The Japanese Mutual Aid Society of Chicago is pleased to announce that the annual Memorial Day service will take place on Monday, May 27, 2024, at 11:00 am, in the Japanese section of Montrose Cemetery (5400 N. Pulaski Road, Chicago).

The Japanese Mutual Aid Society of Chicago is pleased to announce that the annual Memorial Day service will take place on Monday, May 29, 2023, at 11:00 am, in the Japanese section of Montrose Cemetery.

Michiko Itatani: Celestial Stage, an exhibition featuring works by the Chicago-based Japanese artist, began on Oct. 1 at Wrightwood 659 in Chicago.

Presented by Alphawood Exhibitions, the exhibition displays more than 60 artworks created by Michiko Itatani, Professor Emeritus at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (“SAIC”). Her cosmic-themed paintings and drawings are divided into three sections and can be viewed on the third and fourth floors.

The 44th Bank of America Chicago Marathon was held on Oct. 9, welcoming 40,000 runners from more than 100 countries around the world.

Kyohei Hosoya from Japan (team: Kurosaki Harima) finished sixth in the men’s race in 2:08:05. Other Japanese runners include Riki Nakanishi of Toenec who came in 14th (2:09:59); Hiroto Fujimagari of Toyota Kyushu in 20th (2:13:04); and Kiyoshi Koga of Yasukawa Electric in 23rd (2:13:42). All four runners are already qualified for Japan’s Marathon Grand Championship, which will determine the member of the national team for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Sho Watanabe of Toppan Inc. won the fourth spot in the men’s wheelchair competition in 1:34:55.

In an effort to cultivate interest in Japanese beef, seafood and sake, the Consulate-General of Japan in Chicago hosted a tasting event at the Consul-General’s official residence in Evanston on Oct. 4. Local restaurant owners and food suppliers were invited.

To mark the 150th anniversary of Japan-U.S. baseball exchange, the Consulate-General of Japan in Chicago hosted a commemorative event on Sept. 29 at Gallagher Way, adjacent to Wrigley Field on the North Side of Chicago.

Baseball was first introduced to Japan in 1872, when an American teacher in Tokyo taught his Japanese students how to play the game. After 150 years, baseball today is a national sport in Japan.

YouTube sensation Moe, dubbed as “Kimono Mom,” currently has 1.2 million followers from 192 countries. Her YouTube channel regularly uploads videos about Japanese home cooking, as well as her daily life with her husband and 3-year-old daughter.

Moe shared the story of her life on Aug. 25 during an online event hosted by the Japan America Society of Chicago.