Faculty News

The Maiden Benten and the Bandits of the White Waves in Japan

Dr. Julie Iezzi, a CJS Faculty member and Professor of Theatre, skillfully directed a remarkable cast and crew, including several CJS graduate students, in a stellar production of The Maiden Benten and the Bandits of the White Waves at UH Mānoa’s Kennedy Theatre in April 2024. Also known as Benten Kozo, this popular play, even featured in a Japan Times article, was performed in English in Mānoa, marking the 100-year anniversary of English-language kabuki productions in the U.S., a unique tradition that began at UH Mānoa in 1924! This production was brought to life through the hard work and support of many, including mentorship from Kabuki Masters Ichikawa Monnosuke VIII and Ichikawa Komazo XI. Dr. Iezzi and the troupe are now set to showcase their talents in Japan with two sold-out shows: June 1 at Gifu Bunka Plaza Seiryu-za in Gifu, and June 2 at Aioi-za in Mizunami, Japan. Read more about it in the UH Mānoa News story: UH Mānoa Kabuki: Japan bound!

Bento Box 8 – May 2024

CJS held its 8th Bento Box event on Monday, May 20, 2024 from 3:30p – 5:00p in the Tokioka Room. This special bento box featured Japan-studies scholars exploring the cultural, social, and political impacts of significant protest movements in Japan in the 1960s. Dr. Patricia Steinhoff, retired Professor of Sociology and former Director of the UH Mānoa Center for Japanese Studies, particiapted as a discussant to close the session. Special thanks to our presenters, Dr. Steinhoff, and Mitsutaka Nakamura, Japan Studies Librarian at UH Mānoa Hamilton Library for organizing this event.

Farewell Lunch for Dr. Kristi Govella

CJS Director Mark Levin, former CJS Associate Director Gay Satsuma, and other CJS Faculty gathered for a farewell lunch for Dr. Kristi Govella, Assistant Professor in the Department of Asian Studies and inagural Director of the Center for Indo-Pacific Affairs. Since joining UH Manoa in 2018, Dr. Govella has tirelessly advanced Japan studies and contributed significantly to the field of Indo-Pacific affairs, and her extensive works show dedication and impact in both areas. Dr. Govella will be taking an Associate Professor position at the University of Oxford in the UK this fall 2024. We will miss her leadership and wish her all the best in her new position.