Written by professional Writer/Interpreter/Translator Stacy Smith (Kumamoto-ken CIR, 2000-03), WIT Life is a periodic series about aspects of Japanese culture such as film, food and language.  Stacy starts her day by watching Fujisankei’s newscast in Japanese, and here she shares some interesting tidbits and trends along with her own observations.

Last week the inaugural Kew Gardens Festival of Cinema began, and I’ve had the chance to catch a lot of great films at the two main venues of Kew Gardens Cinema and Queens Museum. Today they screened Persona Non Grata (杉原千畝 スギハラチウネ, 2015), a film about Japanese diplomat Chiune Sugihara (“Japanese Schindler”) who served as a consul in Lithuania from 1939-40 and saved the lives of thousands of Jewish refugees by issuing over 2000 transit visas to Japan. He famously continuing to sign visas even as his train pulled away from the station, and is estimated to have saved over 6,000 lives from the Nazis who invaded Lithuania in 1941. However, his diplomatic career was ruined because he had defied instructions from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs not to issue the visas. Sugihara didn’t know if they had made any difference until being found years later by someone he had helped. He is now considered a hero in Japan, and those he saved have more than 40,000 descendants.

The film stars the phenomenal Toshiaki Karasawa as Sugihara and the always stellar Read More

Ryan Hata (Tottori-ken, 2014-Present) AJET National Council Director of Alumni Relations: Ryan is in his second year on the AJET National Council and first as the Director of Alumni Relations. He works alongside Rachel Brisson (AJET National Council Director of Alumni Resources ) and members of JETAA International (JETAA-I) to strengthen the relationship between former JETs, current JETs, and Japan. Ryan helps to keep you up to date with JETAA events around the world. If you have a specific event that you would like promote, please do not hesitate to contact him by email at ryan.hata@ajet.net or his Linkedin profile. 

Japan is in the midst of Golden Week, so why not take some time to celebrate at an event with your local JETAA chapter.

1 JETAA Chicago

May Monthly Member Meeting

 

When: May 1st 6:30-8 pm CDT
Where: Japan Information Center 737 N Michigan Ave Ste 1000, Chicago, Illinois 60611

On Monday, May 1st, JETAA Chicago will have our monthly member meeting!
We will discuss past events, upcoming events and welcome new ideas. In particular we will be discussing the Survival Series 2017, fundraising ideas, and events for the upcoming year. If you have ideas and would like to share them, this is the meeting for you!

For those unable to attend in person, please email info@jetaachicago.com if you would like to call or video into the meeting. We have successfully had call-ins, google hangouts, and skype-ins in past meetings. Don’t hesitate to let us know if you would like to do that.

Our meetings are open to any and all JET alumni. Dinner is provided to all who attend. Let us know if you have any food allergies or avoidances.

Email info@jetaachicago.com with any questions or any items you would like to add to the agenda.

Photo from JETAA Chicago’s Facebook Event

2 JETAA Portland

J-Kaiwa

WHEN: Friday, May 5th, 7-9:00 p.m.

WHERE: Lucky Lab Brew Pub on Hawthorne (915 SE Hawthorne Blvd)

NIJIKAI: ??

WHO: JETAA members, JET Program returnees, Japanese friends and Nihongo speakers of all levels.

WHY: To catch up with old friends, make some new ones and maintain that connection to Japan

COST: It’s free to join! There will be some pitchers of beer, subsidized by JETAA, to help get the Nihongo flowing and if you wish to partake of these shared pitchers a $3 contribution is requested. All contributions will be applied to the cost of shared pitchers. Otherwise you may purchase your own food and/or beverages.

This is a great chance to catch up with old friends, meet new people, and keep up on your Japanese language. We hope you’ll join us and look forward to seeing you there! If you have any questions, email us at: jkaiwa@jetaaportland.com

J-Kaiwa de aimashou!

Photo from JETAA Portland’s Website

3 JETAA Singapore

Star Wars Hanami

When: May 6th 5-8 pm SGT
Where: Gardens by the Bay, Supertree Grove

Join us for the first event of the year – a hanami with a nod to a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away.

Date: May 6th 2017 (Saturday)
Venue: Gardens by the Bay, Supertree Grove
Time: 5pm to 8pm (Star Wars light show at 7:45pm)

Event is open to all members and friends, and will be a BYO.
Do bring some things to share!

More details here:
http://www.gardensbythebay.com.sg/en/whats-on/calendar-of-events/star-wars-day-2017.html

4 JETAA Southeast

JETAASE Chapter Planning Meeting (Virtual)

When: May 7th 7-7:40 pm EDT
Where: Online

Join us for our chapter meeting as we plan for the upcoming fiscal year. This meeting is a virtual web meeting using the Zoom.US platform so all can attend – either using a computer, tablet, or phone.

Join from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android: https://zoom.us/j/232615887

Or iPhone one-tap (US Toll): +16465588656,232615887# or +14086380968,232615887#

Or Telephone:
Dial: +1 646 558 8656 (US Toll) or +1 408 638 0968 (US Toll)
Meeting ID: 232 615 887
International numbers available: https://zoom.us/zoomconference?m=qa5xN8r0juIKv88fYURVtuYg1Qr1xKHM

Photo from JETAASE’s Facebook Event

5 Music City JETAA

JABE Con

When: May 13th 11 am EDT
Where:Wilson County Expo Center in Lebanon, TN

We are looking for JET Alumni volunteers to speak about their JET experience at JABECon! (www.jabecon.com) on Saturday May 13 at the brand new Wilson County Expo Center in Lebanon, TN. Alumni will be a part of a one-hour Q&A panel titled “Teaching English in Japan: 30 Years of JET” that is scheduled for 11:30am. Panelists will receive a free pass to JABECon! Please contact John Gale at john@johnsensei.com if interested!

Photo from .jabecon.com

6 JETAA Monterey Bay

Japan Forum Omedetou Potluck

When: May 13th 6-9 pm PDT
Where:99 McGowan Building, MIIS Campus, 411 Pacific Street, Monterey, CA

apan Forum Omedetou Potluck May 13 (Sat) 6-9

Join us to celebrate the end school and start of summer with a potluck hosted by Japan Forum and JETAAMB. All those interested in Japan or the Japanese language are welcome. This is a potluck, so please bring food or drink to share.

SIGN UP for what food you will bring: https://tinyurl.com/gqne8am We want to have a good balance of foods and not end up with 20 desserts. If possible, please bring a serving utensil if you need one. :)

When: May 20th 3:30 pm EDT
Where: Shelby Park, Nashville, TN 37206, USA

The Music City JET Alumni Association is excited to host its fourth annual Yakiniku BBQ in Shelby Park on May 20th. We’ll gather at 3:30 and start grilling around 4PM. JETAA will arrange for plates, utensils, non-alcoholic beverages and food including high quality meats (beef and pork from Porter Road Butcher), chicken, rice, and vegetables (bell pepper, onion, garlic, kabocha, carrots, etc). In order to off-set costs, we will collect $10 from each guest at the start of the event. JET Alumni and children between 6 and 12 are discounted to $5 each.

This family friendly event is open to JET alumni, family and friends as well as members of the local Japanese community so feel free to spread the word. Please RSVP on our Facebook events page by May 17th so that we can get a solid headcount before purchasing food.

We’re looking for a few extra hands to run the event so please contact Tye Ebel at tyeebel@gmail.com if you can volunteer as a grill master or are able to help us out with food prep before the event.

9 JETAA Rocky Mountain

Monthly Networking Happy Hour

When: May 21st 2 pm MDT
Where: Akihabara Arcade 8901 Harlan st., Westminster, Colorado 80031

May’s Networking Nomikai is dedicated to the Otaku in all of us. So we will be checking out Akihabara (!) in Wesminister. Note that we are meeting up on the THIRD sunday of the month so that we aren’t in conflict with mother’s day.

There will also be a board meeting from 12-2 before the Nomikai to talk about the Q&A session and the Predeparture Session for the 2017 JETs. Want to be involved in seeing them off? Come and help out :-)

Photo via JETAA Rocky Mountain’s Facebook Page

10 Great Lakes JETAA

Gai Koto Jin koto (traditional Japanese instrument) performance

When: May 26th 7-9 pm EDT
Where: Herndon Gallery at Antioch College One Morgan Place, South Hall Morgan Pl, Yellow Springs, Ohio 45387

Gai Koto Jin ensemble brings a taste of real Japan to their audiences through the koto, the national instrument of Japan. The koto is similar to a Western harp or dulcimer. The aim of this educational event and performance is to introduce this beautiful and unique instrument and to show its diversity and versatilit. They will perform traditional Japanese compositions, folk songs, covers of familiar Western tunes, and modern koto compositions, including “Uruma” by Sawai Tadao. Audiences will have an opportunity to play the instrument and ask questions. Admission to this event is free.

About Gai Koto Jin:

Gai Koto Jin is Julie A. Palmer, Jessica Entis, and Lori Fannin, who have training from music schools in Japan as well as the United States and have the expertise to educate and entertain. Gai Koto Jin is a portmanteau of the Japanese word for foreigner, gai koku jin, and the name of their instrument, koto. The ensemble has performed at Columbus Asian Festival, Dawes Arboretum, Columbus Museum of Art, Lakeside Chautauqua, Ohayocon, and Midoricon.

Photo from Great Lakes JETAA Facebook Event

Ryan Hata (Tottori-ken, 2014-Present) AJET National Council Director of Alumni Relations: Ryan is in his second year on the AJET National Council and first as the Director of Alumni Relations. He works alongside Rachel Brisson (AJET National Council Director of Alumni Resources ) and members of JETAA International (JETAA-I) to strengthen the relationship between former JETs, current JETs, and Japan. Ryan helps to keep you up to date with JETAA events around the world. If you have a specific event that you would like promote, please do not hesitate to contact him by email at ryan.hata@ajet.net or his Linkedin profile. 

It’s almost spring time in the northern hemisphere and here in Japan, the sakura are starting to bloom. Check out if there are any hanami parties or other similar events from around the world!

1. JETAA Chicago

April Monthly Member Meeting

When: April 3rd 6:30-8 pm CDT
Where: Japan Information Center 737 N Michigan Ave Ste 1000, Chicago, Illinois 60611

On Monday, April 3, JETAA Chicago will have our monthly member meeting!

We will discuss past events, upcoming events and welcome new ideas. We will also continue planning our Outgoing JETs events, Japan Off the Beaten Path.

For those unable to attend in person, please email info@jetaachicago.com if you would like to call or video into the meeting. We have successfully had call-ins, Google Hangouts, and Skype-ins in past meetings. Don’t hesitate to let us know you’d like to do that.

Our meetings are open to any and all JET Alumni. Dinner is provided to all who attend. Let us know if you have any food allergies or avoidances.

Email info@jetaachicago.com with any questions or any items you would like to add to the agenda.

 

Photo from JETAA Chicago’s Facebook event

2. JETAANSW

Shaberanaito

When: April 7th 6:30-8:30 pm DST
Where: Daruma Japanese Restaurant Level 1, Prince Centre 8 Quay Street, Haymarket, Sydney, Australia

Join JETAA and AJS for a casual dinner where you can eat delicious food and break out the Japanese-however limited or rusty.

Cost: $35 BUT say you are with JETAANSW and you will get a $5 discount! (This $30 includes tasty Japanese food for dinner.) There is a vegetarian option available and drinks are PAYG.

Register online: http://www.ajsnsw.org.au/event-2500537

If you are interested in an a nijikai please register your interest by posting below or contacting Elly Kate or Ashlie (myself).

See you there!

 

Photo via JETAANSW’s Facebook event

3. JETAAMN

Cooking Class: Omurice

When: April 8th 11 am-2 pm CDT
Where: The Good Acre 1790 Larpenteur Ave W, Falcon Heights, Minnesota 55113

***All particpants must RSVP AND pay the class fee in advanced to be considered as registered for the event*** Please go to the JETAAMN website to reserve your spot and pay! https://jetaamn.org/

Join JETAAMN and friends for another cooking class. This year’s theme is Omurice. Learn about Japanese cooking and eat the delicious results of your work! From 11am to 2pm!

 

Photo from JETAAMN’s Facebook event page

4. JETAASC

SPRING THINGS

When: April 8th 8:30 am PDT
Where: 3051 Canyon Drive, 90068

SPRING THINGS!

Let’s take a hike JETs! (Morning Hollywood Sign hike and breakfast – plus optional music festival!)
When: Saturday, April 8th, 8:30 A.M.
Who: JETAASC and friends
Where: Meet at 3051 Canyon Drive, 90068
What: We will enjoy a light morning hike up to the Hollywood Sign where photos will be taken, and Instagrams updated. Then hike back down to enjoy a local brunch spot, TBD.

If you are further away, and want to make a day trip out of coming, then please join Greg and fellow JET alum Cindy for Broke LA, a music festival for people who can’t afford Coachella! It’s a $25 music festival, going from 3pm to midnight! More info is available here: http://brokelafest.com/about

Don’t forget to RSVP for the hike and brunch! The concert is just a footnote for live music fans.

Questions? Comments? Feel free to email or text Greg at Social@jetaasc.org or 917.975.2067

 

Photo via JETAASC’s Facebook event

5. JETAAWJ

Charity Networking Brunch in Honor of US Consul General and Mrs. Greenberg

When: April 9th 11:30 am-2:30 pm JST
Where: Trente Et Un 〒650-0046 Hyogo Prefecture, Kobe, Chuo Ward, Minatojima Nakamachi, 6−10−1, 神戸ポートピアホテル31F

¥3,000 per person, with a portion of the cost being donated to the Ashinaga Foundation.

Join us as we express our appreciation for Consul General and Mrs. Greenberg. Meet JET alum Jay Klaphake, founder of TEDx Kyoto and TED x Ambassador, and Jeff Anderson, brother of Taylor Anderson. Limited to 15.

To RSVP, please e-mail Rose at jetaawj(at)gmail(dot)com.

Due to the popularity of the event and limited spaces, pre-payment will be collected to secure your seat. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation!

 

Photo taken from JETAAWJ’s Facebook event

6. GLJETAA

GLJETAA Board Meeting

When: April 9th 1 pm EDT
Where: The Detroit Bubble Tea Company 22821 Woodward Ave, Ferndale, Michigan 48220

Join us for great bubble tea and discussing the chapter!

 

Photo from GLJETAA’s Facebook event

7. JETAAMB

Dake Coffee

When: April 16th 3-5 pm PDT
Where: Starbucks 316 Alvarado Monterey, CA

Come join us for some Japanese conversation practice and a free cup of coffee courtesy of the JETAA Monerey Bay Subchapter at the Starbucks on 316 Alvardo in Monterey, CA. The first 20 people to come will receive a $5 Starbucks gift card. Please arrive between 3:00 – 3:15 to receive your free card.

Everyone can get a drink and sit down to practice their conversational Japanese skills. We encourage people have conversations with several different people. Be sure to take and share pictures. All levels of Japanese are welcome. We will be holding this event from 3:00 -5:00.

Photo from JETAAMB’s Facebook group

8. JETAASC

San Diego Karaoke

When: April 23rd 5-8 pm PDT
Where: Muzen Karaoke 7770 Vickers St, San Diego, California 92111

Let’s go Karaoke-ing!

Calling the tone-deaf, the anime-theme-song-obsessed, and Monster 80s lovers: Time to descend on San Diego and rock their socks off! MUZEN is a BYO-Food Japanese-Style joint with Sunday 5-8 happy hour deals on drinks AND room rates, so let’s keep the mics are glowing and Japanese pilsners flowing!

Bring a friend if you’re shy, and even if you can’t make it, please help spread the word by inviting your alumni friends to this event!

When: Sunday, April 23rd, 5:00 – 8:00PM
Where: Muzen Karaoke
7770 Vickers St, San Diego, California 92111

 

Photo via JETAASC’s website

9. JETAA British Columbia

JETAABC Sun Run Team 2017!

When: April 23rd 9 am-12 pm PDT
Where: Vancouver, British Columbia

Calling all runners and walkers! Don’t miss one of Vancouver’s biggest annual races, the Sun Run!

*REGISTRATION ENDS ON MARCH 31ST – Register today!

Join the JETAABC Sun Run Team today and be a part of JET’s special 30th year anniversary! Simply follow this link, click “join existing team” and join JETAABC’s team* (by searching “jetaabc”).
https://register.vancouversunrun.com/#!/events/2017-vancouver-sun-run.

When you find the jetaabc team, the system will ask you for the passphrase.
jetaabc passphrase: jetaabc

As this is JET’s 30th anniversary, JETAABC will subsidize a portion of your registration. First 30 runners to sign up will receive a $15 subsidy!

To apply for your subsidy, please email your race registration receipt with a copy of your payment to external@jetaabc.ca and treasurer@jetaabc.ca. We will be sending out your subsidy in March. Look out for upcoming information about practice runs we will try to organize.
**Priority will go to JET alumni

There are a few community runs coming up! We won’t have official teams for these runs, but perhaps if there is enough interest, we can participate in these runs together!

Sunday, April 2nd in Coquitlam (5km, 10km) :
http://events.mec.ca/node/147171

Saturday, April 15th in Burnaby (10km, half-marathon):
http://events.mec.ca/node/146096

Easter Run, April 16th in Stanley park (5km, 10km):
http://www.easterrun.ca/home.html

*Please note that early bird registration ($49 + tax) ends on February 10th, and regular registration ($57 + tax) ends on March 31st.

 

Photo from JETAABC’s Facebook event

10. NEJETAA

Calligraphy Exhibition and Workshop

When: April 28th 6 pm-8 pm EDT
Where: 420 Pond Street, Boston, MA 02130

Showa Boston will host a special Calligraphy exhibition and workshop on Friday, April 28th. A great way to kick off the Boston Japan Festival weekend! RSVP to Miyo Takahashi at mle@showaboston.edu by Friday, April 14.

Photo from NEJETAA.com

11. JETAA Portland

Iron Chef 2017

When: April 29th 1 pm-4 pm PDT
Where: At Demaree’s home in SE Portland, RSVP for directions to Veronica Adversalo.

Iron Chef 2017: JETAA Portland’s 15th Annual Cooking 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!

Date: Saturday, April 29th
Time: 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Location:  At Demaree’s home in SE Portland, RSVP for directions to Veronica Adversalo.

(Please respond by Thursday, April 27th and let us know what dish you plan to bring!) This is a BYOB event. Please plan on providing your own drinks.

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 in each category.

In addition to the above categories, cooking teams from JETAA Portland and Pacific Northwest JETAA chapters will be facing off in our “Battle with Seattle” using this year’s secret ingredient: shokupan from Oyatsupan Bakers in Beaverton, Oregon.

We are inviting the Pacific Northwest JETAA chapter to join us for this event. This is a great opportunity to meet the members from the PNW chapter of JETAA.  They will be traveling from Seattle to attend our Iron Chef event and using the “Tatami Timeshare” program to stay with Portland-area members.

Hope to see you there!

Iron Chef FAQ

Q: Do I have to cook something to attend Iron Chef?

A: No, but please consider bringing a store bought food or beverage to share with the group. Please note that store bought items cannot be entered for prizes.

Q: Do I have to use the secret ingredient in my dish?

A: No, the secret ingredient is only required for the “Battle with Seattle” cook-off between Team JETAA Portland and Team Pacific Northwest JETAA.

Q: Can I prepare my dish during the event?

A: Possibly, but please be aware that the kitchen facilities will be reserved for the “Battle with Seattle” cook-off teams. We strongly encourage you to bring your side dishes, main dishes, and desserts ready to serve.

Q: Can I bring my significant other / kids / friends?

A: Of course! This is a family-friendly event and the more people that come the merrier! Please include any extra guests in your RSVP.

 

Photo from JETAA Portland’s Website

Ryan Hata (Tottori-ken, 2014-Present) AJET National Council Director of Alumni Relations: Ryan is in his second year on the AJET National Council and first as the Director of Alumni Relations. He works alongside Rachel Brisson (AJET National Council Director of Alumni Resources ) and members of JETAA International (JETAA-I) to strengthen the relationship between former JETs, current JETs, and Japan. Ryan helps to keep you up to date with JETAA events around the world. If you have a specific event that you would like promote, please do not hesitate to contact him by email at ryan.hata@ajet.net or his Linkedin profile. 

Just got through with my 三年生 graduation. I’ve had them as students for the past two and a half years. I had a great time reminiscing with them during their slideshow. If you want to have some 懐かしい moments with fellow JET alumni, check out a JETAA event near you!

1. JETAANOLA

JETAA First Weds

When: March 1st 7:30-9 pm CST
Where: Rivershack Tavern 3449 River Rd, New Orleans, LA 70121, USA

Join your JETAA NOLA friends and help ring in the crawfish season at Rivershack Tavern! Whether you’re a familiar face or new to the JETAA NOLA community we’d love to catch up while picking and peeling some mudbugs. As always, Friends of JET and anyone with an interest in Japan is welcome to join. Come for the whole evening or just pop in to say “Hi”. See you there!

 

Photo from JETAA Mid-South’s Facebook Event

2. JETAASC

Natsukashii Nomikai

When: March 2nd 5:30 pm PST
Where: 3rd Generation Sake Bar 808 W 7th St, Los Angeles, California 90017

Announcing Natsukashii Nomikai!

Starting March 2nd, this happy hour will focus on JET alumni gathering to wax nostalgic at a different Little Tokyo establishment, one Thursday, each month. Reminisce about the good times and reconnect with your fellow alums, while discovering new (old) Japanese bars in Little Tokyo, and help support these small businesses one drink at a time!

Don’t drink? Don’t worry! Whatever you put in your cup, all are welcome to join!

 

Photo via JETAASC’s Facebook event page

3. JETAAUK

JLGC Seminar 2017: Local Growth, Global Links

When: March 3rd 14:00-17:30 pm GMT
Where: Harvey Goodwin Suite Church House Conference Centre Westminster London SW1P 3NZ United Kingdom

Japan Local Government Centre (CLAIR) London Event, Church House Conference Centre, London, United Kingdom, Friday, 3 March 2017 from 14:00 to 17:30

JETAA UK’s sponsors, Japan Local Government Centre (CLAIR) London, will hold their annual seminar for UK-Japan links at the regional level and would like to invite JET Alumni to the seminar comparing international strategies for place and reception following the event. Details as follows:

• Embassy of Japan(TBC)
• Department for International Trade (UK)– Martin Phelan (International Director, Northern Powerhouse Investment)
• Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO)– Daisaku Yukita (Deputy Director General)
• City of Yokohama, Frankfurt Representative Office– Takashi Yanagisawa (Chief Representative)
• East Japan Railway Company– Kiyokata Kume (Deputy Director, London Office)
• London & Partners– Jeff Cao (Head of Asia Pacific)
• Toyota UK– Rob Gorton (Head of Corporate Planning)
• Stockton on Tees Borough Council– Richard McGuckin (Director of Economic Growth and Development)

Chair: Jane Dudman, editor Guardian Public Leaders network

In the post-Brexit landscape, ahead of the full localisation of business rates and the election of new Metro Mayors in 2017, UK local authorities will need to find new ways to curate economic growth in order to support their local economies, jobs and local services. This will depend increasingly on their global positioning and competitive advantage as part of place-based industrial strategies.

In Japan local authorities have long been enabled to internationalise their efforts and engage globally through international strategies and connections.

Following on from our 2014 London Seminar on ‘Local Growth, Global Links’ which focused on Japanese investment links in the North of England, the next JLGC Seminar will examine the role of place-based international strategies and what UK local authorities can learn from Japan in order to develop international skillsets across their organisations.

The Japan Local Government Centre Seminar is the annual event in the UK supporting the engagement of Anglo-Japanese local authorities through joint learning and partnership. This free event is aimed at local leaders to share strategies for building partnerships outside the UK to prioritise and secure local growth. Using Japan as the case study, speakers will also share the benefits that have been brought by working with global business in the UK and building links with regions abroad.

It hopes to provide a timely opportunity for UK and Japanese partners to reflect and recalibrate their efforts towards providing long term partnerships and solutions. The event will conclude with a reception for supporting international exchanges of local authorities.

4. JETAANY

Late Shinnenkai Brunch

When: March 5th 12:30-2:30 pm EST
Where: Carroll Place 157 Bleecker St, New York, New York 10012

So what that it’s already a few months into 2017??

It’s never too late to have a new years party so let’s get together and celebrate the “start” of 2017 in style!

Join our annual JETAANY Shinnenkai (New Year Gathering) brunch at Carroll Place on Sunday, March 5th at 12:30 pm.

Eat, drink, be merry, make new friends, and get back in touch with old ones. (And plus everyone knows that Brunch doesn’t start before noon on Sunday)

Price: $25 for everything!

Brunch Menu: Shared appetizers (2) and main dishes (3). Vegetarian options available. Specifics are TBD, but this menu reflects the type of food we will be served. Also, unlimited drinks (mimosa, rose sangria, bloody mary, coffee, tea, juice, soda) for 2 hours.

Secure your spot by selecting either “Vegetarian” or “Non Vegetarian” via the PayPal button on our website and completing payment.

http://jetaany.org/2017/02/15/35-jetaany-shinnenkai-2017-brunch-edition/

 

Photo from JETAANY’s Facebook event

5. JETAA Pittsburgh 

Nabe par-tay!

When: March 5th 3-10 pm EST
Where: TBD

Let’s nabe! Let’s have a potluck and hope the weather is cold enough to make it extra-cozy. :)

(ALLERGY FYI: I have a cat. And let me know if you have any food allergies!)

THINGS WE NEED:
– nabe pots
– any non-veg ingredients
– if possible, dishware/silverware/chopsticks for non-veg food (I’m a strict vegetarian, and I always have paper plates and plasticware for meat-eating guests, but if those won’t suffice…)
– feel free to bring board games or other fun stuff :)

FOOD:
– I’ll provide a number of different vegetarian things: likely kabocha croquets, onigiri, tenpura, and some kind of dessert.
– please bring whatever food/drink you want! (drink, particularly, as several of you are very discerning drinkers and I am very much not, hehe.)

Setting the start time very early so people can drift over and hang out at their leisure (did I mention that I have a kotatsu?), but nabe will be more dinner-ish. And +1s/family/friends are always welcome!

6. Texoma JETAA

JETAA Texoma Monthly Trivia – Houston

When: March 5th 5-6 pm CST
Where: Lowbrow Houston 1601 W Main St, Houston, Texas 77006

You thought it was over for good. You thought it was dead and buried. But next Sunday, 6 PM, at Lowbrow in Houston, JETAA monthly trivia is back from the dead.

Any and all are welcome. Bring your brain, bring a friend, bring your appetite for triv-victory!

 

Photo via Texoma JETAA’s Facebook event

7. JETAADC

JET Talks Presents: Library of Congress, Japanese Collection

When: March 9th 4-5:30 pm EST
Where: The Library of Congress | 101 Independence Ave SE, Washington, DC 20540

Join JETAADC at the Asian Reading Room in the Library of Congress on Thursday, March 9 to explore its Japanese Collection, one of the most extensive collections of original Japanese language texts and research materials outside Japan. Through the guidance of a Research Librarian at the Asian Reading Room, participants will be introduced to the history of the Japanese language collection and learn how to access and utilize original Japanese language resources as well as English translations housed in the collection for research purposes.

This event is free, but space is limited to 20 participants, so please register here to let us know you are coming!

If you have any questions, feel free to contact jettalks@jetaadc.org

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From the collection’s website:

The Japanese language collection […] has grown to over 1.15 million books and serial volumes, 10,100 reels of microfilm, and 15,000 sheets of microfiche. The Japanese collection covers research materials in virtually all subjects except clinical medicine and technical agriculture. The collections are strong in the humanities and social sciences, central and local government publications, and academic journals including the areas of science and technology.

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Date: Thursday, March 9
Time: 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Location: The Library of Congress | 101 Independence Ave SE, Washington, DC 20540 | Nearest Metro: Capitol South (Orange/Blue/Silver) | Union Station (Red)

 

Photo from JETAADC.org

8. JETAA Rocky Mountains

JETAA Rocky Mountain Annual Meeting

When: March 11th 2-5 pm MST
Where: Gold Run Condominiums 2959 Shadow Creek Dr, Boulder, Colorado 80303

It’s time for the JETAARM annual meeting. We will be announcing the new board members for 2017-18 , and celebrating another year of JETAARM with a sukiyaki party. The meeting will be held at the current secretary’s apartment in Boulder, CO.

Please fill out the RSVP so that Adam can give you all his personal address and not put it out there for all the internet to see.

★ http://bit.ly/JETAARM2017-AnnualMeeting-RSVP ★

12-2:
The board will conduct business from 12-2 pm, and we welcome all members to join and discuss plans for the year.

2 onward:
we will be cooking Nabe and waxing nostalgic for Japan. A $5 dollar contribution to cover the cost of ingredients will be greatly appreciated. The event is BYOD, and you can likely expect a njikai.

Grab a board game as well!

FYI – The condo complex is where I (Adam) live, but I’ll still need to hand out my precise address.

 

Photo via JETAA Rocky Mountain’s Facebook event

9. JETAA Manitoba/Saskatchewan

JETAA Ramen night!

When: March 11th 6-9 pm CST
Where: KAZOKU restaurant 30 – 2583 Pembina Hwy, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 2H5

Long overdue, it’s time for a ramen night! Join your fellow alumni for a evening to catch-up over a bowl of hot noodles at one of Winnipeg’s best ramen joinits.

 

Photo from JETAAMBSK’s Facebook event

10. Great Lakes JETAA

GLJETAA Meetup Bowling

When: March 12th 3:30 pm EDT
Where: Cherry Hill Lanes North 6697 Dixie Hwy, Clarkston, Michigan 48346

Come and bowl with us!

 

Photo from GLJETAA’s Facebook Event

11. JETAA Singapore

Beach Clean-Up

When: March 19th 9:30-11:45 am SGT
Where: Meet at Pasir Ris MRT, move to Pasir Ris Park

JETAA Sg will be holding a Beach Clean-Up activity! Join us for to do your part for the environment. Friends and family are welcomed too!

Date: 19 Mar, Sunday
Meeting time: 9:30am at Pasir Ris MRT (TBC – Pending NEA approval)

For more details & registration, please go to: https://goo.gl/forms/572WfB3ITAYGpXYk1

Please note that there is a limit on the number of participants, so do sign up early! Thank you and see yaaa!

JETAA Sg will be holding a Beach Clean-Up activity! Join us for to do your part for the environment. Friends and family are welcomed too!

Date: 19 Mar, Sunday
Meeting time: 9:30am at Pasir Ris MRT (TBC – Pending NEA approval)

For more details & registration, please go to: https://goo.gl/forms/572WfB3ITAYGpXYk1

Please note that there is a limit on the number of participants, so do sign up early! Thank you and see yaaa!

 

Photo from JETAA Singapore’s Facebook Page

12. JETAA Ottawa

Board Game Night

When: March 25th 3-5 PM EDT
Where: 14 Waller St, Ottawa, ON K1N 9C4, Canada

Come join us for a fun afternoon of games, food and drink. Last year’s event was a blast and we’re hoping to have just as much fun this year. Don’t worry if you don’t know any games, as the staff are great at explaining everything. Just show up at 3pm at 14 Waller Street and head upstairs.

Date: March 25, 2017
Time: 3pm-5pm with possibility of a nijikai to follow
Location: The Loft Board Game Lounge, 14 Waller St, 2nd floor
Cost: $5.50/person ‘Stay and Play’ fee

You can also order food and drinks. Check out the The Loft website ‘http://www.theloftlounge.ca/‘ to see their menu and to get an idea of the games available (basically everything)

This event is open to everyone, please RSVP to give us an idea of numbers.

 

Photo via JETAA Ottawa’s Facebook event

13. JETAAUK

JETAA London Chapter Book Club

When: March 26th TBA
Where: TBD

London Chapter of JETAA will be holding its second Book Club meeting. More details to follow next month.
When: Sun 26th Mar
Cost: FREE

 

Photo from JETAAUK’s website

Please take a look at this touching piece by JET alum Austin Gilkeson (Aichi-ken):

https://catapult.co/stories/teshima-on-hearing-loss-my-son-and-the-sea

Ryan Hata (Tottori-ken, 2014-Present) AJET National Council Director of Alumni Relations: Ryan is in his second year on the AJET National Council and first as the Director of Alumni Relations. He works alongside Rachel Brisson (AJET National Council Director of Alumni Resources ) and members of JETAA International (JETAA-I) to strengthen the relationship between former JETs, current JETs, and Japan. Ryan helps to keep you up to date with JETAA events around the world. If you have a specific event that you would like promote, please do not hesitate to contact him by email at ryan.hata@ajet.net or his Linkedin profile. 

明けましておめでとうございます! Happy 2017 from Hawai`i! Sorry this post is a bit late cause I stay on Hawaiian time. This issue will focus on 新年会(Shinnenkais) as well as some regular monthly events put on by various chapters.

1. JETAA Chicago

King Spa Day

When: January 2nd, 2 pm CST
Where: King Spa Sauna 809 Civic Center Dr, Niles, Illinois 60714

Join JETAA Chicago as we say “sayonara” to 2016 at King Spa on Monday, January 2.

King Spa is the closest thing to a Japanese hot spring you’ll find anywhere in the Midwest. Besides the hot & cold tubs and Japanese shower stalls (complete with little pink stools and scrubbing towels), King Spa has 8 different saunas available for you to sweat it out in. There is also a cafe which has some tastey Korean refreshments. If you liked the onsen and sento in Japan, you will feel right at home here. There isn’t a better way to kick off 2017!

We will meet at King Spa at 2:00 PM and plan to hang out for a few hours. H Mart, the Korean supermarket, is located next door, so we can hit that up after, do a little shopping and visit their food court.

Admission to King Spa is usually $35 but there is an e-coupon on their website (link below) for $22. Be sure to check that out in advance if you want to save some cash.

King Spa is located in Niles, north of Chicago. The #270 bus regularly departs from the Jefferson Park CTA station. If some people are driving, we may also be able to coordinate a car pool.

Hope to see you there!

http://www.kingspa.com/chicago/index.html

 

PC: JETAA Chicago’s Facebook Event Page

2. JETAANC

JETAANC SF Networking Nomikai

When: January 5th, 6-7:30 pm PST
Where: Crystal Jade San Francisco 4 Embarcadero Ctr, San Francisco, California 94111

Help ring in the New Year with alumni and friends at our monthly San Francisco Networking Nomikai (happy hour)! Crystal Jade has great happy hour specials and if it’s nice out come find us on the back terrace with beautiful views of the Ferry Building and Bay Bridge!

Come out, make new friends, and catch up with old ones. This is a great chance to do some networking in a fun, casual setting. Everyone is welcome!

Look for alumni wearing red JETAANC lanyards. Or print out this mini JETAANC table sign so people can find you! Just fold in half and then fold the bottom of each side into a base to make a standing “triangle”:
http://bit.ly/Xedg5s

**Please drink responsibly.**

 

PC: JETAANC’s Facebook Event Page

3. Great Lakes JETAA

Great Lakes JETAA Shinnenkai

When: January 7th, 6 pm EST
Where: New Cherry Blossom 43588 W Oaks Dr, Novi, MI 48377

新年会　Please save the date!

GLJETAA will be hosting a New Year’s celebration in the Detroit area. We will be in the Tatami Room @ New Cherry Blossom in Novi.
Of course there will be delicious food and we are planning some fun activities as well (we will try to have games, karaoke, and koto playing). All Great Lakes JETAA members are welcome.

We hope to see you!

 

Photo from the Great Lakes JETAA’s Facebook Event Page

4. JETAASC

2017 Oshogatsu Family Festival – Year of the Rooster

When: January 8th, 11 am- 5pm PST
Where: Japanese American National Museum 100 N Central Ave, Los Angeles, California 90012

Ring in the Year of the Rooster with New Year-themed activities, performances, and crafts!

– Lucky zaru soba (cold buckwheat noodles) with Kidding Around the Kitchen

– Rooster candy sculptures by Shan the Candyman

– Mochi demonstration by Fugetsu-Do’s Brian Kito

– Traditional mochitsuki (Japanese rice pounding ritual) performance byKodama Taiko

– Japanese drumming performance by TaikoProject

…and so much more!

Visit for janm.org/oshogatsufest2017 for complete schedule.

5. JETAANC

JETAANC East Bay Networking Nomikai

When: January 12th, 6-7:30pm PST
Where: Itani Ramen 1736 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, California 94612

Join alumni and friends at our monthly East Bay Networking Nomikai (happy hour)! In January, we are heading back to Itani Ramen, a great Japanese ramen shop in Oakland with a nice selection of beer, sake, shochu, and soft drinks. Only a few steps away from 19th Street BART:

Come out, make new friends, and catch up with old ones. It’s a good chance to develop your network. Everyone is welcome!

Look for alumni wearing red JETAANC lanyards. Or print out this mini JETAANC table sign so people can find you! Just fold in half and then fold the bottom of each side into a base to make a standing “triangle”:
http://bit.ly/Xedg5s

JETAANC East Bay Networking Nomikai are held the second Thursday of every month, so mark your calendars!

**Please drink responsibly.**

 

Photo from JETAANC’s Facebook Event Page

6. NEJETAA

2017 Shinnenkai New Years Party

When: January 14th, 5:30-8:30pm EST
Where: Shabu-Zen Allston 80 Brighton Ave, Allston, Massachusetts 02134

Happy New Years! 明けましておめでとうございます！

I hope everyone has a great start to the year! We would like to welcome this new year with our JET community by inviting you to our annual New Years Party 新年会. Come celebrate the New Years with everyone and play bingo, win prizes, and catch up with fellow JET alumni over delicious drinks and food!

Please RSVP to Eriko at social@nejetaa.com by January 11

When: Saturday, January 14 at 5:30pm

Where: Shabu Zen at 80 Brighton Ave, Allston
(parking: small parking lot on Reedsdale St. / parking lot in Super 88)
(train: 5 min walk from Packards Corner station on Green Line (B) )
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Shabu-Zen/@42.3521289,-71.1301791,1116m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x89e379c45883f00f:0xbe53eaeb46ab07c6!8m2!3d42.3524093!4d-71.1290887

Who: JETs

Price: $20 per person

Happy New Years and we hope to see you there!

 

PC: From NEJETAA’s Facebook Event Page

7. JETAA Portland

JASO SHINNENKAI & TUNES OF JAPAN

When: January 19th, 5:30-8:30pm PST
Where: Montgomery Park (2701 NW Vaughn)

Posted by Eden Law (Fukushima ALT 2010-2011, President of JETAANSW, Australian Country Representative, JETAAI Webmaster… I guess the very model of a modern Major-General?)

Travelling from one major city to another in Japan is a fantastic experience – the efficiency, the comfort, and for foreign travellers, the affordability, by way of the many available tourist travel passes. The extensive rail network and its famous and speedy bullet train (shinkansen) makes rail travel a viable choice to explore the country. And if you’ve ever thought about using this mode of transport for your next trip to Japan, then the recently published “Japan by Rail” travel guide would be a great way to start your planning.

Written by Ramsey Zarifeh (himself a former JET), Anna Udagawa, Andrew Picknell and James Hodgson, “Japan by Rail” is comprehensive – anywhere the rail network reaches, it will be covered in the book – except for the islands of Okinawa. Each chapter or part deals with the regions of Japan, such as Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu and Shikoku. Following along the major train route from either Tokyo or Osaka as a starting point, the chapters also detail and recommend many side-trips to lesser known destinations of towns, villages and noteworthy nature locations. Helpfully, it also lists the modes of transport and ticket prices where required, if needing to change between trains, buses or boat, and estimated travel times. While not extensive in every entry, accommodation, places to eat and shop are also included.

True to its specialisation, the book provides a generous amount of information on all things rail-related. Information on the various train passes are available – and there’s a quite a variety. There are even passes for short trips between just two destinations (for example, the Kawagoe Discount Pass between Ikebukuro and Kawagoe or “Little Edo”), which are described where applicable. Included are also train schedules for major rail routes by shinkansen, and suggested itinerary by rail. Note that the travel information is primarily based on the JR company, which dominates the country’s rail network infrastructure, though the text does include non-JR transport if needed to complete the journey. If you wish to use local travel routes that rely on non-JR lines, doing a self-guided tour by hired car, or choosing to base yourself from a place not covered in this book, “Japan by Rail” will be less useful, but can still provide some description of places and local sightseeing spots. Unusually, the guide book does not include JR’s railway maps, which would be useful (perhaps for future editions).

A great practical and detailed guide, “Japan by Rail” is highly recommended to start you off on your planning.

Japan by Rail 4th ed, Trailblazer Publications, and written by Ramsey Zarifeh, Anna Udagawa, Andrew Picknell and James Hodgson and available from the Trailblazer website

WIT Life is a periodic series written by professional Writer/Interpreter/Translator Stacy Smith (Kumamoto-ken CIR, 2000-03). She starts her day by watching Fujisankei’s newscast in Japanese, and here she shares some of the interesting tidbits and trends along with her own observations.

Last night I attended a screening of Martin Scorsese’s new film Silence, based on the 1966 novel 沈黙 (Chinmoku) by Shusaku Endo, himself a Japanese Catholic.  It is the story of a Jesuit missionary sent to 17th century Japan, who is played with great nuance by Andrew Garfield.  He and his followers endure horrible persecution during this period when 隠れキリシタン (Kakure Kirishitan or Hidden Christians) are targeted for their beliefs.  Having lived in Kyushu I had a vague sense of what had taken place in Nagasaki at that time, but not the extent of the barbaric ways Christians were killed and tortured. Read More

 

By Eden Law (Fukushima ALT 2010-2011, JETAANSW President, Australian Country Representative), writing from Sydney, Australia. The Japanese Film Festival in Australia is the one of the biggest Japanese film festival in the world.

The Tsukiji Fish Markets are a staple in every Tokyo tourist guidebook, promoted as the place for serious foodies (or at least, lovers of seafood) to visit, and to sample the myriad of restaurants and shops in the area, may of which are food-related (ever been in a knife-only shop? Simultaneously amazing and terrifying). With the 2020 Tokyo Olympics however, the area is slated for redevelopment, and this film may be the final recording, at least of this current incarnation, of the market that has lasted over 80 years.

Once you get past a slow start and the voiceover, the film settles confidently into its subject matter. The documentary is divided into several chapters that deal with various aspects of the marketplace, such as the rhythms of the marketplace, where normal trading hours happen at a time most of us would be sleeping, particularly to cope with time zones and overseas customers: such is the reputation of Tsukiji that fish here may even end up as far away as the west coast of America. Business practices are also examined – the auction markets (where tourists are briefly glimpsed – access to these early morning sessions for the best tuna are highly restricted in order not to impede normal operations), interaction of vendors and buyers, and perhaps potentially controversial, the brutal practicality of fish preparation and storage.

While there are definitely plenty of shots of sushi and dishes on hand (film advisory warning: do NOT watch if hungry, or even slightly peckish), it is the people interviewed, especially the intermediary wholesellers who provide the bulk of the dialogue, that make for riveting viewing. The wholesellers’ understanding of their product is unrivalled and complete – one wholesaler specialised only in conger eels, able to reliably differentiate between what looked like identical fish quickly and easily with a glance. The faith of their highly discerning clients are complete, but only because they have earned them through honesty, consistency and reliability, favouring and anticipating the needs of their devoted customer base. Everyone – customers, vendors and academics alike – can’t help but stray into mystical and poetic descriptions when talking about the work, or the skills and knowledge of the vendors. It’s a thoroughly Japanese quality, where the people find pride and honour in their vocation, and it’s hard not to feel respect for them, which they most certainly deserve.

‘Tsukiji Wonderland’ can only skim the surface of the complex relationships of Tsukiji, but you can already get a sense of the rich mercantile tradition and customs that bind the merry band of workers here, constantly competing, jostling and supporting each other. The long, measured long shots over the marketplace gives it an epic and majestic field, and the many little work vehicles move as if dancing to music. The film does discuss the future of the market, particularly in light of changing diet habits and fast food. While there is sadness about the uncertainty of Tsukiji’s future, the film stays on a celebratory and affectionate mood, about the cultural institution of the world’s most famous fish market.

Tsukiji Wonderland (Tsukiji Wandarando) by Shotaro Endo, released October 1, 2016.

Ryan Hata (Tottori-ken, 2014-Present) AJET National Council Director of Alumni Relations: Ryan is in his second year on the AJET National Council and first as the Director of Alumni Relations. He works alongside Rachel Brisson (AJET National Council Director of Alumni Resources ) and members of JETAA International (JETAA-I) to strengthen the relationship between former JETs, current JETs, and Japan. Ryan helps to keep you up to date with JETAA events around the world. If you have a specific event that you would like promote, please do not hesitate to contact him by email at ryan.hata@ajet.net or his Linkedin profile. 

Can you believe it’s already December? With it being the end of the year, many JETAA chapters are hosting Bōnenkai’s or some similar end of the year gathering. December’s chapter beat will focus on these end of the year events. Check out if there’s an event at your local JETAA chapter.

1. JETAA Scotland

Bounenkai

When: December 2nd, 7 pm-11 pm SCT
Where: Koyama 20 Forrest Rd, Edinburgh, EH1 2QN Edinburgh, United Kingdom

The JET AA Scotland & North East Bounenkai will be taking place next Friday. This event is open to all!

The meal will be held at Koyama Restaurant, Forrest Road, Edinburgh and is a set menu of three courses followed by optional karaoke. (Drinks not included).
Meal @£15 for JETAA members (plus optional £5 for karaoke)
Meal @£20 for for non-JETs (plus optional £5 for karaoke)
Meal @£5 for children under 12
(karaoke not available for guests under 18 years)

If you would like to come please fill in the form below with your menu choices.
https://goo.gl/forms/F8A7sO1MvhDQXfpZ2

Also, please let us know if you would like a vegetarian meal or have any dietary requirements.

We look forward to seeing you then!

Kind regards

JET AA Scotland

 

Photo from JETAA Scotland’s Facebook event

2. JETAA Vic/Tas/SA

Bōnenkai

 

When: December 3rd, 6 pm-8 pm AEDT
Where: 400 Gradi (Melbourne, Australia) 99 Lygon Street, Melbourne, Australia 3057

It’s that time of the year again when we all gather and celebrate a wonderful and prosperous 2016 over great food and even greater chats!

Bōnenkai (忘年会), or “forget the year party”, is a chance for us to end the year right, and what better way to do so than with a massive, wonderful Italian feast and then karaoke nijikai?

Join us as we eat and drink the night away and bring good luck for the new year to come!

WHEN: Saturday, December 3rd from 6-8pm
WHERE: 400 Gradi Brunswick, 99 Lygon St., East Brunswick, 3057
COST: $35 and includes an Italian sit down shared banquet (including salumi plates, antipasti, pasta, risotto, and pizzas) and delicious desserts (think Nutella crepes, tortino al cioccolato, and tiramisu!). Please let us know of any allergies or dietary requirements.
RSVP: Email rsvp@victassa.jetaa.org.au on December 1 by noon at the latest.

SPECIAL NOTE: We will also be gauging interest in a nijikai karaoke session for post-dinner fun. Please include with your RSVP whether you would be interested in attending so that we can make a group booking! よろしくおねがいします!

– From your friends on the JETAA Vic/Tas/SA committee

 

Photo from JETAA Vic/Tas/SA’s Facebook event

3. JETAA  Quebec/Atlantic 

Ramen Bounenkai

When: December 3rd, 9 am-12 pm EST
Where: Schlouppe Bistrot NAKAMICHI, 2159 Rue Mackay, Montréal, QC H3G 2J2, Canada

 

Photo from JETAA Quebec/Atlantic’s website

4. JETAA Singapore

So you think you can Taiko?

When: December 4th, 1 pm-3 pm SGT
Where: Aljunied Community Center (110 Hougang Ave 1, HDB Hougang, 530110)

JETAA Sg Taiko Team will be putting up a performance during the SJ50 Matsuri! Though we are still amateurs, we have greatly enjoyed this traditional art and would like to share the joy with everyone!

We are having a crash course workshop for everyone interested! No experience needed, only curiosity and interest! Kids are welcomed too!

Date: 4 Dec, Sun
Time: 1pm – 3pm
Venue: Aljunied Community Center (110 Hougang Ave 1, HDB Hougang, 530110)
Course Fees: $12 for JETAA members, $25 for non-members

What you need to bring:
Please come in comfortable clothes and shoes, and also bring along a pair of ear plugs. (You can also use earphones as replacement.)

Training provider: School of Daiko (http://www.mangrovelearning.com/)

If this tickles your fancy, fill in the form below to join us for some drumming!

 

Photo from JETAA Singapore’s Facebook Page

5. JETAA Chicago

Bowlnenkai + December Monthly Member Meeting

When: December 5th, 6:30 pm-7:30 pm CST
Where: Kemper Building 1 E Wacker Dr Ste 1000, Chicago, Illinois 60601

On Monday, December 5th, JETAA Chicago will have its monthly member meeting. This is also our bowlnenkai, in which we will go bowling after the meeting!

** Location**
Kemper Building
1 East Wacker Drive (corner of State and Wacker)
Suite 3350
Please R.S.V.P no later than 4:30 PM on Monday to make sure your name is on the security list.

We will also be discussing our upcoming Shinnenkai (January 21st, 2017).

We gladly welcome returnees and alumni alike.

We will be eating and drinking at the bowlnenkai at the bowling alley.

Email info@jetaachicago.com with any questions or any items you would like to add to the agenda. We are looking forward to seeing you!

 

Photo from JETAA Chicago’s Facebook Event

6. JETAA NSW

JETAA NSW End of Year Networking and Cultural Event

When: December 9th, 6:30-9 pm AEDT
Where: AB Hotel 225 Glebe Point Road Glebe, NSW 2037 Australia

JET Alumi! Friends of JETAA NSW! It’s finally here….the annual End of Year Networking and Cultural Event! Just rolls of the tongue, doesn’t it?!?

We’ll arrange tasty finger food and you can purchase your drinks from the awesome fish tank bar (yes, the bar is an 11m long fish tank!).

Don’t know anyone? No worries, come anyway! There’ll be a super fun and not-at-all-lame icebreaker challenge so you’re guaranteed to meet loads of people.

 

Logo via JETAANSW’s website

7. JETAA South Australia 

JET Alumni Dinner

When: December 9th, 7 pm ACDT
Where: Matsuri Japanese Restaurant L1/167 Gouger St, Adelaide, South Australia 5000

Food, Friends and Fun!

To celebrate the JET Program’s 30th year, we’ve organised a special end of year dinner for our SA Alumni!

Relive the flavours and memories of life on JET by joining us for a banquet meal at Matsuri Restaurant. Not only will there be dessert, but we’re also planning to have a few fun activities between courses.

Finally, for those of you missing the tradition of the 二次会 (nijikai), there will be optional karaoke taking place afterwards!

Prices are still being finalised, but most of the costs will be covered by JETAA!

If you could please indicate if you are interested in attending the dinner or karaoke or both at this stage, that would be amazingly helpful for finalising preparations.

I hope to see you all there!

 

Photo from JETAA South Australia’s Facebook Event Page

8. JETAA South Island

JETAA South Island End of Year Party

When: December 9th, 6:30 pm NZST
Where: Cookai Restaurant, 6 Nelson Street, Christchurch

Join us to celebrate 2016, and to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the JET Programme.

Friday 9th December, 2016 from 6.30pm
Cookai Restaurant, 6 Nelson Street, Christchurch

Japanese set menu and wine provided. Other drinks available for purchase.

Please note numbers are limited so please RSVP to secure your spot!

 

Photo from JETAA South Island’s Website

9. JETAA Southern Alberta

Japanese Christmas Party

When: December 9th, 6:00-8:00 pm MST
Where: Calgary Japanese Community Association 2236-29 Street SW, Calgary, Alberta, Calgary, Alberta T3E 2K2

Join us for a very merry Japanese Chirstmas party. We will be serving a Classic Japanese Christmas meal – KFC chicken with salad, mikan, soft drinks and for dessert – strawberry short cake. This is a family friendly event, so bring your kids along. See you all there!

RSVP Deadline: December 5th, 2016 (on Facebook / by email)

Cost: Adults & Young Adults (13+): $10 / person
Children (under 12): $3 / person

 

Photo from JETAA Southern Alberta’s Facebook Event Page

10. JETAA Hawaii

JETAA Bonenkai 2016

When: December 9th, 7 pm HST
Where: Gazen Izakaya 2840 Kapiolani Blvd, Honolulu, Hawaii 96826

The JETAA Hawaii board would like to announce its 2016 Bonenkai, which will double as a welcome party for returning JETs. There will be nabe, games, and prizes. A ticket includes dinner, and alcoholic drinks can be purchased separately. For those who can’t make it to dinner, join us for our karaoke nijikai. We will be singing to celebrate (forget) a great 2016!

Tickets: http://bpt.me/2714339

 

Photo from JETAA Hawaii’s Facebook Event Page

11. Florida JETAA

Florida JETAA Bonenkai

When: December 10th, 6 pm EST
Where: Koume Japanese Restaurant 11905 W Sunrise Blvd, Plantation, Florida 33323

Dear JETAA members,

It’s that time of the year for our annual JETAA Bonenkai!

This year’s JETAA Bonenkai will be once again held at Sekita-san’s restaurant, Koume in Plantation (just outside of Miami).

The agenda is to network and meet new and old JET alumni and build a stronger JETAA community in Florida to foster cultural exchange with the US and Japan.

This will be a pre-set meal of $20 per person (plus service fee of $0.99 per ticket + 3.5% of ticket price for a total of $21.69). The meal includes several courses: soup, salad, appetizers, sushi, other dishes and desert. That is a lot of food for that amount of money especially since Japanese food is so expensive. Each year, he surprises us with a unique menu.

The cost of drinks and tip are NOT included into the deal, so that would be paid separately by you.

Location: Koume Japanese Restaurant
11905 W. Sunrise Blvd.
Plantation, FL. 33323
Tel: 954-577-9277

(located in the Petsmart Plaza)

Date: Saturday, December 10, 2016
Time: 6:15pm

Purchase your ticket: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2721582


JETAA BONENKAI

www.brownpapertickets.com

Celebrating the end of the year with JETAA-FL members

Please also RSVP to Wendy by email at wlo01@hotmail.com. The deadline to RSVP is Dec. 8th. Purchasing a ticket secures a spot for the event. If you have dietary restrictions or allergies you must inform us by Dec 8th or else the restaurant will not be able to accommodate you.

You must pay in advance and you cannot bring a surprise guest the day of the event. Please let us know ahead of time if you are bringing a guest and pay in advance for them as well.

We are selling tickets to the event this year to avoid issues of people not coming at the last minute. In those cases, JETAA must pay for the meal. Therefore there are unfortunately no refunds for tickets purchased. However, you can sell your ticket to someone else via brownpapertickets.com if you can’t make it. Any funds not used will be considered as a donation to FL-JETAA and will be used for future events and activities.

Sekita-san’s restaurant is small, so space is limited. He also asks that you arrive on time, because food will be served promptly as scheduled. Think of this as Japan, be on time! J

Hope to see you there!

Wendy Lo

FL-JETAA, S. Florida Regional Rep.

(Toyama, ALT 2002-2005)

 

Photo from Florida JETAA’s Facebook Event

12. JETAA Great Lakes-Ohio

2016 JETAA Bonenkai- Ohio Region

When: December 10th, 7:30 pm EST
Where: Akai Hana 1173 Kenny Centre Mall, Columbus, Ohio 43220

Please come out and enjoy some delicious Japanese food and catching up with fellow JETs for this Year-end party. This event is exclusively for JETs and we kindly ask that you indicate attending only if you absolutely can make it. Space at the Akai Hana is limited and we hope to see you there. Thank you!

 

Photo from Great Lakes JETAA Facebook Event

13. JETAA Portland

JETAA BOUNENKAI

When: December 10th, 6-10 pm PST
Where: Izakaya Kichinto (102 NE Russel St.)

Celebrate the end of the year with JETAA Portland!

Join us for food, drinks, raffle prizes, and a white elephant gift exchange as we say sayonara to 2016. This year we’ll be celebrating at Izakaya Kichinto – we hope to see you there!

A buffet featuring Japanese-style goodies and two drink tickets are included with admission. Also, don’t forget to bring an unwanted Japanese omiyage or a small gift (around $5) if you wish to participate in our white elephant gift exchange!

When: Saturday, December 10th, 6:00-10pm

Where: Izakaya Kichinto (102 NE Russel St.)

Cost: $20 for JET alumni, $25 for friends of JETAA

RSVP: Get your tickets via Paypal today. RSVP deadline is Thursday, Dec. 8th! For questions please contact Matt.

 

Photo from JETAA Portland’s Website

14. JETAASC

2016 JETAASC End-of-Year Gathering

When: December 10th, 12:30-2:30 PST
Where: Fritto Misto 316 Pier Ave, Hermosa Beach, California 90254

Join us for the JET Alumni Association of Southern California’s 2016 End-of-Year Gathering! Come celebrate and reflect on the events of 2016 with a luncheon at Fritto Misto in historic Hermosa Beach. Enjoy the warmth and comfort of a family-style meal featuring traditional Italian cuisine. Vegetarian options will be available!

We will also be holding a “White Elephant” gift exchange, so if you’d like to participate please bring a new or gently used wrapped gift ($10-$15 value) to exchange!

Who: JETAASC and You

What: End-of-Year Gathering 2016

Where: Fritto Misto (316 Pier Avenue, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254)

When: Saturday, December 10th from 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM

Why: To send the year off in true JET community style, with great food, great people, and a great time!

How: http://jetaascendofyear2016.brownpapertickets.com/

Parking:
There is metered parking nearby, and the restaurant also suggested the public parking around the nearby City Hall (between Bard Street and Valley Drive, two short blocks away).

Please RSVP by Wednesday, December 7th.

Tickets will be $20… but the first 20 JET alumni to purchase their ticket through Brown Paper Tickets will get a special discounted rate of $20 to enjoy Italian sausage and roasted pepper rigatoni, Mediterranean fusilli, and other tasty dishes.

We look forward to seeing everyone there, to thanking the outgoing officers and coordinators, and to welcoming the new officers and coordinators for 2017!

 

Photo from JETAASC’s Facebook Event

15. JETAADC

JETAADC Bounenkai!

When: December 11th, 5-8:30 PM EST
Where: Tono Sushi 2605 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, District of Columbia 20008

Hello everyone,

It’s time once again for the greatest party of the year: the JETAADC Bounenkai! For those of you unfamiliar with this annual tradition, it is our biggest social event of the year in which we eat, drink, socialize, play games (there will be prizes), reminisce about the good things of the past year, and forget all the bad ones. So purchase your tickets below and join us for a party you won’t want to miss!

We will also be collecting canned food to donate to the Capital Area Food Bank during the event. You can drop your canned good off at the registration table. Note: If you forget to bring cans, you can stop by the CVS around the corner from Tono Sushi and buy a few!

Here are the details for the event:

Date: Sunday, December 11th
Time: Cocktail hour from 5:00pm followed by dinner and games from 6:00-8:30pm
Venue: Tono Sushi
Address: 2605 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008
Access: Woodley Park Metro and street/garage parking available nearby
Tickets: $25 in advance, $30 at the door
Website: http://jetaadc.org/1211-jetaadc-bonenkai/

Registration:
Please click on this link to purchase your $25 tickets in advance through PayPal:
https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=A5QVUAUXRZ9CS

At the Door Registration ($30 per ticket): Please let us know to expect you by completing this Google form. Note that we can only accept cash at the door.
https://goo.gl/forms/hkTX7DKQNEsVenof1

Included in the registration price:
– one drink (small beer, house sake, or house wine) – you will receive your drink ticket at the door.
– buffet (sushi, shumai, grilled fish, seaweed salad, pad thai and more!!)
– nostalgic JET inspired fun and games!

Registration will close on Friday, December 9th at 5:00pm.
We can’t wait to see you there!
If you have any questions, feel free to contact social@jetaadc.org.

 

Photo via JETAADC’s Facebook Event

16. JETAANC

JETAANC Bounenkai Party – 8th Annual!

When: December 15th, 7:45-10 PM PST
Where: Rikyu Japanese Restaurant 5335 College Ave, Oakland, California 94618

*** NOTE YOU MUST REGISTER ON EVENTBRITE: https://jetaancbounenkai2016.eventbrite.com/ ***

Join alumni and friends for our 8th Annual Bounenkai End-of-the-Year Party! This year we’re also excited to kick off a celebration of the 30th Anniversary of the JET Program. For those of you who have attended in years past, you know the fantastic “omaskase” meal that Rikyu’s legendary chef, Tatsuya Koyake, prepares just for us. You will also receive a complimentary free drink as part of your ticket price.

It’s a time for us to come together, share good food and conversation, and celebrate the end of another great year!

We SELL OUT every year, so DON’T WAIT to reserve your seat! Ticket sales end on December 8.

Pre-Party Info:
Come early and join the pre-party at the Barrel Room across the street (5330 College Avenue, Oakland): http://www.barrelroomsf.com/ **Please drink responsibly.**

Restaurant & Parking Info:
Located just a short walk from Rockridge BART and easily accessible by car, Rikyu is one of the best Japanese restaurants in the Bay Area. Chef Tatsuya Koyake worked at the famous Kirala before opening his own place in Oakland’s upscale Rockridge neighborhood. Koyake-san is creating a special “omakase” meal just for us. Vegetarian meals are also available. Rikyu website: http://www.rikyusushi.com/

Parking available onsite, ask restaurant staff to open the gate next to entrance. Street parking also available.

(Please note that there will not be an East Bay Networking Nomikai in December.)

 

Photo from JETAANC’s Facebook Event

17. JETAANY

JETAANY Bonenkai
When: Friday December 16th, SAVE THE DATE
Where: TBD
RSVP/Cost: TBD

18. JETAA Auckland

Bounenkai 2016

When: December 16th, 6:30-11:59 PM NZDT
Where: Genta Entertaining Japanese Dining 8 commerce st Auckland Central, Auckland, New Zealand 1010

It’s that time of year again – party time!! Come join us for a meal to celebrate the close of another year.

What: Bounenkai followed by Karaoke

Who: JETAA member and a plus one

When: Saturday 17 December 2016

Where: Genta Japanese Restaurant

Price: $25 for a shared meal (this is the subsidised price). Drinks, dessert and karaoke at own expense.

RSVP: amelia.sirimanne@gmail.com or 027 209 1981 or message me on FB – by 10 December 2016. Also if you have any questions.

Don’t forget we will be playing Stealing Santa so just bring a small $5-$10 (may be a re-gift) wrapped present :)

(Sample menu)
Edamame
Spinach salad
Fresh Spring roll
Seaweed Tofu Salad
Beef Tataki
Sashimi
Teriyaki Chicken roll
Vegetable tempura
Yakisoba

 

Photo via JETAA Auckland’s Facebook Event

19. Northeast JETAA hosted by the New England JETAA 

Northeast JETAA 30th Anniversary Ski Trip

When: January 27-29, 2017
Where: Killington Mountain, Vermont Killington, VT

Sign up today for NEJETAA’s JET 30th anniversary ski trip! The deadline is Monday, December 19th. Spots are limited to 30 people, so sign up now to reserve your spot! JETs, Friends of JET, and those considering JET are welcome!

https://goo.gl/forms/dvd6vSdXOiX48fwT2

This year the New England JET Alumni Association will host the 4th Annual Northeast Region Ski Trip from January 27th – 29th at Killington Ski Resort, the largest ski area in the eastern United States.

This event also kicks off NEJETAA’s celebration of the JET Program’s 30th Anniversary!

Not interested in skiing? The Killington area offers much to do. There are options for individuals to do cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and other winter activities. Killington Resort is only 35 minutes from the lovely town of Woodstock, VT with many options for eating and shopping; and 20 minutes from the Long Trail Brewery.

http://www.killington.com/site/index.html

 

Photo from NEJETAA’s Facebook Event

 

Review by Eden Law (ALT Fukushima 2010-2011), from the 20th Japanese Film Festival in Australia. Currently president of JETAANSW, and Country Representative for Australia.

‘After the Storm’ featured as the opening night film for the 20th Japanese Film Festival (JFF) nationally in Australia. This slice-of-life episode in a family’s story is another wonderful example of Kore-eda’s skillfull storytelling of the dysfunctional family dynamic. Where other films in this genre might occassional use confrontational arguments for conflict and drama, or cynically exploit these conflicts for comedic effect, Kore-eda adds a deeper emotional layer of melancholy and gentleness that makes his characters sympathetic, for all their faults and questionable motives.

Abe Hiroshi plays Ryota, a one-hit wonder author who has been trying to come up with his next novel for almost 15 years, while working as a seedy private detective, scraping together cash by blackmailing clients and rummaging through the belongings of his mother, Yoshiko (Kiki Kirin) for things to pawn for cash. Ryota is the very picture of a dead-beat dad – barely able to pay child support, he still wastes it all on gambling, even when his increasingly exasperated ex-wife, Kyoko (Maki Yoko) threatens to cut off access to his son, wise-beyond-his-years Shingo (Yoshizawa Taiyo). His sister (Kobayashi Satomi) is similarly at the end of her patience with Ryota, although like their mother, she is indulgent with the once-bright star of their family.

The storm in the movie title is a typhoon that maroons the fractured family together at Ryota’s mother’s apartment, forced into a temporary reunion that delights Yoshiko and Shingo, but creates an uncomfortably close and intimate situation for the former married couple. In this small space, emotions and memories, both good and bad, emerged, but it also provides a chance for much-needed frank discussion, not just between Ryota and Kyoko, but between all the characters.

‘After the Storm’ isn’t as concerned about a conventional resolution storyline, but rather about the interaction and tension of family (or ex-family) connections. In bringing out the complexities of these interactions, the actors do a superb job: Abe is able to show the vulnerabilities of his character to create someone who is not a total jerk – an immature man-child yes, but someone who feels his sense of failure constantly, and desperate not to screw up with his son, which is the only thing he hasn’t destroyed yet in his life. Maki plays Kyoko as a direct contrast with Ryota – tense and upright in her bearing, determined to firm with her feckless ex-husband, but also to suppress whatever feelings she may still have for him. Kiki completely delights as the sassy mother to Abe’s Ryota in a mother-son dynamic that is done with such ease and naturalness that it is one of the highlights of the film; and ultimately she proves to be the wise and emotional core of the film, understanding all too well how her son’s faults have caused things to end up the way they have. And paired with Yoshizawa’s Shingo, the actors provide some of movie’s most emotionally affecting moments, as Shingo’s simple and honest sensitivity provides much-needed empathy and compassion for his neglected grandmother.

Enjoyment of ‘After the Storm’ lies in experiencing the truths to be found in the conversations of Kore-eda’s script, and while no fairy-tale ending is to be found, ends with the possibility of reconciliation (not in the conventional sense) and hope.

After the Storm (Umi Yorimo Mada Fukaku) by Hirokazu Kore-eda, released May 21, 2016, starring Abe Hiroshi, Kiki Kirin, Maki Yoko, Yoshizawa Taiyo, Ikematsu Sosuke, Lily Franky, Kobayashi Satomi, Hashizume Isao.

WIT Life is a periodic series written by professional Writer/Interpreter/Translator Stacy Smith (Kumamoto-ken CIR, 2000-03). She starts her day by watching Fujisankei’s newscast in Japanese, and here she shares some of the interesting tidbits and trends along with her own observations.

Along with ramen and sushi, sake is a part of Japanese food and drink culture that is ubiquitous here in New York.  But as someone who spent the majority of my time in Japan in Kyushu, I sometimes wonder why shochu doesn’t get its fair share of the acclaim.  Down there shochu is the go-to drink, and since 90% of domestic production takes place at distilleries in Kyushu it is known as Shochu Island.

So I was thrilled when Japan Society asked me to interpret at its first ever event showcasing shochu, Distilled, Not Brewed: Discovering Shochu.  The main speaker was Shinichiro Watanabe, CEO of Kyoya Shuzo and Chairman of the Committee on Shochu Planning at the Japan Sake and Shochu Makers Association.  His presentation on shochu was for the uninitiated, and highlighted aspects of this distilled liquor such as its history, cultural significance and health benefits.

To breakdown the basics of Watanabe’s presentation, the main way that shochu differs from sake is that it is distilled as opposed to brewed.  Sake is made from rice whereas shochu can be made from ingredients such as sweet potato, barley and rice.  The ingredient is determined by what Read More

Ryan Hata (Tottori-ken, 2014-Present) AJET National Council Director of Alumni Relations: Ryan is in his second year on the AJET National Council and first as the Director of Alumni Relations. He works alongside Rachel Brisson (AJET National Council Director of Alumni Resources ) and members of JETAA International (JETAA-I) to strengthen the relationship between former JETs, current JETs, and Japan. Ryan helps to keep you up to date with JETAA events around the world. If you have a specific event that you would like promote, please do not hesitate to contact him by email at ryan.hata@ajet.net or his Linkedin profile. 

As fall comes and goes in Japan, many people are starting to have indoor activities and events. The biggest change has been the type of food available for purchase. We’re now starting to see oden and nabe sold at conbinis and local shops. Check out if the cooler weather is sparking indoor eating events in your local JETAA community.

1. JETAANC

Volunteer Info Pizza Party

When: November 2nd, 6 pm-7 pm PDT 
Where: 3 Embarcadero Ctr, San Francisco, CA 94111-4034, United States

**Can’t join in person? Watch remotely on this event page via FB Live Video!: https://www.facebook.com/events/225248887889284/?%3Fti=ia **

Enjoy some free pizza and snacks while learning about our chapter’s many volunteer opportunities for JET alumni and friends. Whether you have only a little time to volunteer or a lot, we can match you with the right opportunity to fit your passions, talents, and time constraints.

We are looking for help with our social, cultural, career development, and scholarship programs; chapter operations, including communications/social media, IT, and membership; and activities supporting the JET Program.

Volunteering for JETAANC is a great way to “give back” to Japan while learning new skills and working with a talented, fun team to make a big impact in our community. It also looks great on your resume to have worked for a major 501(c)(3) NPO!

Register here: https://jetaancvolunteerinfo.eventbrite.com/

Agenda:
6:00 – Registration & networking
6:15 – Intro to JETAANC & volunteer opportunities
6:30 – Q&A and volunteer sign up
7:00 – Networking Nomikai at nearby Crystal Jade (4 Embarcadero Center)

Location:
3 Embarcadero Center
20th Floor
San Francisco

JETAANC’s Volunteering page: http://www.jetaanc.org/activites/volunteering/

Photo from JETAANC’s Facebook event

2. JETAA Wellington

November Meeting

When: November 3rd, 5:30 pm NZDT
Where: 18F, Majestic Centre, 100 Willis street, Wellington, New Zealand 6011

It’s that time when JETAA Wellington are having our monthly meeting again. Come and join us to discuss what we’ve been up to and what we are going to be up to in the coming months.

November will be a busy month, with the Photo Contest and Exhibition in full swing, as well as the Japan Festival on November 26. Lock in your chance to work on the Taiyaki stall, or see how else you can get involved in these events and much more just by coming along! We hope to see you there!

Photo from JETAA Wellington’s Facebook event

3. JETAA Ottawa 

25th Annual Soiree

When: November 3rd, 7 pm-9pm EDT
Where: 110 Laurier Avenue West, Ottawa, ON, Ottawa, Ontario K2P 2L7

Join JETAA Ottawa, alumni, and the public as we celebrate 25 years of JETAA in Ottawa. This year’s Networking Wine and Sushi will be replaced by a swanky celebratory soiree that boasts the same AYCE / AYCD wine, sake, and snacks as in previous years but this year will also host a VIP keynote speaker, a representative from the Embassy of Japan, and live entertainment.
The event runs from 7-9pm
Jean Pigott Hall, Ottawa City Hall
Tickets are $20 (EARLY BIRD PRICE) and will go up on October 27th. Get yours today!
Dress: Business or National Dress

Photo from JETAA Ottawa’s Facebook Page

4. JETAA Portland

Resume Writing Workshop

When: November 3rd, 6 pm-8pm PDT
Where: 2223 NE Alberta St. Portland, OR

Recently returned from JET and need a little help with your job search? Join our Resume Writing Workshop!

To help you find your new job the JET Alumni Association of Portland is putting together a resume workshop for new returnees. This is a great chance for you to work with our JET Alumni and get your resume ready to send out to those potential employers and recruiters. This will be a working session to help you take your resumes and cover letters from rough draft to final edition. By the end of the session you will have met some new faces, put together your resume, created a version of your cover letter, and will be ready to move forward in your job search.

When: Thursday, Nov. 3rd, 6:00pm – 8:00pm

Where: Townshend’s Tea (2223 NE Alberta St. Portland, OR) – find us in the basement at one of the big tables!

What to bring: Your current resume and cover letter, a list of your accomplishments on JET, a list of previous employers, writing and note taking materials.

Also considering bringing: Character references, business cards, and a laptop if you would prefer to work digitally.

RSVP: Contact Michael Richey if you’re interested in joining or if you have questions.

 

Photo from JETAA Portland’s website

5. JETAA Vic/Tas/SA

JET Programme 30th Anniversary Cocktail Celebration

When: November 4th, 7 pm AEDT
Where: 23 South Wharf Promenade, Melbourne, Australia 3006

Let’s celebrate 30 years of JET!

It’s time to get classy and dress up for JETAA Vic/Tas/SA’s biggest event of the year, a cocktail night commemorating 30 years of the JET Programme!

Hosted a stones throw away from the ocean edge, this evening will see people from all walks of life, touched by JET, come together to celebrate the many friendships built through the programme over the years.

We hope you can make it to this truly special event! Make sure to spread the word to former JETs you know who may not have received information about this event. We would love as many JETAA members to attend as possible!

WHEN: Friday November 4th, 7pm ~

WHERE: The Boatbuilders Yard, The Decks Private Room, 23 S Wharf Promenade, South Wharf VIC 3006

COST: $15 for members and non-members, including 2 hrs of canapés and various drinks

RSVP: Must be received by Thursday 10am October 27th at rsvp@victassa.jetaa.org.au. Please contact us again if you do not receive a reply within 48 hours.

Hope to see you there!

— From your friends on the JETAA Vic/Tas/SA Committee

 

 

Photo from JETAA Vic/Tas/SA’s Facebook event page

6. JETAAUK

London Karaoke and Pub Social

When: November 4th, 6 pm-11pm GMT
Where: 37-38 Great Marlborough St, London, W1F 7JFUnited Kingdom

Our third social with a twist! We will be meeting at O’Neill’s in Carnaby Street for the usual pub socialising. A space has been reserved from 6pm. As usual, look out for the JETAA sign and the hinomaru flag.

For those who would like to re-live the fun of belting out some tunes in a room full of fellow Karaoke lovers, we have made reservations at Adanami from 7 – 9pm. We aim to meet at the pub and head to the venue for 7pm, alternatively, you can make your way to the venue directly and meet us outside.

In true Japanese style, the venue is pretty small so unfortunately there are only 10 tickets available. Get yours ASAP to avoid disappointment. But don’t worry if you can’t get a ticket there is a waiting list which you can add your name to so you will get priority for our next Karaoke social.

The Karaoke venue is BYOB so feel free to purchase something before hand, we will also be making a pit stop enroute to the venue.

This is a great chance to re-connect with other JETs and friends and get natsukashii about your experiences in Japan whilst networking and meeting new people. Share your sempai wisdom with the recently returned JETs or get to know those who have been back for a while longer. Friends of JETs are are also very very welcome, so feel free to invite anyone even if they weren’t a JET.

Details

Date:

Nov 4

Time:

18:00 – 23:00

Cost:

£10.50

Website:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/karaoke-at-adanami-tickets-28763661887

 

Photo from JETAAUK’s website

7. PNWJETAA

Transitions

When: November 5th, 9 am-4:30 pm PDT
Where: 3710 Montlake Blvd NE, Seattle, WA 98195, United States

Whether you’ve just come back from Japan, or have recently moved to the Pacific Northwest or are considering trying something new, it’s time to figure out what your next move will be:  Job? Grad School? Volunteering?

 

Get ideas and advice as well as network in order to put your next plan of action into motion!  PNWJETAA has a great program lined up for whichever direction you are planning to go next!  Although this event will be open to the public, it was originally created to serve the needs of our members like YOU!

 

 Transitions: Opportunities Forum & Networking Expo!

Saturday, November 5th from 9:00am – 4:30pm

University of Washington, Waterfront Activities Center

3710 Montlake Blvd., Seattle, Washington 98195

Please visit the Transitions Site for updates and full details

 

Reserve your space TODAY with these two simple steps:

•       Purchase your ticketHERE(http://transitions2016.brownpapertickets.com/)
•       Complete the Participant Survey: (http://transitions.pnwjetaa.org/?page_id=90)

 

Admission includes:

• Key Note Presentation on “How to Parlay The JET Experience In the Real World”
• Presentation on “Being Competitive in the Japanese Company Job Market” – from a recruiter’s perspective
• Small group discussions: LinkdIn Tips & Best Practices; Careers using Japanese Language Skills, Creating Balance, Continuing Education Options.
• Individual resume reviews
• Profile headshots by professional photographer
• Networking Expo: Meet one-on-one with today’s presenters as well as local community, grad school program & business representatives.

If you are not yet a registered member of PNWJETAA, be sure to register with PNWJETAA(http://pnwjetaa.org/registration-2/registration/) in order to purchase the discounted Transitions Ticket!

 

Photo from PNWJETAA’s Website

8. JETAA Wellington

Welcome Back 2016 Returning JETs

When: November 6th, 2 pm-5 pm NZDT
Where: 3710 Montlake Blvd NE, Seattle, WA 98195, United States

As my final event as the Kiwi JET Coordinator, I am hosting a “Yaki Food Fiesta” of Okonomiyaki and Takoyaki at my house in Tawa (only 15mins from the city by train or car) on Sunday afternoon and really hope you can make it along to welcome the 2016 Returning JETs back to the friendly JETAA Wellington Community.

Our country Rep will be in Japan for the 30th anniversary celebrations that weekend so it is great timing for us to celebrate vicariously with her and an awesome way to share some delicious food with great people. BYO drinks but JETAA Wellington will provide all yummy okonomiyaki and takoyaki!

Please click “going” on the event if you are able to make it so we can be sure to get enough ingredients Friends, family, plus ones welcome, just let me know when you RSVP :)

I will message everyone who is coming a few days before the party with my house number (and my cellphone just in case) but Roy Street is only a 5-8minute walk from Tawa Train Station (take the Kapiti line from Wellington for 15minutes) – Hope to see you there!

Please note that the Embassy will still organise an official Welcome Back (which have been running at the Ambassador’s Residence each year since 2014) for the 2016 Returning JETs but due to the Japan Festival in November this won’t be until February this year so this is a great chance for a more timely and slightly less formal Welcome Back :)

 

Photo from JETAA Wellington’s Facebook event page

9. JETAA Music City

JETAA Potluck

When: November 6th, 12 pm-4 pm CST
Where: 2500 West End Avenue, Nashville, Tennessee 37203

The weather is finally cooling off and that means it’s time for our annual Nashville Japan Potluck! Music City JET Alumni
Association welcomes everyone to come join us for delicious food, great fun, and the chance to meet amazing people!
Food and games will be provided, however the fun of a potluck is getting to share your favorite dishes with new friends!

 

Photo from JETAA Music City’s Facebook event page

10. JETAA Chicago

JETAA Chicago Member Meeting 

When: November 7th, 6:30 pm CST
Where: 659 W Diversey Pkwy, Chicago, Illinois 60614

On Monday, November 7th, JETAA Chicago will have its monthly member meeting.

The meeting’s location will be Next Door Chicago on Diversey. It will not be at Mitsuwa. (But that photo is from our Survivor Series, which you can learn about!)

This meeting will be the introduction of the new board for the 2016-2017 year. Come learn about the new leadership and let us learn what you want out of JETAA this year!

We gladly welcome returnees and alumni alike.

A light dinner is provided to all who attend. Let us know if you have any food allergies or avoidances. This time we will be buying food from Next Door. They savory and sweet crepes, coffees and teas as well.

There may be a nomikai afterwards for those interested.

Email info@jetaachicago.com with any questions or any items you would like to add to the agenda. We are looking forward to seeing you!

 

Photo from JETAA Chicago’s Facebook event page

11. JETAADC

JETs@State Briefing and Reception

When: November 10th, 4-5:30 pm EST
Where: 2201 C St NW, Washington, DC 20520

** To register, please email professionaldevelopment@jetaadc.org with “RSVP JETs@STATE EVENT” and your name in the email subject line by Friday, Nov 4, 5pm. Please note that space is very limited and will be offered on a first come, first serve basis. **

Please join us for a special, combined event between JETAADC and JETs@State with a special guest in the Delegates Lounge at the U.S. Department of State. Stay tuned for updates!

 

Photo from JETAADC’s website

12. JETAANY

Narrow Road to the Deep North

When: November 10th, 7-10 pm EST
Where: 333 E 47th St, New York, New York 10017

After consulting the I Ching, it has been determined that our next read will be THE NARROW ROAD TO THE DEEP NORTH, the 2014 Man Booker Prize-winning novel by Richard Flanagan.

The book tells the story of Dorrigo Evans, an Australian doctor haunted by memories of a love affair and his subsequent experiences as a prisoner of war. Taking its title from 17th-century haiku poet Basho’s travel journal, the novel is epic in form and chronicles an Australian century, with one horrific day at its heart on the Burma Railway in August 1943. Encompassing the post-war lives of Japanese and Korean prison guards as well as Australian Far East Prisoners of War, the novel deals both with the effects of war and the many forms of love.

The JETAANY Book Club is open to anyone with an interest in Japan and a love of reading. Please join us for a casual, nonjudgmental discussion!

Bring $3-5 for pizza; soda will be provided but snacks/dessert/wine for sharing is welcome.

RSVP/Questions via Facebook or by emailing bookclub[at]jetaany[dot]org

 

Photo from JETAANY’s Facebook event page

13. JETAA Toronto

Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival

When/Where: November 10th, 7 pm EST at 6 Garamond Ct, North York, ON M3C 1Z5,

November 11th, 6:15 pm EST at 350 King St W, Toronto, ON M5V 3X5, Canada

JETAA Toronto is proud to be co-presenting two, that’s right two films at this year’s Reel Asian Film Festival! Now in its 20th year! #ReelAsian20

This year, we co-present to you…

MY DAD & MR ITO お父さんと伊藤さん
(November 10th at the JCCC. 7pm)

TSUKIJI WONDERLAND 築地ワンダーランド
(November 11th at the TIFF Bell Lightbox. 6:15pm)

Two different, but well received Japanese films I feel should appeal to you fine JETAA members.

Please see the attached posters/promotional images, and absolutely stay tuned in the coming days for the trailers, even more information, promo codes for many films at the festival, and even the chance to win some tickets to the co-presented films! That’s right, free tickets could be yours all for reading the very wall you’re reading right now.

Check out the links below for more information on the festival, and I hope to see some of you out there at the movies!

Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reelasian
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reelasian/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/reelasian

 

Photo from the Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival’s Facebook page

14. JETAA Chicago

Career Development Workshop

When: November 12th, 2 pm CST
Where: 222 Merchandise Mart Plz, Ste 1212, Chicago, Illinois 60654

Come learn from like-minded professionals at our annual Career Development Workshop.

Theme: Telling your JET story for the career you want.

We will have former JETs speaking on their current careers, how to update Linkedin profiles, and most importantly, how to tell your JET story for the career that you want. We will have a keynote speaker, and people from the fields of translation, international business, non-profit work and more!

**If you are from out of state, be sure to let us know in advance. We can reimburse for some of the costs of travel.

Supported by USJETAA and the Sasakawa USA

Be sure to register via our guestlist website. This will help with food and setup: https://guestlistapp.com/events/435612

 

Photo from JETAA Chicago’s Facebook event page

15. Great Lakes JETAA

Monthly Meet-up

When: November 13th, 1 pm EST
Where: 5200 Woodward Ave, Detroit, Michigan 48202

Our monthly meet-up will happen at the DIA in November! We will check out the “Detroit After Dark” exhibition. This photographic exhibit includes architectural studies, street scenes and graffiti, as well as some of Detroit’s famous night haunts, like jazz club Baker’s Keyboard Lounge, the legendary Grande Ballroom, and punk and garage rock venues such as Bookie’s Club and the Gold Dollar. We will meet at Cafe DIA in the lower level. GLJETAA will have a special DIA gift for all alum that attend! Hope to see everyone next month!

 

Photo from the Great Lakes JETAA Facebook event page

16. JETAA Rocky Mountains

Board Game Day 

When: November 13th, 2 pm MST
Where: 1710 S Broadway, Denver, Colorado 80210

Hey all, do you love boardgames, atari, and dare I say knitting? Then join JETAA Rocky Mountain at Grandma’s House on November 13th.

This quirky bar really does feel like your grandparents place, and is lined wall to wall with board games, atari, and an N64 – Come be dorky with us for an afternoon at Denver’s coziest bar.

And of course for our more recently returned JETs, feel free to bring any job announcments, cover letters, or resumes you’d like to have checked over.

 

Photo from JETAA Rocky Mountain’s Facebook event page

17. JETAAMN

November Happy Hour

When: November 16th, 6-9 pm CST
Where: 1900 Marshall St NE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55418

Hello everyone!

Come and join us for drinks, food and fun at our November Happy Hour event on Wednesday, November 16th. This time, we will meet at Psycho Suzi’s Motor Lounge (www.psychosuzis.com) in Northeast Minneapolis. This is a great chance to catch up with old friends and make new ones.

Everyone is welcome!

 

From JETAAMN’s Facebook event page

18. JETAADC

A Night of Ramen II

When: November 19th, 5 pm EST
Where: Rhode Island Ave NE, Washington, DC (address will be released only to those who sign-up AND pay).*

The Ramen Returns

Autumn is upon us, and that means the craving for heart and soul warming food intensifies. How better than to sate this craving and also relive your Japan culinary experiences right here in Washington, DC?Joshua Beatty (CIR, Saga 99-01) has generously agreed to once again open up his home for a Night of Ramen. Josh spent the last several years studying traditional and new styles of ramen in Japan, as well as developing his own unique flavors that appeal to both Japanese and America palettes.

Join JETAADC on Saturday, November 19th as he dishes up a variety of ramen, a talk on the history and evolution of ramen, and his own personal experiences.

The ramen featured during the night will be Tonkotsu-based, but a vegetarian option (note: not vegan) will also be available. Please contact JET Talks directly to let us know of any food allergies, and we will do our best to accommodate you.

During the evening, Josh will demonstrate how to make garlic chili oil, an important condiment in Kyushu-style ramen. There will also be a 3 oz jar of garlic chili oil for each attendee to take home.

 

---

Date: Saturday, November 19
Time: 5:00 PM until last ramen serving
Cost: $15
Location: Rhode Island Ave NE, Washington, DC (address will be released only to those who sign-up AND pay).**

**Please note that, due to Safe Track surge #10, Rhode Island Avenue and other stations from Fort Totten to NoMa will be closed. The venue is accessible to Uber, Lyft, taxis and local bus lines, and parking is also available street-side and in a school parking lot across the street. Capital Bikeshare is also close by within 3~4 blocks of the venue.

Due to limited space, we’ll be accepting the first 20 people who sign up and pay. After that we’ll have a wait-list going if people have to drop out (contact JET Talks Chair Stephanie Sanders:jettalks@jetaadc.org). Also feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need to cancel your RSVP.

Sign-Up Here!

 

Photo from JETAADC’s website

19. JETAA Toronto

Kiln You Softly

When: November 19th, 12:30-3:30 pm EST
Where: 50 Rolark Drive, Toronto, Ontario M1R 4G2

!! The much anticipated ceramics workshops are here !!
Secret Teatime, run by Helen Kong and Sorlie Madox offers ceramic workshops at varying levels, where you can make bowls, teacups, plates or teapots. JETAA kindly offers this event with reduced pricing so it’s a great opportunity to support this ceramic studio and try your hand at this beautiful art form.

Due to popularity and limitations on the number of participants allowed, this event sold out the past few years. If you are interested, please RSVP as soon as you can!

The workshops will be offered on Saturday November 19th and Sunday November 20th.

Sat Nov 19:
12:30 – 3:30 Bowls & Cups – $55 ($35 for JETAA) max # of participants: 8

4:30 – 7:30 Slab Plates – $55 ($35 for JETAA) max # of participants: 6

Sun Nov 20:
1:00 – 6:00 Teapots – $90 ($70 for JETAA) max # of participants: 4

Location:
50 Rolark Dr.
Scarborough, ON
M1R 4G2

RSVP: Amy Uyeda – amyritsuko@gmail.com

 

Photo from JETAA Toronto’s Facebook event page

20. JETAA South Island

J-Kaiwa Language Exchange

When: November 23rd, 7-10 pm NZDT
Where: 371 St Asaph Street, Christchurch, New Zealand 8011

Come along to J-Kaiwa! This free event will allow you to spend time speaking in both Japanese and English. Meet new people and enjoy a fun quiz to win prizes.

Doors open 6.30pm, event starts 7pm so come in early and grab a drink and snack from the awesome bar!

All welcome, please bring your friends!

 

Photo from JETAA South Island’s Facebook event page

Thank you for your continued understanding and support in helping promote the JET Programme. The JET Programme Video Contest, which CLAIR held to create a platform for JET Programme participants and alumni to utilize their unique insight to discover and share the hidden charms of Japan’s local regions, has finally come to an end and the winners have been decided. From all over Japan, over 50 videos were submitted in the Autumn/Winter Edition of the contest and 57 videos in the Spring/Summer Edition, making the total 107 videos submitted over the 11 month period.

We would like to thank everyone who assisted in submitting videos to the contest and raise awareness about this project among the JET community.

The 10 award winners of the contest, announced today, will be recognized for their achievements at the JET Programme 30th Anniversary Commemorative Ceremony, scheduled to be held Monday, 7 November, 2016.

Watch Winning Videos

JET Programme Video Contest Winners
First Prize: “Ekin Kabuki Festival, Akaoka, Japan” – Alexander Barnett (Kochi Prefecture)
Most Voted Video Award*: “THIS IS JAPAN” – Rochelle Mighty (Toyama Prefecture)
Best Idea Award: “A Gourmet Tour of Aomori” – Sooyoung Park (Aomori Prefecture)
PR Award: “Tanegashima This is Our Island” – Emily Rose Eisemann (Kagoshima Prefecture)

Best of Season (Spring/Summer) Award:
“Kagura in the Shimane Highlands” – Sarah Laverty (Shimane Prefecture)
“Definitely More Fun in Hiroshima – Kitto Motto Tanoshii Hiroshima” – Arum Jung (Hiroshima Prefecture)

Best of Season (Autumn/Winter) Award:
“Senri no Michi mo Ippo Yori (Little by little, one goes far)” – Aaron Jones (Oita Prefecture)
“Nishiizu, My Little Sunset Town by the Sea” – Dana Nyberg (Shizuoka Prefecture)

Special Judges’ Award:
“The Kotatsu Train of Iwate” – Amada Wayama (Iwate Prefecture)
“Tonneru wo Nukeru to Soko wa Hare no Kuni de atta” – Edouard Brena (Okayama Prefecture)

*The Most Voted Video Award was selected by vote from general viewers on the contest’s website.

Dr. Mitsuko Okamoto, Professor at the Graduate School of Film and New Media at the Tokyo University of Arts and Chair of the Contest’s Panel of Judges, commented on behalf of the panel, saying “…I was moved to see that JET participants truly understand and enjoy the tradition, culture, and variety of seasons of Japan, and that they proactively make efforts to interact with those around them and become part of their respective communities. The videos in this contest are a great endorsement of the JET Programme, of the regions they feature, and of Japan itself.”

CLAIR hopes to utilize the videos submitted in the contest to contribute to the revitalization of Japan’s local regions as well as raise awareness of the activities of JET Programme participants and the JET Programme itself.

 

By Eden Law (ALT Fukushima 2010-2011), reporting from Sydney, Australia.

The Japanese Film Festival (JFF) in Australia is the largest Japanese-themed film festival in the world, travelling around the major cities in Australia as well as several regional towns. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the festival, which started in 1997 in North Sydney. As Margarett Cortez, JFF Program Coordinator (at Japan Foundation in Sydney) describes, it has expanded in size and scope, from 3 films, to offer a schedule that now boasts over 40 works, and is a touring festival that covers all the major Australian cities and some regional towns. Some films in the JFF will even have their first world premier during the festival, showing in the same week as when they open in their domestic market (such as Night’s Tightrope and Sanada Ten Braves). The original film festival was the vision of festival director Masafumi Konomi, and while he has moved on from helming the festival, he continues to be involved from Tokyo, ensuring the quality of films that Australian audiences currently enjoy.

Proper 20th anniversary celebrations will kick off in Sydney, the original home of JFF. The Sydney leg will open on 17th November with After the Storm, from legendary director Hirokazu Kore-eda, in a family drama about a deadbeat father given a chance to reconcile with his estranged wife and child. Following the opening film, the celebrations begin with a reception at Sydney Town Hall, with live music, and a special guest appearance by Yukiko Mishima, whose film Night’s Tightrope, a dark coming-of-age story of two girls with an obsession with death, is one of the highlights of the festival. Other events are planned as the festival unfolds, with live music in both Sydney and Melbourne (the latter at the ACMI cafe and bar).

JFF offers something in a wide variety of genres. Ms Cortez recommends the two-parter Chihayafuru – a live-action adaptation of the popular manga and anime series and a “sports” film of sorts, as it is based on competitive karuta, a Japanese card game that has seen a revival due to the popularity of the films. Dramas make a strong showing this year, apart from the aforementioned After the Storm, there is Nagasaki: Memories of My Son, about a grieving mother who reminisces with the spirit of her deceased son about life and loss – this is Japan’s entry to the foreign film category in this year’s Oscars. Creepy, the latest from Japan’s leading horror director Kiyoshi Kurosawa, is a psychological thriller about a neighbour that gets too close for comfort, while at the opposite end of the spectrum, step into the bizarre (or hilarious, depending on your taste) world of the panty-equipped superhero, Hentai Kamen, who returns in the sequel HK2: The Abnormal Crisis (lead actor Ryohei Suzuki seems to be contractually obliged to bare flesh in his films these days). In the documentary genre, Tsukiji Wonderland, filmed in the last year of operation of the famous Tokyo fish marketplace, is a behind the scenes look at how this institution operated for almost 80 years.

There are far more noteworthy films than can be properly described here – but what is certain is that lovers of Japanese films will be more than satiated with the quality and quantity of films available. To keep up to date as the festival opening dates draws near, go to the website (http://japanesefilmfestival.net/) or follow on various social media (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram).