Details:
Japanese speaking sports journalist – Tay 2 Productions – West London
To view details about this job vacancy visit: http://www.jetaa.org.uk/jobs/japanese-speaking-sports-journalist/

• PDF:  http://www.jetaabc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/NewsletterV17N1.pdf
• Online viewer version on Issuu.com at http://issuu.com/jetaabc/docs/newsletterv17n1

© Satoshi Narita

What is Photohoku and how (and why) did you become involved with this project?

Photohoku is a family photo-album building project for those affected by the events of March 11th. It’s a portmanteau blending of the words Photo and Tohoku. It was officially started on September 11th of 2011 by myself (Brian Scott Peterson) and our co-founder, Yuko Yoshikawa. We became involved in the project having collaborated on another Tokyo-based project called Tokyo Kids Photo.

Basically we go to the earthquake and tsunami affected areas of Tohoku, armed with instant cameras and instant film and find families who lost all their photos in the disaster and make new photos for them. We put those photos in a new family album for them and present that newly started album to the families. If the families don’t have a camera, we also give them a retired digital camera we’ve collected as donations from our friends and families. Finally, on subsequent trips, we print the photos from the cameras with have given and add those photos to the albums as well so they can continue them. Basically help them start their photographic lives over.

How did Photohoku evolve from being just an idea to becoming a full-on reality?

We basically wanted to repeat our Tokyo Kids Photo portraiture project in Tohoku by simply traveling to the affected areas to make some nice new photos for the affected families. We would have to take the photos, return to Tokyo to print them and send them back to the families, which seemed straightforward enough but then we got the idea to use instant film and instant cameras. Coincidentally we were working with Fujifilm on an unrelated project at the time, so we asked them if they would consider supporting our project with some of their instant film. We were hoping they’d supply us with a few packs of film but they ended up essentially offering us more than we could possibly shoot ourselves in an entire year, which enabled us to start taking other photographers with us.

How frequently does the Photohoku team travel to Tohoku and, on average, how many families do you photograph and make albums for on each trip?

We travel to Tohoku about once a month, twice if we are lucky, and we are willing to go more if our supporters afford us the chance. Since September of 2011, we have been 9 times and gifted well over 100 new family photo albums and given countless photos.

What was the response like from the families who have been photographed and given new photo albums and/or donated digital cameras?

The response is unanimously positive. As the situation has been understandably mined for photos, people are occasionally at first leery, however once they understand we are giving them a photo that is just for them, everybody warms up to the idea, and when they see the magic of instant film, they are thrilled to have a their photo taken and receive a new album. It’s not uncommon for the recipients to shed a tear or two, nor is it uncommon for us to share one with them. It gets pretty emotional at times.

Are there any families in particular that stood out and/or left an impression on you?

There are just too many to mention. Off the top of my head, there was the couple whose granddaughter survived her mother (their daughter). The grandparents told us how sad they were knowing they wouldn’t be able to see the granddaughter grow up, much less give her the care she needed, and was so uncertain about what the future held. The grandmother told us she cried everyday and that she was more miserable than anyone around her. When the she saw herself smiling in the photo we took of her, she told us she hadn’t expected to ever see herself smiling again. She was so happy to have our album. (YouTube video of their meeting here.)

Then there was the family who escaped from their car through a shattered back window — who managed to crawl on the roof of the car (a mother and 4 kids), to then be rescued by others from atop a roof of a home. Stories beyond belief and certainly beyond words.

So far, what has been some of your most memorable Photohoku moments?

Every experience is truly special and unforgettable. We’ve met some amazingly kind people, heard unbelievable stories of both heroism and loss. We’ve laughed, we’ve cried, we’ve been invited into homes, been fed, been boozed, been sheltered, been given gifts, been bombarded by children (who know us by name), had songs sung to us, even asked for autographs. Every moment stands out as being THE moment of the project. In all of this, we have learned that even if we take a team of 6 people, it’s freezing cold, and we have few opportunities to connect, that even reaching just one family can have an impact on them for the rest of their lives, maybe even after their gone. In that, it’s fully worthwhile and unforgettable every time.

A question from our camera おたくs living here: What kind of equipment do you use for your Photohoku trips?

Basically we use any cameras that take instant film. Some of the cameras have included the Konica Instant Press, the Polaroid 195, the Mamiya Universal Press, a Linhof Master Technika, among others.

One fun camera we have is a homemade 3D (Stereoscopic) instant camera made from two Fuji Cheki cameras which takes two instant photos at the same time which when looked at through a special 3D viewer, which we make with the kids during a workshop, becomes a completely other experience in itself.

Looking forward, what do you want to see happen with Photohoku?

To be frank, we want to see Photohoku blow up. Our ambitious pipe-dream goal is to give every single last family in Japan who lost their photos in the earthquake and tsunami a start on a new album if they want one. To do that, it may take years, it may take a lifetime. But this is what we know how to do and we intend to continue is as best as we can for as long as we can. For the time being, we will keep going to Tohoku once a month and reaching out to as many families as we can.

For those of us living in Canada and other parts of the world, what are some ways that we can help/contribute to Photohoku?

Please consider helping by making a donation though out website. Our main expense is getting there and back. Any donation you consider making will likely be put towards getting a photographer and an assistant from Tokyo to a temporary housing area in the affected areas of Tohoku where they can use their talent to realize our goals which can be distilled down to giving the lasting smile of a photograph.

If you can’t make a financial contribution, please consider sending a retired digital camera to us so we can find it a new home in Tohoku.

If you can’t do either of those, please share about Photohoku with your family and friends. Eventually, it will find itself under the right nose and we can all work together to bring smiles to those who really need them most.

Last question:  What makes you smile?

We’re photographers. Smiles make us smile, naturally. SAY CHEESE!

More information about Photohoku (including a bilingual Press Kit) can be found at photohoku.org. Check out their trips on their frequently-updated Facebook page.

A tourism promotion and exchange delegation from the City of Hiroshima is visiting Honolulu!

Purpose: Hiroshima City and Honolulu City established a sister city relationship in 1959, and over the years, they have enhanced their friendly relations through promoting peace, culture, sports, and other causes. In 2009, they exchanged delegations in commemoration of the 50 years of their sister city relationship. Also the Hiroshima Chamber of Commerce and the Honolulu Japanese Chamber of Commerce established a relationship in 1971, and last year was the 30th anniversary for them. So this year, the City of Hiroshima and the Hiroshima Chamber of Commerce are sending a delegation to Honolulu to promote tourism in Hiroshima. They will visit Honolulu by a charter flight with around 200 citizens.

Schedule: From June 7 to 12

Main Content : Joining the “Pan-Pacific Festival” and promoting Hiroshima’s tourist attractions

• Speech and Kagura dance performance on stage (from 11:45am to noon on Saturday)
• Joining the parade (from 5:00pm on Sunday)
• Distributing information at a booth on the street (from 3:00pm to 6:00pm on Sunday)

About the Pan-Pacific Festival: http://www.pan-pacific-festival.com/index.html

Each country with a JETAA chapter has the right to participate in JETAA International.  Most countries have one Country Representative (or “Country Rep”) each.  However, the formula for representation is one country rep for each 9 chapters.  And since JETAA USA has 19 chapters, that means it has 3 country reps.  

Country Reps play a large role in coordinating among the chapters in their country, which in the case of the US, has no central governing authority.  (Kind of like the original 13 colonies before the Constitution, if you will.)  They serve as the shepherds, facilitating the reporting and funding required between CLAIR And the chapters.  However, since 3/11 the Country Reps in the US have played a significant new role, helping to organize and facilitate Japan relief fundraising and communications and helping to think about the future direction of JETAA USA along with their normal duties and obligations.  This adds up to a lot of work in addition to their day jobs.  So make sure to thank your CRs for all their behind-the-scenes work whenever you have a chance.

With that background in mind, here is the introduction message to the chapters from the 3 newly elected JETAA USA Country Representatives:

Hello JETAA Chapter Officers,

Melissa, Jennifer, and I would like to ‘officially’ say hello as your new Country Representatives for the 2012-2013 year. Below are some personalized greetings from us.

As always we can be reached at our JETAA USA emails:

us1.jetaausa@gmail.com - Melissa Chan
us2.jetaausa@gmail.com - Christina Omori
us3.jetaausa@gmail.com - Jennifer Butler

We look forward to a great year working with you!

MELISSA – CR1

Hello everyone! My name is Melissa Chan from JETAA Northern California and I am honored to serve as one of your JETAA USA Country Representatives with Christina and Jennifer.  We are excited to continue some of the great work that Jessyca, Megan and Mike have worked on over the past year.  I also plan to utilize our social media outlets (Twitter, facebook, etc.) as ways to keep all members informed of what’s happening with JETAAUSA and the various chapters.  Be sure to follow us @JETAAUSA.  You are welcome to contact me at us1.jetaausa@gmail.com if you have any ideas, suggestions, or want to help out!  Yoroshiku onegaishimasu!

CHRISTINA – CR2

Hi everyone! My name is Christina Omori (NEJETAA) and it is my pleasure to be working with Melissa Chan (JETAANC) and Jennifer Butler (JETAAMC) as your JETAA USA Country Representatives for the 2012-2013 year. We have many exciting efforts such as the JETAA USA Relief fund, evaluating and promoting the success and value of the JET Programme, and much more. Some of the projects I’ll be working on include understanding the success and value of the JET Programme to learn where we have opportunities for improvement while providing support to our communications outlets such as the JETAA USA website and our Google Groups forum. Please feel free to reach out to me at us2.jetaausa@gmail.com for any questions or concerns or just to say hello! I look forward to a productive and successful year working with you all!

JENNIFER – CR3

Greetings!  This is Jennifer Butler from the Music City JETAA chapter and I’m looking forward to working with Melissa and Christina this coming year as one of the JETAA USA Country Reps.  We are dedicated to supporting all 19 US chapters as we work on national projects that will naturally require the cooperation of all of you.  Yoroshiku!  In particular, I’m planning to work on the Sister Cities Initiative and supporting more outreach to other community groups.  If you have any ideas for this or would like to contact me about anything else of concern, just email me at us3.jetaausa@gmail.com.  Thanks and here’s to a productive year!

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

Click the link below to see the Fujisankei TV video (in Japanese) about JETAA NY’s preparation for Japan Day Central Park.  The video includes quotes from JETAA NY President Monica Yuki and Vice-President Kendall Murano among others.

http://www.fujisankei.com/video_library/local-news/japan-day2.php

JETAA Chicago’s Bingo Nights with Japanese Senior Living Facility

By JETAA Chicago Treasurer Thomas Osugi (Hokkaido, 2005-07)

I believe that one of the missions of JETAA is to volunteer and to help out the community at large. As much as I love eating sushi and singing karaoke, it’s always great when JETAA Chicago can give back to the community, and I just wanted to say that our alumni here in Chicago have been doing a great job!

Every month, we regularly help out at a local retirement home called Heiwa Terrace on the north side of Chicago. This place was created by a group called JASC (Japanese American Service Committee) whose mission is to help out the Japanese and Japanese-American communities. (I should mention that Heiwa Terrace is HUD-certified and abides by the rules of equal housing opportunity.)

About the event: Bingo is on the third Thursday of every month, and usually a few of us come in and help call out numbers. It’s very regular and short – in a very Japanese fashion, it promptly starts at 7 and ends at 8. When I first started, I was surprised to see so many residents – 20 or so mainly Japanese, Koreans and others, and how passionate they were about the game. There are always prizes to be won, usually very small things such as a cans of green beans, soap, shampoo, picture frames, but the most popular item is toilet paper! During the game, extra volunteers usually chit-chat, walk around and help out those who are hard of hearing. At the end a few minutes before 8, we play for a grand prize which we call “super” bingo. In order to win “super” bingo, players have to match both top and bottom row. If you can imagine, there is a fair amount of tension in the room to see who is the winner.

Volunteering at Heiwa is great because we get a chance to practice our Japanese, and for us working professionals, it’s right after work and very low stress – unless we miscall numbers (then all bets are off). Afterwards, we usually go out for dinner and catch up.

Although small, I think having this kind of regular volunteer event is great for alumni and the community and a gives a sense of reason for JETAA. I’m not sure if something like this is available in other cities, but I think it is a good model for local chapters everywhere.

Via jetaaottawa.ca

JETAA Ottawa will be hosting a charity concert at the Black Sheep Inn on May 24th, 2012 to help raise money for Smile Kids Japan, and the Tohoku Kids Project.

JET Alumnus Jordan Patrick (Aichi-ken, 2009-11) will open the show with his mix of indie and modern folk music. Headlining the event will be the Hornettes who will keep the energy peaked and revive classic Motown, soul and funk sounds that will leave you sweaty and satisfied. The Hornettes formed in Ottawa in 2010, and since then have developed a loyal following of music lovers drawn to their ability to keep the dance floor moving. The band consists of two female front women, Anna and Irina, backed by a hot horn section and the classic trio of guitar, drums and bass.

A shuttle bus will be provided from the corner of York Street and Dalhousie Street at 6:30 p.m. to the Black Sheep Inn, and will return once the concert ends.

Tickets for the show and space on shuttle service are limited!
RSVP: events[at]jetaaottawa[dot]ca

Event: Smile Kids Japan Charity Concert
Date: Thursday, May 24th, 2012
Time: starting at 7:30pm (doors open at 7:00pm)
Location: Black Sheep Inn, 753 Riverside Drive, Wakefield, Quebec
Admission: $15.00 minimum donation (cash or pre-paid donations through JETAA Ottawa or Global Giving only) *bring a printed receipt of all pre-paid donations

Shuttle: $5.00 (cash/pre-purchased tickets only) – leaving at 6:30pm from the corner of York/Dalhousie St.

Hope to see you there!

JETAA D.C.

• JBook Meeting – Monday, June 4th, 6:30 at the Japan America Society of Washington DC. Next month’s Japanese-themed book club selection is a collection of short stories entitled, Digital Geishas and Talking Frogs: The Best 21st Century Short Stories from Japan edited by Helen Mitsios.

JETAA Northern California

• Kabuki Club – Sunday, May 20th, 2:00 at the Oakland Asian Cultural Center. This month’s selection is the haunting Japanese folk story, The Black Mound (Kurozuka). View a live and unique dance, and watch video performances of a Medieval Noh and Modern Kabuki.

JETAA Minnesota

• Hanami – Sunday, May 20th, 3:00 to 7:00 in Lyndale Park. Spend a day under the cherry blossoms this May with a potluck style picnic in the park.
• Kanna Club – Tuesday, May 15th, 6:00 to 8:00 at Wakame Sushi. Kanna club is a social networking club sponsored by the Japan American Society of Minnesota. Join in for some food, fun, and socializing.
• Japanese Groceries Club – Sunday, May 27th, 11:00 at United Noodle. Get together for lunch and some food shopping with JETAA Minnesota folks to help recreate those delicious dishes from Japan in your own kitchen.

JETAA Florida

• Natsumatsuri – Saturday, June 9th, 9:00 to 12:00. Natsumatsuri is a community-based Japanese sumer festival akin to the typical small town festivals found throughout Japan. The festival features Japanese food, traditional festival games, culture, and art. Bring out your yukata or jinbei and celebrate the summer.

JETAA New York

• Japan Day Volunteers Needed – Volunteers are needed to help out with this year’s Japan Day in Central Park. JETAANY and the Japan Society are hosting the yo-yo Balloon Tent and need help in running the booth, greeting guests, explaining the rules of the Yo-yo Balloon game. Both morning and afternoon help is needed, so spare a day and join this fun-filled Japanese event.

JETAA Southern California

• Indoor Rock Climbing Social Event – Saturday, June 9th, 3:00 to 5:00 at Hangar 18. Scale the walls and share stories with friends and alumni at this exciting event. Introductory lessons, equipment and a two hour supervised climb is included.

JETAA Pacific Northwest

• Book Club – Saturday, May 19th, in the early afternoon. PNWJETAA is starting a new book club as a way to get alumni together and share stories and ideas over a bit of literature. The first section is Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy by John le Carre. Start reading now so you can contribute to the discussion.

JETAA Portland

• 10th Annual Iron Chef Competition – Saturday, May 12th. Get ready for a fun and unique cookoff that tests your skills in the kitchen. Prizes are awarded for the best side dishes, main dishes and desserts. This event is co-sponsored by both JETAA Portland and PNWJETAA, so it’s a great opportunity to meet your neighbor JET alumni.

JETAA New England

• Opening Reception for NEJETAA Photo Exhibit – Monday, May 21st, 6:00 to 8:00 at the Logan Airport Terminal E. Susan Gil has organized a beautiful collection of photographs of Japan taken by JET alumni, and there will be an opening celebration for JET alumni and friends. Don’t miss this opportunity to see Japan through the eyes of fellow JETs.

(From the JETAA Portland website)

JETAA Portland’s 10th Annual Iron Chef Competition

It’s time to sharpen those knives and dig up your best recipes as contestants, judges, and other hungry mouths gather for one of our most popular (and delicious) events of the year!

Headline from the 2010 Iron Chef event. (Click image to read the article.)

When: Saturday, May 12th
(Judging begins at Noon, prizes awarded at 1:00pm)
Where: Demaree Raveaux’s House
RSVP for directions to Gloria Jung: glo888 [at] hotmail.com
(Please respond by May 2nd and include what you plan to bring)

There are three categories for Iron Chef entries:

• Side Dish
• Main Dish
• Dessert

There will be prizes awarded to the 1st and 2nd place winners of each of the categories.

This year, we will be adding a special event. Marcus Pakiser, sake sommolier, will talk about pairing sake with food and there will be sake to sample.

We are inviting our sister chapter, Pacific Northwest JETAA to join us in this event. This is a great opportunity to meet the members from the PNW chapter of JETAA.  They will be traveling from northwest locations such as Seattle to attend our Iron Chef event and using the “Tatami Timeshare” program to stay with Portland-area members.  Please e-mail any questions you have.

This is a BYOB event.

Via JETAA Southern California:

THANKS to everyone who came to the JETAASC fundraiser to benefit orphans of the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami!!  Your efforts helped to raise over $800 for Smile Kids Japan, the organization founded by JET alum Mike Maher-King (Fukui-ken, 2006-11).  The support is heartfelt and the cause is completely a result of JET Program Participants’ efforts.  If you wanted to come but could not make it, you can read more about Smile Kids Japan and how to donate here.

As my second year as JETAA US Country Representative comes to a close I wanted to thank all of you for your support and participation in the JETAA community. It has been an absolute joy and incredibly fulfilling experience to serve in this way. I think the goals that got accomplished and the initiatives that were put into place have all been great successes.

Although I am stepping down as Country Rep, with the establishment of the new JETAA USA Bylaws, we will have a JETAA USA Board of Advisors as of this year. I am hoping to continue to work on projects and initiatives in that capacity. I will be turning over my email address to one of the incoming Country Reps tomorrow. As I am still interested in working on JETAA projects, please use my work email address to contact me from hereon out: jet.program.denver@gmail.com If we establish email addresses for our Board of Advisors, I will certainly update you.

The incoming US Country Reps are as follows:

• Christina Omori from New England JETAA
• Jennifer Butler from Music City JETAA
• Melissa Chan from JETAA Northern California

The talents and skill sets these women bring to the organization will be extremely beneficial to the organization! Outgoing Country Reps are ensuring that the transition goes smoothly and are assisting in the appointment of the newly established JETAA USA Advisory Board. Outgoing Country Representatives are:

• Jessyca Wilcox from Rocky Mountain JETAA (CR 2010-2012)
• Megan Miller-Yoo from JETAA New York (CR 2011-12)
• Mike Shu from JETAA Northern California (CR 2011-12)

(They intend to retire to a remote beach in the Pacific islands where drinks with umbrellas in them are plentiful.)

Thank you again for all your support and I look forward to continuing to work with you all in my capacity as a member of the JETAA USA Board of Advisors.

Best,

Jessyca Wilcox
JETAA USA Country Representative (outgoing)
www.jetaausa.com

JETAA D.C.

• Networking Event – Wednesday, March 28th, 6:00 at Kelly’s Irish Times. Get together with JETAA and friends in the DC area.

JETAA Western Australia

• Annual General Meeting – Friday, March 30th, 5:30 at 43 Below. Talk about the future of JETAA, join the committee, and have fun with alumni.

JETAA SG Election Committee 2012  is pleased to present to you JETAA SG 2012-2013 new board members who will officialy take over from the the current board with effect from 1 April 2012! Thank you to all the voters for your support!

“For those of you who are interested in reading the Quarterly Reports that the Country Reps produce to update you on what’s been going on, you can do so on the jetaausa.com website. Go to, About JETAA >> Quarterly Reports. You can click on the report you are interested in reading. Country Rep Megan Miller has done a nice job summarizing all the JETAA activity at the national level! All three quarters from fiscal year 2011-12 are available and we will be sure to wrap up the year with a Quarter 4 Report as well!”

“What is JETAA International?”

“Because of JET”

Remember to check out a listing of JETAA Chapter Events related to the Anniversary of the 2011 Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami.

JETAA Philadelphia Subchapter (part of JETAANY)

• Tohoku Disaster One Year Anniversary and Film Screening – Sunday, March 11th, 2:00 to 4:30 at the Bellevue. The Japan American Society of Greater Philadelphia is screening NHK and MindTV’s short documentary “Radiation – Fighting the Invisible Enemy” as part of a fundraising and informational event. The program also includes a talk by the Honorary Consul of Japan in Philadelphia’s Dennis Morikawa, a bake sale, and reception.
• Cooking and Movie Afternoon – Sunday, March 11th, 12:00. The group in Philly is getting together to watch Japanese movies and socialize this Sunday. Bring your own dish and cook it up for a relaxing day of food, fun, and friends.

JETAA Southern California

• Nihongo Dake Cooking Lesson – Saturday, March 10th, in Torrance. Learn how to cook authentic Japanese cuisine and practice your Nihongo at the same time as this month’s event.
• Career Mixer – Thursday, March 22nd, 5:00 to 8:00 at Perch. Make connections, grow your network and get together with your friends in JETAASC.
• JETAASC Charity for the 2011 Earthquake - Saturday, March 31st. More details coming soon.

JETAA Canberra

• O-Shaberikai – Wednesday, March 7th, 6:00 at Coo Izakaya in Civic. Join in and meet Japanese people living in Canberra and other locals interested in Japan.
• Tohoku Earthquake Memorial Service – Sunday, March 11th, 4:00 at the Nara Peace Park. A memorial service will be held at Nara Peace Park to commemorate the 2011 Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami and remember those who died as well as those who continue to be affected by the tragedy.

JETAA Pacific Northwest

• March Monthly Meeting – Wednesday, March 7th, 6:30 at the Panama Cafe. Meet the new board members and find out about upcoming events and volunteer opportunities.

This video, made by JETAA Auckland, is a message of support for the town of  Tomioka (in Fukushima Prefecture) with which Auckland has a friendship agreement.

This week’s Chapter-Beat segment is highlighting JETAA and other Japan-related events remembering the March 11, 2011 Earthquake and Tsunami in Tohoku.

JETAA Pacific Northwest

• 3/11 Great East Japan Earthquake Memorial at Seattle Center -  Sunday, March 11th, 10:00 to 3:00 at the Seattle Center. SeattleJapanRelief.org and the Consulate General of Japan in Seattle will hold a special community event on the one-year anniversary of the Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami, with a focus on the themes of remembrance, preparedness, and rebuilding. More information can be found here and here.

JETAA D.C.

• A Shinto Response to the March 2011 Disasters in Japan - Wednesday, February 20th, 11:00 at the Berkley Center. A panel discussion will be held at Georgetown University to talk about Shinto in Japanese history and the Shinto response to the 2011 disasters, and will also include a Shinto ritual in remembrance of the victims of March 2011.

JETAA Sydney

• Tohoku: Rebuilding for a Better Tomorrow Photo Exhibit – Running March 8th through April 29th, the Consulate General of Japan in Sydney is holding a photo exhibit that highlights the strength of the people of Tohoku as they work to rebuild Japan. The exhibit will be held at Customs House, Circular Quay, weekdays from 10:00 to 7:00, weekends 11:00 to 4:00.
• Big Bento Lunch – To commemorate the disaster and raise much-needed funds for UNICEF’s ongoing recovery work in the affected regions of Tohoku, the Big Bento Lunch encourages people to get together for a Japanese-style lunch and collect donations. For more information about how you can get involved, visit the website.

JETAA Northern California

• Presentation: Eco-tourism and the Ancient Kumano Pilgrimage Routes – Thursday, March 15th, 5:30 at the Japan Information Center. Directors from the Kumano Kodo Ancient Road UNESCO World Cultural Heritage area are giving a talk about eco-tourism in an effort to promote tourism in Japan after the devastation of the Tohoku earthquake. Come out and learn more about this little known region and support Japan.

JETAA Portland

• Remembering Tohoku: Looking Toward a Brighter Future – Sunday, March 11th, 2:00 to 4:00 at the Portland Japanese Garden Pavilion and Grounds. Members and visitors to the Portland Japanese Garden will gather in the Pavilion on the first anniversary of the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami to remember the victims of this terrible disaster. The event includes Koto music, a memorial book, and a community building project led by textile artist Hiroshi Sato.

JETAA Chicago

• Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Photography Exhibit: Chicago Sister Cities International is current developing an exhibit of photographs chronicling the devastation and recovery efforts from The Nikkei, the leading Japanese business newspaper. These photos will be on display March 12th through 16th at the Illinois Thompson Center and March 21st through 31st at Block 37.