Japanese Movie Screening in Kingston

Friday, March 28th, 2008 7:30pm

Etherington Auditorium
94 Stuart Street
Kingston, Ontario

Admission is free

Densha Otoko is about a geeky 'otaku' who meets a girl on a train and posts an urgent query on the Internet. How do you talk to girls? What to wear on the first date? where should they go? The online response is overwhelming as the thread continues to grow along with their relationship. This story is based on a real-life thread that sparked a nationwide phenomenon in Japan, which led to the adaptation of a best-selling book, TV series, manga and this blockbuster movie. Densha Otoko (Train Man) 102 minutes Directed by Shosuke Murakami DVD format 14A In Japanese with English subtitles

For more information, please contact Mr. Nobi Nakamura: 416.966.1600 x233, nnakamura@jftor.org Co-presented by: The Consulate General of Japan, The Japan Foundation, Toronto and Queen's University.

In celebration of the 80th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between Japan and Canada

The Spirit of Budo explores the history of the martial arts in Japan from battlefield technique to international sport.

The first half of the exhibition is a display of reproductions of historical weapons and implements, such as sword mountings, bows, arrows, helmets, and suits of armour. The original artifacts are preserved in museums and castles, and what you see in the exhibition are reproductions that were faithfully crafted using traditional techniques. The warriors of this period endured strenuous physical training with special emphasis on spiritual growth. This spiritual approach to battle resulted in a close relationship with a wide range of arts, such as poetry, visual arts, and crafts.

There are eight superbly designed helmets in this collection from the Warring States period (1467-1568)--an age of nationwide incessant violence--that are presented in their original splendour as they appeared at the time of their creation. Although elaborately designed, the originals were actually worn in battle by renowned warlords such as Nagamasa Kuroda and Yukimura Sanada. Highly individual and unique, these helmets reflect the warriors' ambition and will-power achieved through their training in martial arts.

Twice in its modern history, the Japanese martial arts confronted a crisis of survival. The first was marked by the end of feudalism and the beginning of modernization in the Meiji period (mid-19th century). The second was during the post-WWII democratization of education. In response to societal changes, Bujutsu (the techniques for fighting) was transfigured by educators and practitioners into Budo (the philosophy of bravery) in which the physical practices aim to achieve a higher level of spiritual control of self.

The second half of the exhibition focuses on the contemporary practice of the martial arts. Away from the war zone, the equipment and clothing were developed to prevent injury during training. Bamboo swords, protectors, gloves, and Hakama pants are on display, along with descriptive panels and a DVD presentation of practice scenes.

My Musashi Pilgrimage
Lecture by Katherine Govier - Writer, Iaido practitioner, Kobudo black belt

Date & Time: Wednesday, February 6th, 2008, 6:30-8:30pm [book signing to follow]
Location: The Japan Foundation, Toronto Event Hall
131 Bloor Street West, 2nd Floor of the Colonnade
Admission: Free. Reservation required: 416.966.1600 x229, RSVP page or rsvp@jftor.org

My Musashi Pilgrimage
Canadian writer Katherine Govier was drawn to Musashi Miyamoto (1584-1645), the "sword saint" and author of Gorin sho (The Book of Five Rings). The legendary Musashi was never beaten in combat. Before he died, he retreated into meditation to write the classic text on warriors' philosophy. On Govier's journey to Japan, tracking the sword saint to his final resting place, she tried to understand his transformation from killer to man of spirit.