 Hannari Geisha Modern in Beverly Hills |
 “Hannari Geisha Modern,” a documentary film directed by Miyuki Sohara will be screened at the Fine Arts Theater in Beverly Hills on Sunday, April 1. The film will begin at 1:00 pm. Todd David Schwartz of CBS Radio calls the film "A rare, thorough, and extremely informative look at a unique facet of Japanese culture. It opens the doors to a mysterious world that very few will ever get to experience firsthand."
Author Liza Dalby says it is “A Geisha documentary that truly penetrates the art and meaning of this traditional world.” For tickets ($10) and more info, visit geishamodern.com. The theater is at 8556 Wilshire Boulevard (one block west of La Cienega) and can be reached at (310) 360-0455.
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| Art Exhibition at the Getty Center |
 The exhibition “Art, Anti-Art, Non-Art” will be held at the Getty Center’s Research Institute Exhibition Gallery through June 3. It will feature numerous anti-establishment artistic collaboratives, which emerged in Japan during the post-World War II period. These collectives produced radical work that provoked its audience conceptually, politically, and socially. In experimenting with new materials and processes of art making and disruption of conventional art forms, the work of these artists reflected the dramatic changes and disjunctive character of everyday life in Japan over the course of two decades following the war. The works presented range from musical scores and photo essays to performance documentation and interactive art kits. For more information, visit getty.edu. Admission to the Getty Center is FREE, no reservations required. 1200 Getty Center Drive, Brentwood.
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| 2007 US Sumo Open |
 Over 40 of the world’s best Sumo wrestlers from the US, Japan, Mongolia, Bulgaria, and more will compete for fun and prizes at the 7th Annual US Sumo Open on Saturday, April 7 at the Los Angeles Sports Arena. Produced by the California Sumo Associations, it is one of the premiere international amateur sumo competitions in the world, and this year the U.S. Sumo Open will also feature Japanese dance and taiko drumming performances. Sumo enthusiasts can enjoy sake, beer – and more sake – while watching these tender titans press the flesh. The fat flies at 12:30 pm, but the full event goes from 10 am to 4 pm. Don’t sit in the first row. For details, visit usasumo.com/events or call 310-288-3642. Tickets are $25 General Admission, $15 Children (2-18) $45 VIP Seats. The Sports Arena is at 3939 South Figueroa Street.
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“The Homeland” to be Shown in Little Tokyo |
The 2005 film, “The Homeland,” will be screened on Sunday April 29 at the Aratani/Japan Theater in Little Tokyo. It will start at 1:00 pm. Master director Yoji Yamada, acclaimed worldwide for the "Twilight Samurai," teams up with the late actor Mako (Iwamatsu) in this drama about war, homeland, and family. The plot: A young trading company employee meets an old former Kamikaze pilot (Mako) on a southern island, and becomes involved in a poignant mystery. Japanese version (No English Subtitles). A second film “Itsukushimu Inochi,” a documentary feature about Taro Yashima, painter and the father of Mako will also be screened. 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. For more information, visit: jlsf.aurora.org. Aratani/Japan America Theatre. $10 General Admission.
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| Torrance Bunka-sai |
| The Torrance Sister City Association presents a Japanese Cultural Festival (Bunka-sai) on Saturday, April 21 and Sunday, April 22, from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm, at the Torrance Cultural Arts Center in the very city where Olympic figure skater Michelle Kwan was born. To honor the traditions and culture of Japan, there will be dance and music performances, martial arts demonstrations, tea ceremonies, calligraphy exhibits, and authentic food vendors. And just in case you’ve forgotten: Torrance’s sister city is Kashiwa (population 384,000) in Chiba Prefecture. Kashiwa is located one hour by train from central Tokyo, has drawn attention as one of the ideal residential suburbs of Tokyo, and has seen rapid growth. The Torrance Cultural Arts Center is at 3330 Civic Center Drive. Admission is free. |
| Monterey Park Cherry Blossom Festival |
 The 10th Annual Monterey Park Cherry Blossom Festival will be held on Saturday and Sunday, April 21 & 22 at Barnes Park. The festival is a cultural arts event that offers a forum for learning, entertainment, and fun. There will be games and crafts for children, numerous cultural displays, and the annual Baby Pageant. Enjoy traditional Japanese dancing, martial arts, and taiko drum performances. Festival-goers may also participate in the art of the Tea Ceremony and buy food and hand-made crafts. The event, which boasts of over 5,000 attendees, coincides with the National Festival held in Washington D.C. Barnes Park is located at 350 S. McPherrin Avenue. Free admission. |
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