Kathryn Hunter, Clive Mendus, Glyn Pritchard and Hideki Noda star in Hideki Noda's 'THE BEE' at Japan Society Jan. 5-15. (Julie Lemberger)

By JQ magazine editor Justin Tedaldi (CIR Kobe-shi, 2001-02) for Examiner.com. Visit his page here for related stories.

As part of this year’s Under the Radar Festival, Japan Society kicks off the new year with a nine-day stage run of Hot Pepper, Air Conditioner, and the Farewell Speech and THE BEE now through Jan. 14 and 15.

Under the Radar is an annual theater festival that spotlights international artists ranging from emerging talents to masters in the field. The festival is a wild mix of works by ensembles, solo artists, writers and creators, offering a crash course in theater created by some of the most dynamic artists working today. In its seven year history, there have been 104 productions from over 17 countries.

“It means a lot for us to be able to present both Hideki Nodaʼs THE BEE and Toshiki Okadaʼs chelfitsch Theater Company in our first time participating in the Under the Radar Festival,” said Japan Society’s artistic director Yoko Shioya. “These shows truly illustrate whatʼs going on in Japanese experimental contemporary theater.”

For the complete story, click here.

Thanks to JET alum Christy Jones of the Japan Society in New York for letting JETwit know about fellow JET alum and Japan Society colleague Alma Jennings (Fukushima-ken, Iwaki-shi) who has written about her return to Iwaki City in Fukushima where she went to volunteer and reconnect with old friends and colleagues.

Here’s a link to Alma’s writing on the Japan Society website:  http://www.japansociety.org/page/earthquake/updates_from_japan

Here’s the intro from the Japan Society website:

“Like many young Americans interested in Japan, Alma Jennings, a Development Assistant at Japan Society, participated in the JET Programme and lived and taught English in Iwaki City on the southern coast of Fukushima Prefecture between 2008 and 2010. In September 2011, Alma returned to Iwaki City to visit her friends, former colleagues and students. She also went to the Iwaki City Volunteer Center to volunteer. Here is the first-part of a three-part series on her experience.

CLICK HERE to read more Return to Tohoku posts by other JET alums.

This survey is intended to help figure out how much collaboration exists between JETAA chapters and the Japan-America Societies in their area.

It comes on the heels of having a chance to talk with and listen to Peter Kelley, President of the National Association of Japan America Societies (NAJAS), and JET alum Marc Hitzig, Deputy Director of the Japan-America Society of Washington, D.C., who both spoke at the JETAA National Conference in Washington, D.C. a couple weeks ago, as well as a recent conversation with Japan Society of Boston‘s President, Peter Grilli, and Program Marketing Manager (and JET alum) Bhaird Campbell.

*Please e-mail responses to Steven Horowitz (Aichi-ken, Kariya-shi, 1992-94) at jetwit [at] jetwit.com or post in the comments section below.

From talking to JETAA officers at various conferences and in other contexts, it seems that each JETAA chapter has it’s own unique relationship with its local Japan-America Society (JAS).  And of course every JAS has its own unique characteristics.

As a result, I’d like to ask JETAA chapters cooperation with:

• Gathering responses from JETAA chapters that comment on or share some of the collaborations with JAS that have been successful or beneficial in various ways; and

• Getting a sense of what the relationship history has been, whether any JET alums work for the JAS and any additional thoughts you might have on the topic.

For example:

• With respect to JETwit, I started just subscribing to all of the JAS e-mail lists which led to an ongoing and periodic Japan-America Society Round-up post, now written by Gail Meadows (Hiroshima-shi 2007-10).
• In Washington, D.C., the Japan America Society, among other things, runs the annual Cherry Blossom Festival which attracts thousands of people and involves many JET alum volunteers who play a very significant role in running the event.  It also happens to have a JET alum, Marc Hitzig, working there, and another JET alum, Laurel Lukaszewski, who previously served as the organization’s Executive Director.
• In Minnesota, apparently there’s usually a JETAA Minnesota officer who is active on the Board of the Japan America Society in Minneapolis.

There are clearly many more great examples of collaboration and a lot more info to gather.  By gathering the information here, I hope to get a bigger picture sense of the JETAA chapter relationship with JAS and figure out if there are ways to foster greater collaboration and sharing of info and ideas in the future.

As responses are received, I’ll add the text to this post so that it becomes a record and a resource available to JETAA chapters and to JAS.

Why?  This ties in with the “Return on JET-vestment” concept as well as with big picture strategic thinking about the future of JETAA and JET.  It’s a first step that will hopefully shed light on the topic and open up new ideas and opportunities.

*Please e-mail responses to Steven Horowitz (Aichi-ken, Kariya-shi, 1992-94) at jetwit [at] jetwit.com or post in the comments section below.

Yoroshiku onegaishimasu!

********************************

Updated 08/20/2011

Apropos of nothing, here’s a great piece by Rick Ambrosio (Ibaraki-ken, 2006-08) about a recent film event at Japan Society in New York featuring an appearance by Sora Aoi.

********************************

9. JETAA Heartland & The Heart of America Japan-America Society

Via JETAA Heartland President Warren McAllen:

I’m not sure how far back JET Alum involvement with JAS goes, but I do know that we have had members in common with The Heart of America Japan-America Society almost as long as there has been a chapter in KC and several of our members have held positions on the JAS Board over the years.

We have a joint event this weekend, HJETAA and HoA JAS co-sponsor the Japan Pavilion at the Greater Kansas City Ethnic Enrichment Festival (http://www.eeckc.org/). We promote JET and recruit new members (and find some who have slipped through the cracks over the years) and help JAS with their fundraising efforts. We may, eventually, do our own fundraising at this event attended by 10′s of thousands of people.

We also sponsor networking events with JAS and other Japan-related org’s two or three times a year. Last year we organized a food tasting for the UMKC Jazz Band and JAS members who were selected to perform at the National Culture Festival in Kurashiki, Okayama, Kansas City’s Sister City.

Of course, we have a booth at the GKC Japan Festival and our members are involved in many phases of the organization and execution of the festival (I was almost it’s Executive Director, at one point). This year we have volunteered to do a presentation on JET and the Alumni Association on one of the event stages as well.

This year we worked with JAS to inaugurate the GKC Japanese Film Festival and look forward to continued cooperation on future film festivals. We also worked together on disaster relief fundraising

Naturally, we promote each other’s events and I recommend the JAS to all JET recruits and returning members. We’ve talked about reciprocal membership but we’re still negotiating.

On an individual basis, many of our members are also in JAS and are involved in varying ways from simple membership and volunteering to serving on the board, as I mentioned earlier, organizing events and making presentations.

8.  JETAA Southern California & Japan America Society of Southern California

Via JETAA SC Secretary Maria Valenzuela:

Successful forms of collaboration: We have provided our local JAS chapter with volunteers for their events, namely the Kite Festival. Last year, they offered all JETAASC alums free membership for one year.

Historical relationship: JET alums have been a source of volunteers.

7.  JETAA Music City & Japan-America Society of Tennessee

Via JETAA MC Treasurer Jennifer Butler (Shizuoka-ken, Hamamatsu-shi, 2001-04):

JETAAMC is involved with the Japan-America Society of TN mainly through joint Consulate events.  For instance, for annual events, JETAAMC members regularly volunteer for the Nashville Cherry Blossom Festival which is organized by JAST, the Consulate and the City of Nashville

Also, this year, JAST was our partner in our April Tsunami Relief Dinner event in which money was raised for the JETAA USA Relief Fund ($6,000) and JAST’s TN Tomodachi Fund ($3,000).

In the past, a former JETAAMC officer was also a Program Coordinator for JAST.

JAST Board Members are also regularly invited by the Consulate to events that involve JETs and JETAA.  For instance the Pre-Departure Farewell Reception for new JETs and the Returners Reception for recent returnees.  Naturally JETAAMC members are also present at these events.

Our chapter is so young right now (only 3 yrs old) and so much of what we do is still connected with the Consulate in various ways;  it helps that the Consulate works so closely with JAST.  However, it’s sometimes difficult to sort out all of the projects and how we are involved; especially since two of our chapter officers (Pres & Treas) are also employees of the Consulate!

6.  New England JETAA & Japan Society of Boston

Via New England JETAA President Stephanie Simpson-White (Toyama-ken, 2006-09):

As you’ve already been in touch with Peter Grilli and Bhaird Campbell from the Japan Society of Boston, you are well aware of the strong relationship between JSB and NEJETAA. Bhaird is a former JET and former president of NEJETAA, and JSB events always feature JETAA members as participants and volunteers.

Both organizations are among the many very active Japan-related groups in JREX (Japan Resource and Exchange), which supports Japanese businesses and entrepreneurs; LEX/Hippo Family Club, which manages exchanges, homestays and language classes and is run by a former JET; the Massachusetts-Hokkaido Association, which also does sister-city events; and the Japanese Consulate, to name a few–that exist in the New England area.

One of my personal goals as president of NEJETAA and and an active member of many of these organizations is to see more co-hosting and co-sponsoring of events. With such a strong foundation and support from wide range of active members, we have an excellent opportunity to really make an impact on US-Japan relations both locally and internationally. I’m looking forward to seeing how we all come together for the big cherry blossom anniversary event next year!

5.  JETAA Portland & Japan-America Society of Oregon

The Japan America Society of Oregon is $50 annually for an individual/family.  It is even more for businesses to have a corporate membership.  It seems that only through membership can you receive information on event details, unless you hear through a member.

In the past year, JETAA Portland has sent one or two representatives to a monthly meeting called J-ROC, which is Japan Related Organizations Coordinating group.  This group has made it so that all Japan related groups know and can plan according to other community events.  There is a dotCal calendar that keeps events of Japan related events in the Portland area, that all JROC groups can access.

It seems that there are only one or two active JETAA Portland members that are also active in the JASO community at a time for the past several years.

4.  JETAA Hawaii & Japan-America Society of Hawaii (JASH)

Via former JETAA Hawaii President Kelsey Soma Turek (Fukuoka-ken, 2005-07), who works an Education Program Director at the Japan-America Society of Hawaii:

JASH and JETAA Hawaii have a good relationship. In fact, JASH has hired many JET alumni (there are currently four alumni working for JASH) in the past because of the great relationship with JETAA Hawaii and the excellent reputation (hard-working, experienced, friendly). Many JETAA Hawaii alumni also volunteer for our educational and membership programs (Japan Wizards Statewide Academic Team Competition, Annual Friendship Golf Tournament, networking events). JASH has also created a special, discounted membership category for JETAA Hawaii alumni. We are currently in the process of co-sponsoring a networking event for young professionals, including a guest speaker. JASH really values the relationship with JETAA Hawaii and hopes to continue fostering it in the future!

3.  JETAA Northern California & Japan Society of Northern California

Via JETAA NC Communications Director and former editor of Pacific Bridges Mark Frey (Kumamoto-ken, 2002-06):

Our local Japan-America Society is Japan Society of Northern California. Currently JETAANC is only partnering on occasional joint Happy Hour networking events with their Young Professional Group (YPG). We also do a fair amount of joint media outreach, by which I mean we feature some of their events on our website and social media and they feature some of our events on theirs.

Some of our Executive Committee and Board members are good friends with their President, Dana Lewis, who is open to partnering on the right kind of events. I also personally am in contact with another member of their staff.”

At least 3 of our alumni have worked at Japan Society in the past.

Finally, we have also supported the World Affairs Council for their Japanese Reception, which was also sponsored by Japan Society. We lent them some yukata for volunteers to wear and some of our alumni may have volunteered, not sure.

2.  JETAA Florida & Japan-America Society of Northwest Florida

Via JETAA Florida President Bahia Simons-Lane (Gunma-ken, Numata-shi, 2005-07)

This is indeed quite timely as I have been thinking a lot about getting involved with JAS after Peter Kelley’s talk.  Unfortunately, there is only one JAS in Florida and it’s it’s located in Northwest Florida where there are only a handful of JETAA members nearby.  It’s also very inaccessible to other regions of Florida where we have more JETs.  I do hope to contact them and try to get involved in more of their events, but we haven’t been connected with them as of yet.  I definitely regret that there are no JAS’s in other parts of Florida, particularly Miami where I live or Tampa/Orlando where we have a number of JET alums who could get involved with JAS activities.  So, in summary, Florida JETAA would like to be involved in JAS and their activities, but have been unable to be due to the lack of JAS’s in the areas of Florida where we have more concentrated membership.

I hope that helps!  I’ll give you an update when I get in touch with the JAS of Northwest Florida and see if it will be practical from Florida JETAA to get involved in their activities.

1.  JETAA Pittsburgh Subchapter (of JETAA NY) & Japan-America Society of Pennsylvania (based in Pittsburgh)

Via JETAA Pittsburgh Subchapter Representative Amiena Mahsoob:

So far we have collaborated with the Japan America Society of PA by publicizing their events. Several of us go to their events anyway or volunteer with them, so it’s a natural fit.

Don’t see your JETAA chapter or Japan-America Society represented here?  E-mail your info to jetwit [at] jetwit.com.

JS of Northern California

• 26th Annual Berkeley Kite Festival — Experience the excitement and artistry of modern kite flying at this festival to celebrate the renewal of life and the confirmation of community spirit. Special guests include the Sode Cho Kite Team of Hamamatsu, Japan. This event, which is free and open to the public, features the Japanese-Style Rokkaku Kite Battle for the Skies as well as free kite making and a candy drop for kids.
  • Date: July 30-31
  • Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Place: Cesar E. Chavez Park at the Berkeley Marina
  • For more information: click here.

JAS of Dallas/Fort Worth

Radio broadcast of “Letters from Sendai” — Here is one radio broadcast you won’t want to miss. KERA News is broadcasting a continuing series titled “Letters from Sendai,” featuring letters written by earthquake survivors. Volunteers with the Japan Society helped collect the letters from people in Sendai, translate them into English and record readings of them at the KERA studio. The next installment will air Aug. 1 on 90.1 FM. You can hear it during Morning Edition (6:30-8:30 a.m,) and All Things Considered (4:30-6:30 p.m.). The approximate times will be 6:30 a.m., 8:30 a.m., and 5:20 p.m. For links to podcasts of previous broadcasts from the series, click here.

JAS of Colorado

• Colorado-Yamagata 25th Anniversary Celebration Luncheon — JASC will host a luncheon to celebrate 25 years of exchange between Colorado and Yamagata this August. A delegation of eight from Yamagata, including Vice Governor Takashi Takahashi and Kozo Taira, Chairperson of the Yamagata Prefectural Assembly, will visit Colorado in celebration of the 25th anniversary of the sister-state relationship between Colorado and Yamagata Prefecture. The keynote speaker will be Ichiro Fujisaki, Japanese Ambassador to the United States.
  • Date: Saturday, Aug. 6
  • Time: Registration starts 11:30 a.m., luncheon at noon
  • Place: Brown Palace Hotel, Grand Ballroom, 321 17th St., Denver
  • For more information: click here.

Does your Japan America Society have an upcoming event that you’d like to share with JetWit readers? Email Gail the info at gail (at) jetwit (dot) com.

**************

I recently learned that former JETAA Hawaii President Kelsey Soma Turek (Fukuoka-ken, 2005-07), who by day is an Education Program Director at the Japan-America Society of Hawaii, is involved in the implementation of a program in Hawaii aimed at helping out students from Tohoku.  In Kelsey’s words:

“The Rainbow for Japan Kids project is aimed at providing positive educational and cultural experiences for children in Iwate, Miyagi, and Fukushima prefectures who have experienced some sort of trauma/devastation/loss from the Great East Earthquake in March. The organization at which I work (Japan-America Society of Hawaii) is responsible for planning this project, working with supporters in Japan and Hawaii.

As Educational Program Director, I am personally in charge of arranging many of the activities (team development courses at Kualoa Ranch, Camp Erdman on Oahu’s North Shore, Kilauea Military Camp on the Big Island of Hawaii) for the 20 middle school students during their 10-day stay beginning tomorrow.

Generous donations make this project possible. We hope to do this quarterly over the next year. More info can be found at http://jashawaii.org/jpnaid3.asp.”

Do you know of a JET alum working for the benefit of the Tohoku region through the organization where they work?  E-mail jetwit [at] jetwit.com to share their story for posting on JETwit.

Below are two reports by Peter for JSB as well as two for JDRFB.

• http://www.japansocietyboston.org/Tohoku
• http://www.japansocietyboston.org/Onagawa
• http://jdrfb.squarespace.com/blog/2011/7/19/transition-rescue-and-reconstruction-peter-grilli.html
• http://jdrfb.squarespace.com/blog/2011/7/12/report-from-onagawa.html

Via Shannon Jowett, Director of Communications for Japan Society in New York.

“In the second round of funding relief and recovery efforts in Japan, Japan Society is supporting NPOs and NGOs focusing on healthcare, mental health and children’s needs among others. Please find full details below, and let me know if you would like further information. I look forward to hearing from you.”

–Shannon

For Immediate Release

Japan Society Focuses on Healthcare, Children’s Needs in 2^nd Round of Allocations from the Japan Earthquake Relief Fund

New York, NY – Japan Society announced six organizations working in relief and recovery in Japan to receive $2.1 million in the second round of funding from the Society’s Japan Earthquake Relief Fund (JERF).

The organizations–AFS Intercultural Programs Japan, Care Center Yawaragi, Japanese Medical Society of America, Japan Primary Care Association, Supporting Union for Practical-Use of Educational Resources, and the Tokyo Volunteer Network for Disaster Relief–will receive grants to strengthen their relief and recovery efforts in the aftermath of the earthquake and tsunamis that struck northeastern Japan on March 11, 2011.

“As we announced earlier, Japan Society has made it a priority to support NGOs and other organizations that focus on healthcare, including mental health services, as well as the needs of children,” Japan Society President Motoatsu Sakurai said.  “After intensive research and lengthy discussions, we are pleased to announce our support of these six organizations.”

In addition to providing healthcare for the most in need—including the elderly, ill, disabled and pregnant—programs and services range from long-term support for local physicians to creating mental health clinics, serving those suffering from post-traumatic or pre-existing conditions. Additionally, organizations are setting up summer camp programs for children from Fukushima Prefecture. The six organizations to receive funds are as follows:

• AFS Intercultural Programs Japan is a non-profit international exchange organization for students and adults. AFS Japan provides a wide range of programming, including summer camp programs, and school-based exchange and shorter summer programs for high school students. With support from JERF, AFS Japan will provide scholarships for students from the Tohoku region for long-term exchange programs to the United States.
• Care Center Yawaragi is a non-profit organization in Tokyo that offers personalized home care services for the elderly, including group homes, short-stay services, day services, and home help services. In response to the March 11 disaster and with support from JERF, the organization will provide healthcare kits, including bicycles, ponchos, gloves, masks, and antiseptic, among other essentials necessary for healthcare providers in the region who care for the elderly, ill, disabled or pregnant. The healthcare workers will focus on those outside of the shelters who lack mobility or means and require home care.
• Japanese Medical Society of America (JMSA) is a professional medical association of Japanese speaking doctors in New York.  In partnership with the Fukushima Prefectural University Medical Center, it supports the Medical Center’s “Kokoro no Care” program, a project to create community-based multidisciplinary mental health clinics. These clinics will provide mental healthcare to patients with symptoms resulting from the March 11 disaster, as well as those with pre-existing conditions.
• Japan Primary Care Association is a professional society of medical practitioners, researchers and students that promotes best practices in the medical and health and welfare fields.  In response to the Tohoku earthquake, the Japan Primary Care Association established the Primary Care for All Team (PCAT) to undertake medical relief work in the region. JERF supports PCAT teams–multidisciplinary healthcare teams headed by doctors–who provide medical care to evacuees in shelters and temporary housing, and to those in need in their homes.  The healthcare teams also provide long-term support for local physicians in the region to ensure that patients have access to continued primary care, including a specialized team in obstetrics.
• Supporting Union for Practical-Use of Educational Resources, in partnership with Abukuma NS Net, both of which run summer camps for children all over Japan, started the Fukushima Kids Summer Camp for first through ninth graders from Fukushima Prefecture who cannot enjoy the outdoors this summer due to radiation concerns. With support from JERF, an additional 200 students will participate in the Fukushima Kids Summer Camp in Hokkaido.  The Supporting Union for Practical-Use of Educational Resources provided summer camp opportunities to children after the Hanshin Awaji and the Chuetsu earthquakes.
• Additionally, Japan Society extended another round of funding to the Tokyo Volunteer Network for Disaster Relief, which is collecting and distributing emergency relief goods, setting up a base in Tome, Miyagi Prefecture, and is coordinating the work of approximately 3,000 volunteers who distribute emergency relief supplies and aid clean-up efforts.

The Japan Earthquake Relief Fund, launched on March 12, 2011, has received over $10 million from over 21,000 donors, including individuals, corporations and foundations. One hundred percent of the tax-deductible contributions to the Relief Fund go to organizations that directly help victims.

On March 30, Japan Society announced its first round of funding of $1 million to four Japanese nonprofit organizations on the front line of relief and recovery. In addition to the Tokyo Volunteer Network for Disaster Relief, they are JEN, Entrepreneurial Training for Innovative Communities (ETIC), and the Japan NPO Center.

“We have been rigorously monitoring the work of the fund recipients from the first round, and we are pleased with the progress these organizations are making,” Mr. Sakurai said. Updates from the Relief Fund recipients can be found on the Society’s website, www.japansociety.org/earthquake.

Japan Society Vice President of External Relations Daniel Rosenblum said the Society continues to explore opportunities to fund the work of organizations that benefit children affected by the March 11 disaster, as well as organizations involved in long-term reconstruction efforts.

“We are working on the selection process for a third round of funding and will be making an announcement sometime in the fall,” he said.

The recovery and reconstruction process is likely to take five or even ten years, Mr. Sakurai said. “We are looking at a long-term process, and there is much uncertainty. But we are confident in the final analysis Japan will recover and thrive,” he said.

Those wishing to donate to the fund can go to www.japansociety.org/earthquake or mail a check to Japan Society, 333 East 47th Street, New York, New York 10017; Attn: Japan Earthquake Relief Fund. Checks should be made payable to “Japan Society” and indicate “Japan Earthquake Relief Fund” on the memo line of the check. For additional information, email japanrelief@japansociety.org.

In a previous announcement, Japan Society pledged half of all admission sales made March 14 through June 30, 2011 (totaling $50,000) to the fund. In addition, the Society organized the April 9 CONCERT FOR JAPAN, which drew 2,400 visitors, was viewed by over 200,000 people live on Ustream, and raised over $88,000 for the fund.

Japan Society is an American nonprofit committed to deepening mutual understanding between the United States and Japan in a global context. Now in its second century, the Society serves audiences across the United States and abroad through innovative programs in arts and culture, public policy, business, language, and education. For more information, visit www.japansociety.org or call 212-832-1155

#  #  #

_____

Shannon Jowett, Director of Communications

(p) 212-715-1205  (f) 212-715-1262  (e)  sjowett@japansociety.org

Japan Society | 333 E. 47th St. | New York, NY  10017 | www.japansociety.org

Donate Japan Earthquake Relief Fund

View Japan Society’s full Calendar of Events

Join Japan Society on Facebook

Follow Japan Society on Twitter

Visit About Japan: A Teacher’s Resource

Last night was Japan Society of New York’s Anual Sake Tasting:  Back to Basics event with a lecture by JET alum John Gauntner (Kanagawa-ken) (aka “The Sake Guy”), now the leading sake educator in the world, followed by a sake tasting (and mingling) with about 20 sake exporters from all over Japan.  I attended with professional Writer/Interpreter/Translator Stacy Smith (Kumamoto-ken CIR, 2000-03) (who writes the WIT Life posts on JETwit) and we had a terrific time, learning the basics of sake, running into Tomoko Okuno of Japan Society as well as Alma Jennings (Fukushima-ken, 2008-10) who was volunteering at the event, and of course finally getting to meet John in person.

John will be lecturing at similar events over the next few days in Boston, Toronto and several other cities in North America.  So keep your eyes out and, if you attend, make sure to say hi and let him know you’re a JET alum as well.

Thanks to Japan Society for putting on a great event!

Stacy Smith (CIR Kumamoto, 2000-03) and John Gauntner (Kanagawa)

**************

Sake tasting: JET alums Stacy Smith, Alma Jennings and Steven Horowitz sample sake with Kensuke Shichida, President of Saga Prefecture-based Tenzan Sake Brewery

Click Here to find out more information about the show.

Posted by Sam Frank, an ALT who taught English in Hiraizumi-Cho, Iwate Prefecture from 2002-2004 and worked in Shirahama-cho, Wakayama Prefecture as a JET from 2004-2006. He currently manages the New York Division of UnRated Magazine and works as a Project Manager/Web Producer at Arrow Root Media.

New York, NY – Japan Society today announced four Japanese nonprofit organizations that will receive a total of $1,000,000 in the first installment of funding from the Society’s Japan Earthquake Relief Fund for relief and recovery work in northeastern Japan.

The four organizations – Tokyo Volunteer Network for Disaster Relief, JEN, Entrepreneurial Training for Innovative Communities (ETIC), and the Japan NPO Center – are involved in immediate relief efforts to help victims of the earthquake and tsunamis that struck Japan on March 11, 2011.

“Each organization is on the front lines in Japan and is playing an important role in the relief process,” Japan Society President Motoatsu Sakurai said. “We are pleased to provide financial support to these groups.”

The Tokyo Volunteer Network for Disaster Relief is collecting and distributing emergency relief goods, setting up a base in Tome, Miyagi Prefecture, and will coordinate the work of approximately 3,000 volunteers—including students—who will work in groups of 15-50 for one week at a time to help distribute emergency relief supplies and begin clean-up efforts.

JEN is distributing emergency relief goods in Ishinomaki, Miyagi Prefecture, a remote fishing village hard hit by the tsunami; assessing the health needs of the community, particularly their mental health needs; and implementing a sludge removal program. They are also preparing for the longer term needs of Ishinomaki and other hard-to-reach villages.

ETIC is identifying the most vulnerable—the elderly, disabled, those with special medical needs—and providing them with emergency relief goods, connecting them with social services through partnerships with local organizations, and helping evacuate those whose needs cannot be met locally.

Japan NPO Center is identifying and supporting local community-based, grassroots NPOs and volunteer organizations involved in relief and sustainable recovery work throughout the affected region. Grants, averaging $10,000 each, are meant to reach smaller grassroots organizations with speed and flexibility. In this way, organizations that have close bonds with their communities are supported in amounts appropriate to their size.

Daniel Rosenblum, Vice President of External Affairs at Japan Society, who oversees the day-to-day operation of the fund, said, “Criteria for selection were the organizations’ implementation capability, efficiency, financial strength and transparency.”

“We’ve selected organizations we know well, have good track records, are accountable, and can maximize their impact,” Mr. Sakurai said.

The four organizations are part of the U.S.-Japan Innovators Network, a Japan Society initiative that provides opportunities for innovative and creative American, Japanese, and leaders from other parts of the world to connect and collaborate on pressing social issues, including disaster relief and recovery.

Mr. Sakurai said Japan Society will monitor the progress of the fund recipients while continuing to collect donations, and will post their progress, as much as is possible, on the Society’s website.

“Every day the world learns more about the extent of damage and devastation in Japan,” said Mr. Sakurai. “We will make announcements about where additional funds will be allocated in the future as we gauge longer term needs.”

Launched on March 12, 2011, the Japan Earthquake Relief Fund has received $2,842,754.60 from over 9,800 donors (as of March 29), including individuals, corporations and foundations. One hundred percent of the tax-deductible contributions to the fund go to organizations that directly help victims.

Depending on future contributions to the fund, new recipients may include organizations specializing in mid- to long-term recovery and reconstruction, as well as additional groups involved in relief efforts.

Those wishing to donate to the fund can go to www.japansociety.org/earthquake or mail a check to Japan Society, 333 East 47th Street, New York, New York 10017; Attn: Japan Earthquake Relief Fund. Checks should be made payable to “Japan Society” and indicate “Japan Earthquake Relief Fund” on the memo line of the check. For additional information, email japanrelief@japansociety.org.

In a previous announcement, Japan Society pledged half of all admission sales made March 14 through June 30, 2011, to the fund. In addition, Japan Society organized CONCERT FOR JAPAN on April 9, with all ticket sales going to the fund.

Japan Society is an American, nonprofit committed to deepening mutual understanding between the United States and Japan in a global context. Now in its second century, the Society serves audiences across the United States and abroad through innovative programs in arts and culture, public policy, business, language, and education. For more information, visit www.japansociety.org or call 212-832-1155.

JAS of Greater Austin

JASGA has created a disaster relief fund to collect donations for organizations involved directly with relief efforts in the northeastern area of Japan. Donations can be made online here. Alternatively, checks can be sent to Japan-America Society of Greater Austin
PO Box 9276
Austin, TX 78766. Please make checks payable to the Japan-America Society of Greater Austin and be sure to write Earthquake-Tsunami Relief Fund in the memo field.

JS of Boston

JSB partnered with the Boston Foundation and the Fish Family Foundation to create a new Japanese Disaster Relief Fund-Boston. Donations to this fund are now being accepted online at www.japanesedisasterrelieffund.org. This fund was established with an initial leadership grant of $100,000 from Atsuko and Lawrence Fish, who have also pledged to cover all administrative costs of the fund. This will make it possible for 100 percent of contributions to go directly to Japanese disaster victims and to the organizations working on the ground in Tohoku to help the people who need it most. For more information, click here.

JAS of Southern California

JASSCA has established the 2011 Japan Relief Fund. All donations will be forwarded to experienced non-governmental disaster relief agencies in Japan that have a proven track record of emergency humanitarian relief and restoration and development of destroyed areas. To donate, visit their website here.

JAS of Northern California

JASNC created the JSNC Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Relief Fund and pledges that 100 percent of contributions will be provided to Give2Asia, a highly regarded San Francisco-based philanthropy, to support relief efforts. Give2Asia will channel 95 percent of all funds received to Japanese NGOs working on the ground, with the remaining 5 percent funding Give2Aisa’s own work coordinating with and supporting those NGOs. Currently Give2Asia — in consultation with its advisor Japan NPO Network — is formulating relief plans with Second Harvest Japan and Shanti Volunteer Association. It is also in discussions with: Japanese Emergency NGOs (JEN), Saigai Volunteer Katsudo Shien Project Kaigi, Rescue Stock Yard, and Niigata Saigai (Disaster Volunteer Network). To donate, go here: http://give2asia.org/japansociety.

JAS of Chicago

The Japan America Society of Chicago is currently accepting donations for the Japan Earthquake Relief Fund. All proceeds will go directly to the Japanese Red Cross. To donate online, click here.

JAS of Greater Cincinnati

Donations for Japan relief are being accepted through the Red Cross at http://american.redcross.org/JASCincinnati.

JAS of Colorado

As of March 25, JASC had raised nearly $24,000 for relief efforts in Japan. Donations can be made through their website. 100 percent of donations are being forwarded to Japan.

JAS of Southern Colorado

JASSC is taking monetary donations that will be used to help the victims of the earthquake. We will coordinate with the Consulate General of Japan in Denver and with the National Association of Japan-America Societies to ensure that the donations go where most needed. All amounts donated will be sent directly to help those in need. No amounts will be deducted for JASSC’s administrative expenses. To donate, go here: http://www.japanamerica.org/events.html.

JAS of Dallas/Fort Worth

The JASDFW has launched an emergency relief fund that will be used to aid relief and recovery efforts in Sendai, Japan. Sendai and Dallas have been International Friendship Cities since 1997, and money raised through the JASDFW fund will be sent to organizations involved directly with relief efforts in Sendai. Donations can be made online through DonorBridge. Checks can be mailed to Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth, 11615 Forest Central Drive, Suite 26, Dallas, TX 75243. Please make checks payable to the Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth and be sure to write Sendai Relief Fund in the memo field.

JAS of Georgia

JASG is accepting donations for Japan relief efforts through Pay Pal here.

JAS of Hawaii

JASH is collecting donations through their website. 100 percent of funds will go to Japan disaster relief through the Aloha for Japan Campaign to the Japanese Red Cross Society. To learn more, go here.

Heart of America JAS

The Heart of America Japan-America Society will send all donations directly to its sister city, Kurashiki. In turn, they will see that the entire amount is directed to the appropriate relief organization. Visit their website to donate.

JAS of Indiana

JAS of Indiana has established a statewide Japan Earthquake Relief Fund to provide assistance to the people of Japan in the region most directly impacted by the catastrophe. Contributions can be made through Japan-America Society of Indiana’s website. JASI has partnered with major banks Chase, Fifth Third, Old National and PNC to make the fund conveniently accessible for Indiana residents statewide. Donations are accepted at all branches of these financial institutions. 100 percent of the funds will be distributed in a timely manner to carefully selected and recognized Japanese relief organizations assisting the affected areas.

JAS of West Michigan

JAS of West Michigan is accepting donations online on behalf of several West Michigan organizations. To donate, click here.

JAS of Mississippi

The JASMIS Japan Relief Fund has been created to collect donations for disaster relief. 100 percent of the donations will be forwarded to Japanese relief agencies. To donate, simply send your check to Japan-America Society of Mississippi JRF, Post Office Box 7354, Tupelo, MS 38802-7354. Make checks payable to Japan-America Society of Mississippi. Please be sure to put “JASMIS Japan Relief Fund” in your check memo field.

JAS of Nevada

All donations collected by JASN for Earthquake / Tsunami Relief will go to the Japanese Red Cross Society via the Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco. Click here to learn more.

Japan Society of New York

Donations can be made online here: http://www.japansociety.org/earthquake. All contributions will go to organizations that directly help victims recover from the earthquake and tsunami. As of March 24, more than $2 million in donations had been collected.

JAS of Oregon

JASO has established the Oregon Japan Relief Fund in a partnership with Mercy Corps, a highly regarded relief agency based in Portland that has been alleviating suffering across the globe for 32 years. Mercy Corps teams with Peace Winds in Japan, a non-governmental organization dedicated to the support of people in distress. To donate, click here.

JAS of Pennsylvania

JASP has teamed up with the Brother’s Brother Foundation to collect donations for Japan disaster relief. The BBF, a 53-year old Pittsburgh-based international charity, has provided more than $3.4 billion of medical supplies, textbooks, food, seeds, and other humanitarian supplies to people around the world in more than 140 countries. To donate, click here.

JAS of Greater Philadelphia

JASGP has set up a fund for donations from Philadelphians who wish to assist in the relief effort. Funds will be directed to a destination determined by the government of Japan. Donations can be made by mail to Philadelphia Japan Disaster Relief Fund
ATTN: Laura Rose
Beneficial Bank,
4733 West Chester Pike,
Newtown Square, PA 19073.
Please make checks payable to: Philadelphia Japan Disaster Relief Fund.

JAS of San Antonio

Donations to the American Red Cross can be made through JASSA’s website. Through March 31, JASSA will match each donation up to $250 total.

JAS of St. Louis

JAS of St. Louis created the Earthquake and Tsunami Relief Fund to collect donations for non-governmental disaster relief agencies in Japan for emergency humanitarian relief and restoration of destroyed areas. All amounts donated to JAS will be sent to help those in need, with nothing being deducted for JAS’ administrative expenses. Donations will be accepted until June 30, 2011. To donate online, click here.

JAS of Tennessee

In partnership with the Japanese Traders and Manufacturer Association of Memphis and the Greater Memphis Chamber, donations to the JAST Tennessee Tomodachi Fund for Earthquake and Tsunami Relief are now being accepted at all First Tennessee Bank branches statewide. Contributions will be directed in full, without bank processing fees, to the Tennessee Tomodachi Fund through a special account. 100 percent of donations received will then be directed in a timely manner by JAST to relief efforts implemented by recognized and reputable Japanese relief organizations engaged in the affected areas now and during the process of recovery ahead. For more information or to make a donation, click here.

JAS of Washington DC

The National Cherry Blossom Festival has set up a fund for donations to the American Red Cross. To donate, click here.

JAS of Central Ohio

• What: Candlelight vigil
• Where: Front steps of Thomas Worthington High School, 300 W. Granville Road, Worthington
• When: Thursday, March 24 at 7:30 p.m.
• Details: There will be music and a couple students speaking. Donations will be collected for the Red Cross fund for Japan.

• What: Soprano Seiko Lee Benefit Concert for Japanese Earthquake Relief
• Where: Dublin Recreation Center – Abbey Theater, 5600 Post Road, Dublin, Ohio
• When: Sunday, March 27 at 6 p.m. (doors open at 5:30 p.m.)
• Details: The performance will feature Kenichiro Matsuda (Columbus Symphony), Hanamizuki no Kai (Columbus Japanese Women’s Chorus) and Eiko Toyoda (piano). Tickets/Suggested Donation $20 per person or two for $30. 100% of all ticket sales and donations will go to the Red Cross Japanese Chapter and will be directly used to support victims in Fukushima Prefecture through the Seiko Lee Project staff members. There are only 200 seats available, so pre-ordering tickets is recommended. Contact Ms. Asako Kim at 614-560-7796, Akai Hana Restaurant or Tensuke Market for more information or to purchase tickets. There is an age limit of 7 years and older.

JAS of Washington DC

• What: Stand With Japan event
• Where: The grounds of the Washington Monument
• When: Thursday, March 24 at 6:30 p.m.
• Details: The National Cherry Blossom Festival, its partners, participants and supporters invite you to gather at the Washington Monument followed by a walk around the Tidal Basin in the spirit of hope and rebuilding. This will be an opportunity for people to unite and connect, as well as contribute to the Festival’s Japan relief efforts, directly supporting the American Red Cross and their Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami fund. Visit www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org for more information.

JAS of Kentucky

• What: Discussion forum about the earthquake
• Where: W.T. Young Library Auditorium of the University of Kentucky
• When: Monday, March 28 from 4:10 to 6:10 p.m.
• Details: The discussion forum will feature the following individuals, all of whom experienced the earthquake and/or saw its aftermath in Japan: Doug Slaymaker (Modern and Classical Languages, Literatures and Cultures [MCLLC]), Keiko Tanaka (Community and Leadership Development) and Akiko Takenaka (History). In addition, the forum also will include Susan Gardner (Physics and Astronomy) and Dhananjay Ravat (Earth and Environmental Sciences). These panelists will explore issues pertaining to the earthquake from multiple perspectives. Masamichi (Marro) Inoue (MCLLC, Director of the Japan Studies Program) will introduce and moderate the discussion. This forum will be an occasion for information sharing, cross-cultural community building, and academic engagement in social issues. Donations to the Red Cross will be accepted. The forum is free and open to the public.

• What: Bluegrass Community Walk for Japan Relief
• Where: Coldstream Research Park in North Lexington
• When: Saturday, March 26 at 10 a.m.
• Details: Residents of the Bluegrass Region who wish to show their support for the disaster victims will come together for this free community event. Donations for Japan disaster relief will be accepted by the Bluegrass Chapter of the American Red Cross.

JS of New York

• What: Concert for Japan
• Where: Japan Society, 333 E. 47th St. between 1st and 2nd avenues
• When: Saturday, April 9, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• Details: Twelve hours of music and special activities will benefit Japan Society’s Japan Earthquake Relief Fund. 100% of proceeds from the event and tax-deductible contributions made on site to the relief fund will go to organizations that directly help victims recover from the earthquake and tsunami. With dozens of performances throughout the day, confirmed gala blocks feature Philip Glass & Hal Willner, Lou Reed, Laurie Anderson and Zorn (starting at 1 p.m.), and Ryuichi Sakamoto and Bill Laswell and gigi band (starting at 6 p.m.). In addition to the music, there will be activities for all ages. Participants will have the chance to make origami cranes and washi lanterns, take basic Japanese language lessons and access to Japan Society’s current gallery exhibition, “By Bye Kitty!!! Between Heaven & Hell in Contemporary Japanese Art.” The entrance fee is $5. Gala blocks are $100 per block. For more information, click here.

JAS of Northern California

• What: Japan Earthquake Relief Form and Update
• Where: Morrison & Foerster LLP, 425 Market St., 33F, San Francisco
• When: Monday, March 28, Noon to 2 p.m.
• Details: This free brown bag lunch meeting will focus on Japan Society earthquake and tsunami relief efforts and how the disaster may shape Japan’s future at home, regionally and globally. Dr. Barnett F. Baron, President and CEO of Give2Asia, will discuss his organizations work in the crisis, as well as the Japanese NPOs on the ground that Japan Society and Give2Asia are funding during this catastrophe. Dr. T.J. Pempel, Professor of Political Science at UC Berkeley, will provide a broader view of the long-term impacts. Advance registration required. For more information, click here.

JAS of Greater Austin

• What: Japanese Dance Workshop
• Where: Asian American Cultural Center, 11713 Jollyville Road, Austin, Texas
• When: Saturday, March 26. Session 1 is 1:30 to 2:45 p.m. Session 2 is 3 to 4:15 p.m.
• Details: Learn Japanese folk dance during this workshop with kodo artist Chieko Kojima to raise funds for the earthquake and tsunami victims of Japan. The fee is $15 for JASGA members of $20 for non-members. The first session is for participants who have basic skills and knowledge of Japanese dance, and the second session is for beginners. For more information, click here.

Japan America Society of Colorado

• Tsugaru Shamisen performance — Come hear a free performance by the Monsters of Shamisen, Kevin Kmetz and Mike Penny. They are the first non-Japanese Tsugaru Shamisen performers ever to have participated and placed in the national Tsugaru Shamisen tournaments held annually in the Tsugaru region of northern Japan. Kmetz and Penny have performed throughout Japan and the U.S. in a great number of musical groups. Their music is influenced by a wide variety of musical styles including baroque/classical, Balkan gypsy, American bluegrass, Irish folk music and modern rock/pop.
  • Date: Monday, Feb. 21
  • Time: 7:30 p.m.
  • Place: University of Colorado Denver, King Center Concert Hall, 855 Lawrence Way on the Auraria Campus
  • For more information, click here.

JAS of Greater Cincinnati

• Performance by Japanese violinist — Wright State University will host a free recital by world-class violinist Takayoshi Wanami, a blind violinist who has performed and recorded with some of the finest orchestras around the world, including the London Philharmonic, Leipzig Gewandhaus, the Philharmonia, and the Academy of St. Martins in the Fields, among others. The performance will feature works by Beethoven, Ysaye, Takemitsu and Tchaikovsky. Also during the event, the University Orchestra will play Bruch’s Violin Concerto No. 1.
  • Date: Tuesday, Feb. 22
  • Time: 8 p.m.
  • Place: Wright State University’s Schuster Hall, Creative Arts Center
  • For more information, click here.

JAS of the State of Washington

• Shadows of a Fleeting World: Pictorial Photography and the Seattle Camera Club — In the 1920s, Seattle’s first photography group was founded by Japanese immigrants who were denied citizenship and went on to dominate exhibitions and win numerous prizes. To create their work, which combined pictorial photography and Japanese traditional art, photographers used a blurry focus, altered the photos during development and captured emotions in a style that took its cue from the painting of the era. These photographs will be on display at a JASSW reception with guided tours and discussion.
  • Date: Thursday, March 31
  • Time: To Be Announced (evening)
  • Place: Henry Art Gallery, 15th Ave NE & NE 41st, Seattle
  • For more information, click here.

Does your Japan America Society have an upcoming event that you’d like to share with JetWit readers? Email Gail the info at gail (at) jetwit (dot) com.

JAS of Dallas/Fort Worth

• 11th Annual Mochitsuki New Year’s Celebration — Celebrate the New Year Japanese style with demonstrations of mochitsuki (pounding sweet rice with a mallet and mortar to make rice cakes) and sample the end result with anko, kinako, nori, or Sendai’s special zunda-mochi. The afternoon will feature live performances by taiko drummers, a children’s choir, traditional Japanese dancers and a kimono demonstration. Other activities include New Year’s games for children, origami, calligraphy, and ikebana. Cost is $8 for non-members, $5 for members, $2 for children aged 6 to 12 years, free for children ages 5 and under.
  • Date: Sunday, January 16
  • Time: 2 to 5 p.m.
  • Place: Fujitsu Network Communications, Inc., 2801 Telecom Parkway, Richardson, Texas 75082
  • For more information, click here.
  • Contact: info (at) jasdfw (dot) org or 214-342-2022

JAS of Pennsylvania

• Pittsburgh Sushi Experience — How’s a resolution to try more sushi sound? In 2011, the JAS of Pennsylvania will visit four Pittsburgh sushi restaurants. The first gathering will be at the trendy Penn Avenue Fish Company, where you can sample fusion sushi and a host of other aquatic offerings. Be sure to bring your business card to participate in a drawing for a gift card.
  • Date: Thursday, Jan. 20
  • Time: 7 p.m.
  • Place: 308 Forbes Ave. (near Honus Wagner), downtown Pittsburgh
  • For more information, click here.

JAS of Greater Cincinnati

• Speaker Series Presentation — Dr. William R. Farrell will give a presentation titled “From Black Ships to a Black President: Images and Reality in US-Japan Relations.” Using wood block prints, post cards and political cartoons, he will take the audience on a lively tour through history, viewing events such as Commodore Perry’s arrival, the road to Pearl Harbor, World War II, the Occupation, trade wars and the current international situation.
  • Date: Thursday, Jan. 27
  • Time: JASGC annual meeting at 5 p.m. Speaker presentation at 5:30 p.m.
  • Place: Taft Center, 425 Walnut St., Cincinnati
  • For more information, click here.

Does your Japan America Society have an upcoming event that you’d like to share with JetWit readers? Email the info to Gail at gail (at) jetwit (dot) com.

JAS of Colorado

• Hatsuharu no Kai (New Year’s Celebration) — Don’t forget to eat your mochi! (Who needs Ovaltine, anyway?) Join students from the Japanese School of Denver as they greet 2011 by pounding rice into mochi, practicing calligraphy and demonstrating a tea ceremony.
  • Date: Sunday, Jan. 9
  • Time: Noon to 3 p.m.
  • Place: Arapahoe Community College, Littleton campus
  • For more information, click here.

JS of Northern California

• Outdoor Film Series — Check out this series of free events in Japantown Peace Plaza over the next few months. Events include film screenings and karaoke contests. December’s film presentation is Tokyo Godfathers, a film set in Tokyo at Christmas. Three homeless friends—a young girl, a transvestite, and a middle-aged bum—are foraging through some trash when they find an abandoned newborn. Hana, the transvestite with delusions of being a mother, convinces the others to keep it overnight. The next day, using a key found with the baby, they start tracking down the parents, with many adventures along the way.
  • Date: Saturday, Dec. 11
  • Time: 7 p.m.
  • Place: Peace Plaza in Japantown, Post Street at Buchanan Street, San Francisco
  • For more information, click here.

Does your Japan America Society have an upcoming event that you’d like to share with JetWit readers? Email Gail the info.

JAS of Washington D.C.

• Inside a Japanese Kitchen: Let’s Make Sukiyaki — In this two-part workshop, participants will learn about the wide variety of Japanese condiments such as dashi, miso and ponzu, and then how to use some of those condiments to make sukiyaki.
  • Date: Sunday, Dec. 5
  • Time: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Place: Maneki Neko Restaurant, 238 West Broad Street, Falls Church, Virginia
  • For more information, click here.

JAS of Central Ohio

• Japanese Business Culture: Working With Japanese Colleagues — Do you work at or with a Japanese company? This seminar is designed to help cover some of the challenges you may encounter, including: ways to communicate, styles of communication, Japanese style decision making, hierarchy of workers, role of the group, protocols (gift giving, greetings, business cards, etc.), and brief language introduction.
  • Date: Friday, Dec. 10
  • Time: 8 a.m. to noon
  • Place: Dublin Entrepreneurial Center, 7003 Post Road, Dublin
  • For more information, click here.

JS of Northern California

• Press Club YPG Bonenkai — Bid farewell to 2010 by sampling a wide variety of wine with Japan Society friends and food at the Press Club with its eight winery-exclusive tasting bars.
  • Date: Thursday, Dec. 16
  • Time: 6 to 9 p.m.
  • Place: Press Club, 20 Yerba Buena Lane, San Francisco
  • For more information, click here.

JS of Boston

• The New Era of Medicine with iPS Stem Cells — This lecture will be given by Dr. Shinya Yamanaka, Japan’s best known scientist in the field of stem-cell research. In addition to his Center for iPS Cell Research & Application at Kyoto University, he is also Senior Investigator, Gladstone Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, and Investigator in Stem Cell Biology at the University of California at San Francisco. He is the 2010 recipient of two of the world’s most prestigious awards for scientific research: The Kyoto Prize in Advanced Technology and The Balzan Prize.
  • Date: Monday, Dec. 13
  • Time: 4 to 6:30 p.m.
  • Place: The Joseph B. Martin Conference Center, Harvard Medical School, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston
  • For more information, click here.

Does your Japan America Society have an upcoming event that you’d like to share with JetWit readers? Email Gail Cetnar Meadows the info.

JAS of Kentucky

• The Horse in Japan Exhibit Tours – If you love horses and Japan, this program’s for you. Berea College will host a symposium and exhibit with artifacts from the Edo and Meiji periods in Japan, including wood blocks (ukiyo-e), examining the cross-cultural meanings of the horse in society. Tours will be available in English as well as Japanese.
  • Date: Saturday, Oct. 30
  • Time: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Place: Frost Building, Room 218, Berea College, Berea, Kentucky
  • For more information, click here.

JAS of Greater Austin

• Japanese Home Style Cooking Class – Learn how to make authentic Japanese food in this hands-on, intimate and practical cooking class. Participants will learn easy recipes that don’t require many special ingredients or tools.
  • Date: Sunday, Oct. 24
  • Time: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
  • Place: Ryu of Japan, 11101 Burnet Road, Austin, Texas
  • For more information, click here.

JAS of the State of Washington

• Green Energy Event – This event, titled “Adding‘$Green¥’ to the Bottom Line”, brings together speakers from four companies all involved in some aspect of green energy. Two of the companies have green energy products at different stages of development, the third is responsible for developing an electric vehicle charging infrastructure in a six-state region, and the fourth represents a consulting firm and will provide a broad overview of green energy in both Japan and the United States. Additionally, there will be a demonstration by Canycom of one of their all-electric utility vehicles before the event.
  • Date: Wednesday, Oct. 27
  • Time: 5 to 8:30 p.m.
  • Place: PACCAR Hall Seattle UW Campus
  • For more information, click here.

Do your Japan America Society have an upcoming event that you’d like to share with JetWit readers? Email Gail Cetnar Meadows the info.

JAS of Boston 

• Japanese Buddhist Fire Ceremony — Join a group of Tendai Buddhist monks from Japan as they present sacred chants and perform the dramatic, traditional outdoor goma (fire) ceremony. Discover the meaning behind the ceremony, and participate by writing prayers for sanctification. Curator Anne Nishimura Morse will discuss Buddhist images acquired for the Boston Museum of Fine Arts by three benefactors.
  • Date: Sunday, Oct. 24
  • Time: 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
  • Place: Remis Auditorium, 465 Huntington Ave., Boston
  • For more information, click here.

Heart of America JAS 

• History of Christianity in Japan – This program provides a unique opportunity to learn about the multifaceted history of Christianity in Japan from its beginning until the present. Dr. Leroy Seat, who lived in Japan from 1966 to 2004 and taught at Seinan Gakuin University in Fukuoka for 36 years, will give a presentation of Christian history in Japan from the time of Francis Xavier’s arrival in 1549 until Dr. Seat’s own last visit to Japan last May.
  • Date: Tuesday, Oct. 26
  • Time: 7 to 9 p.m.
  • Place: Loose Park, 5200 Wornall Road, Kansas City, Missouri
  • For more information, click here.

JAS of Dallas/Fort Worth

• Godzilla and Japanese Culture – Since the monster’s first appearance more than 50 years ago, Godzilla has become a cinematic icon and a globally recognized symbol of Japan. Southern Methodist University’s new dean and Godzilla expert, Dr. William Tsutsui, will give a talk exploring the serious lessons to be learned from the 28 Godzilla films and the abiding worldwide popularity of the King of the Monsters.
  • Date: Tuesday, Oct. 5
  • Time: Registration at 6:30 p.m.; Lecture at 7 p.m.; Reception at 8 p.m.
  • Place: McCord Auditorium, 3rd Floor, Dallas Hall, Southern Methodist University, 3225 University Drive, Dallas
  • For more information: http://www.jasdfw.org/downloads/godzilla.pdf

JAS of Minnesota

• Japan Career Day – This fall JASM will host its first Japan Career Day, aimed at students and young professionals looking to use their experience with Japanese language and culture in a future profession. This event will feature speakers, panel discussions and workshops on how to leverage your Japan experience into a successful career. Cost is $5 for JASM members or $10 for non-members. Following the Career Day will be a Sushi Social networking event where attendees can network with established Japan professionals from around the metro area. The social costs $30 for JASM members or $35 for non-members.
  • Date: Saturday, Nov. 6
  • Time: Career Day from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Sushi Social from 5 to 7 p.m.
  • Place: Career Day will be at Macalester College, Alexander Hill Ballroom, 1600 Grand Ave., St. Paul. The Sushi Social will be at Sakura restaurant, 350 Saint Peter St., St. Paul.
  • For more information or to RSVP: Call the JASM office at 612-627-9357 or e-mail jasm (at) us-japan (dot) org.

JAS of Greater Philadelphia

• US-Japan Business Luncheon – The keynote speaker at this luncheon will be Shuhei Aoki, Bank of Japan’s General Manager for the Americas and Chief Representative in New York. Mr. Aoki will explore the topic “Can Japan Prosper Again?” With China having passed Japan as the world’s second largest economy, Aoki will address questions about whether Japan can regain its economic momentum by expanding trade with China, or whether the U.S. is a more reliable partner.
  • Date: Thursday, Oct. 28
  • Time: Registration at 11:30 a.m.; Lunch and Networking at noon; Lecture and Q&A at 12:30 p.m.
  • Place: The Union League of Philadelphia, 140 S. Broad St.
  • For more information: http://jasgp.org/newsletter/current.html

Does your Japan America Society have an upcoming event that you’d like to share with JetWit readers? Email Gail the info.