Concert for Japan

By Georgette Gouveia

It is no small irony that the arts – among the first to go in any economic crisis – are also among the first things we turn to in a global tragedy. So it is with the “Concert for Japan,” a 12-hour marathon of music and special activities that the Japan Society in Manhattan will present April 9.

All of the proceeds from the event, which takes place from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., will go to the society’s Japan Earthquake Relief Fund, which has collected more than $1.5 million from 6,000-plus donations since March 21. 

Among those scheduled to perform are Philip Glass, Lou Reed, Laurie Anderson and the New York-based Japanese bands Echostream, Hard Nips, The Suzan and Me & Mars, all fronted by women.

Besides the music, “Concert for Japan” offers special activities for all ages over the course of the event:

• Half-hour sessions led by the Toyota Language Center will teach participants common phrases to use when sending messages to Japan. Tickets will be available at 11 a.m. for classes running from 11:45 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. and at 2:15 p.m. for sessions scheduled 2:30-5:30 p.m.

• Master calligrapher Masako Inkyo introduces the basics of shodo calligraphy, an art form using a brush and charcoal ink on paper, wood plaques and fabric.  Participants are invited to create messages of peace and hope to take home and also enjoy an exhibit of Inkyo’s calligraphic works. Tickets will be available at 11 a.m. for classes running from 11:45 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. and at 2:15 p.m. for sessions scheduled 2:30-5:30 p.m.

• Origami USA volunteers will teach participants the Japanese art of transforming paper into flowers and cranes.  A selection of origami artwork will be on display.  Reservations are not required. Participation is on space-available basis 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

• Kamishibai will transport children and families to a world of mythical creatures and folktale heroes.  From the Japanese for “paper drama,” Kamishibai is a form of storytelling that flourished in Japan from the 1920s to ’50s, and is now enjoying a renaissance in Japanese and American schools, libraries and cultural centers.  Lively stories combine visuals, song and movement and themes of cooperation and generosity.  Tickets will be available at 11 a.m. for classes running from 11:45 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. and at 2:15 p.m. for sessions scheduled 2:30-5:30 p.m.

• You can take part in art.  Revel in a field of illuminated rice paper lanterns in the Japan Society’s  atrium, or create a lantern to add to the collaborative installation. Inspired by traditional Japanese lantern festivals, the project explores the use of light and shadow in Japanese architecture and celebrates the ephemeral nature of materials traditionally used in Japanese rituals and events. Architect Aki Ishida's students from the Rhode Island School of Design will offer instruction. Participation is on a space-available basis 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

From 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., participants will also be able to see “Bye Bye Kitty!!! Between Heaven & Hell in Contemporary Art” (through June 12), which takes an iconoclastic view of Japanese culture’s – and for that matter, the world’s – obsession with cute products, including the signature Hello Kitty, she of the big kitten face and seemingly unlimited wardrobe and activity schedule. (Here, dear readers, I must confess to a certain fondness for beloved Hello Kitty, having as I do in my possession a Hello Kitty rhinestone bracelet, ice-cream cone alarm clock, diary and pink boom box.)

Nestled behind bamboo plants and an indoor waterfall, Japan Society's main floor reception room will become a j-LOUNGE  for guests to relax with food and beverage and watch a video feed of the concert. Throughout the day, visitors will also be able to explore the society’s landmark building, capturing images with a camera or phone to redeem for prizes from Gifu Prefecture or MUJI.

General admission is $5 cash at the door. Seating is first-come, first-served.

A $100 ticket entitles you to admission and two assigned seats to one of two gala blocks. The 1 p.m. gala block features performances by Philip Glass and Hal Willner, Lou Reed, Laurie Anderson and John Zorn. The 6 p.m. gala block spotlights soloist Ryuichi Sakamoto and Bill Laswell with gigi band, an Indonesian pop rock group. You can order these tickets at japansociety.org,  (212)  715-1258, or  333 E. 47th St. between First  and Second avenues.

Visit http://www.japansociety.org/concertforjapan for the most up-to-date information.

In addition to donating the April 9 proceeds, the society will give half of all ticket and admission sales made through June 30, 2011 to the Japan Earthquake Relief Fund. Those wishing to donate directly to the fund can go to japansociety.org/earthquake or mail a check to Japan Society, 333 E. 47th St., New York, N.Y. 10017, Attn: Japan Earthquake Relief Fund. Checks should be made payable to the Japan Society, indicating “Japan Earthquake Relief Fund” on the check. For additional information, email japanrelief@japansociety.org.

 For general information, call (212) 832-1155 or visit japansociety.org.