Akiko Wada, interviewed at Kinokuniya by Store Manager John Fuller
By Justin Tedaldi (CIR Kobe-shi, 2001-02)
If you’ve ever watched TV in Japan on New Year’s Eve, chances are you’ve seen Akiko Wada. One of Japan’s most celebrated stars, the singer and entertainment personality has made over 20 appearances on the annual Kohaku Uta Gassen (Red-White Song Contest). To celebrate her 40th year in show business, the “Female Emperor” performed a landmark one-night-only concert, Power & Soul, at Harlem’s renowned Apollo Theater on September 29.
Born in Osaka, the headstrong Wada made her recording debut in 1968, shortly after dropping out of high school at age 17. The following year, she broke big with “Doushaburi no Ame no Naka de” (In the Pouring Rain), with pop stardom and numerous variety show hosting gigs to follow. With her tall, stocky build and direct nature, Wada is something of an anomaly in the Japanese entertainment world, where women are less encouraged to speak their mind or even think about criticizing their peers.
Three days before the Apollo date, Wada held court at a press event in Midtown’s Kinokuniya Books. Hosted by store manager John Fuller, the conference (conducted entirely in Japanese) kicked off with an a cappella performance of “Amazing Grace” from American vocal trio The Wild Women, who also opened Wada’s concert.
The superstar then emerged from the back to thunderous applause, fielding questions from Fuller and the Japanese media. She gushed about New York, which she’s visited eight times, and explained that she hand-picked the Apollo over venues like Carnegie Hall because of the “sacred place”‘s ties to the R&B acts that inspired her growing up.
Other questions focused on her rehearsal of English-language songs Read More
Texoma Happy Hour/General Meeting – November 20
Events, JETAA Chapters 
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JETAA Chapter 9 Texoma Happy Hour/ General Meeting
Thursday, November 20th
Fox & Hound, Westheimer location
Starting at 6:00pm
(see address below)
Come have a drink, socialize, and help plan upcoming events. We would love to hear your ideas!
JETAA Texoma has several tables reserved and will provide plenty of appetizers, drinks and pool to get the creative juices flowing!
As you may have heard, Japan has officially declared a recession and JETAA International anticipates increased cuts to local chapter’s GIA funding. In order to do our part in raising awareness of the JET Program we need to ensure that Texoma has the funds to continue holding these and other great events.
While we will provide drinks and appetizers, if possible, we kindly ask you to contribute $15 to help kick-start Texoma’s first fundraising campaign.
See you all Thursday!
Sincerely,
Chieko Rothengass
Location address:
Fox and Hound
11470 Westheimer Rd
Houston, TX 77077
http://www.tentcorp .com/
JETAA NY Happy Hour This Friday!
Events, JETAA Chapters, Networking Comments Off on JETAA NY Happy Hour This Friday!
JETAANY Happy Hour
“Start Friday night with your fellow JET alums”
WHEN: Friday, Nov 21, 6pm
WHERE: Revival (15th St betw Irving Place & 3rd Ave, just east of Union Square)
WHY? See people and have fun!
MORE INFO: jetaany.org
Latest edition of JapnInfo Now On-line
Events, Japan Trends Comments Off on Latest edition of JapnInfo Now On-line
The November 2008 edition of JapanInfo is now available. JapanInfo is published by the Consulate General of Japan in New York/Japan Information Center and is a great source of info for Japan-related things going on in New York and the surrounding area.
This edition includes items on:
- Donald Keene
- 4 Japanese scientists who won the Nobel Prize
- Hiroshima Tourism Fair held at the Abmassador’s residence
- And a full event calendar for the New York area!
Event at Center on Japanese Economy and Business: Lessons from the Japanese Bubble for the U.S.
Academic, Events, Graduate School, Japan Trends, Networking Comments Off on Event at Center on Japanese Economy and Business: Lessons from the Japanese Bubble for the U.S.
Thanks to CJEB’s Jennifer Olayon (Nagasaki-ken, 1999-2000) for passing this along.
Center on Japanese Economy and Business, Columbia Business School Panel Discussion:
Lessons from the Japanese Bubble for the U.S.
Panelists
Takeo Hoshi, Pacific Economic Cooperation Professor in International Economic Relations, School of International Relations and Pacific Studies, University of California, San Diego
Paul Sheard, former Global Chief Economist, Lehman Brothers
Michael Woodford, John Bates Clark Professor of Political Economy, Economics Department, Columbia University
Moderator
David E. Weinstein, Carl S. Shoup Professor of the Japanese Economy, Economics Department, Columbia University; Associate Director of Research, Center on Japanese Economy and Business, Columbia Business School
Wednesday, November 19
4:30 – 6:00PM
Uris Hall, Room 301, 3022 Broadway
Co-sponsored by the Program on Alternative Investments, Center on Japanese Economy and Business of Columbia Business School; Columbia University’s Program for Economic Research and the Weatherhead East Asian Institute
For more information and registration details, please visit www.gsb.columbia.edu/cjeb
