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:
All the JETAA Southeast alums will have a chance to meet and hear Roland Kelts (Osaka-shi, 1998-99), author of Japanamerica, speak at Keenesaw State University in Atlanta, GA on Thursday, March 4 from 6:30-8:00 pm. If you happen to go and say hi, let him know you heard about the event on JetWit. Also, email JetWit (jetwit [at] jetwit.com) to let us know how the event was so we can share it with the rest of the JET alum community.
Here’s the flyer with all the relevant info for the event:
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I received a wonderful request from author Solmaz Sharif, Managing Director of The Asian American Writers’ Workshop, regarding an event that she thought might be of interest to the JET alumni community:
Matchmaker:
Speed dating hosted by Kavita Ramdya and Jen Kwok
Saturday, March 6, 7-9 PM
- Location: The Asian American Writers’ Workshop16 W 32nd Street, Suite 10A btwn 5th Avenue and Broadway
- Cost: $20 for members / $30 for non-members
- Purchase your tickets here before March 5, 2010 and give us an idea who we should set you up with. For more information you can also visit aaww.org or call 212.494.0061.
Tired of making eyes at readings and not approaching the hottie next to you? Wondering how you can meet people that’ll compliment your bookcase? Interested in hearing more about love in Asian America? Keep it in the family and let the Workshop help you find the one at our first ever speed dating event. The Asian American Writers’ Workshop presents MATCHMAKER, a special event about how we meet, mingle, and marry in Asian America.
Kavita Ramdya, author of Bollywood Weddings: Dating, Engagement, and Marriage in Hindu America, discusses how second-generation Indian Americans get hitched, a tricky negotiation involving arranged meeting, Mom and Dad, and, of course, lots of dancing.
The event will be hosted by stand-up comedian Jen Kwok, the hilarious mastermind behind Date an Asian, her self-described comic ode to “the awesomeness of dating an asian guy.”
You will receive the following premiums:
- A month’s worth of dates squeezed into one night as you move table to table closer to the one
- Finger foods to keep the attention where it counts
- A signature Workshop cocktail
- A horoscope reading to predict your compatibility
Here’s the latest SOFT POWER/HARD TRUTHS column in the Daily Yomiuri by Roland Kelts (Osaka-shi, 1998-99), author of Japanamerica, this one whether Japan, like Fonzie in the epic sitcom Happy Days, has “jumped the shark.”
http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/features/arts/20100122TDY11003.htm
Also, fyi, Roland is now down in Miami for the Super Bowl (his sister works for the NFL!) hanging out with his pal Pete Townsend of The Who which will be providing the halftime entertainment. Here’s the post from Roland’s blog: http://japanamerica.blogspot.com/2010/02/super-bowl-in-south-beach.html
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.
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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
Just heard from Aaron Woolfolk (Kochi-ken, 1991-93), writer and director of the film The Harimaya Bridge (starring Ben Guillory, Saki Takaoka, Misa Shimizu, and Danny Glover, who is also the Executive Producer), that the film is now available on DVD in Japan.
JetWit would love to have a copy of the DVD for JETAA NY purposes, so if you’re in Japan and can get a hold of a The Harimaya Bridge DVD, let me know. (jetwit [/at/] jetwit [/dot/] com.)
Meanwhile, the Aaron has continued showing The Harimaya Bridge at film festivals around the U.S. and reports that the film is due out in theaters in the U.S. in the spring.
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
JET alum Aaron Woolfolk‘s film The Harimaya Bridge, starring starring Ben Guillory, Saki Takaoka, Misa Shimizu, and Danny Glover, is making its New York debut on Sunday December 6 (with Q&A and cocktail reception to follow) and Sunday December 13 as part of the African Diaspora Film Festival. (See the JetWit post about the upcoming event here for details and ticket info.)
The film had a nationwide theatrical release in Japan beginning in June, and Aaron was involved in a five-week promotional tour in Japan for the film. What is it like for a former JET to go on a five-week promotional tour in Japan? Well, Aaron captured much of it in photographs available on Facebook along with informative and entertaining captions. (FYI, you don’t need to have an account to view the pictures.)
Here’s the link: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=124235&id=833564815&l=9d23bf0eb9
And here’s Aaron’s intro commentary on the photos along with a couple samples of what you’ll see:
Five weeks in Japan in May and June of 2009, traveling all around the country doing promotion in the run-up to the June 13th nationwide opening of “The Harimaya Bridge.” Most days were spent doing loads of media interviews and promotional appearances. This here is just a small sampling, as I wasn’t able to come anywhere close to capturing everything with a camera. It was hectic and exhausting…but talking to the media and connecting with audiences only reaffirmed my desire to live my life telling stories via film, television and theater. :-)
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Roland Kelts (Osaka-shi, 1998-99), author of Japanamerica, was interviewed by Japan Society of New York at the New York Anime Festival 2009 which was held September 25-27 at the Jacob Javits Convention Center. Let’s go to the video tape:
Part 1 of the interview:
Part 2 of the interview:
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A story just published in the new December issue of VANITY FAIR chronicles the way Japanese kawaii, or super-cuteness, has conquered America: http://www.vanityfair.com/culture/features/2009/12/cuteness-200912
Roland Kelts (Osaka-shi, 1998-99), author of Japanamerica, is quoted fairly liberally via an interview with Vanity Fair writer Jim Windolf. Here’s a sample:
“There’s no doubt that cuteness has been a part of the Japanese aesthetic since the postwar years,” says Roland Kelts, the author of the 2006 book Japanamerica: How Japanese Pop Culture Has Invaded the U.S. “One theory, which has been proposed by a lot of Japanese artists and academics, is that, after the humiliation and emasculation of Japan in the postwar years, Japan developed this quasi-queer position of ‘little brother’ or ‘little boy.’ If you become ‘little brother’ or ‘little boy,’ the only way you can get big brother’s or fat man’s attention is by being so cute or puppy-like that he has to take care of you.”
Roland also recently returned to Japan from a book promotion tour in Korea.
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
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
Here’s another update from the JETAA International Conference in Jamaica this weekend. Thanks to one Ryan Hart, one of JETAA USA’s three country reps, for continuing to Twitter live from the conference.
Here’s the link to the feed if you want it: http://twitter.com/jetaausa
And here’s a sampling of the latest tweets:
Web presence discussion from Paul D.about 1 hour ago from mobile web
Day 2- begins! Everyone is excited to get a lot done today!about 1 hour ago from mobile web
The dinner at the amabassador’s residence was beautiful. Ambassador Yamaguchi played a duet with his wife. Mononokehime.about 1 hour ago from mobile web
Thanks to @enfu for all of the great art donated for the conference. We are doing a raffle to win to support @roomtoread.about 15 hours ago from mobile web
We are all wrapped up for day oabout 16 hours ago from mobile web
Discussing the JETAA support of Room to Read.about 18 hours ago from mobile web
Had a busy afternoon of small group discussion on career support, events/activities, community participation, educational supportabout 18 hours ago from mobile web
JETAA Jamaica (ya’ mon, there really is a JET alumni chapter in Jamaica) is hosting this year’s JETAA International Conference today and all weekend. And in a nice use of new media, Ryan Hart, one of JETAA USA’s three country reps, is Twittering live from the conference and doing a great job.
Welcome to the JETAA International Conference!!!
Here’s the feed for all the JETAA conference junkies out there: http://twitter.com/jetaausa
And here’s a sampling of some of the tweets so far (some of which are clearly in my interest to re-post):
Steven H at JETWIT got another special mention in the CLAIR presentation. Steven will be on the next JET Streams too. awesome!32 minutes ago from mobile web
JET Streams newsletter is only being distributed over email and online this yearabout 1 hour ago from web
GIA form deadines are even more important with the new system. Don’t Miss them!about 1 hour ago from web
CLAIR reminded us to save Basic GIA receipts in case of auditabout 1 hour ago from web
After lunch, CLAIR Tokyo is confirming GIA changes JETAA chapters received at the US National Conference.about 1 hour ago from web
Gloria mentioned Steven H spoke as key note at the JETAA Canada National conference. Getting serious kudos in Jamaica. Hope u have an agent!about 2 hours ago from web
The Regional Tech Conference in Portland is creating quite a buzz! Tech is definitely a huge theme for the conference. We are aligned!about 3 hours ago from web
Shree is showcasing USCapters activities with highlights on the JETAANY career forum and author showcaseabout 3 hours ago from web
****************Here’s the latest Daily Yomiuri column from Roland Kelts (Osaka-shi, 1998-99), author of Japanamerica, from his “Soft Power, Hard Truths” series for the Daily Yomiuri. This one about the giant robot Gundam and AKB48 girl-power at this year’s New York Anime Festival, kicking off tomorrow:
http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/features/arts/20090925TDY13001.htm
Also, Roland will be at the New York Anime Festival at the Javits Center all weekend and says to JET alums, “Please swing by and say hello if you can.” Here’s his schedule for the weekend:
- Friday, 5:15 to 6:15 pm — Yoshiyuki Tomino (GUNDAM)
- Saturday, 12:15 to 1:15 pm — AKB48
- Sunday, 11:15 am to 12:15 pm — Yui Makino
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JET alum Francis Lee took a whole bunch of great photos from the JETAA NY Softball Tournament, held last Saturday, September 12. The winners in the two divisions were Kintetsu and Docomo. (Though JETAA NY was one error away from holding the lead in that game! :-) Special thanks to JETAA NY Vice-Prez Monica Yuki for organizing, to Liz Wanic for captaining the JETAA NY squad and cheering with extreme genki-ness, to Ito-en for once again providing cold, yummy tea drinks, and to all the teams for coming out, having fun and keeping the tradition alive!
Teams (in no particular order):
- JETAA New York
- Japan Local Government Center (JLGC) + Consulate General of Japan in New York (i.e., the parent organizations of JETAA)
- Columbia’s Center on Japanese Economy & Business (ably managed by Jennifer Olayon)
- Kintetsu
- Mitsubishi (featuring Zack Ferguson)
- Docomo
- QUICK USA
- TV Japan (starring Scott & Keiko Hiniker :-)
Dozo shyashin wo mite kudasai!
http://www.columbia.edu/~fl104/Softball
7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Enjoy Drink Specials, Raffles, and Prizes
http://www.nydevolunteer.org/activities/2009/2009.09.25_e.html
Location:
Slattery’s Pub
8 E 36th St. (btwn. 5th and Madison Ave.)
100% of cash tips will support to
NY de Volunteer’s
“Explore Japanese After School Program”
@ New York City Parks and Recreation Center
For more information regarding the FUNdRaiser please visit:
http://www.nydevolunteer.org/activities/2009/2009.09.25_e.html
The latest from JET alum Michael Auslin, a professor of Japanese history and politics and currently the Director of Japanese Studies for the American Enterprise Institute in D.C.
Go to http://www.aei.org/event/100118 for full event details. Go here for more posts about Michael Auslin on JetWit.
Japan’s Election: Democratic Breakthrough?
AEI event, Wednesday, September 2, 2009
 Photo Courtesy of chinadaily.com |
On September 2, AEI’s Michael Auslin will moderate a panel discussing Japan’s August 30 general elections. If it wins, the Democratic Party of Japan will focus on reversing the country’s sharpest economic downturn since World War II, but it will also face numerous foreign policy challenges. The panel will include Kevin Maher, director of the Japan desk at the State Department, Len Schoppa of the University of Virginia, and Nick Szechenyi of the Center for Strategic and International Studies. [READ MORE]
SUMMER 2009 ISSUE – click image below to download PDF
The leader of a band that’s sold over 20 million records and brought the words “At Budokan” to the big time, the new Japanese ambassador to New York, a tour of Philadelphia that’s uncannily Zen, and chats with award-winning writers, French pastry operations managers and even a maid-outfitted cosplay superstar complete with bunny ears. All this and more in the new summer issue of JETAANY’s JQ magazine.
THIS IS ALSO OUR LAST FREE PRINT ISSUE!
To preserve our budget for alumni events, and in an effort to be greener and save paper, JETAANY will begin charging for print copies of JQ Magazine. The cost is $12 for 4 issues and you will only have the opportunity to sign up once a year – annual subscriptions will occur each fall. Please note that the magazine, in its entirety, is also available online. If you would like to sign up to receive a paper copy by mail, please follow the PayPal link below (Add to Cart) or e-mail magazinesubscriptions@jetaany.org for more information. Remember you must put “JQ subscription” and your desired mailing address in the Paypal comments box.
Editor: Justin Tedaldi – magazine@jetaany.org
Page 3…Letter From the Editor / Professional Outreach & Development Rep
Page 4…Nippon News Blotter
Page 5…Comings & Goings
Page 6…An Interview with Ambassador Shinichi Nishimiya by Anne Koller
Page 7…JET Alum Author Cristy Burne Wins Award by Gregory Anderson
Page 8…Philadelphia Loves Japan! by Therese Stephen
Page 9…JETAA in the Big Apple and Beyond by Megan Miller
Page 10.Japan Day @ Central Park Recap by Stacy Smith
Page 10.JETlog featuring Yukari Sakamoto (Chiba-ken, 1989-1990)
Page 11.Nihonjin in NY – Featuring Beard Papa’s Masashi Wada by Janice Chow
Page 12.Cheap Trick’s Rick Nielsen: The JQ Interview by Justin Tedaldi
Page 13.U.S. FrontLine’s Ken Haraguchi on Japanese Newspapers by Junko Ishikawa
Page 14.JETAActivity Photos
Page 15.JET Farewell Reception at the Ambassador’s Residence
Page 16.Maid in America: Q&A with Cosplay Singer Reni by Adren Hart
Page 17.JETAANY Webmaster Lee-Sean Huang by Shree Kurlekar
Page 17.Understanding Japanese Women with David J. Radtke by Rick Ambrosio
Page 18.Theatre Review: Samurai Takamine Jokichi by Anne Koller
Page 19.Film Review: Tokyo! by David Kowalsky
Page 20.Book Corner: Sony: The Private Life by Lyle Sylvander
Page 21.KRAZY! Exhibition at Japan Society by Anton Phung
Page 22.Pop Rock: Q&A with Marshall Crenshaw by Justin Tedaldi
Page 23.Jy? Q! with JET Alum Poet James Shea by Liz Wanic
For those of you who weren’t able to catch Roland Kelts’ (Osaka-shi, 1998-99) interview with Hayo Miyazaki in Berkeley, CA on July 25, a “fanatically thorough transcript” of the full interview has been posted at the GhibliWorld site: http://www.ghibliworld.com/miyazaki_on_stage_conversation_berkeley_july_2009.html
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Roland Kelts (Osaka-shi, 1998-99), author of Japanamerica, hosted a talk with Hayao Miyazaki (director of Spirited Away among other animated films) on July 25 in Berekely, CA. Miyazaki made a rare U.S. appearance to receive the second annual Berkeley Japan Prize for lifetime achievement, presented by the Center for Japanese Studies at the University of California, Berkeley. (See a Japan Times article on the event here.)
This was familiar territory for Roland, who hosted a talk with novelist Haruki Murakami in October 2008 when Murakami was presented with the first Berekely Japan award.
Ganbatte to JET alum Carolyn Okabe who will be partaking in the New York City Triathlon (swim, bike and run) this Sunday, July 26th.
Course Map:
http://www.nyctri.com/Assets/Course+Map+$!2706.pdf Course Written Description: http://www.nyctri.com/Event_Information/Course/Course_Description.htmAny other JET alums out there doing triathalons or did a triathalon in the last 6 months? Let us know by posting in the comments section, or by emailing jetwit [at] jetwit [dot] com.
James Kennedy (Nara-ken, 2004-06), author of The Order of Odd-Fish continues to redefine the standard job description for “author.” In his latest adventure, he gave a speech at the American Librarians Association where he forcibly took the Newbery Award from “Neil Gaiman.” And that’s not even the most shocking part.
After watching the video clips below, you may find yourself contemplating the young Japanese students James once taught. What has become of them and how have their lives been affected, or perhaps more appropriately, distorted? Perhaps a film-making member of the JET alum community could set out to produce a documentary on the subject.
Until then, watch and enjoy below. Or watch and read the post on James’ site: “I Win the Newberry”
Video 1: James announces his intention to strip Gaiman of his Newbery.
Video 2: Freya and Erin act out a scene from his novel The Order of Odd-Fish.
Video 3: Neil Gaiman and James fight for the Newbery.
Need a little more James Kennedy? Click here to see video of him reading at the JET Alumni Author Showcase.
Via JETAA Southern California:
JET Alum Movie Premieres in Japan: “The Harimaya Bridge”, starring Danny Glover , Harry Lennix, Misa Shimizu, JET Alum Mike Coleman, and more!
Synopsis: After the sudden death of his estranged son, an English Language teacher in rural Kochi prefecture, an American man must go there to claim some important family items. While there, he discovers some secrets his son left behind. The Harimaya Bridge takes place in Kochi, Shikoku, where traditional customs remain strong and the ancient bridge of the title still exists. The bridge is a fitting metaphor for the film, which addresses the connections-and conflicts-between past and present, fathers and sons, insiders and outsiders, Japanese and Americans.
Directed by JET Alum Aaron Woolfolk, with supporting cast consisting of: Margaret Avery (The Color Purple), Viola Davis (Doubt), Harry Lennix (Ray, The Matrix Revolutions, The Matrix Reloaded), Danny Glover (Lethal Weapon series, Dreamgirls), Ben Guillory (The Color Purple, Maid to Order, The Tuskegee Airmen), Misa Shimizu (The Eel/ Palm d’Or – Cannes Film Festival, 1997), Saki Takaoka (A Long Walk/Best Picture – Toronto Int’l Film Festival, 2006), Julius Tennon (Dazed and Confused, Small Soldiers, Lonesome Dove)
Coverage: http://nagoya.usconsulate.gov/wwwhn-20090121-aw.html
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0902982/
http://www.e-fccj.com/node/4473
JET alum Aaron Woolfolk (right) on the set of "The Harimaya Bridge"
JetWit is cho-beri excited that Steven Horowitz (Aichi-ken, 1992-94) has been invited to serve as the keynote speaker for the JETAA Canada National Conference this weekend in Toronto.
The national conference, which is being hosted by JETAA Toronto, is an opportunity for officers from Canada’s JETAA chapters to get together, brainstorm, exchange information, discuss the nitty-gritty of grant-in-aid funding and by-laws and form relationships that will help lay the groundwork for future generations of JET alumni in Canada and elsewhere.
Speaking of which, JetWit’s own Canadian roots have blossomed in recent months thanks to Toronto native Stephen Palanik (Fukushima Ken, 2004-08), a translator currently living in Japan who has been posting job listings on JetWit as well as events and updates from the Canadian JETAA-sphere.
In his speech, Steven (Horowitz) will be discussing the topics of communication and cross-chapter collaboration and afterwards possibly also trying out the wonderful sport of curling. (Is that still in season in late May?)
Thanks to JETAA NY and JetWit webmaster Lee-Sean Huang (Oita-ken, 2003-06) for posting about the event on his blog (http://leesean.net):
I attended a sake tasting and dinner organized by JETAANY on Monday night at Bao Noodles. Chris Johnson (Oita-ken, 1992-95), JET-alum, sommelier, and owner of Bao Noodles, presented a tasting of his restaurant’s Vietnamese specialties paired with Momokawa and Murai Family sake. Chris is extremely knowledgeable about sake; he explained the different (…continued)
Cristy Burne (Hyogo-ken, Kawanishi-shi, 1998-2000), author of the children’s book Takeshita Demons, recently won the first Frances Lincoln Diverse Voices Book Bward, an award that aims to celebrate cultural diversity in children’s literature.
Takeshita Demons, set to be published next year, is based on the adventures of a Japanese schoolgirl named Miku. Cristy says, “After spending two years as an ALT and a third working in a Japanese company, you can guess that much of my inspiration comes from the JET experience.”
For more information on Cristy, the award and her work, check out her blog (http://cristyburne.wordpress.com) or contact her directly.
Go to the award website to see more photos from the awards ceremony held this past Thursday in London.
The Spring 2009 Issue of the Sakura Times (JETAA DC’s quarterly newsletter) is now available in PDF format. A terrific effort by Abby McBain, though unfortunately it was both her first and last issue as editor since she has moved to Miami to work as the JET Coordinator at the Consulate General of Japan in Miami.
O-tsukare sama deshita, Abby-san, and ganbatte kudasai!
Shannon Quinn, who has served as a JETAA USA Country Representative for the past 3 years, has stepped down from her position after moving to Tokyo this past fall to start her new job as an ALT Advisor at the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT).
O-tsukare-sama deshita, Shannon, and ganbatte kudasai!
NY-based JET alum Carol Elk was in D.C. on Tuesday to see the cherry blossoms and was kind enough to share some of her hanami photos.
JETAANY Hosts First Author Showcase
By Gina Anderson (Nara-ken, 2003-05), former JETAA DC newsletter chair and Justin Tedaldi (CIR Kobe-shi, 2001-02), editor of JQ (JETAA NY) Quarterly Magazine
New York City’s Holiday Inn hosted a summit for published JETs as JETAANY launched its debut JET Alumni Author Showcase on March 22. The panelists included pro writers Roland Kelts (Osaka-shi, 1998-99), Robert Weston (Nara-ken, 2002-04) and James Kennedy (Nara-ken, 2004-06). (Click here and here for photos and here for video clips.)
Drawing over 60 JET alums, friends and family, the event kicked off with some words from Akira Sugiyama, director of the Japan Information Center of the Consulate General of Japan in New York. Moderator and playwright Randall David Cook (Fukui-ken, 1991-93), creator of the critically acclaimed Off Broadway plays Sake with the Haiku Geisha and Fate’s Imagination, asked each author to share a favorite selection of their works with the crowd.
A professor at three different universities including Tokyo University, a writer and editor for two magazines and a columnist for the Yomiuri Shimbun, Kelts spoke about Japanamerica: How Japanese Pop Culture Has Invaded the U.S., his non-fiction book about the eponymous subject. He began by Read More
Thanks to JET alum Francis Lee, we now have photos–really good photos–from last Thursday’s JETAA NY Meishi Exchange networking event, which was held at Aja on 6th Ave. between 9th & 10th Sts.
Today is Shinya Bando’s last day working at the Japan Local Government Center (aka CLAIR) in New York City. He is returning to Tokyo in two days and then on to his home prefecture of Wakayama for his next assignment after spending the last two years in New York. His first year he served as the JETAA USA Liaison (among other roles), and this past year he served in an overseer role for both JETAA USA & Canada.
In addition to all of his support and encouragement for JETAA, JET alums who know him and had a chance to interact with him always appreciated his easygoing style, ever-present smile and warm nature.
The always-ganbatte-ing Taichi Hanzawa will take over Bando-san’s role as the JETAA USA & Canada overseer and will also serve as the JETAA Canada Liaison. Also pictured below is the wonderful and talented Ryoko Kobayashi, who served this past year as the JETAA Canada Liaison and will provide additional support to JETAA USA and Canada. Arriving May 6 will be Kawamura-san who will serve as the new JETAA USA Liaison.
O-tsukare sama deshita, Bando-san!
Taichi Hanzawa, Shinya Bando and Ryoko Kobayashi
Many thanks to JET alum Vlad Baranenko for capturing the JET Alumni Author Showcase in photographs. Click “Read More” below to see all the photos.
Via JETAA Southern California’s Orange County subchapter:
Here’s the info for this Sunday. The plan is to bowl a couple of games at the Fountain Bowl in Fountain Valley then dinner at Ebisu afterwards just down the street. And whoever is interested in a nijiikai, karaoke is right there a couple doors down.
I’m holding this event so alumni who live in Orange County who have not been able to attend any events held by the major alumni association have something to go to and hang out with fellow alumni and meet others in the area. I also hope this gives a chance for any new members who recently return to attend. Basically, let’s just get together and have some fun. Read More
MEISHI EXCHANGE Thursday, March 19 at 7pm Come join JETAANY for the biggest networking/social event of the year. Meet fellow JET alums, their friends, and co-workers. We have rented out the 2nd floor of Aja; the very chic Asian fusion restaurant in the West Village . Don’t forget to bring your business cards. We are giving away many great prizes this year.
Aja http://www.aja-asianbistro.com/ 432 Sixth Avenue (between 9th and 10th) Subway: West 4th A, B, C, D, E, F, V or Christopher Street1, 2, 3
Admission: JET alums: free admission including 2 free drink tickets & hors d’oeuvres. Friends of JET and guests: $10. Includes 2 drink tickets & passed hors d’oeuvres.
Photo/art contest: All are welcome to join. Fabulous prize for the winner! Theme: “Story Through a Picture” Work should reflect a Japanese theme through photography, drawing, or painting. Size: 5×7 to 8×10; One entry per person.
Questions: contact Monica at social at jetaany dot org
Here are a few more photos from the photo-op last Friday to promote the JET Alumni Author section at Kinokuniya in anticipation of the JET Alumni Author Showcase (set for March 22; e-mail authors at jetaany dot org to rsvp).
The books featured include:
- Japanamerica – Roland Kelts (Osaka-shi, 1998-99)
- The Order of Odd-Fish – James Kennedy (Nara-ken, 2004-06)
- Zorgamazoo – Robert P. Weston (Nara-ken, 2002-04)
- Learning to Bow – Bruce Feiler (Tottori-ken, 1989-90)
- Importing Diversity: Inside Japan’s JET Program – David L. McConnell
- Hitching Rides with Buddha (originally titled Hokkaido Hitchhiking Blues) – Will Ferguson (Nagasaki-ken, 1991-94)
*See a more complete list of JET alumni authors and their works at http://jetwit.com/wordpress/library/authorsbooks/
Stop by Kinokuniya and take a look!
L to R: Noriko Furuhata (Consulate), John Fuller (Kinokuniya Store Manager), Toru Mukaikubo (CLAIR), Hirotaka Ono (Consulate), Tony McCormac, Steven Horowitz, Amber Liang, Roland Kelts, Akira Sugiyama (Japan Information Center), Ryoko Kobayashi (CLAIR)
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Otsukare sama deshita to Justin Tedaldi (CIR Kobe-shi, 2001-02), the new editor of JQ, JETAA NY’s Quarterly Magazine, for putting out the first issue of the Magazine. And what an amazing issue it is.
Go to http://jetaany.org/magazine to see the issue online.
Here’s the table of contents:
WINTER 2009 TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Page 3…..Letter From the Editor
- Page 4…..Nippon News Blotter
- Page 5…..JETAAnnouncements
- Page 6…..East Meets West
- Page 7…..Nihonjin in New York Featuring the JLGC by Junko Ishikawa
- Page 8…..JETlog by Sean Sakamoto
- Page 9…..JetWit.com Q&A with Steven Horowitz
- Page 9…..Catching Up with Randall David Cook by Lyle Sylvander
- Page 10…Youth for Understanding by Sylvia Pertzborn
- Page 11…Theatre Review: Shogun Macbeth / John Briggs Q&A by Olivia Nilsson and Adren Hart
- Page 12…Speakit LLC: Kevin Kajitani Interview by Junko Ishikawa
- Page 13…Jero: The JQ Interview by Justin Tedaldi
- Page 14…Joost!: Japanese TV on Your PC by Rick Ambrosio
- Page 15…Film Review: Sukiyaki Western Django by Elizabeth Wanic
- Page 16…An Inside Look at Japan Airlines by Kelly Nixon
- Page 17…Japan Society’s Best of Tora-san Series by Matt Matysik
- Page 18…Chip Kidd Talks Bat-Manga! by Justin Tedaldi
- Page 19…Book Corner: Natsuo Kirino’s Real World by David Kowalsky
- Page 19…Restaurant Spotlight: Wajima by Allen Wan
- Page 20…Adventures in SwirlySwirlDates by Rick Ambrosio and Nicole Bongiorno
- Page 21…Yosakoi Dance Project by Kirsten Phillips
- Page 22…The Tale of Eric and Ozawa by Rick Ambrosio
- Page 23…Top 14 List / Next Issue / Sponsors Index
Via the JETAA Southeast e-mail newsletter:#
JETAA/SE South Carolina Chapter Shinnenkai Recap
South Carolina Sub-Chapter holds first event
By Daniel Stone
Saturday, January 24th, 2009
Clemson, SC- With several small and informal gatherings with alums meeting separately, JET alums residing in South Carolina finally met everyone under the same roof.
Clemson University’s Roderick International House was the site of this year’s Shinnenkai. Four South Carolina JETs and one Georgia JET were joined by ten other “Friends of JET”. This group ranged from a Japanese expatriate from Kyoto working in Greenville as a sushi chef, a German businessman who works in Greer, a Japanese grad school student from Fukui, a TESOL instructor from Seneca, a Japanese translator working for a textile company in Gaffney, a Personal & Business Coach from Greenville, and several undergraduate Clemson students that were interested in learning more about the JET Program.
“Back in 2007, Lee Ferrell and his wife, Cheryl, met me Greenville. We ate at a Korean restaurant on Woodruff Rd. The meeting was very Read More
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Just received this announcement/press release from Shannon Jowett, Director of Communications for Japan Society (NY). Ambassador Sakurai has been very supportive of JETAA, plus he’s a real nice guy, so JetWit is a big fan:
Japan Society is pleased to announce that Ambassador Motoatsu Sakurai will be president effective Tuesday, April 7, 2009. Full details are below.
Ambassador Motoatsu Sakurai Named Japan Society President
Ambassador Sakurai with his wife
First Japanese-born president to head non-profit, non-political organization
New York, NY — February 7, 2009 — Ambassador Motoatsu Sakurai will be the new president of Japan Society. The Society’s Board of Directors announced this morning that the Ambassador assumes his new leadership role April 7, 2009. Ambassador Sakurai is the Consul General of Japan in New York and is the former president of Mitsubishi International Corporation, USA. He will be the first Japanese-born president of Japan Society, now a 102-year old non-profit, non-political organization. Read More
JetWit would like to extend a big omedetou gozaimashita to professional translator and writer Kia Cheleen (CIR, Aichi-ken 1996-98, ALT 1998-1999) who was recently named Assistant Director at the Donald Keene Center of Japanese Culture at Columbia Unviversity. The position was previously held by Miho Walsh, former JET Coordinator at the Consulate General of Japan (NY) who left the Donald Keene Center to become Associate Director at the Asian Cultural Council.
JetWit is happy to see that JET alums are movin’ on up (movin’ on up), to the West Side.
It turns out that the phone interview that JETAA NY Quarterly Magazine editor Justin Tedaldi (CIR Kobe-shi, 2001-02) had scheduled with Hikaru Utada for 1pm on Friday was a mistake–they actually wanted him to do it in person!
So Justin headed out (did his boss know where he was going?) and spent an hour or so chatting away with “Hikki” and asking her various questions he had requested and collected from readers via the “Ask Hikaru a Question!” JetWit post that ran on Thursday. Utada’s parents even showed up at the end giving Justin a chance to chat with Hikaru’s dad for a short while.
The article will run in the Spring 2009 issue of the JETAA NY Quarterly Magazine. But there may be some recorded clips of the interview posted here on JetWit as well as on the jetaany.org sometime in the next month.
Meanwhile, JetWit web traffic spiked mightily over the last two days as a result of the Utada posting on Thursday. It turns out that once word got out of Justin’s JETAA NY interview with Utada, a number of fans posted the item in the comments sections of several Utada-related blogs. Make sure to read the first one below which includes an entertaining discussion among several people of good questions to ask Utada as well as whether to submit a question even though they’re not JETs.
http://hikaru.sc/showthread.php?t=2265
JETAA Pacific Northwest recently held its bounnenkai which apparently included a trivia game contest. Photos from JETAA PNW’s Treasurer/Webmaster Shun Endo can be seen on the JETAA PNW site at the link below.
Hi Alumni,
I hope everybody is staying positive in this unstable economy. Reach out, get support, and maintain hope! You’re not alone.
I finally got around to posting the pictures that I took at the PNW JETAA Bounenkai. There are a lot of fun pictures, including a nice group shot! check them out!
http://www.pnw. jetalumni. org/?p=549
Shun
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JETAA NY Magazine Editor Justin Tedaldi (CIR Kobe-shi, 2001-02) has apparently just landed a phone interview with Hikaru Utada to run in a future issue, and he’s looking for good questions to ask her. E-mail responses to Justin at magazine /atto/ jetaaany /dotto/ org.
Hi everyone,
I just received an e-mail saying that Utada Hikaru will call me tomorrow (Fri. 1/30) afternoon to do an interview with JETAA NY Quarterly about her forthcoming English studio album, which will be released in the U.S. at the end of March.
I thought it would be cool to put out a request to the JET Alumni community for any questions you’d like to ask her. I’ll do my best to include as many as I can.
Please e-mail your questions to Justin Tedaldi at magazine /atto/ jetaany /dotto/ org no later than 1:00 p.m. this Friday.
Official release info for the new album appears below. Yoroshiku! Read More
Some upcoming Japan-related music events courtesy of Adren Hart, organizer of the JETAA Ongaku Connection google group.
Jazz and Poetry Evening
My Floating Mother, City: An Evening with Kazuko Shiraishi
http://info.japansociety.org/site/R?i=hk2e7JZ6mgiK1BYYpr3vtw..
Friday, January 30
6:30 pm
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NIPPON JAZZ NYC
February 1, 8:00pm – 11:00pm
Erika Matsuo
Blue Owl Cocktail Lounge
New York, NY
$5 cover
http://www.meetup.com/Nippon-Jazz-NYC-Meetup-Group/calendar/9445145/
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Pop the Rock Japan Music Showcase
http://www.afxakibafest.com/
April 4, 2009
University of Maryland
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Check out the J-Rock & Punk Meetup group GENKI SHOCK
Site: http://www.meetup.com/GENKI-SHOCK/
Mar. 22, 2009 – JAPAN NITE~ AUDREY BENTEN PRESENTS!!
Apr. 2, 2009 – ASOBI SEKUSU
Via Japan Society (NY):
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Last Friday, January 23, JETAA NY hosted yet another terrific shinnenkai at Naniwa, the only place in town we know of that has a big tatami room. 34 people gathered for tabehodaishabu-shabu and nabe along with nomihodai beer, sake and shochu. Old JETs, new JETs and everywhere in-between JETs were all represented. O-tsukare sama to JETAA NY Social Coordinator Monica Yuki for organizing the whole shebang. Also, special thanks to professional translator Kia Cheleen (CIR, Aichi-ken 1996-98, ALT 1998-1999) for providing yummy baked goods for everyone to take home with them.
*Special post-party treat: Seeing Cindy Hoffman looking fabulous in her gown at the nearby Waldorf-Astoria Hotel for a high-falutin’ Australia Day event.
See all of Monica’s photos here. Samples are below.
Greetings Fellow Former JETS!
Do you know what yosa-koi is? Good for you.
Do you love nothing more than flailing about with naruko? (wooden instrument, NOT some girl’s name! ^^) Are you an aspiring performer/dancer with an interest in Japanese culture? Are you a non-performer/dancer with an interest in Japanese culture? Do you just really miss Japan and dream of becoming one of the crazy sexy cool people in this flier?
Then fantasize no more!
Hi, I’m Kirsten, a former ALT based in Niigata Prefecture 2005-2008. One of the things I missed most about my life in Japan was an awesome and energetic festival dance called yosa-koi that I used to perform together with my students. I missed it so much when I came back that I Googled “NY” and “Yosa-koi” and found 10tecomai. For a JET with raging Japan withdrawal like myself being a member of 10tecomai was like a dream come true.
Like the flier says, no dance experience is necessary. I can attest to that, folks. I have zero background in performance or dance but I quickly found this was not required. You will be expertly and patiently trained, no matter what level you are and you will have TONS of fun in the process. However, team spirit and serious dedication are an absolute must. My experience with 10tecomai has been truly rewarding and fulfilling on so many levels. I’m sad I no longer live in Japan but I am overjoyed to be a part of 10.
So come on down and try out if you fancy? It can’t hurt. Tell your friends!
[Editor's note: Kirsten also wrote a wonderful article about the Mitsuwa department store in Edgewater, NJ for the Fall 2008 Issue of the JETAA NY Quarterly Newsletter.]
Bar Great Harry is a bar on Smith St. in Brooklyn owned and run by JET alum Ben Wiley (CIR Fukui-ken, 2004-06), who shares the below info for anyone interested in joining. You can also see the Bar Great Harry blog here and a Fall 2007 JETAA NY Newsletter article about Ben and his bar here.
What: Brooklyn Brewery Brewmaster’s Reserve Night
When: Tuesday, 01/27/09, 6PM-10PM
Where: Bar Great Harry, 280 Smith Street, Brooklyn, NY
Beers:
- 2000 Monster Ale
- 2001 Saison
- 2006 Black Chocolate Stout
- 2006 Cuvee D’Achouffe
- 2008 Blast
- 2008 Flemish Gold
- 2008 Grand Cru
- 2008 Savoir Faire
- Cask of Blunderbuss Old Ale on Gravity!!!
This will be a seriously special night. The good folks from Brooklyn Brewery scoured the warehouse and found some really rare stuff for this event. A Monster Ale from 2000? A Saison from 2001? You will probably never get to try these again. Come.
Freelance writer/editor Jonathan Trace (Fukuoka-ken, 2005-08) takes us on a walk around the JET Alumni community…
There is much to celebrate now that 2009 is upon us. New possibilities, new hopes and new experiences wait just around the corner. Join the JET Alumni community in kicking off the new year together in this special Shinnenkai special edition of JETAA Chapter Beat.
JETAA Chicago Shinnenkai – Saturday, January 24, 6:00 at the Japan Information Center. What better way to celebrate the new year than with food, games, koto music, gyotaku, a raffle and even a little calligraphy lesson? If that isn’t enough, then all proceeds for this event will go to the Greater Chicago Food Depository. Don’t miss it.
JETAA D.C. Bowling Shinnenkai – Tuesday, January 27th, 7:00 at Lucky Strike Lanes. Bowl in the new year in Washington D.C. Prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place, and food for everyone!
JETAA Florida Shinnenkai – Sunday, January 25, 5:30. Michael Maloney is hosting this year’s Shinnenkai at his home. Come enjoy food and conversation with Florida JET alumni.
JETAA Texoma Shinnenkai - Saturday, January 24, 6:30. JET Alumna Melissa Villamil is offering her home for this year’s event. Earlier meetup scheduled for 2:00 in downtown Houston for some activities before the party. Bring your business cards, get ready for some Rock Band, Dance Dance Revolution, Wii and board games. It promises to be a good time.
JETAA Rocky Mountains Shinnenkai – Sunday, February 8th, 1:00 to 4:00 at the International House. Help to celebrate the year of the cow with sushi, music and games and prizes.
JETAA Southeast Shinnenkai – Saturday, January 31st, 6:00 to 8:00 at Nori Nori. Bring in the new year with all you can eat seafood and sushi.
JETAA Southeast First Ever SC Sub-Chapter Shinnenkai – Saturday, January 24th, 6:00 at Clemson University’s Roderick International House. Come join in on a little new year’s celebration with the South Carolina Sub-chapter.
JETAA Northern California Shinnenkai - Saturday, January 14, 6:00 at Restaurant Peony. Food, games, and prizes! Celebrate 2009 with old friends and new.
- Photo Request! – JETAA Northern California needs photos for this year’s Shinnenkai Slideshow! If you’ve got: Pictures you took while in Japan on JET, JETAA Event Pictures, other event pictures you want to share or pictures of your family please submit them and share with the JET community.
JETAA Pacific Northwest Japan Young Professionals Group Shinnenkai – Wednesday, January 21st, 6:30 at Typhoon Restaurant in downtown Seattle. Join in for good food and a chance to network with others interested in Japan.
JETAA Toronto Annual General Meeting & Shinnenkai – Saturday, January 31st, meeting starts at 5:30 at Milestone’s Grill & Bar. Come and help contribute to the Toronto Executive and help celebrate 2009 Canada-style.
JETAA NY Shinnenkai – On Friday, January 23 at 7pm, enjoy All-you-can drink and eat shabu-shabu in a traditional Japanese restaurant (Naniwa on E. 46th between 5th & Madison) sitting on tatami and surrounded by paper sliding doors. Beef shabu shabu & seafood yosenabe will be served. Drinks include beer, sake, shochu, wine and tea. Vegetarian option upon request. Space is limited to 45 people, so RSVP now to get on the list and make your payment so you don’t miss out on the biggest dinner of the year! If you’re not a big drinker and still want to attend contact Monica.
All attendees must pay in advance through PayPal. RSVP to Monica at social /atto/ jetaany /dotto/ org to get the link to make the payment. Click here to see photos of last year’s Shinnenkai.
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.
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