Japan Society of New York
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Founded in 1907 Japan Society has evolved over nearly 100 years into an internationally recognized nonprofit, nonpolitical organization that offers opportunities to experience Japanese culture; fosters sustained and open dialogue on issues important to the United States, Japan, and East Asia; and improves access to information on Japan. Currently Japan Society presents over 100 events annually, engaging and informing executives, civic leaders, artists, educators, students, and a broad audience of global cultural consumers. Since 1907 the Society has produced thousands of conferences, exhibitions, performances, screenings, tastings, symposia, lectures, seminars, classes, workshops and exchanges.
[edit] History
As announced on the front of page The New York Times on May 20, 1907, Japan Society was founded on May 19, 1907, by a group of prominent New York City business people and philanthropists. Most of the original members remained active in the Society for many years, shaping the policies of exchange and collaboration that guided it through the 1930s until the outbreak of WW II. After the war, activities slowly resumed, and the stewardship of John D. Rockefeller 3rd from 1952–78 led to a unified vision, a firm financial foundation, and the revitalized mission "to bring the people of the United States and of Japan closer together in their appreciation and understanding of each other" (Rockefeller, 1952).
Built on land donated by John D. Rockefeller 3rd, Japan Society's landmark building located near the United Nations was designed by architect Junzo Yoshimura and opened in 1971. The first building in New York City of contemporary Japanese design, the elegant structure named "Japan House" features an indoor bamboo water garden and contains a 278-seat theater, art gallery, language center, library and conference facilities.
[edit] Programs and Activities
Since its inception in 1907, Japan Society's activities within the international business community have evolved into the Corporate & Policy Program, which engages more than 2,500 executives annually.
Japan Society’s Policy Projects include Bioterrorism & Consequence Management, Redefining Japan & the U.S.-Japan Alliance, and the U.S.-Japan Innovators Project, which brings emerging as well established leaders in business, civil society and arts and culture together to explore new opportunities for bilateral collaboration in the 21st century.
While Japan Society produced its first exhibition in 1911, resulting in the Society's first major publication, Japanese Colour Prints by Frederick Gookin (1911), Japan Society Gallery opened in 1972 after the completion of the building. The Gallery has since become one of the premier venues in the U.S. for the exhibition and publication of Japanese art.
Established in 1953, the Performing Arts Program has introduced American audiences to more than 500 programs of Japan's vibrant contemporary and revered traditional dance, music and theater. Highlights range from multiple premiere presentations of the Grand Kabuki to the wildly popular Contemporary Japanese Dance Showcase. Through commissions, exchanges and workshops the Program also endeavors to inspire U.S.-based artists.
From its first film screening in 1922 (a four-reel film of the crown prince's 1921 visit to Europe), Japan Society remained a prime destination for cinematic retrospectives of seminal directors and actors, thematic film series and U.S. premieres of Japanese films of various genres, often accompanied by commentary and discussion by participating filmmakers.
Japan Society has created and facilitated many prestigious fellowships and exchanges, from Eleanor Roosevelt's 1953 participation in the Intellectual Exchange Program to the ongoing U.S.-Japan Media Fellows Program. The latter has resulted in articles from both eminent and up-and-coming newsmakers.
In 1928, Japan Society received and displayed Good Will Dolls sent to America by more than 2,500,000 school children in Japan. Today the Society's Education Program offers exceptional Japan-related curricula and programs for K-12 educators and students with a new emphasis on special events for children of all ages to learn and experience Japanese traditional festivals and customs.
Beginning in 1972 with a single class, the Toyota Language Center has grown into one of the most respected learning resources in the nation for the study of Japanese language, offering comprehensive levels of Japanese, as well as a variety of advanced and specialized courses, workshops and conversation classes.
