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NEWSLETTERS
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JULY/AUGUST 2006
TCI article
by
Yoichi Fukui
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| Japanese instructor Yoichi Fukui |
I currently teach the children’s Japanese class once
a week. There are 11 classes with a combined total of more than 50 students.
The children’s Japanese classes are a relatively new project for
the Cultural Institute—which moved from SoHo to its current location
in 2001 on its 10-year anniversary. [At that time] When we looked back
on what we accomplished in the past 10 years, we felt the need to contribute
more to the community—so we decided to start [the Children’s
classes] in hopes that we could contribute in the education of the future
generation.
We’ve received a lot of support from many places including Tenrikyo’s
Boys and Girls Association, which had years of experience in childhood
education, and from those at the Japanese Language Center in Canada.
In addition to the existing Japanese language classes for children at
New York Center, there was already a plan for children’s classes
at the time of [the Institute’s] founding—therefore the present
is just the ripening of a long held desire.
The academic year ended last month on June 24 and the term concluded in
the first ever graduation of two students since the program began. I rejoiced
alongside the children as the graduation certificates were presented during
the year-end ceremony.
We greatly appreciate your support and feedback as we continue in our
efforts to contribute to our community.
A Breath of Fresh Air at TCI
by Masataka Odaka
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| Masataka Odaka in front of an
installation by Naoki Takenouchi |
Honestly, it was those big windows that first beckoned me to venture
into the Tenri Cultural Institute (TCI). It’s been three years since
then and I continue to come by at least once a week.
The glass panes up front seem to extend an invitation that translates
into a warm reception once inside the expansive gallery space. The impressive
use of glass throughout the interior achieves the functionality of a wall
while maintaining a sense of spaciousness—a testament to the variety
of mission of TCI. Having said that, TCI is one of the few places I know
where the striking architecture of the building does not outshine the
employees within.
Translation and website design are what I do when I come in to work once
a week. But I find myself stopping by TCI every opportunity I get. The
concerts, of course—but just to hang out and have a good time. I’ve
come to rely on TCI to provide me with a breath of “fresh air”—the
absence of NY-specific pollutants like car honks, cell yaps, and egos.
TCI employees prove that where humility and compassion are present, translation
is unnecessary. In a materialistic city where the very concept of “priceless”
requires a multitude of purchases, TCI is the metropolitan equivalent
of a desert oasis, always welcoming and always its humble self amidst
an environment of perpetual flux.
The writer is pursuing a double-degree in Jazz Performance and Theater
at the New School.
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