***CANCELLED!*** Zuiho-Daiko & Iwami Kagura A special performance of taiko and Kagura,"music of the gods," a Shinto ritual theatre prominent in the Iwami region of Japan. Kagura performances reenact well-known Japanese legends. Performed by the Youth For information contact Ritsuko Powell at (310) 525-1670 x273. Saturday, December 3, 2005 at 2pm & 5pm  Aratani/Japan America Theatre $25 orchestra $22 balcony $24 General Admission JEMS Christmas Celebration The Japanese Evangelical Missionary Society brings groups from throughout the greater Los Angeles area to celebrate. Proceeds support their scholarship fund. Sunday, December 4, 2005 at 6pm   Aratani/Japan America Theatre $10 General Admission "THE NUTCRACKER" Marat Daukayev Ballet Theatre Pytor Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Music Vasily Vainonen, Choreography Celebrate the holiday season with America's favorite ballet classic, "The Nutcracker " starring the students of the Marat Daukayev School of Ballet. Saturday, December 10, 2005 at 2pm & 7pm Sunday, December 11, 2005 at 2pm Aratani/Japan America Theatre $20 All Tickets Fourth Annual HIROSHIMA "Spirit of the Season" Holiday Show Introducing singer/songwriter, Justis Kao Special Guest Stars: Jim Gilstrap, vocalist Diane Louie, composer/conductor Dave Honjio, trumpet Special Appearance by On Ensemble "Spirit of the Season" is one of the finest CD collections to date by Hiroshima. . . Full of imagination and vigor . . . a joy to hear. Hiroshima is one of the best jazz groups recording today, each musician is a master of his instrument!" - www.jazzreview.com Hiroshima brings special guest stars to celebrate the holiday season with the community - legendary studio singer, Jim Gilstrap; band leader and trumpeter of Carry On, Dave Honjio, and one of the most brilliant musician/ arranger/composer/conductors in the world, Ms. Diane Louie with more special surprise guests to be added. The (nearly acoustic) concert features cuts from the band's latest CD "Obon" and selections from their critically acclaimed CD "Spirit of the Season," both on Heads Up International. Check our website at www.hiroshimamusic.com A J-Town Beat Event. Saturday, December 17, 8pm  Aratani/Japan America Theatre $35 orchestra, $30 balcony $32, $27 JACCC Members, Groups 10 or more, Students with ID The World of the Geisha "Gion Bayashi" Lecture by Andrew Maske A recognized scholar of Japanese art who has held positions at the Peabody Essex Museum, the Rhode Island School of Design, and Harvard University, Andrew Maske presents a lecture on the fascinating and often misunderstood entertainers known as geisha. The explanation provides background and context for the movie, "Gion Bayashi." Presented by The Japan Foundation of Los Angeles. Sunday, December 18, 1pm  Aratani/Japan America Theatre $7 General Admission and $5 JACCC Members "Gion Bayashi" ("Gion Festival Music/aka A Geisha") Directed by Kenji Mizoguchi 1953 In Japanese with English subtitles Set in Kyoto and Tokyo in the early 1950's "Gion Bayashi" ("Gion Festival Music/aka A Geisha"), stars Wakao Ayako as a young geisha, training in traditional Japanese arts and challenged by the culture she enters. The film explores the clash of pre-war traditionalism in the pleasure quarters with the new atmosphere of individual liberty and equal rights for women in post-war Japan.    Sunday, December 18, 3pm Screening   Aratani/Japan America Theatre $7 General Admission and $5 JACCC Members Oshogatsu Workshops for Children Enjoy a one-day workshop while learning about the symbols and festivities surrounding Oshogatsu or Japanese New Year. The fun, hands-on educational program will include craft activities and workshop/demonstrations by local artists and community members. For more information or to register please call Sara Rodriguez at (213) 628-2725 x142. Session 1 Tuesday, December 27 10 am - 3pm Session 2 Wednesday, December 28 10 am - 3pm Conference Rooms, Second Floor $25 Non Members, $20 JACCC Members Children ages 7 - 12 Limited to 30 participants per session