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Photo Credit: Mighty Microbe Army (1963)
Japanese events in London: 19th October - 25th October 2009
We have a bit of a mixed bag this week. This Wednesday there is talk by the Daiwa Foundation and the Japan Society, titled: Negotiating the Russian Relationship. We often report these talks in previous blog posts, indeed they are certainly worth attending. This talk will take place at the Daiwa Foundation, Japan House, 13/14 Cornwall Terrace, London NW1 4QP from 6pm.
This talk will reflect on relations with Russia since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. International relations in the region has resulted in challenges that have been many and continue to dominate diplomatic agendas, not least with the Japanese. Official mechanisms for cooperation exist through the European Union and NATO as well as through Russia’s membership in the Council of Europe and the G8. Political and Economic links and energy issues are of central importance. Yet, the 2008 Georgia crisis threatened a renewal of old fears and suspicions.
Territorial disputes, particularly related to the Southern Kurile Islands/Northern Territories, have also cast a lingering shadow over Russo-Japanese relations. Such unfinished business, however, does not belie the fact of Japan’s energy needs and extensive economic ties with Russia. The speakers will consider the legacy of the past and the future direction of relations with Russia in addressing these areas of conflict and cooperation.
Our Japanese language school in London teaches Japanese culture as well as the language. One particular Japanese cultural theme that we insist on teaching is Kyoto and the importance and beauty of Japanese Gardens. In a previous blog, we mention the Hammersmith Park Japanese Garden, in the context of seeking voluteers, well this week we note that Chiddingstone Castle unveil a fundraising programme to create a "Unique Japanese Stroll Garden".
According to the organisers, Chiddingstone Castle, the Japanese Garden that they intend on creating has the potential to become a garden of national importance. In less than 2 years, over 10,000 visitors have rediscovered the treasures in Denys Bower’s Japanese collection and they are now ready to take the next step in creating a stunning outside experience for future visitors to enjoy. The day will commence at 11am and will include presentations, Samurai Warrior and Tea Ceremony demonstrations. Lunch will be followed by a garden tour for all invited guests to see the potential that the garden has for this exciting new venture.
The event is by invitation only, please email 
director@chiddingstonecastle.org.uk , or Marie Jackson, the Japanese Stroll Garden coordinator on 01892 872744 info@chiddingstonecastle.org.uk.
In our blog last week we mentioned how thrilled we were to see that Astro Boy has been re-mastered, well, we have more good news: this Thursday the 22nd October, the Hunterian Museum will present a series of film screenings and a discussion on the future of robot surgery with Anime expert Helen McCarthy introducing the classic 1963 anime Astroboy, "Mighty Microbe Army."
"Mighty Microbe Army" is a film about the robot boy miniaturised to fight bacteria inside the body. This will be followed by the 1966 movie ‘Fantastic Voyage’ inspired by one of Osamu Tezuka’s early Manga ‘The Monster on the 38th Parallel’. The museum and the exhibition ‘Sci-Fi Surgery: Medical Robots’ will be open from 6pm. The event is free and is taking place at the Hunterian Museum, The Royal College of Surgeons 35-43 Lincoln’s Inn Fields London WC2A 3PE. Please call 020 7869 6560 to reserve places.
