Baltimore Sister Cities

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Japan Film Program 2025

The Japan Film Program is organized by the Baltimore-Kawasaki Sister City Committee (BKSCC) in partnership with Towson University College of Fine Arts and Communication (COFAC) Dean’s Office , along with the Asian Arts & Culture Center at Towson University and its Director, Joanna Pecore. Films are hosted by and from the private collection of Reed Hessler, longtime host on WBJC.

Unless otherwise noted, all film screenings are at 1pm ET and take place at the Towson University Center for the Arts, Art Lecture Hall, Room 2032, 7700 Osler Drive, Towson, MD 21204
.

Screenings are free but registration is required. To register, find the film on Asian Arts & Culture Center’s event page or on the Baltimore-Kawasaki Committee’s events page and click the registration link next to the film.

Japan Film Program – Spring Semester

February 15, 2025

Our Neighbor Miss Yae
隣の八重ちゃん Tonari no Yae-chan

This 1934 classic comedy-drama—which film historian, Alexander Jacoby, called a “subtle, charming, funny and bittersweet story of family life”—depicts the intertwining lives of suburban neighbors.  Warm your heart with the flirtations of young love, while empathizing with the tensions and uncertainty of a complicated marriage. (black and white) Directed by Yasujiro Shimazu. 76 minutes.

April 19, 2025

The Hidden Fortress
隠し砦の三悪人 Kakushi Toride no San Akunin

Join us in marveling at this beautiful, imaginative, funny, tender, and sophisticated Kurosawa jewel. Critic, Armond White, called this 1958 period adventure film an “epic of self-discovery and heroic action.” (black and white) Directed by Akira Kurosawa. 126 minutes.

June 2025 (Date TBD)

The End of Summer
小早川家の秋

Directed by Yasujiro Ozu. 103 minutes.

July 19, 2025

Flowing
流れる Nagareru

This 1956 classic drama depicts women in postwar Japan through the lens of a geisha house that is struggling financially. Based on a novel by Aya Koda, the film illuminates how a “family” of women navigates tensions between tradition and modernity. (black and white) Directed by Mikio Naruse. 117 minutes.

Japan Film Program 2024

The Japan Film Program is organized by the Baltimore-Kawasaki Sister City Committee (BKSCC) in partnership with Towson University College of Fine Arts and Communication Dean’s Office (COFAC), along with the Asian Arts & Culture Center at Towson University and its Director, Joanna Pecore. Films are hosted by and from the private collection of Reed Hessler, longtime host on WBJC.

Unless otherwise noted, all film screenings are at 1pm ET and take place at the Towson University Center for the Arts, Art Lecture Hall, Room 2032, 7700 Osler Drive, Towson, MD 21204
.

Screenings are free but registration is required. To register, find the film on Asian Arts & Culture Center events page and click the registration link next to the film.

Japan Film Program – Fall Semester

September 21, 2024

Gate of Hell
地獄門 Jigokumon

Enjoy this rare screening of a 1953 period film about a samurai’s tragic obsession with a married woman. Gate of Hell was Daiei Film’s first color film and the first Japanese color film to be released outside Japan. Directed by Teinosuke Kinugasa. Winner of the Best Costume Design and the Best Foreign Language Film Awards at the 27th Academy Awards and the Grand Prize at the 1954 Cannes Film Festival. 89 minutes.

October 12, 2024

Tampopo
タンポポ Dandelion

Uplift your spirits with this 1986 comedy film about transforming a mediocre ramen shop into the epitome of perfection. Hailed by Eater magazine as “a love letter to ramen” and “one of the best food movies of all time.” (color) Directed by Juzo Itami. The first thirty registered attendees will be served a bowl of ramen. 114 minutes.

November 2, 2024

The Burmese Harp
ビルマの竪琴, Biruma no Tategoto

In this 1956 drama, a young Japanese officer learns and plays the Burmese harp to lift the spirits of his battalion. Silently and independently, he confronts and protests war in his own way at the close of the Pacific War in Burma. Directed by Kon Ichikawa. 117 minutes.


Japan Film Program – Spring Semester

January 13, 2024

Sound of the Mountain
山の音 Yama no Oto

Observe and meditate on the experiences of an elderly businessman caught in a web of family relations, including the complicated and struggling marriages of his adult children. This 1954 Japanese drama is based on the novel by Nobel Prize winner Yasunari Kawabata. (color) Directed by Mikio Naruse. 

March 16, 2024

Where Chimneys Are Seen
煙突の見える場所 Entotsu no mieru basho

Delight in the drama swirling around a mysterious baby who is left at the home of Hiroko and Ryukichi Ogata. This 1953 classic comic drama is based on the novel, Mujaki no Hitobito, by Rinzo Shiina and is representative of the shoshimin-eiga film drama focusing on the lives of ordinary middle-class people. Directed by Heinosuke Gosho.

May 10, 2024

Early Summer
麦秋 Bakushū

Date/time: Saturday, May 18, 2024 at 1pm ET

Location: Towson University Center for the Arts, Art Lecture Hall, Room 2032, 7700 Osler Drive, Towson, MD 21204

Admission: Free.
Advance registration required
.
More info & to register: Registration form

This 1951 classic drama explores post-World War II social transformation—especially intergenerational conflict, a family’s involvement in a young woman’s (Noriko) decision about marriage, and her will for independence. Directed by Yasujiro Ozu.

July 20, 2024

The Story of the Last Chrysanthemums
残菊物語 Zangiku monogatari

Date/time: Saturday, July 20, 2024 at 1pm ET

Location: Towson University Center for the Arts, Art Lecture Hall, Room 2032, 7700 Osler Drive, Towson, MD 21204

Admission: Free.
Advance registration required
.
More info & to register: Registration form

This 1939 classic comic drama, based on a short story by Shofu Muramatsu, it follows the struggles and transformation of Kiku, the adopted son of a kabuki master.  Directed by Kenji Mizoguchi. 


Japan Film Program – 2023

September 16, 2023

Carmen Comes Home
カルメン故郷に帰る Karumen kokyō ni kaeru

Enjoy this rare screening of a 1951 classic comedy—Japan’s first color film—from Reed Hessler’s private collection. Follow the encounters of Lily Carmen and her lovesick friend Maya when they leave Tokyo to visit Carmen’s small rural hometown in Nagano. (color) Directed by Keisuke Kinoshita. 

November 11, 2023

Mr. Thank You
有りがたうさん Arigatō-san

Enjoy this rare screening of a 1936 classic comic drama from Reed Hessler’s private collection. Based on a short story by Nobel Prize-winning novelist Yasunari Kawabata and noted for its location shooting, this film portrays the lives of various bus passengers and their diverse reasons for travel from Izu to Tokyo during depression-era Japan. Directed by Hiroshi Shimizu. 

Summer 2024 Youth Exchanges

In late July to early August, Baltimore youth travel to China, and Japanese scouts visit Baltimore!

The Youth Ambassadors Program is Baltimore-Xiamen Sister City Committee (BXSCC)’s student leadership development program for 14 to 18-year old students. This summer, the Youth Ambassadors are traveling to China! Trip include a visit to the Baltimore’s sister city of Xiamen, State of Maryland’s sister province of Anhui and China’s capital of Beijing. More information

The sister cities of Kawasaki Japan and Baltimore have hosted scout exchange program for over 35 years! After pausing for a number of years during the COVID-19 pandemic, it has resumed. The Baltimore-Kawasaki Sister City Committee hosts a visiting delegation of Venture Scouts from Kawasaki Japan this summer.

My Body is My Proof: Silent Fallout

A film by Hideaki Ito; narrated by Alec Baldwin

Image: Child's face with damaged mouth. A film by Hideaki Ito; narrated by Alec Baldwin. Saturday July 27, 2024 1pm ET. Towson University Center for the Arts Building, Room CA 2032 The Asian Arts and Culture Center together with Towson University College of Fine Arts and Communication and Baltimore-Kawasaki Sister City Committee are proud to present a must-see documentary about nuclear weapons, nuclear testing, and evidence of contamination fallout that eclipses the movie Oppenheimer and shines a light on 1950’s nuclear history. This screening includes a visit from the . A panel discussion follows the film with: Hideaki Ito, the film’s director; Gwen DuBois, President of Chesapeake Physicians of Social Responsibility; Peter Kuznick, Professor at American University and Director of Nuclear Studies Institute; Max Obuszewski, Baltimore Nonviolent Center Presented by Towson University Asian Arts & Culture Center and Baltimore-Kawasaki Sister City Committee.

Date/time: Saturday July 27, 2024 at 1pm ET
Location: Towson University Center for the Arts Building, Room CA 2032
Admission: Free
More info: Event webpage

The Asian Arts and Culture Center together with Towson University College of Fine Arts and Communication and Baltimore-Kawasaki Sister City Committee are proud to present a must-see documentary about nuclear weapons, nuclear testing, and evidence of contamination fallout that eclipses the movie Oppenheimer and shines a light on 1950’s nuclear history. This screening includes a visit from the . A panel discussion follows the film with: Hideaki Ito, the film’s director; Gwen DuBois, President of Chesapeake Physicians of Social Responsibility; Peter Kuznick, Professor at American University and Director of Nuclear Studies Institute; Max Obuszewski, Baltimore Nonviolent Center

Presented by Towson University Asian Arts & Culture Center and Baltimore-Kawasaki Sister City Committee.

May 31 / APAHM social event

Setsuhi Shiraishi ‘Into The Calligraphy’ performance & Baltimore Sister Cities social celebrating APAHM month

Setsuhi Shiraishi: Into the Calligraphy. An opening reception and Baltimore Sister Cities Social Celebrating APAHM. Photo of the artist with calligraphy brushes, date and address of the event. Logos of the Sponsors and Partners.

OPENING RECEPTION & BSC SOCIAL

Date: Friday, May 31, 2024
Time: 8 – 11pm ET
Location: Atrium Artspace, 2029 Maryland Avenue, Baltimore MD 21218
Admission: Free
Please RSVP here: forms.gle/i9uvY1mmep98MX5CA
More info: Event page on BmoreArt site

A special performance collaboration by master calligrapher Setsuhi Shiraishi with artist Lucia Li. Join us on May 31 for an opening reception for Setsuhi Shiraishi’s exhibition, meet the artists, and enjoy the Baltimore Sister Cities social event for APAHM (Asian Pacific American Islander Heritage Month)!


EXHIBITION

Date: Friday, May 31 – Sunday, June 2, 2024
Gallery Hours: Friday 8 – 11 pm; Saturday 11 am – 3 pm; Sunday 1 – 10:30 pm
Location: Atrium Artspace, 2029 Maryland Avenue, Baltimore MD 21218
More info: Event page on BmoreArt site

This exhibition features work by contemporary master calligrapher Setsuhi Shiraishi that has been made throughout the years she has worked in Maryland, Baltimore, and across the DMV. Curated by Michael Miki Young. Presented by OTS Productions.


Sponsored by T. Rowe Price Foundation, Baltimore-Kawasaki Sister Committee, Baltimore-Changwon Sister City Committee, Baltimore-Xiamen Sister City Committee.

Partners: Asia North Festival 2024 (Towson University Asian Arts & Culture Center) and MIMA (Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs.

June 2 / Picnic in the Park

Baltimore-Kawasaki Spring Picnic. images of food, walking in the park, and the gathering spot. Logos and URLs. A copy of the some of text that is on this webpage.

Join the Baltimore-Kawasaki Sister City Committee for this spring picnic and celebrate the sister cities relationship between Baltimore and Kawasaki in Japan!

Date: Sunday June 2, 2024
Time:
10:30 am — 2.5 miles Social Walk
12 pm — Mellow Stroll, less than a mile
12:30–3:30 pm — Picnic
Location: Patapsco Valley State Park Glen Artney #55
Admission: Tickets required
For more information & to purchase tickets: bit.ly/BKSCC_2024_Picnic

This is the Baltimore-Kawasaki Sister City Committee’s annual fundraiser and tickets are $25.79. Kids under 12 are free. There will be delicious Japanese grilled food. A chance to see your friends. And feel free to bring a side dish or dessert to share. The committee will provide potato salad and cookies along with grilled selections, chicken and seafood. Drinks are tea and water—and a sip of sake. Before the picnic, there is an opportunity to walk in the park. Trails are pet-friendly (must be leashed).

Apr 24 / Taste of Business in Japan

Mount Fuji behind a cityscape. World Trade Center Institute's Taste of Business Series: Japan.

Date/time: Wednesday, April 24, 2024, 5-7pm ET
Location: Spark Baltimore, 8 Market Place, Baltimore MD 21202
Admission: Open to WTCI Members only. Advance registration required.
For more information & to register: wtci.org/Taste-of-Business

Prepare your taste buds for a journey to the Land of the Rising Sun because World Trade Center Institute (WTCI) is bringing local Japanese restaurants to provide mouthwatering delicacies, from sushi to ramen, allowing attendees to experience the vibrant flavors of Japan. And to complement your culinary journey, they will have a sake specialist on hand to guide your taste buds straight to the streets of Tokyo!

Speakers:

  • Kosei Nomura, Economic Minister, Embassy of Japan
  • Yoshiaki Maeda, President, Shimadzu Scientific Instruments

Baltimore Sister Cities is a member of World Trade Center Institute. Baltimore has a sister city in Japan: Kawasaki, a port city located near Tokyo and Yokohama. Kawasaki is located in Kanagawa Prefecture, a sister state of Maryland.

About the Taste of Business event series

The World Trade Center Institute (WTCI) hosts the Taste of Business three to four times yearly at Spark located at Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. It is a chance for WTCI’s members to network with one another while learning about business opportunities in the featured country or region. Each event last two hours and includes a short speaking presentation led by Embassy and business leaders with experience in the featured region. In addition, attendees will have the opportunity to sample regional cuisine from local restaurants.

Apr 1 / Hanami: Baltimore’s Cherry Blossom Picnic

Join us for the annual Hanami picnic hosted by the Baltimore-Kawasaki Sister City Committee

Hanami community picnic in Baltimore - girl with kites by trees with cherry blossoms, and people sitting on blankets under cherry blossokm trees enjoying their picnics.

Date: April 1, 2023
Time: 2-4pm ET
Location: Fort McHenry Park, 2400 E. Fort Ave, Baltimore MD 21230
Admission: Free. Bring your own picnic.
More information & to register: Eventbrite page

Hanami is the Japanese tradition of enjoying cherry blossoms in full bloom with a picnic under the cherry trees. Fort McHenry park has two lovely groves of cherry trees for us to relax under. Bring your blanket, a picnic lunch, and cultural curiosity. Baltimore-Kawasaki committee members will be ready with some extra Japanese finger foods and tea.

You can park in the Fort McHenry parking lot and walk through the Visitor’s Center to reach the East Lawn Cherry Tree Grove. Beer and sake are allowed as per park rules. We anticipate good weather but, rain or shine, we will be present. And bring your camera for blossom selfies. The event is free but please register.

Organized by Baltimore-Kawasaki Sister City Committee (BKSCC)

Ryokucha Japanese Tea Tasting Workshop, preceding Hanami

Date: April 1, 2023
Time: 12-2pm ET
Location: McHenry Row Conference Center, 1215 E. Fort Ave, Baltimore MD 21230
More information & to purchase tickets: Eventbrite page

Nippon Motion hosts a Ryokucha Workshop with Japanese Green Tea. Learn about loose-leaf, matcha, and ready-to-drink tea. Sample over 10 authentic varieties. Receive a Japanese-made yunomi (ceramic tea cup). This is a great opportunity for both beginners and existing fans of Japanese tea to expand their knowledge and get first-hand experience with the world of Ryokucha!

The Ryokucha Workshop takes place near Fort McHenry Park, so attendees of the Ryokucha Workshop can come join the Hanami event in McHenry Park after the workshop.

Organized by Nippon Motion. Co-promoted by Baltimore-Kawasaki Sister City Committee (BKSCC).


Go ahead and plan a great day of Japanese culture — start with a Ryokucha Workshop from 12-2pm and head over to the Hanami picnic from 2-4pm. Wonderful scents, sights, and tastes!

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Web site copyright © 2025 Baltimore Sister Cities, Inc.

logo-baltimoreBaltimore sister city committees operate under the auspices of the City of Baltimore’s Office of the Mayor.

 

Brandon M. Scott, Mayor

 

Previous mayor’s Dec 2015 press release about Baltimore Sister Cities becoming a 501(c)(3).

 

Baltimore Sister Cities, Inc. is a 501c3 organization incorporated in the State of Maryland.
Member of  Sister Cities International, Maryland Nonprofits, World Trade Center Institute, Visit Baltimore, & affiliate of Maryland International Education Consortium.