Jordan Sievers - The Japan Times

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Jordan Sievers

For Jordan Sievers's latest contributions to The Japan Times, see below:

Japan Times

Events / Events In Tokyo

Oct 17, 2013

Manga Fest primes itself to be Tokyo's answer to Comic-Con

Last year's event, which centered on the theme of "Manga: Not Just a Japanese Thing," showcased many different comic styles from around the world. This year, taking place alongside the main festival, is the companion event called Comitia, where amateur and professional artists will be given the opportunity to display and sell their own original works to the public.

Japan Times

CULTURE / Art

Oct 16, 2013

'Masterpieces from Yamadera Goto Museum of Art'

Every era of European history has produced significant and innovative works of art. And as genres and styles evolved over time, unique trends added a richness to art in general.

Japan Times

CULTURE / Art

Oct 16, 2013

'Alfons Mucha Unknown'

Alphonse Mucha, born in Moravia (now a part of the present-day Czech Republic) is best known for his theatrical decoration, oil paintings, posters and stamps. He began his career in Paris as an illustrator, where his poster design for the 1894 play "Gismonda," starring Sarah Bernhardt, garnered him critical acclaim and popularity.

Japan Times

CULTURE / Art

Oct 9, 2013

'150 Years of Modern Japanese Music'

After the Meiji Restoration of 1868, as Japan continued to open its ports to trade, the government also introduced Western music to education curriculums as part of its attempt to construct a more modern, globalized nation.

Japan Times

CULTURE / Art

Oct 9, 2013

'Gustave Caillebotte: Impressionist in Modern Paris'

Despite his relatively short artistic career of two decades, the 19th-century painter Gustave Caillebotte became famous as a popular French Impressionist, alongside the likes of Claude Monet and Auguste Renoir.

Japan Times

CULTURE / Art

Oct 9, 2013

'Documents from Medieval Japan: Functions and Styles'

This show of important early written documents helps shed light onto the life, politics and culture of medieval Japan. Beyond the messages of the words they convey, the materials used to create these documents, as well as the style of calligraphy, often reveal techniques that are unique to the era and different regions of Japan.

Japan Times

CULTURE / Art

Oct 9, 2013

'Captivating Qing-dynasty Ceramics'

Chinese ceramics made during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912) are considered some of the finest in the world. Their delicate aesthetics and attention to elaborate detail, made such works particularly popular with the European nobility of that time. As their popularity and value increased overseas, more works were made for exportation.

Japan Times

Events / Events In Tokyo

Oct 3, 2013

Hokkaido's best dishes to feature at Tokyo fest

Though typically noted for its natural beauty and some of the country's finest ski slopes, Hokkaido also boasts some of Japan's best cuisine.

Japan Times

CULTURE / Art

Oct 2, 2013

'Turner from the Tate: The Makings of a Master'

British artist Joseph Mallord William Turner's experimental style allowed him to become one of the most prominent artistic figures of 19th-century Romanticism.

Japan Times

CULTURE / Art

Oct 2, 2013

'Kyoto from Inside and Outside: Scenes on Panels and Folding Screens'

Kyoto, the old capital of Japan, has harbored a rich traditional culture that has remained strong for generations. Focusing on large-scale works that present depictions of town life as well as seasonal views of the city, this exhibition reveals a detailed glimpse into the aesthetics of Kyoto culture.

Japan Times

CULTURE / Art

Oct 2, 2013

'Masterpieces from the Collection of Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum, Tokyo 2013'

During the 19th and 20th centuries, Paris gained a reputation as a cultural hub of Europe. It attracted artists such as Auguste Renoir, Claude Monet, Paul Cézanne, Odilon Redon, Henri Toulouse-Lautrec and Felix Vallotton — all of whom inspired and influenced each other's work. It was also an era of change, when such artists sought to create new and unique forms of expression. They began concentrating on depicting dreams and ideals or notions of cultural freedom.

Japan Times

CULTURE / Art

Oct 2, 2013

'Takamikura and Michodai: Chrysanthemum and Nippon'

In celebration of the Emperor's 80th birthday and the 25th anniversary of his reign, replicas of the takamikura (Chrysanthemum throne) and michodai (a curtained platform) are being displayed at Kyoto's Zohiki Urushi Museum. Created between 1913-1915, these models were made around the same time as the originals, which are now housed in Shishin-den Hall at Kyoto Imperial Palace.

Events / Events In Tokyo

Sep 26, 2013

Oktoberfest to start a few days early in Odaiba

Oktoberfest comes a few days early in Odaiba this weekend.

Events / Events In Tokyo

Sep 26, 2013

Indian festival to tout culture and tradition

In today's world, cultural exchange has become increasingly important — and fun.

Japan Times

CULTURE / Art

Sep 25, 2013

'Divisionism from Van Gogh and Seurat to Mondrian'

Neo-impressionists, divisionism, painting, National Art Center

Japan Times

CULTURE / Art

Sep 25, 2013

'Comical Ukiyo-e: Humorous Pictures and the School of Kuniyoshi'

The Edo Period (1603-1867) of Japan is well known for its economic growth and strong social order, but a lesser known fact is that people of this era also enjoyed comedy.

Japan Times

CULTURE / Art

Sep 25, 2013

'Tokyo Art Meeting: Bunny Smash — Design to Touch the World'

As part of the Tokyo Culture Creation Project, this exhibition focuses on how expressions in contemporary art and design can inspire each other and society. It spotlights 21 groups of artists, designers and architects from around the globe, all of whom create works inspired by the information-saturated age we live in.

Japan Times

CULTURE / Art

Sep 25, 2013

'Art Brut Japonais'

This exhibition already won high praise at its initial 2010-11 showing in Paris. Art brut, like outsider art, refers to creations by those who typically lack any traditional or extensive artistic training, though it more specifically refers to those using art as some form of therapy.

Events / Events Outside Tokyo

Sep 19, 2013

Green festival to push 'stylish' conservation

Recycling doesn't have to be unfashionable. In fact, the Tokai Eco Festa in Nagakute, Aichi, places emphasis on the theme of "eco-stye," a continuing trend where fashion combines with environmental awareness. Patrons can visit more than 130 booths that feature clothes, art and handmade items that are not only stylish, but are also made using environmentally friendly materials and processes.

Japan Times

CULTURE / Art

Sep 18, 2013

'Roppongi Crossing 2013: Out of Doubt'

Returning for a fourth time since its first installment in 2004, the "Roppongi Crossing" series of exhibitions aim to provide an extensive overview of the current contemporary Japanese art scene. For 2013, the state of modern Japanese art is explored through works influenced by current events and global perspectives.

From easily navigable train stations to the helpfulness of its municipal staff, Tokyo has earned high praise for its commitment to accessibility for disabled travelers.

[Rebroadcast] Japan is doing better on accessibility than you may think

When trying to trace your lineage in Japan, the "koseki" is the most important form of document you'll encounter.

Climbing the branches of a Japanese family tree

By Alex K.T. Martin

SUSTAINABLE JAPAN

Spotlighting a Niigata castle town through sushi

Spotlighting a Niigata castle town through sushi

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