Events

The Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Japan (FCCJ) Library is pleased to announce the upcoming Book Break event on Wednesday, May 14, 2025.

Book Break: They Hang Me in Tokyo: A Barbarian Artist’s Life-Changing Journey to Master Nihonga, the Traditional Art of Japan
By Allan West
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
A Dinner Event, from 5:45 pm to 8:30 pm
(The talk will be in English)

https://www.fccj.or.jp/event/book-break-allan-west-author-they-hang-me-tokyo-barbarian-artists-life-changing-journey

Please sign up by email (front@fccj.or.jp) and pay by Friday, May 9, 2025.
No cancellations after Sunday, May 11.

[Admission]
3,000 yen for members, 4,000 yen for non-members.
550 yen (Online attendance via zoom)
No cancellations after Friday, March 28, 2025.

[Schedule]
Doors open at 5:45 pm with a casual “meet the author: cocktail time”
Dinner will be served from 6:30 pm.
The talk begins at 7:15 pm.

[Menu] Please choose from 2 options below.

Option 1: Pastrami and Tuna Salad, Sauteed Salmon with Ratatouille, Bread, Today’s Dessert, Coffee or Tea, and One beverage of choice (orange juice, oolong tea, red or white wine, beer)

Option 2 (Vegetarian): Green Salad, Vegetable Tomato Pasta, Bread, Fruit, Coffee or Tea, and One beverage of choice (orange juice, oolong tea, red or white wine, beer)

Please inform the club of food restrictions when reserving.

[Venue]
The Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Japan
5F Marunouchi Nijubashi Building
3-2-3 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0005
(https://www.fccj.or.jp/article/access-contact)


Nihonga, a living tradition of Japanese painting known for its blend of naturalism and abstraction, fine, delicate lines, and ethereal beauty, is a world wrapped in mysticism, inaccessible even to most Japanese people. For American artist Allan West, learning the techniques for his burgeoning art career became an obsession. Against all advice, Allan moved to Japan to seek out the hidden world of Nihonga and unlock its secrets and profound beauty.

Driven by an unwavering commitment to his passion as an artist, West was not prepared for the challenges of being a barbarian in a culture steeped in tradition and formality. Blending culture clash, determination in the face of obstacles, and triumph over what had never been done, this memoir explores the amazing true story of Japanese customs, art secrets, and a foreigner’s relentless quest to belong.

They Hang Me in Tokyo is a vivid tapestry of contrasting cultures that shows the boundless creative possibilities when passion meets perseverance. Enter the mesmerizing world of Nihonga in this captivating memoir of acceptance.

Allan West, a distinguished Nihonga painter of forty years, blends traditional and modern Japanese art. Trained under Kayama Matazo, he’s exhibited in prestigious museums worldwide, including the Smithsonian. West is recognized for his large-scale folding screens and the way his work alters dramatically with light due to his innovative use of minerals. Holding a BFA from Carnegie Mellon and an MFA from Tokyo University of Fine Arts, West has had art featured across major TV networks and magazines. Visit www.Allanwest.jp to explore his unique artistic journey.

Doors open at 5:45 pm with a casual “meet the author/cocktail time” from 6:00 pm. Dinner will be served from 6:30 pm and the talk begins at 7:15 pm.

The menu is Pastrami and Tuna Salad, Sauteed Salmon with Ratatouille, Bread, Today’s Dessert, Coffee or Tea, and One beverage of choice (orange juice, oolong tea, red or white wine, beer). A vegetarian option is available. Please inform the club of food restrictions when reserving (front@fccj.or.jp). Price: 3,000 yen for members, 4,000 yen for non-members.　

The member reservation deadline is 2 pm May 14, non-members must reserve and pay by Friday, May 9, 2025.

Online attendance (Zoom) is available by reservation at 550 yen per person.

No cancellations after Sunday, May 11.

Library, Archives & Workroom Committee
The Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Japan (FCCJ)