Return on JET-vestment: JETAA NY joins Kyushu Battenkai for Fall Gathering


Via JETAA New York. A great example of JETAA providing Return on JET-vestment at the local government level:
Terrific Turnout for Kyushu Battenkai’s Fall Gathering
“With over 60 people in attendance from both JETAANY and the Kyushu BattenKai, we enjoyed another successful joint event with the Kyushu expat organization (see the picture from the end of the evening above). We look forward to working with them again.”
JETAA Music City to host it’s first Nihongo Dake Dinner!


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Thanks to JETAA Music City President (and Arkansas Cherry Blossom Princess) Terry Vo (Kumamoto-ken, 2007-09) for the heads up:
Join us for a Japanese-Style Potluck on October 4, 2011. Come mingle, eat, drink, and be merry! This event is open to our Friends of JET Alum as well so please feel free to invite your family and friends! Please bring either your favorite Dish, Dessert or Beverage!
RSVP DEADLINE: September 30 to Leah atvp@jetaamc.org
Location: 1812 Cahal Avenue, Nashville TN 37206″
JQ Magazine: Japan Society Launches Beer Revolution



Green Tea IPA, one of over 20 beers ready for tasting at Japan Society's Beer Revolution event Oct. 5. (Courtesy Baird Brewery)
By Vlad Baranenko (Saitama-ken, 2000-02) for JQ magazine. Vlad is an avid photographer.
With an exploding market for craft beer here in the U.S., Japan’s contribution to the industry, known domestically as ji bīru (地ビール), has seen tremendous growth over the past 17 years.
On Oct. 5, beer buffs and those who simply enjoy an occasional cold pint alike will get an opportunity to sample from at least 20 kinds of beer at New York’s Japan Society‘s “Japan’s Beer Revolution: The Birth, Death, and Resurrection of Japanese Craft Brewing.”
While previously held back by government regulation, Japan’s microbreweries took off in 1994, and have since been experimenting with a variety of traditional ingredients such as ginger and oysters to create rich and complex flavors to replace the standard lagers in order to satisfy local taste palettes. Since many of the beers are produced in age old sake breweries, the Japanese had no trouble adapting Western methods to manufacture a product whose quality would no doubt impress even the pickiest connoisseurs of Belgian brew.
JET alum band Monkey Majik to play Sendai charity concert


Here’s info on a charity concert (“charity live”) by JET alum Maynard Plant’s (Aomori-ken, 1997-2000) hit band Monkey Majik in Sendai on October 16th, as part of their ongoing effort to support rebuilding and recovery in Tohoku, in their capacity as Tohoku Tourism Ambassadors.
東北観光親善大使「モンキーマジック」がチャリティライブを開催します!
2011年9月12日
震災から6ヶ月が経過してもなお、復興までのプロセスには数多くの方の継続的なご支援が必要であるとあらためて実感すると同時に、活動を通じて人間一人一人の助け合いの力強さ、素晴らしさに日々感動を憶えてきました。
そしてこの出来事を全国の皆様に伝え続けて行かなくてはならないという強い想いから、プロジェクト第3弾となるチャリティライブを故郷 被災地 仙台で開催することを決断しました。
「音楽」の力を通じて、参加してくれた方々、さらに被災地の方々の一歩前へ踏み出す気持ちへの後押しとなり、心の早期復興への一助となるような1日を共に作り上げたいと強く願っております。
本公演に於ける売上金の一部を義援金、寄付金として、再び公的機関を通じて被災地へ送ります。
〈公演概要〉
東日本大震災復興支援プロジェクト
MONKEY MAJIKチャリティライブ「SEND愛」
~MONKEY MAJIKがゲストを迎えてのチャリティライブ~
日程:2011年10月16日(日)開場13:00開演14:00
会場:セキスイハイムスーパーアリーナ(グランディ21)
出演:MONKEY MAJIK/LOVE PSYCHEDELICO/Rake and more・・・
チケット一般発売:9月17日(土)10:00~
チケット料金:前売り5,000円(税込)
お問い合わせ:
TBC事業部 TEL022-227-2715
ニュース・プロモーション TEL022-266-7555
詳しくは こちら へアクセス願います。
Justin’s Japan: Japan Society Remixes a Greek Masterpiece with ‘Medea’



Micari stars in Satoshi Miyagi's production of 'Medea,' running Sept. 23-25 at New York's Japan Society.
By JQ magazine editor Justin Tedaldi (CIR Kobe-shi, 2001-02) for Examiner.com. Visit his page here for related stories.
Looking for an Eastern take on a Western classic? Japan Society kicks off its fall 2011/spring 2012 performing arts season with the Shizuoka Performing Arts Center (SPAC)’s production of Medea with a three-performance engagement from Sept. 23-25.
Directed by SPAC artistic director Satoshi Miyagi, the performance makes its North American premiere as a visual feast on the scale of a kabuki play. Set in 19th century Japan among the nation’s imperialist, gender-divided late Meiji era, this bold reinterpretation of Euripides’ evergreen features a company of 19 presented in Miyagi’s distinct bunraku puppet theater-inspired style accompanied on stage by live music.
Performed in Japanese with English subtitles, this stunning and internationally acclaimed production has traveled to 20 cities and 11 countries since its premiere in 1999. It also marks the return of SPAC to Japan Society, where the troupe mounted productions of Electra and Oedipus Rex during national tours for both.
For the complete story, click here.
JET Prefecture Round-Up 09.16.11


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Emily Lemmon, (Hyogo-ken, Shiso-shi, 2009-present), PSG volunteer, organizer of Hyogo-ken’s PEPY Ride, student of Shorinji Kempo, and editor of the Hyogo Times, gives a little taste of what JETs are doing around Japan. To submit items for future JET Prefecture Round-up posts, e-mail Emily at jetinfogather [at] gmail.com.
Events by Region
- Aomori AJET Welcome Party was September 10th at Shichinohe Campground.
- Iwate AJET will be climbing Mt. Iwate on October 8th on the Umagaeshi trail.
- MAJET Bandai Trip is September 17th-19th , a camping adventure at Mount Bandai in Northwest Fukushima.
- Connect 2011 is happening October 8th-10th at Kurosawa in Oguni, Yamagata.
- The Aizu Festival 2011 is September 22nd-24th in Aizu Wakamatsu City.
- Halloween SHINE is October 22nd in Aizu Wakamatsu City.
- The 2011 International Festival Aizu is October 29th!
- Fukushima ALTs are doing a Home Visit Program in Aizu on November 5th.
- Fukushima JETs attended Volunteer Day at a Children’s Home on September 3rd at Iris Gakuen in Fukushima City.
Kantou Region
- Chiba AJET Baseball Game trip goes to see the Chiba Marines on October 1st.
- Chiba JETs are prepping for the Tokyo Yamathon 2011.
- Gunma JETs join the football tourney in Nagano on October 1st.
Chubu Region
- Shizuoka JETs go to Costume Karaoke on October 1st!
- Shizuoka AJET makes an excursion to Fuji-Q Highland on October 15th.
- Cricket Game: Nagano vs. Hakuba, October 19th.
- October 16th, the Ina English Guide Club will present Zazen Meditation.
- Toyama AJET is holding a Cheesecake Bakeoff on Sunday, October 16th, in Nanto city.
Kansai Region
Over the weekend of September 2nd, Typhoon Talas crossed through Japan, dumping massive amounts of rain especially on the prefectures of Wakayama, Nara, and Mie. There are volunteer opportunities available to JETs in and around the Kansai area to help the victims of this typhoon.
- Kyoto AJET takes part in the Mikoshi Challenge, October 9th.
- The Nara AJET Halloween Party will be at the Wormwood Café on October 29th.
- Hyogo AJET leads a hike through the Fukuchiyama abandoned railroad on September 24th in the Takarazuka area.
- Hyogo JETs Rant and Rave at the Lock Up in Kobe, September 30th.
- There will be an art event (dance, music, theater, visual arts, performance art, sculpture, installation, etc.) in the Fukuchiyama abandoned train tunnel on October 1st.
- Hyogo JETs go rafting and canyoning in Shikoku, October 9th and 10th.
- Osaka Smile Kids Japan group makes its next visit on September 25th.
- Wakayama JETs are going camping on Friend Island, October 15th.
Chugoku Region
- Bound in Japan comes to Okayama! Workshops will be in Okayama City on September 17th and 18th, in Maniwa September 24th, and in Tsuyama September 25th.
- Beerfest Daisen 2011 will take place at Mt. Daisen in Tottori, September 23rd, featuring craft brews.
- Shikoku Field Day will be held in Shikoku Saburo no Sato, in Mima City, Tokushima on November 5th.
- October 1st-2nd is the Niihama Welcome Party, held on the beach in Niihama.
- October 15th Ehime JETs will climb Mt. Ishizuchi, tallest mountain on Shikoku.
- October 22nd is the Matsuyama Orphanage Visit.
- November 12th is the Ehime AJET Dinner in Matsuyama.
- Beer, Sake, Baseball, and BBQ will be September 17th at Hagi Park.
- Kochi JETs will make an excursion to Nahari Hotel Beer Garden on Friday 30th September.
- October 8th-10th is Surf Camp in Kuroshio-cho for Kochi JETs.
- Kochi-JETs are helping with Halloween Party in an abandoned school building on October 28th.
- The Annual Oita AJET Sumo Trip is coming up on Saturday, November 26th!
- The Amakusa Waterwheel event is September 23rd in Amakusa, Kumamoto!
- Kumamoto JETs are helping out with the 5th annual Nagasu Ferry Event on September 25th, Sunday!
- KumAJET and DiscSports Japan present Ichi Kyuu Bee on October 1st, featuring 4 ALT Teams (Saga, Oita, Miyazaki, and Kumamoto) and 9 Japanese Teams (Shakaijin and college students from all over Kyushu).
- Kumamoto JETs will be rafting down the Kuma River on Saturday, 15th October with LandEarth.
- JETs are invited to the O’hana Cafe’s 8th Anniversary Party on September 16th.
- On 23rd September, JETs will check out the wild boar races in Kawatana.
- On 1st October, Nagasaki JETs will take a walk through Hasami. The attractions include tiered rice fields, crazy scarecrows, pottery, and pretty temples.
Event: Akari Lantern Project (London)


Via Embassy of Japan in the UK. Posted by Dipika Soni (Ishikawa-ken, 2003-06). Dipika has recently moved back to London as is currently looking for new work opportunities related to Japan, translation, or other fields.
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The Akari Lantern Project has been organised by a group of people, both Japanese and non-Japanese, to raise money for the JAPAN SOCIETY TOHOKU RELIEF FUND which is helping local communities affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake.
As part of the Mayor of London’s Thames Festival, on the 10th &11th September, they will hold a lantern making workshop and other Japanese craft activities on the grass outside the Tate Modern.
This will culminate in a Lantern Parade as part of the Night Carnival. The lantern parade will be accompanied by Japanese drumming by the JOJI HIROTA TAIKO DRUMMERS.
People can take part by making lanterns out of recycled bottles, creating their own pin badges, origami cranes and stop-frame animation.
For more details, please click on the following link:
http://www.uk.emb-japan.go.jp/japanuk150/events/andmore/Akari_Project2011.html
Embassy of Japan in the UK (September 2011)


Embassy of Japan in the UK Webmagazine round-up via Dipika Soni (Ishikawa-ken, 2003-06). Dipika has recently moved back to London as is currently looking for new work opportunities related to Japan, translation, or other fields.
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Featured Article:
Japanese FA receive trophy at Wembley to mark 90th year
Other articles this month:
Japan Matsuri 2011
A taste of Japan in Colchester
“Approaches to facilitating effective global participation in action on climate change” A lecture by Professor Hironori Hamanaka
Films at the Embassy of Japan: Children on the Island
“KANPA+i London!” Ikebana, Sake & Food Charity Event
Beyond Words Beyond Borders: Messages to Tohoku
Akari Lantern Project – lantern carriers wanted!
UK-Japan Young Scientist Workshop in Cambridge
Tanabata Festival lifts spirits in Sendai
Reconciliation Service at Canterbury Cathedral
Spotlight On: Lorna Maud
Subscribe:
To subscribe to the Embassy of Japan in the UK webmagazine, please email webmagazine@ld.mofa.go.jp with the subject ‘subscribe’.
Video: JETAA Ottawa Prez promotes “JETAA dogs” and Japan Festival on morning tv show


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JETAA Ottawa President Lisa Mallin (Chiba-ken, 2006-08) does a great job on Ottawa’s Channel A morning show of promoting “JETAA dogs” (Japan-inspired hotdogs) along with the entire Ottawa Japanese Summer Festival. Make sure to watch to the end where Lisa also helpfully informs the host that Sendai-based band Monkey Majik was started by JET alum Maynard Plant (Aomori-ken, 1997-2000) and his brother.
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James Kennedy (Nara-ken, 2004-06), author of the acclaimed young adult novel The Order of Odd-Fish, will be curating the 90-Second Newbery Film Festival with the New York Public Library around November 5 and with the Harold Washington Library in Chicago around November 16. And he has a special request for JET alumni who are into film making:
There are some Newberry award winners that are about Japan and the Japanese, and nobody has done a 90-Second Newbery film of them yet!
Off the top of my head, I can think of:
(1) Heart of a Samurai by Margi Preus, which is about John Manjiro (2011 Honor Winner)
(2) Kira-Kira by Cynthia Kadohata, which is about WWII Japanese-American experience (2005 Medal Winner).
(3) Commodore Perry In the Land of the Shogun by Rhoda Blumberg. (1986 Honor Winner)
So, as for JET alumni:
(1) I’d love to put the call out to the JET alumni community, which surely must include filmmakers, to make 90-second films based on those books for the film festival. (It would be even better if they were totally in Japanese, with subtitles!)
(2) The film festival at the NYPL on November 5 will be not only films, but also live acts between the films — a kind of cabaret atmosphere — live 90-second Newbery reenactments, or songs, etc. So this is also a call out to any arts groups / comedy teams / bands / etc. who would be interested in doing something as a between-film live segment for the 90-Second Newbery film festival?
Here’s a little more info from James about the 90-Second Newbery Festival: Read More
JET Programme 25th Anniversary Symposium to be held by Japanese government


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FYI, this is a big deal and something to pay attention to, especially in terms of the future of JET. One of the speakers, notably, will be Jim Gannon (Ehime-ken, 1992-94), Executive Director of the Japan Center for International Exchange (JCIE/USA). I believe AJET President Matthew Cook (Osaka, 2007-12) may also be in attendance.
Here’s the official info via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) website:
Holding of the Symposium and a Reception Commemorating the 25th Anniversary of the Establishment of the JET Programme
http://www.mofa.go.jp/announce/announce/2011/8/0816_01.html
August 16, 2011
Japanese
- On Thursday, September 8, the Symposium Commemorating the 25th Anniversary of the Establishment of the JET Programme (Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme) will be held at U Thant International Conference Hall, United Nations University. The symposium will be co-hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC), the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), and the Council of Local Authorities for International Relations (CLAIR).
- The JET Programme aims to enhance foreign language education and promote international exchange at the local level. The symposium will be held to reflect on the results of the Programme’s efforts during the past 25 years, and contribute to the Programme’s further development, as well as to widely publicize the Programme to all walks of life.
- On the occasion of the holding of the Symposium Commemorating the 25th Anniversary of the Establishment of the JET Programme, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs plans to hold a reception at the Iikura Guesthouse in the evening of the same day, with a view to deepening the understanding of the relevant parties in Japan and abroad on the significance and results of the Programme, among others, and seeking further coordination with parties related to the Programme including those from local governments and in the education field, and the diplomatic corps in Tokyo.
Additional information
Symposium Commemorating the 25th Anniversary of the Establishment of the JET Programme (Overview)
1. Time and date:
12:30 p.m. – 5:10 p.m. on Thursday, September 8, 2011
2. Venue:
U Thant International Conference Hall, United Nations University
(5-53-70, Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo)
3. Co-organizers:
Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications,
Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology,
Council of Local Authorities for International Relations (CLAIR)
4. Supporters:
National Governors’ Association,
Japan Association of City Mayors,
National Association of Towns and Villages
5. Scheduled programs and participants:
(a) Greetings by co-organizers:
Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications,
Minister for Foreign Affairs,
Minister for Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
(b) Greetings by guests:
Ambassador of the United States to Japan (to be confirmed),
Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Japan (to be confirmed),
Ambassador of the ROK to Japan
(c) Commemorative lecture:
Mr. James Gannon,
Executive Director, Japan Center for International Exchange
(d) Activity reports:
Dr. Angus Lockyer,
Chair, Japan Research Centre, University of London
Mr. Kim Jin Ah,
Director of International Cooperation Department,
Governors Association of Korea
(e) Panel discussion:
Panelists:
Dr. Akira Nakamura, Professor, Meiji University
Dr. Angus Lockyer,
Chair, Japan Research Centre, University of London
Mr. Kim Jin Ah,
Director of International Cooperation Department,
Governors Association of Korea
Mr. Keiji Yamada, Governor, Kyoto Prefecture
Mr. Masao Niisato, Professor, Tokyo International University
Ms. Yoko Kimura, Chairperson, Board of Directors, CLAIR
— Participants: Approximately 350 people including those from local governments and in the education field, and the diplomatic corps in Tokyo.
— Simultaneous interpretation will be provided.
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- (*This is a provisional translation. The above date denotes the date of the issue of the original press release in Japanese.)
Tampa Natsumatsuri a success thank to JETAA Florida’s Tampa subchapter


Via the JETAA Tampa (aka Tampa Kumi) email list:
“We made it through another year of Tampa Natsumatsuri. We had over 300 people attend. It was the biggest event we’ve done yet. A huge thank you to everyone who participated. You truly make this event happen. Also thanks to everyone who came out to enjoy the event. And lastly, the biggest thanks to the coordination committee who helped me tremendously this year! It would not have been possible to do an event this big alone. And these people gave significant portions of their time and personal resources to coordinate everything that went on.”
Tampa JET alumni are also known for their Tampa Tsudoi, a monthly “nihongo-dake” gathering at a Panera where JET alums and other Japanese-speaking members of the community (both American and Japanese) gather for Japanese practice and friendship.
Posted by Dipika Soni (Ishikawa-ken, 2003-06). Dipika has recently moved back to London as is currently looking for new work opportunities related to Japan, writing and translation.
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Over four months have passed since the The Great East Japan Earthquake and coverage of the relief efforts is rarely featured in the news here in the UK. However, as we know the recovery process is far from over. Raising awareness is vital to encourage the continuing support and help for those in the affected region.
Angus Miyaji, founder of the charity Seven Beach Aid, has worked with photographer Christina Aiton to bring a charity photo exhibition titled ‘Yet I Still Dare to Hope‘ to Hyper Japan 2011. The exhibition explores hope and rebuilding in the wake of the Japan earthquake.
“This exhibition offers a unique insight into the lives of 14 normal people from a small Japanese town, offering a chance for people living in the UK to get to know these people who were living a modest life until their lives were turned upside down. This exhibit is not about sorrow, but about hope. It’s about rebuilding. It’s about the future.”
Angus Miyaji – Seven Beach Aid
Alongside the sushi, cool gizmos and crazy cosplay outfits, visitors to this year’s Hyper Japan event will be able to see and respond to the stories of ordinary Japanese families from the tsunami-affected town of Shichigahama, through an intimate collection of photographs taken by local resident Christina Aiton.
Yet I Still Dare to Hope explores how 14 families in the northeastern Japanese town of Shichigahama, one of the areas hit hardest by the March 11 tsunami, are rebuilding their lives after the destruction.
Visitors will be able to leave messages of support that will be shared directly with the townspeople, encouraging those that have been directly affected and letting them know that they are not alone in the face of such a difficult time. There will also be able opportunity to donate and purchase charity goods for the benefit of residents of Shichigahama and Miyagi Prefecture.
Yet I Still Dare To Hope uses still photography accompanied by narratives from each survivor and features items from the disaster-hit area in order to convey the terrifying truth of humankind’s fragile existence, while exploring the subject of hope as the community begins the process of rebuilding their lives from the tragedy.
The exhibition has been organised by disaster relief organisations:
Tohoku Earthquake Relief Project London
(http://terp-london.co.uk/)
Seven Beach Aid
(http://sevenbeachaid.org/en-GB/)
Donations:
We are so thankful for all the generous support we are receiving towards this Photo Exhibition. The exhibition is entirely funded by donations. The expenses for the exhibition include the cost of printing photos & mounting, renting exhibition supplies, printing promotional leaflets, posters & booklets, postage of having items from the Japan sent to the UK etc). We are a couple hundred pounds away from our target and would appreciate any financial contribution if you would like to support us!
For individuals (credit / debit card, paypal)
https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=SLHLVZWQM75BE
Company Sponsors (credit / debit card, paypal)
https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=9M6ATGB3EXENJ
For more details about visiting the exhibition at Hyper Japan 2011:
http://www.hyperjapan.co.uk/
WIT Life #176: 悪人


WITLife is a periodic series written by professional Writer/Interpreter/Translator Stacy Smith (Kumamoto-ken CIR, 2000-03). She starts her day by watching Fujisankei’s newscast in Japanese, and here she shares some of the interesting tidbits and trends together with her own observations.
First off a huge OMEDETOU to the Japanese women’s soccer team for winning the World Cup over the weekend! I watched the game with the Japanese delegation I have just begun interpreting for, and needless to say it made our night. The victory has been a nice boost of encouragement for the country, and is something all of its citizens can take pride in.
The Japan Cuts film festival at Japan Society is going strong in its second and final week, and in my next few entries I hope to discuss some of the great movies I’ve been seeing. But today I’d like to talk about another interesting film that made its New York premiere when it was screened last week as part of the Nippon Eiga series sponsored by ANA. It was 悪人 (Akunin) or Villain, and featured the two amazing actors Satoshi Tsumabuki (as the villain) and Eri Fukatsu (as the woman who falls in love with him). It was directed by Sang-il Lee who also made Hula Girls, another movie that was screened as part of ANA’s series a few years back.
Fukatsu received the Best Actress award at the Montreal World Film Festival last year for playing this role, a worthy performance. She and Tsumabuki always have great chemistry (I loved them in Read More
Fundraising: JETAA Sydney Trivia Night Fundraiser for Japan


JETAA Trivia and Fundraiser for Japan
Come along this Saturday night to the 2011 JETAA trivia night. Bring you friends, meet new people and test your knowledge of all things Japanese and Australian as you compete for a range of great prizes.
This year’s trivia night will be an extra special event, with all proceeds raised on the night being donated to the Red Cross (Japan) Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami Appeal.
Time: 6:30pm, Saturday 23 July
(Questions commence at 7pm sharp so arrive by 6:30pm to get your team organised!)
Place: Parkview Hotel, 178-180 Mitchell Road, Alexandria
(The closest station is Erskineville, and there is lots of parking near the venue)
Entry: $20 per person (Includes catering and you can purchase drinks at the bar)
Please RSVP by Thursday via the Sydney JETAA Facebook group or email sydney@jetalumni.org so we can confirm numbers for catering.