Freelance writer/editor Jonathan Trace (Fukuoka-ken, 2005-08) takes us on a walk around the JET Alumni community…
There is much to celebrate now that 2009 is upon us. New possibilities, new hopes and new experiences wait just around the corner. Join the JET Alumni community in kicking off the new year together in this special Shinnenkai special edition of JETAA Chapter Beat.
JETAA Chicago Shinnenkai – Saturday, January 24, 6:00 at the Japan Information Center. What better way to celebrate the new year than with food, games, koto music, gyotaku, a raffle and even a little calligraphy lesson? If that isn’t enough, then all proceeds for this event will go to the Greater Chicago Food Depository. Don’t miss it.
JETAA D.C. Bowling Shinnenkai – Tuesday, January 27th, 7:00 at Lucky Strike Lanes. Bowl in the new year in Washington D.C. Prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place, and food for everyone!
JETAA Florida Shinnenkai – Sunday, January 25, 5:30. Michael Maloney is hosting this year’s Shinnenkai at his home. Come enjoy food and conversation with Florida JET alumni.
JETAA Texoma Shinnenkai – Saturday, January 24, 6:30. JET Alumna Melissa Villamil is offering her home for this year’s event. Earlier meetup scheduled for 2:00 in downtown Houston for some activities before the party. Bring your business cards, get ready for some Rock Band, Dance Dance Revolution, Wii and board games. It promises to be a good time.
JETAA Rocky Mountains Shinnenkai – Sunday, February 8th, 1:00 to 4:00 at the International House. Help to celebrate the year of the cow with sushi, music and games and prizes.
JETAA Southeast Shinnenkai – Saturday, January 31st, 6:00 to 8:00 at Nori Nori. Bring in the new year with all you can eat seafood and sushi.
JETAA Southeast First Ever SC Sub-Chapter Shinnenkai – Saturday, January 24th, 6:00 at Clemson University’s Roderick International House. Come join in on a little new year’s celebration with the South Carolina Sub-chapter.
JETAA Northern California Shinnenkai – Saturday, January 14, 6:00 at Restaurant Peony. Food, games, and prizes! Celebrate 2009 with old friends and new.
- Photo Request! – JETAA Northern California needs photos for this year’s Shinnenkai Slideshow! If you’ve got: Pictures you took while in Japan on JET, JETAA Event Pictures, other event pictures you want to share or pictures of your family please submit them and share with the JET community.
JETAA Pacific Northwest Japan Young Professionals Group Shinnenkai – Wednesday, January 21st, 6:30 at Typhoon Restaurant in downtown Seattle. Join in for good food and a chance to network with others interested in Japan.
JETAA Toronto Annual General Meeting & Shinnenkai – Saturday, January 31st, meeting starts at 5:30 at Milestone’s Grill & Bar. Come and help contribute to the Toronto Executive and help celebrate 2009 Canada-style.
JETAA NY Shinnenkai – On Friday, January 23 at 7pm, enjoy All-you-can drink and eat shabu-shabu in a traditional Japanese restaurant (Naniwa on E. 46th between 5th & Madison) sitting on tatami and surrounded by paper sliding doors. Beef shabu shabu & seafood yosenabe will be served. Drinks include beer, sake, shochu, wine and tea. Vegetarian option upon request. Space is limited to 45 people, so RSVP now to get on the list and make your payment so you don’t miss out on the biggest dinner of the year! If you’re not a big drinker and still want to attend contact Monica.
All attendees must pay in advance through PayPal. RSVP to Monica at social /atto/ jetaany /dotto/ org to get the link to make the payment. Click here to see photos of last year’s Shinnenkai.
What happened at your chapter’s event? If you attend(ed) any of these exciting events, JetWit would love to hear about them. Just email Jonathan Trace with any info, stories or comments.
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JETAA Pacific Northwest or PNWJETAA (http://www.pnw.jetalumni.org) will be hosting our late “Shinnenkai” in early March to kick off 2009. As one of our largest chapter events, this family-friendly “shinnenkai” combines the ever popular chapter governance issues and annual officer elections with a cultural presentation and lots of delicious food. In the past, we have held our events overlooking Lake Union in the REI flagship store’s conference room. Last year, we featured a koto duet performance from Seattle’s Silk Strings and dinner catered by Kaname Restaurant in Seattle’s International District. This year will be even bigger and better, so stay tuned for details!
The Japan Young Professionals Group or JYPG (http://www.us-japan.org/jassw/programs/jypg.htm) is affiliated with Japan America Society of Washington (state) and is separate from JETAA. However, PNWJETAA enjoys a special relationship with JYPG, as there is JETAA representation in the JYPG Executive committee and JYPG serves to create of networking and career opportunities for PNWJETAA members.