Reading Together features a wide variety of programs, including films, exhibits, expert presentations, author visits, and more.
All events are free and open to the public, except as noted*.
Wednesday, February 17, 2 pm, Little Theatre, WMU
Japan Academy Prize 2006: Won 12 prizes including the awards for best picture, director, actor and screenplay. Director: Yamazaki Takashi. Japanese with English subtitles. No admission charge.
Saturday, February 20, 2 pm, Portage District Library
A demonstration of Japanese culture at this closing reception, including calligraphy, origami, storytelling, Japanese food and music by students of Suzuki Academy of Kalamazoo.
Sundays, February 21 - March 28, 9:30 am, First United Methodist Church
Throughout history, great literature has contributed to change in society. What can the themes of Snow Falling on Cedars teach us about living peacefully in our community?
Wednesday, February 24, 5:30 pm, Central
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This “toolkit” is designed for book groups and individual readers, offering special resources to make your book discussion a richer experience.
Registration required; call 553-7913
Wednesday, February 24, 7 pm, Little Theatre, WMU
Taipei Golden Horse Film Festival 2006 / Pusan International Film Festival 2006 / Hawaii International Film Festival 2006 / Japan Academy Prize 2007. Director: Nakashima Tetsuya. Japanese with English subtitles. No admission charge.
Tuesday, March 2, 7 pm, Central
A discussion of Snow Falling on Cedars and a facilitated conversation about racism will be led by Kalamazoo YWCA’s program on eliminating racism.
Registration required; call 553-7913
Tuesday, March 9, 7 pm, Central
What makes a work compelling and heart-stopping and finely wrought? Dr. Nicolas Witschi looks at the qualities that make Snow Falling on Cedars an engaging classic.
Wednesday, March 10, 7 pm, Little Theatre, WMU
Kase Ryo (of Clint Eastwood’s Letters From Iwo Jima stars). Directed by Suo Masayuki (Shall We Dance?). Vancouver International Film Festival 2007 / New York Film Festival 2007 / London Film Festival 2007. Japanese with English subtitles. No admission charge.
Friday, March 12, 7 pm, Kalamazoo Valley Museum
Starring Ethan Hawke, Max Von Sydow and Youki Kudoh, and directed by Scott Hicks, with music by James Newton Howard. Released in 1999.
*Admission: $3.
Tuesday, March 16, 6 pm & 7:30 pm, Central
Shodo is the Japanese version of calligraphy, using ink and brush. Participants will learn to write their names in this lovely, precise art form.
Adults only. Space is limited; Registration required. Call 553-7913.
Wednesday, March 17, 7 pm, Kalamazoo Central High School Auditorium
Meet David Guterson on March 17, 7 pm, at Kalamazoo Central High School Auditorium. Book signing will follow presentation. Books available for purchase at the event.
No ticket needed; Open seating, KCHS Auditorium.
Thursday, March 18, 6 pm. Fetzer Center, WMU
Lecture by Dr. Carol Gluck, the George Sansom Professor of History at Columbia University. In 2006 she received the Order of the Rising Sun from the government of Japan and in 2002 was honored with the Japan-United States Fulbright Program 50th Anniversary Distinguished Scholar Award.
Sunday, March 21, 2 pm, Portage District Library
Area book groups will talk about other titles that continue to spark spirited conversations about multiculturalism, ethnicity and diversity. Co-sponsored by the Southwest Michigan Black Heritage Society.
Monday, March 22, 7 pm, Central
Try your hand at origami, the Japanese art of folding paper into beautiful creations. This family-friendly program is open to adults as well as children.
Registration required; call 553-7913
Tuesday, March 23, 7 pm, Central
The Battle Creek Kendo Club will demonstrate the moves of this martial art. In Snow Falling on Cedars, Kabuo learned kendo — “the way of the sword” — from his father. This family-friendly program is open to adults and children.
Thursday, March 25, 7 pm, Central
In 1943, some 120,000 Japanese-Americans were forcibly rounded up and incarcerated in so-called war relocation camps. Now you can hear the remarkable stories of those who experienced these camps.
Saturday, March 27, 2 pm, Central
Observe chanoyu, the Japanese ceremony of preparing and presenting tea, followed by a show of Japanese kimonos. Family-friendly program open to all ages.
Wednesday, March 31, 7 pm, Central
WMU professor Mark S. Hurwitz will discuss the internment of Japanese-American citizens during WWII, and Fred Korematsu’s courage and ultimate vindication.
Monday, April 15, 6:30 pm, First Baptist Church
A presentation by Dr. Frank Kitamoto of Bainbridge Island, Washington. As a child, Dr. Kitamoto was sent to Manzanar, one of the 10 incarceration camps for Japanese-Americans during World War II.