Mar 10

JETAA Chapter Beat 3.10.09

Freelance writer/editor Jonathan Trace (Fukuoka-ken, 2005-08) takes us on a walk around the JET Alumni community…whiteday

JETAA Pacific Northwest

  • Shinnenkai! – Friday, March 20th, 6:30 to 8:30 at REI Seattle. Ring in the new year in March with PNWJETAA. Bring the family for good food, lively conversation and a quick vote for a new president. Don’t miss this exciting event.
  • Seattle Buddhist Temple Spring Bazaar – Sunday, March 15th, 11:00 to 3:00 at the Seattle Buddhist Temple. Come out for some home made Japanese food including sushi, barazushi, curry rice and apple pie.
  • Seattle/Kobe Jazz Vocalist Audition – Monday, March 23rd, 6:30 at Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley. The Seattle-Kobe Sister City Association is looking for one high school and one adult female jazz vocalist to perform at the Kobe Jazz Queen Vocalist Contest May 9th, 2009 in Kobe, Japan. Put those pipes to work and try out!
  • Teaching ESL Information Sessions – Monday, March 16th, 7:00 at the Seattle University Eastside Center and Wednesday, March 18th, 7:00 at the School of Teaching ESL. If you want to learn more about teaching English either locally or abroad these information sessions are for you.

JETAA Southern California

  • Nihongo Dake Dinner – Saturday, March 14th, 7:00 in Hollywood. Brush up on your Japanese and amaze your friends.
  • Bowling and Dinner in Fountain Valley (OC Chapter) – March 22nd join the OC Subchapter of JETAASC for some bowling, food and maybe a bit of karaoke. Details are still in the works so stay tuned.

JETAA Western Australia

  • Quiz Night – Thursday, March 19th, 7:00 at the UWA Tavern. Join in for the ever popular Quiz night. Food, drinks and some trivia. Don’t miss it.
  • Annual General Meeting – Friday, March 27th, 7:00 at 43 Below. If you are interested in joining the JETAA committee this year please come by and participate.
  • Kaiwa – Thursday, March 12th, 5:30 at 43 Below. Practice your Japanese with old friends and some tasty snacks.

JETAA Northern California

  • JETAANC Book Club Meeting – Thursday, March 12th, 6:30 at Cactus Taqueria. Come out and discuss Miyuki Miyabe’s All She was Worth at this month’s book club. Even if you’ve fallen behind in your reading please come by and be a part of the discussion.
  • Gardens of Kyoto with Peter Bowyer – Saturday, March 14th, 10:0japanese-garden0 A.M. at the Cultural Exchange Center. Learn about the elements of Japanese garden design, construction and maintenance.
  • Santa Clara International Exchange Concert with Okayama Gakugeikan High School – Saturday, March 14th, 6:00 at the Louis B. Mayer Theatre at Santa Clara University. Come see this Internationl Exchange Concert performed by the Ambassadors and the Santa Clara Honors Youth Symphony as well as the Okayama Gakugeikan Symphonic Band from Okayama, Japan.

JETAA New York

  • Meishi Exchange – Thursday, March 19th, 7:00 at Aja in the West Village. Meet fellow JET alumni, their friends and co-workers , as well as Japan’s Local Government Office and members of the Japanese Consulate in this networking event.
  • JETAANY Book Club – Tuesday, March 24, 7:00 at Kat Barnes 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.

JETAA Floridajfair2009

  • Haru Natsukashii Dinner – Saturday, March 21st, 6:00 at Koume Restaurant. Food, games and prizes to ring in the coming spring. Be sure to join in.
  • Japanese Art and Anime Festival – Friday, March 13th and Saturday March 14th at the Orlando Public Library. Information can be found here.

JETAA Canberra

  • 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.

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.


Mar 7

JETAA DC Bookclub Update

Via JETAA DC:

Hi all,

After a great first meeting in February, our book club is officially alive and kicking. The March meeting will be on Monday, March 30 at 6:30 location TBA (please let me know if you have any thoughts). We will be discussing Out by Natusuo Kirino.

Here is a brief summary courtesy of Publishers Weekly:  “Four women who work the night shift in a Tokyo factory that produces boxed lunches find their lives twisted beyond repair in this grimly compelling crime novel, which won Japan’s top mystery award, the Grand Prix”

Let me know if you are interested in coming or if you have any questions. Here are some discussion
questions
to consider along the way.

I hope to see you on the 30th.  Happy Reading,

Jillian


Mar 7

On Wisconsin: New JETAA subchapter starts in Wisconsin

According to the weekly JETAA Chicago e-mail webletter, there is now a JETAA Wisconsin subchapter.  Any interested Wisconsonians can join the yahoogroup at at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/wijetaa/.


Mar 5

Introducing the 2009-10 JETAA DC Council

Via JETAA DC:

2009-2010 JETAA DC Council

  • President: Michelle Spezzacatena
  • Vice President: Justin Manger
  • Secretary: Brooke Howell
  • Treasurer: Susan Gundersen
  • Ad Hoc Chair: Heather McDonald
  • Outreach Chair: Margaret Burton
  • Newsletter Chair: Abby MacBain
  • Online Chair: Ben Bucher
  • Returnee Handbook Chairs: Abby MacBain and Jeff Herman
  • Social Chair: Cynthia Hawkins (Rosalyn Adams)
  • Volunteer Chairs: Naomi Basik and Stacey Yanagawa
  • Non Profit Chair: Mac Maloney

Mar 5

Japanese art and anime festival at the Orlando Public Library

Via JETAA Florida:

There will be a Japanese art and anime festival at the Orlando Public Library Friday, March 13 through Saturday, March 14. Check it out.   http://ld-e.com/jclub/J.Fair2009.jpg


Mar 4

*****************************

Big news to announce.  This event is a direct outgrowth of the Writers Interpreters Translators (WIT) Group and JetWit.com.

jet-author-poster-version-2

Click on image to go to jetaany.org/authors to access full-size PDF of the poster.

Read on for more details about the event and the authors.

Read More


Mar 3

JETAA Chapter Beat 3.3.09

Freelance writer/editor Jonathan Trace (Fukuoka-ken, 2005-08) takes us on a walk around the JET Alumni community…photo_2

JETAA D.C.

  • JASW Sushi Making Workshop – Sunday, March 8th, at Maneki Neko Restaurant. Workshop A begins at 10:00, Workshop B begins at 1:00. Come learn how to make perfect sushi rice, flawless maki rolls and some nicely shaped nigiri sushi with Chef Tao.
  • JASW Discussion: Comparing US & Japan Litigation Processes – Thursday, March 5th there will be a discussion about US and Japanese litigation laws. Do not miss the conversation about this interesting subject.
  • Events at the Freer – March 6th through April 5th at the Freer Gallery there will be a series of free screenings of films by Nagisa Oshima. March 13th be sure to join the free shamisen/violin/computer concert. Don’t miss the fun.

JETAA UK

  • FLUID Pub Night – Wednesday, March 4th, 6:30 at Fluid. Have an Asahi and catch up with old friends at this month’s Fluid night.
  • JETAA Speed Dating – Wednesday, March 25th, 7:00 at James Fleet Place. Looking for that special someone? Join JETAA London for some fun and romance.
  • Sake Tasting – Sunday, March 22nd, 12:30 at Yumenoki Restaurant. Learn about Japanese sake with a qualified sake lecturer and enthusiast. See how it is made and get a taste for yourself.

JETAA Pacific Northwestwelcom5

  • Happy Hour – Friday, March 6th, 6:00 at Wann Izakaya. Toss back a drink with old friends at this month’s happy hour.
  • Seattle Buddhist Temple Spring Bazaar – Sunday, March 15th, 11:00 to 3:00 at the Seattle Buddhist Temple. Come out for some home made Japanese food including sushi, barazushi, curry rice and apple pie.

JETAA Northern California

  • Nomikai Happy Hour – Thursday, March 5th, 6:00 at Jade Bar. Join JETAANC for a drink and some conversation at Jade for this month’s happy hour.
  • Tax Seminar – Wednesday, March 4th, 6;30 at the Japan Information Center, Consulate General of Japan in SF. Wondering how to get your taxes in order after spending the last year(s) in Japan? Come get some help from your local JETAA community.
  • Japanese Discussion Group “Taboo” – Saturday, March 7th, 3:00. The topic for the discussion is marijuana and Japan and the legalization/illegality of it and other drugs in Japanese society. Come have a hand in this interesting topic.

JETAA Chicago

  • JETAA Meeting – Wednesday, March 18th, 6:00 at Jerry’s Deli. All members welcome, so join in if you can.
  • JETAA Job Fair – Saturday, April 4th, 12:00 to 5:00 at the Japan Information Center. Mark your calendars for this important chance to network with Chicago Japanese businesses.
  • Japanese Literature Book Club – Tuesday, March 17th, 6:00 at the Japan Information Center. Chicago is starting a new book club to meet once a month and discuss a Japanese novel or short story. This month’s selection will be Haruki Murakami’s short story collection “After the Quake.”
  • JETAA Wisconsin Subchapter Party – Sunday, March 22nd at Edo Japanese Restaurant. Come out and join the fun in Wisconsin! Talk, share experiences and, best of all, get some good food.

JETAA Western Australiajetaawa_2009_logo_small

  • Quiz Night – Thursday, March 19th, 7:00 at the UWA Tavern. Join in for the ever popular Quiz night. Food, drinks and some trivia. Don’t miss it.
  • AGM – Friday, March 27th, venue to be determined. If you are interested in joining the JETAA committee this year please come by and participate.
  • Returnee Reception and Family BBQ Write Up! – On Friday, February 20th there was a welcome-back reception at the CG’s residence for ’08 returnees. It was great to hear some natsukashii stories. Most of the committee was in attendance, along with the usual line-up of dignitaries. The next day, Saturday, February 21st, we held the annual JETAA Family BBQ at the Synergy Parkland at Kings Park. Despite his busy schedule, Hidenori Yoshikawa from CLAIR was kind enough to attend the event, along with plenty of JETAA members, family, CD representatives, Japanese residents of Perth and juicy watermelons. Photos will be up shortly on Facebook.

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.


Mar 2

Writing opportunity: JQ (JETAANY Quarterly) seeks writers

JQ (JETAANY Quarterly) Magazine editor Justin Tedaldi is seeking writers for the below assignments.  If interested, contact Justin at magazine /atto/ jetaany /dotto/ org.

1.  JETAA ALUMNI AUTHOR SHOWCASE – MARCH 22 @ 1:00 p.m.

On March 22, JETAA NY is pleased to present three great authors – Roland Kelts (Osaka-shi, 1998-99), James Kennedy (Nara-ken, 2004-06) and Robert P. Weston (Nara-ken, 2002-04) – who will discuss their books, the craft and business of writing and how their JET experience fits into the picture.  Here’s a chance for you to write a story about this unique, first-time ever event!

Moderator:  Randall David Cook (Fukui-ken, 1991-93) is the author of the acclaimed off-broadway plays Sake With the Haiku Geisha and Fate’s Imagination.

*Click http://jetwit.com/wordpress/library/authorsbooks/ to see a full list of JET alumni authors.
*Special guest appearance by Akira Sugiyama, Director of the Japan Information Center of the Consulate General of Japan in New York .
This event is being organized in cooperation with the Consulate General of Japan in New York.

http://jetaany.org/authors/

2.  JAPAN NITE ’09 CONCERT – MARCH 22 @ 8:00 p.m.

Since 1996, BENTEN Tokyo & SXSW Asia Rep have held an yearly showcase called JAPAN NITE U.S. TOUR including SXSW appearance and has introduced countless Japanese Artists to the world. 2009 will mark its 13 year anniversary. The performer’s brilliant musical performances, unique character and variety of style has won the acclaim of many, and Japan Nite evolved each year to become one of the most popular showcases in SXSW. The event has featured over 60 bands, including the likes of LOVE PSYCHEDELICO, ORIGINAL LOVE,,Lolita No.18, Number Girl, Petty Booka,TsuShiMaMire, noodles, PE’Z, Stance Punks, ELLEGARDEN, HY,The 50 KAITENZ, ASAKUSA JINTA, PISTOL VALVE, THE EMERALDS, ORESKA BAND and GO!GO! 7188 and more. We have Two Japan Nite shows during this year SXSW and after that we travel 7 other cities as always. Please check out the schedule below and come to see awesome new bands! You know Asakusa Jinta and detroit7 are coming back again. I am sure they are going to be one of the highlights of the tour and I am so happy to introduce new all girl bands and also Japanese punk legend band, SA. You should check out indie band hero, SPARTA LOCALS also. It’s so nice and unbelievable that one of the best alternative band, GRAPEVINE also join the tour!

Concert is Sunday, March 22 at NY’s Bowery Ballroom with:  detroit7/SA/SPARTA LOCALS/FLiP/Omodaka/GRAPEVINE/ ASAKUSA JINTA

Anyone interested in reviewing the show or interviewing the coordinators or talent?

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=1000416699

3.  JET ALUM PUBLISHES BOOK OF POEMS

JETAA Chicago Newsletter editor Elizabeth Friedman told me about James Shea, a Chicago-based JET alum who has a new book of poetry recently out on Amazon.  His info is posted on the Authors page in the JetWit Library, and an article about James would make a great story to share with JETAA Chicago for their next issue.

James Shea, a former ALT and Monbukagakusho research student, published his first book of poetry in November of last year. The book is entitled Star in the Eye and is available on amazon.com. Some of the poetry is inspired by his experiences in Japan as an ALT. The book has won the 2008 Fence Modern Poets Series Prize and was also named as one of the “Favorite Books of 2008″ by the Chicago Sun Times. For more information, please visit the following link:   http://www.amazon. com/Star- Eye-James- Shea/dp/19342001 4X

4.  JOKICHI TAKAMINE PLAY, APRIL. 10-11

JetWit contributor Stacy Smith (Kumamoto-Ken CIR, 2000-03) told us about a play running for two days in April (10-11) that we can we profile.  It’s about Jokichi Takamine, the Japanese doctor who discovered adrenaline at the turn of the century.  He married an American and after some time in Japan they moved back here and bought a Japanese estate called Shofuden that had been displayed at the 1904 World’s Fair. Stacy saw a DVD of a performance in Tokyo , and her company is a sponsor. Stacy will attend one of the performances and can possibly arrange tickets to anyone interested in writing an article.

5.  NEW YORK-TOKYO.COM PROFILE
This is a group that frequently sponors exclusive films, music and multimedia events here in New York .  We run a story about them and I’ll put you in touch with someone in charge to provide more info.
Started in 2001, NEW YORK – TOKYO (NYT) is a NYC – based event media production and marketing communications company that is uniquely positioned to tap into the creative cultural vibe between New York and Tokyo , media capitals of the world.

http://www.newyork-tokyo.com/wp/about/

6.  JAPANESE CONSULATE FEATURE
The article “Nihonjin in New York ” in the current issue spotlighted the JLGC.  For the next issue, I’m thinking of getting in touch with someone at the Consulate-General’s office.  They publish an online newsletter of their own, and have at least one CLAIR representative we can speak with.
http://www.ny.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/html/index.html

7.  JOB PROSPECTS FOR JETS, CIRCA 2009
I’m interested in a piece that talks about the challenges new returnee JETs face after coming home and looking for work in this economy, as well as other JET alums considering new jobs or just looking for work.  This could be as simple as anecdotes (along the lines of our “How’s the Economy Treating You?” feature from fall 2008), but I’d like to turn this into an actual feature story, with at least three volunteers providing the details.

8.  THE HISTORY OF JAPANESE NEWSPAPERS IN NEW YORK
There are close to a dozen newspapers and magazines in Japanese that are distributed for free at grocery stores and other select places in teh city.  The question is, why are there so many, who runs them, what is there staff like, and how can they be more in touch with the JET community?

9.  TOKA…
Justin is also looking for contributions for next issue’s Nippon News Blotter and East Meets West along with additional story ideas, and would also like to talk ad sales for anyone interested in making warm calls to follow up with contacts he’s e-mailed the new issue to.  The more advertisers JQ gets next time, the more it can grow and evolve content- and style-wise.

Any questions, e-mail Justin at magazine /atto/ jetaany /dotto/ org.


Feb 25

Chopsticks New York magazine update

Make sure to check out JET alum contributions to Chopsticks New York each month!  The February issue has the following from Stacy Smith:

This curry-themed (“New Comfort Food from Japan”) issue also features veteran writer Kia Cheleen (CIR, Aichi-ken 1996-98, ALT 1998-1999) in her regular Ask the Beauty Guru column, and introduces new Chopsticks JET alum contributor Lisa Birzen in her interview with Yuka Sato and restaurant review of Bibim Bar!


Feb 24

JETAA Chapter Beat 2.24.09

Freelance writer/editor Jonathan Trace (Fukuoka-ken, 2005-08) takes us on a walk around the JET Alumni community…18japan1

JETAA Southern California

  • Phoenix Matsuri – This past weekend the JETAASC Arizona Subchapter was out enjoying the annual Japan-related Phoenix Matsuri, which included parades and an Udon demonstration. Be on the lookout for more upcoming events with JETAASC Arizona!

JETAA Florida

  • Tampa Happami – Saturday, March 7th, 2:00 to 4:00 at Kate Jackson park in Hyde Park. Florida’s own version of Hanami with snacks and sun. Rounding off the day is some Karaoke fun at night, so don’t miss it.
  • Haru Natsukashii Dinner – Saturday, March 21st, 6:00 at Koume Restaurant. Food, games and prizes to ring in the coming spring. Be sure to join in.

JETAA New York

  • Japan-A-Mania! – Saturday, February 28th. JETAA, Big Brothers Big Sisters of NY and NY de Volunteer is hosting a day of Japanese culture and activities for NYC kids. Help out and share your love of Japan with the kids.
  • JETAANY Quarterly Meeting – Thursday, March 5th, 6:30 to 8:30 at the Japan Local Government Center.

JETAA Northern Californiatahoewinter

  • Ski Bus – Day Trup to Tahoe – Saturday, March 7th, pickup at 6:00 A.M., locations to be decided. Spend the day on the slopes with JETAANC. Let’s skiing!
  • Japan Society Year Ahead Part II Discussion – New Youth Culture in Japan – Thursday, February 26th, 6:00 at the Variety Preview Room. Learn about the effect of popular culture on Japan’s youth and what it means for the future.
  • Biographies of Non-Eminent Monks: Situating Contemporary Japanese Buddhist Priests Discussion – Thursday, February 26th, 5:00 at IEAS Conference Room. Discuss the often overlooked lives of Japanese Buddhist Monks and their place in society.

JETAA D.C.

  • JASW Sushi Making Workshop – Sunday, March 8th, at Maneki Neko Restaurant. Workshop A begins at 10:00, Workshop B begins at 1:00. Come learn how to make perfect sushi rice, flawless maki rolls and some nicely shaped nigiri sushi with Chef Tao.
  • JASW Discussion: Comparing US & Japan Litigation Processes – Thursday, March 5th there will be a discussion about US and Japanese litigation laws. Do not miss the conversation about this interesting subject.
  • Nihongo Dake Brunch – Sunday, March 1st, 11:00 at the Penn Quarter Teaism. Brush up on your Japanese and catch up with friends.

JETAA Canberra

  • JETAA Oceania Logo Competition – JETAA Oceania is looking for logos. Help promote the JET Programme and embrace your creative side. Entries due by March 1st, 2009.
  • Japanese Architecture Lecture – Tuesday, February 24th, 5:30 at the James O Fairfax Theatre at the National Gallery of Australia. Paul Noritaka Tange of the Tange Institute is giving a lecture on the work of his father, noted architect Kenzo Tange and his influence on modern Japanese Architecture.
  • O-Shaberikai – Wednesday, February 25th, 5:30 at the Holy Grail in Civic. Join in and meet Japanese people living in Canberra and other locals interested in Japan.

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.


Feb 23

JETAA Florida Gets a New President

JETAA Florida has elected Tom Gregorich (Tokushima-ken, 2001-03) to be its new chapter President.  He has been the regional coordinator for the Orlando area for a couple years now and regularly travels to JETAA events around the Sunshine State.  Here’s a snippet from Tom’s platform:

I was a JET from 2001-2003 in Tokushima-ken on the beautiful island of Shikoku.  I went to Japan speaking no Japanese, and with little previous knowledge of the country, but I left three and a half years later (I stayed a bit longer after my time with JET was finished up) a permanent Japanophile.  Now that I am living in Florida I am constantly on the look out for Japan related groups and activities.  My goal for JETAA is to create a community built upon this shared enthusiasm for Japan.

Tom says he would like to set up a monthly group to get together to speak Japanese and practice.  He also mentions that for the past year fellow alum John McGee has had a monthly tsudoi, which is a little get together at Panera bread to meet and discuss ideas for JETAA over coffee and suggests continuing this tradition, with perhaps the location alternating between Orlando and Tampa, and possible Miami as well.

JetWit says welcome, Tom!  And ganbatte kudasai!


Feb 20

JETAA Philly: KyoDaiko

Via the JETAA Philadelphia subchapter:

On Friday, March 6, 2009 there will be what looks like an amazing and fun taiko performance taking place – cosponsored by KyoDaiko, a group in which Therese Stephen (fellow Philly JETAA member) is a member.  We are hoping to support this performance as a group!  Please let me know if you are interested in going, and we can hopefully arrange for a fun night out!  Please see the details below…   Thanks!

Renay & Natasha

———————————————————

http://streettalkin.com/asian-arts-initiative-and-kyo-daiko-taikoproject/

This is to let you know Philadelphia’s first community taiko group, KyoDaiko, is co-sponsoring, with the Asian Arts Initiative, a performance by Taiko Project at the Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts. We’d love it if you could support the event by coming, or by passing this information along to your friends and family!

Asian Arts Initiative and Kyo Daiko present TAIKOPROJECT in concert

Friday, March 6, 2009, 8 p.m. Read More


Feb 17

JETAA Book Clubs: D.C. Re-born

The JETAA book clubs continue to make a comeback.  JETAA DC is the most recent chapter to revive its book club, following in the footsteps of New York, Northern California and Portland.

What is your chapter’s book club reading?  And did I leave any chapters out?  Let us know in the comments section of this post.

***************

First Meeting of the Reincarnated Book Club

Hi All,

I know it is rather short notice, but I finally ironed out the details for the first meeting of the Japan themed book club.

BookBlind Willow, Sleeping Woman by Haruki Murakami– This is a collection of 24 short stories. Even if you only get chance to read a few of the stories, please join us. Read More


Feb 17

JETAA Chapter Beat 2.17.09

Freelance writer/editor Jonathan Trace (Fukuoka-ken, 2005-08) takes us on a walk around the JET Alumni community…010200d012

JETAA Northern California

  • JETAANC vs. Japan Society Victory Cup Tournament! – Saturday, February 21st, 6:30 at Serra Bowl join in the first ever JETAANC vs. Japan Society of Northern California Victory Cup Tournament. The first event is bowling, so sign up and throw some rocks.
  • March Book Club – Miyuki Miyabe’s All She was Worth is the topic of next month’s book club, so start reading and be ready to discuss. Date and time to be announced.
  • Japanese Discussion Group – Saturday, February 21st, 3:00. The topic of this month’s lecture will be Organ Transplant/Brain Death by Yuka Yokota, chairman of the Japan Nursing Student Association. Come listen in and share your thoughts. Location to be announced.
  • East Bay Nomikai Happy Hour! – Thursday, February 19th, 6:00 at Thalassa in Berkeley. It’s the third Thursday of the month and that means it’s time for some fun, drinks and friends.

JETAA Texoma

  • Happy Hour! – Tuesday, February 24th, 6:30 at the Ragin Cajun Restaurant. Don’t miss this night of fun on the bayou! Bring the kids and catch up with old friends.

JETAA New York

  • Japan-A-Mania! – Saturday, February 28th. JETAA, Big Brothers Big Sisters of NY and NY de Volunteer is hosting a day of Japanese culture and activities for NYC kids. Help out and share your love of Japan with the kids.
  • Happy Hour – Thursday, February 19th, 6:00 at The Snug. Relax and chat with friends old and new at this month’s happy hour.

JETAA Pacific Northwestjypg-logo-5-copy

  • Japan Young Professional Group Lecture – Tuesday, February 17th. The topic will be “Overcoming Intercultural Challenges to Entrepreneurship” by Dr. Ryo Kubota, President and CEO of Acucela Inc. Don’t miss this fascinating discussion about working in both Japan and the U.S.
  • International Trade Reception – Wednesday, February 25th, 5:30 at the Governor’s Mansion in Olympia. Meet Governor Christine Gregoire and members of the state legislature at this year’s International Trade Reception.
  • ZEN: Japanese Film and Lecture Series – February 26th and February 28th at University of Washington and Seattle University(respectively). Come see the story of legendary Zen Master Dogen on screen and join the discussion of his life and the film.

JETAA Canberra

  • JETAA Oceania Logo Competition – JETAA Oceania is looking for logos. Help promote the JET Programme and embrace your creative side. Entries due by March 1st, 2009.
  • Japanese Architecture Lecturetkyo-01Tuesday, February 24th, 5:30 at the James O Fairfax Theatre at the National Gallery of Australia. Paul Noritaka Tange of the Tange Institute is giving a lecture on the work of his father, noted architect Kenzo Tange and his influence on modern Japanese Architecture.
  • O-Shaberikai – Wednesday, February 25th, 5:30 at the Holy Grail in Civic. Join in and meet Japanese people living in Canberra and other locals interested in Japan.

JETAA D.C.

  • Conference on Asian Pacific American Leadership(CAPAL) Happy Hour – Wednesday, February 18, 6:00 at Gazuza. Join in and make some professional contacts or just some new friends at CAPAL.
  • Karaoke Night Out – Friday, February 20th, 9:30 at Cafe Japone. Sing and laugh with your friends at JETAA DC.

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.


Feb 15

Writing Opportunities: Sushi and Sake; JETAA Chicago

Two writing opportunities:  One for LA-based Sushi & Sake Magazine and the other for the JETAA Chicago Newsletter.

***************

Dear JET Alumni,

Greetings from the JETAA Southern California Media Coordinator (Toyama-ken, 1995-98).  I act as the liason with Sushi & Sake Magazine, a monthly publication that features a JET alumni column in each of its publications.  Sushi & Sake’s primary goal is “to introduce Japanese culture to the non-Japanese residents of Southern California with particular emphasis on cuisine, language, its business community, and geographic regions…” I am seeking JET alumni who would like to share stories about the JET experiences (in 450-500 words or less) and be featured in Sushi & Sake. This is a great way to impart one of your unique memories about your time in Japan with a broad readership. You don’t have to be a professional writer…just willing to put some words down on paper and send them to me. Please contact me with any questions and dozo yoroshiku onegai shimasu!

Sincerely,

Elizabeth White, JETAASC Media Coordinator
slo_white /atto/ msn /dotto/ com

*****************

My name is Elizabeth Friedman and I am the new editor of the JETAA Chicago’s newsletter. I would like to invite all JET alums to submit articles for the spring edition. I have listed some ideas for submissions, but feel free to send in whatever you feel would be appropriate to include in a JETAA newsletter.

The deadline for submissions is March, 20th.

Please send your articles to me at jetaachinewsletter /atto/ gmail /dotto/ com.

Submissions can include:
–Comic strips
–Restaurant reviews
–Japanese cultural activities in Chicago (music, movies, theater, art exhibits, etc…) reviews or thoughts on
–Announcements about JET alumni (marriages, graduations, jobs, etc…)
–Short stories (maybe a series–one page per issue), poetry, visual art, etc… done by JET alums that was inspired by Japanese culture
–Reflections on returning home from your JET experience

Feel free to contact me at jetaachinewsletter /atto/ gmail /dotto/ com if you have any questions.


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