JETAA Chapter Beat 7.15.09
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Freelance writer/editor Jonathan Trace (Fukuoka-ken, 2005-08) takes us on a walk around the JET Alumni community for another edition of JETAA Chapter Beat.
- East Bay Nomikai – Thursday, July 16th, 6:00 at Club Mallard in Albany. Drop by this month’s event for a drink, possibly followed by a karaoke nijikai.
- 18th Japanese Discussion Group “Taboo” – Saturday, July 18th, 3:00 at the Inner Sunset in San Francisco. The topic of this month’s discussion is “Health Care System in the US and Obama’s reform plan,” moderated by Shinya Yokota.
- 2009 JET Programme Pre-Departure Reception – Friday, July 17th, 6:00 at the Consulate General’s residence. Catch up with old friends and bid the newbies a fond farewell at this year’s reception. Space is limited so make your plans soon.
- Kaiwa – Thursday, July 16th and 30th, 5:30 at 43 Below. Practice your Japanese with old friends and some tasty snacks.
- Seattle Bon Odori – July 18th and 19th, 4:00 to 10:00(Sunday 3:00 – 9:00) at the Seattle Betsuin Buddhist Temple. Dancing, martial arts, crafts, food and more. Don’t miss it.
- Summer Picnic – Saturday, August 8th, 1:00 at the Mercer Island Luther Burbank Park. Semi-potluck(burgers and hot dogs provided) with prizes, puppet shows and games. Don’t miss it.
What happened at your chapter’s event? If you attend(ed) any of these exciting events, JetWit would love to hear about them. Just email Jonathan Trace with any info, stories or comments.
JETAA Chapter Beat: Tampa Natsu Matsuri a success!
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The Tampa Natsumari was held on July 11, organized by JETAA Florida’s Tampa Kumi together with the Consulate General of Japan in Miamiaa (where JET alum Abby McBain is now the JET Liaison). And according to initial reports it was a big success!
Approximately 150 people attended the event, which was not just for JET alumni but a community event. And Tampa Kumi’s John (the event coordinator and chief emailer) says, “A very big thank you to all of our volunteers. You are what makes this festival possible.”
O-tsukare sama deshita, Tampa Kumi! (If you have any photos, send them on to JetWit and we’ll post them.)
JETAA DC: Japan Through Our Eyes: Photographs by JET Program Participants
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Via JETAA DC:
Greetings JETAA DC members!
We are proud to announce plans to hold a JETAA photo exhibit entitled, “Japan Through Our Eyes: Photographs by JET Program Participants,” which will be held at the Embassy of Japan’s Japan Information & Culture Center (JICC) this December. This exhibit will highlight the works of current and former participants as a way to celebrate Japan and give JET Program participants an outlet for sharing their favorite memories of their time on the JET Program.
The objective of “Japan Through Our Eyes: Photographs by JET Program Participants” is to educate the public about Japan via the eyes of current and former JET participants.
To make this possible, we need YOUR photo submissions! We are now accepting photographs taken in Japan. Full submission guidelines are listed below. Make sure to send your photos by September 12th in order to be considered!
This exhibit is coordinated by JETAA DC, JICC, the JET Program office at the Embassy of Japan, and the Center for Professional Exchange (CEPEX).
I’m very excited that we’ve been given the opportunity to exhibit our photography at the Embassy of Japan. Let’s show the DC area our images from Japan! I look forward to seeing everyone’s submissions.
With best wishes,
Heather McDonald
Ad Hoc Chair
jetaadc_photos [at] yahoo.com
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
NOTE 1: Please limit your submission to no more than 3 photos.
NOTE 2: By entering your submission you are deemed to have accepted Terms and Conditions provided in the Group Rules, below. Read More
JETAA Chapter Beat 7.8.09
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Freelance writer/editor Jonathan Trace (Fukuoka-ken, 2005-08) takes us on a walk around the JET Alumni community for another edition of JETAA Chapter Beat.
- Wilson Park BBQ – Saturday, July 11th, 12:00 at Wilson Park in Torrance. Spend a day of sun and fun with friends, family and the new JETs.
- Studio Square Beer Garden – Saturday, July 11th, 1:00 at the new Studio Square Beer Garden in Long Island City. Have a drink or indulge in one of the many tasty offerings with friends and JETAANY.
- Movie Night: Tampopo – Friday, July 31st, 7:00 at Narrabundah. JETAA Canberra will be screening Itami Juzo’s classic film “Tampopo” with pizza and popcorn.
- Japanese Film Noir – July 16th through August 13th at the Arc Cinema at the National Film and Sound Archive.
- Tampa Natsu Matsuri – Saturday, July 11th, 9:00 to 11:00. Celebrate the summer Japan-style with Japanese food, games and even a yukata/jinbei clothing contest.
- Karaoke Night – Saturday, July 18th, 7:30 at Muse Cafe. Asian style karaoke for JET alumni and new JETs alike, so come out and show off those singing skills for all to see.
- J-Dinner – Tuesday, July 14th, 5:30 Happy Hour, 7:30 Dinner at Asia Nine. This month’s event includes a happy hour and the normal dinner, so drop by and have a laugh with old friends.
- July Happy Hour – Wednesday, July 15th, 5:30 in the courtyard of Hotel Monaco/Poste. Relax after a hot day with a cool drink and JETAADC.
- July Happy Hour – Friday, July 10th, 6:00 at Wann Izakaya in Belltown. Start the weekend right with good friends and a cold drink.
- Seattle Bon Odori – July 18th and 19th, 4:00 to 10:00(Sunday 3:00 – 9:00) at the Seattle Betsuin Buddhist Temple. Dancing, martial arts, crafts, food and more. Don’t miss it.
What happened at your chapter’s event? If you attend(ed) any of these exciting events, JetWit would love to hear about them. Just email Jonathan Trace with any info, stories or comments.
New JETAA Brazil Country Representative
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JetWit is happy to share that Brazil’s JETAA chapter has a new Country Representative as of July 1st.
Please meet Cristiane Megumi Hayato, who attended the last JETAA International meeting in Paris last September.
Also, a big o-tsukare sama deshita to outgoing Country Rep Cristina Izumi Sagara, who has done a fantastic job on behalf of JETAA Brazil for the past 9 years, also serving as a JETAA International officer for part of her time.
New JETAA Hawaii website/blog?
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Just came across a JETAA Hawaii website/blog: http://jetaahawaii.wordpress.com/.
And I found it because they list JetWit.com in the sidebar which led someone to click through to JetWit.
Thanks JETAA Hawaii! Aloha from JetWit-Land!
JETAA Chapter Beat 7.1.09
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Freelance writer/editor Jonathan Trace (Fukuoka-ken, 2005-08) takes us on a walk around the JET Alumni community for another edition of JETAA Chapter Beat.
- 2009 JET Programme Pre-Departure Reception – Friday, July 17th, 6:00 at the Consulate General’s residence. Catch up with old friends and bid the newbies a fond farewell at this year’s reception. Space is limited so make your plans soon.
- Unofficial Pre-Departure Reception – Friday, July 10th, 6:00 at Jun Restaurant. In case you can’t make the official reception, why not join JETAAWA to see off the new crop of JET participants and share your experiences.
- O-Shaberikai – Wednesday, July 1st, 5:30 at the Holy Grail in Civic. Join in and meet Japanese people living in Canberra and other locals interested in Japan.
- Movie Night: Tampopo – Friday, July 31st, 7:00 at Narrabundah. JETAA Canberra will be screening Itami Juzo’s classic film “Tampopo” with pizza and popcorn.
- Tampa Natsu Matsuri – Saturday, July 11th, 9:00 to 11:00. Celebrate the summer Japan-style with Japanese food, games and even a yukata/jinbei clothing contest.
- Tampa Subchapter Tsudoi – Friday, July 3rd, 7:00 at Panera Bread in the Brandon Mall. The Tampa Subchapter will be hosting their monthly Tsudoi, an informal time for anyone interested in Japanese and Japanese culture.
- Chinatown/International District Summer Festival Call for Volunteers – Saturday July 11th and Sunday July 12th this year’s Seattle Chinatown/International Summer Festival will be held and PNWJETAA is looking for volunteers. Help your community, spend the day outside and get a free T-shirt.
- July Meeting – Wednesday, July 1st, 6:30 at the Convention Center Atrium. Join in and become an active voice in the JETAA community.
- July Happy Hour – Friday, July 10th, 6:00 at Wann Izakaya in Belltown. Start the weekend right with good friends and a cold drink.
- Next Book Club Selection: Yakuza Moon – JETAANC’s book club will be discussing Yakuza Moon: Memoirs of a Gangster’s Daughter by Shoko Tendo at its next meeting(date and time TBA). Start reading now so you can join in on the discussion.
- July San Francisco Nomikai – Thursday, July 2nd, 6:00 at the Jade Bar. Check out this month’s happy hour. New JETs leaving in August are invited to join and ease some of that pre-departured tension.
- July Happy Hour – Wednesday, July 15th, 5:30 in the courtyard of Hotel Monaco/Poste. Relax after a hot day with a cool drink and JETAADC.
What happened at your chapter’s event? If you attend(ed) any of these exciting events, JetWit would love to hear about them. Just email Jonathan Trace with any info, stories or comments.
JetWit is happy to share that Kate Chevarley is in the process of getting a JETAA Fingerlakes subchapter up and running.
If you live in or anywhere near a Fingerlake (or if you are a Fingerlake), then feel free to get in touch with Kate for some JET alum community (which I have to imagine will at some point involve wine tastings and/or grape pies).
If you have no idea what a Fingerlake is, then read up on the topic on Wikipedia.
JetWit Blog Beat: Isshoni London by Vanessa Villalobos
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Just learned about a terrific blog and resource for UK-oriented JET alums called Isshoni London (http://www.isshonilondon.co.uk/), “the Gateway to Japanese London.” And the best part is it’s written by JET alum Vanessa Villalobos who is also the Communications Officer for JETAA UK.
The site include:
As well as listing of evens covering everything from a Japanese/English meetup picnic in Greenwich to an Okinawa festival to a manga signing event.
You can also follow Isshoni London on Twitter (http://twitter.com/IsshoniVanessa), and Vanessa helpfully includes a list of the “Top Japan-related people to follow on Twitter.”
Pre-Departure Orientation: The Documents!
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Thanks to JETAA NY Webmaster Lee-Sean Huang (Oita-ken, 2003-06) and JETAA NY President Megan Miller (Hyogo-ken, 2000-02), below is a link to all of the PowerPoints and PDFs of presentations at the JETAA NY Predeparture Orientation which was held this past weekend on Saturday, June 20, 2009.
http://jetaany.org/2009/06/21/2009-jet-pre-departure-documents/
- Asian-American JETS (Powerpoint)
- Travel In and Out of Japan (PDF)
- Japanese Etiquette (Powerpoint)
- Life as a JET (.ppt)
- Vegetarian in Japan – Vocabulary Sheet (Word Document)
- Vegetarian in Japan – Wallet Card (Word .doc)
- Vegetarian in Japan – Wallet Card (Word .docx)
- Women’s Issues Seminar (.pptx)
If you have documents, or links to documents, from the Pre-Departure Orientation in your chapter, please feel free to e-mail them to jetwit [at] jetwit [dotc] com and we’ll post them here for the benefit of JETs as well as for the benefit of JET alums who will organize future Pre-D Orientations. Also, please feel free to e-mail a write-up about your chapter’s Pre-D Orientation and how it went. Other chapters would love to hear about it.
JETAA Chapter Beat 6.17.09
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Freelance writer/editor Jonathan Trace (Fukuoka-ken, 2005-08) takes us on a walk around the JET Alumni community for another edition of JETAA Chapter Beat.
- Pre-Departure Seminar – Saturday, June 27th, 8:00 to 5:00 at Almansor Court. The 2009 JET participants are gearing up for their adventure to Japan, and JETAASC is leading the way with this orientation weekend. Workshops include: Financial Matters, First Time Teachers, Advice on Moving, Japanese Etiquette for Beginners and Jr./Sr. HIgh School.
- Wilson Park BBQ – Saturday, July 11th, 12:00 at Wilson Park in Torrance. Spend a summer day outside with JETs, family and JET alumni.
- JET Pre-Departure Reception – July 31st in Detroit. JETAA and the new batch of 2009 JET Participants are getting together before the day of departure arrives for some guidance, laughter and memories.
- Ask JET Brownbag Lunch – June 21st, 12:00 to 2:00 at Golden Gate Park Arboretum. 2009 JET Participants are welcomed to this informal get together to ask questions and learn about the JET experience by JET alumni. Don’t miss this great chance to learn and share.
- Pre-Departure Volunteers Needed for Workshops – As the 2009 group of JET Participants prepare to leave, JETAANC is looking for volunteers for a Japanese Cross Culture Workshop and a Q&A for New JETs Workshop.
- Natsu Matsuri Summer Picnic – Sunday, June 28th, 11:00 to 3:00 at Golden Gate Park Speedway Meadow. New JET participants, JET Alumni and friends are getting together for a casual ad fun day outside with good food and company.
- 2009 JET Q&A Session and Nijikai – Sunday June 27th following the weekend orientation activities PNWJETAA will be hosting a special pizza dinner and Q&A session for new JET Participants. Afterwards will be a Nijikai at the Elephant and Castle.
- Walk for Rice – Saturday, June 20th, 8:00 to 12:30 at Seward Park. Join PNWJETAA in a free 2.5 mile fun run and walk-a-thon to benefit the Asian Counseling and Referral Sevice Food Bank.
- JETAADC Volunteer Event – Sunday, June 28th, 11:30 to 1:30 at Loaves and Fishes in Columbia Heights. This years JETAA Volunteer Event will be preparing and serving hot lunches for 200 people in need at Loaves and Fishes. Lend a hand and spend the day giving back.
- NOVA Brewfest – Saturday, June 27th at the Morven Park in Leesburg, VA. JETAADC is getting together at this years Northern Virginia Summer Brewfest “Celebration of American Beer.” More details soon.
- Shaitsu Clinic and Workshop – Friday, July 10th, 6:00 at the YWCA Hotel. The Canadian College of Shiatsu Therapy and JETAABC are hosting an event to learn more about the shiatsu experience. Learn about it firsthand and let the stress melt away.
What happened at your chapter’s event? If you attend(ed) any of these exciting events, JetWit would love to hear about them. Just email Jonathan Trace with any info, stories or comments.
JETAA Chapter Beat 6.3.09
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Freelance writer/editor Jonathan Trace (Fukuoka-ken, 2005-08) takes us on a walk around the JET Alumni community for another edition of JETAA Chapter Beat.
- Scavenger Hunt – June 13th, location and other details to be announced.
- Pre-Departure Seminar Volunteers Needed – Saturday, June 27th, 8:00 to 5:00 at Almansor Court. The 2009 JET participants are gearing up for their adventure to Japan, and JETAASC is looking for JET Alumni to guide them on their way. Share your experiences, wisdom and laughs with the new crowd and become a volunteer.
- San Francisco Nomikai – Thursday, June 4th, 6:00 at Double Dutch. Cool off and hang with friends at this month’s Nomikai.
- Pre-Departure Volunteers Needed for Workshops – As the 2009 group of JET Participants prepare to leave, JETAANC is looking for volunteers for a Japanese Cross Culture Workshop and a Q&A for New JETs Workshop.
- Kickball! – Shobu Cup Round 2 – Saturday, July 11th, 11:00 to 3:00 at Golden Gate Park. JETAANC and the Japan Society of Northern California are facing off once again in a round of Kickball. Come enjoy some friendly competition followed by a potluck BBQ.
- Sushi Mixer – Saturday, June 13th, 3:00 to 7:00 at the Mirage Clubhouse. JETAA Texoma is hosting a sushi party to kick off the summer.
- Origami Workshops – June 16th, 17th and 18th, from 6:00 at the Consulate-General of Japan in Houston. JETAA Texoma needs a few volunteers to make origami for a Tanabata celebration in July. Come lend your hands and help out the consulate.
- Tampa Subchapter Tsudoi – Friday, June 5th, 7:00 at Panera Bread in the Brandon Mall. The Tampa Subchapter will be hosting their monthly Tsudoi, an informal time for anyone interested in Japanese and Japanese culture.
- Kaiwa – Thursday, June 4th and 18th, 5:30 at 43 Below. Practice your Japanese with old friends and some tasty snacks.
- Winter in the Valley Wine Tour – Sunday, June 28th 10:45 to 5:30. JETAAWA is heading on a wine tour to Lancaster Wine and Black Swan Winery as well as several other fun locations. Join in for a casual day of sophistication and fun.
- NOVA Brewfest – Saturday, June 27th at the Morven Park in Leesburg, VA. JETAADC is getting together at this years Northern Virginia Summer Brewfest “Celebration of American Beer.” More details soon.
- Happy Hour – Friday, June 5th, 6:00 at Wann Izakaya.
- Walk for Rice – Saturday, June 20th, 8:00 to 12:30 at Seward Park. Join PNWJETAA in a free 2.5 mile fun run and walk-a-thon to benefit the Asian Counseling and Referral Sevice Food Bank.
What happened at your chapter’s event? If you attend(ed) any of these exciting events, JetWit would love to hear about them. Just email Jonathan Trace with any info, stories or comments.
JETAA Chapter Beat 5.20.09
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Freelance writer/editor Jonathan Trace (Fukuoka-ken, 2005-08) takes us on a walk around the JET Alumni community for another edition of JETAA Chapter Beat.
- East Bay Nomikai Happy Hour – Thursday, May 21st, 6:00 at Conga Lounge. Celebrate summer’s imminent arrival with Mai Tais, friends and JETAANC.
- South Bay Nomikai – Friday, May 22nd, 7:00 at the Tied House in Mountain View. In case you can’t make the event Thursday, come down to south bay for a drink.
- JETAANC Book Club Meeting – The next official meeting of the Book Club is happening in June. The discussion will center around “Silence” by Shusaku Endo. Start reading so you’ll be ready come June.
- JETAA DC Alumni Social Event at Pimlico Race Course – May 23rd at the Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, MD. The first race is 11:30 and admissions is free.
- J-Lunch – Wednesday, May 27th, 12:00 at McCormick & Schmicks. A small get together for Japanese people and anyone interested in Japan.
- Walk for Rice – Saturday, June 20th, 8:00 to 12:30 at Seward Park. Join PNWJETAA in a free 2.5 mile fun run and walk-a-thon to benefit the Asian Counseling and Referral Sevice Food Bank.
- Camp JET at Lake Arrowhead – May 29th – May 31st at Lake Arrowhead. Spend the weekend roughing it with JETAASC.
- Sushi Rolling at Satsuko – Tuesday, May 27th, 7:00 at Satsuko. Learn how to roll your own sushi so you’ll never go hungry again.
What happened at your chapter’s event? If you attend(ed) any of these exciting events, JetWit would love to hear about them. Just email Jonathan Trace with any info, stories or comments.
JETAA Chapter Beat 5.13.09
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Freelance writer/editor Jonathan Trace (Fukuoka-ken, 2005-08) takes us on a walk around the JET Alumni community for another edition of JETAA Chapter Beat.
- J-Dinner – Thursday, May 14th, 7:00 at Meiwah.
- JBook Book Club – Monday, May 18th, 6:30 at Penn Quarter Teaism. May’s topic of discussion is “Moribito” by Nahoko Uehashi. New members always welcome, so drop on by.
- JETAA DC Alumni Social Event at Pimlico Race Course – May 23rd at the Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, MD. The first race is 11:30 and admissions is free.
- Camp JET at Lake Arrowhead – May 29th – May 31st at Lake Arrowhead. Spend the weekend roughing it with JETAASC.
- Pre-Departure Seminar Volunteers Needed! – Saturday, June 27th, 8:00 to 5:00 at Almansor Court. The 2009 JET participants are gearing up for their adventure to Japan, and JETAASC is looking for JET Alumni to guide them on their way. Share your experiences, wisdom and laughs with the new crowd and become a volunteer.
- Pre-Departure Seminar Volunteers Needed Canada Style – Saturday, June 27th at BCIT Downtown Campus. JETAABC is looking for volunteers to help prepare the newest crop of JET participants.
- Spring Family BBQ Cook-Out – Saturday, May 16t, 12:00 at the Chattahoochee River Park in Roswell. JETAASE along with the Japan-America Society of Georgia is holding its annual Young Professionals Spring Family BBQ Cook-Out. Spend the day outside grilling, chatting and seeing old friends.
- JETAANY Book Club Meeting – Wednesday, May 13th, 7:00 at a location yet to be announced. This month’s selection will be, “The Housekeeper and the Professor” by Yoko Ogawa.
- Sushi Rolling at Satsuko – Tuesday, May 27th, 7:00 at Satsuko. Learn how to roll your own sushi so you’ll never go hungry again.
- East Bay Nomikai Happy Hour – Thursday, May 21st, 6:00 at Conga Lounge. Celebrate summer’s imminent arrival with Mai Tais, friends and JETAANC.
- JETAANC Book Club Meeting – The next official meeting of the Book Club is happening in June. The discussion will center around “Silence” by Shusaku Endo. Start reading so you’ll be ready come June.
- UWA Japanese Studies Society’s River Cruise – Thursday, May 14th, 7:00 departing from Barrak St. Jetty. Test your Japanese and your sea legs at this year’s River Cruise.
What happened at your chapter’s event? If you attend(ed) any of these exciting events, JetWit would love to hear about them. Just email Jonathan Trace with any info, stories or comments.
JETAA NY: Sake tasting at JET alum Chris Johnson’s Bao Noodles restaurant
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Thanks to JETAA NY and JetWit webmaster Lee-Sean Huang (Oita-ken, 2003-06) for posting about the event on his blog (http://leesean.net):
I attended a sake tasting and dinner organized by JETAANY on Monday night at Bao Noodles. Chris Johnson (Oita-ken, 1992-95), JET-alum, sommelier, and owner of Bao Noodles, presented a tasting of his restaurant’s Vietnamese specialties paired with Momokawa and Murai Family sake. Chris is extremely knowledgeable about sake; he explained the different (…continued)
