by Louis Kreslie

February 2-3 - “Fudeko & The Angel’s Piano” in Irvine & Torrance
“Fudeko & The Angel’s Piano” will be screened on Saturday, February 2 at Woodbridge 5 Theater in Irvine and on Sunday, February 3 at James Armstrong Theater in Torrance. The film tells the inspiring true story of a remarkable woman who dedicated her life to establish care and education for children with developmental disabilities in Japan during the Meiji era. Fudeko was born as a daughter of a baron, studied in France, and she spoke three languages. Her life changed when she found out that her daughter had intellectual disabilities. Many children with developmental disabilities were cast in this movie, which adds to the interest and creates a charming authenticity. The film is in Japanese with English subtitles. Starring Takako Tokiwa and directed by Hisako Yamada. Screenings for Irvine will be at 12:30 pm and 5:00 pm, and at 2:30 in Torrance. For tickets and more info call 310-781-7171 (Torrance) or 949-733-3795 (Irvine).


February 11 - “Murakami” Exhibit to Close at Geffen Contemporary
The art exhibit “Murakami” at The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA will close on February 11. Arguably the most internationally acclaimed artist to emerge from Asia in the postwar era, Takashi Murakami effortlessly navigates between the worlds of fine art and popular culture and is best known for his cartoon-like, “superflat” style. This large-scale retrospective includes key selections that span the early 1990s to the present. More than 90 works in various media—painting, sculpture, installation, and film—will be installed in three sections, occupying over 20,000 square feet of exhibition space at The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA. The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA is located at 152 North Central Avenue in Los Angeles.
For more information, please call MOCA at (213) 621-1741, or visit moca.org.


February 13 - “Voices from Okinawa”
Opens in Little Tokyo
The play “Voices from Okinawa” opens Wednesday, February 13 at 8pm at the Henry David Hwang Theater in Little Tokyo. In the play, Kama Hutchins, an American graduate student of one quarter Okinawan descent, teaches English in Okinawa, and receives an unexpected education in Okinawa-American relations. When asked to prepare a speech, the students rise up together as one voice that demands to be heard. Written by Jon Shirota and directed by Tim Dang. Featuring Sachiko Hayashi, Amy Hill, Atsushi Hirata, and Teruko Kataoka. Previews Thursday 2/7, Friday 2/8 and Saturday 2/9 at 8pm; Sunday 2/10 at 2pm. Regular performances will be Wednesday - Saturday at 8pm, Sunday at 2pm. Admission: Previews $20, $10 w/ student ID; Opening Night $60; Regular $35 Orchestra, $30 Balcony. Tickets available by visiting www.EastWestPlayers.org or by calling (213) 625-7000 ext. 20. David Henry Hwang Theater is at 120 Judge John Aiso St.  


February 14 - Valentine’s Day Dinner at Kyoto Grand Hotel & Gardens
Why not treat your special someone to a fabulous romantic dinner? Bordered by the serenity of a Japanese garden with a pond and waterfall, Thousand Cranes is located in the Kyoto Grand Hotel & Gardens and will serve a gourmet multi-course Valentine’s Day Dinner on Thursday, February 14. The restaurant features a quiet, elegant ambience and kimono-clad waitresses providing polite and gracious service. And at $80 per special someone, Valentine’s Day Dinner at Thousand Cranes is a splendid opportunity to express your generous nature. Reservations are recommended. The Kyoto Grand Hotel & Gardens - the former New Otani Hotel and Garden - is at 120 South Los Angeles Street in Little Tokyo. Phone: (213) 629-1200.


February 16 - Hidano Super Taiko Concert 2008: “The Future of Taiko”
Award-winning taiko virtuoso Shuichi Hidano celebrates his 20th anniversary as a taiko artist with his first concert in Los Angeles at the Aratani/Japan America Theatre in Little Tokyo on Saturday, February 16 at 8:00 pm. Hidano has captivated audiences in over 20 countries with his innovative approach to rhythm and dynamic beats. Some of LA’s premier jazz, Latin, and rock studio musicians along with special guests on koto and shamisen will join Hidano, and a 30-member group from the Taiko Center of Los Angeles will join as well. $25 General Admission; $22 JACCC Members. For more information, call (626) 307-3839.  


March 7 - Tomihiro Hoshino Art Exhibition Opens in Pasadena
A Watercolor Exhibition of deeply moving poems and superbly wrought flower paintings from Tomihiro Hoshino will be presented at the Shumei Hall Gallery in Pasadena from Friday, March 7 through Sunday, April 13. It is hard to believe Hoshino created his paintings by wielding a brush in his mouth, but his poems help us to understand the depth and compassion of his thoughts as he faced life after a near-fatal accident in 1970 when he was 24 years old. His paintings and verses are magical and display unique harmony on paper. His simple, understandable poems inspired by natural beauty create a world of their own to which we are transported by the touch of his watercolor brush. Through viewing his paintings, we receive messages of the joy of life and the courage to live. Free Admission. Hours:  9:30 am – 6:00 pm (Monday – Saturday). Sunday by appointment, call 626 584 8841. Shumei Hall is at 2430 Colorado Boulevard.





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