour shared some of that love when he showed and discussed the Shōgun episode he helmed, "The Abyss of Life," at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. The episode is among the best of the series (which was conceived as a limited series but has now been renewed), a taut, suspenseful mini-drama of gamesmanship and tested loyalties with massive repercussions for the story as a whole.

I always felt a little out of place because I was never African enough, but I also didn't have as much exposure to Black American culture growing up because of the fact that my mom and dad were immigrants. So these stories about feeling like an outsider, feeling this disconnect, were very powerful to me. That's all they talk about in Japanese film, but they tell these stories in really emotionally impactful ways."

-Emmanuel Osei-Kuffour

"The Abyss of Life" is an intricate episode that allows Osei-Kuffour to show his chops with intimate scenes fraught with political and personal subtext. In the key scene, Lord Toranaga (Hiroyuki Sanada) appears to be giving in to his rivals on the Council of Regents and ceding his authority, a decision that dismays his allies, particularly his oldest friend and general, Hiromatsu (Tokuma Nishioka). As the two men face off in a room full of allies, Hiromatsu, unsure if Toranaga's capitulation is merely a ruse, threatens to commit seppuku, or ritual suicide by disembowelment.

The moment builds, thick with a tense ambiguity that infuses the entire episode. "That tension was very intentional," Osei-Kuffour says. "I really wanted everybody, from scene to scene, to really lean into every pause, every action, every decision that Toranaga makes. In many ways, the audience is the samurai clan. We're being manipulated the same way the clan is being manipulated."

Osei-Kuffour's time in Japan taught him to live in a state of heightened observation, spotting potential stories and miniature dramas everywhere he looked. It's a land that contains multitudes of culture and personality, much of it just beneath the surface. In this sense, it reminds him of his native city, where he still owns a home (near Trill Burger, which he frequents whenever he's in town).

Click the button below to read the full article written by Chris Vognar:

JASH Joins Forces with HISD to Prepare Students for the NES DYAD Travel Program

The 2023-2024 academic year saw JASH forge a partnership with Houston Independent School District (HISD) to prepare 8th grade students from six (6) New Education System (NES) schools — Fleming, Forest Brook, Henry, Key, McReynolds, and Sugar Grove Middle Schools — for a special trip to Japan courtesy of the HISD DYAD Travel Program.

Through custom curriculum implemented over six (6) modules, JASH together with HISD’s Nutrition Services Department provided students with an introduction to Japanese history, culture, customs, foods, and etiquette. In the weeks leading up to their trip, students folded origami, tried Japanese calligraphy, mastered chopstick use, and made their own onigiri.

The exposure events culminated in a field trip to 99 Ranch Asian market, where the students completed a scavenger hunt to collect ingredients for a traditional Japanese dish, followed by lunch at restaurant Yokushi Robata. The menu consisted of seaweed salad to start, followed by takoyaki (fried octopus), ramen, and okonomiyaki.

JASH was on hand to provide coaching and explanations as the students ate. HISD Superintendent Mike Miles also joined the lunch and shared with the students his own experiences growing up half-Japanese in America. Superintendent Miles was eager to hear what the students had already leanred about Japanese culture, and he even quizzed some students on Japanese language as they ate.

“This is part of the NES program, but more than that, it’s part of kids learning to grow a broader perspective, not just culturally, but on how things work in the world.”

-Mike Miles, HISD Superintendent

JASH Executive Director Patsy Brown shared a like perspective noting how cross-cultural understanding broadens horizons.

“When you’re able to experience a culture firsthand, it opens your eyes to potentials you might not be able to see if you’re just studying about a culture in classroom.”

-Patsy Brown, JASH Executive Director

In the end, the DYAD Travel Program sent 172 eighth grade students to Japan in six separate groups, the final of which returned stateside on June 3. 

It was truly a rewarding experience for JASH to work with the students of Fleming, Forest Brook, Henry, Key, McReynolds, and Sugar Grove Middle Schools. Special thanks are owed to Daikin Comfort Technologies for donating luggage tags for the students, to Daido for providing the ingredients for onigiri exposure lesson, and to Miwa Sakashita for supplying all participants with their very own set of chopsticks.

We look forward to continuing to provide HISD students with opportunities to engage with Japanese culture.

Table For Two Recognizes JASH's #EdamameChamp Chopstick Challenge

JASH has been named an #EdamameChamp 2024 SOY Photo Challenge Winner!

The winning photo, whcih was taken on May 11, features JASH volunteers ready to welcome attendees to Fort Bend County Libraries’ Multicultural Festival.

At the event, Team JASH encouraged participants to test their chopsticks skills in the 2024 #EdamameChamp Chopsticks Challenge.

The annual #EdamameChamp campaign made possible by TABLE FOR TWO is designed to promote healthy eating by sharing the benefits of soy and healthy eating.

Soy sauce adds umami to nutrient-rich foods like fish and vegetables. Natto helps promote healthy skin, GI system, heart, immune system, and more. Miso is a SUPER fermented food made from koji that supports a healthy gut and blood pressure control. Tofu comes in as one of the most versatile plant proteins that can be transformed with flavors from all regions of the world. Edamame, a baby (immature) soybean, is the classic inspiration for [the] campaign as a brightgreen, delicious, protein-rich food for all occasions.

-TABLE FOR TWO

Specil thanks go to TABLE FOR TWO and to our many community and Clements H.S. volunteers who helped visitors master chopstick use!

Visit the TABLE FOR TWO’s Facebook page by clicking the button below to view the other winners as they are announced.

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About #EdamameChamp:

#EDAMAMECHAMP is an annual spring campaign hosted by TABLE FOR TWO to promote healthy eathing through Japanese cuisine focusing on soy and to raise funds for teaching healthy eating to more children. One (1) participant or one (1) photo posted = food education for one (1) child.

About TABLE FOR TWO:

TABLE FOR TWO USA (TFT) is a 501(C)(3) organization that rights this global food imbalance through a unique meal-sharing program. TFT partners with corporations, restaurants, schools and other food establishments to serve healthy TFT- branded meals. For each one of these healthy meals served, $0.25 is donated to provide one school meal for a child in need.

On one side people are eating healthier meals, and on the other children in East Africa and low income neighborhoods in the US are receiving healthy school meals. It is in this way that TFT has served healthy meals to both sides of the "table" and helped to right the global food imbalance.

The TABLE FOR TWO initiative was initiated by and is an official affiliate of the World Economic Forum's Young Global Leaders. As a non-profit organization which started in Japan and is expanding globally, TABLE FOR TWO USA has started the unique programs, Onigiri Action, Edamame Champ and Wa-Shokuiku -Learn. Cook. Eat Japanese!- featuring Japanese food culture to tackle critical health issues.

The Gondo Family Legacy: From Tokyo Gardens to H-E-B

On Wednesday, June 5, the Houston Chronicle published an article highlighting the connection between Houston’s first Japanese restaurant and sushi bar, Tokyo Gardens, and H-E-B’s beloved sushi provider, Sushiya. As it happens, those ties also connect to JASH through our very own Board Member, Glen Gondo and his family.

In 1966, Glen’s parents Eugene and Hisako Gondo opened the doors of Tokyo Gardens as well as the hearts and minds of Houstonians. Known for live performances, a wooden hashi bridge and giant koi pond, Tokyo Gardens was Houston’s gateway to the food and culture of Japan.

Following the restaurant’s closing in 1998, the Gondos continued to provide top-quality sushi to their Houston clientele before striking a deal with H-E-B to sell their sushi in stores starting in 2002. For more than a decade, this relationship has grown to include nearly 300 H-E-B stores with delicious, top-quality sushi.

Currently under third-generation management, Robert Gondo now leads the company to fill the hearts, and stomachs, of Houston with the flavors of Japan.

Click the button below to read the full article written by Food Reporter Erica Cheng:

20th Annual All-USA High School Japanese Speech Contest

On May 26th, ten (10) students from across the United States gathered virtually to compete in the 20th Annual All-USA High School Japanese Speech Contest. Representing Texas were the 1st and 2nd place winners of the 2024 Texas State Japanese Language Speech Contest Aurora Division, Lauren Tippin and Ian Barker.

This annual contest, hosted by Japanese Language Scholarship Foundation (JLSF), in conjunction with the Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles and the American Association of Teachers of Japanese (AATJ), provides opportunities for high school students studying the Japanese language in the United States (whose native language is not Japanese) to make presentations in Japanese and to inspire others to improve their proficiency in Japanese. It is also hoped that the contest will encourage students to further their understanding of Japan, its people, and its culture.

Participants in the contest were selected from among recommendations submitted by organizers of regional contests held throughout the country. The winner of the national contest will have the honor of representing the United States in the “Overseas Students’ Japanese Speech Award (JSA) Contest.”

We at JASH celebrate Tippin-san and Barker-san for their stellar performances and wish them all the best as they continue their Japanese language learning journeys.

Congratulations Tippin-san and Barker-san!

JASH Invited to Share AAPI Insights With Cadets

In celebration of AAPI Heritage Month, JASH visited the Houston Police Academy and spoke to Cadet Class 264.

In addition to providing an introduction to Japanese culture, JASH shared tools and tips on how the Houston Police Department (HPD) can better serve the Japanese and greater AAPI communities.

Special thanks go to our friends at Ramen Tatsu-ya and Oyatsu Aoi who helped us make sure the cadets were engaged.  Two lucky cadets walked away with gift certificates to put towards Ramen Tatsu-Ya’s summer favorite “The Spicy Chilled” and two more cadets scored a wagashi sampler pack from Oyatsu Aoi.

JASH is also grateful to Officer Loc Tram with the HPD Office of Community Affairs for his service to our community and his work promoting cross cultural understanding.

JASH Honored by Fort Bend Country Judge KP George at AANHPI Celebration

On Friday, May 24, 2024, JASH Executive Director Patsy Brown accepted an official Proclamation from Fort Bend County Judge KP George in honor of the Japan-America Society of Houston’s commitment to sharing Japanese culture in and around the Houston-area.

The ceremony took place during the Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Celebration at the Fort Bend County Justice Center. Over 30 organizations and individuals were honored at the event.

This recognition is a reflection of the hard work of all our volunteers who make it possible to provide the Greater Houston community with dynamic experiences that pave the way for new understanding and new ideas.

Click the button below to view a recording of the event.

Houston Competitor Named Champ of Creativity at #EdamameChamp Final Championship 2024

On Sunday, May 19th, TABLE FOR TWO USA hosted the virtual #EdamameChamp Chopsticks Final Championship 2024.

Beginner and Expert level chopsticks champions from across the U.S. competed for the #EdamameChamp Champion Belt and bragging rights.

One of JASH’s recommended #EdamameChamp challengers, Jennifer C., earned the top award in the Creative Category during the contest.

We at JASH extend our congratulations to Jennifer-san for her cute and clever masterpiece.

Congratulations to all of the contestants and we look forward to having more Houstonians compete next year!

2024 Spring Japanese Garden Cleanup

On Saturday, May 18, JASH hosted the Annual Spring Japanese Garden Cleanup in Hermann Park.

Under the guidance of the Hermann Park Conservancy (HPC), 69 volunteers gathered in the Garden to assist in clearing debris and tidying up the grounds following Thursday’s severe weather.

In recognition of their dedication, volunteers were also entered into a drawing for a gift card from Houston’s ramen “soul-food” specialists, Ramen Tatsu-ya.

Congratulations to our winners, Midori M., Chief Administrator of Chado Urasenke Tankokai Houston Association and Jaqueline T. from Boy Scouts of America!

Here’s hoping you both

お疲れ様 (Otsukaresama) to everyone who gave of their time and effort to ensure the Japanese Garden is looking its best in preparation for the summer and upcoming Japan Festival Houston 2024!

Photos courtesy of Ikuyo Katayama

Lighthouse Presents Online Japanese College Fair Spring 2024

Graphic courtesy of Lighthouse

The Spring 2024 Online Japanese College Fair presented by Lighthouse will take place May 21-23, 2024.

Many Japanese universities welcome all students who are currently studying outside of Japan. They offer incentives such as entrance exams taken outside of Japan, English-only enrollment, scholarships, Fall Entrance, exchange programs with top universities in the world, and transferring systems from colleges.

During the Online Japanese College Fair, learn about each participating university’s designated program for international students and the latest information for those who are interested in enrolling in 2024-2025.

Details of the individual consultations will be provided to fair applicants at a later date. For more in-depth information about a school, please apply for an “Individual Consultation”. Advance reservations for individual consultations are also available.

This event is FREE with registration. Click the button below to learn more and register:

English Presentation Schedule:

Tuesday, May 21

• 8:00PM CDT | Eikei University of Hiroshima

• 8:30PM CDT | Yokohama National University

• 9:00PM CDT | Chukyo University

• 9:30PM CDT | Hiroshima University

Wednesday, May 22

• 8:00PM CDT | Tokyo International University

• 8:30PM CDT | Sophia University

• 9:00PM CDT | Ritsumeikan University

• 9:30PM CDT | Doshisha University (ILA)

Thursday, May 23

• 8:00PM CDT | Rikkyo University

  8:30PM CDT | Yamanashi Gakuin University iCLA

  9:00PM CDT | International Christian University (ICU)

Prime Minister Kishida Addresses Joint Session of Congress

Photo courtesy of the Office of Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher

On Thursday, April 11, President Biden welcomed Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to Washington for a state visit. During his visit, Prime Minister Kishida addressed a joint session of Congress.

JASH Executive Director Patsy Brown had the honor of joining Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) for the joint address.

Prime Minister Kishida spoke “as a long and close friend of the United States” highlighting the critical value of the U.S.-Japan alliance.

“I want you to know how seriously Japan takes its role as the United States’ closest ally.

Together we carry a large responsibility. I believe that we are essential to peace…vital to freedom…and fundamental to prosperity.

Bonded by our beliefs, I pledge to you Japan’s firm alliance and enduring friendship.

“Global Partners for the Future.” - We are your global partner today, and we will be your global partner in the years ahead.”

— Prime Minister Fumio Kishida

The speech also contained a surprise announcement featuring a beloved member of the Houston Japanese community. Prime Minister Kishida announced a “shared goal” for a Japanese astronaut to be the first non-American to land on the moon on a future Artemis campaign mission, likely in the late 2020s. Astronaut Akihiko Hoshide was recogized as a “living [symbol] of [U.S.-Japan] collaboration in space.”

Jacquelyn Martin - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS

As Congresswoman Fletcher noted, “the speech was inspiring — a testament to the importance of diplomacy, partnership, and leadership.” Click on the button below to read the complete transcript of Prime Minister Kishida’s speech.

Gratitude goes to Congresswoman Fletcher for giving JASH the opportunity to be a part of Prime Minister Kishida’s state visit.

2024 Houston's Youth Talent Showcase for Artists

Sister Cities of Houston invites students from 13 to 18 years of age to compete in Houston's Youth Talent Showcase for Artists. This year's theme is ClimateScape: Resilient Cities for Tomorrow's Climate.

• Houston Grand Prize: $300 

• National Grand Prize: $1000

The deadline for SCH Youth Talent Showcase is Friday, April 20, 2024 at 5:00 P.M.

Sister Cities of Houston will submit up to five (5) winning pieces in each category for the Sister Cities International Youth Artist and Authors Showcase national competition. All related registration fees for the national competition will be covered by Sister Cities of Houston. 

Learn more about the national competition at www.sistercitiesinternational.org. 

For questions and submissions, contact Kham Vargas at kvargas@sistercitieshouston.org or call 832.818.3819.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS:

Artist Requirements:

• Students age 13 - 18 years old;

• 2-dimensional work, any medium except photography;

• Digital art submissions must be a minimum of 1350x1080 px.

Author Requirements:

• Students age 13 - 18 years old;

• Poems no more than 200 words;

• Essays no more than 500 words.

Musician Requirements:

• Students age 13 - 18 years old;

• Audio submissions cannot exceed four (4) minutes and must be originals.

Photographer Requirements:

• Students age 13 - 18 years old;

• Works can be black and white or color.

JASH Cheers on Yuki Nagasato and the Houston DASH

On Saturday, March 23, a group of JASH members, volunteers, and friends gathered together at the Shell Energy Stadium for the Houston DASH’s Home Opener and Nadeshiko legend Yuki Nagasato’s debut in orange!

Wearing official DASH T-shirts, members of the JASH section were invited onto the pitch to hold the MD Anderson sponsor banner during the pregame ceremonies. The group returned to the stands, armed with Japanese flags and fighting spirit, to cheer on Nagasato-senshu and Houston DASH as they faced the Racing Louisville FC.

Following the tied conclusion of the game, the JASH group gathered in the Rally Tunnel to meet, take photographs, and receive autographs from Nagasato-senshu.

We appreciate Nagasato-senshu for generously giving of her time to take pictures and sign autographs for JASH. JASH is also grateful to Houston DASH for going out of their way to give JASH a memorable experience with Nagasato-senshu.

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About Yuki NAGASATO

Yuki NAGASATO (永里 優季) is a Japanese professional footballer who joined Houston Dash in January of 2024.

As noted in a Dash press release:

Nagasato brings extensive experience to the Dash having played in the top leagues in the world. The forward spent time with Brisbane Roar FC during the 2018-2019 offseason and contributed to five goals in 10 matches during Australia’s W-League. Prior to joining the NWSL in 2017, the striker played for FFC Frankfurt in the Frauen-Bundesliga, the top-flight women’s league in Germany, from 2015-2017 and scored eight goals in 35 appearances. Nagasato won the DFB-Pokal, the German Cup, with Wolfsburg, where she scored four goals. She first made her Frauen-Bundesliga debut in 2010 for FFC Turbine Potsdam where she scored 48 goals in 71 appearances from 2010 to 2013, winning the UEFA Champions League title in 2010, and the Frauen-Bundesliga title in three consecutive campaigns from 2010-2012.

From 2013 to 2014, Nagasato played for Chelsea in the Women’s Premier League in England. While with The Blues, Nagasato made 18 appearances and scored five goals.

Nagasato made her professional debut for Nippon TV Beleza in 2002 and played with the team through the 2009 season, where she won six league championships and was one of the league's leading scorers for the 2006 season.

The forward represented Japan from 2004 to 2016 before stepping away from the team following the 2016 Rio Summer Olympics. Nagasato made 132 appearances for the Japanese Women’s National Team and scored 58 goals. Nagasato won the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Germany and were runners up in 2015. She made her national team debut leading up to the 2004 Olympics. The forward also participated in the 2007 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the 2008 Olympics.

Also of note, the Japanese soccer legend was the first female footballer to play for the first-team of a Japanese men’s football club.

JASH is delighted to have Nagasato-senshu in Houston, and we look forward to cheering her on at many more DASH games!

Images courtesy of Patsy Brown and Ikuyo Katayama.

JASH BOD Member Nanako Tingleaf Receives Foreign Minister's Commendation

Japan-America Society of Houston (JASH) Board Member Nanako Hyakutake Tingleaf has received a commendation from Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in recognition of her contributions to the promotion of mutual understanding between Japan and the United States in Houston.

Consul General Hirofumi Murabayashi presented the commendation certificate to Mrs. Tingleaf at a reception held at the Official Residence on March 11, 2024. Mrs. Tingleaf’s efforts were also celebrated with remarks from University of Mary Hardin Baylor and from Japan-America Society of Houston.

Mrs. Nanako Tingleaf is a longstanding member of the JASH Board of Directors. Over her many years of service to JASH, Mrs. Tingleaf has played a leading role in engaging female members of the Society.  She supported the coordination of the JASH Annual Ladies’ Luncheon and chaired the “Language Culture Kai” arranging gatherings to connect Japanese expat wives with local women.

Nanako-sensei is most widely known for sharing the art of ikebana with Houston.  Mrs. Tingleaf has been practicing ikebana since middle school.  She secured her private teaching license in her early twenties and has gone on to earn multiple certificates in the School of Ikenobo.  Mrs. Tingleaf is a “Professor of Ikebana of the First Grade.” 

Mrs. Tingleaf has acted as translator to the Headmaster Senei Ikenobo and his assistants from Kyoto for the celebration of the Ikenobo Ikebana Society of Texas’ 50th Anniversary Symposium, and was presented by the Headmaster with an award of merit for the advancement of Ikenobo Ikebana.  Mrs. Tingleaf was also a lead sponsor of the Ikebana International 18th North & Central American Regional Conference, which took place in Dallas in 2019, bringing to the event Headmaster Designate Dr. Senko Ikenobo.

In addition to practicing the art of ikebana under the professional name “Gyokusui,” Mrs. Tingleaf has served multiple terms as President of the Ikebana International Houston Chapter and the Ikenobo Ikebana Society of Texas. Further, Mrs. Tingleaf serves on the Hermann Park Conservancy Japanese Garden Advisory Committee, is an active member of The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston’s Friends of Asian Art, and is a past member of the Asia Society Texas Center Board of Directors, 

Mrs. Tingleaf continues to teach ikebana classes, including classes for JASH pro bono.  Mrs. Tingleaf also regularly creates ikebana arrangements for official Consulate events as well as for the Japan-America Society of Houston. 

As JASH Executive Director Patsy Brown noted in her remarks.

Mrs. Tingleaf has made Japan-America Society of Houston not just an organization but a community where individuals are welcomed and connections are deepened. [She is] a true ambassador of Japanese culture and its values … harmony, balance and respect.

JASH expresses our deepest appreciation to Mrs. Nanako Tingleaf for her contributions to the sharing of Japanese culture, and we congratulate her on this well-deserved recognition.

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2024 Texas State Japanese Language Speech Contest

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On Saturday, March 9, 2024, JASH together with the Consulate-General of Japan in Houston co-hosted the 2024 Texas State Japanese Language Speech Competition.

33 contestants, representing the winners of the Austin, Dallas, Houston and San Antonio regional speech contests, gathered at Rice University to demonstrate their Japanese language proficiency through the reciting of poetry and the presentation of original haiku and speeches.

In keeping with the theme of this year’s event, students were encouraged to channel the spirit of Godzilla and display their determination, devotion, and tenacity as language learners. Leading Godzilla Expert Dr. Bill Tsutsui even took the time to remind students:

There is no greater investment you can make in yourself or in the future of a free and prosperous world than learning a language like Japanese and building bridges of friendship and understanding and respect linking Houston and Texas and the United States with Japan and the larger world.

All contestants walked away with participation gifts, including the newly released translation of the original Godzilla novels courtesy of Japan Foundation and treats courtesy of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries America, Inc. The audience was also given opportunities to win Godzilla-themed prizes through trivia, shodo (Japanese calligraphy) and the mere completion of a survey!

Special recognition and prizes were presented by Consul General Hirofumi Murbayashi to the top three contestants in each competition division.

• Winners of the POETRY DIVISION received Visa gift certificates courtesy of the Japanese Teachers Association of Texas (JTAT)

• Winners of the HAIKU DIVISION received Kinokuniya gift certificates courtesy of the Japan Business Association of Houston (JBAH).

• Winners of the H.S. FREE SPEECH AURORA DIVISION received scholarships from the Japanese Association of Greater Houston (JAGH): $500 for 1st Place, $300 for 2nd Place and $200 for 3rd Place.

• Winners of the COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY FREE SPEECH DIVISION received scholarships from JASH: $1,000 for 1st Place, $500 for 2nd Place and $250 for 3rd Place.

• Winner of the OPEN DIVISION received Hulu gift cards, Amazon gifts from JASH and special propeller paper weights from All Nippon Airways (ANA).

It is JASH’s hope that the Contest will continue to inspire and motivate students to excel in their Japanese studies.

Please meet the 2024 Contest winners and supporters:

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POETRY DIVISION WINNERS

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1st Place	Onyoo JUNG Johnson H.S. San Antonio Region
2nd Place	Wendy WANG Clements H.S. Houston Region
3rd Place	Andres BASABE LASA H.S. Austin Region

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HAIKU DIVISION WINNERS

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1st Place	Sarah ADEYEMI Johnson H.S. San Antonio Region
2nd Place	Caleb GIDDINGS Richardson H.S. Dallas Region
3rd Place	Estrella DIAZ-MENDOZA LASA H.S. Austin Region

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H.S. FREE SPEECH AUORA DIVISION WINNERS

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1st Place	Lauren TIPPIN "My Experience in Japan" Boerne H.S. San Antonio Region
2nd Place	Ian BARKER "The Effectiveness of Propaganda in Film" Richardson H.S. Dallas Region
3rd Place	Zafir KHAN "Life Adventures Learned from the World of 'One Piece'" Clements H.S. Houston Region

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FREE SPEECH COLLEGE & UNIVERSITY DIVISION WINNERS

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1st Place	Bryson JUN "Japanese and Me" Rice University Houston Region
2nd Place	Navtej DHARMAPURI THIRUMALA "How We Should Approach Different Cultures" University of Texas at San Antonio San Antonio Region
3rd Place	Isabella TAN "Something I Want to Do for Life" University of North Texas Dallas Region

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OPEN DIVISION WINNER

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1st Place	Andrew HAYNES "Panic in Meiji-Jingu" Houston Region
2nd Place	Celeste TOLEDO-DAVALOS "The Sweetest Reward" San Antonio Region
3rd Place	Mae READY "What We Can Do Together" Austin Region

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SPECIAL THANKS TO THOSE WHO MADE THE CONTEST POSSIBLE:

Photos by night.sky.creative

2024 Houston Regional Japanese Language Speech Contest

The 2024 Houston Regional Japanese Language Speech Contest was held at the University of St. Thomas on February 17, 2024.

Twenty-eight (28) contestants gathered to demonstrate their Japanese skills in the areas of (i) POETRY RECITATION, (ii) HAIKU, (iii) FREE SPEECH AURORA, and (iv) FREE SPEECH COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY.

• 6 students competed in beginner level Poetry Recitation division.

• 6 students competed in the lower intermediate Haiku Presentation division.

• 13 students competed in the upper intermediate Free Speech High School division.

• 3 students competed in the advanced Free Speech University division.

Lyrics to FUJII Kaze’s “Tabiji” were recited, original haikus were presented and free speeches were given covering topics ranging from “One Piece” and Ryuichi Sakamoto to Lolita fashion and the Japan-Korea relationship.

"Otsukaresama" to all contest participants! As our generous host, Dr. Yao-Yuan Yeh, Chair of International Studies and Modern Languages at University of St. Thomas, noted, studying Japanese is no small feat as Japanese is ranked by the U.S. Department of  State as a Category IV language — a language having significant linguistic and/or cultural differences from English.

We congratulate all the contestants for their hard work and commitment to learning Japanese.  

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Meet the winners of the 2024 Houston Regional Japanese Language Speech Contest!

Winners are listed below by category. 

Those placing in the top two in each division will move on to compete in the TEXAS STATE JAPANESE LANGUAGE SPEECH CONTEST, which will be held at Rice University on March 9, 2024.

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DIVISION 1 - POETRY

1.       Wendy WANG – 10th, William P. Clements High School

2.       Rayan WAQAR – 11th, William P. Clements High School

3.       Wenxin ZHANG – 10th, William P. Clements High School

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DIVISION 2 - HAIKU

1.       Emma CHEN – 10th, William P. Clements High School

2.       Ziyi ZHAO – 10th, William P. Clements High School (not pictured)

3.       Dylan TING – 10th, William P. Clements High School

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DIVISION 3 - FREE SPEECH HIGH SCHOOL AURORA

1.       Zacharia HUSAIN – Ryuichi Sakamoto – 12th, William P. Clements High School

2.       Zafir KHAN – Life Adventures Learned from the World of One Piece – 11th, William P. Clements High School

3.       Tyler PATTON – New Experiences in Japan – 12th, William P. Clements High School

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DIVISION 4 - FREE SPEECH COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY

1.       Bryson JUN – Me and Japanese – Senior, Rice University

2.      Tianlan LI– How Fashion Changed My Life – Sophomore, Texas A&M University

3.      Giulia COSTANTINI – The Beauty of Language – Sophomore, Rice University

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Contest winners will receive the following prizes courtesy of KINOKUNIYA BOOKSTORE KATY & THE SHINTECH-KANAGAWA FUND & THE YASUHIKO & AKEMI SAITOH FOUNDATION:

DIVISIONS I & II: POETRY and HAIKU (Beginner & Intermediate)

• 1st place: $25 gift card & four (4) private lessons through JASH’s Online Japanese Language Program

• 2nd Place: $15 gift card

• 3rd Place: $10 gift card

DIVISIONS III & IV: FREE SPEECH High School and University

• 1st place: $50 gift card & four (4) private lessons through JASH’s Online Japanese Language Program

• 2nd Place: $25 gift card

• 3rd Place: $15 gift card

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SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS:

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SUPPORTERS:

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SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR JUDGES:

• Tomoko INOUE - JTAT

• Yuko KUDO - Instructor, JASH Japanese Language Program

• Kei KUON - Instructor, JASH Japanese Language Program

• Kosuke OI - Instructor, Volunteer, JASH

• Hiroko SATO - Board Member, JASH

• Hiromi TAKAYAMA - Instructor, Rice University

• Yuko YAMADA - Instructor, JASH Japanese Language Program

• Masato YAMAMURA - Consul, Consulate-General of Japan in Houston

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SPECIAL THANKS TO ALL PARTICIPATING JAPANESE LANGUAGE TEACHERS IN HOUSTON:

• Elizabeth HOJO

• Yoshimi SHERIDAN

• Satoko SHOU

• Hiromi TAKAYAMA

• Yuki WAUGH

NIHON BUYO in the 21st Century: From Kabuki Dance to Boléro

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Photo by night.sky.creative

On Saturday, February 3, Japan-America Society of Houston in partnership with Japan Society presented NIHON BUYO in the 21st Century: From Kabuki Dance to Boléro at The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts.

Attendees were treated to an evening of superlative dance and music through works spanning two centuries.

Toba-e, which premiered at the Edo Nakamura-za Theater in 1819, provided a showcase of traditional kabuki-style movements through the comedic and lighthearted tale of a servant ensnared by a mouse’s charm.

Boléro ~ The Legend of Anchin and Kiyohime~, a work created in 2021 by esteemed choreographer Hayanagi Genkuro, recounted the ancient Japanese folk tale The Legend of Dōjōji accompanied by Maurice Ravel’s famous Boléro. In the tale, Kiyohime, an innkeeper’s daughter, falls in love with the monk Anchin, only to be spurned by his rejection when he does not return to meet as promised. Consumed by rage, Kiyohime transforms into a giant snake to pursue Anchin, finally causing his fiery death as he attempts to flee into the bell of Dōjōji Temple.

According to The New York Times dance critic Gia Kourlas,

Genkuro’s retelling of The Legend of Dōjōji “coaxes out the sinister notes of the score in a deranged but good way,” creating something “full of drama, danger and brittle, seething anger.”

Attention was also given to the musical traditions underpinning Japanese dance. Classic and contemporary arrangements featured the fue (flute), shamisen, traditional percussion instruments, and chanters.

Matsuri readied the crowd with rhythms traditionally heard in shinto rituals that were followed by lively festival beats.  Yugiri, the Courtesan, which was first performed in 1863, introduced the sorrowful Jōruri shamisen music with expressive chanted storytelling performed in Kiyomoto style.  The contemporary composition Hana by performer Tosha Suiho transported listeners to the Heian Period (794-1180) where a noble procession was taking place under the cherry blossoms.

Through NIHON BUYO in the 21st Century, Japanese dance and music amused and moved in equal measure. It was truly an honor to share with Houston.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this special performance.

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The North American tour of Nihon Buyo in the 21st Century is produced and organized by Japan Society, New York, NY, and is supported by the Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan through the Japan Arts Council, The JEC Fund, and the National Endowment for the Arts.

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This program is part of Houston’s celebration of the U.S.-Japan Tourism Year 2024.

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This performance of NIHON BUYO in the 21st Century: From Kabuki Dance to Boléro is funded in part by the City of Houston through Houston Arts Alliance.

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2024 Houston Marathon HOOPLA

On Sunday, January 14, JASH volunteers gathered in the early morning cold to cheer on the runners of the 2024 Chevron Houston Marathon and the Aramco Houston Half Marathon.

Armed with noisemakers, music, signs, and incredible enthusiasm, the JASH HOOPLA Brigade at Mile 7 was ready to show Japanese hospitality to the over 27,000 runners on the course.

JASH congratulates Kenta Uchida, who finished the race among the top five on the men’s leaderboard.

Congratulations as well to all the runners, supporters, and volunteers for all your hard work and dedication.