Origami requires only one material to perform – paper. Rooted in history, how did this art form became so prevalent in the lives of many beyond Japan? How does contemporary artists elevate this art form? In exploring these topics, John Ota is joined by special guests: Kathy Yamashita, co-curator of the exhibit, Origami: The Art of the Fold; Miya Turnbull, a visual artist living in Halifax, NS who primarily works with masks and self-portraits; Mui-Ling Teh, an artist, photographer, and poet of Japanese and Chinese descent best known for her miniature origami; and Kaz Shikaze, a member of the Japanese Canadian community and making origami cards as a way to raise funds for various charitable organizations.

Origami: The Art of the Fold exhibit is available for viewing at the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre until April 22, 2022. Join us for a reception on April 3, 2022 at 2pm at the JCCC Gallery.

Image credit: Alex K. Hiroshina.

Valentine's Day - A day of chocolate, cards and romance is the norm in North America. But what about Japan? Is there Valentine’s Day in Japan? Is it the same as in North America? Join us in exploring the topic of love , evolving dating etiquette, and humanity's search for companionship whether in Canada or Japan. John Ota is joined by special guests: JCCC Executive Director, James Heron; JCCC new receptionist, Shino Ihara who was born and raised in Fukuoka Prefecture in Japan’s Kyushu island; and Alice Ngan, founder of Ecila Choco Inc., Canada’s first chocolate maker specializing in using Sake in chocolate.

Would you like a taste of Ecila's Sake Chocolates? Head over to their website or visit Arts Market at 790 Queen Street East in Toronto, Canada.

“Christmas morning broke on a beautiful white world. It had been a very mild December and people had looked forward to a green Christmas; but just enough snow fell softly in the night to transfigure Avonlea. Anne peeped out from her frosted gable window with delighted eyes.”

Please join us for a special podcast episode on Anne of Green Gables and in Japan. Our special guests this episode are Mariko (Anne) Sasayama who led a cosmopolitan life and the wife of Consul-General Sasayama; Yuka Kajihara author and expert on Anne of Green Gables and Lucy Montgomery’s influence in Japan; Florence Fletcher, actor and producer of many musicals including Anne of Green Gables at the Vos Theatre who will be reading an excerpt from the book. In this episode, John and his special guests explore the significance and influence of Canadian classic, Anne of Green Gables in Japan especially during periods of upheaval to bring hope, cheer, and encouragement.

Let’s read! You can purchase Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Montgomery in all major bookstores as well as your favourite local bookstore. Yuka Kajihara highly recommends this wonderful read: Anne's Cradle: The Life and Works of Hanako Muraoka