JETAA New York Board Election Results
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Omedetou gozaimashita to JETAA New York on electing its new Board members!
A little bit of context: JETAA NY became a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit entity not too long ago and as a result is required to have a Board of Directors. The first Board was appointed, so this year was the first year that JETAA NY held elections for some positions on the Board. And here are the results:
Each of the newly elected members will serve a two year term.
New Board Members
- Randall David Cook
- Clara Solomon
- Steven Horowitz
- Kia Cheleen
Reelected Board Members
- Shannan Spisak
- Katrina Barnas
Current Board Members
- Evan Hyman
- Sara Beinert
- Josh Saifer
- Megan Miller
JETAA Pittsburgh subchapter ganbatte!
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Just received a subarashii email from Smitha Prasadh (Tokushima-ken, 2005-07) who is part of an effort to revitalize JET alum activities in Pittsburgh-shi (which is officially part of the JETAA New York chapter). JetWit wants to say good luck to “yins guys” (that’s Pittsburgh-ben, fyi :-) and keep us updated on how everything is going.
A small but determined group of us in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA are attempting to jump-start the JETAA – New York sub-chapter here. We’re located kind of in the middle of a rough triangle composed of New York, Washington DC, and Detroit (all of which are at 200-400 miles away), and would like to restart the subchapter to establish a local JETAA presence, form ties with the Japanese community, and spread awareness of the JET Programme.
In the last couple of weeks, we’ve gotten official permission from JETAANY and established affiliations with the Japan-America Society of Pennsylvania and the Asian Studies Center at the University of Pittsburgh, and we’re currently in the process of choosing officers and getting the word out. (We’ll be putting up a website in the near future, too.) At the moment, we know we’ll be hosting a Nihongo Dake dinner (date/time/location TBA) and quarterly events/meetups.
Like other JETAA chapters, we’re open to all JET alums, prospective applicants, and any friends of the JET Programme. We’re based in western PA, but people in neighboring areas who are also too far from their regional JETAA chapters to participate actively (eastern Ohio, West Virginia, etc.) are welcome to join us.
Any interested parties can send an e-mail to pittsburghrep [/at/] jetaany [/dot/] org.
Smitha Prasadh (Tokushima-ken, 2005-07)
Note: JetWit just checked out Smitha’s website (http://skprasadh.com) and realized that Smitha also does sugoi design work (graphic and web), illustrations and photography.
JETAA Chapter Beat 11.5.09
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Freelance writer/editor Jonathan Trace (Fukuoka-ken, 2005-08) takes us on a walk around the JET Alumni community for another edition of JETAA Chapter Beat.
- J-Kaiwa – Friday, November 6th, 7:00 at Hawthorne Lucky Lab. Practice your Japanese and spend the night out with friends at this month’s J-Kaiwa. A nijikai at Hollywood bowl will follow the event for any interested.
- Career Panel 2009 – Thursday, November 12th, 7:00 to 9:30 at Portland State University, Smith Hall room 296. Make contacts, explore the possibility of continuing education and start your job search off right with the folks at JETAA Portland.
- First Ever Eugene Subchapter Event – Saturday, November 14th, 1:00 at Toshi’s Ramen. Newly forming Eugene Subchapter is having its first event over a bowl of ramen. Don’t miss it.
- Volunteer at the JRA Food Festival – Sunday, November 15th, 9:00 to 5:00 at the Kyoto Grand Hotel in Little Tokyo. The Japanese Restaurant Association is holding its annual Food Festival and is looking for volunteers to help out selling tickets, checking ID and serving food among other duties. Help out and share in the fun.
- Nihongo Dake Dinner – Saturday, November 21st, 6:00 in Cerritos. Eat, drink and brush up on your Japanese with the return of the JETAASC Nihongo Dake Dinner.
- Japanese School in Perth’s Bunkasai – Saturday, November 7th, 9:30 A.M. at the Japanese School in Perth. JETAAWA will have a booth selling gyoza and drinks, so drop on by and share in a celebration of Japanese culture.
- Kaiwa – Thursday, November 5th and 19th, 5:30 at 43 Below. Practice your Japanese with old friends and some tasty snacks.
- Asia Society Texas Center Young Professionals Mixer – Thursday, November 12th, 5:30 at Arturo’s Uptown Italiano. JET Alumni have been invited to this month’s mixer. Make contacts, see old friends and enjoy a night out with JETAA Texoma.
- Happy Hour – Tuesday, November 10th, 5:00 to 8:00 at Momo’s Sports Bar. Come on out and relax with the JETAADC gang after a long day.
- Orlando Japan Festival – Sunday, November 8th, 12:00 in Hunters Creek Village. Share in the festivities with JETAA Florida and experience this exciting event. Karaoke to follow if enough people are interested.
- Tampa Subchapter Tsudoi – Friday, November 6th, 7:00 at Panera Bread in the Brandon Mall. The Tampa Subchapter will be hosting their monthly Tsudoi, an informal time for anyone interested in Japanese and Japanese culture.
- Happy Hour – Friday, November 6th, 6:00 at Wann Izakaya. Relax after a long week of work with the gang at PNWJETAA.
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.
JETAA Northern California launches its new website!
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Update: Turns out that JETAA Southern California has also recently updated its website: http://jetaasc.org (can’t tell if it’s Joomla, WordPress or something else) (Thanks to JETAA SC Prez Jason Porath for the update.)
This just in from JETAA Northern California:
Hey everyone,
After talking about it at the national conference for I don’t know how long, our new website is finally up (jetaanc.org)! Check it out and let us know what you think.
Rod McLeod
JETAANC President
Meanwhile, JetWit has checked out the new JETAA Northern California website and thinks it’s cho-beri kakkou ii. We also voted for “Easier Navigation” as our favorite thing about the new site. But feel free to vote as you see fit.
On the website topic, you may notice that JETAA Northern California is using Joomla (an open source Content Management System) for its website. Several other JETAA chapters use Joomla as well. Meanwhile, JETAA NY and a few other chapter sites use WordPress (a blog program which is also a Content Management System for all intent and purpose). Together, Joomla and WordPress do seem to be the most popular choices among chapters. The primary reason being that they have nice layouts and, once set up, multiple users can easily participate in adding content rather than having to rely on one webmaster to add content each time.
The issue of websites and content management systems will be further discussed at the end of January at the Regional Conference being hosted by JETAA Portland (which I just noticed doesn’t use either Joomla or WordPress). JETAA NY and JetWit webmaster Lee-Sean Huang will be there to contribute to the conversation along with several other knowledgeable and tech-savvy JET alums.
What does your chapter use? How do you feel about it? Do you have a preference between Joomla and WordPress, or something else altogether? Share your comments below. There’s no one right answer, so the more feedback provided, the better we’ll all be served in the long run.
JETAA Chapter Beat 10.20.09
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Freelance writer/editor Jonathan Trace (Fukuoka-ken, 2005-08) takes us on a walk around the JET Alumni community for another edition of JETAA Chapter Beat.
JETAA Minnesota
- MN JETAA Karaoke Night – Saturday, October 24th, 8:00 at 2nd Floor of the Korea Restaurant. Spend the night singing and laughing with friends at MN JETAA.
- Welcome Back Dinner – Saturday, November 7th, 7:00 at Obento-ya. Don’t miss this chance for some good food and even better conversations with old friends.
- JLPT Proctors Needed – Capilano University is seeking Proctors for the 2009 JLPT on Sunday, December 6th. Orientation is held on November 29th, contact the University to apply.
- Vancouver Island JET Alumni Subchapter Meet and Greet Night – Friday, October 23rd, 8:00 at the Beagle Pub in Cook Street Village. This new subchapter of JETAABC is looking to connect with local members in an effort to connect and get the ball rolling on new events for the future.
- Oktoberfest Happy Hour – Wednesday, October 21st, 6:00 at 39 Grove Street. Go German at this month’s festive happy hour.
- Bear Mountain Hiking Trip – Sunday, October 25th, 10:00 at scenic Bear Mountain. Spend the day outside among the trees and the changing leaves, followed by a German Festival including bratwurst, beer, music and crafts.
- JETAA Chicago Meeting – Friday, October 30th, 6:00 at Noon O’Kabab. JETAA Chicago will be holding officer elections so if you’re interesting in being part of JETAA’s future or just curious, stop on by.
- Spooky Zoo Volunteer Event – Saturday, October 24th, 10:00 to 2:00 at the Lincoln Park Zoo. JETAA Chicago is volunteering at this year’s Halloween celebration, organizing events, handing out treats and helping visitors.
- “The Harimaya Bridge” Movie Night(s) – Saturday, October 24th at 7:30 and Monday, October 26th at 7:15, JETAASC will be checking out Aaron Wookfolk’s feature film entitled, “The Harimaya Bridge” at the San Diego Asian Film Festival.
- Meishi Exchange – November 4th, 6:30 to 9:00 at the Los Angeles Airport Marriott. Join in for JETAASC’s annual Meishi Exchange, an excellent opportunity to meet friends and network.
- Volunteer at the JRA Food Festival – Sunday, November 15th, 9:00 to 5:00 at the Kyoto Grand Hotel in Little Tokyo. The Japanese Restaurant Association is holding its annual Food Festival and is looking for volunteers to help out selling tickets, checking ID and serving food among other duties. Help out and share in the fun.
- Izakaya Pub Quiz Night – Wednesday, October 21st, 6:00 at O-Sushi. Put that intellect to the test with a night of questions, drinks and your friends at JETAADC.
- Career Night and Welcome Back Reception – Tuesday, October 27th, 6:15 t the Old Ambassador’s Residence. Reunite with old friends and former JETs while getting a leg up on career opportunities and connections.
- O-Shaberikai – Wednesday, November 4th, 5:30 at the Holy Grail in Civic. Join in and meet Japanese people living in Canberra and other locals interested in Japan.
- Shobu Cup Round III: Dodgeball – Sunday, October 25th, 11:00 to 3:00 at Golden Gate Park. The Japan Society of Northern California and the JETAA Northern California chapter are facing off for a friendly round of dodgeball. Potluck BBQ follows the game, so don’t miss it.
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.
JETAA International Conference in Jamaica – Twitter Update 10.3.09
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Here’s another update from the JETAA International Conference in Jamaica this weekend. Thanks to one Ryan Hart, one of JETAA USA’s three country reps, for continuing to Twitter live from the conference.
Here’s the link to the feed if you want it: http://twitter.com/jetaausa
And here’s a sampling of the latest tweets:
Web presence discussion from Paul D.about 1 hour ago from mobile web
Day 2- begins! Everyone is excited to get a lot done today!about 1 hour ago from mobile web
The dinner at the amabassador’s residence was beautiful. Ambassador Yamaguchi played a duet with his wife. Mononokehime.about 1 hour ago from mobile web
Thanks to @enfu for all of the great art donated for the conference. We are doing a raffle to win to support @roomtoread.about 15 hours ago from mobile web
We are all wrapped up for day oabout 16 hours ago from mobile web
Discussing the JETAA support of Room to Read.about 18 hours ago from mobile web
Had a busy afternoon of small group discussion on career support, events/activities, community participation, educational supportabout 18 hours ago from mobile web
JETAA Chapter Beat 9.30.09
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Freelance writer/editor Jonathan Trace (Fukuoka-ken, 2005-08) takes us on a walk around the JET Alumni community for another edition of JETAA Chapter Beat.
- Little Tokyo Walking Tour – Saturday, October 10th, 10:30 A.M at the Little Tokyo Koban. Learn about Little Tokyo and spend the day outdoors with old friends and new returnees.
- Meishi Exchange – October 29th will be JETAASC’s annual Meishi Exchange, an excellent opportunity to meet friends and network. Stay tuned for more details.
- Nomikai Happy Hour – Thursday, October 1st, 5:30 at Golden Gate Park Cafe. Drop by for this month’s event.
- Japanese Discussion Group “Taboo” – Saturday, October 3rd, 3:00 at a location yet to be determined. The topic of this month’s discussion will be “What Will Happen to Hatoyama Japan,” moderated by Shinya Yokota.
- Happy Hour – Thursday, October 8th, 5:00 at Ella’s Wood Fired Pizza. Stop by, have a drink and a few laughs with JETAADC
- Jbook Discussion Group – October 19th, 6:30 at Teaism. This month’s selection is “My Year of Meat(s)” by Ruth L. Ozeki. Get reading so you can be a part of the discussion.
- Tampa Subchapter Tsudoi – Friday, October 2nd, 7:00 at Panera Bread in the Brandon Mall. The Tampa Subchapter will be hosting their monthly Tsudoi, an informal time for anyone interested in Japanese and Japanese culture.
- Happy Hour – Monday, October 5th, 6:00 at Zake. Start the week off right with your friends at JETAA Texoma.
- Happy Hour – Friday, October 2nd, 6:00 at Wann Izakaya. Relax after a long week of work with the gang at PNWJETAA.
- 4th Annual Imonikai – Saturday, October 3rd, 11:00 in a Cabin near Crystal Mountain, WA. Imonikai is a party up in the mountains to celebrate the arrival of autumn. Breathe the cool mountain air while sipping hot soup and seeing old friends.
- Transitions 2009 Opportunities Forum and Networking Expo – Saturday, October 17th, 12:00 to 5:30 in Kirkland, WA. Sign up now for this year’s Transitions meeting, a job fair and career forum sponsored by PNWJETAA, the Consulate-General of Japan and some local businesses.
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.
JETAA New York Softball Tournament – PHOTOS!
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JET alum Francis Lee took a whole bunch of great photos from the JETAA NY Softball Tournament, held last Saturday, September 12. The winners in the two divisions were Kintetsu and Docomo. (Though JETAA NY was one error away from holding the lead in that game! :-) Special thanks to JETAA NY Vice-Prez Monica Yuki for organizing, to Liz Wanic for captaining the JETAA NY squad and cheering with extreme genki-ness, to Ito-en for once again providing cold, yummy tea drinks, and to all the teams for coming out, having fun and keeping the tradition alive!
Teams (in no particular order):
- JETAA New York
- Japan Local Government Center (JLGC) + Consulate General of Japan in New York (i.e., the parent organizations of JETAA)
- Columbia’s Center on Japanese Economy & Business (ably managed by Jennifer Olayon)
- Kintetsu
- Mitsubishi (featuring Zack Ferguson)
- Docomo
- QUICK USA
- TV Japan (starring Scott & Keiko Hiniker :-)
Dozo shyashin wo mite kudasai!
http://www.columbia.edu/~fl104/Softball
The Japan Foundation of New York Newsletter Vol. 7 8.18.09
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NEWS FROM THE JAPAN FOUNDATION NEW YORK AND CGP
VOL. 7: August 18, 2009
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Online Application for Japanese Studies Fellowships (Deadline: Nov 2)
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The Japanese Studies Fellowship program gives scholars, researchers, and professionals the opportunity to conduct research in Japan.
We are now introducing an online application system for the Japanese Studies Fellowship program. Please note that hereafter, application forms will only be available online.
The deadline for submissions is November 2, 2009.
http://www.jfny.org/japanese_studies/fellowship.html
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Performing Arts Japan (PAJ) Program (Deadline: Nov 2)
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The Japan Foundation is now accepting PAJ grant proposals for the 2010-2011 fiscal year. The PAJ Touring Grant assists the presentation of Japanese performing arts in the US and Canada, emphasizing locations outside major metropolitan areas, and the PAJ Collaboration Grant allows collaborating
artists to create new works with the potential to develop into a touring project.
Applications are due by November 2, 2009 for projects taking place between July 1, 2010, and June 30, 2011.
http://www.jfny.org/arts_and_culture/paj.html
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Introducing the US-Japan Network for the Future (Deadline: Oct 1)
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The Japan Foundation Center for Global Partnership (CGP) and the Maureen and Mike Mansfield Foundation (MMMF) are pleased to announce a new program: US-Japan Network for the Future. We are currently recruiting up-and-coming Japan scholars and practitioners in the US to participate in this program to nurture the next generation of Japan Specialists.
The program will include sustained networking through workshops and meetings in Washington, DC, Montana, and Japan. Please note that applications must be submitted to MMMF.
http://www.mansfieldfdn.org/programs/networkforthefuture.htm
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2009-2010 Abe Fellowship Program (Deadline: Sep 1)
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The Japan Foundation Center for Global Partnership (CGP) provides support to individuals through the Abe Fellowship, which is designed to encourage international, multidisciplinary research on topics of pressing concern.
The Abe Fellowship program seeks to foster the development of a new generation of researchers who are interested in policy-relevant topics of long-range importance and willing to become key members of a bilateral and global research network. Please note that applications must be submitted to SSRC (Social Science Research Council).
Abe Fellowship applications are due by September 1, 2009.
Abe Fellowship Journalist applications are due by September 15, 2009.
http://www.ssrc.org/fellowships/abe-fellowship/
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Announcing the Japan Travel Program for US Future Leaders
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The Japan Foundation Center for Global Partnership (CGP), in collaboration with the Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs (APSIA), is implementing the Japan Travel Program for US Future Leaders to foster a new generation of future leaders in the US with a greater understanding of Japan and its roles in global affairs.
Thirteen graduate students are traveling to Japan from August 15-25 to acquire first hand knowledge of Japan and how it is fulfilling its shared global responsibilities. Students will meet with experts in politics, economics, and civil society and visit relevant institutions including government ministries, think tanks, policy institutes, businesses, and non-profit organizations.
An Activity Report will be forthcoming on the Japan Travel Program in the next newsletter issue.
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THE JAPAN FOUNDATION NEW YORK AND CGP
152 West 57th Street, 17th Floor
New York, New York 10019
Tel: 212.489.0299 ; Fax: 212.489.0409
Inquiries: info@jfny.org
JETAA Chapter Beat 8.19.09
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Freelance writer/editor Jonathan Trace (Fukuoka-ken, 2005-08) takes us on a walk around the JET Alumni community for another edition of JETAA Chapter Beat.
- JLPT 1 Kyuu Prep Course – September 16th through November 18th, every Wednesday night from 6:30 to 8:30 at the Japanese American Association of Northern California. Sign up ends soon, so don’t miss it if you’re planning to take the test in December.
- Way of the Sword Event at the Asian Art Museum – Thursday, August 27th, 5:0o to 9:00 at the Asian Art Museum. Part of the Museum’s special exhibition on “Lords of the Samurai,” this event will feature a discussions and a workshop on drawing a sword with one of Japan’s finest masters of iaido, Esaka Sensei.
- San Jose Taiko presents Rhythm Spirit 2009 Concert Series – Friday, September 11th at 8:00 and Saturday 12th, at 2:00 and 8:00 at the Campbell Heritage Theatre. Catch an amazing performance by this world-class performance troupes this fall.
- East Bay Tabehodai – Friday, August 20th, 5:45 at Zabu Zabu in Berkeley. In place of this month’s nomikai, East Bay is doing a shabu shabu tabehodai, so stop by and grab a drink with JETAANC.
- Second City Saturday Sketch Comedy – Saturday, August 22nd, 11:00 p.m. at Second City. JETAA Chicago as well as members from other JETAA chapters will be checking out the America: All Better! sketch comedy performance this weekend. Join in for some politically charged laughs and hilarity.
- JETAA National Conference Volunteers Needed! – Friday, August 21st at the Dana Hotel. JETAA Chicago is looking for volunteers to help with general tasks and note taking at the JETAA National Conference from 8:30 to 3:00 on Friday. Lend a hand and help welcome the other JETAA chapters, JETAA USA, and CLAIR members.
- J-Happy Hour/Dinner – Thursday, August 18th at Asia Nine in DC. Happy hour begins at 6:00, with dinner to follow at 7:30. Stop by for a drink and a bite to eat with the gang at JETAADC.
- Ship for World Youth – The Japanese government has announced that Australia has been selected as one of the countries that will participate in the 22nd Ship for World Youth(SWY22) Program. They are seeking a 12 member delegation from Australian young people between the ages of 18 and 30 from all walks of life to represent Australia in this unique, 2 month cross-cultural exchange program.
- O-Shaberikai – Wednesday, September 2nd, 5:30 at the Holy Grail in Civic. Join in and meet Japanese people living in Canberra and other locals interested in Japan.
- Nihongo Dake Dinner – Monday, August 31st, 7:00 at Takesushi. Brush up on your Japanese while delighting in some sushi and lively conversation.
- JETAANY Annual Softball Tournament – September 12th marks the day of the Annual Softball Tournament. Brush up on those skills and get out the old mitt, sign ups and more information to follow soon.
- JETAANY Book Club – Thursday, September 24, 7:00. The selection this month is “Daughter of a Samurai” by Etsu Sugimoto. Start reading now and make sure to think of an interesting discussion question for the group.
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.
JETAA Southern California elects new officers
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JETAASC Election Results
JETAA Southern California is pleased to announce the winners of the 2009-2010 JETAASC Officers elections. Please note, there is a position still open. If anyone is interested in becoming co-president, please contact the current officers or the elections coordinator. JETAA SC will be inducting the next officers at their annual Golf and Installation Luncheon on Saturday, September 12th.
Co-Presidents: Zoran Iovanovici, Open
Secretary: Matt Braaten
Treasurer: Frankie Murphy
Sincerely,
Dominique Eugene, 2009-2010 Elections Coordinator, Email: elections [at] jetaasc.org
JETAA Chapter Beat 8.5.09
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Freelance writer/editor Jonathan Trace (Fukuoka-ken, 2005-08) takes us on a walk around the JET Alumni community for another edition of JETAA Chapter Beat.
- English Discussion Group “on Japan” – Thursday, August 6th, 3:00 at the San Francisco Downtown Metreon Food Court. The topic of this month’s meeting is “What you are is what you eat,” covering ideas on diet, organic food, vegetarianism, etc.
- Happy Hour – Thursday, August 6th, 4:00 at Double Decker. Enjoy wings, drafts and good conversation with JETAANC this Thursday.
- Japanese Discussion Group “Taboo” – Saturday, August 15th, 3:00 at a location yet to be determined. The topic of this month’s discussion is “The Month of World War II.” Part II of this discussion will continue next week with “The Atomic Bomb in Hiroshima and Nagasaki.” Join in for this interesting discussion.
- JLPT 1 Kyuu Prep Course – September 16th through November 18th, every Wednesday night from 6:30 to 8:30 at the Japanese American Association of Northern California. Sign up ends soon, so don’t miss it if you’re planning to take the test in December.
- Summer Picnic – Saturday, August 8th, 1:00 at the Mercer Island Luther Burbank Park. Semi-potluck(burgers and hot dogs provided) with prizes, puppet shows and games. Don’t miss it.
- Happy Hour – Tuesday, August 11th, 5:30 at Galaxy Hut. Stop by, have a drink and a few laughs with JETAADC.
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
Via JETAA Florida’s Tampa subchapter (aka JETAA Chapter Beat: Author Robert Whiting Coming to Seattle
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Freelance writer/editor Jonathan Trace (Fukuoka-ken, 2005-08) brings us a special edition of news from the JETAA Pacific Northwest for JETAA Chapter Beat.
The Japan-America Society of Seattle is pleased to announce best-selling author Robert Whiting as the featured speaker for an August 13 evening cocktail reception. Mr. Whiting will speak about his new book You Gotta Have Wa 2009(Vintage Departures). The event is being held on Thursday, August 13th at FOX Sports Grill.
Mr. Whiting first wrote You Gotta Have Wa (Macmillan) in 1989, reflecting on the cultural conflict between Japan and America as seen through the common sport of baseball. It was written at the height of US-Japan trade difficulties and received considerable media attention, including 3 reviews from the NY Times and a feature in Time Magazine. Mr. Whiting has appeared on such TV shows as Larry King and the McNeil-Lehrer News Hour. Along with being required reading at the Japan Desk in the State Department and a frequent feature in American Universities, it was also a best seller in Japan and named one of the best non-fiction books of the year.
The new book is a celebration of Wa‘s 20th anniversary, containing a new introduction and afterward describing the changes in US-Japanese relations and how it can still be seen in the sport of baseball. Special focus is given to the influx of Japanese stars to the MLB, like Daisuke Matsuzaka, as well as the recent unprecedented migration of American managers to Japan, led by Bobby Valentine and Trey Hillman.
In his talk, Mr. Whiting will address the subject of whether Japanese and Americans understand (and like) each other more than they did two decades ago and the how baseball remains an interesting reflection of culture.
Mr. Whiting is the author of several highly acclaimed books, including The Meaning of Ichiro (Warner Books) and Tokyo Underworld (Pantheon), a book about organized crime in Japan currently being made into a film directed by Martin Scorsese.
Doors open at 5:30, with the Presentation and Q&A session held from 6:20 until 7:00, followed by Mariners vs. Yankees, presented on 3 big screen plasma TVs.
JETAA Chapter Beat 7.29.09
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Freelance writer/editor Jonathan Trace (Fukuoka-ken, 2005-08) takes us on a walk around the JET Alumni community for another edition of JETAA Chapter Beat.
- Happy Hour – Wednesday, July 29th, 6:00 at Whiskey River. There will be a Wii available, so come relax and play some games with gang at JETAANY.
- Summer Bonfire at Bolsa Chica – Saturday, August 8th, 3:00 at Bolsa Chica. Potluck style BBQ with smores, snacks and drinks provided. Spend the afternoon relaxing with JETAASC.
- 69th Nisei Week Festival – Saturday, August 15th and Sunday, August 16th. This year’s event includes three mini Nebuta floats from Aomori Prefecture and the 1st Annual Los Angeles Tanabata Festival.
- 2009 JET Send Off Nomikai – Friday, July 31st, 8:00 at O! Izakaya Lounge. Don’t miss this last opportunity to celebrate with the new JETs before they head out for Japan.
- Japanese Discussion Group “Taboo” – Saturday, August 1st, 3:00 at Sakurai’s. The topic of this month’s discussion is “The Month of World War II Part I: The beginning of the war: Attack of Pearl Harbor.” Join in for this interesting discussion.
- Movie Night: Tampopo – Friday, July 31st, 7:00 at Narrabundah. JETAA Canberra will be screening Itami Juzo’s classic film “Tampopo” with pizza and popcorn.
- O-Shaberikai – Wednesday, August 5th, 5:30 at the Holy Grail in Civic. Join in and meet Japanese people living in Canberra and other locals interested in Japan.
- JIC Book Club Returns! – Tuesday, August 11th, 6:00 at the Japan Information Center’s library. This month’s selection is “Asleep” by Banana Yoshimoto. Give it a read then drop by for the discussion.
- 2009 JET Program Pre-Departure Reception – Friday, July 31st, 6:30 to 8:00 at the Ambassador’s Old Residence. Come share a few last minute bits of advice to the soon departing 2009 JET Participants.
- J-Lunch – Saturday, August 1st, 12:00. This month’s Lunch is being held on Yukie’s rooftop and is a potluck party.
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.
