Belief in Print. The History of Senshafuda | Online Lecture

Our friends at the Chester Beatty Library are kindly inviting everyone to join an online lecture ‘Belief in Print – The History of Senshafuda’ presented by Rebecca Salter, President of the Royal Academy of Arts.

This talk will trace the development of senshafuda from graffiti through calligraphy to woodblock print, and their role as a living Edo-period tradition in contemporary Japan.

Date & Time: Thursday, 4th February at 6 PM
Registration is required: https://chesterbeatty.ie/whats-on/chester-beatty-online-annual-lecture-2021/

The origins of senshafuda and pilgrimage go back more than 1000 years. These votive prayer slips marked with pilgrims’ names were devoted (and indeed pasted) to temples in a practice of faith that achieved particular popularity during the travel boom of Japan’s Edo period (c. 1603–1868).

Today, the tradition is kept alive through the medium of print and the enthusiasm of members of nōsatsu-kai: associations that make senshafuda, and travel together to temples.

Rebecca Salter spent two years as a research student at Kyoto City University of Arts, Japan after graduating from Bristol Polytechnic. While in Japan she was trained in many traditional techniques and combines these interests with her main practice in painting. In 2011 she had a major solo show at Yale Center for British Art, New Haven, Connecticut and has also featured in numerous international solo and group exhibitions. She was elected a Royal Academician in 2014 and became Keeper of the Royal Academy in 2017. In December 2019 she was elected President of the Royal Academy.

For more information and to register: https://chesterbeatty.ie/whats-on/chester-beatty-online-annual-lecture-2021/

Read the Tokyo Journal for FREE | Exclusive to the IJA Members only

We are delighted to let you know that we have secured an exclusive opportunity for the IJA members to have full access to the newest issue of the Tokyo Journal, one of the oldest English magazines from Japan sold across bookstores in Japan and internationally.

If you are a Corporate or Individual member of the IJA and would like to get free access to the quarterly issue of the Tokyo Journal, please contact us by email: info@ija.ie and we will send you log-in details to access the newest issue online.

The magazine was established in 1981 and since the early ’80s, it has been distributed in major bookstores throughout Japan as well as internationally. For over three decades, the Tokyo Journal has provided a glimpse into Japanese culture, all sectors of life and styles, entertainment, and events, often through the eyes of those who have travelled and lived there.

In 2017, Tokyo Journal received the Japan Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Travel and Tourism’s Japan Travel Agency Commissioner’s Award.

Canon Foundation in Europe | Research Grants

The Canon Foundation in Europe offers grants for individuals (Europeans and Japanese nationals) to carry out research in Europe or Japan. European Fellows are expected to do their research in Japan whilst Japanese Fellows are expected to do their research in Europe.

Applicants should hold at least a Master’s Degree obtained in the last 10 years. All research fields are eligible – there are no restrictions. Fellowships are for 3 months to 1 year maximum with start dates from September 2021 to December 2022.

Further information and the online application form can be found on our website at www.canonfoundation.org.

The deadline for applications has now been extended to 15 February, 2021. The earliest start date that an applicant can apply to do research will be from September 2021 until December 2022.

The Canon Foundation in Europe is a philanthropic, grant-making institution, active in the promotion of international culture and scientific relations between Europe and Japan.

For more information: https://www.canonfoundation.org/

EU-Japan News | December 2020 Issue Available Now

EU-Japan NEWS is the quarterly newsletter of the EU-Japan Centre launched in 2003 and containing EU-Japan-related news and features on topics of interest to EU and Japan businesses and public bodies.

The newest issue of the December 2020 Newsletter is available in an online and PDF version packed with the EU and Japan related news, partnering opportunities, network news and lots of other useful information and links.

EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation is a unique venture between the European Commission and the Japanese government. It is a non-profit organisation established as an affiliate of the Institute of International Studies and Training (IIST). It aims at promoting all forms of industrial, trade and investment cooperation between the EU and Japan and at improving EU and Japanese companies’ competitiveness and cooperation by facilitating exchanges of experience and know-how between EU and Japanese businesses.


You can read full December 2020 Newsletter online here!

You can read full December 2020 Newsletter in PDF format here!

Dr. and Mrs. Ushioda Scholarship | Post-scholarship report by Sophia Herar

We are delighted to let you know that Sophia Herar, Dr. and Mrs. Ushioda Scholarship recipient in 2019, has returned from Japan where she studied at Kyoto University of Foreign Studies.
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Studying abroad is a unique, unforgettable experience and we are happy that Sophia had this wonderful opportunity not only to study in Japan but also to explore the country, experience Japan’s authentic culture and make new friendships. Due to the global Covid-19 pandemic, Sophia’s stay in Japan was cut short but she would like to express her gratitude for the support and wonderful year abroad to Mrs. Ushioda and the IJA.
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‘I prepared for so many eventualities, and yet the most memorable moments were the ones I could have never anticipated. Traveling abroad for a year undoubtedly poses more challenges than anyone can prepare for, but they make the joyous moments all the more worth living.’ – Sophia Herar 

Sophia Herar and Mrs. Yoshiko Ushioda, IJA founder member and Scholarship Patron at the official presentation of the scholarship (August 2019).

If you would like to read about Sophia’s experience in Japan, her full post-scholarship essay is available on the IJA website here!
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Sophia and her friends on a hiking trip from Kibuneguchi to Kurama

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First time wearing a traditional Kimono

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Dr. and Mrs. Ushioda Scholarship was established in 2019 in honour of Dr. and Mrs. Ushioda’s major contribution to the development of the Ireland Japan Association and Ireland-Japan relations, and to underpin the association’s strong commitment to supporting Japanese studies in Ireland.
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Japan’s Far More Female Future | Online Book Launch Event

Join Trinity Long Room Hub Arts and Humanities Research Institute‘s panel discussion to mark the launch of Journalist Bill Emmott’s latest book ‘Japan’s Far More Female Future – Increasing Gender Equality and Reducing Workplace Insecurity Will Make Japan Stronger’ (2020).

Date: Tuesday, 1st December 2020
Time: 7-8 PM
Registration is required: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_bi1LvJRQQ6WEXvxJ4H-u-w 


In addition to a presentation by Bill Emmott, guest speakers include: A recorded video conversation between Bill and Ambassador Mari Miyoshi, Japanese Ambassador to Dublin 2015-18, who features in the book as being the most senior woman in the Japanese diplomatic service; two panelists, Helen Macnaughton, Senior Lecturer in International Business and Management, SOAS University of London and Akiko Sato, market advisor at Enterprise Ireland. The evening will be chaired by Prof Eve Patten, Director of the Trinity Long Room Hub.

About Japan’s Far More Female Future
Japan’s socio-economic postwar history has been largely male dominated, and still women occupy a much smaller share of leadership positions than in other rich countries. However this reflects a wide gender inequality in tertiary education in the generations now holding or entering leadership positions. Beginning in the 1990s, female access to higher education converged dramatically with that of males, reflecting changing family and social attitudes, which promises to help Japan converge with European experience during the 2020s and 2030s. Through analysis of such trends and policy options, combined with interviews with 21 female role models from business to the arts, Bill Emmott takes an optimistic look at how Japan can achieve greater social justice and sustainable prosperity for the future, helping it to adapt to an ageing and declining population.

For more information and to register for this event: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_bi1LvJRQQ6WEXvxJ4H-u-w

IJCC Partner Focus: Ireland Japan Association

The Ireland Japan Association has been featured in the Ireland Japan Chamber of Commerce (IJCC) November 2020 newsletter issue under Partner Focus section.

The IJCC is a not-for-profit organisation and business network for Irish and Japanese companies and professionals. It was formally established in 2008 by a decision of the Ministry of Economy, Trade & Industry. It replaced the Japan Ireland Economic Association (JIEA) which, since its foundation in 1973, has been the representative body for Irish-Japanese business interests in Japan. Members represent a cross-section of companies, business people and entrepreneurs from Ireland, Japan and other countries. The Chamber is a stakeholder in the European Business Council in Japan, the trade policy arm of the European Chambers and business organisations in Japan. The Chamber works closely with the Embassy of Ireland (The Ambassador of Ireland to Japan is Patron of the IJCC) and other Ireland-related institutions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Excerpt from the IJCC newsletter:

‘The objectives of the IJA are to promote greater economic and business ties between Ireland and Japan and to foster mutual understanding between the peoples of both countries, in particular, to encourage and assist in improving the knowledge of the culture of each country within the other. The IJA supports various cultural and educational learning facilities in Ireland for Japanese & Irish children such as the Japanese Saturday Schools and the Japanese Language Teachers in Ireland, who each play a crucial role in educating children in Ireland on Japanese language and culture.’

To read the full article, please see the link here: https://www.ijcc.jp/news/partner-focus-irish-japan-association

Documentary TV show ‘At Home but Abroad’ is looking for contributors

New Departures Media are currently developing a new documentary TV show with presenter Hector Ó hEochagáin called ‘At Home but Abroad’.
This fun and fascinating series filmed for prime time TV will celebrate the different communities and nationalities who have made Ireland their home, and as a result have made this country a more diverse and colourful place. 
Hector is Ireland’s most famous intrepid traveller and has been taking the viewers in TG4 on travels through all the continents over the last 20 years. Due to his travels being curtailed overseas for now, he has decided that he should feature the amazing people that live right here in Ireland. 
New Departures Media are looking to meet individuals of all ages and backgrounds from the Japanese community in Ireland who would be willing to spend a few hours with Hector, show him around their world, and tell their story. Examples could be someone who runs their own business, is very involved in the community, or simply has some great stories to tell. Hector loves activity, he loves music and sport, he loves food and cars…but most of all he loves people and family.
Do you know anybody who might be interested in this? Contact New Departures Media directly: +353 86 833 8628 or tg4hector@gmail.com

EU-Japan Economic Partnership (EPA) Progress Seminar | 24-26 Nov 2020

The European Union Delegation to Japan is organizing the EU-Japan Economic Partnership (EPA) Progress Seminar which will be held through a series of online webinars from 24 until 26 November 2020. 

The EPA Progress Seminar will seek to take stock of the progress on the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement and will bring together representatives from academia, industry and trade associations, as well as the public sector. The EPA Progress Seminar will take place over three days, with each day covering a different aspect of the EPA and inviting a varied panel of speakers.

Please find a detailed programme below or you can download it here!

 

PROGRAMME:

Day 1 (November 24 – 09:00-10:00 am CET/16:00-17:00 pm JST) – Register Here!

  • Presentation of EPA Progress Report
  • Presentation of Business Survey
  • Success stories

Day 2 (November 25 – 09:00-10:00 am CET/16:00-17:00 pm JST) – Register Here!

  • Leather and footwear market in Japan

Day 3 (November 26 – 09:00-10:00 am CET/16:00-17:00 pm JST) – Register Here!

  • Presentation of Guide on Public Procurement

Each study/report will be introduced by one of the experts and is followed by contributions from business discussants and a Q&A session.

* Please note that for each day separate registration is required.

EU-Japan News | October 2020 Issue Available Now – NEW WEB Version

EU-Japan NEWS is the quarterly newsletter of the EU-Japan Centre launched in 2003 and containing EU-Japan-related news and features on topics of interest to EU and Japan businesses and public bodies.

*NEW!* The newest issue of the October 2020 Newsletter is available now in an online version (in addition to the usual PDF) with the EU and Japan related news, partnering opportunities, network news and lots of other useful information and links.

EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation is a unique venture between the European Commission and the Japanese government. It is a non-profit organisation established as an affiliate of the Institute of International Studies and Training (IIST). It aims at promoting all forms of industrial, trade and investment cooperation between the EU and Japan and at improving EU and Japanese companies’ competitiveness and cooperation by facilitating exchanges of experience and know-how between EU and Japanese businesses.

You can read full October 2020 Newsletter here!