Local author Dr. Amber A. Logan will discuss the research process behind writing books set in Japan—including her debut novel, The Secret Garden of Yanagi Inn, an adult retelling of the children’s classic The Secret Garden set in a ryokan outside Kyoto.
Showcasing pieces from the collection of the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, this presentation will introduce Kabuki prints, featuring some beloved repertoires such as Chūshingura (Treasury of Loyal Retainers) and Musume Dōjōji (The Maiden at Dōjōji), in addition to portraits of famous Kabuki actors.
This lecture will examine how the history of kabuki theater – particularly the influence of the Tokugawa-era government in its early days – gave rise to the gender-subverting onnagata, or men who play female roles, and a comparison of them against the modern-day otokoyaku – women who act the parts of men in the Takarazuka Revue performance group.
From Godzilla to Pokemon, Japan is monster country. All of Japan’s monsters have their roots in the bizarre menagerie of the creatures called “Yokai”.
Mr. Lawson will discuss the evolution of Samurai culture and how it has survived into the modern era.
Dr. Bill Tsutsui, renowned Japanese history scholar, will explore how “commercial monsters” created by Japanese corporations since WWII fit within Japan’s rich heritage of folkloric creatures and spirits.
Step into the beauty and tradition of Japan’s most iconic garment. Explore exquisite kimono styles—from elegant to casual—and learn about the intricate accessories and artistry that give each piece meaning.
This exhibit highlights the traditions of Japan’s celebrated warrior culture and family rituals, featuring intricately crafted Samurai armor alongside exquisite dolls displayed for Girls’ Day and Children’s Day.
Jimmy Forred's lecture will focus on the history of Japanese armor leading up to the modern era.
Since the earliest records of the Ainu, Hokkaido's indigenous people, have often been viewed through myths rather than reality. This presentation by Dr. Jennifer Welsh examines how the Ainu have been portrayed across myths and historical sources.
During the talk "The Inner Life of Monsters: Noh, Godzilla and Japanese Culture", Japanese History Scholar Bill Tsutsui will explore the monsters, demons, and spirits that appear on the Noh stage.
This presentation is a reflection of the famous works of "Our Land Was a Forest: An Ainu Memoir" by Kayano Shigeru, a noted Ainu folklore expert, activist and politician as a lens to explore the persisting myths and lifestyles of the indigenous Ainu of northern Japan in contemporary times.
MTC 211 • 2nd Floor • 3:00 PM The Human Mask: Yokai and Yurei Wearing Human Faces in Japanese Folklore Zack Davisson, New York University In a flip of perspective, Zack will explain how Yokai are both the mask and the wearer of them. Many early tales from Noh theater and Buddhist literature featured supernatural […]