Another one from today's Japan Today:
A policeman was arrested Monday afternoon in a Fukuoka book store after being caught in the act of filming up the skirt of a 27-year-old woman. According to investigators, Hirotaka Kuratani, 27, had concealed a video camera in a belt pack in which he had cut a 5-cm hole through which to film.
According to police, Kuratani transferred to the public safety division from Sawara Ward in March of this year. He took the day off on Monday and at around 2:45 p.m., aroused the suspicions of a 57-year-old store security guard. Kuratani was allegedly looking around restlessly and scanning the other customers.
Three security personnel approached Kuratani to make inquiries after they saw him position the belt pack under the woman’s skirt. They detained and questioned Kuratani until police arrived to make an arrest. He later confessed to the charges.
Investigators said that footage of several other women was also found in Kuratani’s camera. Kuratani is the fifth Fukuoka police officer to be arrested this year.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Thursday, October 21, 2010
"Old photos reveal tale of Japan and Jews of WWII"
From today's Japan Today:
...
The photos were found in an old diary owned by Osako, who was a young employee of the Japan Tourist Bureau at the time, and died in 2003. Akira Kitade, who worked under Osako and is researching a book about him, has contacted Israeli officials for help and visited the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, DC.
The museum said he gave it about 30 photographs that he is trying to identify, and received a list of over 2,000 Jews who received travel papers that enabled them to reach Japan.
...
The photos shed further light on the story of Chiune Sugihara, a Japanese diplomat stationed in Lithuania who granted transit visas to several thousand Jews in the early days of the war. In doing so, he defied strict stipulations from Tokyo that such recipients have proper funds and a clear final destination after Japan.
...
Dubbed the “Japanese Schindler,” Sugihara was honored in 1985 by Yad Vashem as one of the Righteous Among the Nations, a high honor reserved for non-Jews who saved Jews at their own personal risk from the Holocaust, Hitler’s destruction of 6 million Jews.
A short movie about him, “Visas and Virtue,” won an Academy Award in 1997. Museums at his home town and in Lithuania are dedicated to his memory.
Read the whole story:
http://www.japantoday.com/category/lifestyle/view/old-photos-reveal-tale-of-japan-and-jews-of-wwii
See an online exhibition, "Flight and Rescue," at United States Holocaust Museum webpage:
http://www.ushmm.org/museum/exhibit/online/flight_rescue/
...
The photos were found in an old diary owned by Osako, who was a young employee of the Japan Tourist Bureau at the time, and died in 2003. Akira Kitade, who worked under Osako and is researching a book about him, has contacted Israeli officials for help and visited the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, DC.
The museum said he gave it about 30 photographs that he is trying to identify, and received a list of over 2,000 Jews who received travel papers that enabled them to reach Japan.
...
The photos shed further light on the story of Chiune Sugihara, a Japanese diplomat stationed in Lithuania who granted transit visas to several thousand Jews in the early days of the war. In doing so, he defied strict stipulations from Tokyo that such recipients have proper funds and a clear final destination after Japan.
...
Dubbed the “Japanese Schindler,” Sugihara was honored in 1985 by Yad Vashem as one of the Righteous Among the Nations, a high honor reserved for non-Jews who saved Jews at their own personal risk from the Holocaust, Hitler’s destruction of 6 million Jews.
A short movie about him, “Visas and Virtue,” won an Academy Award in 1997. Museums at his home town and in Lithuania are dedicated to his memory.
Read the whole story:
http://www.japantoday.com/category/lifestyle/view/old-photos-reveal-tale-of-japan-and-jews-of-wwii
See an online exhibition, "Flight and Rescue," at United States Holocaust Museum webpage:
http://www.ushmm.org/museum/exhibit/online/flight_rescue/
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
"Yon-sama invites 600 fans to photo shoot at Tokyo Dome"
Photo borrowed from Facts and Details: Television Programs in Japan.
From today's Japan Today:
South Korean actor and heartthrob Bae Yong Joon, popularly known as Yon-sama in Japan, has invited 600 of his fans to attend a formal photo shoot in December when he visits Japan.
The shoot, which is to take place on Dec 14 at Tokyo Dome, has been organized by Japanese cable channel DATV, which brings non-Japanese Asian stars to their fans in Japan. The photo session is part of the “Message! to Asia” charity show and will be filmed in front of a live audience.
Although photo shoots are usually private affairs, this time specially selected fans will not only be able to attend the shoot, they will also be able to take photos of Yon-sama with their own cameras.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Live Little Crabs Available at the Local Izakaya Last Night
Crawling in a tupperware container, ready to be dropped into hot oil...
Thursday, October 14, 2010
1300th Anniversary of Nara Heijo-kyo Capital
The official mascot, Sentokun, welcomes visitors to the event.
 The reconstructed Former Imperial Audience Hall.  |
| Attention to detailed decoration. |
 |
| People taking pictures with and without flash. |
 |
| A visitor's self portrait. |
 |
| Lots of nice and friendly volunteers. |
 | |
| Solanum mammosum is know as nipplefruit in English. In Japanese it is known as キツネ顔 (fox face) and ツノナス (eggplant tree). |
 |
| Volunteer Japanese Sign Language interpreters. |
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
I am an orientalist (redux): Osaka Mecha Happy Festival
When I was in Germany during the summer, I came out as an orientalist. It appears little has changed since I have returned to Japan. Why is my camera so attracted to Asian dance? Or is it Asian dancers? These photos were taken at the Osaka Mecha Happy Festival in the space between the Kyobashi Keihan and JR train stations on Health and Sports Day (October 11). Dance groups of all ages from the Kansai area participated and performed.
Link to Osaka Mecha Happy Festival web site (in Japanese): http://www.joy.hi-ho.ne.jp/mecha/
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Kinokophonography Night
I received the following interesting e-mail today:
Over time we’ve gathered a collection of sounds from around the world. In an exploration of this immense, continuously changing and growing archive of sound spores, Kinokophone welcomes field recordists, phonographers and listeners to join us for Kinokophonography; an evening of sharing sound recordings, thoughts on making and using recordings and recording techniques. Kinokophone is organising Kinokophonography with the hope of helping to create a platform for those interested in field recordings to share and discuss their work. Bring along a few favorites from your catalogue of recordings to play or just come to listen. If you would like to share a recording, please write us and include the track title and length. Please note that we have access to stereo speakers for this event.
November 3rd 2010, 19:00-2100
Kinokophonography is kindly being hosted by MadLab. 36-40 Edge St Manchester M4 1HN
Web page link: http://kinokophone.com/
Sound is often overlooked within visual anthropology but it is incredibly important whether it be salvage audio recordings or recorded dialogue/soundtracks for documentary films. VAOJ readers might recall Amanda Belantara's sound diary project, 耳がきゅっとなる ("Ears Are Dazzled, Touched by Sound"). Kinokophonography is an important and interesting meeting. If you can't attend, do check out the web page.
"Diplomats reveal Japan 'old and new' through lens" /// Visual Anthropology Students Reveal Japanese Culture Through Excellent Portraits
From this morning's Japan Today:
An annual exhibition featuring photographs taken by Japan-based foreign diplomats opens in Tokyo on Oct 15, showcasing a country that is traditional, modern, beautiful and curious, from the viewfinders of keen international observers.
About 90 works submitted by 66 diplomats and family members from 40 countries will be on display at the 13th week-long exhibition, titled, "Japan ‘Old and New’ through Diplomats’ Eyes," with the special theme of "takumi" (craftsmanship).
The Grand Prize, chosen by the show’s eight-member committee, went to Bengt Westerblad, a Swedish-born artist and husband of a diplomat at the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo, whose photo captured a bamboo-made bud vase on a black background. In the picture, what looks like a test tube protrudes from a dark bamboo-woven ball, with a green leaf inserted into it.
Read the whole story: http://www.japantoday.com/category/lifestyle/view/diplomats-reveal-japan-old-and-new-through-lens
For more information about the exhibition: http://diplomatseyes.com/
UPDATE (10/15/10): The Yomiuri Online ran a piece about the exhibition today: http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/features/arts/T101014002499.htm
Fall 2010 Student Visual Anthropology Photo Journal Blogs
This task for students in last week's blog was to take portraits of Japanese people (and for Japanese students to take portraits of foreigners in Japan). While none of the students are the husband of a diplomat, there are many artists and keen international observers. Many have provided some really excellent portraits in their blogs. It is obvious that students have been working on their photographic skills and pondering cultural representation. In addition to introducing a particular Japanese person through portraits and text, students wrote about the experience of photographing and representing another person. While no single post or portrait can serve to illustrate all people in Japan, when one examines all of the individuals that students chose as their subjects, one can see both cultural patterns and cultural diversity. Many students tackled issues of identity and belonging. Lots of good stuff here. Please check out the student blogs (from last week and every week) and add to the discourse with your comments.
An annual exhibition featuring photographs taken by Japan-based foreign diplomats opens in Tokyo on Oct 15, showcasing a country that is traditional, modern, beautiful and curious, from the viewfinders of keen international observers.
About 90 works submitted by 66 diplomats and family members from 40 countries will be on display at the 13th week-long exhibition, titled, "Japan ‘Old and New’ through Diplomats’ Eyes," with the special theme of "takumi" (craftsmanship).
The Grand Prize, chosen by the show’s eight-member committee, went to Bengt Westerblad, a Swedish-born artist and husband of a diplomat at the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo, whose photo captured a bamboo-made bud vase on a black background. In the picture, what looks like a test tube protrudes from a dark bamboo-woven ball, with a green leaf inserted into it.
Read the whole story: http://www.japantoday.com/category/lifestyle/view/diplomats-reveal-japan-old-and-new-through-lens
For more information about the exhibition: http://diplomatseyes.com/
UPDATE (10/15/10): The Yomiuri Online ran a piece about the exhibition today: http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/features/arts/T101014002499.htm
Fall 2010 Student Visual Anthropology Photo Journal Blogs
This task for students in last week's blog was to take portraits of Japanese people (and for Japanese students to take portraits of foreigners in Japan). While none of the students are the husband of a diplomat, there are many artists and keen international observers. Many have provided some really excellent portraits in their blogs. It is obvious that students have been working on their photographic skills and pondering cultural representation. In addition to introducing a particular Japanese person through portraits and text, students wrote about the experience of photographing and representing another person. While no single post or portrait can serve to illustrate all people in Japan, when one examines all of the individuals that students chose as their subjects, one can see both cultural patterns and cultural diversity. Many students tackled issues of identity and belonging. Lots of good stuff here. Please check out the student blogs (from last week and every week) and add to the discourse with your comments.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
From the New Safety Dance to Sign Language in Comedy
One of the latest viral videos features flight attendants from Cebu Pacific Airlines performing the safety check procedures as a dance routine to the music of Lady Gaga. This gives a whole new meaning to the Safety Dance. After a summer of flying so often I thought I wouldn't want to set foot on another airplane for a long time. But with the flight attendants' addition of some Body/Comm moves, I might consider a trip to the Philippines...
Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lqh8e2KYIrU
I played the above clip as a warm-up for Body/Comm class on Thursday (in Globalization class, too...) and one of my students told me about the skits of Australian comedian Adam Hills. Some of his routines deal with sign language and sometimes he even uses a sign language interpreter. In the following clip at around the 3:24 point he does a bit about a flight attendant working sign language into the safety instructions. Funny stuff.
Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O53q8MlGAFk
And here's another clip featuring Hills along with his interpreter.
Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BtW-RtMJkwY
It really is nice to see how the popularity and hopefully understanding of sign language is increasing. In a recent Japan Today article it was claimed that 1.2 million people in Japan use Japanese Sign Language. There are an estimated 400,000 deaf people in Japan, so that would indicate that more hearing people use sign language than deaf people. And I would have to update the figure to 1,200,051 to include this semester's members of the JSL Study Group (51 international and Japanese students came to our first meeting!).
Another Body/Comm student recently told me about a music video by Thelma Aoyama called "Wasurenaiyo" that uses JSL. The use of JSL is a stretch and certainly a gimmick to add to the sad nature of the video. I can't include the video in this post because embedding was disabled. But you can still check it out at the following link:
Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUQAwbYB_-w
I am sure there is a lot of good stuff on YouTube that uses sign language. if you know of something good, please share with VAOJ.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
"Digitalization of 30,000 historic photos under way at imperial palace"
From today's Japan Today:
Japan’s Imperial Household Agency has been promoting a project to digitalize some 30,000 old photographs, taken mainly during the Meiji period (1868-1912), the agency said Friday. Some are more than 100 years old and are fading and deteriorating.
Many of the images are landscape photos taken by professional photographers who accompanied Emperor Meiji (1852-1912) to visit various provincial areas. Emperor Meiji, who reigned between 1867 and 1912, is the great-grandfather of incumbent Emperor Akihito.
The agency plans to preserve the original photos and release the digitalized images to the public through the Internet, officials said.
They also include many photos of natural disasters, such as the 1888 eruption of the 1,818-meter Mt Bandai in Fukushima Prefecture that claimed the lives of hundreds of people.
One palace official said Emperor Meiji gave compensation to disaster victims after looking at those photos which were the only source of information for the monarch in the absence of radio and television.
There are also photos of Tomioka Silk Mill in Tomioka, Gunma Prefecture, and the old Shimbashi railway station in Tokyo.
The Tomioka Silk Mill is known as Japan’s oldest modern silk-reeling factory established in 1872. The Gunma prefectural and Tomioka city governments have been making efforts to put it on UNESCO’s World Heritage list.
Link: http://www.japantoday.com/category/national/view/digitalization-of-30000-historic-photos-under-way-at-imperial-palace
Japan’s Imperial Household Agency has been promoting a project to digitalize some 30,000 old photographs, taken mainly during the Meiji period (1868-1912), the agency said Friday. Some are more than 100 years old and are fading and deteriorating.
Many of the images are landscape photos taken by professional photographers who accompanied Emperor Meiji (1852-1912) to visit various provincial areas. Emperor Meiji, who reigned between 1867 and 1912, is the great-grandfather of incumbent Emperor Akihito.
The agency plans to preserve the original photos and release the digitalized images to the public through the Internet, officials said.
They also include many photos of natural disasters, such as the 1888 eruption of the 1,818-meter Mt Bandai in Fukushima Prefecture that claimed the lives of hundreds of people.
One palace official said Emperor Meiji gave compensation to disaster victims after looking at those photos which were the only source of information for the monarch in the absence of radio and television.
There are also photos of Tomioka Silk Mill in Tomioka, Gunma Prefecture, and the old Shimbashi railway station in Tokyo.
The Tomioka Silk Mill is known as Japan’s oldest modern silk-reeling factory established in 1872. The Gunma prefectural and Tomioka city governments have been making efforts to put it on UNESCO’s World Heritage list.
Link: http://www.japantoday.com/category/national/view/digitalization-of-30000-historic-photos-under-way-at-imperial-palace
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