All Events - Japanese-City.com - Arts. Food. Entertainment. Cultural Events in the Japanese Community

August 20th, 2008, Wednesday - Sony Pictures Studios Tour (M—F) (Year—round)

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Take the Sony Pictures Studios Tour and step back into a legendary time. Located on one of the world's most famous studio lots, our walking tour gives you a rare glimpse of old Hollywood's glory days and an insider's view of a state—of—the—art motion picture studio.

Not only is this the studio where the Yellow Brick Road once wound through Munchkin Land, it is also the place where the agents from 'Men In Black' battled aliens from outer space and Spider—Man catapulted from skyscraper to skyscraper. Our dynamic studio tour guides will shed light on the film and television production process by taking you to various soundstages and by sharing tales of days gone by. You may even have the chance to visit the sets of the hit game shows 'Jeopardy!' or 'Wheel of Fortune.'

Filled with movie, television and commercial productions on any given day, you never know what— or who— will be just around the corner!

For more information or to make reservations, please call
310—244—TOUR (8687)

Holiday's
Please check if closed

For on—line tour ticket purchases, please click here: sonypicturesstudios.tix.com

Tours depart daily Monday through Friday from Sony Pictures Plaza
Regular studio tour times are 9:30am, 10:30am, 1:30pm, and 2:30pm (call for availability)
Summer Twilight Tour time is 6:30pm around June — October 2
Reservations highly recommended
Admission is $$28 per person
Children ages 12 and older are welcome
Free parking in Sony Pictures Plaza
Includes visit to our exclusive Studio Emporium

Click here for Tour Details

August 20th, 2008, Wednesday - Its Watermelon Season!! Tanaka Farms (July — August)

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Note: Check the site and call Tanaka Farms when season ends 

Watermelon Tours start
Saturday July 5th and will run until the end of August. 

Weekend tour times
9:30 am
11:00 am
1:00 pm

Reservations
No Reservations are needed on the weekends.
Weekday tours are by reservation only.  Please call 714—968—6588 for reservations or more information.
 

Looking for something to do during the SUMMER? 
Look no further.  A fun experience for the kids and also educational to get the kids to think a little while they are out of school.  On the Watermelon tour you can look forward to:
* Wagon ride around our 30 acre farm
* See how summer fruits and vegetables grow
* Taste some delicious fruits and vegetabless
* At the end we'll cut up some farm fresh melon and watermelons, get a little messy in the process.

* Then we'll go pick your very own watermelon

August 20th, 2008, Wednesday - Beauty in Captivity — Japanese American Historical Society of San Diego

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Print: Towers, Valerie Abe

June 5 — August 31, 2008

Tuesdays through Sundays,
10 a.m — 4 p.m.

Japanese Friendship Garden of San Diego, Balboa Park

2215 Pan American Rd., San Diego, CA 92101

Telephone: 619.232.2721

August 20th, 2008, Wednesday - Kids Explore the World of Nature at Hands—on Plant Discovery

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Nature activities are scheduled on Saturdays from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Kids of all ages can explore the world of nature at hands—on plant discovery carts located at the Lily Ponds, Desert Garden and Japanese Garden. Older kids can examine plant cross—sections under a microscope, learn how plants and animals use camouflage, compare soil and water samples, or look for local wildlife using a field guide. Younger children can make leaf rubbings, examine seed pods, create origami, or experience 'a bug's life' through insect puppet play. On the first Saturday of each month, nature crafts are also offered near the entrance pavilion.

Costs
No reservations required; free with museum admission. $$15 adults, $$12 seniors (65+), $$10 students (ages 12—18 or with student I.D.), $$6 for youth (ages 5—11), free for children under 5.

Information
626—405—2100. 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino.

Ongoing Programs

Discovery Carts for Kids
Saturdays, 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Kids of all ages can explore the world of nature every Saturday at The Huntington. “Discovery Carts” located at the Lily Ponds and in the Japanese Garden welcome budding young botanists with a variety of hands—on learning activities.  On the first Saturday of each month, Nature Crafts are also offered near the Entrance Pavilion. No reservations required. Free with museum admission (children under 5 enter free).

Activities are subject to cancellation without notice due to inclement weather or volunteer availability.

August 20th, 2008, Wednesday - Beerfest in the Garden — Kyoto Grand Hotel and Gardens

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Celebrate Summer at Beerfest
Escape from the heat of summer to a relaxing Japanese Garden in the Sky at Kyoto Grand Hotel and Gardens, a unique option among downtown Los Angeles hotels.

Join us for Beerfest and refresh yourself in a beautifully—lush atmosphere as you enjoy cool beverages and conversations on our rooftop sanctuary. Sample authentic German, Japanese and American beers as you watch sporting events on plasma TVs and fill up on barbeque. Be sure to come on Fridays for live entertainment!

Japanese Garden
The only Japanese Garden in the sky. Experience one of the most beautiful Japanese gardens in Los Angeles, right in the heart of the city. The enchanting 'Garden in the Sky', located on the 3rd floor of the Kyoto Grand Hotel is a miniature half—acre version of an historic 400 year—old, ten—acre garden in Tokyo. Take a stroll through this graceful, calming environment, guaranteed to provide a relaxing and refreshing experience.

How To Order
1) Order your drinks: beer, coke, etc.
2) Order your BBQ outside

Summer Schedule
June 10 — Sept 1
Tues — Friday

Times
Tue—Thu: 5:00 pm — 9:00 pm
Fri: 5:00 pm — 10:00 pm

August 20th, 2008, Wednesday - A Japanese American Cultural Heritage Experience for Middle School Youth (5 days)

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Summary
Camp Musubi is open to any middle school—aged student entering 6th, 7th, or 8th grade, who wants to have fun learning about Nikkei heritage. 

Background
Camp Musubi is a weeklong day camp that uses fun activities to teach young people about Japanese American heritage. The goal of the camp is to spark interest in the Japanese American culture and community through hands—on experiences and interactions with people in the community. Participants will learn from a variety of cultural and community 'experts' and do group activities with a college—aged leader. 

Camp Musubi 2008
will be August 18th to 22nd

The activities will include a combination of cultural experiences, games, and field trips. Cultural workshops may include taiko, ikebana, martial arts, papermaking, cooking, calligraphy, etc. Guest speakers will include cultural artists, Japanese American Professional and athletes as well as people from community groups. Past participants have gone on a scavenger hunt throughout J—Town and visited various sites such as the Japanese American National Museum, Terminal Island, Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden at CSULB and a tofu factory. A fun trip and a picnic are also planned.

Camp Musubi is open to any middle school—aged student entering 6th, 7th, or 8th grade, who wants to have fun learning about Nikkei heritage.

Camp Musubi will meet at the Centenary United Methodist Church in Little Tokyo. There will be various off—site locations throughout Little Tokyo and a field trip.

Registration information for Camp Musubi is available here. There is an early bird discount of $$15 for those registering by May 19, 2008.

Camp Musubi is also taking applications for camp counselors. Application information is available here.

August 20th, 2008, Wednesday - Living Flowers: Ikebana and Contemporary Art (JANM)

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Detail of installation view
In a Moment, 1997
365 gerbera daisies' src='http://www.janm.org/dj/media/exhibitions/Gallaccio_150pxwide.jpg' width=150 align=left border=0 mce_src='http://www.janm.org/dj/media/exhibitions/Gallaccio_150pxwide.jpg'>
Anya Gallaccio
Detail of installation view
In a Moment, 1997
365 gerbera daisies

Living Flowers: Ikebana and Contemporary Art is an innovative exhibition that showcases the traditional Japanese art of ikebana alongside cutting—edge contemporary art. For centuries, ikebana has been displayed in conjunction with traditional Asian art. In Living Flowers, arrangements by masters of the Ikenobo, Ohara, and Sogetsu schools of ikebana will be juxtaposed with the works of international artists. The exhibition explores how Japanese traditions have been maintained and transformed in our present—day world, while simultaneously highlighting the influence and impact of Japanese aesthetics on the art of today.

Providing glimpses into the artistic process, ikebana artists will work within the exhibition to create fresh flower arrangements. Living Flowers will reach beyond the gallery walls by featuring informative educational and interpretive programs such as ikebana demonstrations and exhibition—related workshops, as well as inspiring family programs and artists talks that explore the link between contemporary art and traditional ikebana.

The exhibition is made possible, in part, by The MetLife Foundation Museum Connections Program, The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, The James Irvine Foundation, The E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation, Pasadena Art Alliance, Michael W. Oshima & Chiaki Tanaka, Ph.D., and Mariko O. Gordon & Hugh A. Cosman.

August 21st, 2008, Thursday - Downtown LA Farmers Market

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Farmers' markets are markets, usually held out—of—doors, where farmers can sell their produce to the public. Products at such markets are known for being locally—grown, very fresh, and sold directly to the public, without going through a middle man. Farmers' markets often feature additive—free and organic produce.

But food isn’t the only great thing at a Farmers Market. Many markets sell unique work by local artisans, and provide entertainment. For a lunch or a fresh fruit and vegetable, visit a Farmers Markets today.

Location
City Hall at 1st and Spring

Time
10 am — 2pm

August 21st, 2008, Thursday - Experience Japanese American Ancestry — Free Every 3rd Thursday

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400

'The Japanese American National Museum is the only museum in the United States dedicated to sharing the experience of Americans of Japanese ancestry. The founding of the Museum is a story of high hopes, remarkable achievements, frustration, and ultimately, success.'

* Free general admission every Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m.
* Free admission 10am—8pm every 3rd Thursday.

Location
Japanese American National Museum
369 East First Street
Los Angeles, California 90012

For Reservations and info: (213) 625—0414.
http://www.janm.org

August 21st, 2008, Thursday - Sony Pictures Studios — Twlight Tours (Thursday)

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Visitors Can Discover One Of World’s Most Famous Studio Lots
On Thursday Evenings From June 26 To October 2 

Culver City, CA  ——  Sony Pictures Studios announced today that beginning June 26, visitors will be able to take Twilight Tours of the historic studio every Thursday through October 2nd.

“From The Wizard of Oz to Spider—Man 3, this is the lot where dreams are made,” said Pam Byrne, Director of Studio Services.  “Now people can enjoy warm summer evenings by experiencing the glamour and history of Sony Pictures Studios. Our Twilight Tours offer the perfect opportunity to treat family, friends and out—of—town guests to a one—of—a—kind, unforgettable Hollywood experience.”

The tours last approximately 2 hours and begin at 6:30 p.m. in the lobby of the Sony Pictures Plaza Building. Free underground parking is available in the Plaza Building, with the entrance off Madison Avenue between West Washington and Culver Boulevards.  Upon checking in at the tour department, guests can view costumes and props like the motorcycles from Ghost Rider, the neuralizer from Men in Black, the proton pack from Ghostbusters, and the Cryptex from The Da Vinci Code, among many others cinema icons.”

“This is a working studio, so people walking the lot during their tour may have a chance to see an actual set for a motion picture or television show or, on occasion, actors and extras on the lot for a nighttime shoot,” said Byrne. “Tour guests in the evening enjoy a leisurely stroll around a more relaxed environment than the hustle and bustle of daytime production activity, and they typically have the advantage of being able to access more areas of the lot at night.”

The Twilight Tour begins with a brief video about the studio’s history. From there guests walk through the Madison Gate, tracing the footsteps of famous stars who made history throughout the lot.  Visitors can often see actual Oscar® statuettes celebrating a number of Columbia Pictures’ “Best Picture” awards, as well as Scoring and Foley stages, and the sets of shows like Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune.

Movies were first made on the site of Sony Pictures Studios back in 1915, when Ince/Triangle Studios set up shop there. It was taken over by famous Hollywood pioneers D.W. Griffith and Mack Sennett and later sold to Samuel Goldwyn. In 1924, MGM Studios began making movies on the lot and continued for nearly sixty years. Sony Pictures acquired the site in 1990 and began a rehabilitation of the studio that was completed in 1997. 

“Our visitors get to see where real Hollywood history was made,” said Byrne.  “This is the lot where the Yellow Brick Road once wound through Munchkin Land and Esther Williams made a splash in the early 1940’s.”  The latest in a long line of popular films released by Sony Pictures Entertainment is Hancock, opening nationally on July 2.

For more information about the Twilight Tours, or to make reservations,
please call 310—244—TOUR (8687). 

Admission 
$$28 per person

August 22nd, 2008, Friday - Beerfest in the Garden — (Friday — live Jazz band) Kyoto Grand Hotel and Gardens

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Celebrate Summer at Beerfest
Escape from the heat of summer to a relaxing Japanese Garden in the Sky at Kyoto Grand Hotel and Gardens, a unique option among downtown Los Angeles hotels.

Join us for Beerfest and refresh yourself in a beautifully—lush atmosphere as you enjoy cool beverages and conversations on our rooftop sanctuary. Sample authentic German, Japanese and American beers as you watch sporting events on plasma TVs and fill up on barbeque. Be sure to come on Fridays for live entertainme

Japanese Garden
The only Japanese Garden in the sky. Experience one of the most beautiful Japanese gardens in Los Angeles, right in the heart of the city. The enchanting 'Garden in the Sky', located on the 3rd floor of the Kyoto Grand Hotel is a miniature half—acre version of an historic 400 year—old, ten—acre garden in Tokyo. Take a stroll through this graceful, calming environment, guaranteed to provide a relaxing and refreshing experience.

How To Order
1) Order your drinks: beer, coke, etc.
2) Order your choice of snacks: wieners, etc.. (chef will cook them)

Summer Schedule
June 10 — Sept 1
Tues — Friday

Times
Tue—Thu: 5:00 pm — 9:00 pm
Fri: 5:00 pm — 10:00 pm

August 23rd, 2008, Saturday - Farmers Market — City of Torrance (2 Days: Tues & Sat)

Sat, 23 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Torrance Certified Farmers Market
Come sample our summer variety of top quality produce brought in each week direct from 60 California farms. The market features a year—round selection of California grown fruits, nuts, vegetables, eggs, honey, baked goods, fish, cut flowers and nursery stock. FREE produce raffle every Tuesday at 12:00 noon Be sure to pick up your free copy of our 'Fresh Farmer' newsletter or get it here!

Tuesdays 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Saturdays, 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Charles H. Wilson Park (map)  2200 Crenshaw Blvd. (between Sepulveda Blvd. and Carson St.)

August 23rd, 2008, Saturday - 68th Annual Nisei Week (Sat) Cultural Exhibits, Contest, & Free Concerts

Sat, 23 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Note: This schedule has been updated as of Aug 8th, 2008

Check JACCC Web Site Calendar
http://www.niseiweek.org/calendar.html

Saturday & Sunday Exhibits, August 23th — 24th
Time: 10:00 am — 5:00 pm — Exhibitions
Location: JACCC Center Building
Costs: Free

Daily Schedule (Saturday/Sunday)
1) Bonsai Exhibit (Nampu—kai)
2) Textile Exhibit (Akane—kai)
3) Calligraphy Demonstration and Exhibition (Beikoku Shodo Kenkyu—kai)
4) Japanese Doll Exhibit (Yukai—kai)
5) Japanese Fan Exhibit (Kani Ishizumi)
6) Japanese Brush Painting Exhibit (Kawai Sumie)

Saturday, August 23th
12:00 pm — Gyoza Eating Championship.
  Location: JACCC Plaza. Cost: Free
6:00 pm — 10:00 pm — Next Generation REMIX 2008: Community Reborn
  Location: JACCC Plaza. Cost: Free
  Description: Free concert will showcase some of the hottest up and coming API artists in Los Angeles.

Sunday, August 24th
11:30 am — 4:00 pm: 15th Annual Taiko Gathering
Location: JACCC Plaza
Taiko groups from throughout the greate Los Angeles area converge once again on the JACCC Plaza to showcase the growing performance styles of taiko today.  Wherever you may come from, let the spellbinding power and spirit of Japanese America Taiko take you home.

4:00 Ondo & Nisei Week Closing Ceremonies (Community Dance Celebration)

August 23rd, 2008, Saturday - The WWAAC Leaders & Legends Awards — Hyatt Regency Century City

Sat, 23 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400

The grand finale of NAAAP's — 22nd Annual Convention in Los Angeles.
WWAAC Awards will be televised and aired to an estimated 15—million homes across the nation.

The (WWAAC) Who’s Who in Asian American Communities Leaders & Legends Awards is proud to announce the 2008 Honorees. On Saturday, August 23rd — the WWAAC Leaders and Legends Awards will showcase and recognize the accomplishments of these (6) six dedicated and successful Asians who serve as role models throughout the nation. 

Date
Saturday, August 23rd

Time
Red Carpet Ceremony: 6:30 p.m. — 7:00 p.m.
VIP Reception 7:00 p.m. — 8:00 p.m.
WWAAC Leaders & Legends Awards 8:00 p.m. — 10:00 p.m.

Reference
http://www.sachikoto.com/index_files/WWAAC.htm 

August 23rd, 2008, Saturday - Nikkei Federation & JACCC — Next Generation Remix Community Reborn

Sat, 23 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400

NEXT GENERATION REMIX 2008 calls for youths to return to the Asian Pacific Islander American community through the power of music. REMIX showcases fresh, up—and—coming APIA artists who represent the voice of the next generation.

The 5th annual event is a celebration of the greater APIA community. Though held in the heart of Little Tokyo, REMIX will feature a diverse selection of multicultural and contemporary artists in music, dance, and spoken word.

THIS IS A FREE EVENT! Multicultural performers will open the concert at 6PM, followed by contemporary artists from 7—10PM.

August 24th, 2008, Sunday - Asiafest — Queen Mary

Sun, 24 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Asiafest will be held on Sunday, August 24, 2008 and is a celebration of Asian and Pacific Island culture, art, Music and foods. The festival is being held at the beautiful Seawalk Village located on the grounds of the Queen Mary in Long beach, CA.

Hours
10am — 7pm

Different Asian groups will perform

Sumo
Taiko
Korean Dance
etc.

August 24th, 2008, Sunday - 68th Annual Nisei Week (Sun) Cultural Exhibits, Taiko, Closing Ceremonies — Dancing

Sun, 24 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400

August 24th, 2008, Sunday - 68th Annual Nisei Week (Sun) Taiko Groups — Free Concert

Sun, 24 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Note: This schedule has been updated as of Aug 8th, 2008

Check JACCC Web Site Calendar
http://www.niseiweek.org/calendar.html

Saturday & Sunday Exhibits, August 23th — 24th
Time: 10:00 am — 5:00 pm — Exhibitions
Location: JACCC Center Building
Costs: Free

Daily Schedule
1) Bonsai Exhibit (Nampu—kai)
2) Textile Exhibit (Akane—kai)
3) Calligraphy Demonstration and Exhibition (Beikoku Shodo Kenkyu—kai)
4) Japanese Doll Exhibit (Yukai—kai)
5) Japanese Fan Exhibit (Kani Ishizumi)
6) Japanese Brush Painting Exhibit (Kawai Sumie)

Saturday, August 23th
12:00 pm — Gyoza Eating Championship.
  Location: JACCC Plaza. Cost: Free
6:00 pm — 10:00 pm — Next Generation REMIX 2008: Community Reborn
  Location: JACCC Plaza. Cost: Free
  Description: Free concert will showcase some of the hottest up and coming API artists in Los Angeles.

August 24th, 2008, Sunday - 68th Annual Nisei Week (Sun) Ondo (Community Dance) & Closing Ceremonies

Sun, 24 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Note: This schedule has been updated as of Aug 8th, 2008

Check JACCC Web Site Calendar
http://www.niseiweek.org/calendar.html

Saturday & Sunday Exhibits, August 23th — 24th
Time: 10:00 am — 5:00 pm — Exhibitions
Location: JACCC Center Building
Costs: Free

Daily Schedule
1) Bonsai Exhibit (Nampu—kai)
2) Textile Exhibit (Akane—kai)
3) Calligraphy Demonstration and Exhibition (Beikoku Shodo Kenkyu—kai)
4) Japanese Doll Exhibit (Yukai—kai)
5) Japanese Fan Exhibit (Kani Ishizumi)
6) Japanese Brush Painting Exhibit (Kawai Sumie)

Saturday, August 23th
12:00 pm — Gyoza Eating Championship.
  Location: JACCC Plaza. Cost: Free
6:00 pm — 10:00 pm — Next Generation REMIX 2008: Community Reborn
  Location: JACCC Plaza. Cost: Free
  Description: Free concert will showcase some of the hottest up and coming API artists in Los Angeles.

Sunday, August 24th
11:30 am — 4:00 pm: 15th Annual Taiko Gathering
Location: JACCC Plaza
Taiko groups from throughout the greate Los Angeles area converge once again on the JACCC Plaza to showcase the growing performance styles of taiko today.  Wherever you may come from, let the spellbinding power and spirit of Japanese America Taiko take you home.

4:00 Ondo & Nisei Week Closing Ceremonies (Community Dance Celebration)
Location: 1st Street