On August 21, 2025, JASC’s Japanese Conversation Table (お話し会) welcomed its largest gathering yet—with a very special guest speaker, Mariko Anno Sensei!

Mariko shared an inspiring and educational presentation on Noh (能), the world’s oldest surviving form of Japanese theater. This deeply traditional art form weaves together music, dance, and drama to explore Buddhist themes, using intricate masks, elegant costumes, and deliberate, refined movements.

Participants not only learned about the history and artistry of Noh but also had the chance to practice theatrical movements and singing often performed in Noh plays. To make the afternoon even more special, guests enjoyed beautiful bento lunches, generously provided each month by Yasuo Mizuuchi, a retired chef and longtime friend of JASC.

The Conversation Table provides a monthly space for native Japanese speakers in our community to gather, connect, and converse freely in their language. Creating a relaxed, welcoming environment for Japanese speakers to share thoughts and experiences is especially meaningful in a place where the language is not widely spoken.

If you or someone you know would like to join a future Conversation Table, please contact Kay Kawaguchi (classes@jasc-chicago.org) or Ruby Grillier (rgrillier@jasc-chicago.org).

Mariko Sensei is working together with the Theatre Nohgaku to bring an English-language Noh play to the United States in 2026.

Stay tuned for more information on “Visas for Life/命のビザ”