2024-2025 Webinars
Nov. 6, 7-8pm ET. Mai and the Missing Melon with Author Sonoko Sakai. The Program for Teaching East Asia and the Five College Center for East Asian Studies offers a webinar with Sonoko Sakai, author of Mai and the Missing Melon. Through Sonoko Sakai’s storytelling and Keiko Brodeur’s illustrations, this picture book takes the reader on a journey to Kamakura, Japan in the 1960s.
Following along Mai’s adventure, K-8 students can explore Japanese geography, food, culture, and history as well as the special relationship between a grandmother and granddaughter and the power of kindness. In this webinar, Ms. Sakai will share her stories behind Mai’s story, the book’s embedded folktale, and her storytelling style. Mai and the Missing Melon has been recognized as a Freeman Book Award 2023 Of Note.
Nov. 12, 7-8pm ET. What is Nori? with Yoko Segerstrom. What do you know about seaweed? Join Yoko Segerstrom, who grew up in a family of Japanese nori (seaweed) farmers in Futtsu, Chiba, Japan, for a fascinating look at nori farming, types of nori, nori products, and more. This webinar will be of particular relevance to teachers interested in the environment, food production, and culinary arts.
Jan. 28, 7-8pm ET. Japanese, Russians and Ainu: Contacts before the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-05 with Dr. Viktor Shmagin. Join Dr. Viktor Shmagin for a fascinating look at interactions between Japanese, Russians and Ainu in Hokkaido prior to the 20th century. This webinar is part of the series of events commemorating the 35th anniversary of the Mass-Hokkaido Association.