Japan-in-Houston Events Calendar

April 2nd	Japanese cooking class is taught by Reiko Yamada for the Language-Culture-Kai Committee of the Japan America Society of Houston. Contact the Japan America Society of Houston to register or obtain further information, 713-962-0121. Note that this teacher typically teaches in Japanese in Tokyo, so comments (positive and negative) on her teaching techniques can be easily found by a Japanese language blog WWW search. Note that there are big differences between this class and those taught in Tokyo.
2	Cooking class SUSHI 201 will be taught at Central Market (Westheimer at Weslayan), 6:30 - 9:00 pm, by Chef Chris Nemoto. Call 713-386-1700 for more information.
2	Monthly meeting of the Houston Bonsai Society takes place.
3	As a fund raising event, a Japan Garden Reception in support of the Houston Japanese Garden takes place with entertainment from Japan. Contact the Japan America Society of Houston to register or obtain further information, 713-962-0121.
5 & 6	HOUSTON JAPAN FESTIVAL takes place in Hermann Park and features music, folk dance, martial arts, Ikebana, origami, bonsai, food, Shodo, and crafts, 10 am to 6 pm each day. This year's entertainment will include Koto and Tsugaru Jamisen performances.
8	Student-Teacher Japanese Conversation Group meets at 7:00 pm at the Le Viet Restaurant at 11328 Westheimer. An RSVP is requested for the meeting as always. This is a great opportunity for students to socialize and speak Japanese in a casual setting. Like other MeetUp events, this is organized using the MeetUp WWW site.
12 & 13	WOMAN IN THE DUNES (1964, Suna No Onna), classic film directed by Hiroshi Teshigahara, will be shown at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston at 7:00 pm each evening.
13	The Japan Business Association of Houston / Japanese Association of Greater Houston joint golf competition takes place at Cypresswood Golf Club, 21602 Cypresswood Drive, Spring, TX 77373. Pre-registration is required.
17	World Affairs Council Japanese Student's Luncheon takes place at Hess Building, 5430 Westheimer, by invitation only. This honors students studying Japanese in local high schools and provides a chance for these students to speak in Japanese over lunch. Call 713-316-4475 for more information.
17	The Sushi Club of Houston meets at AKA SUSHI at 6:30 pm for Nigiri and Maki type sushi.
18	Classical mini-concert and tea party by the Women’s Committee of the Japan Business Association of Houston takes place this afternoon. A ticket is required to attend. Contact the Japan Business Association of Houston for further information.
19	A Sushi cooking class is scheduled to be taught at the Rattan Pan-Asian Bistro, 1396 Eldridge Parkway, by chef James E. McMillan. Call 281-556-9888 for information.
18 & 19	Although the Houston International Festival takes place downtown, zero Japan related events seem to be scheduled.
20	MOTHER TOYOKO (2006; Haha Toyoko, Aru Kazoku No Ai To Kanashimi), directed by Masamoto Sakurai, is shown at the Worldfest film festival at 5:00 pm. This film will be shown at the official festival theater (AMC Studio 30 on Dunvale). Based on a true story, a mother becomes an activist against the muscular dystrophy which affects her children. Note that many people familiar with Japanese film and drama know the main actress (Ayako Kobayashi) from her childhood role in Oshin. Back in the mid-1980s she was one of the most well-known Japanese persons internationally due to her role in the drama Oshin, which was broadcast worldwide.
21	Sushi making class is taught by Dan Capello at Sur La Table in the River Oaks shopping center area, starting at 6:30 pm. Call 713-533-0959 for more information.
22	Informal get-together of the Japanese Association of Greater Houston, begins at 6:30 pm at Kubos in the Rice Village area. Contact the Japanese Association of Greater Houston for further information. The official language for all talk at JAGH is Japanese.
25	The Sushi Club of Houston meets for a Sake and Sushi Tasting event at 7:00 pm.
25 & 26	Although the Houston International Festival takes place downtown, zero Japan related events seem to be scheduled.
April 27th	Softball tournament takes place between various teams of the Houston Japanese business league at the Houston Sportsplex, 8:30 am - 3:50 pm. Contact the Japan Business Association of Houston for more information.

Do you know of an event that is missing? Write to the Japan-Houston mailing list, which provides timely notification of these events.