Interpreter/Translator/Writer Stacy Smith (Kumamoto-ken CIR, 2000-03) presents WIT Life, a periodic series about aspects of Japanese culture such as art, film, food and language. Stacy starts her day by watching Fujisankei’s newscast in Japanese, and here she offers some interesting tidbits and trends along with her own observations.
As I’m sure everyone can relate, recent domestic and world events have taken a great toll so I’ve been seeking solace wherever I can find it. Last night that was by going to see the documentary 25 Cats from Qatar at the Museum of the Moving Image (Tokyo Cowboy co-writer Dave Boyle is one of its producers). It features Katy McHugh, a flight attendant and Midwestern cat cafe owner who saves cats from around the world by bringing them to the U.S. for adoption. The film depicts her latest rescue mission in Qatar, a wealthy country powered by the migrant workers who make up 89% of its 3 million population. This is also the population of its street cats, 25 of whom McHugh plans to fly back to her cafe after careful selection.
The film has both tragic and heartwarming elements (often in the same scene), and many tears were shed by the audience. The behind-the-scenes stories shared during the post-screening Q&A with director Mye Hoang and McHugh were a bonus. They will be on hand for an encore show at the Angelika tomorrow at 7 p.m if you want to see the film before it moves to other parts of the country. It’s a fundraiser for LIC Feral Feeders & Cat Rescue, so please show some love by donating when you buy your ticket.
In Japan-related news, Nippon Steel has acquired U.S. Steel for $14.9 billion. This deal went through via a national security agreement between the two companies and the U.S. government. This agreement gives the government a “golden share,” which allows Trump to name a board member, grants veto power over important management decisions and ensures that key corporate leadership roles go to U.S. citizens. The deal was vehemently opposed by the United Steelworkers union. For those looking to understand why it was approved, this breakdown from Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) Senior Adviser and Japan Chair Kristi Govella provides insight. If you enjoy Govella’s commentary, here’s her appearance on a panel at CSIS this morning discussing U.S.-Japan-Korea trilateral relations (starting at 1:38:30). This panel was part of a multi-hour event that included an afternoon session also worth checking out.
And for some fun Japan-related trivia, Nobuki Shimode was crowned champion out of more than 84,000 baristas at this month’s first-ever Starbucks Global Barista Championship that took place over three days. He clinched the title with his Blooming Yuzu Espresso signature creation, and his grand prize is visiting the world’s six Starbucks Reserve® Roasteries and the chance to co-create a beverage that will be served in Starbucks coffeehouses. When asked about his future aspirations, Shimode’s response was “Barista Champion of the galaxy!”
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