Japanese Language Proficiency Test on December 3 (Sunday)
Manila, Davao City & Cebu City
The Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) will be held on Sunday, December 3, 2006; it will commence simultaneously at 9:00 a.m. in three (3) different venues - at the De La Salle University, Taft Ave., Manila, Philippine Nikkei-jin Kai School of Dava, Mamay Road, Lanang, Davao City, and at the University of San Carlos, P. Del Rosario St., Cebu City. The JLPT is administered once a year - worldwide, by the Japan Foundation in cooperation with other cultural exchange/educational institutions, in order to evaluate and certify the Japanese language proficiency of non-native speakers.
Criteria
The test comprises four levels (1 to 4) based on proficiency and covers writing-vocabulary, listening and reading-grammar. Examinees should be careful in choosing the level which best corresponds to their Japanese language proficiency/ability and classroom training.
Level 1 - The examinee has mastered grammar to a high level, knows about 2,000 Kanji and 10,000 words, and has an integrated command of the language sufficient for life in Japanese society and providing a useful base for study at a Japanese university. This level is normally reached after studying Japanese for about 900 hours.
Level 2 - The examinee has mastered grammar to a relatively high level, knows about 1,000 Kanji and 6,000 words, and has the ability to converse, read, and write about matters of a general nature. This level is normally reached after studying Japanese for about 600 hours and after completion of an intermediate course.
Level 3 - The examinee has mastered grammar to a limited level, knows about 300 Kanji and 1,500 words, has the ability to take part in everyday conversation and to read and write simple sentences. This level is normally reached after studying Japanese for around 300 hours and after completion of an elementary course.
Level 4 - The examinee has mastered the basic elements of grammar, knows about 100 Kanji and 800 words, and has the ability to engage in simple conversation and to read and write short, simple sentences. This level is normally reached after studying Japanese for about 150 hours and finishing the first half of the elementary course.
Application Procedure
Application forms will be available from August 2 (Wednesday) at the following offices:
The Japan Foundation, Manila (JF, Manila)
12/F Pacific Star Bldg. Senator Gil Puyat Ave. cor Makati Ave.
Tel No.: 811-6155 to 58 Fax No.: 811-6153
Examination Fees are to be paid in full upon submission of duly accomplished forms with two (2) prescribed photos, and scheduled below and in the respective locations:
22 August to 5 September 2006 (10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon / 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.)
The Japan Foundation, Manila
Level 1 & 2: PhP 600
Level 3 & 4: PhP 500
Announcement of Results
Successful examines will be issued Certificates of Proficiency by March 2007. All examinees will receive a Score Report.
Japanese Language Proficiency Test on December 3 (Sunday)
Manila, Davao City & Cebu City
The Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) will be held on Sunday, December 2, 2007; it will commence simultaneously at 9:00 a.m. in three (3) different venues - at the De La Salle University, Taft Ave., Manila, Philippine Nikkei-jin Kai School of Dava, Mamay Road, Lanang, Davao City, and at the University of San Carlos, P. Del Rosario St., Cebu City. The JLPT is administered once a year - worldwide, by the Japan Foundation in cooperation with other cultural exchange/educational institutions, in order to evaluate and certify the Japanese language proficiency of non-native speakers.
Criteria
The test comprises four levels (1 to 4) based on proficiency and covers writing-vocabulary, listening and reading-grammar. Examinees should be careful in choosing the level which best corresponds to their Japanese language proficiency/ability and classroom training.
Level 1 - The examinee has mastered grammar to a high level, knows about 2,000 Kanji and 10,000 words, and has an integrated command of the language sufficient for life in Japanese society and providing a useful base for study at a Japanese university. This level is normally reached after studying Japanese for about 900 hours.
Level 2 - The examinee has mastered grammar to a relatively high level, knows about 1,000 Kanji and 6,000 words, and has the ability to converse, read, and write about matters of a general nature. This level is normally reached after studying Japanese for about 600 hours and after completion of an intermediate course.
Level 3 - The examinee has mastered grammar to a limited level, knows about 300 Kanji and 1,500 words, has the ability to take part in everyday conversation and to read and write simple sentences. This level is normally reached after studying Japanese for around 300 hours and after completion of an elementary course.
Level 4 - The examinee has mastered the basic elements of grammar, knows about 100 Kanji and 800 words, and has the ability to engage in simple conversation and to read and write short, simple sentences. This level is normally reached after studying Japanese for about 150 hours and finishing the first half of the elementary course.
Application Procedure
Application forms will be available from August 7 (Tuesday) at the following offices:
The Japan Foundation, Manila (JF, Manila)
12/F Pacific Star Bldg. Senator Gil Puyat Ave. cor Makati Ave.
Tel No.: 811-6155 to 58 Fax No.: 811-6153
Examination Fees are to be paid in full upon submission of duly accomplished forms with two (2) prescribed photos, and scheduled below and in the respective locations:
23 August to 5 September 2006 (10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon / 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.)
The Japan Foundation, Manila
Level 1 & 2: PhP 700
Level 3 & 4: PhP 600
Company checks are honored for a minimum of ten (10) employees.
Announcement of Results
Successful examines will be issued Certificates of Proficiency by March 2008. All examinees will receive a Score Report.
CALL FOR ENTRIES TO THE 1ST NATIONAL BENTO COMPETITION
The Japan Foundation, Manila and the Shangri-La Plaza Mall invite Filipino culinary talents to showcase home-grown Filipino ingredients and products and prepare intricate and artistic bento (lunchboxes) by joining the 1st National Bento Competition.
The National Bento Competition is open to Filipinos aged 16 and above who can illustrate the fusion of the Japanese bento custom with Filipino local ingredients; and of Japanese and Filipino culinary culture and ingenuity.
Bonafide students of any TESDA-recognized culinary school or CHED-accredited college offering HRM, Nutrition and Technology and other related courses, as well as housewives, non-professionals and professional food aficionados, are welcome to join.
Interested participants shall submit a bento meal plan good for one person which includes the following:
- Detailed recipe including measurement, weight and cost
- An 8 x 10 colored photo of the finished product
- A VCD/DVD of the cooking process and an explanation of the concept behind their bento entry. The VCD/DVD should not be more than 10 minutes.
- The bento should contain the following mandatory components: starch (rice, noodles, etc.), vegetables, protein (seafood, pork, beef or chicken). The use of local ingredients is a MUST.
Aside from the bento meal plan, the participants are also required to submit:
- Birth Certificate
- Entry Form
- Photocopy of the CHED/TESDA certificate of the school.
- Endorsement from the culinary school head or college dean printed in the school letterhead.
Entries should be mailed or hand-delivered to the Japan Foundation, Manila, 12/F Pacific Star Building, Sen. Gil Puyat cor. Makati Avenue, Makati City 1226, on or before Friday, December 7.
One participant each from Luzon, NCR, Visayas and Mindanao will compete during the National Bento Competition finals at the Grand Atrium of the Shangri-la Plaza Mall, Mandaluyong City on Sunday, February 24, 2008. The first prize winner will be awarded PhP 50,000, while the second and third placers will be awarded PhP 30,000 and PhP 10,000, respectively.
The National Bento Competition caps the week-end celebration of the NihonGo Fiesta, the annual Philippine-Japan culture and language showcase, at the Shangri-La Plaza Mall.
The entry form and complete rules and mechanics of the National Bento Competition may be downloaded at the JFM website. For more information, you may call the Japan Foundation, Manila at telephone numbers 811-6155 to 58, fax: 811-6153 or email .
The Japan Foundation, Manila presents Eiga Sai Fringe: Featuring Documentary and Contemporary Films
The Japan Foundation, Manila, in cooperation with the Manila Chamber Orchestra (MCO) Foundation, Banco de Oro and UP Film Institute, offers a taste of the bi-annual Japanese Film Festival entitled Eiga Sai, at the Antonio Molina Hall, BDO South Tower, Makati and Cine Adarna, UP Film Institute, UP-Diliman.
Dubbed Eiga Sai Fringe, the film festival mainly features specific theme such as conflict and environment in 16mm and DVD format. S creenings at the BDO South Tower Antonio Molina Hall will be on November 8-13. Nov. 8, 9 & 13 (5:00pm & 7:30pm), Nov. 10 (7:30pm), Nov. 11 (1:00pm, 3:30pm, & 5:30pm), Nov 12 (3:30pm & 5:30pm); at the UP Film Institute on November 14-15 and 17 (5:00pm & 7:00pm).
A highlight of the festival is the screening of husband and wife filmmaking team Chris Sheridan and Patty Kim’s “ABDUCTION The Megumi Yokota Story” (Megumi: Hikisakareta Kazoku no 30 Nen) – a multi-awarded best documentary film shown as world premiere at the 2006 Slamdance Film Festival which also garnered 11 major awards in various film festivals abroad. The film is about the 13-year old Japanese girl abducted on her way home from school by North Korean spies. For 30 years, her parents were at a loss – they had no idea of what could have happened to her. Then, one day the whole world learned the shocking truth. The film is told through the eyes of the girl’s mother and father who have been searching for their daughter for nearly 30 years. A human story about a strange, painful journey, full of bizarre twists as an ordinary banker and his housewife are caught up in a life they could never have imagined.
Other films penned for showing in the festival are: Koji Imaizumi’s “Abong/Small Home” (Chiisai Ie) – produced by both non-profit organization Salubon (Japan) and Lubong-Baguio, Inc. (Philippines); Yoichi Higashi’s “The Crying Wind” (Fuon); Kazuo Kuroki’s “The Face of Jizo” (Chichi to Kuraseba); Daisuke Tengan’s “Aiki”; Yoji Yamada’s “Fifteen” ( Jugosai: Gakko IV).
ADMISSION IS FREE. For detailed screening schedules and inquiries, please check the Japan Foundation, Manila website: http://www.jfmo.org.ph or call the JFM telephone numbers 811-6155 to 58.
CALL FOR ENTRIES TO THE 1ST NATIONAL BENTO COMPETITION
The Japan Foundation, Manila and the Shangri-La Plaza Mall invite Filipino culinary talents to showcase home-grown Filipino ingredients and products and prepare intricate and artistic bento (lunchboxes) by joining the 1st National Bento Competition.
The National Bento Competition is open to Filipinos aged 16 and above who can illustrate the fusion of the Japanese bento custom with Filipino local ingredients; and of Japanese and Filipino culinary culture and ingenuity.
Bonafide students of any TESDA-recognized culinary school or CHED-accredited college offering HRM, Nutrition and Technology and other related courses, as well as housewives, non-professionals and professional food aficionados, are welcome to join.
Interested participants shall submit a bento meal plan good for one person which includes the following:
- Detailed recipe including measurement, weight and cost
- An 8 x 10 colored photo of the finished product
- A VCD/DVD of the cooking process and an explanation of the concept behind their bento entry. The VCD/DVD should not be more than 10 minutes.
- The bento should contain the following mandatory components: starch (rice, noodles, etc.), vegetables, protein (seafood, pork, beef or chicken).
- The use of local ingredients is a MUST.
Aside from the bento meal plan, the participants are also required to submit:
- Birth Certificate
- Entry Form
- Photocopy of the CHED/TESDA certificate of the school.
- Endorsement from the culinary school head or college dean printed in the school letterhead.
Entries should be mailed or hand-delivered to the Japan Foundation, Manila, 12/F Pacific Star Building, Sen. Gil Puyat cor. Makati Avenue, Makati City 1226, on or before Friday, 4 January 2008.
One participant each from Luzon, NCR, Visayas and Mindanao will compete during the National Bento Competition finals at the Grand Atrium of the Shangri-la Plaza Mall, Mandaluyong City on Sunday, February 24, 2008. The first prize winner will be awarded PhP 50,000, while the second and third placers will be awarded PhP 30,000 and PhP 10,000, respectively.
The National Bento Competition caps the week-end celebration of the NihonGo Fiesta, the annual Philippine-Japan culture and language showcase, at the Shangri-La Plaza Mall.
The entry form and complete rules and mechanics of the National Bento Competition may be downloaded at the JFM website: http://www.jfmo.org.ph . For more information, you may call the Japan Foundation, Manila at telephone numbers 811-6155 to 58, fax: 811-6153 or email .
The Japan Foundation, Manila (JFM) in pursuit of its objective of promoting cultural exchange through Japanese Language Education in the Philippines, announces the 2008 Nihongo Speech Contest to be held on Saturday, 2:00 p.m.- 23 February at the EDSA Shangri-la Plaza Mall, Mandaluyong City. The speech contest, now in its 35th year is one of the major events of the 3rd Nihongo Fiesta which will feature the National Bento (packed lunch) Competition, the Japanese Taiko and a lot more cultural performances, contests, exhibitions and demonstrations.
The Nihongo Speech Contest is an ideal platform for Filipino students and professionals to demonstrate their linguistic skills through articulating an original composition written by themselves on a theme of their choice. It continues to attract high caliber contestants from the country’s numerous language institutes, colleges/universities and other organizations offering Japanese language courses Winners will take part in an all-expense-paid week-long study tour in Japan; all qualified contestants will receive consolation prizes.
The deadline for submission of the duly accomplished application form with a written copy and a recording of the speech will be on Monday, January 14, 2008; pre-screening at the JFM will be on January 25 (Friday) and January 26 (Saturday). For details/clarifications on the contest, other cultural projects/grant programs and Philippines-Japan Festival events, please contact the Japan Foundation, Manila – 12/F Pacific Star Bldg., Makati Avenue, Makati City (telephone # 811-61-55 to 58 and fax # 811-61-53).
In consonance with the promotion of Japanese Language Education, similar events will be held in Davao City and Cebu City that will also serve as the regional pre-screening for the Final Contest in Manila. The Speech Contest in Davao will be held on Friday, 25 January 2008 (Mindanao Kokusai Daigaku, PNJK Compound Mamay Road, Davao City); the deadline for submission of entries is on 9 January 2008 (c/o Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai / MKD Nihongo Center, tel. # 082-233-0013). The 6th Speech Contest in Cebu will be held on Saturday, 2 February 2008 (SM Conference Center, Cebu City). and the deadline for submission of entries is on 16 January 2008 (Japanese Association Cebu, Inc., 5/F Clotilde Commercial Center, M.L. Quezon St., Casuntingan, Mandaue City; tel. # 032-343-7662 / fax # 032-343-7663).
The Japan Foundation, Manila and the SM Super Malls in cooperation with the Embassy of Japan present the “10th Asian Cartoon Exhibition: Asian Environmental Issues” from January 16-31 (SM-Mall of Asia, Pasay), February 1-6 (The Podium, Ortigas) and February 16-29 (The Block, North Edsa).
The exhibition officially reels off with an invitational opening on January 16 (Wednesday) at the SM Mall of Asia at 7:00 pm. The traveling exhibit will showcase 77 works produced by 10 leading cartoonists from Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines. The exhibit seeks to shed light on the burdens placed on the environment which have serious consequences not only for Asian nations but also for everybody all over the world. Representing the Philippines is Elizabeth T. Chionglo, cartoonist for the English-language daily Philippine Daily Inquirer. Some of her works include Bobita and Loveknots; the latter won the Catholic Mass Media Awards in 2005. The featured Japanese cartoonist is Yokota Yoshiaki, a multi-awarded cartoonist who won Gold Prize at both the 17 th and 25 th Yomiuri International Cartoon Contests held in 1995 and 2003 respectively.
The other cartoonists are Em Sothya, cartoonist of the Cambodian-language Rasmei Kampuchea Daily; Chen Li Qing (a.k.a. Li Qing), senior staff writer at Jinan Daily, an influential Chinese-language daily of Shandong Province; Mohd Irfaan Khan, producer for the weekly talk show on children’s cartoons itni Si Baat on Sahara TV; Jitet Koestana, a freelance Indonesian cartoonist and illustrator; Kong Bo Hyuk, a freelance Korean cartoonist and illustrator who won the Lotus Best Cartoon Award of the National Buddhist Cartoon Contest in 2004; Tran Minh Dung (a.k.a. Nhop), cartoonist of the Vietnamese-language humor magazine for youths Tuoi Tre Cuoi; Thi-wa-wat Pattaragulwanit, editorial cartoonist of the Thai-language daily business paper Krunpthep Thurakip and English-language daily Bangkok Post. Other participants include John Pek Teck Leong (a.k.a. Zuan), a freelance Malaysian illustrator.
The Japan Foundation has been holding The Asian Cartoon Exhibition (of one-cut and multi-cut cartoons) every year since 1995 for the purpose of capturing Asian society, culture and customs of daily life through the medium.
The 10th Asian Cartoon Exhibit is open to the public from 10 am to 10 pm. For inquiries, please contact the Japan Foundation, Manila at tel. no. 811-6155 to 58 or log on at JFM website http://www.jfmo.org.ph.
Renowned as one of Japan’s finest traditional arts, kabuki stands as a distinct theater form which continues to evolve and capture a new generation of enthusiasts. In February, Manila will have a rare opportunity to have an intimate look into the UNESCO-proclaimed Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.
The Japan Foundation, Manila (JFM), with support from the Embassy of Japan, presents, “A Night of Kabuki: Demonstration and Lecture”, a Shochiku Co., Ltd. production, on Thursday, February 7, 2008 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Ayala corner Makati Avenues, Makati City. Show starts at 8:00 PM.
The limited engagement features celebrated Kabuki actors, Kyozo Nakamura and Matanosuke Nakamura, performing the Sagi Musume, one of the most graceful classical dances for onnagata or female characters and the Syakkyo, a heroic dance for the tachiyaku or male characters. The performance will be followed by a lecture tracing the development of the kabuki tradition and the practical stage aesthetics such as applying make-up for kabuki.
Kyozo Nakamura started his professional career as a member of the Nakamura Jakuemon IV family in 1982, under the acting name Nakamura Kyozo which was given by the master. Since then, his professional career flourished through regular monthly performances in Japan’s foremost kabuki-zas or kabuki theaters. He is honored to be an authorized holder of the “Important Intangible Cultural Properties - Kabuki (collective recognition)”.
“A Night of Kabuki” is by invitation only. For inquiries, call the Japan Foundation, Manila at telephone numbers 811-6155 to 58 or email: .
WADAIKO: THE DRUMS OF JAPAN echo in Manila and Baguio this February
The Japan Foundation, Manila, Shangri-La Plaza Mall and the City Government of Baguio present “WADAIKO: THE DRUMS OF JAPAN“ featuring Ryo Shiobara & DAIDA (2007 Grand Prize Winner of Tokyo International Taiko Contest) on Saturday, February 23, 2008; 8:00 PM, at the Streetscape, Shangri-La Plaza Mall, Mandaluyong City; Sunday, February 24, 7:30 PM, at the Gov. Pack Road, Baguio City; and on Monday, February 25, 2008; 7:00 PM, at the Bloom Session Road, Baguio City.
This event is also supported by the Asano Foundation for Taiko Culture Research and the Embassy of Japan.
For reservations and inquiries, please call the Japan Foundation, Manila, tel. no. 811-6155 ~58.
Entries invited for the Second International MANGA Award
Entries for the Second International MANGA Award are invited until February 29, 2008.
The Award was established in May 2007 to honor MANGA artists who have contributed to the promotion of MANGA overseas. In the First International MANGA Award competition held last year, two Filipino artists, Elmer Damaso and Jhomar Soriano, creators of Ravenskull and Mr. Grieves respectively, ranked among the top 19 brilliant MANGA artists, having been selected among the 146 nominees from 26 countries and regions all over the world.
The Executive Committee members of the Second International MANGA Award include the Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs and the President of the Japan Foundation among others.
The Golden Prize of the Second International MANGA Award will be given to the best MANGA from all the entries and the Silver Prize to the three distinguished works. In addition, the Japan Foundation will sponsor a ten-day trip to Japan for the winners to attend the award ceremony. Winners will also have the opportunity to meet with Japanese MANGA artists and visit publication companies during the trip.
The Fifth Foreign Languages Song Festival will be held on Thursday, 21 February 2008 from 1PM to 5PM at the Jose P. Laurel Freedom Hall, Lyceum of the Philippines University, Intramuros, Manila.
This event is a solo song competition organized by the College of International Relations of the Lyceum of the Philippines University. The competition is open to all Filipino College and High School students studying foreign languages in the country.
Competition Rules
- The Fifth Foreign Languages Song Festival is divided into four (4) Categories: Nihongo, Spanish, French, and Mandarin. The Spanish and Nihongo Categories are open only to College students, while the French and Mandarin Categories are open to both College and High School students.
- Prior to the Song Festival, an Elimination Round will be held. Schools, Colleges, and Universities may enter as many competitors as they like. The deadline for submission of entries is on 5 February 2008. The top three entries in each Category will move on to the final round at the Song Festival. Finalists will be notified by 8 February 2008.
- Entry Requirements are as follows: 1) an accomplished application form (forms are available at the venue for submission); 2) one 2x2 ID picture; 3) a CD recording of the contestant performing the chosen song; 3) a print out of the lyrics and the English translation of the chosen song; 4) certification from the contestant’s school/university; 5) recommendations by the contestant’s foreign language teacher/s; 5) a photocopy of the contestant’s birth certificate or passport.
- Entries for the Elimination Round must be submitted to the College of International Relations, Room 202 Lyceum of the Philippines, Muralla corner Real Streets, Intramuros, Manila on or before 5 Febraury 2008. For inquiries, please contact the competition organizers at 527-2719 and 527-8251 to 56 local 149.
- The competition proper will be held on 21 February 2008 from 1PM to 5PM at the Jose P. Laurel Freedom Hall, Lyceum of the Philippines University University, Intramuros, Manila. All three competitors for each category will be competing for the sole prize. Competitors are asked to don appropriate attire for their songs.
The Japan Foundation Manila’s 7th Nihongo Teachers’ Forum: “J-Pop Culture & Japanese Language Education”
The Japan Foundation, Manila, in pursuit of its objective of enhancing mutual understanding through the promotion of cultural exchange, will hold the 7th Nihongo Teachers’ Forum on May 16 & 17, 2008.. This is a continuing Japanese Language Teachers’ Professional Development Program aimed at building a learning & growing community of Philippine-based Japanese Language teachers. The speech/lecture, report/research presentation cum networking for Japanese Language teachers will be held from 5:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m on Friday, May 16, and from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 17. The forum will be held at the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA, Philippines) Auditorium, 40/F Yuchengco Tower, RCBC Plaza, 6819 Ayala Ave., Makati City.
Specialists of Japanese Language Education and specialists of Japanese culture & J-Pop from both Japan and the Philippines will share their knowledge on the theme. On the first day, four presenters in the persons of Ms. Nanae Kumano (The Japan Foundation Japanese –Language Institute, Kansai), Mr. Koji Hanawa (JETRO Manila Office), Prof. Rudyard Pesimo (Ateneo de Naga University), and Ms. Charmaine Cordoviz (popular Anime translator/voice actor). The presenters will talk on the current situation of J-Pop in the Philippines, with Ms. Kumano focusing on the application of Anime & Manga in the field of Japanese Language Education.
The second day will start with a workshop on how to use Anime within a Japanese Language Class, to be conducted by Ms. Kumano; it will be followed by a practical report on teaching materials with J-Pop as the theme, presentations from local enthusiasts of Anime and J-Pop, and reports from several Japan Foundation Japanese-Language Institute, Urawa teacher-training grantees. There will also be a networking session in the afternoon on the topic of ‘How to Include Japanese Culture, Specifically J-Pop, in Japanese Language Lessons’.
Application for the first day is open to anybody interested in aforementioned topics while application for the second day is open to Philippine-based Nihongo teachers only. The deadline for the submission of the duly accomplished registration form is on Thursday – 8 May. Participation is subject to screening; confirmation of participation will be on Tuesday – 13 May; applicants are requested to call for confirmation. For clarifications on this Teachers’ Forum, and for details on other cultural projects/events and Grant Programs please access the JFM website at http://www.jfmo.org.ph/ or contact The Japan Foundation, Manila – 12/F Pacific Star Bldg., Makati Ave., Makati City (# 811-61-55 / fax # 811-61-53); e-mail:
Japanese Film Festival “Eiga Sai ‘08” opens on July 8
In celebration of Philippines – Japan Friendship Month, the Japan Foundation, Manila, in cooperation with the Embassy of Japan, the Shangri-La Plaza Mall, the Cultural Center of the Philippines, and the UP Film Institute presents a glimpse of the Japanese culture in Eiga Sai ’08.
This year’s offering brings together 5 contemporary, 1 classical and 2 animae/manga films in 35mm format that would surely amuse Japanese film enthusiasts and the general public as well. An invitational screening of We Shall Overcome Someday (Pacchigi) by director Kazuyuki Izutsu will be held on July 8, 2008 (Tuesday) at 7:00 p.m. at the Shangri-La Plaza Cinema 3, Edsa, Mandaluyong City.
The film story tells about the situation during the 1960’s in Japan, the romance between a Japanese and an ethnic North Korean high school student, the sets of cultural differences intertwined by love and passion conquering its boundaries, which is torn by the realities of issues of life that still prevails. Likewise, it deals with music, sexual liberation, freedom and about doing what you want. We Shall Overcome Someday was ranked as the best Japanese film by the venerable Kinema Junpo in 2005.
Other films to be featured are Linda Linda Linda (Rinda Rinda Rinda, 2005, directed by Nobuhiro Yamashita), Canary (Kanaria , 2004, directed by Akihiko Shiota), Hanging Garden (Kuchu teien, 2005, directed by Toshiaki Toyoda), A Stranger of Mine (Unmei ja nai hito, 2004, directed by Kenji Uchida), and Juvenile Jungle (Kurutta Kajitsu, 1956, directed by Ko Nakahira).
In line with the celebration, the J-Pop Anime Matsuri to be hosted by the Embassy of Japan will be held on July 26 and 27 and the event includes the preview screenings of Chibi Maruko Chan (1990, written by Momoko Sakura) and The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (Toki o Kakeru Shōujo, 2001, directed by Mamoru Hosoda), a multi-awarded anime film that received the Grand Prize Award in the animation division of the 2006 Japan Media Arts Festival and the Special Distinction for Feature Film Awards at France 31st Annecy International Film Festival in June 2007.
All films will be shown with English subtitles. Screening venues are at the Shangri-La Plaza Cinema 3 (July 8 to 13, 26 & 27), CCP Dream Theater (August 7 to 10), and UP Film Institute (August 11 to 14 & 16). ADMISSION IS FREE. For detailed screening schedules and inquiries, please check the Japan Foundation, Manila website: http://www.jfmo.org.ph or call the JFM telephone numbers 811-6155 to 58.
Japanese Language Proficiency Test on December 7 (Sunday)
Manila, Davao City & Cebu City
The Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) will be held on Sunday, December 7, 2008; it will commence simultaneously at 9:00 a.m. in three (3) different venues - at the De La Salle University, Taft Ave., Manila, Philippine Nikkei-jin Kai School of Dava, Mamay Road, Lanang, Davao City, and at the University of San Carlos, P. Del Rosario St., Cebu City. The JLPT is administered once a year - worldwide, by the Japan Foundation in cooperation with other cultural exchange/educational institutions, in order to evaluate and certify the Japanese language proficiency of non-native speakers.
Criteria
The test comprises four levels (1 to 4) based on proficiency and covers writing-vocabulary, listening and reading-grammar. Examinees should be careful in choosing the level which best corresponds to their Japanese language proficiency/ability and classroom training.
Level 1 - The examinee has mastered grammar to a high level, knows about 2,000 Kanji and 10,000 words, and has an integrated command of the language sufficient for life in Japanese society and providing a useful base for study at a Japanese university. This level is normally reached after studying Japanese for about 900 hours.
Level 2 - The examinee has mastered grammar to a relatively high level, knows about 1,000 Kanji and 6,000 words, and has the ability to converse, read, and write about matters of a general nature. This level is normally reached after studying Japanese for about 600 hours and after completion of an intermediate course.
Level 3 - The examinee has mastered grammar to a limited level, knows about 300 Kanji and 1,500 words, has the ability to take part in everyday conversation and to read and write simple sentences. This level is normally reached after studying Japanese for around 300 hours and after completion of an elementary course.
Level 4 - The examinee has mastered the basic elements of grammar, knows about 100 Kanji and 800 words, and has the ability to engage in simple conversation and to read and write short, simple sentences. This level is normally reached after studying Japanese for about 150 hours and finishing the first half of the elementary course.
Application Procedure
Application forms will be available from August 5 (Tuesday) at the following office:
The Japan Foundation, Manila (JF, Manila)
12/F Pacific Star Bldg. Senator Gil Puyat Ave. cor Makati Ave.
Tel No.: 811-6155 to 58 Fax No.: 811-6153
Examination Fees are to be paid in full upon submission of duly accomplished forms with two (2) prescribed photos, and scheduled below and in the respective locations:
26 August to 5 September 2008 (10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon / 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.)
The Japan Foundation, Manila
Level 1 & 2: PhP 750
Level 3 & 4: PhP 650
Company checks are honored for a minimum of ten (10) employees.
Announcement of Results
Successful examines will be issued Certificates of Proficiency by March 2008. All examinees will receive a Score Report.
MARUIONE.JP which is a shopping website hosted by MARUI department store, popular among many young Japanese girls & boys, presents a “Fashion Contest”. Those who are studying Japanese or simply interested in Japan can apply for it. Just express yourself how much you are addicted to/crazy about Japanese culture by presenting 1-3 picture(s) of you dressed in Japanese-style with a short essay in Japanese (200words max).
1. How to apply?
Send an e-mail to the following address: w/ your picture(s) in JPEG and essay attached.
2. Terms of application: July 15, 2008 - September 15, 2008
3. Those who meet the following criteria are eligible to apply for this contest:
1) Those who are studying Japanese language and/or
2) Those who are interested in Japan and
3) Those who are NOT japanese nationals.
4. Prize
1) Winner: Two round-trip airtickets to Japan + Shopping coupons for MARUIONE.jp equivalent to 30,000JPY
2) Second Runner-up (5persons): Shopping coupons for MARUIONE.jp equivalent to 20,000 JPY
3) Third Runner-up (10persons): Shopping coupons for MARUIONE.jp equivalent to 10,000 JPY
* Winner will be announced on their website on September 25, 2008.
CALL FOR ENTRIES TO THE 1ST NATIONAL BENTO COMPETITION
