Japan Society
Saturday, December 8, 7:30 PM

New York's fieriest music group, Bang on a Can All-Stars, unveiled two new Japan Society-commissioned works that draw inspiration from Rimpa--a Japanese painting movement that spanned the 17th-19th centuries.

This concert was presented in conjunction with the Society's exhibition Silver Wind:The Arts of Sakai Hoitsu (1761-1828), showcasing one of the master painters of the Rimpa movement.

A kick-ass pop rock band, The Suzan, performed at Kung-fu Necktie, on Wednesday night, Dec.12. Super fun band to go see a live for. Their lovely J-gal high-energy & cool sound will lift you up a notch, or two. Must check them out. 

To learn more about The Suzan, watch the trailer of "The First Step", a documentary film about The Suzan, directed by Mike Nogami.
  

Kazuyo Katsuma, an economic analyst and a professor at Chuo University business school, gave a lecture at Japan Society. The discussion was highlighted on Japan's critical issues, such as deflation, declining birth rates, and gender inequality. Ms. Katsuma explained how these three issues are intertwined together, illustrated by some eye-opening statistics. 

Here's one report which shocked me the most, and at the same time, reminded me partially why I left my country over 15 years ago. It's a disappointment to find out that certain situation hasn't been improved for over decades, or in some case, getting even worse.

According to the World Economic Forum (WEF) 2012, Japan ranks 101st in global gender equality, of all 135 countries surveyed. The worst among nearby countries such as China (69), Mongolia (44), Australia (25), or New Zealand (6). FYI, the United States ranks 22nd. - For further reading, visit http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20121025a4.html