Learn more about Japanese Culture in the coming weeks at several events throughout the community!
Taiko: Between Past and Present, East and West
University of Findlay, Davis Street Building 102
Tuesday, January 30, 7 p.m.
Dr. Benjamin Pachter, Executive Director of the Japan-America Society of Central Ohio, will give a public lecture on Taiko, the Japanese drum. Dr. Pachter will speak on how Taiko occupies a unique musical space in Japan. The art is still being practiced for religious, court and theatrical purposes. A contemporary performance style, meant for the concert stage, has also emerged during the past 50 years, an which can be seen on February 5 at the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts. Dr. Pachter will also explore the manner in which Taiko performance styles, both traditional and new, coexist with and influence each other. This event is free and open to the public. Findlay.edu
Samurai Culture in Japanese War Tales and Exhibit Opening
Hancock Historical Museum
Thursday, February 1, Noon
As part of the Hancock Historical Museum’s Brown Bag Lecture Series, Dr. Ryoko Okamura, the Assistant Professor in the Dpeartment of World Languages in Cultures at Bowling Green State University, will be presenting on Samurai Culture in Japanese War Tales. A bag lunch of a sandwich, chips, cookie and a drink is available for purchase by calling the museum at 419-423-4433 or guests may bring in their own lunch. Those who are purchasing a lunch are encouraged to arrive by 11:45 a.m., the lecture will begin at Noon. HancockHistoricalMuseum.org
Also on Thursday from 4:30 – 6 p.m. at the Hancock Historical Museum, join the museum in opening their newest exhibit featuring Edo-Period Samurai Armor Exhibit with a free reception.
Japanese Family Movie Day
Findlay-Hancock County Public Library
Saturday, February 3, 2 p.m.
Saturday, February 10, 2 p.m.
Enjoy a Japanese movie with the whole family, and University of Findlay students – for free! On February 3, families will watch the Oscar nominated film, “When Marnie was There“. Released in 2014, “When Marnie was There” is about an emotionally distant girl who, upon being sent to live with relatives in the countryside, becomes obsessed with an abandoned mansion and infatuated with a girl who lives there – a girl who may or may not be real. On February 10 families are invited to watch “From Up on Poppy Hill“, which was awarded Best Animation Film from the Japanese Academy. “From Up on Poppy Hill” was released in 2011 and follows a group of Yokohama teens who look to save their school’s clubhouse from a local businessman who is looking to demolish it for development. VisitFindlay.com
Yamato: The Drummers of Japan
Marathon Center for the Performing Arts
Monday, February 5, 7:30 p.m.
Featuring the Taiko, the Japanese drum, the drummers of Yamato perform an exhilarating performance in this high energy show. Their performances of Taiko have been seen by over 6 million people in 53 countries across the globe. Limited tickets still available, buy your tickets here! MarathonCenterArts.org
East Meets West with Traditional Japanese Dance
Winebrenner Theological Seminary
Sunday, February 11, 3 p.m.
“East Meets West” will be the theme of this year’s Pops Concert as the Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble perform pop tunes of the US and Japan. The featured soloist for the concert will be Colleen Abrams, Part-time Instructor of Clarinet and Saxophone at the University of Findlay. Haru Hashiguchi will also appear as a guest dancer for the concert. The bands will be under the direction of Jack Taylor, Professor of Music at the University of Findlay. This concert is free, however tickets are required. MarathonCenterArts.org
Celebrate Japanese Culture by attending any and all of these events! Also, make sure to enjoy the Japanese Exhibit at the Black Heritage Library and Multicultural Center. Learn more about these events and others by visiting our Event Calendar.