Ainu Mosir: Film Screening & Director Talk

As part of JSB's <a href="https://www.japansocietyboston.org/events/2025-hokkaido-fair">2025 Hokkaido Fair</a>, we will be screening the 2020 Japanese film Ainu Mosir. Directed by Takeshi Fukunaga, it tells the story of an Ainu teenager who looks for a spiritual connection with his recently deceased father while struggling with his Indigenous identity in a changing world. It is a beautiful coming-of-age film that also gives a glimpse into the lives of the indigenous Ainu people in modern Japan.  Ainu Mosir is highly acclaimed by critics and won best International Feature at the Guanajuato International Film Festival, and was a Special Jury Mention at the Tribeca Film Festival. It was filmed on location in various parts of Hokkaido, the birthplace of the director.  Following the film screening, we are honored to have director Takeshi Fukunaga join us virtually on Zoom for a brief talk and Q&amp;A, where the audience will be able to ask about the making of the film.  Ainu Mosir's runtime is 84 minutes. Watch the trailer <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdQRujpQWiQ&amp;ab_channel=%E3%80%90%E5%85%AC%E5%BC%8F%E3%80%91%E6%97%A5%E6%B4%BBMOVIE%E3%83%81%E3%83%A3%E3%83%B3%E3%83%8D%E3%83%AB">here.</a> Screening will be in Japanese language with English subtitles.   This event is made possible thanks to a grant from the <a href="https://www.toshibafoundation.com/index.html">Toshiba International Foundation</a>.  We cannot guarantee refunds for tickets purchased, however please let us know if you are unable to make the screening by emailing <a href="mailto:joanneha@japansocietyboston.org">joanneha@japansocietyboston.org</a>.

Coolidge Corner Theatre

Lecture and Demonstration with the Taiko Drummers from Kodō

Join Japan Society of Boston and the Celebrity Series of Boston on March 8th at the Boston Latin School for a unique and exciting lecture and demonstration by Kodō, the award-winning Japanese Taiko Ensemble.&nbsp; At this session, members of Kodō will introduce an in-depth story behind their artistry and musicality, as well as diving deeper into one particular performer, Moe Niiyama, as she talks about her taiko journey for the first time in the United States. &nbsp;The session will also have musical elements that will engage with the audience rhythmically, and there's no substitute for the feeling of the in-person experience. Be there when they fill the Boston Latin School with their propulsive music and movement! Event is free, but registration is required.&nbsp;https://www.japansocietyboston.org/events/lecture-and-demonstration-kodo

Boston Latin School

Onigiri Bento with Miwa!

Join us for a hands-on, beginner-friendly onigiri bento class led by Miwako Kishi, of the popular website “<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/MiwasJapaneseKitchen">Miwa’s Japanese Cooking</a>” who will be joining us virtually from her home kitchen in Japan. In this hour-long class, we will be making two types of onigiri (Yukari and Edamame salted kelp), accompanied by small side dish of carrot salad and edamame. Onigiri is a rice ball typically filled with protein or vegetables. This beloved dish is made in every Japanese home for snacks, bento, and picnics.  All materials will be included for this vegetarian bento and you will be able to take home your bento box (pictured <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EOfodnaSO1bLXvFLyquYN0PwTZDKvyX6/view?usp=sharing">here</a>, various colors) to reuse and pack future meals! Q&amp;A will follow the class. We would also like to welcome you to participate in <a href="https://usa.tablefor2.org/onigiri-action">TABLE FOR TWO</a>’s 10th <a href="https://onigiri-action.com/en/">Onigiri Action</a> anniversary event. It is an annual autumn social good campaign connecting the simple act of taking a photo with helping to feed school children in need. Every riceball-related post on their global campaign website or your social media with <a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/onigiriaction/">#OnigiriAction</a> will provide five school meals to children in need around the world.   Ages 6+ are welcome to sign up. Each minor must be accompanied by an adult. If you are sharing the materials and bento box with a child under the age of 10, your child can join us free of charge. Please email <a href="mailto:joanneha@japansocietyboston.org">joanneha@japansocietyboston.org</a> if you would like to add a child under age ten to your registration.

Fort Point Lyric Room (Suite 102)

Sake Brewery Tour and Otsumami

Have you ever wondered how sake is made? Come with us on a tour of New England's only sake brewery and taproom, Farthest Star Sake! We will conclude the tour with an informal gathering enjoying their sake with otsumami (おつまみ) or foods that pair well with alcohol! Todd Bellomy, owner of <a href="https://www.fartheststarsake.com/">Farthest Star Sake</a>, will show us their sake brewing setup and answer questions about the process. Then, guests are welcome to purchase and try their locally brewed sake, which is gluten-free unlike most beer! All sake must be purchased by registrants. We will be enjoying the sake with&nbsp;otsumami (おつまみ), which are small snacks/dishes that are usually quite salty or flavorful and pair well with alcohol. We will serve snacks&nbsp;from one of our sponsors,&nbsp;<a href="https://kokorocares.com/">Kokoro Care</a>,&nbsp;from their otsumami care package. See <a href="https://kokorocares.com/products/foods-that-pair-with-alcohol-otsumami-care-package">here</a> for full list of products to be served. You are also welcome to bring your own food if you would like something more substantial.&nbsp; Our post-tour gathering will be&nbsp;a casual gathering until 8pm and is a great way to meet other Japan/sake lovers and enjoy great food, drinks, and company.&nbsp; This event is for ages 21+ only. Please bring valid ID. Admission fee covers the tour and otsumami while any sake must be purchased. See what Farthest Star Sake has available on tap <a href="https://www.fartheststarsake.com/on-tap">here</a>. Switch between the [as-brewed], [infused], and [mixed up] options to see their full selection!

Farthest Star Sake

Japan Society of Boston Gakuensai

Gakuensai can be translated to “campus festival.” In Japan, between October and November, many universities showcase their various extra-curricular activities and school programs in a public festival, primarily organized by student committees. The Japan Society of Boston Gakuensai is a festival where students from various colleges in the greater Boston area will present their schools’ Japanese courses, clubs, events, study abroad programs, and any other resources for those studying or interested in studying Japanese. Along with highlighting each college’s great offerings, it will be a chance for students to network with like-minded peers who may not normally have the chance to interact between different colleges.  In addition to universities, relevant organizations will also have booths to offer free resources for students interested in Japan such as career advice, travel support, and more.  Make sure to stop by the JSB booth where we'll be offering event information/help, raffle prizes, student membership information, and a Japanese book fundraising sale/giveaway. To embrace the spirit of gakuensai, we will also make it a fun event with cultural performances to celebrate our shared appreciation for Japan! What to expect:  - local colleges representing Japan-related courses/clubs/events/study abroad programs/resources - free networking opportunities - relevant organization booths - Japanese book fundraising sale/giveaway - fun cultural performances - raffle prizes and small giveaway items Event is free and open to the public, but pre-registration is required. Students of all ages are welcome to attend! Feel free to drop by, no need to stay for the entire duration. This event is sponsored by <a href="https://www.tuj.ac.jp/">Temple University Japan Campus.</a>

The Foundry: Red Room

A Sweet Tradition: Japanese Wagashi

$45 General Admission / $35 JSB members We are pleased to present a special wagashi event as part of our celebrations of the 65th anniversary of the Kyoto-Boston Sister City partnership this year. Wagashi is a type of traditional Japanese confection that is often served with tea and is made from plant-based ingredients such as mochi, anko, and fruit. Wagashi are painstakingly crafted with an emphasis on aesthetics and use cooking methods that pre-date Western influence in Japan. We are honored to present a very special opportunity to observe a master wagashi maker right in Boston! Shoji Yamaguchi is coming from Kyoto, Japan to demonstrate live wagashi methods and speak on topics such as the importance of seasonality in the art of wagashi making.  He is representing the famous wagashi store, <a href="https://www.kyoto-suetomi.com/">Suetomi</a>, which is well known for their dedication to heartfelt, non-mass-produced sweets in Japan for over 130 years. Participants will be able to ask him questions and will be served tea and samples of small wagashi made by Yamagushi-san. Please note that you will not be served the specific wagashi being made in the demonstration.  Please take advantage of this rare chance to see a popular traditional wagashi maker in person! Limited space available. This event is age 16+, intended for adults. This is a fundraising event for JSB thanks to the generosity of Suetomi. Please register on our website!

Anime Composer Panel and Q&A

Join us at the Boston Children's Museum to hear three prominent Japanese composers talk about their experiences creating beloved soundtracks for some of the most popular anime series such as Naruto, Fairy Tail,  My Hero Academia, One Punch Man, Spy x Family, and more! This is a special opportunity to see Yasuharu Takanashi, Yuki Hayashi, and Makoto Miyazaki in-person and ask them all your questions.  We're especially excited to welcome Yuki Hayashi, a native of Kyoto, Japan as we are celebrating the 65th anniversary of the Kyoto-Boston sister city relationship in 2024.  If you are excited for more, check out their <a href="https://www.japansocietyboston.org/events/symphonic-anime-concert">Symphonic Anime concert</a> on the following night to hear over 100 musicians, including iconic female vocalist Nan Sathida, performing these pieces at Symphony Hall. We are able to offer this event for free thanks to the generosity of our partners; Five Four Live, Kashamara Productions, SOHO Live, and Boston Children's Museum.  Event is free and open to the public, but pre-registration is required.

Boston Children's Museum

Japanese Calligraphy Performance 舞

Join us for a unique experience that blends music and calligraphy.&nbsp;Japanese master calligrapher Michiko Imai, featured artist from Pao Arts Center’s latest exhibit <a href="https://www.paoartscenter.org/events/2024/inventivebrush" target="_blank">The Inventive Brush: Calligraphic Echoes from China, Japan, and Korea,</a>&nbsp;will demonstrate calligraphy through a large-scale performance set to traditional shakuhachi flute music. Imai is excited and honored to take part in this one-of-a-kind calligraphy exhibition featuring Chinese, Japanese, and Korean calligraphy artists at Pao Arts Center. She hopes that the three countries' friendship can continue to grow through calligraphy and other shared connections.&nbsp; The Inventive Brush: Calligraphic Echoes from China, Japan, and Korea, curated by <a href="https://www.brandeis.edu/innovation/what-we-do/profiles/aida-wong.html" target="_blank">Professor Aida Yuen Wong</a>,&nbsp;showcases the diversity of contemporary calligraphy and features the works of three Massachusetts-based artists: Mike Yuguo Mei, <a href="https://www.michikostudio.com/" target="_blank">Michiko Imai</a>, and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jichun_art/" target="_blank">YoungSun Jang</a>. On view from July 19 - October 13, 2024. See <a href="https://www.paoartscenter.org/events/2024/inventivebrush" target="_blank">website</a> for more information about the exhibit. Event is free, but registration is required.

Pao Arts Center

Gyotaku: A Deep Dive

Join us to learn about the traditional Japanese art of gyotaku. Gyo (fish) taku (to press or rub) is a method of fish printing in which real fish (and other sea creatures) are used as a printing plate. Professional gyotaku artist, Nate Garrett, will be discussing the origins of gyotaku, first as a form of record keeping, and its evolution into a modern day art form exploring three different methods and five distinct styles. Along the way we will also touch on Japanese sumi ink and paper making as well as traditional and modern tools of the trade. Nate will share his perspective on why gyotaku has relevance and importance in our modern world. Following the presentation there will be a live demonstration of the art form. This is a free 1 hour and 30 minute long presentation with Q&amp;A hosted on Zoom.&nbsp; Registration is required to receive the zoom link.

Online

Geostrategy in the Grassroots Series: Economic Statecraft and Security in the Indo-Pacific: Views from Japan, US, and Southeast Asia

Please join us for a very special event presented by the Japan Society of Boston on Economic Statecraft and Security in the Indo-Pacific. Our panel will be moderated by Professor Kenneth Oye and we will be joined by guests Professor Kei Koga and Professor Phillip Lipscy.  The panel will discuss topics such as the evolution of the views of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)/Southeast Asian states on the Indo-Pacific region (e.g. ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific), Japan's defense and military role in Southeast Asia and Southeast Asia's expectations of Japan, international contestation in the region touching on matters such as Japan's geoeconomic strategy, Indo-Pacific strategies including the Free and Open Ind-Pacific vision, Japan's recent defense policy reforms, and major security issues like the rise of China, potential contingency over Taiwan, and North Korea. This is a public, free, in-person event with the option of a light Japanese style bento lunch. Check-in opens at 11:45, and program will start promptly at noon. Pre-registration is required. If you would like to receive a free bento lunch, please register by 5pm on January 31st. A vegetarian option is also available. All registrations made after January 31st will not include a lunch.   This event is sponsored by the Sasakawa Peace Foundation and the National Association of Japan-America Societies as part of their Geostrategy in the Grassroots series, a public affairs program focusing on the geostrategic challenges Japan and the US face in a changing Asia.

The Foundry

Celebrating Hachiko: All About Akitas with Lesléa Newman

Hachiko is well known as the Japanese Akita dog who waited for his owner at Shibuya train station for almost 10 years after the owner's passing. The Japan Society of Boston is celebrating the 100th anniversary of Hachiko's birth with an event all about Akitas! Lesléa Newman will be discussing her book, <a href="https://lesleakids.com/books-for-kids-teens/middle-grade-novels/hachiko-waits/">Hachiko Waits</a>, a book for young readers that has won several awards including the Dog Writer's Association of America Best Book of Fiction (2005) and the Alabama Emphasis on Reading Children's Choice Book Award, (2005–2006), as well as her writing process and connection to Japan. We will also be joined by the president of Big East Akita Rescue, Jo Ann Dimon, to hear more about the special akita breed.   A portion of donations received for this event will be given to Big East Akita Rescue. They are a nonprofit, hands-on, volunteer run Akita rescue group covering the Northeast to help unwanted, abused, and neglected Akitas in need. Please consider donating to help support their cause.  This is a free, hour long talk with Q&amp;A hosted on zoom. Children and families are welcome. Registration is required for zoom link.

Celebrating Hachiko: Author Talk with Pamela S. Turner

Hachiko is well known as the Japanese Akita dog who waited for his owner at Shibuya train station for almost 10 years after the owner's passing. The Japan Society of Boston is celebrating the 100th anniversary of Hachiko's birth with an author talk with Pamela S. Turner, writer of Hachiko: The True Story of a Loyal Dog, a children's book that spread the story of his unwavering loyalty to many.  Pamela Turner will be discussing this book along with her other publications such as Samurai Rising, as well as other topics such as her own personal connection to Japan and her writing process. She will be joined in conversation by Professor Susan Napier, a local expert on Japanese culture and art.  This is a free, hour long talk with Q&amp;A hosted on zoom.  Registration is required for the zoom information. A portion of donations received for this event will be given to Big East Akita Rescue. They are a nonprofit, hands-on, volunteer run Akita rescue group covering the Northeast to help unwanted, abused, and neglected Akitas in need. Please consider donating to help support their cause.

Arnold Arboretum Private Tour

Join the Japan Society of Boston on a private tour of the Arnold Arboretum. An expert docent will lead us through the 281-acre landscape and share Arboretum history, collection information, and seasonal highlights, with a focus on the East-West connection and Asian plants. Viewing of the Bonsai &amp; Penjing Pavilion will be included as part of the tour.  Space is limited for this event. Visitors should be prepared to be standing/walking for up to an hour. JSB members get a discount for $5 tickets, non-members can register for $10.  If you are not a JSB member, you can sign up <a href="https://www.japansocietyboston.org/membership">here</a>. Tickets must be purchased on our website.

The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University

S22: conversations

Wondering what to do in Boston? Places to eat? Free activities? Good for a group? Date night spot? Girls night out? The best things to do? Ask Joyraft!

Best places to go in Boston? Things to do? Places to eat?

Questions & answers about things to do in Boston

Recs 💬

Community recs 💬

S4: top picks

The most fun, cool and unique things to do in Boston. Can’t miss events, shows and experiences. Concerts, restaurants, bars, free things in Boston and beyond.

The most fun and cool events happening around Boston

Hot and new things to do in Boston

Hot & new

Hot & new 🔥

S11: happening this weekend

What to do in Boston this weekend? From festivals, concerts, performances, free events, screenings and more, Joyraft has the best things to do in Boston.

25+ things to do in Boston/Cambridge/Somerville this weekend

Things to do in Boston this weekend

This wknd

This weekend for you

S21: roundups

Our top picks: outdoor dining, free events, spring festivals, best bars, upcoming concerts, museum parties - the latest in and around Boston.  Slug: joyraft-top-picks-best-things-to-do-boston-ma

Top picks of the best things to do in and around Boston

Joyraft picks: Boston’s best things to do

Roundups ⭐️

Curated by Joyraft ⭐️

S28: calendar experiences

This week in Boston

This week in Boston 📆

This week 📆

S20: c+d experiences

Discover new, unique events and experiences happening in and around Boston. Perfect for date night, good for a group or with a friend. Be the first to know.

The newest events happening in and around Boston

The newest events on Joyraft

Just added

Just added to Joyraft

S16: editor picks

The most unique and can’t miss things coming up in Boston / Cambridge / Somerville and beyond. Festivals, food, drinks, fairs, concerts, art and free activities.

Unique and Can’t Miss Things to Do in Boston

Can’t-miss things to do in Boston 🚨

Can't-miss things to do 🚨

S2 (A): top experiences

The most popular things to do on Joyraft. Concerts, restaurants, bars, events, parties, openings, kid friendly, date ideas, free things in Boston and beyond.

Top 20 things to do in Boston

Top 20: Joyraft’s most popular

Top 20

Top 20 on Joyraft

S3 (A): trending experiences

Discover can’t miss events and things to do in Boston. The most fun, unique and cool events coming to the Boston area this spring and summer.

The hottest events happening in Boston

Trending events on Joyraft

Trending 📈

S17: interest based

Your guide to everything free in and around Boston. From events, to fairs, to festivals, to outdoors. Joyraft has all the free events happening near you.

100+ free things to do in Boston and beyond

Free things to do in Boston

Free things to do

S19: interest based

Kid-friendly events in Boston

S18: interest based

Where to eat and drink in Boston? Joyraft has Boston’s newest bars, restaurants and specials. Drinks and pre fixe dinner menus. Cambridge & Somerville too.

japansocietyboston

Experiences