CLAIR-NY Report: JETAA USA Support for Communities in Japan
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CLAIR-NY recently posted the below report, written by Senior Researcher Matthew Gillam, on its website about JETAA USA chapter activities in support of communities in Japan:
JETAA USA Support for Communities in Japan
Recent examples as of May 2012
One way that the many JET alumni chapters in the US work to stay connected to Japan is through their support for prefecture and local governments and their involvement with communities here that have links to Japan. Alumni are active in contributing to sister city and sister state relationships, assisting groups or officials visiting from Japan, helping out at events and exhibits to promote tourism and local products, and participating in kenjinkai and other Japanese groups here in the US.
Sister State & Sister City Relationships
While almost every chapter reported involvement with sister states and cities in some way, a few of the more substantive examples are mentioned here.
Even though Washington, DC, does not have a sister city itself, members of the chapter there took part in the Sister Cities International grant selection process that determined the 2011 funding recipients for SCI’s new exchange initiative, Leading Asia: Renewing the U.S. and Japan Sister City Network.
The New England chapter, in Boston, is actively looking for ways to contribute to the sister city relationships that Boston has with Kyoto, Springfield with Nanae, and Concord with Takikawa. The Kyoto connection is especially interesting because both cities share a thriving anime & manga culture. The current chapter president is also a member of the Japan-Hokkaido Association.
The New Orleans chapter helped host a delegation including the mayor and officials from their sister city of Matsue who came to participate in the annual Japan Fest, held at the New Orleans Museum of Art in January.
Attention JET alums in Hawaii: Support Requested for Hiroshima City Delegation at the Pan-Pacific Festival
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Via the Hiroshima City Government with assistance from Naomi Maki of the Japan Local Government Center in New York (aka CLAIR-NY):
A tourism promotion and exchange delegation from the City of Hiroshima is visiting Honolulu!
Purpose: Hiroshima City and Honolulu City established a sister city relationship in 1959, and over the years, they have enhanced their friendly relations through promoting peace, culture, sports, and other causes. In 2009, they exchanged delegations in commemoration of the 50 years of their sister city relationship. Also the Hiroshima Chamber of Commerce and the Honolulu Japanese Chamber of Commerce established a relationship in 1971, and last year was the 30th anniversary for them. So this year, the City of Hiroshima and the Hiroshima Chamber of Commerce are sending a delegation to Honolulu to promote tourism in Hiroshima. They will visit Honolulu by a charter flight with around 200 citizens.
Schedule: From June 7 to 12
Support Requested for Hiroshima City Delegation at the Pan-Pacific Festival in Honolulu, Hawaii
We are looking for JET alumni who worked in Hiroshima on JET, because the City of Hiroshima would appreciate any volunteers who might be able to help with their tourism promotion in Honolulu on the following dates:
*From 11:20am to 11:35 on June 9, Saturday for a stage event.
*From 3:00pm to 7:00pm on June 10, Sunday for distributing Hiroshima’s tourist information at a booth.
If you or any other JET alumni know someone who worked in Hiroshima as a JET, please share this information. If anyone is interested in this program, please contact Darryl Toma, President of JETAA Hawaii at Jetaahawaii [at] gmail.com.
And if you are interested in Hiroshima and connecting with other Hiroshima JET alumni, please join the Hiroshima JET Alumni group on LinkedIn!
Also CLAIR and the City of Hiroshima would greatly appreciate it if JET alumni could share the above information with other JET alumni.
From Naomi Maki, Assistant Director, Japan Local Government Center.
About the Pan-Pacific Festival: http://www.pan-pacific-festival.com/index.html
JETAANC Pacific Bridge: Connecting with Japanese Exchange Students through Ayusa
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By Rachel Peters (Fukuoka, 2004-07) for the JETAANC Pacific Bridge magazine. Rachel works at Ayusa International and is helping out with the upcoming Tomodachi Initiative to bring Japanese high school students to the Bay Area during the summer.
After returning from the JET program in 2007, I was eager to enter a field where I could continue to promote cross-cultural understanding, tolerance, and awareness. I was extremely fortunate to find my way into Ayusa International, a division of Intrax Cultural Exchange that brings foreign exchange students to the United States for both year-long and short-term programs.
At Ayusa, I work in our Partner and Participant Services Department, which is where I cultivate and maintain relationships with our international partners and resolve issues that arise with our students while they are in the United States. I’ve also had the opportunity to visit our branch office in Japan, travel domestically to visit our students, host families and staff, and work on a variety of projects that foster international exchange.
Working at Ayusa has been a rewarding experience for me both professionally and personally. It’s inspiring to see the impact of the work we do in the lives of our students and the families who graciously host them. This coming summer, I am thrilled about a new program that we will be facilitating here in the Bay Area—the Tomodachi Softbank Leadership Program—and feel that it would be a great opportunity available for JET alumni in the Bay Area.
Job: Japanese Speaking Sports Journalist – West London (UK) 05.22.12
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Via JETAA UK. Posted by Kay Monroe (Miyazaki-shi, 1995 -97).
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Position: Japanese Speaking Sports Journalist
Posted by: Tay 2 Productions
Type: N/A
Location: West London, UK
Salary: N/A
Start Date: N/A
Details:
Japanese speaking sports journalist – Tay 2 Productions – West London
To view details about this job vacancy visit: http://www.jetaa.org.uk/jobs/japanese-speaking-sports-journalist/
JETAA British Columbia Newsletter – May 2012
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The latest issue of the JETAABC Newsletter is now available. In the first issue of the new cycle, they talk about Sakura Days Japan Fair, the Changing Tides Silent Auction, Photohoku, and much more, directly from Vancouver!
- PDF: http://www.jetaabc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/NewsletterV17N1.pdf
- Online viewer version on Issuu.com at http://issuu.com/jetaabc/docs/newsletterv17n1
JETAABC Newsletter: An Interview with Photohoku
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By Wanda Yee (Fukui-ken, 2001-07) for JETAABC Newsletter. Wanda is the Social Media Coordinator at JETAABritish Columbia.
© Satoshi Narita
What is Photohoku and how (and why) did you become involved with this project?
Photohoku is a family photo-album building project for those affected by the events of March 11th. It’s a portmanteau blending of the words Photo and Tohoku. It was officially started on September 11th of 2011 by myself (Brian Scott Peterson) and our co-founder, Yuko Yoshikawa. We became involved in the project having collaborated on another Tokyo-based project called Tokyo Kids Photo.
Basically we go to the earthquake and tsunami affected areas of Tohoku, armed with instant cameras and instant film and find families who lost all their photos in the disaster and make new photos for them. We put those photos in a new family album for them and present that newly started album to the families. If the families don’t have a camera, we also give them a retired digital camera we’ve collected as donations from our friends and families. Finally, on subsequent trips, we print the photos from the cameras with have given and add those photos to the albums as well so they can continue them. Basically help them start their photographic lives over.
How did Photohoku evolve from being just an idea to becoming a full-on reality? Read More
A message from JETAA USA’s 3 new Country Representatives
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Each country with a JETAA chapter has the right to participate in JETAA International. Most countries have one Country Representative (or “Country Rep”) each. However, the formula for representation is one country rep for each 9 chapters. And since JETAA USA has 19 chapters, that means it has 3 country reps.
Country Reps play a large role in coordinating among the chapters in their country, which in the case of the US, has no central governing authority. (Kind of like the original 13 colonies before the Constitution, if you will.) They serve as the shepherds, facilitating the reporting and funding required between CLAIR And the chapters. However, since 3/11 the Country Reps in the US have played a significant new role, helping to organize and facilitate Japan relief fundraising and communications and helping to think about the future direction of JETAA USA along with their normal duties and obligations. This adds up to a lot of work in addition to their day jobs. So make sure to thank your CRs for all their behind-the-scenes work whenever you have a chance.
With that background in mind, here is the introduction message to the chapters from the 3 newly elected JETAA USA Country Representatives:
Hello JETAA Chapter Officers,
Melissa, Jennifer, and I would like to ‘officially’ say hello as your new Country Representatives for the 2012-2013 year. Below are some personalized greetings from us.
As always we can be reached at our JETAA USA emails:
us1.jetaausa@gmail.com – Melissa Chan
us2.jetaausa@gmail.com – Christina Omori
us3.jetaausa@gmail.com – Jennifer Butler
We look forward to a great year working with you!
MELISSA – CR1
Hello everyone! My name is Melissa Chan from JETAA Northern California and I am honored to serve as one of your JETAA USA Country Representatives with Christina and Jennifer. We are excited to continue some of the great work that Jessyca, Megan and Mike have worked on over the past year. I also plan to utilize our social media outlets (Twitter, facebook, etc.) as ways to keep all members informed of what’s happening with JETAAUSA and the various chapters. Be sure to follow us @JETAAUSA. You are welcome to contact me at us1.jetaausa@gmail.com if you have any ideas, suggestions, or want to help out! Yoroshiku onegaishimasu!
CHRISTINA – CR2
Hi everyone! My name is Christina Omori (NEJETAA) and it is my pleasure to be working with Melissa Chan (JETAANC) and Jennifer Butler (JETAAMC) as your JETAA USA Country Representatives for the 2012-2013 year. We have many exciting efforts such as the JETAA USA Relief fund, evaluating and promoting the success and value of the JET Programme, and much more. Some of the projects I’ll be working on include understanding the success and value of the JET Programme to learn where we have opportunities for improvement while providing support to our communications outlets such as the JETAA USA website and our Google Groups forum. Please feel free to reach out to me at us2.jetaausa@gmail.com for any questions or concerns or just to say hello! I look forward to a productive and successful year working with you all!
JENNIFER – CR3
Greetings! This is Jennifer Butler from the Music City JETAA chapter and I’m looking forward to working with Melissa and Christina this coming year as one of the JETAA USA Country Reps. We are dedicated to supporting all 19 US chapters as we work on national projects that will naturally require the cooperation of all of you. Yoroshiku! In particular, I’m planning to work on the Sister Cities Initiative and supporting more outreach to other community groups. If you have any ideas for this or would like to contact me about anything else of concern, just email me at us3.jetaausa@gmail.com. Thanks and here’s to a productive year!
JETAANY representing at JapanDay Central Park
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JETAANY apparently did a great job of running the Yo-Yo Fishing Tent at JapanDay in Central Park on Sunday. Minna-san o-tsukare sama!
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Video: JETAA NY featured in Fujisankei TV story on Japan Day Central Park
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Click the link below to see the Fujisankei TV video (in Japanese) about JETAA NY’s preparation for Japan Day Central Park. The video includes quotes from JETAA NY President Monica Yuki and Vice-President Kendall Murano among others.
http://www.fujisankei.com/video_library/local-news/japan-day2.php
JETAA Chicago’s Bingo Nights with Japanese Senior Living Facility
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JETAA Chicago’s Bingo Nights with Japanese Senior Living Facility
By JETAA Chicago Treasurer Thomas Osugi (Hokkaido, 2005-07)
I believe that one of the missions of JETAA is to volunteer and to help out the community at large. As much as I love eating sushi and singing karaoke, it’s always great when JETAA Chicago can give back to the community, and I just wanted to say that our alumni here in Chicago have been doing a great job!
Every month, we regularly help out at a local retirement home called Heiwa Terrace on the north side of Chicago. This place was created by a group called JASC (Japanese American Service Committee) whose mission is to help out the Japanese and Japanese-American communities. (I should mention that Heiwa Terrace is HUD-certified and abides by the rules of equal housing opportunity.)
About the event: Bingo is on the third Thursday of every month, and usually a few of us come in and help call out numbers. It’s very regular and short – in a very Japanese fashion, it promptly starts at 7 and ends at 8. When I first started, I was surprised to see so many residents – 20 or so mainly Japanese, Koreans and others, and how passionate they were about the game. There are always prizes to be won, usually very small things such as a cans of green beans, soap, shampoo, picture frames, but the most popular item is toilet paper! During the game, extra volunteers usually chit-chat, walk around and help out those who are hard of hearing. At the end a few minutes before 8, we play for a grand prize which we call “super” bingo. In order to win “super” bingo, players have to match both top and bottom row. If you can imagine, there is a fair amount of tension in the room to see who is the winner.
Volunteering at Heiwa is great because we get a chance to practice our Japanese, and for us working professionals, it’s right after work and very low stress – unless we miscall numbers (then all bets are off). Afterwards, we usually go out for dinner and catch up.
Although small, I think having this kind of regular volunteer event is great for alumni and the community and a gives a sense of reason for JETAA. I’m not sure if something like this is available in other cities, but I think it is a good model for local chapters everywhere.
JETAA Ottawa Fundraising Concert to aid Smile Kids Japan and the Tohoku Kids Project
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Via jetaaottawa.ca
JETAA Ottawa will be hosting a charity concert at the Black Sheep Inn on May 24th, 2012 to help raise money for Smile Kids Japan, and the Tohoku Kids Project.
JET Alumnus Jordan Patrick (Aichi-ken, 2009-11) will open the show with his mix of indie and modern folk music. Headlining the event will be the Hornettes who will keep the energy peaked and revive classic Motown, soul and funk sounds that will leave you sweaty and satisfied. The Hornettes formed in Ottawa in 2010, and since then have developed a loyal following of music lovers drawn to their ability to keep the dance floor moving. The band consists of two female front women, Anna and Irina, backed by a hot horn section and the classic trio of guitar, drums and bass.
A shuttle bus will be provided from the corner of York Street and Dalhousie Street at 6:30 p.m. to the Black Sheep Inn, and will return once the concert ends.
Tickets for the show and space on shuttle service are limited!
RSVP: events[at]jetaaottawa[dot]ca
Event: Smile Kids Japan Charity Concert
Date: Thursday, May 24th, 2012
Time: starting at 7:30pm (doors open at 7:00pm)
Location: Black Sheep Inn, 753 Riverside Drive, Wakefield, Quebec
Admission: $15.00 minimum donation (cash or pre-paid donations through JETAA Ottawa or Global Giving only) *bring a printed receipt of all pre-paid donations
Shuttle: $5.00 (cash/pre-purchased tickets only) – leaving at 6:30pm from the corner of York/Dalhousie St.
Hope to see you there!
JETAA Chapter Beat 5.8.12
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Jonathan Trace (Fukuoka-ken, 2005-08) takes us on a walk around the JET Alumni community for another edition of JETAA Chapter Beat.
- JBook Meeting – Monday, June 4th, 6:30 at the Japan America Society of Washington DC. Next month’s Japanese-themed book club selection is a collection of short stories entitled, Digital Geishas and Talking Frogs: The Best 21st Century Short Stories from Japan edited by Helen Mitsios.
- Kabuki Club – Sunday, May 20th, 2:00 at the Oakland Asian Cultural Center. This month’s selection is the haunting Japanese folk story, The Black Mound (Kurozuka). View a live and unique dance, and watch video performances of a Medieval Noh and Modern Kabuki.
- Hanami – Sunday, May 20th, 3:00 to 7:00 in Lyndale Park. Spend a day under the cherry blossoms this May with a potluck style picnic in the park.
- Kanna Club – Tuesday, May 15th, 6:00 to 8:00 at Wakame Sushi. Kanna club is a social networking club sponsored by the Japan American Society of Minnesota. Join in for some food, fun, and socializing.
- Japanese Groceries Club – Sunday, May 27th, 11:00 at United Noodle. Get together for lunch and some food shopping with JETAA Minnesota folks to help recreate those delicious dishes from Japan in your own kitchen.
- Natsumatsuri – Saturday, June 9th, 9:00 to 12:00. Natsumatsuri is a community-based Japanese sumer festival akin to the typical small town festivals found throughout Japan. The festival features Japanese food, traditional festival games, culture, and art. Bring out your yukata or jinbei and celebrate the summer.
- Japan Day Volunteers Needed – Volunteers are needed to help out with this year’s Japan Day in Central Park. JETAANY and the Japan Society are hosting the yo-yo Balloon Tent and need help in running the booth, greeting guests, explaining the rules of the Yo-yo Balloon game. Both morning and afternoon help is needed, so spare a day and join this fun-filled Japanese event.
- Indoor Rock Climbing Social Event – Saturday, June 9th, 3:00 to 5:00 at Hangar 18. Scale the walls and share stories with friends and alumni at this exciting event. Introductory lessons, equipment and a two hour supervised climb is included.
- Book Club – Saturday, May 19th, in the early afternoon. PNWJETAA is starting a new book club as a way to get alumni together and share stories and ideas over a bit of literature. The first section is Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy by John le Carre. Start reading now so you can contribute to the discussion.
- 10th Annual Iron Chef Competition – Saturday, May 12th. Get ready for a fun and unique cookoff that tests your skills in the kitchen. Prizes are awarded for the best side dishes, main dishes and desserts. This event is co-sponsored by both JETAA Portland and PNWJETAA, so it’s a great opportunity to meet your neighbor JET alumni.
- Opening Reception for NEJETAA Photo Exhibit – Monday, May 21st, 6:00 to 8:00 at the Logan Airport Terminal E. Susan Gil has organized a beautiful collection of photographs of Japan taken by JET alumni, and there will be an opening celebration for JET alumni and friends. Don’t miss this opportunity to see Japan through the eyes of fellow JETs.
- Strike Out Depression Bowling Charity Event – Saturday, June 2nd, at Kingpin Bowling Darling Harbor. Help support those effected by the 2011 Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami by raising funds for survivors facing mental health difficulties. Roll some strikes, get together with friends, and support this great cause.
JETAA Portland: Iron Chef 2012!
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JETAA Portland has been doing this event for 10 years now. They extended an open invite to the Pacific Northwest JETAA folks, so there’s no reason why Texoma, Chicago, and other alums can’t “jet” in for the event, deshou? And if you can’t make it, well then just start your own JETAA chapter Iron Chef event. (Make sure to let JETwit know about it, too.)
(From the JETAA Portland website)
JETAA Portland’s 10th Annual Iron Chef Competition
It’s time to sharpen those knives and dig up your best recipes as contestants, judges, and other hungry mouths gather for one of our most popular (and delicious) events of the year!
Headline from the 2010 Iron Chef event. (Click image to read the article.)
When: Saturday, May 12th
(Judging begins at Noon, prizes awarded at 1:00pm)
Where: Demaree Raveaux’s House
RSVP for directions to Gloria Jung: glo888 [at] hotmail.com
(Please respond by May 2nd and include what you plan to bring)
There are three categories for Iron Chef entries:
- Side Dish
- Main Dish
- Dessert
There will be prizes awarded to the 1st and 2nd place winners of each of the categories.
This year, we will be adding a special event. Marcus Pakiser, sake sommolier, will talk about pairing sake with food and there will be sake to sample.
We are inviting our sister chapter, Pacific Northwest JETAA to join us in this event. This is a great opportunity to meet the members from the PNW chapter of JETAA. They will be traveling from northwest locations such as Seattle to attend our Iron Chef event and using the “Tatami Timeshare” program to stay with Portland-area members. Please e-mail any questions you have.
This is a BYOB event.
JETAA Southern California fundraiser aids Smile Kids Japan efforts to support children orphaned by 3/11 disaster
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Via JETAA Southern California:
THANKS to everyone who came to the JETAASC fundraiser to benefit orphans of the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami!! Your efforts helped to raise over $800 for Smile Kids Japan, the organization founded by JET alum Mike Maher-King (Fukui-ken, 2006-11). The support is heartfelt and the cause is completely a result of JET Program Participants’ efforts. If you wanted to come but could not make it, you can read more about Smile Kids Japan and how to donate here.
New JETAA USA Country Representatives Announced
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Via Jessyca Wilcox, one of JETAA USA’s three outgoing Country Representatives. This was originally posted by Jessyca to the JETAA USA email list:
As my second year as JETAA US Country Representative comes to a close I wanted to thank all of you for your support and participation in the JETAA community. It has been an absolute joy and incredibly fulfilling experience to serve in this way. I think the goals that got accomplished and the initiatives that were put into place have all been great successes.
Although I am stepping down as Country Rep, with the establishment of the new JETAA USA Bylaws, we will have a JETAA USA Board of Advisors as of this year. I am hoping to continue to work on projects and initiatives in that capacity. I will be turning over my email address to one of the incoming Country Reps tomorrow. As I am still interested in working on JETAA projects, please use my work email address to contact me from hereon out: jet.program.denver@gmail.com If we establish email addresses for our Board of Advisors, I will certainly update you.
The incoming US Country Reps are as follows:
- Christina Omori from New England JETAA
- Jennifer Butler from Music City JETAA
- Melissa Chan from JETAA Northern California
The talents and skill sets these women bring to the organization will be extremely beneficial to the organization! Outgoing Country Reps are ensuring that the transition goes smoothly and are assisting in the appointment of the newly established JETAA USA Advisory Board. Outgoing Country Representatives are:
- Jessyca Wilcox from Rocky Mountain JETAA (CR 2010-2012)
- Megan Miller-Yoo from JETAA New York (CR 2011-12)
- Mike Shu from JETAA Northern California (CR 2011-12)
(They intend to retire to a remote beach in the Pacific islands where drinks with umbrellas in them are plentiful.)
Thank you again for all your support and I look forward to continuing to work with you all in my capacity as a member of the JETAA USA Board of Advisors.
Best,
Jessyca Wilcox
JETAA USA Country Representative (outgoing)
www.jetaausa.com
