TIDBITS of the month Louis Kreslie  1/2007

Gonpachi Scheduled to Open in Beverly Hills

The first “Gonpachi” location in the U.S. is scheduled to open in Beverly Hills this month. The restaurant, which has several locations in Tokyo, will bring a traditional Japanese aesthetic beauty as well as exquisite cuisine to American diners. In addition to a wide selection of original, creative dishes the menu also includes authentic Japanese favorites such as soba (buckwheat noodles), delicacies from the charcoal grill, and top-quality sushi. Gonpachi has made a name for itself by using the finest ingredients. For example The fish will come from Tokyo's Tsukiji Market, and the soba noodles will be made on the premises.

New Year’s in Little Tokyo

New Year’s Day festivities to kick off The Year of the Boar will take place from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm at Weller Court in Little Tokyo.  Vendors will be on hand selling Japanese festival foods, as well as New Year’s delights such as amazake (sweet sake), zenzai (soup made from azuki beans), and mochi will be pounded, baked and distributed courtesy of Mikawa-ya and Fugetsu-do confectioners.  A range of entertainment will take place in Weller Court including martial arts demonstrations, taiko drummers, and geta tap dancers. Meanwhile at the adjacent New Otani Hotel and Garden, try dishes such as abekawa mochi (sweet mochi dish) and zoni (soup with mochi) as you sip your sake. Tea ceremony, flower arrangement, origami, and other cultural demonstrations will also take place on the hotel’s second floor.

9th Annual Shikishi Exhibition

Express your hopes and dreams for 2007 on Sunday, January 7th from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm when participants of all ages, professions, and interests, are invited to design a Japanese Shikishi (New Year’s greeting card).  Admission is free and all submitted works are exhibited.  Past participants include the former Prime Minister of Japan, Toshiki Kaifu and Judo Olympic Gold Medalist, Ryoko Tani.  The event will be held at the George J. Doizaki Gallery on the first floor of the Japanese American Community and Cultural Center in Little Tokyo.

“The Life of Oharu” @ The Aero Theatre

One of LA Times Film Critic Kevin Thomas' Favorite films, “The Life of Oharu” (1952, 133 mins) will be screened at The Aero Theatre in Santa Monica on Wednesday, January 17.  The film reflects the injustice and repressive legacy inherent in the governance of the Tokugawa regime's strict bounds of conduct and social class. By chronicling Oharu's social descent from a prominent lady of the court, to concubine, to a common street prostitute, Film Producer Kenji Mizoguchi underscores the hypocrisy of coercive laws that foster class stratification, exploitation, and marginalization under the guise of upholding moral codes and authority. 1328 Montana Avenue, Santa Monica (at 14th Street).  Tickets available at the door and fandango.com.  $9 General Admission.  $7 Seniors (65+) & Students w/valid ID.  Information is available at aerotheatre.com.

Edo/Tokyo Japanese Prints: @ LACMA

An art exhibition, “Japanese Prints: Edo / Tokyo” are now on exhibit in the 
Pavilion for Japanese Art at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.  To the present-day visitor, Tokyo epitomizes modernity.  Famous for its avant-garde architecture, fashion and big business, one seldom recognizes the signs of a long and complex history. Edo, unlike capitals built since the 8th century, was not arranged as a grid, but followed the contours of the land upon which it was constructed. The city radiated from Edo castle, built on the edge of the Musashino plain and overlooking Edo harbor. By the year 1700, Edo was the world’s largest city. The function and ambience of various sectors of the city, and their evolution through time is indicated in the prints presented here. Each wall displays areas within a geographical sector, moving east to west across Edo/Tokyo as the viewer moves north to south through the gallery.  5905 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles.  323-857-6565.  The works can also be viewed online at lacma.org.

World Heritage Wooden Structure Tourism Forum

A World Heritage Wooden Structure Tourism Forum will take place at the Aratani Japan America Theatre in Little Tokyo at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 18.  The forum will feature presentations and lectures explaining the history, construction, and appeal of Japan’s wooden structures. The many World Heritage wooden structures in Japan are symbols of Japanese culture and their beauty has been maintained for the past 1400 years in the face of numerous natural disasters. This is due to the excellent building technology and carpentry skills passed down from generation to generation that keep the true spirit of the wooden structures alive. This forum will present the splendor of the "Culture of Wood" and the elegance of Japan's World Heritage wooden structures.  Admission is FREE. Space is limited. Reservations required.  For reservations, please call Mr. Hirokazu Kosaka at JACCC: (213) 628-2725, ext. 127.  Sponsored by the Visit Japan Campaign Project.