East Hartford to celebrate Japan Week

April 21 - 27
Posted on: February 28, 2023 - 11:59am
East Hartford to celebrate Japan Week

East Hartford, CT - East Hartford Public Library is proud to announce that Japan Week will stage a triumphant return in 2023 after a pandemic hiatus. Begun in 2018, Japan Week is a week-long series of programs offered in partnership with the US & Japan Society of Connecticut, presented with funding support from the East Hartford Commission on Culture and Fine Arts. Japan Week 2023 events will take place at the two libraries in East Hartford as well as at the University of Saint Joseph in West Hartford. 

East Hartford Japan Week program information
Japan Week will kick off with opening ceremonies on Friday, April 21 at 4:30 PM at the newly renovated Wickham Memorial Library (656 Burnside Avenue, East Hartford). Join us on the lawn for the dedication of two cherry trees to be planted on site, followed by a Lion Dance performance by Steve Long and a reception to be held indoors.
 
On Saturday, April 22, calligrapher Michiko Imai will teach a calligraphy class at the East Hartford Senior Center (15 Milbrook Drive, East Hartford). To participate in the class you must be 55 or older and a resident of East Hartford. Participation will be limited to the first 24 people to register. Registration begins in the last week of March. Register by calling the Senior Center: 860-291-7460. 
 

Raymond Library will host two programs on Sunday, April 23. At 1:00 PM, families are invited to enjoy fables in Japanese and English with storyteller Steve Long. For all ages. Register for a reminder on the library’s online events calendar. At 2:00 PM, all are welcome for a performance by Izumo Showchow (dance) and Garrett Groesbeck (Koto, a Japanese stringed instrument). For all ages. Register for a reminder on the library’s online events calendar. 

Join us on Tuesday, April 25 at 6:00 PM at Raymond Library to hear an inspiring presentation from Toshiko Uchino of the US & Japan Society of Connecticut on how nature is integrated with art in Japan. This program is best suited for adults. Register for a reminder on the library’s online events calendar. 

Wednesday is movie night! On April 26 at 6:00 PM, come to Raymond Library for a showing of Midnight Diner. In this Japanese film, a scarred man operates a midnight diner in the backstreets of Shinjuku. No one knows his name or his story, but his customers each bring him theirs. Not rated, 2 hours. Best suited for adults. Register for a reminder on the library’s online events calendar. 
 
Learn to make sushi from the experts on Thursday, April 27 at 1:00 PM at the Wickham Memorial Library. Presenters Yutaka Iwabuchi and Toshiko Uchino will show how to cook sushi rice and make rolled sushi. For adults. Registration required on the library’s online events calendar. 
 
On Thursday evening at 7:00 PM, Wickham Memorial Library will host the penultimate concert in the Intersections Concert Series. Each concert in the series features performances by professional musicians as well as student ensembles. April’s concert will include a performance by Garrett Groesbeck, koto player, in honor of Japan Week. Funding support for the Intersections Concert Series is provided by the East Hartford Commission on Culture and Fine Arts and the East Hartford Alumni Association and Education Foundation. Register for a reminder on the library’s online events calendar. 
 
Events held at the University of Saint Joseph
Extend your celebration of Japanese art and culture by visiting the Art Museum at the University of Saint Joseph in West Hartford for more events organized in partnership with the US & Japan Society of Connecticut: 
  • Trailblazer: A Tribute to Toko Shinoda (exhibition opening reception Thursday, March 30, 5:00 - 7:30 p.m.; Gallery talk by Allison Tolman at 6:00 p.m.; koto music by Garrett Groesbeck)
  • Earth Day calligraphy demonstration with Michiko Imai (Saturday, April 22, 1:00 p.m; Family Day at the Art Museum 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.)
  • Japanese Dance Master Class with Izumo Showchow, Garrett Groesbeck, and Akiko Hiratsuka (Monday, April 24, 6:00 PM)
The Art Museum events are free of charge and open to the public. Register for events at ArtMuseumUSJ.eventbrite.com. For more information about Japan Week programs at the University of Saint Joseph, contact Ann Sievers, Director and Curator, Art Museum at USJ: asievers@usj.edu/860.231.5367 
 
The Raymond Library is located at 840 Main St., East Hartford, CT. The Wickham Memorial Library is located at 656 Burnside Ave., East Hartford, CT. For more information on East Hartford Public Library programs and services, visit our website: www.easthartfordct.gov/library