JETAA Chapter Beat 12th April 2013
JETAA Chapter Beat 
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Welcome to JETAA Chapter Beat. Theodore Genba Bigby (Yamagata 2008-12) walks you through some of the highlights from JET alumni associations across the globe. Genba currently serves as the JETAA UK Webmaster and on the JETAA Midlands committee.
It’s only the second time I’m doing this, but sometimes, I look at the events and where they’re going to be held and I wish I could attend! In fact, this month’s “headline” event, so to speak, is by JETAA New York. I’ll try to behave like the googlebot and return to chapters that keep producing events. That doesn’t mean I won’t be looking at all chapters as I have taken a look at as many as possible. What I’ve noticed is that some are more active than others. Hopefully, doing the JETAA Chapter Beat on a more regular basis will give all chapters ideas and encourage those chapters who are less active to become more active (or maybe publicise their activity). For me, the ability to exchange feelings and ideas between people who share similar experiences is the greatest benefit of JETwit. Let’s see what’s going on around the world of JETAA over the next few weeks.
Hanami Picnic
20th April 2013
Central Park, New York
http://jetaany.org/2013/04/11/hanami-picnic/
What could be better than a Hanami party in Japan? I’d say a Hanami party in New York City has got to come pretty close to trumping it, especially when the venue is Central Park. Meet at the park’s Great Lawn (near The MET Museum~ 84th Street and 5th Avenue). To get there on the Subway, you need to take the 4/5/6 train to 86th Street or B/C train to 81st Street. I have no idea what all of that means, but one day I hope to find out by visiting NYC and perhaps even attending an event myself. There’s also a map to the location of the party that can be found by visiting the link above. “We will be picnicking on the east side of the Great Lawn between fields #2 and #4…We will have RED balloons and the JETAANY banner. Contact Pam/Monica if you can’t find [the group].” Please take a look at their website for a map and contact details, though an RSVP is not mandatory
Japan vs MCC
28 April 2013
Lord’s Cricket Ground, London
http://www.jetaa.org.uk/events/japan-v-mcc-cricket-match-at-lords-cricket-ground-on-sunday-28-april/
From New York, the home of Hip-Hop, to the greatest MCC battle of the decade. Actually, it has nothing to do with music, as MCC actually stands for Marylebone Cricket Club, one of the world’s most historical cricket clubs. Their main purpose is to promote cricket to young people. For this event, they’re having a one day 50-50 game against Japan. Simply put, this means the game will only last for one day and shouldn’t end in a draw. Although not a JETAA event, it is free! The event starts at 9:45 in the morning and finishes at 6:15, but there’s lots of traditional British food available all day.
South San Francisco & Kishiwada Sister City Association – Talk With Students
16th April 2013
TBA
http://www.eventbrite.com/event/6209453643/eorg#
There were just 4 tickets left for this event at the time of publication.
“Frank McAuley, president of the South San Francisco & Kishiwara Sister City Association, would like to have a JET alum talk to his group of 16-20 high school students about life in Japan and on JET at their next Sister City meeting. The talk does not need to be longer than 20 minutes and will be a good chance for the students to hear from someone who has recently lived in Japan and to ask questions about Japan.”
Oakland Ramen Nite
18th April 2013
Sobo Ramen, 988 Franklin Street, Oakland
http://oaklandramennite1-eorg.eventbrite.com/#
Come out for a friendly networking event over a bowl of ramen in Oakland. Apparently, “Sobo has one of the best tonkotsu pork broths in the Bay Area”, so I’d say you had better not miss out! The venue is 2 blocks from 12th Street BART station with an on-site car park.
Book Club: The Salaryman’s Wife by Sujata Massey
7th May 2013
Peter’s Cafe 10 El Camino Real, Millbrae, California
http://www.eventbrite.com/event/6112162643/eorg#
Discussing The Salaryman’s Wife, a tale of power, murder, sex and deception that takes place in one of Tokyo’s seediest neighbourhoods. The club will meet at 6:30.
Haru Matsuri
19th May 2013
Hakone Gardens 21000 Big Basin Way Saratoga, California
http://www.eventbrite.com/event/5652408506/eorg#
Spring festivals are always fun! Although this event is not organised by JETAA Northern California, they encourage alumni to participate. There will be a “Japanese Calligraphy demonstration on a large canvas, Mochi pounding performance, Tea Ceremony, Tsugaru shamisen and Koto performance, Flower Arrangement, Japanese Kimono Show, Silent Auction, and much more. Foods served include: Yakitori, Ramen, Gyoza, Kagami Biraki, and Sake.” Almost like being back in Japan! Over 2,000 people are expected to attend; make sure you’re one of them.
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