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

JETAA Hawaii

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

JETAA UK

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

JETAA Canberra

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

JETAA Western Australia

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

JETAA British Columbia

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

JETAA Pacific Northwest

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

JETAA New York

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

JETAA Southern California

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

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

Update 8/25/10: Kyodo has put out an English version of the article.  Here are links:

• http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20100817a8.html
• http://www.japantoday.com/category/national/view/us-alumni-call-for-continuation-of-jet-program

Kyodo News Service ran an article in Japanese on the JETAA USA National Conference dated August 16 that was carried by a number of Japanese local newspapers.  The article resulted from the JETAA press release issued at the end of the Conference.  Below is the list of the papers.  Thanks to Noriko Furuhata of the Consulate General of Japan in New York for sharing the information.  (BTW, if anyone wants to write up an English summary of the article in the comments section of this post, that would be greatly appreciated.):

1. 徳島新聞　Tokushima Shimbun http://www.topics.or.jp/worldNews/worldTopics/2010/08/2010081601000165.html
2. 京都新聞　Kyoto Shimbun http://www.kyoto-np.co.jp/politics/article/20100816000030
3. 千葉トピ　Chiba Nippo http://www.chibanippo.co.jp/news/world/entertaiment_kiji.php?i=nesp1281924322
4. 山形新聞 Yamagata Shimbun http://yamagata-np.jp/news_core/index_pr.php?kate=Lifestyle_Human_Interest&no=2010081601000165&keyword=%A5%B8%A5%A7%A5%A4%A5%BD%A5%F3
5. 新潟日報 Niigata Nippo https://www.niigata-nippo.co.jp/world/lifestyle/2010081601000165.html
6. 大分合同新聞 Oita Godo Shimbun http://www.oita-press.co.jp/worldTopics/2010/08/2010081601000165.html
7. 山陽新聞 Sanyo Shimbun http://www.sanyo.oni.co.jp/news_k/news/d/2010081601000165/
8. 河北新報 Kahoku Shimpo http://www.kahoku.co.jp/news/2010/08/2010081601000165.htm
9. 西日本新聞 Nishi Nippon Shimbun http://www.nishinippon.co.jp/nnp/item/191143
10. 山陰中央新報 Sanin Chuo Shinpo http://www.sanin-chuo.co.jp/newspack/modules/news/article.php?storyid=1059682016
11. 北國・富山新聞 Hokkoku Toyama Shimbun http://www.hokkoku.co.jp/newspack/09kurasi2010081601000165.html
12. 高知新聞 Kochi Shimbun http://203.139.202.230/?&nwSrl=224803&nwVt=npd
13. 中日新聞 Chunichi Shimbun http://www.chunichi.co.jp/s/article/2010081601000165.html
14. 神戸新聞 Kobe Shimbun http://www.kobe-np.co.jp/knews/0003323442.shtml
15. 下野新聞 Shimotsuke Shimbun http://www.shimotsuke.co.jp/news/domestic/life/news/20100816/367829
16. 岩手日報 Iwate Nippo http://www.iwate-np.co.jp/newspack/cgi-bin/newspack_s.cgi?s_lifestyle_l+CN2010081601000165_1
17. 静岡新聞 Shizuoka Shimbun http://www.shizushin.com/news/culture/topix/2010081601000165
18. 大阪日々新聞 Osaka Nichinichi Shimbun https://www.nnn.co.jp/dainichi/knews/100816/20100816024.html
19. 中国新聞 Chugoku Shimbun http://www.chugoku-np.co.jp/News/Sp201008160110.html
20. 佐賀新聞 Saga Shimbun http://www.saga-s.co.jp/news/global/corenews.0.1706307.article.html
21. 熊本日報 Kumamoto Nippo http://kumanichi.com/news/kyodo/life/201008/20100816004.shtml

A few more links to the article that ran in major Japanese publications online:

1. http://sankei.jp.msn.com/world/america/100816/amr1008161052004-n1.htm
2. http://www.47news.jp/CN/201008/CN2010081601000165.html
3. http://www.nikkei.com/news/latest/article/g=96958A9C9381959FE3E4E2E3E38DE3E4
4. http://www.kyoto-np.co.jp/country/article/20100816000030
5. http://www.nagasaki-np.co.jp/f24/CN20100816/li2010081601000165.shtml
6. http://www.chunichi.co.jp/s/article/2010081601000165.html
7. http://www.tokyo-np.co.jp/s/article/2010081601000165.html

Also, below is a scan of an article in the Tokyo Shimbun that was written by one of their reporters who actually attended the Conference and has quotes from some of the JETAA chapter representatives with whom he spoke:

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

JETAA Northern California

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

JETAA Texoma

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

JETAA Chicago

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

JETAA New England

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

JETAA Pacific Northwest

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

JETAA British Columbia

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

JETAA UK

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

JETAA Portland

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

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

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

JETAA Pacific Northwest

• Salsa on the Beach – Saturday, August 14th, 6:00 to 10:00 at Alki Beach. Find your groove and do a little salsa on the beach this weekend. Feel free to just enjoy the show or join in if the mood strikes.
• Aki Matsuri Volunteers Needed! – PNWJETAA is looking for volunteers to help with this year’s Aki Matsuri on September 11th and 12th. Do your part in helping to preserve the JET Program by helping to inform people about JET and your own experiences working and living in Japan.
• Tsukimi no Kai – Saturday, August 21st, 7:00 to 10:00 at the Seattle Japanese Garden. Gaze up at the harvest moon this month for a moonviewing event that includes haiku readings, music, tea ceremony and more.

JETAA D.C.

• Day at the National Zoo – Saturday, August 14th, 10:00 to 12:00 noon at the National Zoo. Enjoy a day outside exploring the animal kingdom at the zoo with JETAADC.

JETAA Hawaii

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

JETAA UK

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

JETAA Northern California

• Noh Theatre Nite – Tuesday, August 24th, 6:00 at the San Francisco Public Library, Paley Conference Room. Learn about Japanese Noh Theatre with the JETAANC Kabuki Club. An informative documentary about Noh will be shown, followed by a short Noh Performance on video entitled, “The Wooden Water Well.”

JETAA Portland

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

JETAA British Columbia

• Summer BBQ – Saturday, August 14th, 11:30 to 4:30 at Jericho Beach Park in Vancouver. Enjoy a day of cooking out and fun games with JETAABC.

JETAA New York

• Sake with the Haiku Geisha Play Reading – Friday, August 13th, 8:30 at the Tinker Auditorium. JETAANY is presenting a one night only reading of the critically acclaimed play “Sake with the Haiku Geisha,” written by JET alumnus and playwright Randall David Cook.
• Japanese Folk Dance, Bon Odori Class – Saturday, August 14th, 2:00 to 3:30 at DANY Studios. Momo Suzuki, founder and director of the Japanese Folk Dance Institute of NY will be teaching a Bon Odori class, so come try your hand at some Japanese dance.

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

JET ALUMNI ASSOCIATION OF NEW YORK (JETAA NY)

with support from the Consulate General of Japan in New York

Presents

A Special Play Reading of critically acclaimed Off Broadway Play

SAKE WITH THE HAIKU GEISHA

Graphic by JET alum Amber Liang

The JET Alumni Association of New York is pleased to present a limited one-night reading of the critically acclaimed play “Sake with the Haiku Geisha,” written by JET alumnus and playwright, Randall David Cook (Fukui-ken, 1991-93).

Date: Friday, August 13

Start time: 8:30 p.m.

Location: Tinker Auditorium (between Park & Madison Aves.) 22 E 60th St, New York, NY 10065, (212) 355-6100

Cost:

• $5 in advance ($10 at the door) for JET alumni
• $10 in advance ($15 at the door) for Friends of JET

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS ON-LINE VIA PAYPAL

“Sake with the Haiku Geisha” premiered Off-Broadway in 2006 and was based on the collective experiences of three JETs who were placed in Fukui-ken from 1991-1993: an American from South Carolina, a Canadian from Nova Scotia and an English woman from Devon. The structure of the play is inspired by the classic Noh play: an opening ceremony, five acts (each of which uses a different speaker and a spirit or ghost), and a closing ceremony. The show starts on at a farewell party for the visiting JETS, and first three acts are told from the perspective of the visiting JETs, and then the tables turn, and the final two acts are told from the perspective of two Japanese: the supervisor of the Canadian JET, and the geisha’s story, which closes out the play.

The first act, “Sushi and Scones” was a finalist in five major festivals in the USA and England, won the “Best Play” award at the Southeastern Playwrights Conference and was taped and broadcast by as a BBC radio play in late 2005. See a full review of the play in the New York Times.

This event is being organized in cooperation with the Consulate General of Japan in New York.

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

JETAA Sydney

• Shabu Shabu & Karaoke Night – Friday, August 13th. Come out for a night of boiled delicacies and singing mayhem with the group in Sydney.
• Origami Workshop – Saturday, September 18th. Catch up with old friends while learning to fold paper like a pro. Details forthcoming.

JETAA British Columbia

• Summer BBQ – Saturday, August 14th, 11:30 to 4:30 at Jericho Beach Park in Vancouver. Enjoy a day of cooking out and fun games with JETAABC.

JETAA Florida

• Tampa Subchapter Tsudoi – Friday, August 6th, 7:00 at Panera Bread in the Brandon Mall. The Tampa Subchapter will be hosting their monthly Tsudoi, an informal time for anyone interested in Japanese and Japanese culture.

JETAA New York

• Sake with the Haiku Geisha Play Reading – Friday, August 13th, 8:30 at the Tinker Auditorium. JETAANY is presenting a one night only reading of the critically acclaimed play “Sake with the Haiku Geisha,” written by JET alumnus and playwright Randall David Cook.
• Japanese Folk Dance, Bon Odori Class – Saturday, August 14th, 2:00 to 3:30 at DANY Studios. Momo Suzuki, founder and director of the Japanese Folk Dance Institute of NY will be teaching a Bon Odori class, so come try your hand at some Japanese dance.
• Nihongo Dake Dinner – Wednesday, August 25th, 7:00 to 9:00 at Gyu Kaku in the East Village. Get your yakiniku fix while doing your best to remember some Japanese at this month’s Nihongo Dake Dinner.
• Samurai Sword Fighting Class – Saturday, September 11th, 2:00 to 4:00 at 440 Studios 4A. Samurai performer Yoshi Amao will be leading a special class on Samurai Sword Fighting, going over a variety of basic techniques with the class. Don’t miss this one of a kind experience.

JETAA Southern California

• DrumSTRONG 3 – Friday, August 6th, 7:30 at the Neurosciences Institute Auditorium in San Diego. The Japan Society of San Diego and Tijuana are hosting Drumstrong 3, the third in a series of cross-cultural drumming concerts produced by San Diego Taiko. This year features Leilsa, a San Diego based Tahitian drum and dance group.
• Sushi & Sake Tasting Volunteers Needed – JETAASC is putting the call out for volunteers at this years Sake Tasting Event held at the Kyoto Grand Hotel on August 6th as part of the Nisei Week Festival in Little Tokyo.
• Nihongo Dake Dinner – Saturday, August 7th, 6:00 at West Covina. This month’s dinner is an internationally themed BYOB Pot-Luck, so dust off the Japanese skills and get ready for a flavorful night.

JETAA Pacific Northwest

• Hiroshima to Hope – Friday, August 6th, 6:00 to 9:30, on the northwest shore of Green Lake. This annual event seeks to remember those who were lost in the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki with music, speakers and a lantern floating ceremony.
• Unofficial Happy Hour – Friday, August 6th, 7:00 at Wann Izakaya. Share a drink with friends this Friday night. Just because it is unofficial, doesn’t mean it won’t be a good time.

JETAA Northern California

• 36th Japanese Discussion Forum – Saturday, August 7th, 3:00 at Inner Sunset area of San Francisco. The topic of this month’s forum is the “Atomic Bomb in Hiroshima and Nagasaki.”

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

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

JETAA UK

• Picnic in the Park – Saturday, July 31st, 12:00 at Holland Park. JETAA London will be spending the day in Holland Park’s Kyoto Garden.

JETAA Pacific Northwest

• Summer Picnic – Sunday, August 1st, 11:00 to 4:00 at Carkeek Park, Shelter 2. Get out in the sun for a day of food, fun and games with PNWJETAA. Events this year will follow an Undoukai theme, with traditional Japanese games and a few new ones as well.

JETAA Southern California

• DrumSTRONG 3 – Friday, August 6th, 7:30 at the Neurosciences Institute Auditorium in San Diego. The Japan Society of San Diego and Tijuana are hosting Drumstrong 3, the third in a series of cross-cultural drumming concerts produced by San Diego Taiko. This year features Leilsa, a San Diego based Tahitian drum and dance group.

JETAA Great Lakes

• Pre-Departure Reception – Friday, July 30th, 4:00 to 7:00 at the Residence of the Consul General. Pass along some final advice as the 2010 JETs prepare to embark on their journey to Japan.

JETAA D.C.

• Pre-Departure Reception – Friday, July 30th, 6:30 to 8:00 at the Embassy of Japan. Bid fond farewell’s and ganbatte’s to the new crop of JETs as they prepare to leave for Japan.

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

By JQ Magazine’s Justin Tedaldi (CIR Kobe-shi, 2001-02) for Examiner.com. Visit his NY Japanese Culture page here to subscribe for free alerts on newly published stories.

Since 1987, the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program has hired over 50,000 native English speakers to work at Japanese public schools, enriching ties between nations. Now, Tokyo’s new ruling political party has JET in its crosshairs in the wake of its effort to slash public spending to reduce its ballooning public debt. In a hearing last May, an 11-person panel of the Democratic Party of Japan ruled unanimously for a comprehensive examination of the program to decide whether it should be scaled back or cut entirely.

JET, an initiative of the Japanese government and run by three of its national ministries, has an annual budget of over $400 million. It was launched with the intentions of increasing grassroots internationalization in Japan, primarily through introducing foreigners to Japanese youth as schoolteachers across the country contracted for a minimum of one year. While the program does not require applicants to be licensed teachers (successful candidates team teach with the host school’s own native Japanese English instructor), they are expected to have an interest in Japan and a desire to integrate themselves in their new communities as cultural ambassadors.

Read the rest of the article here.

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

JETAA British Columbia

• An Evening of Sake and Savouries – Sunday, July 18th at Hapa Izakaya’s Robson location. Join in for this delicious fundraiser for the Powell Street Festival Society. Blue Note Wines & Spirits Inc. is hosting a sake tasting, accompanied by a handpicked dish from Hapa Izakaya.
• 34th Annual Powell Street Festival – Saturday, July 31st and Sunday August 1st, 11:30 to 7:00 at Oppenheimer Park. Following the Japanese tradition of Koen Debut, this festival celebrates introducing neighborhood toddlers to their local community.

JETAA Canberra

• Farewell Reception for the 2010 JET Participants – Tuesday, July 20th, 6:00 to 7:30 at the Embassy of Japan. Send off the departing JETs in style with sushi and appetizers at the Embassy of Japan.

JETAA Chicago

• JETAA Chicago Dinner Party – Saturday, July 10th, 6:30 at Sakura in Mount Prospect. Come out for a nice dinner with friends at one of the most authentic Japanese cuisine restaurants in Chicago.
• Malott Japanese Garden Summer Festival – Saturday August 21st and Sunday August 22nd, 10:00 to 3:00 at the McGinley Pavilion. Learn about Japanese summer festivals and participate in fun activities including writing haiku, practicing calligraphy and more.

JETAA Pacific Northwest

• Seattle Garden Daichakai and Tanabata – Saturday, July 10th, 10:00 to 8:00 at the Seattle Japanese Garden. As part of the garden’s 50th anniversary, experience Japanese culture in the form of tea ceremony demonstrations and more.
• Bon Odori – Saturday, July 17th, 4:00 to 10:30 and Sunday, July 18th, 3:00 to 8:30 at the Seattle Betsuin Buddhist Temple. Join PNWJETAA for some summer fun and dancing at this year’s Bon Odori. Don’t forget your yukata.

JETAA D.C.

• JETAADC Baseball GameDay – Sunday, July 11th, 1:35 see the Washington Nationals take on the San Francisco Giants. Spend the day at the ballpark and send out some Japanese style cheers for the hometeam.

JETAA New York

• Sumi-e Painting Workshop – Saturday, July 10th, 3:00 to 4:30 at Kinokuniya in midtown. Learn about the art of Japanese ink painting from Canadian Sumi-e artist Hiroshi Yamamoto in this special workshop event.

JETAA Southern California

• July Picnic – Saturday, July 10th, 11:00 to 3:00 at Wilson Park in Torrance. Fire up the grill and join JETs old and new for a day in the sun.
• JETAASC Networking Event & Mexican Dinner – Thursday, July 15th, 7:00 at Tamayo Restuarant in the San Gabriel Valley. Get to know the departing JETs and see old friends at this first ever San Gabriel Valley Networking event.

JETAA Northern California

• Kabuki Club – Saturday, July 17th, 2:00 at the Rockridge Library. This month the Kabuki Club will be viewing the summertime thriller, The Ise Dances and Love’s Dull Blade.

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

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

JETAA British Columbia

• Japanese Cooking Class – Saturday, May 22nd, 12:00 to 2:30 at the Cooking and Crafts Room on the 2nd floor of the Nikkei Centre. Naomi-sensei will be giving a lesson on Harusame Salad, Yahata Maki, Kinpira Renkon and Azuki Shiratama for dessert.
• 2010 JET Pre-Departure Seminar Volunteers Needed – JETAABC is seeking volunteers to help with this year’s Pre-Departure Orientation and Seminar. Volunteers are needed on Saturday, June 26th, 9:00 to 17:00 and Sunday, June 27th from 14:15 to 15:30 for a seminar panel discussion. Presentation topics include Culture Shock, Your First Month in Japan, etc.

JETAA Texoma

• Saturday Brunch at Lucky Strike – Saturday, May 22nd, 11:00 to 1:00 at Lucky Strike in Houston. Join the gang for brunch, including bottomless Mimosas and Bloody Marys and a free game of bowling.

JETAA New England

• Happy Hour – Wednesday, May 26th, 6:00 at Redline in Harvard Square. Join the guys at JETAANE for a night of relaxation and fun at this month’s Happy Hour event.

JETAA D.C.

• June Networking Event – Wednesday, June 2nd, 6:00 to 8:00 at La Tasca in Clarendon. Get together with other local JET alumni over sangrias for a chance to make friends and new contacts.
• Komen Race for the Cure – Saturday, June 5th, 7:40 A.M. at the corner of Consitution and 7th St. Join the JETAADC team and help raise money to help end breast cancer forever.

JETAA Canberra

• O-Shaberikai – Wednesday, June 2nd, 6:00 at Coo Izakaya in Civic. Join in and meet Japanese people living in Canberra and other locals interested in Japan.
• Japan Expo – Tuesday, June 1st, 6:30 at King O’Malley’s. In order to promote tourism in Japan, there will be a Japan Expo held at City Walk Canberra. Check it out.
• Annual General Meeting and Lunch – Saturday, June 5th, 11:30 at a location to be determined. Come discuss the future of JETAA Canberra and get involved. A sushi lunch will be provided.
• Softball Challenge Writeup – The Softball challenge was held last  Saturday, 15 May 2010 at Fellows Oval ANU. The Embassy of Japan team once again took the winner’s title. The JETAA, AJS and CJC team had some great games and played well. Thank you for your support — JETAA Canberra

JETAA New York

• Japan Day 2010 Volunteers Needed – Sunday, June 6th at East Meadow in Central Park. JETAANY is assisting in this years’ Japan Day, and they are looking for volunteers to help man the YoYo fishing booth. Sign up to help with the Morning, Afternoon or Clean-up shifts.
• 2010 JET Pre-Departure Seminar Volunteers Needed – JETAANY is looking for volunteers to help with this year’s JET Pre-Departure on Saturday, June 26th. Topics include Life as a JET and Studying Japanese in Japan.
• Kamifusen Workshop – Saturday, May 22nd, 3:00 to 4:30 at East Meadow in Central Park. Join in and learn about Kamifusen, a paper balloon that is a traditional Japanese toy.
• Nihongo Dake Dinner – Wednesday, May 26th, 7:00 to 9:00 at Bia Garden. Practice your Japanese in the warm night air as JETAANY’s Nihongo Dake Dinner is being held in a Vietnamese Beer Garden this month.

JETAA Northern California

• Kabuki Club – Saturday, May 22nd, 2:00 at the San Francisco Public Library, Paley Room. This month the Kabuki Club will be viewing the final two acts of Yoshitsune and the Thousand Cherry Blossoms.

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

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

JETAA Pacific Northwest

• May Happy Hour – May 7th, 6:00 at Wann Izakaya.
• Japanese Used Book Sale – Saturday, May 22nd, 11:00 to 2:00 at Sammamish High School. The Semi-Annual Used Japanese Book Fair is back, so come out and browse this year’s selection.
• Walk for Rice 2010 – Saturday, June 19th, 8:00 registration, 1:00 start time at Seattle’s Seward Park. Join the PNWJETAA Team and help raise money for the ACRS Food Bank and fight hunger.

JETAA D.C.

• J-Dinner – Thursday, May 6th at Kushi. Spend a night out on the town in DC with other Japanese people and people interested in Japan. Happy hour begins at 6:00 with dinner to follow at 7:30.

JETAA Florida

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

JETAA Northern California

• 11th Annual Hakone Matsuri – Sunday, May 16th, 11:00 to 4:00 at Hakone Gardens in Saratoga. The Hakone Foundation, Hakone Gardens Supporting Committe and the Consuate General of Japan in San Francisco are happy to present this years Hakone Matsuri. Events include Japanese calligraphy, tea ceremony, a silent auction and more.
• Kabuki Club – Saturday, May 22nd, 2:00 at the San Francisco Public Library, Paley Room. This month the Kabuki Club will be viewing the final two acts of Yoshitsune and the Thousand Cherry Blossoms.

JETAA British Columbia

• Japanese Cooking Class – Saturday, May 22nd, 12:00 to 2:30 at the Cooking and Crafts Room on the 2nd floor of the Nikkei Centre. Naomi-sensei will be giving a lesson on Harusame Salad, Yahata Maki, Kinpira Renkon and Azuki Shiratama for dessert.

JETAA Chicago

• JETAA Meeting – Wednesday, May 12th, 6:30. Come discuss the future of JETAA Chicago.
• Japanese Garden Children’s Festival – Saturday, May 15th and Sunday, May 16th, 10:00 to 3:00 at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Learn about children’s celebrations in Japan during this weekend of activities including Koto harp and Shakuhachi flute music, folktales, Karate and more.

JETAA Canberra

• O-Shaberikai – Wednesday, May 5th, 5:30 at Coo Izakaya in Civic. Join in and meet Japanese people living in Canberra and other locals interested in Japan.
• Softball Challenge – Saturday, May 15, 12:00 to 4:00 at Fellows Oval ANU. JETAA Canberra and the AJS and CJC are forming a team for this year’s event, so grab your glove and join in. Practice will be held on Saturday, April 17th from 1:00 to 3:00 at Yarralumla Neighborhood Oval.

JETAA Portland

• Portland Taiko 2010 Benefit Banquet – Wednesday, May 5th, 6:00 at Won’g King Seafood Restaurant. Portland Taiko will be having a live performance, silent auction and 11 course feast, so be sure to check it out.
• J-Kaiwa – Friday, May 7th, 7:00 to 9:30 at the Hawthorne Lucky Lab. Come down and practice your Japanese and make some new friends. Nijikai to follow at the Hollywood Bowl.

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

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

JETAA Chicago

• Chicago Cubs Gameday – JETAA Chicago is selling upper deck tickets for the May 1st Chicago Cubs home game against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Cheer on the home team with your friends and fellow JET Alumni.
• Japanese Garden Children’s Festival – Saturday, May 15th and Sunday, May 16th, 10:00 to 3:00 at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Learn about children’s celebrations in Japan during this weekend of activities including Koto harp and Shakuhachi flute music, folktales, Karate and more.

JETAA New England

• Happy Hour – Friday, April 30th, 6:00 at Daisy Buchanan. Join the guys at JETAANE for a night of relaxation and fun at this month’s Happy Hour event.

JETAA Portland

• Portland Taiko 2010 Benefit Banquet – Wednesday, May 5th, 6:00 at Won’g King Seafood Restaurant. Portland Taiko will be having a live performance, silent auction and 11 course feast, so be sure to check it out.
• J-Kaiwa – Friday, May 7th, 7:00 to 9:30 at the Hawthorne Lucky Lab. Come down and practice your Japanese and make some new friends. Nijikai to follow at the Hollywood Bowl.

JETAA Canberra

• O-Shaberikai – Wednesday, May 5th, 5:30 at Coo Izakaya in Civic. Join in and meet Japanese people living in Canberra and other locals interested in Japan.
• Softball Challenge – Saturday, May 15, 12:00 to 4:00 at Fellows Oval ANU. JETAA Canberra and the AJS and CJC are forming a team for this year’s event, so grab your glove and join in. Practice will be held on Saturday, April 17th from 1:00 to 3:00 at Yarralumla Neighborhood Oval.

JETAA D.C.

• Networking Event – Tuesday, May 4th, 6:00 to 8:00 at Bar Louie. JETAADC Happy Hour has returned with a new name. Take this chance to get together with friends old and new over a drink the first week of every month.
• J-Dinner – Thursday, May 6th at Kushi. Spend a night out on the town in DC with other Japanese people and people interested in Japan. Happy hour begins at 6:00 with dinner to follow at 7:30.

JETAA Texoma

• Ikenobo Ikebana Demonstration and Luncheon – Saturday, May 8th, 10:00 A.M. at the Hilton Houston Post Oak Hotel. Ikenobo Ikebana Headmaster Senei Ikenobo is coming from Kyoto to give a special demonstration Japanese flower arrangement, so do not miss this rare opportunity.

JETAA New York

• Quiz Night – Wednesday, April 28th, 6:00 at Amber Restaurant. Test your knowledge of Japanese history, poular culture, sports and more on this night of fun and games. Top 3 teams win prizes, so get your team together and give it your best.
• Brooklyn Botanical Garden Sakura Matsuri – Saturday, May 1st, 11:00 to 4:00 at the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens. Spend the day beneath the cherry blossoms with your friends at JETTANY.
• Buddha-Dharma and Meditation – Saturday, May 8th. 1:00 to 3:00 at the New York Buddhist Church. The NYBC invites you to join in the hearing, learning and practicing of Buddha-Dharma and Meditation and let a little peace into your heart.

JETAA Southern California

• Yamashiro’s Farmer’s Market Mixer – Thursday, April 29th, 7:30 to 9:00 at Yamashiro Restaurant in Hollywood. Join JETAASC for a get together in the hills of Hollywood for a farmers market. There’s fresh produce, live music, baked goods, gelato and a specialty taco stand set up by the restaurant.
• Family Fun Day – Saturday, May 1st, 12:00 to 6:00 at Boomers in Irvine. Check out this day of fun activities for the young and young at heart. Mini golf, laser tag and go karts are just some of the activities planned.
• Family Friendly Event by the Beach – Sunday, May 16th, 2:00 to 6:00 at San Clemente. Enjoy the surf and the sand with JETAASC on this fun filled beach Sunday. There will be a picnic, J-E Bilingual games and more.

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

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

JETAA UK

• Hanami Picnic – Saturday, April 17th, 12:30 at Cannon Hill Park in Birmingham. Come out for a day of fresh air, friends and cherry blossoms in the park. Be sure to bring some snacks or drinks for everyone to share.

JETAA Canberra

• O-Shaberikai – Wednesday, May 5th, 5:30 at Coo Izakaya in Civic. Join in and meet Japanese people living in Canberra and other locals interested in Japan.
• Softball Challenge – Saturday, May 15, 12:00 to 4:00 at Fellows Oval ANU. JETAA Canberra and the AJS and CJC are forming a team for this year’s event, so grab your glove and join in. Practice will be held on Saturday, April 17th from 1:00 to 3:00 at Yarralumla Neighborhood Oval.

JETAA Souther

• Yamashiro’s Farmer’s Market Mixer – Thursday, April 29th, 7:30 to 9:00 at Yamashiro Restaurant in Hollywood. Join JETAASC for a get together in the hills of Hollywood for a farmers market. There’s fresh produce, live music, baked goods, gelato and a specialty taco stand set up by the restaurant.
• Family Fun Day – Saturday, May 1st, 12:00 to 6:00 at Boomers in Irvine. Check out this day of fun activities for the young and young at heart. Mini golf, laser tag and go karts are just some of the activities planned.

JETAA New York

• Japanese Night Out: Otafuku’s Okonomiyaki, Takoyaki and Hakkaisan Sake – Tuesday, April 20th, 6:30 to 8:00 at Decibel Sake Bar. Get out for a night of Japanese food and high quality sake at one of New York’s favorite Japanese restaurants.
• JETAANY Book Club – Thursday, April 22nd, time and location to be determined. This month’s selection will be Polite Lies: On Being a Woman Caught Between Cultures by Kyoko Mori. Drop by and add your voice to the discussion.
• Origami Workshop – Saturday, April 24th, 3:00 to 4:30 at Kinokuniya Bookstore. Come learn about the art of paper folding, including a lesson on origami animals and other special techniques.
• Japan-a-mania – Saturday, April 24th, 12:30 to 4:30 at Big Brothers Big Sisters. Join JETAANY and NYC kids in a day of learning about Japanese Culture. Volunteer to show off your origami, katakana and kimono skills.
• Quiz Night – Wednesday, April 28th, 6:00 at Amber Restaurant. Test your knowledge of Japanese history, poular culture, sports and more on this night of fun and games. Top 3 teams win prizes, so get your team together and give it your best.

JETAA Northern California

• East Bay Nomikai Happy Hour – Tuesday, April 20th, 6:00 to 8:00 at Ozumo Oakland. This month JETAANC is joining the Japan Society of Northern California and the Japanese Graduates and Researchers Society at Berkeley for drinks and fun.

JETAA British Columbia

• Vancouver Ikebana Spring Show – Saturday April 17th and Sunday April 18th, 12:00 to 5:00 at the Oakridge Centre Auditorium in Vancouver. The Vancouver Ikebana Association is holding it’s annual show for Japanese flower arrangement, including teacher demonstrations each day from 1:00 to 3:00.

JETAA D.C.

• J-Lunch – Friday, April 16th, 12:00 at Circa Cafe. Come share your love of Japan over lunch with others in the DC area.

JETAA Western Australia

• Kaiwa – Thursday, April 22nd, 5:30 at 43 Below. Practice Japanese with old friends and some tasty snacks.

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

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

JETAA British Columbia

• Social Night – Saturday, April 10th, JETAABC is holding a get together and social night. Stay tuned to JETAABC for more details.
• Sumidagawa & Curlew River Opera Premiere – Thursday, April 15th, 8:00 the City Opera of Vancouver and NIkkei Place is giving a sneak preview of an upcoming Japanese dance and Western Opera experience. Be sure to check out the main event May 26, 27, and 28th at Frederic Wood Theatre, UBC.
• Vancouver Ikebana Spring Show – Saturday April 17th and Sunday April 18th, 12:00 to 5:00 at the Oakridge Centre Auditorium in Vancouver. The Vancouver Ikebana Association is holding it’s annual show for Japanese flower arrangement, including teacher demonstrations each day from 1:00 to 3:00.

JETAA Chicago

• Chicago Cubs Gameday – JETAA Chicago is selling upper deck tickets for the May 1st Chicago Cubs home game against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Cheer on the home team with your friends and fellow JET Alumni.

JETAA Pacific Northwest

• Happy Hour – Friday, April 2nd, 6:00 at Wann Izakaya. Get together on the eve of Sakura Con for a drink with friends and fellow JET alumni.
• JETAAPNW General Meeting – Wednesday, April 7th, 6:30 to 8:30 at the Convention Center Atrium in downtown Seattle. Get together with the alumni board and discuss upcoming events and the future of JETAAPNW.
• “Scenes of Childhood: Sixty Years of Postwar Japan” Photo Exhibit – April 12th through the 21st at the Seattle Center Pavillion, Seattle Center. This year’s Seattle Cherry Blossom and Japanese Cultural Festival is hosting a special exhibit of 100 photographs that focus on the daily lives of Japanese children dating from the end of World War II to the present.

JETAA Northern California

• Hanami Picnic – Saturday, April 10th, 11:00 to 3:00 at Speedway Meadow in Golden Gate Park. Celebrate the coming spring Japanese style with JETAANC.

JETAA Florida

• Tampa Subchapter Tsudoi – Friday, April 2nd, 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.

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.

Here are the JETAA DC officers for the upcoming year:

President – *Mac Maloney*
VP – *Nick Harling*
Treasurer – *Noah Kohan*
Secretary – *Amanda Morken*
Outreach Chair – *Leigh Ann Mastrini*
Returnee Handbook Chair – *Susan Leszewski*
Newsletter – *Shannon Hosmer*
Online Chair – *Vanessa Young*
Social – *Becky Solem*
Social – *Rachel Tuil*

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

JETAA Texoma

• Houston Karaoke-kai – Friday, March 26th, 6:30 at Sushi Jin Japanese Restaurant. Get vocal with the gang in Houston and practice your singing in Japanese.

JETAA Northern California

• Kabuki Club – Saturday, March 27th, 2:00 at the Rockridge Library in Oakland. JETAANC is forming a new Kabuki Club and the first meeting is in two weeks, so check it out if you’re interested in Kabuki theater or just want to try something new.
• Hanami Picnic – Saturday, April 10th, 11:00 to 3:00 at Speedway Meadow in Golden Gate Park. Celebrate the coming spring Japanese style with JETAANC.

JETAA Pacific Northwest

• Happy Hour – Friday, April 2nd, 6:00 at Wann Izakaya. Get together on the eve of Sakura Con for a drink with friends and fellow JET alumni.

JETAA Western Australia

• Quiz Night – Tuesday, March 30th, 6:30 at UWA Tavern. Win prizes and make new friends as you test your knowledge at this year’s Quiz Night.
• UWA Japanese Study Society River Cruise – Thursday, April 8th, 7:30 to 10:30, UWA JAPSSOC are holding their annual “Stars on the Swan” River Cruise.
• Kaiwa – Thursday, April 8th, 5:30 at 43 Below. Practice Japanese with old friends and some tasty snacks.

JETAA New York

• Dimsum Outing – Sunday, March 28th, 1:00 at Ocean Jewel Seafood Restaurant in Flushing, NY. JETAANY is heading out for some Chinese style Dimsum this Sunday, don’t miss it.
• Taiko Showcase and Class – Saturday, April 10th, 12:30 to 2:00 at the PMT Studio. Professional Taiko Drumming group Cobu will be performing as well as passing on a little of their knowledge to the audience.
• Sakura Sunday in Philadelphia – Sunday, April 11th JETAANY and the Philadelphia Subchapter will be gathering underneath the cherry blossoms. More details to follow.

JETAA New England

• March Happy Hour – Friday, March 26th, 6:00 at Kingston Station, Downtown. Celebrate St. Patty’s Day a week late with the gang over at JETAANE.

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

The latest issue of JQ (JETAA NY Quarterly) Magazine has hit the stands, and now Editor Justin Tedaldi (CIR Kobe-shi, 2000-01) working on the next issue and seeking writers.  Read on for more info.  (It also actually stands on its own as a great list of JET-relevant things and interesting JET alums.)

Hi, Brainstorm Crew!

Hope everyone’s enjoying the start of spring (a link to JQ’s new issue is here in case you haven’t seen it yet).

Thanks always for your contributions and ideas and feel to link the new issue to your own sites/blogs to help promote us.

We are also taking on new writers if you’d like to provide some “local international coverage” of your chapter to appear in our pages. Contact me at magazine@jetaany.org for details.

Some of you have already signed up for stories at our quarterly meeting in February, so the below deadlines are the same (let me know how those stories are coming along). Here are the ideas needing takers for our May/June 2010 issue and beyond. De wa…
Deadlines are as follows:

FRIDAY, APRIL 2: Registering a story assignment with me at magazine@jetaany.org, or pitching an idea of your own for approval. First come, first served, and all suggestions are welcome. We’ve been picking up more new writers with each issue, and I encourage all first-timers whether you consider yourself a seasoned writer or not. (Just mind the deadlines!)
FRIDAY, APRIL 23: Deadline for submitting a final draft of your story. Extensions will be granted on a case-by-case basis, less so for new writers.
I would also greatly appreciate added assistance for the following:
REVIVE THE SOCIETY PAGE!: Are you a superJET who’s up-to-date on what’s happening in the lives of our members here in New York and elsewhere? I’d like to bring back the JETAANY Society Page with your help. I would carry this feature in every issue, to run at least half a page (600 words). E-mail me for more details and we’ll talk.

COPY EDITING/PROOFREADING: For those of you who like reading this thing cover to cover. Multiple times.

AD SALES CALLS: More sales means more JETAANY-sponsored events.  It takes under two minutes to get an answer in most cases.  Write for more info.
YOUR OWN STORY IDEAS: Anything’s fair game! Some of our most interesting material comes from suggestions from our more dedicated readers.

Now the fun stuff. Below are the story ideas. Thanks for reading and providing your support, and e-mail at magazine@jetaany.org with any other questions/ideas.

Read More

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

JETAA Portland

• Hanamikai – Saturday, April 10th, 12:00 to 4:00 at Portland’s Waterfront Park. Welcome spring outdoors surrounded by friends and family at this year’s potluck cherry blossom picnic.

JETAA D.C.

• 2010 JETAADC Rally Scavenger Hunt – Saturday, March 20th, 1:00 at Shaw/Howard University Metro Station. Join JET alumni and friends for this year’s scavenger hunt rally around DC. Prizes and the title Rally Champion are up for grabs, so don’t miss out.
• Nihongo Dake Happy Hour – Tuesday, March 23, 6:00 at Cafe Citron. Practice your Japanese and have a fun night out with the gang at JETAADC.
• 2010 Cherry Blossom Festival Volunteers Needed – The National Building Museum is looking for JET alumni volunteers to help with the yukata dress-up station at the Cherry Blossom Festival’s Opening Day Kickoff on Saturday, March 27th.

JETAA Florida

• Ramen Girl Showing – Friday, March 19th, 6:30 to 9:00 at the USF in the TECO Conference Room. JETAA Florida Tampa Subchapter is hosting a screening of the movie Ramen Girl, as well as a presentation about Ramen in Japanese Culture and a free cup of noodles for all those in attendance.

JETAA Northern California

• Book Club Date Change – Thursday, March 25th at 6:30. Book Club has been pushed back one week, so mark your calendars.
• Kabuki Club – Saturday, March 27th, 2:00 at the Rockridge Library in Oakland. JETAANC is forming a new Kabuki Club and the first meeting is in two weeks, so check it out if you’re interested in Kabuki theater or just want to try something new.
• Hanami Picnic – Saturday, April 10th, 11:00 to 3:00 at Speedway Meadow in Golden Gate Park. Celebrate the coming spring Japanese style with JETAANC.

JETAA New England

• March Happy Hour – Friday, March 26th, 6:00 at Kingston Station, Downtown. Celebrate St. Patty’s Day a week late with the gang over at JETAANE.

JETAA Hawaii

• Kujira Hike – Sunday, March 21st, 9:30 at Kujira. Enjoy the sun with a “Let’s Enjoying Kujira” Hike, followed by lunch at Kona Brewing Co. in Koko Marina Center.

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

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

JETAA Hawaii

• Honolulu Festival Volunteers Needed – The Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii is looking for volunteers for the 16th Annual Honolulu Festival on Saturday and Sunday, March 13-14th at the Hawaii Convention Center. The JCCH Booth will feature Make-n-Take Hachimaki, a gift shop and a membership information table.
• Awa Odori Dance Festival at UH Manoa – Monday, March 15th, 10:30 to 11:45 at the UH Manoa’s Campus Center Grand Ballroom. Check out this wonderful dance festival as it comes to Hawaii.
• Kujira Hike – Sunday, March 21st, 9:30 at Kujira. Enjoy the sun with a “Let’s Enjoying Kujira” Hike, followed by lunch at Kona Brewing Co. in Koko Marina Center.

JETAA Western Australia

• Annual General Meeting(AGM) – Friday, March 12th, 6:00 at Bar 138. Take a look back on the events of the year and look forward to what is ahead for JETAAWA at this year’s AGM.
• Quiz Night – Tuesday, March 30th, 6:30 at UWA Tavern. Win prizes and make new friends as you test your knowledge at this year’s Quiz Night.
• Kaiwa – Thursday, March 11th, 5:30 at 43 Below. Practice Japanese with old friends and some tasty snacks.

JETAA Northern California

• East Bay Nomikai Happy Hour – Thursday, March 18th, 6:00 at the Trappist. This week’s event will have samples of over 25 rotating taps and over 160 bottles of Belgian and other specialty brews, so don’t miss it.
• Joshikai – Thursday, March 18th, 6:00 at Postrio. The next meeting of Joshikai, for women with an interest in Japan, will be a fun networking and girl talk event, with a chance to practice some Japanese as well.
• Book Club Date Change – Thursday, March 25th at 6:30. Book Club has been pushed back one week, so mark your calendars.
• Kabuki Club – Saturday, March 27th, 2:00 at the Rockridge Library in Oakland. JETAANC is forming a new Kabuki Club and the first meeting is in two weeks, so check it out if you’re interested in Kabuki theater or just want to try something new.

JETAA D.C.

• J-Lunch – Friday, March 12th, 12:00 at Thai Kingdom. Come share your love of Japan over lunch with others in the DC area.
• 2010 JETAADC Rally Scavenger Hunt – Saturday, March 20th, 1:00 at Shaw/Howard University Metro Station. Join JET alumni and friends for this year’s scavenger hunt rally around DC. Prizes and the title Rally Champion are up for grabs, so don’t miss out.
• Nihongo Dake Happy Hour – Tuesday, March 23, 6:00 at Cafe Citron. Practice your Japanese and have a fun night out with the gang at JETAADC.
• 2010 Cherry Blossom Festival Volunteers Needed – The National Building Museum is looking for JET alumni volunteers to help with the yukata dress-up station at the Cherry Blossom Festival’s Opening Day Kickoff on Saturday, March 27th.

JETAA Chicago

• Wisconsin Subchapter 4th Quarter Meeting – Friday, March 12th, 6:00 at Perkins Restaurant.
• Yakiniku White Day – Sunday, March 14th, 6:00 at San Soo Gab San. Celebrate the Japanese holiday of White Day with yakiniku.

JETAA Texoma

• Ikebana Workshop – Saturday, March 20th, 1:00 at the Tachibana School in Houston. Mrs. Laverl Daily of the Tachibana School of Ikebana will be sharing her experience and knowledge of Japanese flower arrangement.

JETAA Southern California

• Shunbun Hike – Sunday, March 21st, 11:00 to 1:00 at the Silverwood Wildlife Sanctuary. Celebrate the Spring Equinox with an enjoyable hike through the Silverwood Wildlife Sanctuary. Be sure to bring water and sunscreen and lunch if you want to picnic afterwards.
• Scavenger Hunt – Saturday, March 13th, 3:00 at Oiwake Restaurant. Join JETAASC’s annual scavenger hunt around Los Angeles, followed by dinner in little Tokyo at 6:00.
• Superbowl Hike Rescheduled – Sunday, March 14th, 9:30 to 1:00 at the Greek Theatre.

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

JETAA NY’s annual Meishi Exchange is this Thursday, March 11.  See the slick flyer designed by the wonderful and talented JETAA NY Secretary Amber Liang:

New England JETAA Career Workshop:  “Marketing Yourself in a Tough Economy”

Make sure to RSVP to president [at] nejetaa.com!

When: Tuesday, March 02, 3:00PM – 6:00PM (This coming week!)
Where: Downtown Crossing, Borders Bookstore, Robert M. Morgan Conference Room
Map: Borders Boston Map (near Downtown Crossing T station): http://bit.ly/%20BordersDTX
Cost: Free! (There will also be some free food)

Highlights:
We will get a pep talk from Professor Ian Condry of MIT about how to use your JET experience to further your career.

We will have a discussion with people in several different industries in which you may have interest:
*Translation
*Academia
*Teaching
*Entrepreneurial/ Non-profit
*Biotechnology

There will be a resume workshop. Bring some copies of your resume to trade with others and help each other out! The more eyes you have looking at your resume, the more ways you’ll be able to improve it. We will also have a discussion on resume dos and don’ts.

We will adjourn to a nearby bar/restaurant afterward for informal networking and relaxing. This is a great way to meet new people and
discuss your career.

Finally, for those who cannot attend the event but have some career-related wisdom/advice they would like to pass on, please send an email to webmaster [at] nejetaa.com. We’ll make sure to share your comments with our attendees at the end of the workshop.

Here’s your chance to get some JET-specific advice in your quest to career-up!

Thanks for your attention, and we look forward to seeing you there!

The JETAA Toronto photo exhibit, entitled ‘shin‘ for the Japanese symbol for “new,” is our way of marking the start of a decade.

What symbolizes shin?

Perhaps it’s a picture that sums up the way everything felt new to you in Japan when you first arrived. A festival, a ritual, a small cultural difference. Or perhaps it’s a Japan-inspired photo taken back home in Canada that shows the old in a new light.

Selected works will be exhibited March 6 at the Gladstone Art Bar, where we will also have a deejay spinning tracks throughout the night.

Come join us as we celebrate the memories of our time in Japan and enjoy the good music. Drinks will be available on site.    

Date: Saturday March 6, 2010 
Event: Shin Photo Exhibit: Japan-inspired works by former JET’s
Location: Gladstone Art Bar, 1214 Queen St. W., Toronto, ON, Canada  See map
Website:  Toronto JETAA Homepage http://toronto.jetaa.ca/cms/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=12&Itemid=26
Time: 7 p.m. until the bar’s closing time  Cost: $5 entrance fee

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

JETAA D.C.

• Hinamatsuri Workshop – Saturday, February 27th, 1:00 at the Lorton Workhouse Arts Center. Anne Cox, a scholar of Hinamatsuri for 30 years, will be heading a workshop on the Japanese Girls’ Day festival. Come and learn about traditional dolls and have the chance to make a pair of your own Hinamatsuri dolls.
• Nihongo Dake Brunch – Sunday, February 28th, 11:30 at Cafe Atlantico. Practice your Japanese and meet new people at this relaxed Sunday get together.

JETAA Western Australia

• Family Okonomiyaki BBQ – Sunday, February 28th, 11:30 at Synergy Parkland in Kings Park. Free BBQ and soft drinks in the park, as well as dessert and watermelon provided by the Consulate General. Spend the day outdoors and catch up with old friends.

JETAA Southern California

• Nihongo Dake Dinner – Saturday, February 27th, 6:00 in San Gabriel. Dust off those rusty Japanese skills and come out for a night of food, friends and Japanese conversation.
• Networking Event with Lighthouse San Diego Magazine – Tuesday, March 2nd, 6:30 at Jasmine Seafood Restaurant in San Diego. Check out this chance to meet with local Japanese business leaders.

JETAA Northern California

• Income Tax Seminar – Saturday, February 27th, 3:30 to 5:00 at the Japan Information Center. Bring a pen, paper and your questions on tax issues as the guys at JETAANC are offering to help out JET alumni with questions about filling their taxes after returning from Japan.
• SF Nomikai Happy Hour – Thursday, March 4th, 6:00 at Gordon Biersch. This event is being cohosted by GEOS, so come on out and share in the good times.

JETAA Canberra

• O-Shaberikai – Wednesday, March 3rd, 5:30 at the Holy Grail in Civic. Join in and meet Japanese people living in Canberra and other locals interested in Japan.

JETAA New England

• Happy Hour – Thursday, February 25th, 6:00 at the Rustic Kitchen. Come in from the cold and share a drink with friends old and new.
• Nihongo Dake Lunch – Sunday, February 28th, 1:00 at Fuji in Quincy. Enjoy sushi and brush up on that Japanese with the gang at JETAANE.
• Career Workshop – Tuesday, March 2nd, 3:00 to 6:00 NEJETAA will be holding it’s career workshop for JET alumni. This year’s theme is, “Marketing Yourself in a Tough Economy,” so come on out and get a leg up on that new career. Location to be announced.

JETAA UK

• JETAA Winter Ball – Saturday, February 27th, 7:00 at the Grange Holborn Hotel. Champagne, a three course meal and a disco with a live DJ make this event one not to be missed. Check it out.

JETAA Florida

• Orlando Yakiniku and Karaoke – Friday, February 26th, 8:00 at the Shin Jung Korean Restaurant in Orlando. Join the gang in Orlando for a night out and start the weekend off right.

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

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

JETAA New York

• Nihongo Dake Dinner- Tuesday, February 23rd, 7:00 at Congee Village Restaurant and Bar. Come out for the first Nihongo Dake dinner of 2010 and sharpen up those Japanese skills.
• Snowboarding Trip – February 26th – 28th in Killington, Vermont. Alumni, family and friends are welcome to join in on this weekend of skiing and snowboarding up in Vermont.

JETAA D.C.

• JBook Meeting – Monday, February 22nd at 6:30. This month’s selection will be “The Makioka Sisters” by Junichiro Tanizaki.
• Hinamatsuri Workshop – Saturday, February 27th, 1:00 at the Lorton Workhouse Arts Center. Anne Cox, a scholar of Hinamatsuri for 30 years, will be heading a workshop on the Japanese Girls’ Day festival. Come and learn about traditional dolls and have the chance to make a pair of your own Hinamatsuri dolls.
• Nihongo Dake Brunch – Sunday, February 28th, 11:30 at Cafe Atlantico. Practice your Japanese and meet new people at this relaxed Sunday get together.

JETAA UK

• AGM Reception – Saturday, February 20th, 8:00 at Cosmo in Cardiff Bay. JETAA Wales is hosting the UK AGM for JETAA UK chapter representatives and members.
• JETAA Winter Ball – Saturday, February 27th, 7:00 at the Grange Holborn Hotel. Champagne, a three course meal and a disco with a live DJ make this event one not to be missed. Check it out.

JETAA Florida

• Orlando Yakiniku and Karaoke – Friday, February 26th, 8:00 at the Shin Jung Korean Restaurant in Orlando. Join the gang in Orlando for a night out and start the weekend off right.

JETAA Pacific Northwest

• Shinnenkai – Friday, February 19th, 6:30 at Nissei Vets Hall. Join PNWJETAA in welcoming 2010 with bentos, drinks and karaoke afterward.

JETAA Chicago

• Kimono Wearing Seminar – Sunday, February 21st, 1:300 at the JACL Office. The Chicago Kimono Club is holding a seminar on how to wear a traditional Japanese Kimono. Bring your own clothes or just come and learn how it’s done.
• Devil’s Head Ski Trip – February 20-21st JETAA Chicago is planning a ski weekend at Devil’s Head. Get out and play in the snow.

JETAA New England

• Happy Hour – Thursday, February 25th, 6:00 at the Rustic Kitchen. Come in from the cold and share a drink with friends old and new.
• Nihongo Dake Lunch – Sunday, February 28th, 1:00 at Fuji in Quincy. Enjoy sushi and brush up on that Japanese with the gang at JETAANE.

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

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

JETAA Texoma

• Karaoke – Saturday, February 13th, 6:30 at Sushi-Jin in Houston. Get into the singing spirit and RSVP today!

JETAA Northern California

• Joshikai San Francisco – Thursday, February 11th, 6:00 at Owl Tree. Joshikai is a gathering for Japanese women and womene with an interest in Japan to make friends and share stories. Author Mieko Mochizuki Swartz of “Shortchanged: A Japanese Women’s Guide to International Romance” will be giving a short talk, followed by an informal networking activity.
• Karaoke Night – Thursday, February 18th, 6:30 dinner at Daimo Chinese Restaurant, followed by 8:00 Karaoke at Music Tunnel KTV.
• Income Tax Seminar – Saturday, February 27th, 3:30 to 5:00 at the Japan Information Center. Bring a pen, paper and your questions on tax issues as the guys at JETAANC are offering to help out JET alumni with questions about filling their taxes after returning from Japan.

JETAA UK

• Sake Tasting – Tuesday, February 16th, 6:00 at So Restaurant. The British Sake Association is hosting a warm sake tasting this Tuesday. JETAA members get a 10% discount so don’t miss out.
• AGM Reception – Saturday, February 20th, 8:00 at Cosmo in Cardiff Bay. JETAA Wales is hosting the UK AGM for JETAA UK chapter representatives and members.

JETAA Pacific Northwest

• Japanese Conversation Club – Thursday, February 11th and 25th, 6:30 to 8:30 at 1424 Weller St. JCCCW is extending a special invitation to JETAA members who are interested in a conversation get together.

JETAA D.C.

• Happy Hour – Tuesday, February 16th, 5:30 at the Hawk and Dove. Get together and share some laughs with the group in DC.
• JBook Meeting – Monday, February 22nd, 6:30 at a location yet to be determined. This month’s selection will be “The Makioka Sisters” by Junichiro Tanizaki.

JETAA New York

• Book Club Meeting – Thursday, February 18th. This month’s selection is “Spinning Tropics” by Aska Mochizuki. Start reading today.
• Nihongo Dake Dinner- Tuesday, February 23rd, 7:00 at Congee Village Restaurant and Bar. Come out for the first Nihongo Dake dinner of 2010 and sharpen those Japanese skills.
• Snowboarding Trip – February 26th – 28th in Killington, Vermont. Alumni, family and friends are welcome to join in on this weekend of skiing and snowboarding up in Vermont.

JETAA Southern California

• Happy Hour Show & Tell plus Karaoke – Wednesday, February 10th, 5:30 at Tajima 2. Bring 1-3 of your souvenirs from your time on JET and share them with the group. The quirkier and rarer the better.
• 2010 Member’s Retreat – Friday, February 19th through Sunday the 21st on Big Bear Mountain. Get away and hit the slopes for a weekend retreat with JETAASC.
• Nihongo Dake Dinner – Saturday, February 27th, 6:00 in San Gabriel. Dust off those rusty Japanese skills and come out for a night of food, friends and Japanese conversation.

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

JETAA UK just shot out an email announcing its new website.  And it is super-sweet and sexy!

http://www.jetaa.org.uk

Up-to-date job listings.  An easy to find calendar.  A “member counter” graphic front and center.  And a friend-finder….by prefecture!

And we especially love the link to… ehhh, chotto matte… JetWit.com link ha doko deshou ka?

Well, a minor oversight that we’re sure will soon be remedied.  Whoever put the site together (and it looks like a group effort) clearly did their homework and put a lot of good thought into it.  So go and have a look around and enjoy the fruits of their hard work.

O-tsukare sama deshita, JETAA UK!

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

JETAA New England

• Career Workshop – *Date Change* The NEJETAA Career Workshop has been changed to the first week of March. This year’s theme is, “Marketing Yourself in a Tough Economy,” so come on out and get a leg up on that new career. Location and times to be announced. Stay tuned for further details.

JETAA Southern California

• Super Bowl Hike – Sunday, February 7th, 10:00 at the Greek Theatre. Get a little fresh air and exercise before the game, and join JETAASC for a hike from the Greek Theatre to the Griffith Observatory.
• Happy Hour Show & Tell plus Karaoke – Wednesday, February 10th, 5:30 at Tajima 2. Bring 1-3 of your souvenirs from your time on JET and share them with the group. The quirkier and rarer the better.
• 2010 Member’s Retreat – Friday, February 19th through Sunday the 21st on Big Bear Mountain. Get away and hit the slopes for a weekend retreat with JETAASC.
• Nihongo Dake Dinner – Saturday, February 27th, 6:00 in San Gabriel. Dust off those rusty Japanese skills and come out for a night of food, friends and Japanese conversation.

JETAA Northern California

• San Francisco Nomikai and Language Exchange – Thursday, February 4th, 6:00 at Pizza Orgasmica. GEOS is co-hosting this “all-you-can-eat” happy hour event.
• Joshikai San Francisco – Thursday, February 11th, 6:00 at Owl Tree. Joshikai is a gathering for Japanese women and womene with an interest in Japan to make friends and share stories. Author Mieko Mochizuki Swartz of “Shortchanged: A Japanese Women’s Guide to International Romance” will be giving a short talk, followed by an informal networking activity.

JETAA Florida

• Tampa Subchapter Tsudoi – Friday, February 5th, 7:00 at Panera Bread in the Brandon Towncenter Mall. The Tampa Subchapter will be hosting their monthly Tsudoi, an informal time for anyone interested in Japanese and Japanese culture.

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

This is going on this weekend!  Follow updates on the official website and also via Twitter: http://twitter.com/jetaarc

FYI, JETAA Portland will be hosting a very unique and cool JET Alumni Conference at the end of January that is intended to focus specifically on technology issues and challenges facing JET alumni chapters.

A blog/website has been set up for the JETAA Technology Regional Conference at http://regionalconference.jetaaportland.com if you’d like to see what’s going on and perhaps even find ways to contribute.

Contact US Chapter Representative Ryan Hart with any questions at us1.jetaausa [at] yahoo.com.

The latest issue of JQ (JETAA NY Quarterly) Magazine has hit the stands, and now Editor Justin Tedaldi (CIR Kobe-shi, 2000-01) working on the next issue and seeking writers.  Read on for more info.  (It also actually stands on its own as a great list of JET-relevant things and interesting JET alums.)

Hi, Brainstorm Crew!

Hope everyone’s enjoying the start of the new year (a link to JQ’s current issue is here in case you haven’t seen it yet, thanks always for your contributions and ideas and feel to link the new issue to your own sites/blogs to promote us). Below are the story ideas needing takers for our March 2010 issue and beyond. De wa…

Deadlines are as follows:

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5: Registering a story assignment with me at magazine@jetaany.org, or pitching an idea of your own for approval. All suggestions are welcome. We’ve been picking up more new writers with each issue, and I encourage all first-timers whether you consider yourself a seasoned writer or not. (Just mind the deadlines!)

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14: Deadline for submitting a final draft of your story. Extensions will be granted on a case-by-case basis, less so for new writers.

I would also greatly appreciate added assistance with the following:

AD SALES CALLS: More sales means more JETAANY-sponsored events.  It takes under two minutes to get an answer in most cases.  Write for more info.

COPY EDITING/PROOFREADING: For those of you who like reading this thing cover to cover. Multiple times.

YOUR OWN STORY IDEAS: Anything’s fair game! Some of our most interesting material comes from suggestions from our more dedicated readers.

Now the fun stuff. Below are the story ideas. Thanks for reading and providing your support, and e-mail at magazine@jetaany.org with any other questions/ideas.

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

CONSULATE GENERAL JAPAN CARAVAN

This is a decade-plus program run by New York’s Consulate General of Japan that sends consulate staff (American and Japanese) to New York high schools and junior high schools to introduce students to Japanese culture. Earlier this month, I participated as a volunteer and enjoyed taking part in a Q&A with a very enthusiastic anime/manga club and faculty. The purpose of this article will be to increase awareness of the program so more JETAA members can get involved.

ASIA SOCIETY

Earlier this month NYC’s Asia Society held a concert called “Hogaku,” or Japanese folk instruments played with modern flair. We’ve never profiled Asia Society, so this would be a great time to find out more about how they select their Japanese attractions and exhibitions. www.asiasociety.org

TENRI CULTURAL INSTITUTE

Tenri Cultural Institute is a non-profit organization with a mission to promote the study of Japanese language and the appreciation of international art forms. Based in Greenwich Village, it also houses the Tenrikyo Church, which has its own interesting history. http://www.tenri.org/

Japan Nite 2010 at Bowery Ballroom

Annual concert featuring indie acts from Japan. This year’s edition will be held Sunday, 3/21 at Bowery Ballroom. I’m looking for a preview piece con the history of the festival with quotes from either members of one of the groups or the promoters. (Info for all acts at ticket homepage below.

Lineup: Red Bacteria Vacuum / Omodaka / JinnnyOops! / Okamato’s

http://www.boweryballroom.com/event/4053

Japan Society’s Spring 2010 Performing Arts Schedule

This season features kyogen, live theater and music. Am open to profiles/reviews of any of the following listed at the page below.

http://www.japansociety.org/performingarts

Exhibit: Kuniyoshi Monster Prints‏ at Japan Society – PREVIEW OR REVIEW

Graphic Heroes, Magic Monsters: Japanese Prints by Utagawa Kuniyoshi from the Arthur R. Miller Collection, March 12-June 13, 2010, at Japan Society Gallery

Thrashing sea creatures, samurai warriors, and a giant, looming skeleton are among the distinguishing subjects of the brashest of Japan’s Ukiyo-e masters, Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1797–1861), whose populist oeuvre is to be presented by Japan Society Gallery from March 12 to June 13, 2010.

Fresh from its spring 2009 showing at London’s Royal Academy of Arts, where it was the surprise smash hit of the season, Graphic Heroes, Magic Monsters: Japanese Prints by Utagawa Kuniyoshi from the Arthur R. Miller Collection marks the first major exhibition of Kuniyoshi’s work in the United States in nearly 30 years.  The exhibition has been organized by the Royal Academy in collaboration with Arthur R. Miller and The British Museum.  The vast majority of the 150 color woodblock prints on display are from the Arthur R. Miller Collection, New York, generously loaned to Japan Society by the American Friends of the British Museum.

ISSHONI LONDON – JET Alum Vanessa Villalobos

London JET alum’s blog: events, news, review and interviews. I met her back in December and this would be a good Q&A piece for any JETs wanting to learn more about how our alumni groups operate overseas.

http://www.isshonilondon.co.uk/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Isshoni-London/119415767689

http://twitter.com/IsshoniVanessa

Read More

Click here to SUBSCRIBE via PayPal

Editor: Justin Tedaldi – magazine@jetaany.org

JAN/FEB 2010 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page 3……..Letter From the Editor / Letter From the Secretary

Page 4……..Nippon News Blotter / JetWit Baby

Page 5……..Peace Corps Calls Out to JETs by Marea Pariser

Page 6……..Gearing Up for Grad School by Aly Woolfrey

Page 6……..At the ISE Cultural Gallery by Michael Glumac

Page 7……..Harumi Kurihara: The JQ Interview by Yukari Sakamoto

Page 8……..Nihonjin in New York – Featuring Filmmaker Takayuki Tanaka by Stacy Smith

Page 9……..Lisa Katayama on 2-D Love, Japan Pop by Crystal Wong

Page 9……..The Legacy of Tokyo Story by David Kowalsky

Page 10……JETlog – Featuring John Ellis-Guardiola

Page 10……The Language(s) of Love: Wendy Nelson Tokunaga by Nichole Knight

Page 11…….Bridge Building with Filmmaker Aaron Woolfolk by Lyle Sylvander

Page 12……The Funny Page

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

JETAA New England

• Happy Hour – Friday, January 29th, 6:00 at Fleming’s. Join NEJETAA for their first happy hour of the new year this Friday.
• Career Workshop – Wednesday, February 17th NEJETAA will be holding it’s career workshop for JET alumni. This year’s theme is, “Marketing Yourself in a Tough Economy,” so come on out and get a leg up on that new career. Location and times to be announced.

JETAA Portland

• Eugene Subchapter Event – Friday, January 29th, 7:00 at Sakura Japanese Restaurant. Spend the evening out with the JETAA Eugene Subchapter group this Friday night.
• Technology Regional Conference – January 29th through the 31st at the Mark Spencer Hotel. JETAA Portland is hosting a regional conference on “Technology and Implementation” to discuss technology and how it can benefit all JETAA Chapters around the world.

JETAA D.C.

• J-Lunch – Friday, February 5th, 12:00 at Thai Kingdom. Come share your love of Japan over lunch with others in the DC area.
• Happy Hour – Tuesday, February 16th, 5:30 at the Hawk and Dove. Get together and share some laughs with the group in DC.
• JBook Meeting – Monday, February 22nd, 6:30 at a location yet to be determined. This month’s selection will be “The Makioka Sisters” by Junichiro Tanizaki.

JETAA Western Australia

• Kaiwa – Thursday, January 28th, 5:30 at 43 Below. Practice your Japanese with old friends and some tasty snacks.
• Family Okonomiyaki BBQ – Sunday, February 21st, 11:30 at Synergy Parkland in Kings Park. Free BBQ and soft drinks in the park, as well as dessert and watermelon provided by the Consulate General. Spend the day outdoors and catch up with old friends.

JETAA Pacific Northwest

• Japanese Conversation Club – Thursday, January 28th, 6:30 to 8:30 at 1424 Weller St. JCCCW is extending a special invitation to JETAA members who are interested in a conversation get together.

JETAA British Columbia

• Shakuhachi Workshop – Saturday, February 6th, 1:00 to 4:00 at the Renfrew Park Community Centre. Mr. Alcvin Ryuzen Ramos will be performing a musical workshop on the Shakuhachi, a traditional Japanese bamboo flute. Participants will learn how to play and will receive their very own hand carved flute made by Mr. Ramos himself.

JETAA Canberra

• Come-and-Try Gateball Day – Sunday, January 31st, 3:30 at the Canberra Croquet Club. JETAA Canberra is hosting its annual Come-and-Try Gateball afternoon. Come try your hand at this little-known Japanese sport.
• O-Shaberikai – Wednesday, February 3rd, 5:30 at the Holy Grail in Civic. Join in and meet Japanese people living in Canberra and other locals interested in Japan.

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

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

明けましておめでとうございます！Chapter Beat is back after a short hiatus with this 新年会 special. Check it out and find out where the party is happening near you.

JETAA Northern California

• Saturday, January 23rd, 6:00 at Caesar’s Italian Restaurant.

JETAA Texoma

• Saturday, January 30th, 6:00 in Houston. Celebrate the new year with good food, music, games and your friends at JETAA Texoma. This event will be potluck style, so don’t forget a tasty treat for everyone.

JETAA Canberra

• Friday, February 5th at Coo Izakaya in Civic.

JETAA Great Lakes

• Sunday, January 31st, 5:00 to 7:00 at a Japanese Restaurant as yet to be determined.

JETAA Pacific Northwest

• Japan Young Professionals Shinnenkai – Tuesday, January 26th, 6:00 at V Bar. The JYPG is hosting its first networking event of the new year, don’t miss it.
• JETAA Shinnenkai – The new year celebration happens on February 19th, so mark your calendar now. More details to follow for this night of food, fun and festivities.

JETAA Chicago

• Saturday, January 30th, 6:00 at the Unitrin Building. The 7th annual new year’s celebration kicks off in two weeks with food, games, Japanese music, gyotaku fish painting and more.

JETAA New York

• Saturday, January 30th, 7:00 at Naniwa. Usher in the new year with all you can eat shabu shabu and all you can drink beer and sake with your friends at JETAANY.

JETAA Florida

• Tampa Subchapter – Sunday, January 24th, 5:30 in Tampa. Get together with alumni and friends to celebrate the new year.

JETAA Portland

• Saturday, January 30th, 7:00 at the Portland City Grill. This year’s Shinnenkai is being combined with the Sautrday evening regional conference reception hosted by CLAIR, so join in for some fun, food and prizes.

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.

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

JETAA Northern California

• East Bay Nomikai – Thursday, January 21st, 6:00 at Ozumo. Join the JETAA NC group at Ozumo’s sake lounge in welc
• Free Kaiwa Class – Starting January 27th, every Wednesday from 6:30 to 8:00 at Golden Gate University, the Consulate General of Japan, San Francisco and the JET Alumni Association of Northern California are sponsoring a free Japanese conversation class. Take advantage of this generous opportunity and brush up on those rusty Japanese skills.

JETAA Southern California

• Super Bowl Hike – Sunday, February 7th, 10:00 at the Greek Theatre. Get a little fresh air and exercise before the game, and join JETAASC for a hike from teh Greek Theatre to the Griffith Observatory.
• Upcoming Member’s Retreat – JETAASC is planning a member’s retreat in Big Bear in February. Expected dates are from Friday, February 19th through Sunday the 21st, more details to come.

JETAA British Columbia

• Shakuhachi Workshop – Saturday, February 6th, 1:00 to 4:00 at the Renfrew Park Community Centre. Mr. Alcvin Ryuzen Ramos will be performing a musical workshop on the Shakuhachi, a traditional Japanese bamboo flute. Participants will learn how to play and will receive their very own hand carved flute made by Mr. Ramos himself.
• New Year’s Cooking Class – Saturday, January 23rd, 11:45 at the National Nikkei Heritage. Learn to make authentic Japanese Shogatsu food with Naomi-sensei, including four different recipes and a dessert.

JETAA Canberra

• O-Shaberikai – Wednesday, February 3rd, 5:30 at the Holy Grail in Civic. Join in and meet Japanese people living in Canberra and other locals interested in Japan.

JETAA Pacific Northwest

• Nihongo Dake Happy Hour - Monday, January 25th, 6:00 at Wann Izakaya. Dust off that Japanese vocabulary and come out for a night of fun with PNWJETAA.

JETAA D.C.

• Happy Hour – Thursday, January 21 st, 5:30 at Bar Louie. Get together and share some laughs with the group in DC.

JETAA New York

• Snowboarding Trip – February 26th – 28th in Killington, Vermont. Alumni, family and friends are welcome to join in on this weekend of skiing and snowboarding up in Vermont.

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.

I stopped by the CLAIR-NY office yesterday (which is the de facto JETAA NY headquarters), and was asked by Taichi Hanzawa (one of the JETAA USA & Canada Liaisons) if I know of any JET alums in Delaware.

I know we have an increasingly active JETAA Philadelphia sub-chapter.  But I don’t know of any JET alums by name who live in Delaware.

So, if you are a Delaware-based JET alum, or if you know of any, I’d love to hear from you.  Just e-mail Steven at jetwit [at] jetwit [dot] com.

Yoroshiku onegaishimasu!

This just in from JETAA Pacific Northwest:

With the Holiday Season and the cold Northwest winter upon us, PNWJETAA is putting together our annual newsletter. Every year, we welcome any contribution our members can make, and would love to hear from you.  From the tribulations of Climbing Mt. Fuji, to the observations of a friend-of-jet observing the dynamics of the JETAA crowd from afar, any and all submissions are welcome, and appreciated! This newsletter is a chance to showcase the talents of our diverse alumni, and it is only  through contributions from members like you can we make it a success!

The Due Date for this year is Sunday, December 20th, as we plan on having these puppies in the mail by the start of the new year! Please send your articles, prose, photos, stories, haiku, art etc. to:

pnwjetaa.mediacoordinator [/at/] gmail.com

…and direct any questions you may have to the same address. We are looking forward to your work!

All the best, and Happy Holidays!

Ben Erickson- PNWJETAA Media Coordinator and the rest of your PNWJETAA Officers

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

JETAA Northern California

• Nomikai in December, Special Happy Hour Fundraiser – Monday, December 14th, 6:00 to 8:00 at Sports Basement. Join JETAANC for a special fundraiser on Monday night. Free drinks, snacks and a 10% discount on all your holiday shopping are just a part of this fun event. Tell your friends and make sure to RSVP.
• 26th Japanese Discussion Group’s  – Saturday, December 5th, 3:00 in the Inner Sunset area of San Francisco. This month is Education Month for the Japanese Discussion Group, and the first topic will focus on infant/toddler parenting differences in Japan and the West.

JETAA Florida

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

JETAA Pacific Northwest

• 2009 Bounenkai – Friday, December 4th, 6:30 at Kaname. Buffet style dining, Wii karaoke, and good friends–what better way to send off 2009 and welcome in 2010.
• Seattle-Kobe Holiday Party – Sunday, December 6th, 4:00 to 8:00 at the Pt Edwards Club House in Edmonds. Join the Seattle-Kobe Sister City Association for their annual holiday potluck dinner.

JETAA D.C.

• JBook Meeting – Monday, December 14th, 6:30. This month’s book club meeting will focus on Jake Adelstein’s book “Tokyo Vice: An American Reported on the Police Beat in Japan,” an interesting look at organized crime in Tokyo in the 1990s. Start reading now.
• Bounenkai – Sunday, December 13th, 5:00 at Tono Sushi. Join JETAADC in bidding farewell to 2009 and welcoming the new year with food, games and good friends.

JETAA Chicago

• Japanese Cuisine and Karaoke Social – December 5th, 6:30 at Tokyo Marina. Come out and join the Chicago JETs for some sushi, nabe and other Japanese cuisine followed by a night of karaoke at Lincoln Karaoke at 9:00.

JETAA Southern California

• San Diego Subchapter Yokohama Sister City Holiday Party – Sunday, December 13th, 11:30 at the Bahia Resort Hotel. The San Diego Yokohama Sister City Society is putting on a holiday party, so join JET San Diego and share in the upcoming festivities.
• JETAA SC Bounenkai – Saturday, December 12th, 6:00 at the Brodard Chateau in Garden Grove. Celebrate the end of 2009 with JETAASC. Participate in the Secret Santa exchange and stick around for the Nijikai afterwards.

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 Chicago 2009-2010 Officer Election Results

• President: Robert Corder
• Vice President: Christine O’Reilly
• Secretary: Sarah Miller
• Treasurer: Thomas Osugi
• Social/Sports Coordinator: Parry Koriath
• Community Outreach Coordinator: Kristin Kutella
• Technology Chair: Kevin Greene

O-medetou gozaimashita!  Yoroshiku onegaishimasu!

JETAA Chicago Website:  http://www.chicago.jetalumni.net/

The following request was posted to the JETAA DC yahoogroup by JET alum Tina Meek (Saitama-ken, 1990-92):

I’m co-leading an advocacy called Fairfax FLAGS (Foreign Language Advocacy for Grade Schools), which is working to save its elementary school foreign language programs, currently at risk of elimination due to Fairfax County schools‘ budget crisis.

All 13 language immersion & 32 FLES (foreign language in the elementary school) programs are on the chopping block. This includes the amazing Japanese immersion programs at Great Falls, Floris and Fox Mill Elementary (where my daughters easily learn the language I struggled with during my JET years!).

We are asking as many people as possible to write letters/emails or make phone calls on the importance of early foreign language programs to Fairfax County Supervisors, Chairman Sharon Bulova, Fairfax County Public School Board Members & Superintendent Jack Dale.

Contact information & talking points are on our website at www.fairfaxflags.org. We also have a Fairfax FLAGS Group on Facebook if you’d like to support or join our cause.

Feel free to contact me for information, especially if you went through any of Fairfax County’s language immersion programs. We’re seeking testimonials!

Loss of these programs would be a huge step backward for Fairfax County (currently a role model for early foreign language).

Thank you,

Tina Meek (Saitama-ken, Urawa-shi, 1990-92)
tina.meek [/at/] yahoo [/dot/] com

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

JETAA Canberra

• O-Shaberikai – Wednesday, December 2nd, 5:30 at the Holy Grail in Civic. Join in and meet Japanese people living in Canberra and other locals interested in Japan.
• Cherry Picking Trip – Sunday, December 6th in Young, New South Wales. Spend the day in the country, stopping in the small town of Young for lunch and cherry picking. Cost is free except for any cherries you want to take home.

JETAA Great Lakes

• Western Michigan Subchapter Get Together - Friday, November 20th, 7:00 at Harper’s Bar & Grill. Calling all folks in Western Michigan for this JETAA Great Lakes Subchapter event tonight! Meet the new officers and get together with friends old and new.

JETAA Southern California

• San Diego Subchapter Yokohama Sister City Holiday Party – Sunday, December 13th, 11:30 at the Bahia Resort Hotel. The San Diego Yokohama Sister City Society is putting on a holiday party, so join JET San Diego and share in the upcoming festivities.
• Nihongo Dake Dinner – Saturday, November 21st, 6:00 in Cerritos. Eat, drink and brush up on your Japanese with the return of the JETAASC Nihongo Dake Dinner.
• Thanksgiving Sunday Hike – Sunday, November 29th, 10:00 on the “Rain Forest Trail.” Work off those holiday pounds with some time outdoors with JETAASC, weather permitting.
• JETAA SC Bounenkai – Saturday, December 12th. Details coming soon, stay tuned.

JETAA Pacific Northwest

• 2009 Bounenkai – Friday, December 4th, 6:30 at Kaname. Buffet style dining, Wii karaoke, and good friends–what better way to send off 2009 and welcome in 2010.

JETAA New York

• 2009 Bounenkai and Quarterly Meeting – Thursday, December 3rd, 6:30 at the Cha-an Tea House. Join JETAA New York in marking the close of 2009. A small welcoming for the newly elected members to the Board of directors and farewells for the outgoing members will also take place.
• Book Club Meeting – Tuesday, December 8th, 7:00. This month’s discussion centers around Yoko Ogawa’s “The Diving Pool.” Don’t forget to bring some discussion questions for the group.

JETAA Portland

• 2009 Bounenkai – Saturday, December 5th, 6:00 at Bush Garden. Get together with old friends and bid farewell to 2009. Karaoke to follow the event, so don’t miss out.

JETAA D.C.

• “Japan Through Our Eyes,” JETAA DC Photo Exhibit – Thursday, December 3rd, 6:30 at the Embassy of Japan’s Japan Information & Culture Center. Experience Japan and the JET Programme again through pictures taken and submitted by former JET participants. Stop by Thursday for an opening lecture and reception.
• JBook Meeting – Monday, December 14th, 6:30. This month’s book club meeting will focus on Jake Adelstein’s book “Tokyo Vice: An American Reported on the Police Beat in Japan,” an interesting look at organized crime in Tokyo in the 1990s. Start reading now.

JETAA Chicago

• JETAA Chicago Social – December 5th, 6:30 at Tokyo Marina. Come out and join the Chicago JETs for some sushi, nabe and other Japanese cuisine followed by a night of karaoke.

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.

Omedetou gozaimashita to JETAA New York on electing its new Board members!

A little bit of context:  JETAA NY became a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit entity not too long ago and as a result is required to have a Board of Directors.  The first Board was appointed, so this year was the first year that JETAA NY held elections for some positions on the Board.  And here are the results:

Each of the newly elected members will serve a two year term.

New Board Members

• Randall David Cook
• Clara Solomon
• Steven Horowitz
• Kia Cheleen

Reelected Board Members

• Shannan Spisak
• Katrina Barnas

Current Board Members

• Evan Hyman
• Sara Beinert
• Josh Saifer
• Megan Miller

Just received a subarashii email from Smitha Prasadh (Tokushima-ken, 2005-07) who is part of an effort to revitalize JET alum activities in Pittsburgh-shi (which is officially part of the JETAA New York chapter).  JetWit wants to say good luck to “yins guys” (that’s Pittsburgh-ben, fyi :-) and keep us updated on how everything is going.

A small but determined group of us in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA are attempting to jump-start the JETAA – New York sub-chapter here. We’re located kind of in the middle of a rough triangle composed of New York, Washington DC, and Detroit (all of which are at 200-400 miles away), and would like to restart the subchapter to establish a local JETAA presence, form ties with the Japanese community, and spread awareness of the JET Programme.

In the last couple of weeks, we’ve gotten official permission from JETAANY and established affiliations with the Japan-America Society of Pennsylvania and the Asian Studies Center at the University of Pittsburgh, and we’re currently in the process of choosing officers and getting the word out. (We’ll be putting up a website in the near future, too.) At the moment, we know we’ll be hosting a Nihongo Dake dinner (date/time/location TBA) and quarterly events/meetups.

Like other JETAA chapters, we’re open to all JET alums, prospective applicants, and any friends of the JET Programme. We’re based in western PA, but people in neighboring areas who are also too far from their regional JETAA chapters to participate actively (eastern Ohio, West Virginia, etc.) are welcome to join us.

Any interested parties can send an e-mail to pittsburghrep [/at/] jetaany [/dot/] org.

Smitha Prasadh (Tokushima-ken, 2005-07)

Note: JetWit just checked out Smitha’s website (http://skprasadh.com) and realized that Smitha also does sugoi design work (graphic and web), illustrations and photography.

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

JETAA Portland

• J-Kaiwa - Friday, November 6th, 7:00 at Hawthorne Lucky Lab. Practice your Japanese and spend the night out with friends at this month’s J-Kaiwa. A nijikai at Hollywood bowl will follow the event for any interested.
• Career Panel 2009 – Thursday, November 12th, 7:00 to 9:30 at Portland State University, Smith Hall room 296. Make contacts, explore the possibility of continuing education and start your job search off right with the folks at JETAA Portland.
• First Ever Eugene Subchapter Event – Saturday, November 14th, 1:00 at Toshi’s Ramen. Newly forming Eugene Subchapter is having its first event over a bowl of ramen. Don’t miss it.

JETAA Southern California

• Volunteer at the JRA Food Festival – Sunday, November 15th, 9:00 to 5:00 at the Kyoto Grand Hotel in Little Tokyo. The Japanese Restaurant Association is holding its annual Food Festival and is looking for volunteers to help out selling tickets, checking ID and serving food among other duties. Help out and share in the fun.
• Nihongo Dake Dinner – Saturday, November 21st, 6:00 in Cerritos. Eat, drink and brush up on your Japanese with the return of the JETAASC Nihongo Dake Dinner.

JETAA Western Australia

• Japanese School in Perth’s Bunkasai – Saturday, November 7th, 9:30 A.M. at the Japanese School in Perth. JETAAWA will have a booth selling gyoza and drinks, so drop on by and share in a celebration of Japanese culture.
• Kaiwa – Thursday, November 5th and 19th, 5:30 at 43 Below. Practice your Japanese with old friends and some tasty snacks.

JETAA Texoma

• Asia Society Texas Center Young Professionals Mixer – Thursday, November 12th, 5:30 at Arturo’s Uptown Italiano. JET Alumni have been invited to this month’s mixer. Make contacts, see old friends and enjoy a night out with JETAA Texoma.

JETAA D.C.

• Happy Hour – Tuesday, November 10th, 5:00 to 8:00 at Momo’s Sports Bar. Come on out and relax with the JETAADC gang after a long day.

JETAA Florida

• Orlando Japan Festival – Sunday, November 8th, 12:00 in Hunters Creek Village. Share in the festivities with JETAA Florida and experience this exciting event. Karaoke to follow if enough people are interested.
• Tampa Subchapter Tsudoi – Friday, November 6th, 7:00 at Panera Bread in the Brandon Mall. The Tampa Subchapter will be hosting their monthly Tsudoi, an informal time for anyone interested in Japanese and Japanese culture.

JETAA Pacific Northwest

• Happy Hour – Friday, November 6th, 6:00 at Wann Izakaya. Relax after a long week of work with the gang at PNWJETAA.

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.

The October 2009 edition of JapanInfo is now available online.  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.

Highlights include:

• Welcome Back for Former JET Program Participants
• Ambassador Nishimiya Visits Philladelphia
• “Art of the Samurai” Opens at the Met
• From the Ambassador’s Desk
• And plenty of things to do and see on the Events Calendar.

Read below for the write-up of the Welcome Back Reception.

Read More

Update: Turns out that JETAA Southern California has also recently updated its website:  http://jetaasc.org (can’t tell if it’s Joomla, WordPress or something else)  (Thanks to JETAA SC Prez Jason Porath for the update.)

This just in from JETAA Northern California:

Hey everyone,

After talking about it at the national conference for I don’t know how long, our new website is finally up (jetaanc.org)! Check it out and let us know what you think.

Rod McLeod
JETAANC President

Meanwhile, JetWit has checked out the new JETAA Northern California website and thinks it’s cho-beri kakkou ii.  We also voted for “Easier Navigation” as our favorite thing about the new site.  But feel free to vote as you see fit.

On the website topic, you may notice that JETAA Northern California is using Joomla (an open source Content Management System) for its website.  Several other JETAA chapters use Joomla as well.  Meanwhile, JETAA NY and a few other chapter sites use WordPress (a blog program which is also a Content Management System for all intent and purpose).  Together, Joomla and WordPress do seem to be the most popular choices among chapters.  The primary reason being that they have nice layouts and, once set up, multiple users can easily participate in adding content rather than having to rely on one webmaster to add content each time.

The issue of websites and content management systems will be further discussed at the end of January at the Regional Conference being hosted by JETAA Portland (which I just noticed doesn’t use either Joomla or WordPress).  JETAA NY and JetWit webmaster Lee-Sean Huang will be there to contribute to the conversation along with several other knowledgeable and tech-savvy JET alums.

What does your chapter use?  How do you feel about it?  Do you have a preference between Joomla and WordPress, or something else altogether?  Share your comments below.  There’s no one right answer, so the more feedback provided, the better we’ll all be served in the long run.

Via JETAA Florida:

Hello everyone.  Here are two upcoming JETAA events I’d like you all to be aware of.

Thanks
Tom Gregorich

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

JETAA Minnesota

• MN JETAA Karaoke Night – Saturday, October 24th, 8:00 at 2nd Floor of the Korea Restaurant. Spend the night singing and laughing with friends at MN JETAA.
• Welcome Back Dinner – Saturday, November 7th, 7:00 at Obento-ya. Don’t miss this chance for some good food and even better conversations with old friends.

JETAA British Columbia

• JLPT Proctors Needed – Capilano University is seeking Proctors for the 2009 JLPT on Sunday, December 6th. Orientation is held on November 29th, contact the University to apply.
• Vancouver Island JET Alumni Subchapter Meet and Greet  Night – Friday, October 23rd, 8:00 at the Beagle Pub in Cook Street Village. This new subchapter of JETAABC is looking to connect with local members in an effort to connect and get the ball rolling on new events for the future.

JETAA New York

• Oktoberfest Happy Hour – Wednesday, October 21st, 6:00 at 39 Grove Street. Go German at this month’s festive happy hour.
• Bear Mountain Hiking Trip – Sunday, October 25th, 10:00 at scenic Bear Mountain. Spend the day outside among the trees and the changing leaves, followed by a German Festival including bratwurst, beer, music and crafts.

JETAA Chicago

• JETAA Chicago Meeting – Friday, October 30th, 6:00 at Noon O’Kabab. JETAA Chicago will be holding officer elections so if you’re interesting in being part of JETAA’s future or just curious, stop on by.
• Spooky Zoo Volunteer Event – Saturday, October 24th, 10:00 to 2:00 at the Lincoln Park Zoo. JETAA Chicago is volunteering at this year’s Halloween celebration, organizing events, handing out treats and helping visitors.

JETAA Southern California

• “The Harimaya Bridge” Movie Night(s) – Saturday, October 24th at 7:30 and Monday, October 26th at 7:15, JETAASC will be checking out Aaron Wookfolk’s feature film entitled, “The Harimaya Bridge” at the San Diego Asian Film Festival.
• Meishi Exchange – November 4th, 6:30 to 9:00 at the Los Angeles Airport Marriott. Join in for JETAASC’s annual Meishi Exchange, an excellent opportunity to meet friends and network.
• Volunteer at the JRA Food Festival – Sunday, November 15th, 9:00 to 5:00 at the Kyoto Grand Hotel in Little Tokyo. The Japanese Restaurant Association is holding its annual Food Festival and is looking for volunteers to help out selling tickets, checking ID and serving food among other duties. Help out and share in the fun.

JETAA D.C.

• Izakaya Pub Quiz Night – Wednesday, October 21st, 6:00 at O-Sushi. Put that intellect to the test with a night of questions, drinks and your friends at JETAADC.
• Career Night and Welcome Back Reception – Tuesday, October 27th, 6:15 t the Old Ambassador’s Residence. Reunite with old friends and former JETs while getting a leg up on career opportunities and connections.

JETAA Canberra

• O-Shaberikai – Wednesday, November 4th, 5:30 at the Holy Grail in Civic. Join in and meet Japanese people living in Canberra and other locals interested in Japan.

JETAA Northern California

• Shobu Cup Round III: Dodgeball – Sunday, October 25th, 11:00 to 3:00 at Golden Gate Park. The Japan Society of Northern California and the JETAA Northern California chapter are facing off for a friendly round of dodgeball. Potluck BBQ follows the game, so don’t miss it.

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

Page 3……..Letter From the Editor / Letter From the Treasurer
Page 4……..Nippon News Blotter / CJ’s Wedding
Page 5……..Comings & Goings / JETAA National Conference in Chicago
Page 6……..JETAANY Annual Softball Tournament
Page 7……..Working the Written Word by Alexei Esikoff
Page 8……..Nihonjin in New York – Featuring JETRO’s Maya Eiki-Law by Joe Marucheck
Page 8……..Actor Jun Kim Talks heavenly BENTO by Adren Hart
Page 9……..Americans on Fuji: Talking with Author Sara Backer by Veronika Ruff
Page 10……International Visitor Leadership Program Interpreting by Stacy Smith

Page 11……JQ&A with New York Anime Festival’s Peter Tatara by Justin Tedaldi

Page 13……Anvil with Sacha Gervasi:  The JQ Interview: by Justin Tedaldi

Page 14……What We Did This Summer – Photos

Page 15……Theatre Review: A Recipe for heavenly BENTO by Adren Hart

Page 16……Film Review: Hayao Miyazaki’s Ponyo by Lyle Sylvander

Page 17……Book Corner: The China Lover by David Kowalsky

Page 18……Ace Frehley: Back in the New York Groove by Justin Tedaldi

Page 20……New York Anime Festival Photos

Page 21……Film Review: The Cove by Elizabeth Wanic

Page 21……Book Corner: Japanese Kitchen Knives / Food Carving by Yukari Sakamoto

Page 23……Top 12 List / Life After the B.O.E. / Sponsors Index

Are you a JET alum in Montana?  Do you know any JET alums in Montana?  Then get in touch with Pat Hauge (Nagasaki-ken, 2006-09).  He’s looking to link up with other JET alums in the (rather large) vicinity.  Here’s his request:

I just returned from 3 years on JET in Nagasaki, and am living back in Missoula. Just wondering if there are any ex-JETs in the area. If so, I’d love to hear from you and maybe meet up for lunch or a Missoula microbrew.

Looking forward to hearing back from you,

Pat Hauge (Nagasaki 2006-2009)  pbh406 [/at/] yahoo [/dot/] com

JetWit followed up with Pat to find out how life is out there and how he gets his “Japan fix.”  Here’s Pat’s response:

I have recently returned home after a long 3 years in Japan so I’m still working on satisfying my “Montana fix”. Though I guess the biggest thing I miss at this point would be sashimi.I lived on a small fishing island off the coast of Nagasaki ken where the raw fish was as dank as you could find. There are a couple decent Japanese restaurants here in Missoula, Sushi Hana and Nara, which both have dollar sushi night’s. They’ll never really compare, but I guess they do give me that weekly fix.  There are quite a few Japanese college students here in town at the University of Montana, so I have a chance to practice my Japanese and hear some eeeeee’s, or sugoooi’s which makes me feel not quite as far away from the rising sun.

Although living in Japan on JET was an amazing experience, I am actually quite happy being back in Missoula, Montana (even though it was -10 degrees Fahrenheit in early October last week) where I just bought a house and am beginning a career as a financial planner.

If anyone is in the area I’d love to get together, chat about Japan, grab a pint of beer, or eat some dollar sushi, so hit me up!

cheers,

Pat

Via JET alum Vanessa Villalobos, the Communications Officer for JETAA UK as well as the publisher of the Isshoni London website.

In case you didn’t know, sake tastings are all the rage in London. Do you really know your Nihonshu? Following the great success of our last chilled sake tasting in June, we’ll be holding a cosy autumn tasting with delicious, warming sakes. Join us for an educational night, with sake and accompanying nibbles.

WHEN: Tuesday, October 20, 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

The Tsuru Restaurant tasting includes 4 different types of sake, served with sushi and a selection from Tsuru’s Japanese Tapas menu. At only £18 per person this is truly great value! First come, first served… reserve your place quickly to avoid disappointment.

If you’d like to attend, please register by sending an email to Vanessa at londoncomms [at] jetaa.org.uk

Details of how to secure your place by sending £18 will then follow.

JETAA Chicago Newsletter Editor Elizabeth Friedman (Shimane-ken, 2003-04) has put out the the JETAA Chicago Fall 2009 Newsletter (PDF).  Have a look-and-see at what’s going on in Chicago’s JET-world:

http://www.chicago.jetalumni.net/newsletter/2009_Fall_Newsletter.pdf

• Letter from the President
• JETAA National Conference (hosted by Chicago)
• Photos from the JETAA National Conference
• Green Teaist Tea Tasting
• Japan America Society of Chicago Events
• Volunteer Opportunity