JETAA Southeast (South Carolina Subchapter) Shinnenkai Recap
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Via the JETAA Southeast e-mail newsletter:#
JETAA/SE South Carolina Chapter Shinnenkai Recap
South Carolina Sub-Chapter holds first event
By Daniel Stone
Saturday, January 24th, 2009
Clemson, SC– With several small and informal gatherings with alums meeting separately, JET alums residing in South Carolina finally met everyone under the same roof.
Clemson University’s Roderick International House was the site of this year’s Shinnenkai. Four South Carolina JETs and one Georgia JET were joined by ten other “Friends of JET”. This group ranged from a Japanese expatriate from Kyoto working in Greenville as a sushi chef, a German businessman who works in Greer, a Japanese grad school student from Fukui, a TESOL instructor from Seneca, a Japanese translator working for a textile company in Gaffney, a Personal & Business Coach from Greenville, and several undergraduate Clemson students that were interested in learning more about the JET Program.
“Back in 2007, Lee Ferrell and his wife, Cheryl, met me Greenville. We ate at a Korean restaurant on Woodruff Rd. The meeting was very Read More
Know a Newsletter Editor: Mark Frey – JETAA Northern California
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Mark Frey (Kumamoto-ken, 2002-06) has served as the Newsletter Editor for JETAA Northern California since 2007. But how did he find himself in this position? And what else do we know about this man who has been entrusted not only with JETAA NC’s news needs but with with responsibility for a small child as well? JETAA Chicago’s Elizabeth Friedman (profiled in the previous edition of Know a Newsletter Editor) decided to get to the bottom of things, and this is what she learned.
Residence: Beautiful Lake Merritt neighborhood of Oakland, California
Job: Marketing Manager, MIG, Inc.
What he does all day at work: Write proposals, dream about Japan
How he found his job: Website for the Society for Marketing Professional Services (professional society for my field of work)
Job he would really like to be doing: Teaching!
First job after JET: Marketing Manager, MIG, Inc.
How he ended up as the Newsletter Editor: Was asked at a weak moment after about the 5th kanpai at a JETAA shinnenkai. Read More
JETAA Chapter Beat 2.10.09
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Freelance writer/editor Jonathan Trace (Fukuoka-ken, 2005-08) takes us on a walk around the JET Alumni community…
- Japan-A-Mania! Planning Session – Thursday, February 12th, 7:00 at Financier Cafe. Come get the details for the event and make suggestions for new activities.
- 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. Time and location to be announced. Stay tuned!
- Kodo Taiko Concert – February 17th at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
- 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.
- 2009 JET Programme Volunteers – February 18th, 19th and 20th, 9:00-5:00. The Detroit Consulate General of Japan is looking for JET alumni to help give interviews for 2009 JET Programme hopefuls. Come give a little back to the JET Programme.
- 2008 JET Returnees Reception – Friday, February 20th at the Consulate General. Meet the newly returned and reflect on times past at this year’s Returnees Reception. There’s only enough room for the first 20 ex-JETs, so don’t delay.
- Family BBQ – Saturday, February 21st, at Kings Park(dates and locations tentative). Come to this family event and share in some tasty barbecue and friendly conversation.
- Kaiwa! – Thursday, February 12th, 5:30 at 43 Below. Hang out with old friends and practice Japanese with new ones.
- Comittee Meeting – Tuesday, February 17, time and details to be announced.
- JETAANC vs. Japan Society Victory Cup Tournament! – Saturday, February 21st, 7:00 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.
- Transcending: The Wat Misaka Story – Saturday, February 14th, 1:00 at the JCCCNC Nisei Community Hall. Come see a screening of Transcending: the Wat Misaka Story, a documentary about the first Asian American professional basketball player.
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.
Elizabeth Friedman (Shimane-ken, 2003-04) recently took over the role of Newsletter Editor for JETAA Chicago. But how did she find herself in this position? And what else do we know about this woman who Chicago’s JET alums have entrusted with such informational responsibilities? JetWit decided to get to the bottom of things, and this is what we learned.
Residence: Chicago, IL
Job: Sales representative at Nippon Steel Sales and part-time Asian Art History Instructor at Triton College
What she does all day at work: Listen to people complain about why their steel has, or has not, been shipped
Job she would really like to be doing: I would like to Read More
JETAA Chicago’s New Newsletter Editor
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JetWit sends a shout out to JETAA Chicago’s Elizabeth Friedman (Shimane-ken, 2003-04) who has just begun her tenure as the new Newsletter Editor for the chapter.
Taking over Newsletter duties can be a daunting task, so if you want to help her get started, feel free to get in touch and contribute to the JETAA Chicago Newsletter.
Here’s her intro message:
Dear JET alums,
My name is Elizabeth Friedman and I am the new editor of the Chicago JETAA 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.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth Friedman
JETAA Chapter Beat 2.2.09
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Freelance writer/editor Jonathan Trace (Fukuoka-ken, 2005-08) takes us on a walk around the JET Alumni community…
- 2009 JET Programme Interview Volunteers Needed – Wednesday, February 11th through Thursday, February 19th. The Consulate General of Japan is looking for JET Alumni to help serve as interview registration assistants.
- San Francisco Nomikai – Thursday, February 5th, 6:00 at Cafe de Soleil. Join in for the first Nomikai of the year down in the Lower Haight.
- Japanese Discussion Group – Saturday, February 7th, 3:00. The topic this week is “Surveillance Society.” Come debate whether or not CCTV is hurtful or harmful to the freedoms of society.
- 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.
- Greeters Needed in JET Program Office – February 13, 17, 18, 19 and 20th, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 at the Consulate General of Japan in New York. Two volunteers needed to greet applicants for the 2009 JET Programme. Come down and give back to the JET.
- 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 Subchapters – Announcing three new JETAA New York Subchapters: Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and New Jersey. They are always looking for new members and new events, so join up today.
- JETAA Florida Elections – Have a hand in the future of JETAA Florida and submit your name to become an officer. Openings range from Webmaster to President, so make sure to sign up by February 15th.
- Kimono Exhibition – Sunday, February 8th, at the Ringling Museum in Sarasota.
- World Heritage Photo Exhibition – February 9th through the 20th in the University of South Florida College of Business Atrium. 31 photos of world heritage sites in Japan will be on display so do not miss it.
- FLUID Pub Night – Wednesday, February 4th, 6:30. Two for one on bottles of Asahi and free edamame. Don’t miss this chance to sit back and join your friends at Fluid.
- Annual Ski Trip – February 7th and 8th, Devil’s Head Ski Resort in Merrimac, WI. Hit the slopes with JETAA Chicago and have some winter fun at the 3rd biggest ski resort in the Midwest.
- Kodo Taiko Concert – February 17th at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
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 Pacific Northwest Bounenkai Photos
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JETAA Pacific Northwest recently held its bounnenkai which apparently included a trivia game contest. Photos from JETAA PNW’s Treasurer/Webmaster Shun Endo can be seen on the JETAA PNW site at the link below.
Hi Alumni,
I hope everybody is staying positive in this unstable economy. Reach out, get support, and maintain hope! You’re not alone.
I finally got around to posting the pictures that I took at the PNW JETAA Bounenkai. There are a lot of fun pictures, including a nice group shot! check them out!
http://www.pnw. jetalumni. org/?p=549
Shun
Lend a hand for the JETAA NY Quarterly Magazine Stuff ‘n Mail
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Justin Tedaldi (CIR Kobe-shi, 2001-02) is about to publish the first issue of the JETAA NY Quarterly Magazine (f/k/a the “Newsletter”) under his new tenure. Come out and help, hang with other JET alums and support a JETAA NY activity.
WHAT: JETAA NY Stuff n’ Mail for the winter 2009 “New” issue of JETAA NY Quarterly
WHERE: Japan Local Government Center, 3 Park Ave. (at 34th Street), 20F
WHEN: Wednesday, Feb. 4, after 6:00 p.m.
WHY: Officially, to help stuff envelopes and mail them to your fellow JETs. But also…
-To get a first-hand look at our “New” issue, now rebranded as a magazine
-To enjoy free free pizza and drinks at the JLGC’s new location
-To chill out with other JETs and take the party over to Caliente Cab Co. for an informal nomikai (488 Third Avenue and corner of 33rd Street). Margaritas and Central American beer the house specialty.
-For the truly dedicated, a chance to hear about potential assignments already planned for our next spring issue, so you can write the really cool stories!
HOW?
RSVP with Justin at magazine /atto/ jetaany /dotto/ org before the end of Tuesday, Feb. 3 to ensure the right amount of pizza for all.
SEE YOU THERE!
JETAA NY Shinnenkai Photos
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Last Friday, January 23, JETAA NY hosted yet another terrific shinnenkai at Naniwa, the only place in town we know of that has a big tatami room. 34 people gathered for tabehodaishabu-shabu and nabe along with nomihodai beer, sake and shochu. Old JETs, new JETs and everywhere in-between JETs were all represented. O-tsukare sama to JETAA NY Social Coordinator Monica Yuki for organizing the whole shebang. Also, special thanks to professional translator Kia Cheleen (CIR, Aichi-ken 1996-98, ALT 1998-1999) for providing yummy baked goods for everyone to take home with them.
*Special post-party treat: Seeing Cindy Hoffman looking fabulous in her gown at the nearby Waldorf-Astoria Hotel for a high-falutin’ Australia Day event.
See all of Monica’s photos here. Samples are below.
17th Annual JET Programme Essay Contest (reminder)
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Via Sacha Battrick, the JET Liason at CLAIR-Tokyo.
CLAIR is now taking submissions for the 17th Annual JET Programme Essay Competition. We welcome submissions from both current and former JET participants, and there are some great prizes up for grabs.
Full details here: http://www.jetprogramme.org/e/news/essay%2009.html
JETAA Chapter Beat 1.26.09
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Freelance writer/editor Jonathan Trace (Fukuoka-ken, 2005-08) takes us on a walk around the JET Alumni community…
- Book Club Discussion of Yukio MIshima’s After the Banquet – Wednesday, January 28th, 6:00 at the Samovar Tea Lounge in Yerba Buena Center. Whether you’ve read the book or not, come join in the discussion at the first meeting of the Book Club.
- 2009 JET Programme Interview Volunteers Needed – Wednesday, February 11th through Thursday, February 19th. The Consulate General of Japan is looking for JET Alumni to help serve as interview registration assistants.
- Economic Earthquakes: Conversation with Yasumasa Nagamine, Consul General of Japan – Wednesday, January 28th, 5:45 at USF Lone Mountain Campus. Explore the economic future of Asia and the world during the current economic crisis.
- Shinnenkai – JETAA Pacific Northwest will be hosting their late “Shinnenkai” in early March to kick off 2009. This family-friendly “shinnenkai” combines the ever popular chapter governance issues and annual officer elections with a cultural presentation and lots of delicious food. Stay tuned for more details!
- 2009 Washington State High School Japanese Speech Contest Volunteers Needed – Thursday, March 26th at McEachern Auditorium, Museum of History & Industry. Help out the community and meet new people by volunteering at this fun and educational event.
- Sakura Matsuri Volunteers Needed – The annual Sakura Matsuri in DC is on April 4th this year and they are looking for volunteers to help with the performing arts team. Work with musicians, dancers and martial artists and be a part of the festival.
- Multicultural Festival 2009 – Saturday, February 7th JETAA Canberra will be running its beer and gyoza stall at the festival. If you have free time come down and help out at this year’s event.
- Japan Festival in Sydney – Saturday, February 14th, 12:00 to 8:00 at Darling Harbour. JETAA Sydney is helping to organize this year’s event so be sure to come over and share in the Japan-related festivities.
- 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.
- 2008 JET Returnees Reception – Friday, February 20th at the Consulate General. Meet the newly returned and reflect on times past at this year’s Returnees Reception. There’s only enough room for the first 20 ex-JETs, so don’t delay.
- Family BBQ – Saturday, February 21st, at Kings Park(dates and locations tentative). Come to this family event and share in some tasty barbecue and friendly conversation.
- Kimono Exhibition – Sunday, February 8th, at the Ringling Museum in Sarasota.
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.
Kimono Exhibit at Ringling Museum (Sarasota, FL)
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Via JETAA Florida:
There is a Kimono Exhibition at the Ringling Museum in Sarasota until February 8th. http://www.ringling.org/Exhibitions_Kimono.aspx?id=274
JETAA Chapter Beat 1.11.09
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Freelance writer/editor Jonathan Trace (Fukuoka-ken, 2005-08) takes us on a walk around the JET Alumni community…
- January Volunteer Event – Saturday, January 24th, 8:30 to 12:30 come out to Kipp DC: Will Academy and volunteer with 5th, 6th, and 7th graders in the Saturday School Community Service Program.
- Inauguration Coat Checker – January 18th – 20th. Want to check coats for the upcoming presidential inauguration? Sign up for a part time job as a coat checker in downtown DC hotels over the weekend.
- JETAADC Happy Hour – Wednesday, January 14th, 6:00 to 8:00 at Cafe Asia. Drop on in for the first Happy Hour of 2009! Special guests from several Asian related organizations will be in attendance so bring your business cards.
- 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.
- Celebrate Asia Concert – Friday, January 16th, 6:00 at the S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium Benaroya Hall. Get your tickets to this inaugural benefit concert event celebrating classical music and other Asian cultural performances.
- Shinnenkai – Saturday, January 14, 6:00 at Restaurant Peony. Food, games, and prizes! Celebrate 2009 with old friends and new.
- 2009 Japan in the Gobal Economy Lecture – Thursday, January 15, 6:00. Join the discussion with Dr. Hugh Patrick and Dr. Takeo Hoshi on the topic of Japan’s financial future after the economic downfall of 2008.
- The Future of Democracy in Northease Asia Lecture – Tuesday, January 20, 5:30 at the World Affairs Council of Northern California. Explore the political landscape of Asia and the challenges democracy faces in the future.
- 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.
- 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.
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 Pacific Northwest: Japan Young Professionals Group Shinnenkai!
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Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Japan Young Professionals Group Shinnenkai
Includes appetizers. ~Cash bar~
restaurant or at the Public Market parking garage one block away.
Registration Deadline: Monday, January 19
Film maker seeks info on Japan
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Via JETAA UK:
Hello JETAA members,
Below is an email from Joe Johnson from Plum Pictures:
‘I work as a researcher for Plum Pictures, an independent television production company, and we are currently making a documentary film for the BBC about festivals and food in Japan, specifically the Inazawa Hadaka Matsuri (Naked man festival) and the Nakizumo (baby sumo wrestlers). I am currently trying to find out as much as I can about the history, meaning and significance of these festivals and about Japanese foods from Nagasaki and Inazawa. I am also interested in finding out more about the conflict between the ancient and the modern in contemporary Japan and where we can visualise this for the purpose of the film.’
If anyone has relevant experiences of either of these festivals, places or foods and would like to help Joe then please email him before Fri 16th of Jan joej@ hattrick. com.
Thanks,
Anne Grieve
JETAA Chair
