| Bento boxes? |
[21 May 2008|05:07pm] |
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mood |
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Is there a place in Montreal where I can get Bento boxes and related supplies? I know they can be found online but I thought I'd try to find them locally first.
Thanks!
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| JCCCM Annual Spring Bazaar Saturday May 10th, 2008 |
[09 May 2008|05:04pm] |
Hi everyone!
Here's some info for tomorrow's Spring Bazaar. Hope to see you all there!
The annual JCCCM (Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre of Montreal)'s Spring Bazaar will happen Saturday, May 10th, 2008!
Time: 11:30am to 4:00pm
Location: At the JCCCM. 8155 Rousselot corner Jarry.
Entrance fee: FREE!
Metro: Jarry (orange line)
Bus: 193 East
Directions: After getting off the metro, take the 193 bus going East bound, and it'll be about one or two stops after the Jarry & Christophe-Colomb intersection. The Centre is located next to the police station.
What it is:
The bazaar is like a flea market at really dirt cheap prices. You'll find anything from food, books, clothes, toys, and other electronics there. Come with friends and family, meet some people, chill with them in the backyard.
Entertainment: There'll be a Bon Odori dance demonstration at 1:30pm to 2:00pm. If people are interested in learning how to dance there's more info in the previous posts or you can ask Kayo Yasuhara (the dance teacher) about where to sign up for classes.
I'm not too sure on other ongoings at the Bazaar, but it's a pleasant event and it's pretty family oriented, so don't be shy to drop by.
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| Bon Odori Information |
[24 Apr 2008|09:45am] |
Hi everyone!
As promised here's an update on the Bon Odori classes that will happen this summer!
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Bon Odori May 15th, 2008 @ 7:00PM to 8:30PM
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http://www.jcccm.ca/
If you attended last year's Matsuri Japon Festival, then you probably might remember seeing people wearing funny hats where you couldn't see their faces ;) The dance demonstrated was Bon Odori, and if you're interested in learning it, you can do so again this year!
***This class, however, is for people who will take dancing a little more seriously for hopefully future dance performances aside from the Matsuri Japon.***
Classes will be held every Thursday from 7:00PM to 8:30PM
Cost: $50 for 10 classes + $10 for JCCCM's membership fee. The total cost to participate is $60.
Dances learned: Awa Odori and Ecchu Owara Bushi (new version)
Location: Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre of Montreal (JCCCM)
8155 Rousselot, Montreal
Please wear comfortable clothing as you will be moving around a lot.
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Bon Odori for Matsuri Japon
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If you're only interested in learning for kicks and would like to perform just for the Matsuri Japon, there will be courses given later on as the date nears for the festival.
More information to come for "casual" dancers ;)
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Bon Odori Demonstration May 10th, 2008 @ 1:30PM to 2:00PM
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There will be a Bon Odori demonstration at the JCCCM's annual Spring Bazaar! Come see what Bon Odori looks like by fellow demonstrators and if it's enough to convince you, you can join us on May 15th, or participate later on in the summer for the Matsuri Japon.
Dances demonstrated: Ecchu Owara Bushi and Nishimonai Bon Odori
Location: at the JCCCM
You may contact Kayo-san, our wonderful, smiley, and extremely humble teacher! I'm telling you, her energy is infectious ;) She speaks both English and French.
Tel: (514)938-0637
Email: kayo_yasuhara@hotmail.com
See you at the first practice!
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| April 2008 Update |
[06 Apr 2008|02:18pm] |
Hello everyone! Spring is here (at least I hope!) and activities are abound. Lots of stuff is going on this weekend, so make sure to mark your calendars! Enjoy the festivities! There'll be many more to come in May!
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Ikebana International Montreal Chapter 2008
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An exhibition of flower arrangements created by members of the different ikebana schools.
April 12th and 13th, 2008
Time: 10:00AM to 5:00PM
Location: Japanese Pavilion of the Montreal Botanical Gardens
4101 Sherbrooke East, Montreal
Tel: 514-872-0607
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Flowers and Music of Japan
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An exhibition of ikebana from the school of Ikenobo and a performance by Flutist Yuki Isami
Flower exhibition on April 26th and 27th, 2008
Time: 10:00AM to 4:30PM
Concert on April 27th, 2008 at 2:00PM
Location: Chateau Ramezay Museum (right next to Place Jacques Cartier)
280 Notre-Dame East, Montreal
Tel: 514-861-3708
Please call to reserve your tickets
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Montreal Japanese Language Center Spring Fair
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http://www.mjlc.qc.ca/
April 12th, 2008
Time: 10:30AM to 2:30PM
Location: College Notre-Dame
3791 Queen Mary, Montreal
Admission is free
Includes a performance from the energetic group of Arashi Daiko (Taiko drum performance) at 12:00PM to 12:45PM
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Bonsai Demonstration
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http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=7815437410
http://www.bonsaimontreal.com/
There are monthly demonstrations and workshops given by the Montreal Bonsai and Penjing Society
Special international guest: Italian bonsai expert Marco Invernizzi
Conference: April 11th, 2008 at 7:30PM
Workshop: April 12th, 2008 from 9:00AM to 4:00PM
Price: $75.00 per person
Bring your own lunch
Space is limited to 10 people, please reserve as soon as possible.
The Cedrus tree with Yves Letourneau
April 15th, 2008 - Demonstration/Conference
April 19th, 2008 - Workshop
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Rent out J-Dramas at Marche Clandestin
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http://www.mcanime.com/whats_new/Jdrama/Jdrama.html
Don't forget that Marche Clandestin now carry a nice selection of J-Dramas and not only anime and horror movies ^^;
323 Ontario East, Montreal
Tel: 514-282-3930
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Geos Montreal Language-Academy
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http://www.geosmontreal.com/
http://www.geoscareer.com/
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=728097014
If you're looking for another school to learn Japanese language you should check out Geos.
Also there's an alternative to the Montreal JET Programme then you should also check out Geos Career.
The new links have been added to the link list. Happy teaching!
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| Takoyaki |
[26 Mar 2008|09:40pm] |
I need to get my hands on cheap Takoyaki. Anyone know a place that has them?
I don't want to go to a nice japanese restaurant because it will be pricey.
I am looking for it to be relatively cheap.
Bonuse points if it's close to a metro.
please please help me..im craving so bad for it.
thanks
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| Speech Contest, Sliding and the art of Budo |
[27 Feb 2008|10:49am] |
I apologize for the lack of updates, I realized that winter is a very slow month for any kind of Japanese events to happen. Spring is on the horizon though, you'll soon be seeing more frequent updates starting end of March and early April.
There will be loads of activities in April as the welcoming of spring, the Botanical Gardens will open, flowers will bloom, and festivals around the city will be abundant in the summer.
Yours truly will be making her own trip to Japan in May, so stay tune for pictures :) Hang in there everyone!
Japanese Speech Contest - Deadline Feb. 29th, 2008
The Montreal-Japanese Consulate and UdM are organizing the annual speech contest for students ages 18 and up (high school students excluded). The registration deadline for the contest is February 29th (this Friday) at 5pm.
First place winners of the Quebec speech contest will go onto to the National Contest in Edmonton Alberta on March 29th.
For more info, visit the Consulate's website.
Montreal JETAA Event - Tubbing & Onsen, March 8th, 2008
They're planning on going to the Glissades des Pays d’en Haut, in the Laurentians. Afterwards they'll be going to the Polar Bear club spa to relax. $30 for the spa, the tubbing is free. Apply early as space is limited.
The Spirit of Budo - March 12th to April 6th, 2008
The Spirit of Budo explores the history of the martial arts in Japan from battlefield technique to international sport.
La Maison de culture Frontenac will be hosting the event. Go to Montreal JETAA for more info.
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| Japanese Karaoke Updates Journal |
[21 Jan 2008|11:51pm] |
Hello everyone, this is ![[info]](http://p-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif) zarya.
I just wanted to let you know that, if you're into Japanese karaoke and you go (more or less) regularly to PangPang to get your fix, I created a new journal dedicated to posting the future updates of their Japanese catalog.
I'll also update with general news about Japanese karaoke in Montreal, so feel free to friend karaoke_oui! Also if you have any question regarding the karaoke joints that have Japanese songs in town, the machine/system they use at PangPang, or anything else that might be related, just leave a comment and I'll get back at you.
(sorry if you see this more than once!)
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| Happy New Year! |
[14 Jan 2008|04:13pm] |
Hello everybody, I know it's been a while since I've updated this community, but things have been pretty slow these days, but I do have a bunch of updates for you.
Jump Start Montreal
Although this is a Japanese based club, it is very open to people from all kinds of backgrounds and they invite you to join them on their weekly activities, whether it's for tea or Laser Tag, you can make some new friends here :) Their official website is in Japanese, but feel free to join their Facebook group!
Montreal JETAA Shinnenkai
With the celebration of the New Year, the Montreal JETAA club is organizing their shinnenkai (new year get together) on January 18th, 2008 at Kashima Restaurant in Westmount. Cost is $15/person (members), or $25/person (non-members). Send in your check by Jan 15th and go to their website to find out how you can contact them.
Matsuri Japon
We know, the festival is 7 months away, but the Matsuri Japon will be held on August 16th, 2008! They're currently in search of sponsors, so if you know a company that would like to sponsor and gain exposure to thousands of people on this day, drop them a note!
Montreal Japanese Language Center
Classes for the new semester starts January 26th to May 24th, 2008. Register while there is still space available! You'll find more info about registration on their newly revamped website :)
Coming of Age Day
Coco Montreal posts regular monthly blogs (in Japanese and English) about some traditions going on each month in Japan. This month (actually today, Jan 14th) is Coming of Age Day for women turning 20.
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| Montreal Bonsai Society now on Facebook |
[10 Dec 2007|09:34pm] |
In case you didn't catch the Facebook drift yet, lots of people are joining groups there to share their interests, pics, news, and more.
The Montreal Bonsai Society have officially created their own Facebook group, click here to see.
Japanese Maple tree
Bonsai is the art of growing miniature trees, and if well cared for, can live up to several hundred years. Caretakers can give shapes to young trees and have them grow in those elegantly twisted forms, shaping the branches and leaves for aesthetic appeal. There are many different types of bonsai trees, including the Japanese maple tree, which like it's "normal size" maple tree, has its leaves turn into different shades during fall.
You can learn more about our local bonsai society by visiting their website http://www.bonsaimontreal.com/, and learn more on how you can start learning of taking care of a bonsai. Personally, I'm a plant killer, so I wish I had half as much talent in keeping a plant alive, let alone an actual tree ^^;;
***REMINDER***
Mochi Tsuki is this weekend at the JCCCM! Look for more info on their website.
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| Furoshiki: Green friendly gift wrapping |
[06 Dec 2007|06:41pm] |
Furoshiki is a traditional form of Japanese wrapping, dating back 400 years where plastic bags didn't exist. Using one piece of square cloth, the Japanese used it for just about anything from wrapping books, food, bottles, to even carrying babies on their backs.
Today, furoshiki can be used for any occasion, at home or for every day practical use. It can be reused time and again and makes for a great gift and can be an excellent alternative to plastic bags. Modern furoshiki are made of various materials from silk to nylon and in even bigger variety of patterns and designs. The wrapping is simply a series of knots that just about anybody can learn by buying a couple of books or following online instructions. According to Furoshiki.com, make sure to pick the appropriate material for the item you're wrapping, some may require tighter knots to support the weight, and the size of your furoshiki should be proportionate to your item.
You can find ready made furoshiki in downtown Montreal at Collection du Japon on Ste-Catherine next to Futureshop. Or just go to Fabricville next door and buy yourself some nice fabrics for dirt cheap ;)
More holiday ideas for you guys in case you got tired of the gift certificate detours ;)
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| Mochi tsuki Volunteers |
[03 Dec 2007|11:42pm] |
If you'd like to volunteer for the annual rice pounding called Mochi Tsuki, here's some more info from one of the organizers, Jennifer Sakai:
The schedule is as follows:
Tues, Dec 11th: Washing rice an setting up the main hall for Saturday *6pm-10pm*
Thurs, Dec 13th: Washing rice an setting up the main hall for Saturday *6pm-10pm*
Fri, Dec 14th: Last minute items to check on *6pm-10pm*
Sat, Dec 15th: The big day, volunteers are needed from *7am until 6pm(7pm if needed)*.2 Shifts will be available (morning and afternoon). We provide lunch toindividuals who are there from the morning, and who come in up to10:30am.
Sun, Dec 16th: Clean-up from *11am - 3pm*. (Depends on what time we finish on Saturday)
All preparations take place at the JCCCM (8155 Rousselot, corner of Jarry and Rousselot).
By Public transit: Take the metro to Jarry (Orange line) and take the 193 bus heading east.
For those who do not know what goes on during the Mochi Tsuki process,I have enclosed a photo slide show that was taken of last year's event.
http://www.westisland.com/peter/recent/mochi/
Should you have any questions or are interested in volunteering please email Jennifer Sakai.
The Mochi Tsuki is a fundraiser that benefits the following organizations,JCCCM, Matsuri Japon and the Kappa Japanese Youth Club.
If you are unable to volunteer please support us by visiting our tea room from1-4pm.
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| Ryoko Wada - Fabriqué de kimono |
[01 Dec 2007|04:01pm] |
Ryoko Wada's obi featured in Elle Quebec Dec 2007 issue
There's nothing more charming than ethical fashion, where designers recycle old material to create new items with a personal touch.
Ryoko Wada is a designer who uses leftover fabrics used to mend kimono. The fabric is usually made of dyed silk and comes in a variety of textures and embroideries. Thus the quality of the fabric is higher, and can last a lifetime if you take proper care of it. She's mostly created accessories with the leftover strips from coin purses, to obi, to cute rounded bags.
She's appeared in a number of exhibitions like Puces Pop Montreal, Souk@Sat and the Westmount Artisans’ Festival. There is an upcoming 5th edition of Souk@Sat in Dec. 14th to Dec 16th, kind of like a bazaar of all kinds of local artists.
Ryoko Wada's items can be purchased here:
Appartement 51
51 Saint-Paul West
Tel: 514-223-7648
Rien a cacher
4141 Saint-Denis
Tel: 514-907-6187
Or email her at info@ryokowada.com
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| Community Update |
[01 Dec 2007|03:20pm] |
Hello everyone, I hope you are doing well!
I've revamped our little community and gave it a new name and a new look! Due to some name similarities to the JCCCM and some copyright issues, I've renamed the community to make it sound less formal and different from the JCCCM. I've removed the badges as well (sorry!), but I'm sure it's not a big deal right?
The name of the community is now "Montreal Japanese Community", which is fairly simple to remember :)
I hope you'll still continue keeping up with the community even if it's small, but you can also join our current 200 member group on Facebook if you haven't already done so. I've also updated the links section.
I hope you like the little changes and comin' up next (like the next post) is a Japanese fashion & accessory designer, Ryoko Wada!
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| Jrock Concert in Montreal! |
[06 Nov 2007|10:09pm] |
Hey
We want to organize a Jrock Concert in Montreal for the Summer of 2008 and I was wondering who would be interested in either performing or attending the concert. If you're interested, then reply! We want to know if it's really worth the trouble to go organize a Jrock concert. Because you know, if no one's attending... XD
We're looking for local bands but if you and your band will be visiting Montreal during the summer, and you want to play, we'd be glad to add you in to the schedule! Please reply to this post or email me at kaithy_chan[at]hotmail[dot]com if you want to play on stage! Thanks a bunch!
- Kris
x-posted to ![[info]](http://p-stat.livejournal.com/img/community.gif) canada_jrock
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| November News and Events |
[02 Nov 2007|11:07pm] |
No, rest assured, this lil community isn't dead (and won't be for as long as I'm around!).
Onto the news!
Japanese Film Festival
Sponsored by the Japanese Montreal Consulate, there will be a showing of several Japanese films (not so new films though).
Glass Rabbit - Plays on Friday Nov. 9th at 7PM @ J.A. DeSeve Cinema (Concordia)
Kamikaze Girls - Plays Saturday Nov. 10th at 2PM @ J.A. DeSeve Cinema (Concordia)
Tarachime - Plays Saturday Nov. 10th at 4:45PM @ ONF and Thursday Nov. 15th at 5:30PM @ Cinematheque Quebecoise.
Contact the Consulate General for reservations, seats are limited!
Although it's not part of the film festival, I also highly recommend renting the film "Hula Girl", I don't know if it's available at Marche Clandestin, but if it is, you should see it! It's along the lines of "Shall We Dance?", a really heart-warming film based on a true story.
Christmas Craft-Bake Sale Nov. 25th
From 1-4PM, there will be cards, baked goods, tea, and, well, crafts! At the JCCCM.
Mochi Tsuki on Dec. 15th
The annual rice pounding event will be held at the JCCCM from 1-5PM. If you want mochi, you have to order in advance! $3.75/lb.
Deadline is Friday Dec. 7th Contact the JCCCM for more info.
Au Papier Japonais
Remember that there are ongoing workshops at Au Papier Japonais that deals with washi, from card making, book binding, and washi! Visit their website to see their schedule.
JET Program
If you're planning on applying for JET (Japan Exchange & Teaching), the deadline is mid-November (I know it sounds vague) to send in your applications to the Japanese Embassy in Ottawa.
JETAA Meeting Nov.9th
For anyone who was part of the JET program or who would like to meet people to talk about Japan, there will be the monthly meeting of the members at Cafe Art et The @7PM, on the 2nd floor. Visit JETAA Montreal for slightly more details :p
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| YAMATO: THE DRUMMERS OF JAPAN, NOV 29th, 2007 |
[23 Oct 2007|11:20am] |
For those of you who appreciate taiko drummers, here's a chance to see a performance coming to Place-des-Arts.
YAMATO is a group of 10 men and women, with an average age of 25, will be playing on 40 different drums. Together they produce the sound of a heart beating with 8 different pieces.
Tickets are a little steep, so save your pennies :)
Category 3: $51.28
Category 2: $68.37
Category 1: $74.07
Order your tickets online or go to Place-Des-Arts (at Place-des-Arts metro) and purchase your tickets. Ticket prices shown are taken from their website.
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| Costume Contest at Marche Clandestin Mangaya on Oct 31st |
[13 Oct 2007|10:43pm] |
For all cosplayer lovers out there, Marche Clandestin Mangaya is holding a contest on Halloween!
For those of you who don't know what cosplaying is, it's about people dressing up like an anime character or as one of their favorite members of a Jrock/Visual Kei/Jmusic member. In this case, I think it's more about anime characters than Jmusic members.
Participants will be judged on 3 things: sewing, materials, props.
There won't be any skit event though.
1st prize winner: $150 gift certificate at Marche Clandestin Mangaya
2nd prize winner: $75 gift certificate at Marche Clandestin Mangaya
3rd prize winner: first three volumes of Robot, redeemable at Marche Clandestin Mangaya
For more details on the contest visit their website at Marche Clandestin Mangaya
Marche Clandestin
Marche Clandestin is the largest anime video rental store in Quebec (the province), with over 5000 titles including asian films. It just opened a new section called "Mangaya" where it boasts a large selection of manga in English and French, including other genres like yaoi, yuri, artbooks, and novels.
Details on Cosplay
Born out of love for Japanese pop culture, cosplaying in North America mimicks what the Japanese do to show their devotion to costume playing, or "cosplay," of their favorite band, or anime character. Think Halloween, but on a grander, more sophisticated scale. In North America, cosplayers are usually found in anime conventions where they hold yearly contests and skits over the course of a few days. It's a chance to show their love for their character and take pictures with other fellow cosplayers.
Cosplay usually involves making your own outfit, sewing the costume together and making props such as wands, swords, staffs, sidekicks, crowns, etc. The point of it is to make the costume look as much as possible as the anime character. Wigs are often used to match different hair color and hairstyles.
Why Cosplay?
Well I suppose it's all about a matter of personal reasoning, there's no definite answer as to why Japanese or international cosplayers do it. The Japanese have obviously perfected their cosplaying to an artform, showing skills in talent, sewing, hairstyling, and makeup. The perfection and curious culture of cosplaying have spawned a widespread interest, each year growing in numbers as anime conventions sprout like weeds all over North America.
Cosplay vs. Japanese fashion
Make no mistake, cosplay isn't to be confused as a fashion style like Gothic Lolitas and ganguro. Though similar as dressing to look like something, Japanese fashion styles are worn on a regular basis, cosplaying is an event sort of thing.
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| Festival du Nouveau Cinema & Camion de pompier |
[07 Oct 2007|04:53pm] |
As if you didn't get your fix at Fantasia and the World Film Festival this summer, here's another film fest celebrating independent international filmmakers at Festival du Nouveau Cinema . As per usual in this community, I will post Japanese only films for your viewing pleasure :) The festival is from Oct 10th to Oct 21rst 2007.
October 12th
5:00PM - Bakushi
9:00PM - Dainipponjin
October 13th
7:20PM - Franz Kafka's A Country Doctor (animation)
October 15th
3:20PM - Franz Kafka's A Country Doctor (animation)
October 16th
5:20PM - Rogoku no Saiten
October 18th
3:30PM - Dainipponjin
October 19th
9:20PM - Rogoku no Saiten
October 21rst
11:00AM - Komaneko
TBA - No Rabbits' Minutes
TBA - I am a Bear - Diary of a Pillow Bear and his Secrets</font>
Of course, please make sure to check the official website for more details on the movies.
Tickets are $10 a piece. $8 for students and seniors.
6 tickets for $50
Passes are $100.
*************
If any of you were familiar with Madame Edgar's store that used to be on St-Hubert (but closed December 2006), you'll be delighted to know that Camiondepompier has picked up where Madame Edgar left off. A specialized store in avant-garde figurines, customizable figurines, plushies and other asian influenced objects, you'll be delighted to know that they exist. Visit their website for more details, and also take a look at their flickr account of images to get a better idea of what they're selling.
317 Ontario E. #1
Between St-Denis and Sanguinet
In front of La Paryse
Above Chez Gatsé
Next to Marché Clandestin and Cégep du Vieux Montréal
Close to Underworld, Atom Heart, Headquarters, Revolver, UQAM and the Grande Bibliothèque
Dim/Sun - Lun/Mon : Closed
Mar/Tue - Mer/Wed : 11:00 - 19:00
Jeu/Thu - Ven/Fri : 11:00 - 20:00
Sam/Sat : 12:00 - 18:00
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| Pop Montreal Oct 3 - Oct 7 2007 |
[01 Oct 2007|12:48am] |
Ok, forgive my lack of knowledge for any J-music acts out there, I'm quite terrible at it but this is news anyway ;)
Pop Montreal will be going on this week until Sunday displaying a slew of events from film, art, music and fashion.
One of the musical acts scheduled to appear during the festival is world reknown DJ Krush, a japanese producer, remixer, DJ and recording artist. He's on his way of kicking off his North American tour promoting his new DVD "History of DJ Krush/Suimou tsunenimasu," which includes a stop at Pop Montreal on October 5th at Le National. He's collaborated with a number of artists including LUNA SEA on the track "sweetest coma again" for the band's final release "Lunacy" in 2000.
Tickets are $20 to $23 and can be purchased at numerous places.
Check Pop Montreal's website for more info.
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| The Konbini Phenomenon |
[15 Sep 2007|01:15pm] |
"Konbini" is short for saying "Convenience store" (they don't have the letter "V" in their language you see). Of all chain names of convenience stores we know, it's funny that 7-Eleven is the largest in Japan. Once a ubiquitous name for American convenience store, the Japanese have turned depanneur business into nearly an artform.
Konbini in Japan are obviously styled to fit the Japanese way of life. Unlike their North American counterparts where you find perhaps the crappiest quality for food, konbini have top grade food for their customers, not mention quality service as well. They're much like our counterparts of deps, offering magazines, food, drinks, household items, etc.
Recently, the Japanese company Family Mart has expanded their business over to the United States by opening up their own Japanese branded konbini with premium grocery service and gourmet quality food. This American chain is called "Famima!!" and if their website is of any indication of just how high class a depanneur can be, I can only imagine how much business it could garner here! Of course, a place like this comes at a price, better quality food at a convenience store will yield probably deli-like pricing as well. Famima!! is expected to reach some 20 locations in the US by the end of 2007, and most likely more in the years to come.
And perhaps we can hope with our little hearts that one day a konbini like this may open in Montreal. Or if you can encourage some business savvy people to open one up in Montreal, they will probably crush Chinatown's counterpart of a dep.
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