CJST Events
Celebrate the Launch of
The Oxford Book of Japanese Short Stories
CJST Director Ted Goossen edits
fabulous new collection
On
Friday, April 25 the Oxford University
Press and the Japan
Foundation will host the launch of this great compilation of short
stories. It is the first collection in thirty-five years to cover the entire
modern era of Japanese literature-- one of the world’s most dynamic and
challenging literary scenes. It contains stories from the end of the nineteenth
century to present day fiction. Critic Donald Richie writes of Goossen’s
collection, "Japan has made the short story narrative-the anecdote,
haiku, sketch, short story-all its own. This rich and varied collection
ranges from the Rashomon groves of Akutagawa to Murakami Haruki’s post-modern
jungle of the vanishing elephants, from 'Sansho the Steward’ a century
ago, to the day before yesterday with Yoshimoto Banana, Kawabata’s Izu
Dancer here joins with Mishima’s transvestite onnagata in a splendid
assemblage of thirty-five exemplars of how short means more."
Several past and current CJST members: Ken Richard, Cody Poulton, Bob Ulmer and Meg Taylor all had a hand putting this collection together, either as translators or in Meg’s case, being the “Editor’s editor”.
Following the launch there will be a sohbetsukai for Ted, as he leaves Toronto to spend a year in Kyoto as a Visiting Researcher at the International Research Center for Japanese Studies.
Kimono Show and Demonstrations
Classical Kimono contrasted with Modern Kimono:
The evolution of traditional Japanese design
At some point during our Japan experience we’re curious to see how we would look in a kimono. We love the fabrics, the obi and the generations of artistry behind the design. As part of Toronto's Asian Heritage Month in May the Zaidan Hojin Minzoku Isho Bunka Fukyu Kyokai (The Cultural Foundation on Promoting the National Costume of Japan) will be coming to Toronto. This philanthropic organization is headed by Mr. Takayoshi Mizushima, the President of the Hakubi Kyoto Kimono School.
On May 25 the ROM will be hosting a lecture and demonstration. There will be a fashion show of modern kimono for men, women, and children with commentary in Japanese and simultaneous translation by Prof. Ken Richard. This will be taking place in the ROM's Eaton Court as part of the museum's family Sunday program,. Admission is free to the event as part of museum admission. (2:00pm - 4:00pm)
On Tuesday May 27 there will be a presentation of Heian Court Costume, including the junihitoe, the main article of female dress. Prof. Ken Richard will again be providing translation and commentary of the history of court costume and kimono culture in Japan . This is part of the Tuesday evening free admission policy of the museum, and is open to the general public, free of charge. (6:00pm - 8:00pm)
CJST is currently in the planning stages of hosting our own demonstration. The plan is to have a lecture and demonstration on in the afternoon of May 24. The program has not yet been determined but we don’t want to duplicate what will be happening at the ROM. We’re hoping to have a hands-on demonstration of how to wear a kimono. We may also be able to arrange a couple of interesting dances called hakubi-mai in which kimono and obi are put on quickly. If you’re interested in any of these events mark these dates on your calendar:
| May 24 (am) | Lecture by Ken Richard at the U of T on The Tale of Genji and court costume. |
| May 25 | ROM Eaton Court -- Fashion show and commentary |
| May 26 | Lectures by Hugh Wylie and Alexandra Palmer of the ROM on aspects of Japanese art and fashion. |
| May 27 | ROM Theatre -- Heian Court Costumes Show and Commentary |
For more information contact the ROM at 586-8000 or check out Prof. Richard’s website http://www.chass.utoronto.ca:8080/~krichard and keep your eyes open for a CJST mailer in May.
Get up-to-date CJST event information on the CJST Events List or by calling the CJST hotline at (416) 406-CJST