July 2025

For the past few months, Next has been exploring Japan through our comprehensive cultural series. This special programming has brought to Next area experts from the Japanese consulate, university professors and artists proudly creating their work in front of an engaged audience.

Our study of Japan will continue throughout July and August, giving you the opportunity to attend several enlightening programs—programs that will help us expand our understanding of Japan and challenge our thinking.

Join us in the evening of Thursday, June 26, to meet Ms. Keiko Nakajima, Shiga Visiting Official from Ritto, Japan. In this presentation about the Michigan-Shiga Sister State Program, we will learn how this program has brought a better cultural, economic and educational understanding to both countries. Next is honored to host Ms. Keiko Nakajima, who is currently visiting the United States from Japan, and will explain the deep roots of the Sister State Program.

On Tuesday, July 1, delve into the Japanese art of Kintsugi with artist Aki Motoyama. Kintsugi is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery by mending the areas of breakage with urushi lacquer mixed with a powdered gold metal. Aki Motoyama is a Kintsugi artist based in Japan where her work is exhibited in galleries across Tokyo.

In the evening of July 15, The Great Lakes Taiko Center comes to Next to perform a traditional Japanese Drumming concert. Taiko is rooted in the ancestral wisdom and cultural history of Japanese music traditions and continues to grow today as a global cultural arts movement that amplifies imagination, uplifts spirits, and builds community.

On Tuesday, July 29, enjoy a virtual tour of Japan with professional travel consultant, Shunki Lucas who was born and raised in Japan. We’ll explore Tokyo’s vibrant blend of tradition and modernity, the breathtaking beauty of Mt. Fuji, the cultural richness of Kyoto, the historic significance of Nara—with its world-renowned oldest wooden structure—and the inspiring history of Hiroshima.

The Sakura Instrumental Group will perform at Next in the evening of July 31st. Experience the beauty and learn the cultural traditions behind the folk music and dances of Japan. Named after the Japanese word for cherry blossom, Sakura is an instrumental and performance group that celebrates traditional Japanese music and dance.

Join guest speakers Ann O’Neill, president of the Japanese American Citizens League of Detroit, and Mary Kamidoi, internment camp survivor, on Friday, August 29. You've heard the story of Japanese Americans incarceration during World War II, but you will also learn what happened next. Even before the end of the war, Japanese Americans were hired out of the internment camps into labor and industrial jobs in Chicago and Detroit. Through the book Exiled to Motown, our speakers will demonstrate the persistence of the Japanese American community in Detroit and how it continues to change and flourish.

Along with our cultural series programs, Next also offers a wide variety of other programs to keep you busy this summer. With fitness and creative art classes, to credentialed speakers and local travel, there is something for everyone. Add special interest clubs, discussion groups and social gatherings, and you’ll find many ways to stay active and connected. Please join us. For more information and to register for upcoming programs, please visit BirminghamNext.org.

Cris Braun is Executive Director of Birmingham Next