Review: JET Alumni Author Showcase
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JETAANY Hosts First Author Showcase
By Gina Anderson (Nara-ken, 2003-05), former JETAA DC newsletter chair and Justin Tedaldi (CIR Kobe-shi, 2001-02), editor of JQ (JETAA NY) Quarterly Magazine
New York City’s Holiday Inn hosted a summit for published JETs as JETAANY launched its debut JET Alumni Author Showcase on March 22. The panelists included pro writers Roland Kelts (Osaka-shi, 1998-99), Robert Weston (Nara-ken, 2002-04) and James Kennedy (Nara-ken, 2004-06). (Click here and here for photos and here for video clips.)
Drawing over 60 JET alums, friends and family, the event kicked off with some words from Akira Sugiyama, director of the Japan Information Center of the Consulate General of Japan in New York. Moderator and playwright Randall David Cook (Fukui-ken, 1991-93), creator of the critically acclaimed Off Broadway plays Sake with the Haiku Geisha and Fate’s Imagination, asked each author to share a favorite selection of their works with the crowd.
A professor at three different universities including Tokyo University, a writer and editor for two magazines and a columnist for the Yomiuri Shimbun, Kelts spoke about Japanamerica: How Japanese Pop Culture Has Invaded the U.S., his non-fiction book about the eponymous subject. He began by Read More
JETAA NC to make donation in honor of JET alum police officer
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From JETAA Northern California:
It is with great sadness that we remember Daniel Sakai, a fellow JET Alum (Iwate, 1997-1998) who was one of the Oakland Police Officers tragically killed on March 21st.
In remembrance of Daniel, the JET Alumni Association of Northern California (JETAANC) will be making a contribution to the Sakai Family Trust Fund. If you would like to make a contribution to JETAANC’s collective donation, go to http://www.acteva.com/booking.cfm?bevaid=180769. We will send our collective donation on Monday, April 6, 2009.
We extend our deepest condolences.
The JETAANC Executive Committee
JETAA NY Meishi Exchange – March 19, 2009
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Thanks to JET alum Francis Lee, we now have photos–really good photos–from last Thursday’s JETAA NY Meishi Exchange networking event, which was held at Aja on 6th Ave. between 9th & 10th Sts.
Many thanks to JET alum Vlad Baranenko for capturing the JET Alumni Author Showcase in photographs. Click “Read More” below to see all the photos.
Here are some photos from yesterday’s JET Alumni Author Showcase, courtesy of Noriko Furuhata, the JET Liason at the Consulate-General of Japan in New York:
Randall David Cook (Fukui-ken, 1991-93), Rob Weston (Nara-ken, 2002-04), Roland Kelts (Osaka-shi, 1998-99) and James Kennedy (Nara-ken, 2004-06) discuss their writing
JETAA Chapter Beat 3.24.09
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Freelance writer/editor Jonathan Trace (Fukuoka-ken, 2005-08) takes us on a walk around the JET Alumni community…
- JETAASE/JASG Volunteers Needed! – Saturday, March 28th, 10:00 A.M. to 3:00 at Agnes Scott College. Japan America Society of Georgia(JASG) needs volunteers for their Japan Academic Challenge and the 18th Annual Japanese Speech Contest. Take the time and help out JETAASE and JASG.
- South Carolina Subchapter Spring Picnic – April 25th at Furman University the JETAASE South Carolina Subchapter will be holding a spring picnic. Don’t miss a little sun and fun with the folks at the SC Subchapter.
- Japanese Bento Class Write Up! – On Saturday March 7th we held our Bento Cooking class which was a temendous and delicious success. We cooked 6 dishes and everyone had a chance to help cook at least one of the dishes. We would like to thank our teachers, Jessica Cork for translating, and in particular Consul Miki Hiro for helping to select the menu and teaching us how to make a delisious dish with many fresh spring ingredients — JETAASE
- O-Shaberikai – Wednesday, March 25th, 5:30 at the Holy Grail in Civic. Join in and meet Japanese people living in Canberra and other locals interested in Japan.
- Annual General Meeting – Friday, March 27th, 6:30 at 43 Below. If you are interested in joining the JETAA committee this year please come by and participate.
- JETAANY Book Club – Tuesday, March 24, 7:00 at Kat Barnas’ apartment. This book in question is “In the Shade of Spring Leaves, The Life of Higuchi Ichiyo, With Nine of Her Best Stories,” a collection of short stories by Higuchi Ichiyo. Come and discuss.
- Sakura Sunday – April 5th, 11:00 to 4:00 at the Horticulture Center in Fairmount Park in Philadelphia. Join JETAANY as well as the Philadelphia and New Jersey Subchapters at the Philadelphia Cherry Blossom Festival. Live music, hanami, dance, and a plethora of other Japanese related events and activities.
- Grad School and Fellowship Night – Tuesday, March 31st, 6:30 at the Old Ambassador’s Residence adjacent to the Japanese Embassy. JETAADC is hosting a panel discussion about grad school and fellowship/scholarship opportunities. If you are wondering what to do in life after JET, check it out.
- Kodo Drummers at DAR – Friday, March 27th at the DAR Constitution Hall. The Kodo Drummers are in town and tickets are half price, so don’t miss it.
- JETAADC Happy Hour – Tuesday, March 24th, 5:30 at Skye Lounge. Spend a night out with friends at this month’s Happy Hour.
- JETAANC Oakland A’s Game – Saturday, April 25th, 1:00 at McAfee Coliseum. JETAANC and the Japan Society are co-hosting a day at the ballpark. Oakland takes on Tampa Bay, so come out and root for the home team with friends and JETAA.
- East Bay Nomikai – Thursday, March 26th, 6:00 at Albatross Pub. Come out and have a drink with friends at this month’s Nomikai.
- Japan Nite 2009 – Saturday, March 28th, 8:00 at the Independent. Check out some Japanese music when Japan Nite comes to California.
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.
The first-ever JET Alumni Author Showcase is done and in the books, and by all accounts it was a big success.
- Wonderful readings by Roland Kelts (Osaka-shi, 1998-99), James Kennedy (Nara-ken, 2004-06) and Rob Weston (Nara-ken, 2002-04). (Stay tuned for photos and video clips.)
- Engaging and informative discussion, led by Randall David Cook (Fukui-ken, 1991-93).
- Great post-program schmoozing, connecting and re-connecting (including a mini-Nara reunion).
- And I think Kinokuniya sold pretty much all the books it brought.
Thanks to everyone who attended, helped out and supported the event. Hopefully this will be the first of many more to come.
Let’s Sento!
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JETAA DC recently announced an upcoming sento event at SpaWorld, a Korean bath place in the D.C. area. JETAA NY will also be doing a similar event at the SpaWorld located in Queens. Are there any other chapters doing sento or onsen type events?
Here’s the JETAA DC announcement:
Hey guys, Just a friendly reminder for those of you who want to come with us to Sento, please RSVP by tomorrow.
http://www.facebook .com/n/?event. php&eid=68174107 128&mid=207e87G1 e50db98G3fbc3b9G 7
Thank you.
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Remember in Japan how the news would show the hanami progressing across the country, akin to a weather forecast? U.S. geography isn’t quite as conducive to that approach, and I can’t really picture any local news channels taking that approach anyway. But now JetWit is providing you with the next best thing:
The JETAA Hanami Forecast
JetWit has the unique, gaijin-riffic superpower to forecast the progression of hanami throughout the U.S. based on the scheduling of JETAA chapter hanami events! Here’s what’s on tap so far. Don’t see your chapter’s event listed? Email jetwit at jetwit dot com and let us know.
Sunday, April 5
- JETAA Northern California – 11:00 am – Garden Gate Park, Speedway Meadow
- JETAA Philly (NY subchapter) – 11:00 am to 4:00 pm – Fairmount Park Horticulture Center (Ambassador Nishimiya, who will be replacing Ambassador Sakurai starting in April, will attend and speak)
New JETAA NY Officers
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JETAA NY just announced that the election process for the officer positions effective April 1, 2009 through March 31, 2010 is complete. Omedetou gozaimasu to the new officers for JETAA NY.
President: Megan Miller
Vice President: Monica Yuki
Secretary: Amber Liang
Treasurer: Kelly Nixon
JETAA Orange County – Bowling and Dinner this Sunday
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Via JETAA Southern California’s Orange County subchapter:
Here’s the info for this Sunday. The plan is to bowl a couple of games at the Fountain Bowl in Fountain Valley then dinner at Ebisu afterwards just down the street. And whoever is interested in a nijiikai, karaoke is right there a couple doors down.
I’m holding this event so alumni who live in Orange County who have not been able to attend any events held by the major alumni association have something to go to and hang out with fellow alumni and meet others in the area. I also hope this gives a chance for any new members who recently return to attend. Basically, let’s just get together and have some fun. Read More
JETAA NY Meishi Exchange tonight
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MEISHI EXCHANGE Thursday, March 19 at 7pm Come join JETAANY for the biggest networking/social event of the year. Meet fellow JET alums, their friends, and co-workers. We have rented out the 2nd floor of Aja; the very chic Asian fusion restaurant in the West Village . Don’t forget to bring your business cards. We are giving away many great prizes this year.
Aja http://www.aja-asianbistro.com/ 432 Sixth Avenue (between 9th and 10th) Subway: West 4th A, B, C, D, E, F, V or Christopher Street1, 2, 3
Admission: JET alums: free admission including 2 free drink tickets & hors d’oeuvres. Friends of JET and guests: $10. Includes 2 drink tickets & passed hors d’oeuvres.
Photo/art contest: All are welcome to join. Fabulous prize for the winner! Theme: “Story Through a Picture” Work should reflect a Japanese theme through photography, drawing, or painting. Size: 5×7 to 8×10; One entry per person.
Questions: contact Monica at social at jetaany dot org
JETAA DC Grad School Night Panel Discussion and Networking Event – March 31
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“2009 JETAADC Grad School Night Panel Discussion and Networking Event” on Tuesday, March 31 at 6:30pm.
Event: 2009 JETAADC Grad School Night Panel Discussion and Networking Event
“Come to eat, drink, and discuss opportunities with various graduate school programs. ”
Time: Tuesday, March 31 at 6:30pm
Where: Old Ambassador’s Residence, adjacent to the Japanese Embassy.
To see more details and RSVP, follow the link below:
http://www.facebook.com/n/?event.php&eid=61450641385&mid=289272G1faf3ed5G1cb332bG7
JETAA Toronto Art Exhibit
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JETAA Art Exhibit
Showcasing Japan-inspired art by former JET English teachers
JETAA Toronto is has put together a terrific event that both taps the JET alumni community’s talent and shows off the wonderful accomplishments as well.
When: Saturday, March 28 (7:30 pm) & Sunday, March 29 (1:30 pm)
Where: Gladstone Art Bar, 1214 Queen St. W., Toronto, ONFeeling sentimental about the land of rice and the rising sun? Never been and interested in an artistic adventure?
Come join Toronto’s JET Alumni Association for our first ever art show on Saturday, March 28. The art exhibit, titled Natsukashii (Japanese for sentimental), will feature a wide range of Japan-inspired art by our talented alumni members.
Have a drink with us as you admire their creativity, listen to tunes spun by a deejay and reminisce about the good times you had teaching Japanese kids the difference between Rs and Ls.
Those not members of JETAA are also welcome.
Doors at the Gladstone Art Bar, located on 1214 Queen St. W., open at 7:30 p.m. Cover is $5.
For questions, please email Amber Hildebrandt at jetaatoronto.sports@gmail.com.
More info on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/reqs.php#/event.php?eid=55540550813&ref=nf
JET Alumni Author Section at Kinokuniya – more photos
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Here are a few more photos from the photo-op last Friday to promote the JET Alumni Author section at Kinokuniya in anticipation of the JET Alumni Author Showcase (set for March 22; e-mail authors at jetaany dot org to rsvp).
The books featured include:
- Japanamerica – Roland Kelts (Osaka-shi, 1998-99)
- The Order of Odd-Fish – James Kennedy (Nara-ken, 2004-06)
- Zorgamazoo – Robert P. Weston (Nara-ken, 2002-04)
- Learning to Bow – Bruce Feiler (Tottori-ken, 1989-90)
- Importing Diversity: Inside Japan’s JET Program – David L. McConnell
- Hitching Rides with Buddha (originally titled Hokkaido Hitchhiking Blues) – Will Ferguson (Nagasaki-ken, 1991-94)
*See a more complete list of JET alumni authors and their works at http://jetwit.com/wordpress/library/authorsbooks/
Stop by Kinokuniya and take a look!
L to R: Noriko Furuhata (Consulate), John Fuller (Kinokuniya Store Manager), Toru Mukaikubo (CLAIR), Hirotaka Ono (Consulate), Tony McCormac, Steven Horowitz, Amber Liang, Roland Kelts, Akira Sugiyama (Japan Information Center), Ryoko Kobayashi (CLAIR)
