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January 2008
February 2008
March 2008
April 2008
May 2008
June 2008
July 2008
Past Events


April 2008


Sunday, April 20, 2008 2:30pm
SUSHIMASTERS
Los Angeles Regional Competition


Mark you calendars! Join us for a spectacular afternoon of unforgettable taste sensations and culinary virtuosity as top Southern California sushi chefs compete for the regional title in the first Los Angeles SushiMasters competition. Think Iron Chef, sushi-style!!

The live competition on the Aratani/Japan America Theatre stage will be followed by a tasting of gourmet delights with complimentary Japanese beer and sake on the JACCC Plaza.

This event is brought to you by JACCC and The California Rice Commission.

Aratani/Japan America Theatre
$65 general admission, $75 reserved seating
$60 general admission JACCC members, $70 reserved seating JACCC members
$50 for Groups of 10+ (general admission)

Tickets include complimentary tasting & sampling after the competition
For more information call (213) 628-2725
Charge by phone (213) 680-3700
Box Office Hours: Monday-Friday,12-5pm


Buy tickets online

Watch video clip (coming soon)

www.sushimasters.com

www.calrice.org


Monday, April 28, 2008
2008 AMBASSADORS CUP
U.S.-Japan Friendship Golf Tournament


JACCC's Annual Golf Tournament celebrates its 25th year! The tournament will be held at the Friendly Hills Country Club in Whittier. Check-in is at 9am with a Shot-gun-tee-off at 11am and the day ends with a fantastic Awards Dinner at 5:30pm. Continental breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be served.

Golf Tournament contributions provide vital support which sustain the many outstanding programs presented by the JACCC at the Aratani/Japan America Theatre and George J. Doizaki Gallery.

For more information about different levels of sponsorship and participation contact Carolyn Onaga at (213) 628-2725 or onaga@jaccc.org.

RESERVATION DEADLINE: MONDAY, APRIL 7, 2008

May 2008


Wednesday, May 7 and Thursday, May 8, 2008
LOS ANGELES ASIAN PACIFIC FILM FESTIVAL
A Visual Communications Production
24th Edition
May 1-8, 2008


Wednesday, May 7 - Film screening at Aratani/Japan America Theatre
Thursday, May 8 - Closing Night & Awards Ceremony at Aratani/Japan America Theatre



Visual Communications will present the 24th edition of The Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival, May 1-8, 2008, at the Directors Guild of America, Laemmle's Sunset 5 Theatre, and Aratani/Japan America Theatre, among others. The Film Festival will include the latest new works by established and emerging filmmakers and video artists; a slate of provocative and highly entertaining feature-length productions showcasing the talents of Asian American acting and producing talents; new works by Asian international artists; and filmmaker seminars, panel discussions and symposiums on topics relevant to Asian Pacific cinema.

The Film Festival once again is proud to present two of its most prestigious events at the Aratani/Japan America Theatre, host venue to the 1st Festival back in 1983. On Wednesday, May 7, the Film Festival continues and expands its commitment to nurture and promote new Asian Pacific American filmmaking talent through the World Premiere screening of works by Visual Communications' 2008 Armed with Camera Fellowship. Then be sure to join us on Thursday, May 8 as the Film Festival presents the annual Filmmaker Awards for feature-length and short films, and Festival Audience Awards for favorite feature-length narrative and documentary film, to be allowed by the local premiere of the Closing Night feature and Reception.

For complete program and ticket information call Visual Communications at
(213) 680-4462 x. 59 beginning April 2008 or visit www.vconline.org


Saturday, May 10, 2008 3pm
THE COLBURN DANCE INSTITUTE SPRING CONCERT

The annual Colburn Dance Institute Spring Concert will be performed for the first time at the Aratani/japan America Theatre. Featuring a combination of classical and contemporary choreography, the students of the Professional Training Program will showcase the work of Jiří Kylián, George Balanchine and Marius Petipa amongst others.

Aratani/Japan America Theatre
Admission Free
Reservations required
Call the Colburn Box Office at (213) 621-1050

www.colburnschool.edu


Saturday and Sunday, May 17-18, 2008
LITTLE TOKYO FUNFEST


DAY ONE: Saturday, May 17, 10-4pm
JACCC Plaza, Center Building, & San Pedro Street
Admission Free




Day one of Little Tokyo Funfest kicks off with JACCC'S Asian Pacific Arts & Crafts Faire, the 10th Annual San Tai San Youth Basketball Tournament and Nikkei Community Day.

10th Annual San Tai San Youth Basketball Tournament
For girls and boys ages 7-12 years old
For information and online registration go to http://reccenter.ltsc.org

Come out to play ball on the streets of Little Tokyo! Children ages 7-12 are invited to register teams for our outdoor 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament. All teams play at least 2 games and everyone gets a goodie bag, t-shirt, and tournament raffle ticket.

2nd Annual Nikkei Community Day
Sponsored by Ties That Bind

Japanese and Japanese Americans from all over the Greater L.A. Area come together for an amazing festival of Nikkei heritage and culture. Join community leaders as they share their ideas on "The State and Future of the Nikkei Community," visit community information booths, watch performances on stage and participate in workshops.


DAY TWO: Sunday, May 18, 10-4pm
25TH ANNIVERSARY CHILDREN'S DAY CELEBRATION
JACCC Plaza, Center Building, & San Pedro Street
Admission Free




Day two continues with our Asian Pacific Arts & Crafts Faire, with live entertainment, craft vendors, delicious food, and childrens' crafts and games. along with our annual Chibi-K: Kids for Kids Fun Run and Cultural Discovery Workshops.

Chibi-K: Kids for Kids Fun Run (Rain or Shine!)
For children ages 4 to 12 years

Everyone is invited to participate in this fun run through the streets of Little Tokyo. Registration includes a Chibi-K Run T-shirt, and goodie bag.


Online registration for Chibi-K (coming soon)
For schedule and phone registration contact Jessie Kikuchi at (213) 628-2725 x142
or jkikuchi@jaccc.org

Cultural Discovery Workshops, 11-3pm
Workshops for the entire family! Led by local artists and professionals, these hands-on workshops are a unique opportunity for parents and children to experience a variety of cultural traditions all in one day! A perfect event for the whole family!


Online registration for Cultural Workshops (coming soon)
For schedule and phone registration contact Jessie Kikuchi at (213) 628-2725 x142
or jkikuchi@jaccc.org


Saturday, May 24 - Sunday, June 29
AJA 22nd ANNIVERSARY

AJA XXII marks the 22nd year of the JACCC s annual spotlight on contemporary art.

Activating and manipulating the space of the Doizaki Gallery and the JACCC Plaza marks the return of award-winning landscape architect Calvin Abe to the Artist of Japanese Ancestry (AJA) series for the second time.

Honed by his many years of experience, Abe's exciting new installation piece titled Shreddings Part III: Defuragu is an innovative look into our current eco-system. This visually powerful and interactive installation promises to take gallery-goers on an introspective journey.

George J. Doizaki Gallery and JACCC Plaza
Admission Free
Gallery Hours: Tues-Fri, 12-5pm, Sat-Sun 11-4pm, or by appt. Closed Mondays and Holidays

For information or to schedule an appointment beyond normal gallery hours contact
Gavin Kelley at (213) 628-2725 x.133 or kelley@jaccc.org

June 2008

Sunday, June 1, 2008
Anniversary Dinner

The Japanese American Cultural & Community Center cordially invites you to attend its 28th Anniversary Celebration and Awards Dinner. Sunday June 1, 2008, at the Omni Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles. We will be honoring Councilperson Jan Perry and Media News Anchors Frank Buckley, Rob Fukuzaki, Susan Hirasuna, David Ono, and Gordon Tokumatsu.

For ticket and sponsorship information call (213) 680-2725.



Saturday, June 7, 8pm
ASIA AMERICA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Japanese national treasure Sadao Watanabe returns in a very special appearance with the full Asia Symphony Orchestra. Also featured in the program will be Beethoven's Symphony #6 in F Major "Pastorale" and the World Debut of "Dolores Del Carmen" for Spanish guitar and Orchestra composed by music director David Benoit.

Aratani/Japan America Theatre
$75 VIP with reception /$50 Premiere tickets/ $35 general admission
For more information call (213) 628-2725
Charge by phone (213) 680-3700
Box Office Hours: Monday-Friday,12-5pm


www.asiaamericasymphony.org


Sunday, June 29, 5pm
Special film screening and Aurora Borealis Photography Show


AURORA FOUNDATION FUNDRAISER FILM SCREENING

The Aurora Foundation will hold a special screening of the film Bizan (2007)
directed by Isshin Inudou. Based on the novel by Masashi Sada the film starts
Nanako Matsushima,
most known for her leading role in The Ring. Set in Tokushima, Bizan tells a universal story of familial love and emotional healing with lots of local flavor.

Aratani/Japan America Theatre
For ticket prices, tickets, and information contact the Aurora Japanese
Language Scholarship Foundation at (323) 882-6545



Saturday, June 21
A benefit concert for the Theatre

SOUNDS & VOICES OF J-TOWN

Save the date for this benefit concert celebrating the Aratani/Japan America Theatre. Bringing together extraordinary talent from the API community, featured artists include acclaimed Jennifer Paz (Flower Drum Song & Miss Saigon), a rare in-concert performance by Mariko Nishizu, and compelling poet/activist Traci Kato Kiriyama.
These artists and other special guests honor the main stage that has been home to
Asian Pacific Islander performing artists for over 25 years. There will be a post performance reception following the concert.

Proceeds from the concert will go towards theatre equipment upgrades.

Aratani/Japan America Theatre
Special VIP Seating $100*
$50 orchestra, $45 balcony
*(tax deductible to the extent permitted by law)


Buy tickets online (coming soon)


2008 Past Events



January 2008


Sunday January 6 - Sunday March 2, 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 exhibt continues to showcase shikishi signed by dignitaries, and features 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
Gallery Hours: Tuesday - Friday, 12-5pm, Saturday & Sunday, 11-4pm
Closed Mondays and Holidays

February 2008


Saturday, February 16, 2008 8pm
HIDANO SUPER TAIKO and guests

Award-winning taiko virtuoso Shuichi Hidano celebrates his 20th anniversary as a taiko artist with his first concert in Los Angeles. Hidano has captivated audiences in over 20 countries with his innovative approach to rhythm and dynamic beats.

Some of LA’s premier jazz, Latin, and rock studio musicians along with special guests on koto and shamisen join Hidano as well as a 30-member group from the Taiko Center of Los Angeles.


Aratani/Japan America Theatre
$25 General Admission, $22 JACCC Members
Charge by phone 213-680-3700
Box Office hours: Monday-Friday,12-5pm
For more information, call (626) 307-3839


Buy tickets online

www.taikocenter.com


March 2008

Saturday, March 8, 2008 8pm
HANAYUI with special guest Kaoru Watanabe

The Japanese performing arts group Hanayui make their Southern California debut at the Aratani/Japan America Theatre March 8th. Featuring Yoko Fujimoto and Chieko Kojima of Kodo and Okinawan dance expert Mitsue Kinjo, Hanayui explores the rich folk tradition of traveling entertainers who traversed the Japanese countryside with song and dance.

For their performance at the Aratani/Japan America Theatre Hanayui will be joined on stage by Kaoru Watanabe, former Kodo member and artistic director, performing on the shinobue bamboo flute.

Come and experience the unblemished sounds and color of rural Japan at their finest!


Aratani/Japan America Theatre
$37 orchestra, $32 balcony / $32, $27 JACCC members, Groups 6+ /
$25 Student Rush Day of Show
For more information call 213-628-2725
Charge by phone 213-680-3700
Box Office hours: Monday-Friday,12-5pm


Buy tickets online

Watch video clip: Windows Media Quicktime



Saturday, March 15, 2008 2pm matinee, 8pm evening
VAGINA MONOLOGUES

Tamilyn Tomita leads a new cast of Pan-Asian performers in Eve Ensler's award-winning play about women embracing the power of accepting their bodies. The 2007 Benefit performance sold out so get your tickets early!

All proceeds benefit the Center for the Pacific Asian Family and V-Dayfor their work to end violence against women and girls.

Directed by Heidi Helen Davis
Produced by Karen Gee, Andrea Apuy and Grayce Wey

Aratani/Japan America Theatre
Matinee preferred seating $50
Evening VIP preferred seating + reception $75
For both performances, orchestra $40, balcony $30
Early bird (by Feb 15th) $10 discounts on balcony and orchestra seats for Students,
JACCC Members, Non-profit employees, and Senior Citizens
Charge by phone: (213) 680-3700
Box Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 12-5pm

VIP Tickets are available only through the Center for the Pacific Asian Family at
(323) 653-4045 x. 204


Sunday, March 16, 2008 1-3pm
KIMONO: SEA OF SILK
Preserving Tradition and Modernity


Both subtle and vivid, experience the full array of color with this lecture on Japanese kimono from highly respected and sought after kimono-designer Nobuaki Tomita.

The kimono dates back centuries and continues to be surrounded by mystery. Tomita offers audience members an informed and entertaining glimpse into the world of kimono with a multitude of kimono samples modeled live.

Trained in Kyoto, the kimono capital of the world, Tomita established his own company "Kyokaori" in 1990 and has since worked as a stylist for many of Japan's top film and television stars. In 1994 Tomita began touring his kimono lecture internationally, including stops in China, Europe and the United States. This lecture makrs his first appearance in Los Angeles.

This event is sponsored by The Japan Foundation

JACCC Garden Room
Admission is free, however space is limited so reservations are required.
For reservations please contact Gavin Kelley at (213) 628-2725 x. 133 or kelley@jaccc.org

Sunday, March 16, 2008 2pm
HARU UTA MATSURI
Pasadena Nikkei's Annual Karaoke Concert


Aratani/Japan America Theatre
$25 general admission
Charge by phone (213) 680-3700
Box Office hours: Monday-Friday,12-5pm

 


Saturday, March 22, 2008 7pm
EMERGING VOICES
An Initiative of the 2008 World Festival of Sacred Music


LA's leading and most creative youth ensembles come together in a rare performance of spiritual music and dance traditions from Hawaii (Halau o Keali'i o Nalani), India (Shakti Dance Company), Mexico (Mariachi Tesoro de San Fernando), and America (Crenshaw Elite Choir).

Witness the diversity of sound and cultural expressions of these accomplished and dedicated young artists.

Co-sponsored by the World Festival of Sacred Music - Los Angeles.

Aratani/Japan America Theatre
$20 reserved seats, $10 students and children
$15 JACCC members/2008 Festival participants/UCLA faculty & staff
Charge by phone (213) 680-3700
Box Office hours: Monday-Friday, 12-5pm

Buy tickets online



Sunday, March 30, 2008 2pm
NIHONMACHI: The Place to Be

The Grateful Crane Ensemble returns for a special benefit for the Little Tokyo Koban and Visitor Center. This musical journey will take you back through time to the 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 take him to a J-Town the way it used to be.

Written by Soji Kashiwagi

Aratani/Japan America Theatre
$35 orchestra, $30 balcony
For more information call (213) 628-2725
Charge by phone (213) 680-3700
Box Office Hours: Monday-Friday,12-5pm

There will be a post-performance manju/mochi reception on the JACCC Plaza, sponsored by Brian Kito, Fugetsu-do.