Freelance writer/editor Jonathan Trace (Fukuoka-ken, 2005-08) takes us on a walk around the JET Alumni community for another edition of JETAA Chapter Beat.

JETAA Northern California

• East Bay Nomikai Happy Hour - Thursday, February 17th, 6:00 at Thalassa in Berkeley. Catch up with friends and alumni at this month’s happy hour event.
• Japanese Home Cookery: What We Really Eat – Sunday, March 12th, 10:00 to 2:00 at the Oakland Asian Cultural Center. The OACC Is presenting their final Asian culinary workshop of 2010/11, looking at the Japanese winter dish Umani and as well as some other various side dishes.

JETAA Canberra

• Shinnenkai – Wednesday, February 16th, 6:00 at Shogun. Ring in the new year a little late with the folks at JETAA Canberra. Nijikai to follow at a location yet to be determined.

JETAA Minnesota

• Sushi Making at Fuji-ya – Sunday, February 27th, 4:00 at Fuji Ya. Make your own sushi or just come to eat and hang out with friends and alumni.

JETAA Southern California

• Nihongo Dake Dinner – Saturday, February 19th, 6:00 in Encino. Dust off the Japanese skills for a night of food and nihongo with JETAASC.
• Career Networking Mixer -Thursday, February 24th, 6:00 in Santa Monica. Make connections and friends at this month’s upcoming career mixer.

JETAA New York

• JETAANY Quarterly Meeting – Wednesday, February 16th, 7:00 in midtown. Learn more about your local chapter, get involved and add your voice to the future of JETAA.
• Koto Workshop – Saturday, February 19th, 1:00 to 2:00. Learn about the Koto, a traditional Japanese 13-stringed instrument, at this fascinating workshop.

JETAA New England

• Nihongo Dake Dinner – Saturday, February 19th, 12:00 at Hei La Moon in Chinatown. Dust off the old Japanese over some delicious dim sum this weekend.

What happened at your chapter’s event? If you attend(ed) any of these exciting events, JetWit would love to hear about them. Just contact Jonathan Trace with any info, stories or comments.

Freelance writer/editor Jonathan Trace (Fukuoka-ken, 2005-08) takes us on a walk around the JET Alumni community for another edition of JETAA Chapter Beat.

JETAA Canberra

• O-Shaberikai – Wednesday, February 2nd, 6:00 at Coo Izakaya in Civic. Join in and meet Japanese people living in Canberra and other locals interested in Japan.

JETAA Florida

• Tampa Subchapter Tsudoi – Friday, February 4th, 7:00 at Panera Bread in the Brandon Mall. The Tampa Subchapter will be hosting their monthly Tsudoi, an informal time for anyone interested in Japanese and Japanese culture.

JETAA Sydney

• Annual General Meeting – Friday, February 4th, 6:00 at the Japanese Consulate. Connect with friends, meet people in the Japanese community and discuss the future of JETAA Sydney in this year’s meeting. Dinner and drinks to follow at the Nippon Club.

JETAA D.C.

• Happy Hour Networking Event – Tuesday, February 1st, 6:00 at Cafe Asia. Chat, relax and catch up with friends old and new at this month’s Networking and Happy Hour event.

JETAA Portland

• J-Kaiwa – Friday, February 4th, 7:00 at Hawthorne Lucky Lab. Practice your Japanese or just get together with friends for a drink at Lucky Lab.

JETAA British Columbia

• Shakuhachi Workshop – Saturday, February 5th, 1:00 to 3:00 at the Roundhouse Community Centre. JETAABC presents a workshop by the renowned Shakuhachi(Japanese bamboo flute) artist and musician, Alcvin Ryuzen Ramos. Learn how to play from the master and enjoy a day of Japanese culture.

What happened at your chapter’s event? If you attend(ed) any of these exciting events, JetWit would love to hear about them. Just contact Jonathan Trace with any info, stories or comments.

Freelance writer/editor Jonathan Trace (Fukuoka-ken, 2005-08) takes us on a walk around the JET Alumni community for another edition of JETAA Chapter Beat.

JETAA New England

• Shinnenkai – Saturday, January 29th, 6:00 at Shabu-Zen. Celebrate 2011 with some shabu-shabu, good friends, and a raffle.

JETAA Great Lakes

• Shinnenkai – Saturday, January 29th, 5:00 at Yotsuba Japanese Restaurant in Ann Arbor. Celebrate the new year in style with friends and alumni. Upcoming elections, subchapter issues and other event ideas will also be discussed, so do not miss it.

JETAA Sydney

• Yakiniku BBQ at the Beach – Sunday, January 30th, 11:00 to 2:00 at Shelly Beach in Manly. Spend the day outside with fellow alumni and friends for a BBQ. Suikawari, sun and fun to be had by all.

JETAA New Orleans

• Karaoke Shinnenkai – Saturday, February 12th, 7:00 at Little Tokyo Small Plates and Noodle Bar. Sing, eat, drink and ring in 2011 with the group in New Orleans.

JETAA Minnesota

• Bowling Night – Saturday, January 29th, 8:00 at Memory Lanes. Roll some rocks and catch up with old friends at this fun event.

JETAA Chicago

• Happy Hour – Friday, January 28th, 6:00 at Chizakaya. Kick off the weekend with friends and alumni this Friday.
• Urasenke Tatezome Tea Ceremony – Sunday, January 30th, 12:00 at the Japan Information Center, Consulate General of Japan. The JIC is celebrating 2011 with a traditional tea ceremony.

JETAA New York

• Shinnenkai – Saturday, January 29th, 7:00 at Restaurant Riki on 45th St. Join JETAANY for their new year’s celebration. It will be izakaya style food and nomihodai(all you can drink), so don’t miss it.

JETAA Northern California

• Kabuki Club – Sunday, January 23rd, 2:00 at the Oakland Asian Cultural Center. This month’s selection will be the classic “Sukeroku: The Flower of Edo.” A casual Shinnenkai will follow the viewing at a nearby restaurant.

JETAA British Columbia

• Annual General Meeting and Shinnenkai – Friday, January 28th, 6:00 to 9:00 at the YWCA Hotel Downtown. Elect new directors and lend your voice to the future of JETAABC, then catch up with friends and alumni at the 2011 Shinnenkai after the meeting.
• Shakuhachi Workshop – Saturday, February 5th, 1:00 to 3:00 at the Roundhouse Community Centre. JETAABC presents a workshop by the renowned Shakuhachi(Japanese bamboo flute) artist and musician, Alcvin Ryuzen Ramos. Learn how to play from the master and enjoy a day of Japanese culture.

JETAA D.C.

• JBook Meeting – Monday, January 24th, 6:30 in the Adams Morgan/U Street Area. Jbook is back for the new year, with this month’s selection being “The Housekeeper and the Professor,” by Yoko Ogawa. The discussion will be followed by a screening of the film, so don’t miss it.

What happened at your chapter’s event? If you attend(ed) any of these exciting events, JetWit would love to hear about them. Just contact Jonathan Trace with any info, stories or comments.

Freelance writer/editor Jonathan Trace (Fukuoka-ken, 2005-08) takes us on a walk around the JET Alumni community for another edition of JETAA Chapter Beat.

JETAA New England

• General Meeting – Thursday, January 13th, 6:00 at Reline in Harvard Square. Welcome the new president and discuss the future of NEJETAA.
• Shinnenkai – Saturday, January 22nd. More details to follow.

JETAA UK

• London Pub Night – Thursday, January 13th, 6:30 at Life. Practice your Japanese, see old friends and have some authentic Japanese cuisine at this month’s Pub Night in London.
• JETAA Creative Entrepreneurs Salon – Friday, January 14th, 8:00 at Brick Lane. Check out this networking event for freelancers, business owners and entrepreneurs. Share your experiences and make new friends in the new year.

JETAA British Columbia

• Pub Night – Friday, January 21st, 7:00 at Kingston Taphouse and Grille. Join JETAABC for the first pub night of 2011 with friends and alumni.

JETAA Northern California

• Kabuki Club – Sunday, January 23rd, 2:00 at the Oakland Asian Cultural Center. This month’s selection will be the classic “Sukeroku: The Flower of Edo.” A casual Shinnenkai will follow the viewing at a nearby restaurant.

JETAA Florida

• Tampa Subchapter Shinnenkai – January 23rd, 5:30 to 7:30 on West Sitios Street in Tampa. Celebrate the new year with friends, family and alumni.

JETAA Chicago

• General Meeting – Monday, January 10th, 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. in Chicago. Lend your voice to the future of JETAA Chicago at the first Executive Board meeting of the new year.
• Shinnenkai – Saturday, January 15th at the JIC. Celebrate 2011 Japanese style, with food, friends, games and more. More details to follow.

JETAA D.C.

• JBook Meeting – Monday, January 24th, 6:30 in the Adams Morgan/U Street Area. Jbook is back for the new year, with this month’s selection being “The Housekeeper and the Professor,” by Yoko Ogawa. The discussion will be followed by a screening of the film, so don’t miss it.

JETAA Southern California

• JETAASC Retreat 2011 – Saturday, January 22nd, 9:00 to 3:00 in West Covina. Spend the day getting to know your fellow JET alumni, or catch up with old friends at this year’s retreat. Discuss the future of JETAASC and don’t forget to bring your favorite dish for everyone to share.

What happened at your chapter’s event? If you attend(ed) any of these exciting events, JetWit would love to hear about them. Just contact Jonathan Trace with any info, stories or comments.

Freelance writer/editor Jonathan Trace (Fukuoka-ken, 2005-08) takes us on a walk around the JET Alumni community for another edition of JETAA Chapter Beat.

JETAA Chicago

• General Meeting – Monday, January 10th, 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. in Chicago. Lend your voice to the future of JETAA Chicago at the first Executive Board meeting of the new year.
• Shinnenkai – Saturday, January 15th at the JIC. Celebrate 2011 Japanese style, with food, friends, games and more. More details to follow.

JETAA Southern California

• Shinnenkai – Sunday, January 9th, 11:00 at Gonpachi in Torrance. Join JETAASC in welcoming the new year over a festive Japanese lunch.
• JETAASC Retreat 2011 – Saturday, January 22nd, 9:00 to 3:00 in West Covina. Spend the day getting to know your fellow JET alumni, or catch up with old friends at this year’s retreat. Discuss the future of JETAASC and don’t forget to bring your favorite dish for everyone to share.

JETAA Portland

• J-Kaiwa – Friday, January 7th, 7:00 at Hawthorne Lucky Lab. Practice your Japanese or just get together with friends for a drink at Lucky Lab.

JETAA Pacific Northwest

• Mochitsuki Volunteers Needed – PNWJETAA is looking for volunteers to make mochi on Wednesday, December 29th and Thursday, December 30th for the upcoming Mochitsuki, hosted by the Japanese Cultural and Community Center.

JETAA British Columbia

• General Meeting and Shinnenkai – Friday, January 28th, 6:00 to 9:00 at the Downtown YMCA in Vancouver. Ring in the new year with JETAABC. More details to follow.

Happy Holidays from JETAA Chapter Beat!

Freelance writer/editor Jonathan Trace (Fukuoka-ken, 2005-08) takes us on a walk around the JET Alumni community for another edition of JETAA Chapter Beat.

JETAA Texoma

• Happy Hour – Monday, November 22nd, 6:00 at Sushi Raku in Midtown. Join the crew in Houston for a little sushi and sake, and start the holiday week out right.

JETAA Sydney

• Yukata Workshop/Christmas Party – Saturday, November 27th, 6:00 at the Oaks Hotel in Neutral Bay. Get ready for the holidays and warm weather with JETAA Sydney at this fun event, including a charity raffle and prizes.

JETAA D.C.

• JBook – Monday, December 13th, 7:00 in the Adams Morgan/Dupont area. Spend some relaxing time this holiday reading in preparation for the next meeting of JETAADC’s book club. Next month’s selection is Namoi Hirohama’s “Snakeskin Shamisen.”

JETAA Southern California

• Sierra Madre Hike – Friday, November 26th, 8:30 at the trail head of Mt. Wilson Trail. Work off that turkey with a short hike along the Sierra Madre, followed by a causal brunch in town.

What happened at your chapter’s event? If you attend(ed) any of these exciting events, JetWit would love to hear about them. Just contact Jonathan Trace with any info, stories or comments.

Freelance writer/editor Jonathan Trace (Fukuoka-ken, 2005-08) takes us on a walk around the JET Alumni community for another edition of JETAA Chapter Beat.

JETAA Southern California

• Nihongo Dake Pot Luck Dinner – Saturday, November 13th at 6:30 in Cerritos, CA. Prepare your favorite dish and brush up on your Japanese for this fun get together.
• Sierra Madre Hike – Friday, November 26th, 8:30 at the trail head of Mt. Wilson Trail. Work off that turkey with a short hike along the Sierra Madre, followed by a causal brunch in town.

JETAA Pacific Northwest

• Happy Hour – Friday, November 12th, 6:30 at Wann Izakaya. Relax after a long week with the group at PNWJETAA with a drink and some lively conversation.

JETAA New York

• Book Club Meeting – Wednesday, November 10th, 7:00 in Fort Greene, Brooklyn. This month’s selection is “Silence” by Shusaku Endo. Come and contribute to the discussion.
• Ocha-seki  Experience – Sunday, November 14th, 12:00 at Cha-An on 9th Street. Learn about the Usasenke style tea ceremony, including making the tea, the history of tea ceremony and handmade wagashi.
• Nihongo Dake Dinner – Tuesday, November 16th, 7:00 at Udon West. Warm up over a hot bowl of Udon and show off those Japanese skills at this month’s Nihongo Dake event.

JETAA Sydney

• Hanami – Sunday, November 14th, 11:00 at Hogben Park in Rockdale. Enjoy a picnic under the cherry blossoms with friends and family this weekend.
• Yukata Workshop/Christmas Party – Saturday, November 27th, 6:00 at the Oaks Hotel in Neutral Bay. Get ready for the holidays and warm weather with JETAA Sydney at this fun event, including a charity raffle and prizes.

JETAA Great Lakes

• JET Returnees Reception – Friday, November 19th, 6:00 at the Official Residence of the Consul General Matsuda. Welcome back the recently returned and get together with fellow alumni over food and sake.

JETAA Chicago

• King Spa Trip – Thursday, November 11th, 1:00 at King Spa. Relive the days of the onsen and get some warmth to prepare for winter with a day at a Korean spa and sauna.
• Nihongo Dake Dinner – Sunday, November 21st, 6:30 in Chicago. Stumble or glide your way through some conversational Japanese with the gang at JETAA Chicago.

JETAA Northern California

• Joshikai – Thursday, November 11th, 6:00 at O! Izakaya in Japantown. This month’s Joshikai, a get together for women with an interest in Japan, will be a fun networking and girl talk event, with a chance to practice some Japanese as well, followed by a screening of a short film at Viz Cinema.

What happened at your chapter’s event? If you attend(ed) any of these exciting events, JetWit would love to hear about them. Just contact Jonathan Trace with any info, stories or comments.

Freelance writer/editor Jonathan Trace (Fukuoka-ken, 2005-08) takes us on a walk around the JET Alumni community for another edition of JETAA Chapter Beat.

JETAA Chicago

• JETAA Meeting: Elections – Tuesday, November 2nd, 7:00 at Kyoto Sushi. Get involved in the future of JETAA and even throw your name into the hat as a candidate for the upcoming year.
• Job Fair – Sunday, November 6th, 12:00 at the Japan Information Center. Take the first step towards a new and better career with Chicago JETAA, and don’t forget your resume.

JETAA Texoma

• Halloween Party – Saturday, October 30th, festivities start when the sun goes down. Dress your scariest, show off your most inventive Jack O’Lantern and celebrate All Hallow’s Eve with Texoma JETAA. Personal hygiene products will be collected to donate to the Thomas Street Clinic, so please donate.

JETAA New Orleans

• Kami-shibai for Kids Day – Saturday, November 13th at the local Latter Library. JETAA volunteers will be dressing up in happi and reading kami-shibai plays to children. Volunteer and spread some Japanese culture to a new generation.
• Japan Fest  Writeup – JETAANOLA participated in Japan Fest at the New Orleans Museum of Art on Saturday, October 9th. Japan Fest is the largest annual celebration of Japanese culture in the Gulf South. There were performances by taiko groups, many local Japanese restaurants had booths outside the museum, and there were also tours of the small Japanese garden in the nearby Botanical Gardens. Over a dozen JET alumni helped host its popular dress-up activity. The Consulate in Nashville provided yukata and obi for people to try on, and the JETs helped show people how to wear them. We also sold Japanese candies and sweets acquired by JETAANOLA treasurer Mike Brinkman when he was in New York for the national JETAA Conference. In addition to helping promote JET and Japan, the festival helped reconnect several local JET alumni with JETAA, increasing out numbers by half a dozen names. –JETAA New Orleans

JETAA Western Australia

• Careers Seminar – Tuesday, October 26th, 6:00 at UWA Social Sciences Lecture Room. Get a head start on finding a new job at this year’s career seminar. Delegates from CLAIR Tokyo will be in attendance, so do not forget your resume and business cards.

JETAA British Columbia

• Career Seminar – Thursday, October 28th, 5:30 at MacMillan Bloedel Room, at the YMCA of Vancouver. Get back into the job market with a little help from JET alumni.

What happened at your chapter’s event? If you attend(ed) any of these exciting events, JetWit would love to hear about them. Just contact Jonathan Trace with any info, stories or comments.

Freelance writer/editor Jonathan Trace (Fukuoka-ken, 2005-08) takes us on a walk around the JET Alumni community for another edition of JETAA Chapter Beat.

JETAA British Columbia

• Tea Ceremony Workshop – Sunday, October 24th, 1:00 at the Furemi-an Tea Room in Vancouver. Learn the basics of attending an authentic Japanese Tea Ceremony.
• Career Seminar – Thursday, October 28th, 5:30 at MacMillan Bloedel Room, at the YMCA of Vancouver. Get back into the job market with a little help from JET alumni.

JETAA Northern California

• South Bay Nomikai Happy Hour – Thursday, October 21st, 6:15 at Tied House Brewery in Mountain View. Happy Hour is happening in South Bay, so stop on by for a drink or a chat with friends this Thursday.
• East Bay Nomikai Happy Hour – Thursday, October 21st, 6:00 at Ippuku in Berkeley. This month’s event will be held at the new izakaya, Ippuku, featuring a full shochu and sake bar, yakitori and more.

JETAA Canberra

• Make Your Own Sushi Session – Monday, October 25th, 6:00 to 9:00 at Coo Izakaya. Learn the ins and outs of proper sushi construction with a Japanese chef.

JETAA Music City

• Nihongo Dake Potluck – Monday, October 25th at 7:00. Grab your favorite dish or drink and join in for a fun night of food and friends.
• Imoni and Curry “Kai” – Sunday, November 14th, 1:00 to 4:00 in Centennial Park Event Shelter. Welcome the fall weather with some hot food and check out Music City JETAA’s imoni and curry party.

JETAA Western Australia

• KaiWA – Thursday 21st, 5:30 at 43 Below. Practice Japanese with old friends and some tasty snacks.
• Careers Seminar – Tuesday, October 26th, 6:00 at UWA Social Sciences Lecture Room. Get a head start on finding a new job at this year’s career seminar. Delegates from CLAIR Tokyo will be in attendance, so do not forget your resume and business cards.

JETAA Hawaii

• JET Returner’s Mixer – Saturday, October 23rd, 6:00 at Tsunami. Welcome back the returning JETs in style this weekend and join in for some karaoke afterwards.

JETAA Portland

• Career Panel 2010 – Wednesday, November 3rd, 6:00 at the Mark Spencer Hotel. Make connections and get advice on how to find that dream job at this year’s Career Panel. Do not miss this invaluable networking opportunity.

JETAA Sydney

• Career and Networking Night – Friday, October 22nd, 6:00 at the Japan Foundation Chifley Plaza in Sydney. Get together with fellow JET alumni and members in the Japanese community and get started on a new career. Recruiters and university representatives will be on hand to lend their advice, so don’t forget your resume.

JETAA New York

• Oktoberfest Happy Hour – Wednesday, October 20th, 6:00 at Loreley Restaurant & Biergarten. Head down to the Lower East side for some German food, biers and fun this October.
• Hiking on Bear Mountain – Sunday, October 24th, 9:00 meetup in Manhattan(details TBA). Get out on the mountain for the annual hike in Bear Mountain. Hike up in the morning for lunch at the top, then come back down to feast on beer and sausage at the Oktoberfest held at the mountain’s base.

JETAA Florida

• Heart of Florida Asian Festival – Sunday, October 24th, 3:00 at the Historic Thomas Center. Meet up JETAA Florida for a day of Asian-themed fun at this year’s festival, with dinner to follow.

JETAA D.C.

• Happy Hour with Asian Going Out Group – Thursday, October 21st, 6:00 at the Modern Lounge. The 20s & 30s Asian Going Out Group is hosting the new young Asian professionals happy hour for anyone wanting to support the Asian community.
• JBook – Monday, October 25th, 6:30 at Teaism in Penn Quarter. JBook, JETAADC’s own book club, will be meeting this month to discuss Haruki Murakami’s piece, “The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle.”

What happened at your chapter’s event? If you attend(ed) any of these exciting events, JetWit would love to hear about them. Just contact Jonathan Trace with any info, stories or comments.

Freelance writer/editor Jonathan Trace (Fukuoka-ken, 2005-08) takes us on a walk around the JET Alumni community for another edition of JETAA Chapter Beat.

JETAA Southern California

• Welcome Back / Meishi Exchange – Friday, October 15th, 6:30 – 9:00 at the Los Angeles International Airport Marriot Hotel. Make new contacts, tweak the old resume and join the folks at JETAASC for this year’s welcome back even. Nijikai to follow at Purple Orchid Tiki Lounge.
• La Boheme Mixer – Thursday, October 28th, 6:30 – 8:30 at La Boheme. Get to know the returning JETs and the new officers of JETAASC for a fun happy hour mixer.

JETAA Sydney

• Career and Networking Night – Friday, October 22nd, 6:00 at the Japan Foundation Chifley Plaza in Sydney. Get together with fellow JET alumni and members in the Japanese community and get started on a new career. Recruiters and university representatives will be on hand to lend their advice, so don’t forget your resume.

JETAA Pacific Northwest

• Transitions: Career Forum & Networking Event – Saturday, November 6th at Northwest University. PNWJETAA is hosting a day of employment advice with Q&A panels, seminars with representatives from the non-profit, private and education sectors and a networking expo to mingle with local and international recruiters, community organizations and more.

JETAA Canberra

• Make Your Own Sushi Session – Monday, October 25th, 6:00 to 9:00 at Coo Izakaya. Learn the ins and outs of proper sushi construction with a Japanese chef.

JETAA New York

• Ikebana Class – Saturday, October 16th, 1:00 in Long Island City. Ikebono Ikebana instructor Yasuko Otsue will be giving a history lesson and demonstration of Ikebono ikebana, as well as help offer instruction on a personal arrangement in the moribana style.
• Oktoberfest Happy Hour – Wednesday, October 20th, 6:00 at Loreley Restaurant & Biergarten. Head down to the Lower East side for some German food, biers and fun this October.
• Hiking on Bear Mountain – Sunday, October 24th, 9:00 meetup in Manhattan(details TBA). Get out on the mountain for the annual hike in Bear Mountain. Hike up in the morning for lunch at the top, then come back down to feast on beer and sausage at the Oktoberfest held at the mountain’s base.
• Nihongo Dake Dinner: Day of the Dead Feast – Wednesday, October 27th, 7:00 at Mexican Radio. Celebrate Dio de los Muertos(Day of the Dead), Halloween’s Mexican Cousin, with JETAANY and some Japanese speaking fun.

JETAA Florida

• Miami Subchapter Karaoke – Saturday, October 16th, 6:00 at the Musa Cafe in Miami. Get your singing voice warmed up for a a night out at the area’s only Asian Karaoke bar.
• Heart of Florida Asian Festival – Sunday, October 24th, 3:00 at the Historic Thomas Center. Meet up JETAA Florida for a day of Asian-themed fun at this year’s festival, with dinner to follow.

JETAA Northern California

• Joshikai – Thursday, October 14th, 6:00 at 545 Steak Lounge. The next meeting of Joshikai, for women with an interest in Japan, will be a fun networking and girl talk event, with a chance to practice some Japanese as well.
• Otsukimi Moon Viewing Festival – Sunday, October 17th, 5:30 at Lakeside Park Garden Center, Oakland. Reserve a bento dinner and spend the evening gazing at the moon at this traditional Japanese event.

JETAA D.C.

• Happy Hour with Asian Going Out Group – Thursday, October 21st, 6:00 at the Modern Lounge. The 20s & 30s Asian Going Out Group is hosting the new young Asian professionals happy hour for anyone wanting to support the Asian community.
• JBook – Monday, October 25th, 6:30 at Teaism in Penn Quarter. JBook, JETAADC’s own book club, will be meeting this month to discuss Haruki Murakami’s piece, “The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle.”

What happened at your chapter’s event? If you attend(ed) any of these exciting events, JetWit would love to hear about them. Just contact Jonathan Trace with any info, stories or comments.

Freelance writer/editor Jonathan Trace (Fukuoka-ken, 2005-08) takes us on a walk around the JET Alumni community for another edition of JETAA Chapter Beat.

JETAA Canberra

• O-Shaberikai – Wednesday, October 6th, 6:00 at Coo Izakaya in Civic. Join in and meet Japanese people living in Canberra and other locals interested in Japan.
• Nara Candle Festival Writeup – The Nara Candlefest has come and gone for another year. Last year was rough. I’m told that we were selling bags of frozen gyoza to break even. This year, however, was a complete blowout. We had a line stretching to infinity and beyond from the time the gates opened up at 9:30. A huge thank you to all those who came out and volunteered, especially those who stayed for longer than their assigned shift. We made around $2,500 for upcoming JETAA Canberra events. –JETAA Canberra

JETAA Southern California

• Welcome Back / Meishi Exchange – Friday, October 15th, 6:30 – 9:00 at the Los Angeles International Airport Marriot Hotel. Make new contacts, tweak the old resume and join the folks at JETAASC for this year’s welcome back even. Nijikai to follow at Purple Orchid Tiki Lounge.
• La Boheme Mixer – Thursday, October 28th, 6:30 – 8:30 at La Boheme. Get to know the returning JETs and the new officers of JETAASC for a fun happy hour mixer.

JETAA British Columbia

• Tea Ceremony Workshop – Sunday, October 24th, 1:00 at the Furemi-an Tea Room in Vancouver. Learn the basics of attending an authentic Japanese Tea Ceremony.
• Career Seminar – Thursday, October 28th, 5:30 at MacMillan Bloedel Room, at the YMCA of Vancouver. Get back into the job market with a little help from JET alumni.

JETAA Pacific Northwest

• October General Meeting – Wednesday, October 6th, 6:30 – 8:30 at the Hyogo Business & Cultural Center. Discuss upcoming events, volunteer opportunities and much more at this month’s meeting, and get involved with the future of JETAA.
• Global Rhythms: Drumming! – Friday, October 8th, 8:00 at Town Hall Seattle. This season of Town Hall kicks off with a drumming theme, including Indian Tabla, Senegalese Sabar and Japanese Taiko.

JETAA New England

• Fall Festival – Saturday and Sunday, October 9th and 10th in Ashfield, MA. Celebrate fall with apple pies, apple cider, pumpkin games, artisans and even pumpkin donuts.

JETAA D.C.

• Networking Happy Hour – Thursday, October 7th, 6:00 at Tortilla Coast. Chat, relax and catch up with friends old and new at this month’s Networking and Happy Hour event.
• JBook – Monday, October 25th, 6:30 at Teaism in Penn Quarter. JBook, JETAADC’s own book club, will be meeting this month to discuss Haruki Murakami’s piece, “The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle.”

JETAA Western Australia

• KaiWA – Thursday October 7th and 21st, 5:30 at 43 Below. Practice Japanese with old friends and some tasty snacks.

JETAA Northern California

• Curry Cook-off – Saturday, October 9th, 4:00 – 7:00 at the Christ United Presbyterian Church in Laguna. If you like cooking curry or even just eating curry, then don’t miss this fun event benefiting the Japanese American Religious Federation.

What happened at your chapter’s event? If you attend(ed) any of these exciting events, JetWit would love to hear about them. Just contact Jonathan Trace with any info, stories or comments.

Freelance writer/editor Jonathan Trace (Fukuoka-ken, 2005-08) takes us on a walk around the JET Alumni community for another edition of JETAA Chapter Beat.

JETAA Hawaii

• Kuliouou Ridge Hike – Sunday, September 19, 9:00 at Kuliouou Ridge in Hawaii Kai. Join in on a fun day of trekking and glimpse Oahu from up high with JETA’A Hawai’i. Meet up is at Whole Foods at Kahala Mall at 8:30 or at the trailhead at 9:00. Lunch to follow.

JETAA Western Australia

• Reel Anime – Sunday, September 19th, 12:15 Luna Leederville is playing host to this year’s edition of Reel Anime, a mini-festival celebrating Japanese Anime. This year’s feature is entitled Summer Wars.

JETAA New York

• 2010 Annual JETAANY Softball Tournament – Saturday, September 18th, 9:00 at Red Hook Brooklyn. Sign up for the team or just come out as a spectator to this year’s slow pitch softball tournament.

JETAA Portland

• Book Club Meeting – Sunday, September 19th, 1:00 at the Jade Teahouse & Patisserie. This month’s selection is Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro.

JETAA Northern California

• Kabuki Club – Saturday, September 18th, 2:00 at the San Francisco Public Library Main Branch Paley Conference Room. This month’s selection will be Bando Tamasaburo’s legendary performance in the play Musume Dojoji.

JETAA Chicago

• Camping in Michigan – Saturday, September 18th thru Sunday September 19th in Van Buren State Park on Lake Michigan. JETAA Chicago is packing the car, setting up the tents and spending the weekend at the lake. Spend Saturday on the beach, followed by a cookout complete with ghost stories and marsh mellows.

What happened at your chapter’s event? If you attend(ed) any of these exciting events, JetWit would love to hear about them. Just contact Jonathan Trace with any info, stories or comments.

Freelance writer/editor Jonathan Trace (Fukuoka-ken, 2005-08) takes us on a walk around the JET Alumni community for another edition of JETAA Chapter Beat.

JETAA Florida

• Tampa Subchapter Tsudoi – Friday, September 3rd, 7:00 at Panera Bread in the Brandon Mall. The Tampa Subchapter will be hosting their monthly Tsudoi, an informal time for anyone interested in Japanese and Japanese culture.

JETAA D.C.

• Networking Event and Happy Hour- Wednesday, September 8th, 6:30 at Gordon Biersch. Enjoy the last long weekend of summer with friends old and new.
• J-Lunch – Friday, September 10th, 12:00 at Thai Kingdom. Come share your love of Japan over lunch with others in the DC area.
• General Meeting – Monday, September 13th, 6:30 at the Embassy of Japan. See old friends, meet new members and discuss upcoming and past events at the next JETAADC business meeting.

JETAA Pacific Northwest

• Happy Hour – Friday, September 3rd, 6:00 at Kushibar. Old alums and new are invited to share a laugh or two over a drink at this month’s Happy Hour event.
• Aki Matsuri – Saturday and Sunday, September 11th & 12th at Bellevue College. The Consulate-General of Japan in Seattle is co-sponsoring this year’s Japanese Fall Festival. Celebrate Japanese culture and history with performances, tea ceremony and over 75 different exhibits.

JETAA Western Australia

• KaiWA – Thursday September 9th and 23rd, 5:30 at 43 Below. Practice Japanese with old friends and some tasty snacks.

JETAA Northern California

• Table for Two Happy Hour Event – Friday, September 10th, 5:00 at the Purple Onion. Japanese entrepreneur Masa Kogure is coming to SF to talk about his non-profit organization called “Table for Two,” which strives to help solve the issue of global food imbalance will be holding a informational event.

JETAA Great Lakes

• Cedar Point Trip – Saturday, September 25th JETAA Great Lakes is loading up the cars and heading off to Cedar Point for a day of fun in the outdoors.

JETAA New England

• General Meeting – Thursday, September 9th, 6:00 at Uno’s Chicago Grill in Harvard Square. Come share in the discussion about the future of NEJETAA.

JETAA New York

• Book Club Meeting – Thursday, September 9th, 7:00 in Fort Greene, Brooklyn. This month’s selection is Natuso Kirino’s “Out.” Start reading now so you can contribute to the discussion.
• Samurai Sword Fighting Class – Saturday, September 11th, 2:00 to 4:00 at 440 Studios 4A. Samurai performer Yoshi Amao will be leading a special class on Samurai Sword Fighting, going over a variety of basic techniques with the class. Don’t miss this one of a kind experience.

JETAA Southern California

• Clash of the Baseball Titans – Ichiro vs. Matsui – Friday, September 10th, at Angels Stadium in Anaheim. Come out for a day at the ballpark to see the Angels take on the Seattle Mariners, followed by fireworks after the game.
• JETAA Golf Classic – Saturday, September 11th, 1:00 at Monterey Park Golf Course. Dust off the clubs and show your skills on the links for a friendly JETAA golf get together.

JETAA Chicago

• Camping in Michigan – Saturday, September 18th thru Sunday September 19th in Van Buren State Park on Lake Michigan. JETAA Chicago is packing the car, setting up the tents and spending the weekend at the lake. Spend Saturday on the beach, followed by a cookout complete with ghost stories and marsh mellows.

What happened at your chapter’s event? If you attend(ed) any of these exciting events, JetWit would love to hear about them. Just contact Jonathan Trace with any info, stories or comments.

Freelance writer/editor Jonathan Trace (Fukuoka-ken, 2005-08) takes us on a walk around the JET Alumni community for another edition of JETAA Chapter Beat.

JETAA Hawaii

• Bowling in Aiea – Saturday, August 28th, 4:45 to 7:00 at Aiea Bowl. Set em up and knock em down with JETAA Hawaii this month.

JETAA UK

• London Pub Night – Thursday, September 2nd, 6:30 at the Crane and Tortoise. Practice your Japanese, see old friends and have some authentic Japanese cuisine at this month’s Pub Night in London.

JETAA Canberra

• O-Shaberikai – Wednesday, September 1st, 6:00 at Coo Izakaya in Civic. Join in and meet Japanese people living in Canberra and other locals interested in Japan.
• Nara Candle Festival Volunteers Needed – As planning for the annual Nara Candle Festival continues, the search for volunteers is on for people to help before and after the festival, as well as people to work the gyoza stand. This year’s festival is happening on the 18th of September, so keep your calendars open.

JETAA Western Australia

• KaiWA – Thursday September 9th and 23rd, 5:30 at 43 Below. Practice Japanese with old friends and some tasty snacks.
• Reel Anime – Sunday, September 19th Luna Leederville is playing host to this year’s edition of Reel Anime, a mini-festival celebrating Japanese Anime. This year’s feature is entitled Summer Wars. More details to come, so stay tuned.
• Returnee’s Party – Saturday, September 25th, 6:30 at Fuji Restaurant in Vic Park. Join the official welcome of the returning JETs to JETAAWA as a longtime member or a fresh off the boat returner.

JETAA British Columbia

• Mokuyokai Hike to Joffre Lakes – Saturday, August 28th, 8:15 A.M to 8:00 P.M. at Joffre Lake. Mokuyokai is heading into the woods for a challenging hike to the emerald green alpine Joffre Lakes. Transportation is included and the trail is a sometimes steep and rocky 11km, so come prepared for a workout.
• Bonsai Class – Saturday, September 25th, 10:00 to 3:30(with a half hour break for lunch) at the National Nikkei Museum & Heritage Center. Learn how to develop, transform and care for your bonsai at this informative class.

JETAA Pacific Northwest

• Anime Costume Contest – Saturday, August 28th, 6:00 to 11:00 at the Chinatown-ID Night Market. Dress in your Cartoon finest or just come out for some delicious night market treats.
• Aki Matsuri Volunteers Needed! – PNWJETAA is looking for volunteers to help with this year’s Aki Matsuri on September 11th and 12th. Do your part in helping to preserve the JET Program by helping to inform people about JET and your own experiences working and living in Japan.
• General Meeting – Wednesday, September 1st, 6:30 to 8:00 PNWJETAA is holding its September General Meeting. Topics such as event planning, volunteer opportunities and much more will be discussed, so come out and lend your voice to the future of your chapter.
• Happy Hour – Friday, September 3rd, 6:00 at Kushibar. Old alums and new are invited to share a laugh or two over a drink at this month’s Happy Hour event.

JETAA New York

• Samurai Sword Fighting Class – Saturday, September 11th, 2:00 to 4:00 at 440 Studios 4A. Samurai performer Yoshi Amao will be leading a special class on Samurai Sword Fighting, going over a variety of basic techniques with the class. Don’t miss this one of a kind experience.
• 2010 Annual JETAANY Softball Tournament – Saturday, September 18th, 9:00 at Red Hook Brooklyn. Sign up for the team or just come out as a spectator to this year’s slow pitch softball tournament.
• Book Club Meeting – Thursday, September 9th, 7:00 in Fort Greene, Brooklyn. This month’s selection is Natuso Kirino’s “Out.” Start reading now so you can contribute to the discussion.

JETAA Southern California

• Clash of the Baseball Titans – Ichiro vs. Matsui – Friday, September 10th, at Angels Stadium in Anaheim. Come out for a day at the ballpark to see the Angels take on the Seattle Mariners, followed by fireworks after the game.
• JETAA Golf Classic – Saturday, September 11th, 1:00 at Monterey Park Golf Course. Dust off the clubs and show your skills on the links for a friendly JETAA golf get together.

What happened at your chapter’s event? If you attend(ed) any of these exciting events, JetWit would love to hear about them. Just contact Jonathan Trace with any info, stories or comments.

Freelance writer/editor Jonathan Trace (Fukuoka-ken, 2005-08) takes us on a walk around the JET Alumni community for another edition of JETAA Chapter Beat.

JETAA Northern California

• 11th English Discussion Forum – Saturday, August 21st, 3:00 at Inner Sunset area of San Francisco. The topic of this month’s forum is the “Atomic Bomb in Hiroshima and Nagasaki.”
• Noh Theatre Nite – Tuesday, August 24th, 6:00 at the San Francisco Public Library, Paley Conference Room. Learn about Japanese Noh Theatre with the JETAANC Kabuki Club. An informative documentary about Noh will be shown, followed by a short Noh Performance on video entitled, “The Wooden Water Well.”
• New People’s J-Pop Summit Festival Volunteers Needed – The New People J-Pop Center is hosting the J-Pop Summer Festival in Japantown in San Francisco and they are looking for volunteers to help with the many planned events. Get back into the spirit of the summer matsuri and help out.

JETAA Texoma

• Go-Cart Mayhem and Networking Night – Saturday, August 21st, 7:00 to 9:00 at the Houston Grand Prix. Join Texoma JETAA for a night of go-carts, video games, pinball and more. See old friends and meet new ones over pizza and soda.

JETAA Chicago

• Camping in Michigan – Saturday, September 18th thru Sunday September 19th in Van Buren State Park on Lake Michigan. JETAA Chicago is packing the car, setting up the tents and spending the weekend at the lake. Spend Saturday on the beach, followed by a cookout complete with ghost stories and marsh mellows.

JETAA New England

• Happy Hour – Friday, August 27th, 6:00 at McCormick and Schmicks. Join the guys at JETAANE for a night of relaxation and fun at this month’s Happy Hour event.

JETAA Pacific Northwest

• Aki Matsuri Volunteers Needed! – PNWJETAA is looking for volunteers to help with this year’s Aki Matsuri on September 11th and 12th. Do your part in helping to preserve the JET Program by helping to inform people about JET and your own experiences working and living in Japan.
• Tsukimi no Kai – Saturday, August 21st, 7:00 to 10:00 at the Seattle Japanese Garden. Gaze up at the harvest moon this month for a moonviewing event that includes haiku readings, music, tea ceremony and more.

JETAA British Columbia

• Historic Walking Tour: Jewish & Japanese Strathcona – Friday, August 27th, 1:30 to 3:30. The Jewish Museum & Archives of BC are presenting a tour of the histories of both early Jewish and Japanese communities in Vancouver, including the Jewish and Japanese Strathcona landmarks, Oppenheimer Park and more.
• Mokuyokai Hike to Joffre Lakes – Saturday, August 28th, 8:15 A.M to 8:00 P.M. at Joffre Lake. Mokuyokai is heading into the woods for a challenging hike to the emerald green alpine Joffre Lakes. Transportation is included and the trail is a sometimes steep and rocky 11km, so come prepared for a workout.
• Bonsai Class – Saturday, September 25th, 10:00 to 3:30(with a half hour break for lunch) at the National Nikkei Museum & Heritage Center. Learn how to develop, transform and care for your bonsai at this informative class.

JETAA UK

• Annual JETAA Wales Picnic – Sunday, August 22nd, 1:00 at Bute Park in Cardiff. Get out the picnic basket and get outside with JETAA UK for their annual picnic in Bute Park. Friends and family of JETs are invited, so don’t miss it.

JETAA Portland

• JETAA Masters Golf 2010 – Sunday, August 22nd, 10:30 at McMenamins Edgefield’s Pub Course in Troutdale. Compete for the Sugoi “Green Jacket” at this years JETAA Portland Masters Tournament. Golfers of all levels are welcome to join and share in this exciting and fun day.

What happened at your chapter’s event? If you attend(ed) any of these exciting events, JetWit would love to hear about them. Just contact Jonathan Trace with any info, stories or comments.