Upcoming events

Switch to Calendar View

• Connect with JSB!

  • When
    16 Apr 2025
  •  
    6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Location
    Bosso Ramen Tavern. 24 Holyoke St, Cambridge, MA 02138
  • Spaces left
    12

  Register

  
  

  Connect with JSB!

  A fun way to meet staff and members of JSB

  
  

  Wednesday, April 16, 2025

  6:00 - 8:00 PM EDT

  
  

  Hosted in person at

  Bosso Ramen Tavern

  24 Holyoke St, Cambridge, MA 02138

  
  

  About the Event:

  Join Japan Society of Boston staff and members for dinner at Bosso Ramen Tavern! Connect with JSB is a great way to get to know us better, meet other society members, practice your Japanese in a casual environment, and enjoy great food at Japanese restaurants in Boston!

  Bosso Ramen Tavern describes itself as the first Japanese-owned ramen izakaya in Boston. The Boso Peninsula, the inspiration behind 'Bosso Ramen Tavern,' is a region in Japan rich in nature, surrounded by the sea and mountains, known for their fresh fish and colorful vegetables. They are also a JSB discount provider who offers 10% off dine-in for JSB members. 

  See their website for their full menu. 

  This event is open to JSB members only. Registrants are welcome to bring a plus one, but their guest must be included in the registration. All attendees should be prepared to pay for their own meal/drinks. 

  Please note that we often take photographs at events for our records and sometimes for use in public media such as Facebook and blog posts. Registering for an event generally signifies acknowledgment that your likeness may be used in these ways. If you are not comfortable with this, please let us know and we can accommodate you.

  Show details
• The JSB Language Room (Virtual Language Exchange)

  • When
    18 Apr 2025
  •  
    6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
  • Location
    Online
  • Spaces left
    32

  Register

  
  

  THE JAPAN SOCIETY of BOSTON

  Language Room

  (Virtual Language Exchange)

  Theme: 祭り Festivals

  Friday, April 18, 2025

  6:00 to 7:30 PM EDT

  （日本時間では4月19日土曜日午前7時）

  Registration closes at 12pm ET on the day of the event.

  Hosted online via Zoom

  (you will be sent the meeting code after registering)

  
  

  Looking for a fun way to socialize from the comfort of your own home? JSB has you covered!  Practice your Japanese (or your English) at our next online Japanese / English language exchange.

  The Japanese/ English Language Room is able to continue thanks to our members and donations. We ask that you may consider making a donation or becoming a member to help us provide free events!

  [Join us] ・ [Donate]

  We will begin with a half an hour of speaking in Japanese, followed by a half an hour of speaking in English. We will conclude the meeting with free casual conversation in Japanese and/or English until we hit 7:30PM.

  Registration is set up so registrants can designate your current Japanese proficiency level and join groups based on your level.  Please use the following rough guidelines when designating your level:

  
  

  [Advanced Japanese Level]- JLPT N3 and up.  You are comfortable holding full conversations in Japanese.

  [Intermediate Japanese Level] - JLPT N5 to N3.  You are comfortable holding some or most conversations in Japanese.  

  [Beginner Japanese Level]- You may know some words and phrases in Japanese and even say a few simple sentences but your curiosity and passion for the Japanese language is as strong as those in the Intermediate and the Advanced levels!  

  [Native Japanese Speakers -日本人 ]  - 日本人/日本語ネイティブの方はこちらにご登録下さい。

  
  

  Please note that we will adjust the maximum number of participants for each level based on how many native Japanese speakers registered. Be sure to still sign up for waitlist at the time of your registration.

  Come with a friendly disposition to practice your Japanese / English and help others learn!  Meet people and find new paths for improving and enjoying your Japanese and English language skills!

  
  

  This program continues each year thanks to the support of Temple University Japan Campus. 

  This program is sponsored by: 

  

  *Please make sure that the name you use to register matches the name you will be using when you first sign onto the Zoom session!

  
  

  Please note that we often take photographs at events for our records and sometimes for use in public media such as Facebook and blog posts. Registering for an event generally signifies acknowledgment that your likeness may be used in these ways. If you are not comfortable with this, please let us know and we can accommodate you.
  

  
  

  As part of registering, we may ask for your email address. You may register for an event without providing your email address. Your email address will not be sold or given to third parties without your permission. By registering with your email address, you may receive emails from the Japan Society of Boston, including updates about event details (e.g., location), announcements about other upcoming events, and special offers.  Please be in touch with us anytime to change your email preferences.

  Show details
• Ainu Mosir: Film Screening & Director Talk

  • When
    22 Apr 2025
  •  
    7:30 PM - 9:30 PM
  • Location
    Coolidge Corner Theatre. 290 Harvard Street, Brookline, MA
  • Spaces left
    26

  Register

  
  

  Ainu Mosir: Film Screening & Director Talk

  Tuesday, April 22, 2025

  7:30 - 9:30 PM EDT

  
  

  Hosted in person at:

  Coolidge Corner Theatre

  290 Harvard Street, Brookline, MA

  
  

  $20 General Admission | $15 JSB Members
  

  
  

  About the Event:

  As part of JSB's 2025 Hokkaido Fair, 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&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 here.

  Screening will be in Japanese language with English subtitles. 

  This event is made possible thanks to a grant from the Toshiba International Foundation. 

  We cannot guarantee refunds for tickets purchased, however please let us know if you are unable to make the screening by emailing joanneha@japansocietyboston.org.

  About the Director:

  

  (Photo credit: Dick Thomas Johnson)

  Takeshi Fukunaga is a filmmaker born in Hokkaido, Japan. His first feature film, “Out of My Hand” (2015), premiered in Panorama at Berlin International Film Festival, won Best US Fiction Award at LA Film Festival and was nominated for John Cassavetes Independent Spirit Award. His second feature film, “Ainu Mosir” (2020) won Special Jury Mention in International Narrative Competition at Tribeca Film Festival and Best Film at Guanajuato International Film Festival. His third feature film, “Mountain Woman” (2022), premiered in Main Competition at Tokyo International Film Festival, and was screened at festivals such as Karlovy Vary International Film Festival and Hong Kong International Film Festival. His first documentary film, “Ainu Puri” (2024) premiered in Wide Angle Documentary Competition at Busan International Film Festival. Most recently, he directed a second season block of “Tokyo Vice” (HBO Max), and an episode of “Shōgun” (FX) which won Outstanding Directing Award at Gold List, a record 18 Emmy Awards for its first season and 4 Golden Globe Awards.

  Takeshi Fukunaga Website

  Please note that we often take photographs at events for our records and sometimes for use in public media such as Facebook and blog posts. Registering for an event generally signifies acknowledgment that your likeness may be used in these ways. If you are not comfortable with this, please let us know and we can accommodate you.

  Show details
• Japan Society of Boston Book Club

  • When
    30 Apr 2025
  •  
    6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Location
    Online

  Register

  
  

  Japan Society of Boston Book Club

  Wednesday, April 30, 2025

  from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM EDT
  

  Hosted online via Zoom

  (Zoom link will be in your confirmation email)

  
  

  Do you love Japanese literature? The JSB Book Club will be meeting to discuss Runaway Horses by Yukio Mishima. 

  After reading Spring Snow by Yukio Mishima in our club, we are continuing with the second book of his iconic tetralogy, The Sea of Fertility series. A classic and complex Japanese author, readers may benefit from looking into the story of Mishima's life and the previous novel, since we have begun that discussion, but it is not necessary to sign up for this meeting. 

  Runaway Horses continues the story of Shigekuni Honda and weaves a chronicle of conspiracy, telling a story about the roots and nature of Japanese fanaticism in the years that led to war. As always Mishima's works are deeply reflective of his own life, in this case, his passion for the age of samurai and emperor in Japan. 

  Find a copy here. You are welcome to read any translation. 

  The JSB Book Club meets on the last Wednesday of every other month to discuss great modern Japanese novels. The purpose of our club is to strengthen the Boston community of Japan enthusiasts by creating a space for thoughtful and sociable discussion.

  The club is limited to Japan Society of Boston Members. Interested in joining but not yet a Member of the Japan Society of Boston? Consider becoming a Member today! If you are already a Member and interested in the group, please contact us to have your name added to the club mailing list

  Show details
• Exploring Hokkaido Ramen

  • When
    05 May 2025
  •  
    6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
  • Location
    Miraku Boston. 9 Babcock St, Brookline, MA 02446.
  • Spaces left
    25

  Register

  
  

  Exploring Hokkaido Ramen

  at Miraku Boston with Corky White

  Monday, May 5, 2025

  6:00 - 7:30 PM EDT

  
  

  Hosted in person at:

  Miraku Boston

  9 Babcock St, Brookline, MA 02446

  
  

  $30 General Admission | $25 JSB Members
  

  
  

  About the Event:

  As part of JSB's 2025 Hokkaido Fair, we will be having a special event all about ramen at Miraku Boston. Learn about and taste a one-of-a-kind ramen from Rishiri Island, located off the Northern coast of Hokkaido! 

  We will be joined by food anthropologist, Professor Merry "Corky" White who will give a brief talk about the history and developments of Japanese ramen cuisine and culture. Then we will hear from our hosting local ramen restaurant, Miraku Boston, who will share about the unique qualities of their special style of kombu-enriched ramen from Rishiri Island.

  After learning about ramen, you will be able to enjoy a bowl of ramen by Miraku Boston and taste for yourself the delicious and authentic taste of Hokkaido that they bring to Boston!

  When purchasing tickets, please select your choice of their classic Yaki Shoyu ramen with their iconic rich and flavorful broth made with umami-rich Rishiri Kombu (kelp) and soy sauce expertly reduced to perfection, or their Roasted Sesame Miso Ramen made with the same Rishiri Kombu (kelp) combined with a delicious depth of miso paste in classic Hokkaido style. Both choices will be served with an individually-sized portion of Miraku Boston's other Hokkaido specialty, Zangi Fried Chicken, which is a variation of the popular Japanese karaage. 

  A special menu vegan ramen and side dish option is also available. 

  Ticket cost covers admission and food, but drinks purchased will be an additional charge. Guests are welcome to stay after the event to order more food as well. 

  This event is made possible thanks to a grant from the Toshiba International Foundation. 

  We cannot guarantee refunds for tickets purchased, however please let us know if you are unable to make the event by emailing joanneha@japansocietyboston.org.

  About the Speaker: 

  
  

  Merry “Corky” White is Professor of Anthropology at Boston University, with specialties in Japanese studies, food, and travel. A caterer prior to entering graduate school, she has written two cookbooks, one of which—first published in the mid-1970s—was recently reissued by Princeton University Press.

  She is currently working on completing a study of Japanese food workers and conducting new research on the Japanese whisky industry, including distillery visits, interviews, and participant observation. 

  About Miraku Boston: 

  
  

  At Miraku Boston, we present authentic Japanese Ramen from Hokkaido’s Rishiri Island. Our signature broth is a harmonious blend of three-year-aged kelp and a simmered chicken, pork and vegetable broth. The result is the soup unlike any other, a rich and nuanced flavor that is both satisfying and light. 

  Kombu (kelp) is one of the local delicacies of Rishiri, a small island situated at the northernmost tip of Hokkaido and is considered one of Japan's finest ingredients. Rishiri Kombu, a type of sea kelp only found around Rishiri Island, is highly valued in Japanese cuisine due to its flavorful taste. It grows in the cold, nutrient-rich waters around the island, where snow melted from the surrounding mountain flows into the sea, providing essential minerals for the plant growth. The kombu is harvested by hand during the summer, and is then sun-dried to maintain its robust flavor. Drying the kombu has become a tradition for all the islanders, from children to seniors. Miraku brings the taste of our beloved Rishiri Island to you in an authentic bowl of ramen. 

  Miraku was born in 2007 on Rishiri Island. Our restaurant has since expanded, opening a second location in the Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum and additionally creating both permanent and limited-release ramen products that are available throughout Japan. In 2012, we were awarded the Bib Gourmand in the Michelin Guide Hokkaido; a prestigious recognition given to restaurants that offer exceptional food at moderate prices. We hope you enjoy the taste of Rishiri!

  https://www.miraku-usa.com/
  

  Please note that we often take photographs at events for our records and sometimes for use in public media such as Facebook and blog posts. Registering for an event generally signifies acknowledgment that your likeness may be used in these ways. If you are not comfortable with this, please let us know and we can accommodate you.

  Show details
• Photography Koshien: Summer in 0.5 Seconds: Film Screening & Director Talk

  • When
    06 May 2025
  •  
    7:30 PM - 10:00 PM
  • Location
    Coolidge Corner Theatre. 290 Harvard Street, Brookline, MA
  • Spaces left
    40

  Register

  
  

  Photography Koshien: Summer in 0.5 Seconds

  Film Screening & Director Talk

  Tuesday, May 6th, 2025

  7:30 - 10:00 PM EDT

  
  

  Hosted in person at:

  Coolidge Corner Theatre

  290 Harvard Street, Brookline, MA

  
  

  $20 General Admission | $15 JSB Members
  

  
  

  About the Event:

  As part of JSB's 2025 Hokkaido Fair, we will be screening the 2017 Japanese film, Photography Koshien: Summer in .05 Seconds (写真甲子園 0.5秒の夏). This will be the US premiere of the exciting drama directed by Hiroshi Sugawara following several high school groups as they compete in a national photography competition.

  The film is a fictionalized story about the real life photography competition that is held annually in Higashikawa, Hokkaido, called shashin koshien. Since 1994, the contest has grown in popularity and now receives submissions from more than 500 schools every year to determine the best high school photography team in Japan!

  Experience the breathtaking beauty of Hokkaido's natural scenery through the lens of the photography students in this film, directed by a Hokkaido native. 

  Following the film screening, we are honored to have director Hiroshi Suguwara join us virtually on Zoom for a brief talk and Q&A, where the audience will be able to ask about the making of the film. 

  Photography Koshien: Summer in .05 Seconds's runtime is 117 minutes. Watch the trailer here.

  Screening will be in Japanese language with English subtitles. 
  

  This event is made possible thanks to a grant from the Toshiba International Foundation. 

  We cannot guarantee refunds for tickets purchased, however please let us know if you are unable to make the screening by emailing joanneha@japansocietyboston.org.

  About the Director:

  
  

  Hiroshi Sugawara is a Japanese film director, film producer, and screenwriter. Born in Sapporo, Hokkaido,  he graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) School of Arts at the Department of Film and Television, studying movie production and production, and winning the Cumuldee Award (Excellence Award) during his time. After returning home to Japan, in 1988 he made his directorial debut with "Our 7 Days of War", which won the Blue Ribbon Work Award, Kumamoto Film Festival Director Award, and was selected as one of "100 Japanese Films". "Firefly Star" published in 2004 was an official participation work of the 16th Tokyo International Film Festival Competition, and was also released in various countries around the world. "Flower of early bloom" starring Ruriko Asaoka was officially screened at the 19th Tokyo International Film Festival and the Australian Sydney Film Festival and received high praise at home and abroad. 

  Please note that we often take photographs at events for our records and sometimes for use in public media such as Facebook and blog posts. Registering for an event generally signifies acknowledgment that your likeness may be used in these ways. If you are not comfortable with this, please let us know and we can accommodate you.

  Show details
• Tomoo Hamada: One Generation to Next

  • When
    15 May 2025
  •  
    6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
  • Location
    Boston Children's Museum. 308 Congress St, Boston, MA 02210
  • Spaces left
    30

  Register

  
  

  TOMOO HAMADA: ONE GENERATION TO NEXT

  An Evening with Japanese Mashiko Potter Artist Tomoo Hamada

  Thursday, May 15, 2025

  6:00 PM - 7:30 PM EDT

  
  

  Hosted in person at

  Boston Children's Museum

  308 Congress St, Boston, MA 02210

  
  

  About the Event:

  The Japan Society of Boston, in collaboration with the Boston Children's Museum, is pleased to present an evening event with Japanese Mashiko Potter artist, Tomoo Hamada. 

  Registrants will be able to hear firsthand from the visiting ceramic artist, Tomoo Hamada, who specializes in Mashiko ware (Mashiko-yaki, a type of Japanese pottery traditionally made in the town of Mashiko, located in Tochigi prefecture, Japan). Learn about his art, his family kiln, his community, and his view on the history, philosophy, and concept of Japanese Mingei - people's folk art.

  After the presentation, Hamada will briefly demonstrate some of his working techniques with clay. And to close the program, registrants will be able to speak directly with the artist during the Q&A session. 

  Tomoo's grandfather is Shoji Hamada (1894-1978), a major figure in Japan’s Mingei folk art movement in the 1920s, and a recipient of the Living National Treasure recognition in 1955. Tomoo's father, Shinsaku Hamada, (1929-2023), was a respected devotee of Mashiko artisanship who exhibited his works nationally and internationally, a quiet craft maker who truly embraced his studio art process.

  Our guest speaker, Tomoo Hamada (1967-), 3rd generation of the Hamada potter family, is formerly trained in contemporary and sculpture art and builds his own unique artistic identity in Mashiko ware while he carries on the traditions of Shoji and Shinsaku. 

  In One Generation to Next, we will hear about his life journey through the different stages of his development as an artist at Hamada-Gama Pottery as well as his connection with Boston.
  

  Event is free, but registration is required. This event is for adults, ages 16 and up.

  This event is made possible with support from The Pucker Gallery. 

  About Tomoo Hamada:

  
  

  Tomoo Hamada was born in 1967 in Mashiko, Japan, as the second son of Shinsaku Hamada and a grandson of Shoji Hamada. In 1989 and 1991, Hamada received undergraduate and graduate degrees in sculpture from Tama Art University in Tokyo. Hamada has exhibited, lectured, and given workshops internationally and was integral in helping the pottery community of Mashiko rebuild from the devastating Tohoku earthquake of 2011. His ceramic works are included in the permanent collections of numerous museums including the Tochigi Prefectural Museum of Fine Arts, the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, the Victoria & Albert Museum, London, and the Asian Art Museum, San Francisco. Hamada currently lives in Mashiko, Japan on the original compound his grandfather built. In 2012, he became Director of the Shoji Hamada Memorial Mashiko Sankokan Museum.

  https://www.puckergallery.com/tomoo-hamada

  Hamada's work will be on display to view at Pucker Gallery until June 22, 2025. 

  
  

                                
  

  
  

  Please note that we often take photographs at events for our records and sometimes for use in public media such as Facebook and blog posts. Registering for an event generally signifies acknowledgment that your likeness may be used in these ways. If you are not comfortable with this, please let us know and we can accommodate you.

  As part of registering, we ask for your email address. Your email address will not be sold or given to third parties without your permission. Please be in touch with us anytime to change your email preferences.

  
  

  Show details
• Japan Society of Boston Film Club

  • When
    28 May 2025
  •  
    6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Location
    Online

  Register

  
  

  Japan Society of Boston Film Club

  Wednesday, May 28, 2025

  from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM EDT
  

  Hosted online via Zoom

  (Zoom link will be in your confirmation email)

  
  

  Our next film, Good Morning, tells the story of two young boys who stop speaking in protest after their parents refuse to buy them a television set. The 1959 film was acclaimed director Yasujiro Ozu's second film in color that tackles his common theme of family dynamics and the challenges of inter­generational relationship. Ozu weaves a wealth of subtle gags through a family portrait as rich as those of his dramatic films, mocking the foibles of the adult world through the eyes of his child protagonists. 

  Watch the Trailer. Films should be viewed in advance of our meetings. 

  The Japan Society of Boston Film Club meets on the last Wednesday of every other month to discuss great classic and contemporary Japanese films. The purpose of our club is to support the  community of Japan enthusiasts in the New England region by creating a space for thoughtful and sociable discussion.

  The JSB Film Club Website has supplementary materials for past films available to members. See the member portal for the code to access the blog!

  The club is limited to Japan Society of Boston Members. Interested in joining but not yet a Member of the Japan Society of Boston? Consider becoming a Member today!

  Show details