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DECEMBER 2007



Saturday, December 1, 2007 at 2pm
A Special Event to Celebrate the Holidays! Back by Popular Demand!
NIHONMACHI The Place to Be

A Musical Journey to the Whole Family
Written by Soji Kashiwagi Musical Direction by Scott Nagatani
Featuring The Grateful Crane Ensemble Yoko Ibuki, Haruye Ioka, Keiko Kawashima, Kurt Kuniyoshi, Merv Maruyama, and Helen Ota

Featuring nostalgic Japanese and popular American songs, “Nihonmachi: The Place to Be” will take you back through time to the special place where it all began: Nihonmachi. • A third-generation manju maker decides to shut down his family manju-ya after 99 years in business. But as his doors are about to close, the spirit of his Issei grandfather returns to Nihonmachi to take him to J-Town the way it used to be. Through this journey, he learns his family story, finds his roots and in the end, discovers himself.

Aratani/Japan America Theatre $35 orchestra, $30 balcony $30, $27 JACCC Members, $32, $28 Groups (10+), Senior, & Students $20 Children 13 and under with adult purchase Post performance reception Photo: Emily Kuroda

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Sunday, December 2, 2007 6pm
24th Annual Japanese Evangelical Missionary Society Christmas Celebration Concert

The annual Christmas program brings community artists and churches together to celebrate the reason for the Christmas season through music and dance appealing to all ages. Proceeds support the JEMS fellowship fund.

For information visit www.jems.org or call JEMS at (213) 613-0022 Aratani/Japan America Theatre $10 General Admission

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Saturday, December 8, 2007 2pm & 8pm
Sunday, December 9, 2007 2pm & 8pm
A Magical Holiday Event
The Marat Daukayev Ballet Theatre
“The Nutcracker”

Music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Choreography by Vasily Vainonen Adapted/staged by Marat Daukayev The students of the Marat Daukayev School of Ballet are featured in the annual holiday production of the holiday classic, “The Nutcracker.”

For information visit Marat Ballet at www.maratdaukayev.com or contact Marat Ballet at (323) 965-0333
Aratani/Japan America Theatre $25

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Saturday, December 15, 2007 7:30pm
A Perfect Gift for the Holidays! Sixth Annual “Spirit of the Season”
HIROSHIMA In Concert

With special Guest Artists
Join us for our annual holiday concert! Celebrate the holiday season with family and friends – young and old. The (nearly acoustic) concert features cuts from “Little Tokyo” the latest Hiroshima CD - #16 and their critically acclaimed “Spirit of the Season” and “Obon” CDs all on Heads Up International Records.
Special guest artists will join the band to make this annual concert a special treat for our community. The artists will be available to autograph CD after the concert.
Buy tickets online now!
Hiroshima Press Release pdf
Hiroshima Video clip

Check out our website at www.hiroshimamusic.com Aratani/Japan America Theatre $35 orchestra, $30 balcony $30, $27 JACCC Members $30, $28 Groups (10+), Seniors & Students

A J-Town Beat Event sponsored by FIA Insurance Services, Inc.; Fukui Mortuary; The Pacific Bridge Companies, Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd. and the Rafu Shimpo is the official media sponsor.

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Thursday, December 27, 2007 10am & 3pm
Friday December 28, 2007  10am & 3pm 2008
Year of the Rat Children’s Oshogatsu Workshops

Celebrate the coming of 2008 during this one-day workshop learning about the symbols and traditions surrounding Oshogatsu or Japanese New Year. Learn about this special holiday celebration through hands-on craft activities and workshops as well as demonstrations led by local artists and community members. Workshops are designed for children ages 7 to 12.

Registration is limited to 30 participants per session, pre-registration is required and will be filled on a first come first served basis. For more information or to register, please contact Jessie Kikuchi at (213) 628-2725 ext. 142 or jkikuchi@jaccc.org.
JACCC, Second Floor Conference Rooms $30 per child $25 JACCC Members

Oshogatsu Workshops flyer pdf
Oshogatsu Workshops Press Release pdf

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JANUARY 2008


Sunday, January 6 2008, 1pm
KOTOHAJIME

First Performance of the New Year: Hatsu Mukashi (First–Long Ago) Created by Hirokazu Kosaka

Both solemn and festive, the closing of an old year and the beginning of a new one are viewed as a time of reflection as well as festivity. Kotohajime is the JACCC’s annual celebration featuring both traditional and contemporary performances in observance of the New Year. This year’s Kotohajime celebration includes a unique collaborative performance arranged and led by Hirokazu Kosaka. Viewing Los Angeles as the contemporary Silk Road, where the routes for commerce, culture, language, and art intermingle as they migrate, the performance combines an eclectic blend of traditional and contemporary arts.

JACCC Plaza Free Admission


Kotohajime Flyer pdf
Kotohajime Video clip
Kotohajime Press Release pdf

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January 6 – February 24, 2008
10TH Annual SHIKISHI Exhibition

One of the most interesting and popular annual exhibitions in Los Angeles returns to mark its 10th year. The exhibition is open to anyone with a creative spark who looks to express their hopes for the New Year through the shikishi. This year's exhibit continues to showcase shikishi signed by dignitaries, and will feature art work based on this year’s theme Hatsu Mukashi (First–Long Ago) as well as references to the Year of the Rat, the animal which sits atop the 12-year Lunar Calendar cycle.

George J. Doizaki Gallery/ North Gallery Free Admission
George J. Doizaki Gallery Hours Tuesday – Friday 12noon to 5pm Saturday & Sunday 11am to 4pm Closed Mondays and holidays

Shikishi Press Release pdf
Shikishi Submission Form pdf

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Wednesday  January 16 2008 7pm

Saturday January 19 2008 12:40pm

Sunday January 27, 2008 9am
4th Annual Kyokushin Karate U.S. Weight Category Karate Championship

Competitors from ten countries come to represent the diversity and spirit of Kyokushin Karate. Competition opens with (Kata) to Knockdown Fighting (Kumite) leading up to the all weight category finals.

For information contact Kyokushin Karate L.A Branch at www.kyokushinkaratela.com or call (877) 662-7947
Aratani/Japan America Theatre $40 VIP, $20 General Admission

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SEPTEMBER 2007



Saturday, September 8, 2pm & 7pm
Mission From Buddha Productions presents the Final Cut of
“Only the Brave” (2007 Full length feature, 100 min.) Color

Written and Directed by Lane Nishikawa Cast: Jason Scott Lee, Tamilyn Tomita, Pat Noriyuki Morita, Yuji Okumoto and Mark Dacascos Original music by Dan Kuramoto and Kimo Cornwell “Only The Brave,” inspired by the heroism and selfless valor of the all-Japanese American 100th/ 442nd Regimental Combat Team of WWII, captures the tragedies and sacrifices in combat and the comfort they find in the memories of loved ones back home in Hawaii and internment camps spread across the country. “Only The Brave” is the first motion picture about the 100th/442nd RCT as seen through the eyes of these courageous Americans who lived it.

Only The Brave Press Release pdf

This limited engagement made possible by KYOCERA, co-sponsored by the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center (JACCC) with support from the Japanese American National Museum (JANM).

2pm Japanese subtitles 7pm in English

Aratani Japan America Theatre $10 General Admission $8 JACCC Members, Seniors, Students and Groups (10+)

Saturday, September 15, 2007, 7pm
14th Annual Benefit Show Showtime 2007

Corrinne May, Singer/Songwriter On Ensemble, Taiko Celebrating 35 years of service, the Asian Pacific Drug Abuse Program presents Corrinne May acclaimed singer/songwriter, in both the United States and Asia, for her soul-stirring performances. The On Ensemble opens the show with their powerful taiko rhythms and their dynamic repertoire of groundbreaking music.

For more information visit www.aadapinc.org or contact AADAP at (323) 293-6284.

Aratani/Japan America Theatre 9pm Dessert Reception/Silent Auction $40 General Admission

Sunday, September 16, 2007 at 3pm
A Salute to the Stars Production
Asian Americans on BROADWAY
Heart and Music A Musical Concert of Broadway's Best!

Directed by Alan Muraoka Featuring Christine Toy Johnson and Hazel Anne Raymundo, Alan Muraoka, Deborah Lew, Telly Leung and Jose Llana This special showcase features some of the top Asian American artists on Broadway today sharing new songs and stories about their triumphant journeys to Broadway. Accompanied by a stellar trio of musicians these artists will perform classic tunes from hit Broadway musicals including “Guys and Dolls,” “Westside Story,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “The King and I,” “Miss Saigon,” “Rent,” “Wicked,” and more - plus a special tribute to Mako and Pat Morita.

Asian Americans On Broadway Press Release pdf

Aratani/Japan America Theatre $40 orchestra, $35 balcony $34, $30 JACCC Members $36, $33 Groups (10+), Seniors &Students $20 Student Rush, limited availability day of show

A J-Town Beat Event Sponsored by FIA Insurance Services, Inc.; Fukui Mortuary; The Pacific Bridge Companies, Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd. and the Rafu Shimpo is the official media sponsor Visual Arts

Saturday, September 15 – November 10, 2007
BUGU: THE SPIRIT OF THE SAMURAI WARRIOR

The Japanese American Cultural & Community Center is proud to host this exquisite and extensive exhibition of traditional Japanese arms and armor. With this exhibit, gallery goers can travel back into feudal Japan and glance at some of the most dangerous and romanticized professions of all time including Samurai Warrior and Ninja. The exhibition will examine how Bugu is represented and conveyed through manga (Japanese comics), and will include a section for gallery-goers to try on replica armor and include video of kendo, sumo and yabusame bouts.

Presented by The Japan Foundation, Los Angeles
George J. Doizaki Gallery, Main Floor Admission Free
Tuesdays – Fridays: 12noon to 4pm Saturdays: 11am to 4pm Closed Sundays, Mondays and holidays

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Thursday, September 20, 7pm
10th Annual Los Angeles Music and Art School
Stars for the Arts Benefit Concert

A Concert to benefit youngsters and their development in the arts In its 10th year, Stars for the Arts has raised student scholarships through its programs, which provide a terrific showcase of young talent from the Greater East Los Angeles area. The proceeds will go to the Scholarship Fund.

For more information visit www.lamusart.org or contact LAMAS at (323) 262-7734
Aratani/Japan America Theatre $250, $120, $50, $20

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Sunday, September 23, 2007 1pm
SEICHO-NO-IE Truth of Life

Public Lecture Rev. Yoshiko Teshigawara Keynote speaker Bishop, SNI U.S. Missionary Headquarters, has helped and inspired countless people with her warmth, compassion and spirituality.

For information visit www.snitruth.org/socal or contact Seicho-no-ie at (310) 323-5327.
Aratani/Japan America Theatre $10 Donation, General Admission Special Lecture Demonstration

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Saturday, September 29, 2007 1pm
FOREST OF WORDS

Painting with Visual Language Origin of Japanese Kanji Ideogram
Early written signs of Chinese script were found on tortoise shells and ox bones and date back to the Shang dynasty (14th-11th Century BCE). These first characters were direct interpretation of nature, signs of medicine and agriculture, or practices in divination. Through the Japan Foundation’s international program, two outstanding figures working in collaboration, Tetsuji Atsuji, Professor at Kyoto University, and Hirokazu Kosaka, Artistic Director of Japanese American Cultural and Community Center, will explore the evolution of Chinese ideogram with a lecture and calligraphic demonstration. Accompanying this program will be a collection of calligraphy brushes, including those made from the whiskers of rats, eyelashes of an ostrich and the hair from a boy’s first hair-cut; a variety of specialty calligraphic ink; traditional paper; and scrolls from distinguished calligraphers of Japan.
Space is limited, please RSVP by calling Gavin Kelley at (213) 628-2725 ext. 133.

Support provided by the Japan Foundation, Los Angeles
Aratani/Japan America Theatre Free Admission

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Sunday, September 30, 2007
Katsudo Shashin (Moving Pictures):
Classic Japanese Films Return to Little Tokyo

All films are in Japanese with English subtitles. Coinciding with “Bugu: The Spirit of Samurai Warrior” exhibition in the George J. Doizaki Gallery (Sept. 15-Nov. 10), the JACCC is pleased to present this film series that focuses on the sword: tracing each celluloid strike it wields through four distinct stories, and a multitude of characters. Katsudo Shashin opens up with a focus on famed cult director Hideo Gosha, a visually adept, yet greatly unknown auteur outside of Japan. Gosha gained respect for his ability to balance the violence and sensuality his subject matter demands with strong artistry deeply constructed in story.


11 am Sambiki no samurai (Three Outlaw Samurai) 1964 (95 min., B&W)
Gosha’s directorial debut stars Tetsuro Tamba as a wandering ronin (masterless samurai) who joins together with a small village in a fight to the death against a cruel magistrate.


1pm Kumokiri Nizaemon (Bandits vs. Samurai Squadron) 1978 (163 min., Color)
This film teams Gosha with one of his favorite leading men, Tatsuya Nakadai, who portrays a former samurai warrior who abandons his class to become the leader of a gang of thieves
5pm Joi-uchi: Hairyo tsuma shimatsu (Samurai Rebellion) 1967 (120 min., B&W) Directed by respected chambara expert Masaki Kobayashi, stars Toshiro Mifune and Tatsuya Nakadai, who previously worked opposite each other in “Yojimbo” and “Sanjuro.” This film sets love as the backdrop in a determined, yet seemingly futile battle for justice This series comes to a close, showcasing one of the great pairings in cinema history with film legends Akira Kurosawa and Toshiro Mifune as they set out to juxtapose William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” to feudal period Japan.


5pm Joi-uchi: Hairyo tsuma shimatsu (Samurai Rebellion) 1967 (120 min., B&W) Directed by respected chambara expert Masaki Kobayashi, stars Toshiro Mifune and Tatsuya Nakadai, who previously worked opposite each other in “Yojimbo” and “Sanjuro.” This film sets love as the backdrop in a determined, yet seemingly futile battle for justice This series comes to a close, showcasing one of the great pairings in cinema history with film legends Akira Kurosawa and Toshiro Mifune as they set out to juxtapose William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” to feudal period Japan.


7:30 pm Kumonosu-jo (Throne of Blood) 1957 (105 min., B&W)
This film directed by Kurosawa stars Mifune who portrays Washizu Taketori, a feudal lord whose bloodthirsty ambition is surpassed only by that of his wife’s, portrayed by Isuzu Yamada. In the final scene of this powerfully shot film, Kurosawa scrapped the idea of effects and instead opted to use real archers with arrows shooting at Mifune to heighten the sense of reality.

Due to graphic images of violence and strong sexuality “Joi-uchi: Hairyo tsuma shimatsu (Samurai Rebellion),” “Sanbiki no samurai (Three Outlaw Samurai)” and “Kumokiri Nizaemon (Bandits vs. Samurai Squadron),” are recommended for mature audiences only.

Katsudo Shashin (Moving Pictures) is made possible in part by generous funding by The Japan Foundation, Los Angeles.

Aratani/Japan America Theatre Festival Pass: General Admission $30; $25 JACCC Members
Single Tickets (per film): $10, $8 JACCC Members, $6 Students

Photo caption/credits: “Three Outlaw Samurai” courtesy of Shochiku Co., Ltd. “Bandits vs. Samurai Squadron” courtesy of Shochiku Co., Ltd. “Samurai Rebellion” courtesy of Mifune Productions Co., Ltd. “Throne of Blood” courtesy of Toho Co., Ltd.

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OCTOBER 2007



Thursday, October 18, 2007 8pm
Friday, October 19, 2007 8pm
Saturday, October 20, 2007 2pm & 8pm

SPECIAL EVENT! First return to the U.S. in over 20 years!
BUNRAKU THE NATIONAL PUPPET THEATRE OF JAPAN

Bunraku, Japan’s internationally renowned puppet theater returns to Los Angeles for the first time in nearly two decades. The 32- member company will present a full-scale production that promises to be unforgettable feast for the eyes and imagination.

One of Japan’s most celebrated traditional art forms, Bunraku traces its origins to the 16th-century, and developed alongside Kabuki in the vigorous urban culture of early-modern Japan. It combines three distinct and highly refined artistic disciplines: joruri, or ballad narration, shamisen instrumental music and ningyo tsukai, or the art of puppet manipulation. Bunraku’s true magic is revealed when its three independent components of movement, words and music come together for a multi- dimensional performance that evokes such deep emotion and wonder.

About the Company
Bunraku: The National Puppet Theatre is designated an Intangible Cultural Asset of Japan and was officially declared a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

Program
“Date Musume Koi no Higanoko (Oshichi’s Burning Love)” written in 1773 is based on the true story of a young girl who risks her own life in order to save the man she loves.
“Tsubosaka Kannon Reigenki (Miracle at the Tsubosaka Kannon Temple)” written in 1887 by the renowned woman playwright Kako Chika is a simple story of a blind man, his devoted wife, and their salvation through the intercession of the goddess of mercy, Kannon.

Presented in Japanese with English super titles.
Receptions/Special Events An Ambassadors Council & Patrons Reception will take place following the opening night performance. To become a member of the Ambassadors Council or to receive more information on attending this special event, please contact us at ambassadors@jaccc.org.

The 2007 US Tour of Bunraku is made possible through the generous support of the Agency for Cultural Affairs, Osaka Nichibei Kyokai, Toyota Corporation, The Japan Foundation, and the US-Japan Foundation.

Aratani/Japan America Theatre $100 opening night patron seating (includes reception)
$65 orchestra, $55 balcony $60, $55 JACCC Members

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Saturday, September 15 – November 10, 2007
Visual Arts Continuing through – November 10
Tuesdays – Fridays: 12noon to 4pm Saturdays: 11am to 4pm
Closed Sundays, Mondays and holidays

BUGU: THE SPIRIT OF THE SAMURAI WARRIOR

The Japanese American Cultural & Community Center is proud to host this exquisite and extensive exhibition of traditional Japanese arms and armor. With this exhibit, gallery goers can travel back into feudal Japan and glance at some of the most dangerous and romanticized professions of all time including Samurai Warrior and Ninja. The exhibition will examine how Bugu is represented and conveyed through manga (Japanese comics), and will include a section for gallery-goers to try on replica armor and include video of kendo, sumo and yabusame bouts.

Presented by The Japan Foundation, Los Angeles
George J. Doizaki Gallery, Main Floor Admission Free

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Saturday, October 6, 2007 at 5pm
Direct from the E Hula Ma Hula Competition!
Halau 'O Lilinoe a me Na Pua Me Kealoha Ho'ike and Concert

Featuring the musical stylings of Na Hoku Award Winner, Aaron J. Sala and Local Band K2 Under the direction of Kumu Hula Sissy Kaio, the award-winning Halau 'O Lilinoe a me Na Pua Me Kealoha celebrates Hawaiian culture through traditional and contemporary dance, music, and ancient chanting. Discover the 'ohana' (spirit), the power, and the beauty of hula, the ancient dance of Hawaii.

We congratulate the award-winning halau for their recognition at the E Hula Mau Competition over the Labor Day holiday in the following categories: FIRST PLACE: Wahine - Auana, Kahiko and Hawaiian Language and Oli Soloist Wahine Soloist - First place in Hawaiian Language and Second place overall THIRD PLACE: Kane - Kahiko, Kaikamahine - Kahiko, Kaikamahine Soloist

For information visit www.hulahalauolilinoe.com or call (310) 271-0055.
Aratani/Japan America Theatre $25 General Admission

Click here to Download the flyer pdf

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Sunday, October 14, 2007 1pm
23rd Annual Music Fair 2007

Guest artist Mita Ryo Annual Nakano Music Studio recital Aratani/Japan America Theatre $25 General Admission Sunday October 21, 1pm 28th Goodwill Variety Show Nanka Kenjinkai Kyogikai Shinboku Engeikai The Ikuei Scholarship Fundraiser concert presented by the Japanese Prefectural Association of Southern California supports cultural scholarships for students interested in the pursuit of Japanese culture.

Aratani/Japan America Theatre $15 General Admission

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Saturday, October 27, 2007 8pm
26th Annual Los Angeles Season Rhapsody In Taps

West Coast. Debut of Special Guest Artists Tap and Tray – Kurt and Klaus Bleis, from Germany
Guest Musicians: Leo Chelyapov, clarinet Claire Bergen, violin
Artistic Director Linda Sohl-Ellison and her troupe of seven tap dancers, five jazz musicians and percussionists bring together the art of rhythm tap dance, the freedom of live jazz music and percussion and original repertoire for a unique visual and musical event!

Recognized for choreographic invention and experimentation, RIT on presents several exciting premieres this season including Tribute to Foster Johnson, Accent Simpatico Sextet, Higher Learning, solos by RIT’s “fast feet,” Bob Carroll, a new duet by Sohl-Ellison and master percussionist, Monti Ellison plus Laughing With Tears, Rhapsody In Taps’ critically acclaimed tap and Klezmer music collaboration with Russian born composer and clarinet virtuoso, Leo Chelyapov.

As an added bonus, the company is proud to present two special guest artists from Germany, Tap and Tray (Kurt Albert and Klaus Bleis) in their West Coast debut. Tap and Tray are hailed in Europe for their brilliant and hilarious vaudevillian styled choreography and clean tapping, all done while spinning trays!

For information visit www.rhapsodyintaps.com For Hoofer's Circle and Group rates call (310) 858-1676. Aratani/Japan America Theatre $40 Hoofer's Circle, $32 Orchestra, $24 Balcony

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NOVEMBER 2007

Saturday, November 3, 2007 7pm
Cinergy 07

A celebration of music, words, and film presented by the Westlight Community Church.

For information visit www.westlight.org or call (310) 313-4860.
Aratani/Japan America Theatre Free, General Admission

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Sunday, November 4, 2007 1pm
The 5th Annual Charity Show in the U.S
OEDO ICHIZA

A double bill of Japanese arts and entertainment. Japanese dance and song from Kodama-kai opens the show and the second half will showcase special guest artists from Japan Genkai-Ryuji and Chikushi Momotaro.

For information contact the Oedo Ichiza Representative at (909) 628-5854.
Aratani/Japan America Theatre $40 General Admission

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Friday, November 9, 2007 8pm
SAN JOSE TAIKO

In Concert For the past 34 years San Jose Taiko has mesmerized audiences and critics with the spellbinding power and propulsive sounds of the taiko drums. Considered one of the three original pioneering North American Taiko groups, San Jose Taiko continues to strive to expand their artistic and cultural expression. The heart-pounding beat of the taiko showcases the energy and grace of the Japanese American taiko drum, an instrument that embodies the spiritual essence and heartbeat of this group. This year's concert pays special tribute to the troupe’s home in San Jose’s Japantown. Feel the spirit of this unique place through the artistry of San Jose Taiko.

Aratani/Japan America Theatre $35 orchestra, $30 balcony $30, $27 JACCC Members $33, $28 Groups (10+), Seniors & Students $20 Student Rush, limited availability day of show

A J-Town Beat Event Sponsored by FIA Insurance Services, Inc.; Fukui Mortuary; The Pacific Bridge Companies, Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd. and the Rafu Shimpo is the official media sponsor.

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Saturday, November 10, 2007 2pm
U.S. Premiere U.S. Premiere (90 minutes, color)
CAGES

Perles Entertainment Group presents CAGES, a Graham Streeter film, in association with the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center and East West Players a first ever public screening of the yet-to-be released feature film CAGES in the USA!

CAGES stars the late Asian American pioneering actor, Mako, whose 50-year career included a Best Supporting Actor Academy Award & Golden Globe nomination for The Sand Pebbles (1966) and a Tony Award for his Broadway debut as the Reciter in Pacific Overtures (1976). As a founding member of East West Players, he served as Artistic Director for 24 years.

The CAGES screening signifies Mako’s last leading cinematic performance to ever be shown on the silver screen. Shot entirely in Singapore, CAGES is a heartwarming story about a single mother who comes face-to-face with her estranged father (Mako Iwamatsu) after 20 years of silence. Finding common ground in her blind son (played by visually-impaired Singaporean actor Dickson Tan), the two learn to forgive each other for the sins of their past.

$5 General Admission, $3 Seniors, Veterans & Students, Groups 10 or more

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Sunday, November 18, 2007 1pm & 4:30 pm
U.S. Premiere Special appearance by Director Hisako Yamada
“Fudeko Sono Ai Tenshi no Piano” (Fudeko - The Angel's Piano) 2006

Directed by Hisako Yamada Starring Takako Tokiwa, Emiya Ichikawa In Japanese with English subtitles “Fudeko” is the inspiring true story of Fudeko Ishii; a pioneer who established education, care and social services for developmentally disabled children in Japan in the Meiji era. Popular Japanese actress Takako Tokiwa portrays Fudeko’s very dramatic life and Kabuki actor Emiya Ichikawa makes his film debut. Adding to the authenticity of the film mentally disabled children have been cast in the film. The director, Hisako Yamada has dedicated her career to producing movies introducing unknown historical figures of significant achievement to a wide audience.

Proceeds from the screenings will go to benefit the Little Tokyo Service Center.
Aratani/Japan America Theatre $15 General Admission

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