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 June 6
Mingei East and West Opens at Pacific Asia Museum
The exhibition Mingei East and West will be on display from June 6 at the Pacific Asia Museum in Pasadena. Mingei literally means “folk art” in Japanese. The term was coined in the 1920s to refer to the kind of anonymous, handcrafted objects that had begun to disappear as Japan entered the age of mass production and western-oriented modernization. The tradition of handicraft was revitalized by re-evaluating the beauty of utilitarian objects and spurring a new artistic movement dedicated to maintaining essential Japanese values. Mingei East and West is drawn largely from the museum’s collection and includes pre-modern Japanese objects; modern Japanese works in the mingei style; 20th century Japanese inspired Arts and Crafts objects from Southern California, as well as new works by local American artists inspired by mingei. This exhibition is co-sponsored by the Paul I. and Hisako Terasaki Center for Japanese Studies and the Consulate of Japan in Los Angeles. Curated by Yeonsoo Chee. Pacific Asia Museum is at 46 North Los Robles Avenue. (626) 449-2742. PacificAsiaMuseum.org.
 June 7-8
2008 Grand Sumo Tournament in Los Angeles
Sumo is a competitive contact sport where two wrestlers (rikishi) attempt to force one another out of a circular ring (dohyo) or to touch the ground with anything other than the soles of the feet. Although wrestlers come from all over the globe, the only country where sumo is practiced professionally is Japan, where it is considered to be a modern martial art, although it has a history spanning four hundred years. To mark the return of sumo to L.A. after 28 years, some of the world’s best sumo wrestlers will compete at the 2008 Grand Sumo Tournament in Los Angeles on Saturday, June 7 and Sunday, June 8 at the Los Angeles Sports Arena. The gates open at 4pm on both days. The event will be a real tournament with professional wrestlers, and is sanctioned by Nihon Sumo Kyokai, the official Japan Sumo Federation. Sponsors include Yaegaki (sake), Famima, and Sakura (art supplies). For details, visit sumotour.com or call (213) 620-9723. Tickets range from $35 to $420. The Sports Arena is at 3939 South Figueroa Street.
 June 7
Asia America Symphony Orchestra in Little Tokyo
Japanese national treasure Sadao Watanabe returns in a very special appearance with the full Asia Symphony Orchestra on Saturday, June 7 at Aratani/ Japan America Theater in Little Tokyo. The show gets started at 8 pm. Also featured in the program will be Beethoven’s Symphony #6 in F Major “Pastorale” and the world debut of “Dolores Del Carmen” for Spanish guitar and orchestra composed by music director David Benoit. $75 VIP with reception /$50 Premiere tickets/ $35 general admission. For more information call the Aratani Theatre Box Office at (213) 680-3700 or visit asiaamericasymphony.org. The theater is at 244 S. San Pedro Street.
 June 26 – July 2
Documentary Film Hannari-Geisha Modern in Santa Monica
Hannari-Geisha Modern is a documentary film narrated in English by Maxwell Caulfield. The film features interviews in Japanese with English subtitles. It will be screened from Thursday, June 26 through July 2 at the Laemmle Santa Monica Theater. The film is truly unique in its approach and unprecedented in its access to the exclusive geishas of Kyoto. Many of the popular films and stories about geisha tend to perpetuate the unwelcome notion that those who become geisha are victims of circumstance. Hannari - Geisha Modern shows the geisha as dedicated artists and proud purveyors of Japanese tradition. The film highlights the sprit of hospitality and the subdued beauty of the geisha of Kyoto, and allows viewers to feel the beauty of the old and new Japan through the world of the geisha. Laemmle Santa Monica Theatre is at 1332 2nd Street. 310-394-9741. Admission is $10. For more info: www.hannari.info
 June 29
Aurora Foundation Film Screening
The Aurora Foundation will hold a special screening of the film Bizan (2007),
directed by Isshin Inudou, on Sunday, June 29 from 5pm. The film will be screened at the Aratani/Japan America Theater in Little Tokyo. Based on the novel by Masashi Sada, the film stars Nanako Matsushima, most known for her leading role in The Ring. Set in Tokushima, Bizan tells a universal story of familial love and emotional healing with lots of local flavor. Proceeds will support the scholarships and grants awarded by the Aurora Foundation, which is dedicated to fostering goodwill between the people of the US and Japan. There is also an Aurora Borealis Photography Show that will take place as well. For more information visit: jlsf.aurora.org or call (323) 882-6545. Aratani/Japan America Theatre is at 244 S. San Pedro Street.
 July 12
TAIKOPROJECT Concert @ Ford Amphitheater
The award winning TAIKOPROJECT presents an exhilarating demonstration of the innovative art of American Taiko with the 100-cast member production “Rhythmic Relations 2008.” This pulse-pounding spectacular will take place on Saturday and Sunday, July 11-12 from 8 pm at the John Anson Ford Amphitheatre. Joined by sister groups, Bombu Taiko, Kitsune Taiko & UCLA’s Yukai Daiko, members of the San Francisco Taiko Dojo (the first American Taiko group) and special guest Grand Master Seiichi Tanaka (the “father of taiko in America”), these ground-breaking artists will rock the Ford stage, with their big drums, skilled collaborations and innovative style. Full price tickets are $35 or $30; buy 3 or more events and pay only $28 or $24. Students and Children $12. John Anson Ford Amphitheater is at 2580 Cahuenga Blvd. E. in Los Angeles. Log onto fordamphitheater.org or taikoproject.com.
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