News
Daikons in the Rough: Making Friends in Japan
Anthony Palmer reflects on the ups and downs of trying to make freinds in a foreign culture. Check it out in our Writer's section!
On Stereotypes and Trust
Anthony Palmer takes a look at stereotypes in Japan on both sides of the looking glass. Read about his thoughts on the subject in our Writer's section!
Need to promote an event?
Looking for some more exposure for your cultural event? You can now submit your event for listing on our events page!
Calling all writers!
Got something to say? JAFA wants to hear from you! We're looking for articles on promoting cross-cultural communication for publication on JAFA. See our submissions page for details!
Join JAFA!
If you are interested in participating in some of our upcoming events, please go to our Sign-Up Page.
Kansai & Kanto Events
For anyone living in the Kanto or Kansai areas, check out our News & Events page for a listing of some upcoming activities, parties and events.
Enjoying cross-cultural communication and opportunities
In an increasingly connected global arena, the importance of cultural understanding cannot be overemphasized. In Japan and abroad, there are numerous opportunities to experience Japanese culture. That includes cultural associations, promoting activities such as flower arrangement, to businesses and associations promoting educational and communications activities for both youths and adults.
Publications concerning cross-cultural communications and opportunities are also available at the JAFA bookstore.
JAFA cultural promotions and resources
Targeting members of the international community interested in improving their communications ability, JAFA also provides information on educational resources, such as language instruction in beginning and advanced Japanese. For more information on Japanese language instruction, please contact us at communication_j@jafa.org.
Also, JAFA facilitates requests for lecturers and public speakers for cultural, educational and business events. If your organization is interested in contacting a potential lecturer or public speaker, please contact us with details at lectures@jafa.org.
Cultural, educational, and language associations, directories and publications
Promotion of cultural and educational programs aimed at deepening the understanding between African-Americans and Japanese is a core activity for JAFA.
This is a short list of resources useful in assisting African-Americans to learn about Japanese culture and Japanese to learn about African-American culture.
Cultural, educational, and language associations and resources
The Japan Foundation
A global organization based in Japan, the Japan Foundation collects and provides information concerning international cultural exchange, along with consulting for support of international exchange groups in Japan.
National Association of Japan-America Societies (NAJAS)
NAJAS is a private, non-profit, non-partisan organization that offers educational, cultural and business programs about Japan and U.S.-Japan relations to the general public through its member Japan and Japan-America Societies. Information on NAJAS sponsored programs and events and listing of Japan-America Societies located throughout the United States, and educational institutions in Japan are provided.
Japanese University Directory
A directory listing all the universities, colleges and institutes in Japan. Access is divided according to prefecture for simplified searching of the directory.
Japanese Online
Japanese Online offers a free online dictionary, Japanese lessons, discussion forum, and useful links for anyone interested in studying Japanese language.
Blue Note
Legendary Jazz club from N.Y.C. has branches here in cities of Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka.
Information directories and historical resources
The following Information directories and resources contain an extensive amount of information on a variety of topics. Whether you are a student of Japanese language and history or interested in topics on African-American culture, these can be a useful starting point in exploration.
Internet Public Library (IPL).
The IPL, an online directory sponsored by the University of Michigan, features a list of updated cultural, historical and social resources on Japanese and African-American topics.
History of Japan: An Annotated Directory of Internet Resources
An annotated directory of Japan covering general and specific periods of Japanese social and cultural history. Information on Japanese popular culture and philosophy, religion and academic resources are also provided.
Harvard-Yenching Library
An in-depth resource featuring information on a wide-reaching number of categories including politics, art, film, culture and sociology. Most resources listed are in Japanese.