Review by Eden Law (ALT Fukushima 2010-2011), from the 20th Japanese Film Festival in Australia. Currently president of JETAANSW, and Country Representative for Australia.

‘After the Storm’ featured as the opening night film for the 20th Japanese Film Festival (JFF) nationally in Australia. This slice-of-life episode in a family’s story is another wonderful example of Kore-eda’s skillfull storytelling of the dysfunctional family dynamic. Where other films in this genre might occassional use confrontational arguments for conflict and drama, or cynically exploit these conflicts for comedic effect, Kore-eda adds a deeper emotional layer of melancholy and gentleness that makes his characters sympathetic, for all their faults and questionable motives.

Abe Hiroshi plays Ryota, a one-hit wonder author who has been trying to come up with his next novel for almost 15 years, while working as a seedy private detective, scraping together cash by blackmailing clients and rummaging through the belongings of his mother, Yoshiko (Kiki Kirin) for things to pawn for cash. Ryota is the very picture of a dead-beat dad – barely able to pay child support, he still wastes it all on gambling, even when his increasingly exasperated ex-wife, Kyoko (Maki Yoko) threatens to cut off access to his son, wise-beyond-his-years Shingo (Yoshizawa Taiyo). His sister (Kobayashi Satomi) is similarly at the end of her patience with Ryota, although like their mother, she is indulgent with the once-bright star of their family.

The storm in the movie title is a typhoon that maroons the fractured family together at Ryota’s mother’s apartment, forced into a temporary reunion that delights Yoshiko and Shingo, but creates an uncomfortably close and intimate situation for the former married couple. In this small space, emotions and memories, both good and bad, emerged, but it also provides a chance for much-needed frank discussion, not just between Ryota and Kyoko, but between all the characters.

‘After the Storm’ isn’t as concerned about a conventional resolution storyline, but rather about the interaction and tension of family (or ex-family) connections. In bringing out the complexities of these interactions, the actors do a superb job: Abe is able to show the vulnerabilities of his character to create someone who is not a total jerk – an immature man-child yes, but someone who feels his sense of failure constantly, and desperate not to screw up with his son, which is the only thing he hasn’t destroyed yet in his life. Maki plays Kyoko as a direct contrast with Ryota – tense and upright in her bearing, determined to firm with her feckless ex-husband, but also to suppress whatever feelings she may still have for him. Kiki completely delights as the sassy mother to Abe’s Ryota in a mother-son dynamic that is done with such ease and naturalness that it is one of the highlights of the film; and ultimately she proves to be the wise and emotional core of the film, understanding all too well how her son’s faults have caused things to end up the way they have. And paired with Yoshizawa’s Shingo, the actors provide some of movie’s most emotionally affecting moments, as Shingo’s simple and honest sensitivity provides much-needed empathy and compassion for his neglected grandmother.

Enjoyment of ‘After the Storm’ lies in experiencing the truths to be found in the conversations of Kore-eda’s script, and while no fairy-tale ending is to be found, ends with the possibility of reconciliation (not in the conventional sense) and hope.

After the Storm (Umi Yorimo Mada Fukaku) by Hirokazu Kore-eda, released May 21, 2016, starring Abe Hiroshi, Kiki Kirin, Maki Yoko, Yoshizawa Taiyo, Ikematsu Sosuke, Lily Franky, Kobayashi Satomi, Hashizume Isao.

WIT Life is a periodic series written by professional Writer/Interpreter/Translator Stacy Smith (Kumamoto-ken CIR, 2000-03). She starts her day by watching Fujisankei’s newscast in Japanese, and here she shares some of the interesting tidbits and trends along with her own observations.

Along with ramen and sushi, sake is a part of Japanese food and drink culture that is ubiquitous here in New York.  But as someone who spent the majority of my time in Japan in Kyushu, I sometimes wonder why shochu doesn’t get its fair share of the acclaim.  Down there shochu is the go-to drink, and since 90% of domestic production takes place at distilleries in Kyushu it is known as Shochu Island.

So I was thrilled when Japan Society asked me to interpret at its first ever event showcasing shochu, Distilled, Not Brewed: Discovering Shochu.  The main speaker was Shinichiro Watanabe, CEO of Kyoya Shuzo and Chairman of the Committee on Shochu Planning at the Japan Sake and Shochu Makers Association.  His presentation on shochu was for the uninitiated, and highlighted aspects of this distilled liquor such as its history, cultural significance and health benefits.

To breakdown the basics of Watanabe’s presentation, the main way that shochu differs from sake is that it is distilled as opposed to brewed.  Sake is made from rice whereas shochu can be made from ingredients such as sweet potato, barley and rice.  The ingredient is determined by what Read More

Ryan Hata (Tottori-ken, 2014-Present) AJET National Council Director of Alumni Relations: Ryan is in his second year on the AJET National Council and first as the Director of Alumni Relations. He works alongside Rachel Brisson (AJET National Council Director of Alumni Resources ) and members of JETAA International (JETAA-I) to strengthen the relationship between former JETs, current JETs, and Japan. Ryan helps to keep you up to date with JETAA events around the world. If you have a specific event that you would like promote, please do not hesitate to contact him by email at ryan.hata@ajet.net or his Linkedin profile. 

As fall comes and goes in Japan, many people are starting to have indoor activities and events. The biggest change has been the type of food available for purchase. We’re now starting to see oden and nabe sold at conbinis and local shops. Check out if the cooler weather is sparking indoor eating events in your local JETAA community.

1. JETAANC

Volunteer Info Pizza Party

When: November 2nd, 6 pm-7 pm PDT 
Where: 3 Embarcadero Ctr, San Francisco, CA 94111-4034, United States

**Can’t join in person? Watch remotely on this event page via FB Live Video!: https://www.facebook.com/events/225248887889284/?%3Fti=ia **

Enjoy some free pizza and snacks while learning about our chapter’s many volunteer opportunities for JET alumni and friends. Whether you have only a little time to volunteer or a lot, we can match you with the right opportunity to fit your passions, talents, and time constraints.

We are looking for help with our social, cultural, career development, and scholarship programs; chapter operations, including communications/social media, IT, and membership; and activities supporting the JET Program.

Volunteering for JETAANC is a great way to “give back” to Japan while learning new skills and working with a talented, fun team to make a big impact in our community. It also looks great on your resume to have worked for a major 501(c)(3) NPO!

Register here: https://jetaancvolunteerinfo.eventbrite.com/

Agenda:
6:00 – Registration & networking
6:15 – Intro to JETAANC & volunteer opportunities
6:30 – Q&A and volunteer sign up
7:00 – Networking Nomikai at nearby Crystal Jade (4 Embarcadero Center)

Location:
3 Embarcadero Center
20th Floor
San Francisco

JETAANC’s Volunteering page: http://www.jetaanc.org/activites/volunteering/

Photo from JETAANC’s Facebook event

2. JETAA Wellington

November Meeting

When: November 3rd, 5:30 pm NZDT
Where: 18F, Majestic Centre, 100 Willis street, Wellington, New Zealand 6011

It’s that time when JETAA Wellington are having our monthly meeting again. Come and join us to discuss what we’ve been up to and what we are going to be up to in the coming months.

November will be a busy month, with the Photo Contest and Exhibition in full swing, as well as the Japan Festival on November 26. Lock in your chance to work on the Taiyaki stall, or see how else you can get involved in these events and much more just by coming along! We hope to see you there!

Photo from JETAA Wellington’s Facebook event

3. JETAA Ottawa 

25th Annual Soiree

When: November 3rd, 7 pm-9pm EDT
Where: 110 Laurier Avenue West, Ottawa, ON, Ottawa, Ontario K2P 2L7

Join JETAA Ottawa, alumni, and the public as we celebrate 25 years of JETAA in Ottawa. This year’s Networking Wine and Sushi will be replaced by a swanky celebratory soiree that boasts the same AYCE / AYCD wine, sake, and snacks as in previous years but this year will also host a VIP keynote speaker, a representative from the Embassy of Japan, and live entertainment.
The event runs from 7-9pm
Jean Pigott Hall, Ottawa City Hall
Tickets are $20 (EARLY BIRD PRICE) and will go up on October 27th. Get yours today!
Dress: Business or National Dress

Photo from JETAA Ottawa’s Facebook Page

4. JETAA Portland

Resume Writing Workshop

When: November 3rd, 6 pm-8pm PDT
Where: 2223 NE Alberta St. Portland, OR

Recently returned from JET and need a little help with your job search? Join our Resume Writing Workshop!

To help you find your new job the JET Alumni Association of Portland is putting together a resume workshop for new returnees. This is a great chance for you to work with our JET Alumni and get your resume ready to send out to those potential employers and recruiters. This will be a working session to help you take your resumes and cover letters from rough draft to final edition. By the end of the session you will have met some new faces, put together your resume, created a version of your cover letter, and will be ready to move forward in your job search.

When: Thursday, Nov. 3rd, 6:00pm – 8:00pm

Where: Townshend’s Tea (2223 NE Alberta St. Portland, OR) – find us in the basement at one of the big tables!

What to bring: Your current resume and cover letter, a list of your accomplishments on JET, a list of previous employers, writing and note taking materials.

Also considering bringing: Character references, business cards, and a laptop if you would prefer to work digitally.

RSVP: Contact Michael Richey if you’re interested in joining or if you have questions.

 

Photo from JETAA Portland’s website

5. JETAA Vic/Tas/SA

JET Programme 30th Anniversary Cocktail Celebration

When: November 4th, 7 pm AEDT
Where: 23 South Wharf Promenade, Melbourne, Australia 3006

Let’s celebrate 30 years of JET!

It’s time to get classy and dress up for JETAA Vic/Tas/SA’s biggest event of the year, a cocktail night commemorating 30 years of the JET Programme!

Hosted a stones throw away from the ocean edge, this evening will see people from all walks of life, touched by JET, come together to celebrate the many friendships built through the programme over the years.

We hope you can make it to this truly special event! Make sure to spread the word to former JETs you know who may not have received information about this event. We would love as many JETAA members to attend as possible!

WHEN: Friday November 4th, 7pm ~

WHERE: The Boatbuilders Yard, The Decks Private Room, 23 S Wharf Promenade, South Wharf VIC 3006

COST: $15 for members and non-members, including 2 hrs of canapés and various drinks

RSVP: Must be received by Thursday 10am October 27th at rsvp@victassa.jetaa.org.au. Please contact us again if you do not receive a reply within 48 hours.

Hope to see you there!

— From your friends on the JETAA Vic/Tas/SA Committee

 

 

Photo from JETAA Vic/Tas/SA’s Facebook event page

6. JETAAUK

London Karaoke and Pub Social

When: November 4th, 6 pm-11pm GMT
Where: 37-38 Great Marlborough St, London, W1F 7JFUnited Kingdom

Our third social with a twist! We will be meeting at O’Neill’s in Carnaby Street for the usual pub socialising. A space has been reserved from 6pm. As usual, look out for the JETAA sign and the hinomaru flag.

For those who would like to re-live the fun of belting out some tunes in a room full of fellow Karaoke lovers, we have made reservations at Adanami from 7 – 9pm. We aim to meet at the pub and head to the venue for 7pm, alternatively, you can make your way to the venue directly and meet us outside.

In true Japanese style, the venue is pretty small so unfortunately there are only 10 tickets available. Get yours ASAP to avoid disappointment. But don’t worry if you can’t get a ticket there is a waiting list which you can add your name to so you will get priority for our next Karaoke social.

The Karaoke venue is BYOB so feel free to purchase something before hand, we will also be making a pit stop enroute to the venue.

This is a great chance to re-connect with other JETs and friends and get natsukashii about your experiences in Japan whilst networking and meeting new people. Share your sempai wisdom with the recently returned JETs or get to know those who have been back for a while longer. Friends of JETs are are also very very welcome, so feel free to invite anyone even if they weren’t a JET.

Details

Date:

Nov 4

Time:

18:00 – 23:00

Cost:

£10.50

Website:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/karaoke-at-adanami-tickets-28763661887

 

Photo from JETAAUK’s website

7. PNWJETAA

Transitions

When: November 5th, 9 am-4:30 pm PDT
Where: 3710 Montlake Blvd NE, Seattle, WA 98195, United States

Whether you’ve just come back from Japan, or have recently moved to the Pacific Northwest or are considering trying something new, it’s time to figure out what your next move will be:  Job? Grad School? Volunteering?

 

Get ideas and advice as well as network in order to put your next plan of action into motion!  PNWJETAA has a great program lined up for whichever direction you are planning to go next!  Although this event will be open to the public, it was originally created to serve the needs of our members like YOU!

 

 Transitions: Opportunities Forum & Networking Expo!

Saturday, November 5th from 9:00am – 4:30pm

University of Washington, Waterfront Activities Center

3710 Montlake Blvd., Seattle, Washington 98195

Please visit the Transitions Site for updates and full details

 

Reserve your space TODAY with these two simple steps:

•       Purchase your ticketHERE(http://transitions2016.brownpapertickets.com/)
•       Complete the Participant Survey: (http://transitions.pnwjetaa.org/?page_id=90)

 

Admission includes:

• Key Note Presentation on “How to Parlay The JET Experience In the Real World”
• Presentation on “Being Competitive in the Japanese Company Job Market” – from a recruiter’s perspective
• Small group discussions: LinkdIn Tips & Best Practices; Careers using Japanese Language Skills, Creating Balance, Continuing Education Options.
• Individual resume reviews
• Profile headshots by professional photographer
• Networking Expo: Meet one-on-one with today’s presenters as well as local community, grad school program & business representatives.

If you are not yet a registered member of PNWJETAA, be sure to register with PNWJETAA(http://pnwjetaa.org/registration-2/registration/) in order to purchase the discounted Transitions Ticket!

 

Photo from PNWJETAA’s Website

8. JETAA Wellington

Welcome Back 2016 Returning JETs

When: November 6th, 2 pm-5 pm NZDT
Where: 3710 Montlake Blvd NE, Seattle, WA 98195, United States

As my final event as the Kiwi JET Coordinator, I am hosting a “Yaki Food Fiesta” of Okonomiyaki and Takoyaki at my house in Tawa (only 15mins from the city by train or car) on Sunday afternoon and really hope you can make it along to welcome the 2016 Returning JETs back to the friendly JETAA Wellington Community.

Our country Rep will be in Japan for the 30th anniversary celebrations that weekend so it is great timing for us to celebrate vicariously with her and an awesome way to share some delicious food with great people. BYO drinks but JETAA Wellington will provide all yummy okonomiyaki and takoyaki!

Please click “going” on the event if you are able to make it so we can be sure to get enough ingredients Friends, family, plus ones welcome, just let me know when you RSVP :)

I will message everyone who is coming a few days before the party with my house number (and my cellphone just in case) but Roy Street is only a 5-8minute walk from Tawa Train Station (take the Kapiti line from Wellington for 15minutes) – Hope to see you there!

Please note that the Embassy will still organise an official Welcome Back (which have been running at the Ambassador’s Residence each year since 2014) for the 2016 Returning JETs but due to the Japan Festival in November this won’t be until February this year so this is a great chance for a more timely and slightly less formal Welcome Back :)

 

Photo from JETAA Wellington’s Facebook event page

9. JETAA Music City

JETAA Potluck

When: November 6th, 12 pm-4 pm CST
Where: 2500 West End Avenue, Nashville, Tennessee 37203

The weather is finally cooling off and that means it’s time for our annual Nashville Japan Potluck! Music City JET Alumni
Association welcomes everyone to come join us for delicious food, great fun, and the chance to meet amazing people!
Food and games will be provided, however the fun of a potluck is getting to share your favorite dishes with new friends!

 

Photo from JETAA Music City’s Facebook event page

10. JETAA Chicago

JETAA Chicago Member Meeting 

When: November 7th, 6:30 pm CST
Where: 659 W Diversey Pkwy, Chicago, Illinois 60614

On Monday, November 7th, JETAA Chicago will have its monthly member meeting.

The meeting’s location will be Next Door Chicago on Diversey. It will not be at Mitsuwa. (But that photo is from our Survivor Series, which you can learn about!)

This meeting will be the introduction of the new board for the 2016-2017 year. Come learn about the new leadership and let us learn what you want out of JETAA this year!

We gladly welcome returnees and alumni alike.

A light dinner is provided to all who attend. Let us know if you have any food allergies or avoidances. This time we will be buying food from Next Door. They savory and sweet crepes, coffees and teas as well.

There may be a nomikai afterwards for those interested.

Email info@jetaachicago.com with any questions or any items you would like to add to the agenda. We are looking forward to seeing you!

 

Photo from JETAA Chicago’s Facebook event page

11. JETAADC

JETs@State Briefing and Reception

When: November 10th, 4-5:30 pm EST
Where: 2201 C St NW, Washington, DC 20520

** To register, please email professionaldevelopment@jetaadc.org with “RSVP JETs@STATE EVENT” and your name in the email subject line by Friday, Nov 4, 5pm. Please note that space is very limited and will be offered on a first come, first serve basis. **

Please join us for a special, combined event between JETAADC and JETs@State with a special guest in the Delegates Lounge at the U.S. Department of State. Stay tuned for updates!

 

Photo from JETAADC’s website

12. JETAANY

Narrow Road to the Deep North

When: November 10th, 7-10 pm EST
Where: 333 E 47th St, New York, New York 10017

After consulting the I Ching, it has been determined that our next read will be THE NARROW ROAD TO THE DEEP NORTH, the 2014 Man Booker Prize-winning novel by Richard Flanagan.

The book tells the story of Dorrigo Evans, an Australian doctor haunted by memories of a love affair and his subsequent experiences as a prisoner of war. Taking its title from 17th-century haiku poet Basho’s travel journal, the novel is epic in form and chronicles an Australian century, with one horrific day at its heart on the Burma Railway in August 1943. Encompassing the post-war lives of Japanese and Korean prison guards as well as Australian Far East Prisoners of War, the novel deals both with the effects of war and the many forms of love.

The JETAANY Book Club is open to anyone with an interest in Japan and a love of reading. Please join us for a casual, nonjudgmental discussion!

Bring $3-5 for pizza; soda will be provided but snacks/dessert/wine for sharing is welcome.

RSVP/Questions via Facebook or by emailing bookclub[at]jetaany[dot]org

 

Photo from JETAANY’s Facebook event page

13. JETAA Toronto

Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival

When/Where: November 10th, 7 pm EST at 6 Garamond Ct, North York, ON M3C 1Z5,

November 11th, 6:15 pm EST at 350 King St W, Toronto, ON M5V 3X5, Canada

JETAA Toronto is proud to be co-presenting two, that’s right two films at this year’s Reel Asian Film Festival! Now in its 20th year! #ReelAsian20

This year, we co-present to you…

MY DAD & MR ITO お父さんと伊藤さん
(November 10th at the JCCC. 7pm)

TSUKIJI WONDERLAND 築地ワンダーランド
(November 11th at the TIFF Bell Lightbox. 6:15pm)

Two different, but well received Japanese films I feel should appeal to you fine JETAA members.

Please see the attached posters/promotional images, and absolutely stay tuned in the coming days for the trailers, even more information, promo codes for many films at the festival, and even the chance to win some tickets to the co-presented films! That’s right, free tickets could be yours all for reading the very wall you’re reading right now.

Check out the links below for more information on the festival, and I hope to see some of you out there at the movies!

Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reelasian
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reelasian/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/reelasian

 

Photo from the Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival’s Facebook page

14. JETAA Chicago

Career Development Workshop

When: November 12th, 2 pm CST
Where: 222 Merchandise Mart Plz, Ste 1212, Chicago, Illinois 60654

Come learn from like-minded professionals at our annual Career Development Workshop.

Theme: Telling your JET story for the career you want.

We will have former JETs speaking on their current careers, how to update Linkedin profiles, and most importantly, how to tell your JET story for the career that you want. We will have a keynote speaker, and people from the fields of translation, international business, non-profit work and more!

**If you are from out of state, be sure to let us know in advance. We can reimburse for some of the costs of travel.

Supported by USJETAA and the Sasakawa USA

Be sure to register via our guestlist website. This will help with food and setup: https://guestlistapp.com/events/435612

 

Photo from JETAA Chicago’s Facebook event page

15. Great Lakes JETAA

Monthly Meet-up

When: November 13th, 1 pm EST
Where: 5200 Woodward Ave, Detroit, Michigan 48202

Our monthly meet-up will happen at the DIA in November! We will check out the “Detroit After Dark” exhibition. This photographic exhibit includes architectural studies, street scenes and graffiti, as well as some of Detroit’s famous night haunts, like jazz club Baker’s Keyboard Lounge, the legendary Grande Ballroom, and punk and garage rock venues such as Bookie’s Club and the Gold Dollar. We will meet at Cafe DIA in the lower level. GLJETAA will have a special DIA gift for all alum that attend! Hope to see everyone next month!

 

Photo from the Great Lakes JETAA Facebook event page

16. JETAA Rocky Mountains

Board Game Day 

When: November 13th, 2 pm MST
Where: 1710 S Broadway, Denver, Colorado 80210

Hey all, do you love boardgames, atari, and dare I say knitting? Then join JETAA Rocky Mountain at Grandma’s House on November 13th.

This quirky bar really does feel like your grandparents place, and is lined wall to wall with board games, atari, and an N64 – Come be dorky with us for an afternoon at Denver’s coziest bar.

And of course for our more recently returned JETs, feel free to bring any job announcments, cover letters, or resumes you’d like to have checked over.

 

Photo from JETAA Rocky Mountain’s Facebook event page

17. JETAAMN

November Happy Hour

When: November 16th, 6-9 pm CST
Where: 1900 Marshall St NE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55418

Hello everyone!

Come and join us for drinks, food and fun at our November Happy Hour event on Wednesday, November 16th. This time, we will meet at Psycho Suzi’s Motor Lounge (www.psychosuzis.com) in Northeast Minneapolis. This is a great chance to catch up with old friends and make new ones.

Everyone is welcome!

 

From JETAAMN’s Facebook event page

18. JETAADC

A Night of Ramen II

When: November 19th, 5 pm EST
Where: Rhode Island Ave NE, Washington, DC (address will be released only to those who sign-up AND pay).*

The Ramen Returns

Autumn is upon us, and that means the craving for heart and soul warming food intensifies. How better than to sate this craving and also relive your Japan culinary experiences right here in Washington, DC?Joshua Beatty (CIR, Saga 99-01) has generously agreed to once again open up his home for a Night of Ramen. Josh spent the last several years studying traditional and new styles of ramen in Japan, as well as developing his own unique flavors that appeal to both Japanese and America palettes.

Join JETAADC on Saturday, November 19th as he dishes up a variety of ramen, a talk on the history and evolution of ramen, and his own personal experiences.

The ramen featured during the night will be Tonkotsu-based, but a vegetarian option (note: not vegan) will also be available. Please contact JET Talks directly to let us know of any food allergies, and we will do our best to accommodate you.

During the evening, Josh will demonstrate how to make garlic chili oil, an important condiment in Kyushu-style ramen. There will also be a 3 oz jar of garlic chili oil for each attendee to take home.

 

---

Date: Saturday, November 19
Time: 5:00 PM until last ramen serving
Cost: $15
Location: Rhode Island Ave NE, Washington, DC (address will be released only to those who sign-up AND pay).**

**Please note that, due to Safe Track surge #10, Rhode Island Avenue and other stations from Fort Totten to NoMa will be closed. The venue is accessible to Uber, Lyft, taxis and local bus lines, and parking is also available street-side and in a school parking lot across the street. Capital Bikeshare is also close by within 3~4 blocks of the venue.

Due to limited space, we’ll be accepting the first 20 people who sign up and pay. After that we’ll have a wait-list going if people have to drop out (contact JET Talks Chair Stephanie Sanders:jettalks@jetaadc.org). Also feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need to cancel your RSVP.

Sign-Up Here!

 

Photo from JETAADC’s website

19. JETAA Toronto

Kiln You Softly

When: November 19th, 12:30-3:30 pm EST
Where: 50 Rolark Drive, Toronto, Ontario M1R 4G2

!! The much anticipated ceramics workshops are here !!
Secret Teatime, run by Helen Kong and Sorlie Madox offers ceramic workshops at varying levels, where you can make bowls, teacups, plates or teapots. JETAA kindly offers this event with reduced pricing so it’s a great opportunity to support this ceramic studio and try your hand at this beautiful art form.

Due to popularity and limitations on the number of participants allowed, this event sold out the past few years. If you are interested, please RSVP as soon as you can!

The workshops will be offered on Saturday November 19th and Sunday November 20th.

Sat Nov 19:
12:30 – 3:30 Bowls & Cups – $55 ($35 for JETAA) max # of participants: 8

4:30 – 7:30 Slab Plates – $55 ($35 for JETAA) max # of participants: 6

Sun Nov 20:
1:00 – 6:00 Teapots – $90 ($70 for JETAA) max # of participants: 4

Location:
50 Rolark Dr.
Scarborough, ON
M1R 4G2

RSVP: Amy Uyeda – amyritsuko@gmail.com

 

Photo from JETAA Toronto’s Facebook event page

20. JETAA South Island

J-Kaiwa Language Exchange

When: November 23rd, 7-10 pm NZDT
Where: 371 St Asaph Street, Christchurch, New Zealand 8011

Come along to J-Kaiwa! This free event will allow you to spend time speaking in both Japanese and English. Meet new people and enjoy a fun quiz to win prizes.

Doors open 6.30pm, event starts 7pm so come in early and grab a drink and snack from the awesome bar!

All welcome, please bring your friends!

 

Photo from JETAA South Island’s Facebook event page

Thank you for your continued understanding and support in helping promote the JET Programme. The JET Programme Video Contest, which CLAIR held to create a platform for JET Programme participants and alumni to utilize their unique insight to discover and share the hidden charms of Japan’s local regions, has finally come to an end and the winners have been decided. From all over Japan, over 50 videos were submitted in the Autumn/Winter Edition of the contest and 57 videos in the Spring/Summer Edition, making the total 107 videos submitted over the 11 month period.

We would like to thank everyone who assisted in submitting videos to the contest and raise awareness about this project among the JET community.

The 10 award winners of the contest, announced today, will be recognized for their achievements at the JET Programme 30th Anniversary Commemorative Ceremony, scheduled to be held Monday, 7 November, 2016.

Watch Winning Videos

JET Programme Video Contest Winners
First Prize: “Ekin Kabuki Festival, Akaoka, Japan” – Alexander Barnett (Kochi Prefecture)
Most Voted Video Award*: “THIS IS JAPAN” – Rochelle Mighty (Toyama Prefecture)
Best Idea Award: “A Gourmet Tour of Aomori” – Sooyoung Park (Aomori Prefecture)
PR Award: “Tanegashima This is Our Island” – Emily Rose Eisemann (Kagoshima Prefecture)

Best of Season (Spring/Summer) Award:
“Kagura in the Shimane Highlands” – Sarah Laverty (Shimane Prefecture)
“Definitely More Fun in Hiroshima – Kitto Motto Tanoshii Hiroshima” – Arum Jung (Hiroshima Prefecture)

Best of Season (Autumn/Winter) Award:
“Senri no Michi mo Ippo Yori (Little by little, one goes far)” – Aaron Jones (Oita Prefecture)
“Nishiizu, My Little Sunset Town by the Sea” – Dana Nyberg (Shizuoka Prefecture)

Special Judges’ Award:
“The Kotatsu Train of Iwate” – Amada Wayama (Iwate Prefecture)
“Tonneru wo Nukeru to Soko wa Hare no Kuni de atta” – Edouard Brena (Okayama Prefecture)

*The Most Voted Video Award was selected by vote from general viewers on the contest’s website.

Dr. Mitsuko Okamoto, Professor at the Graduate School of Film and New Media at the Tokyo University of Arts and Chair of the Contest’s Panel of Judges, commented on behalf of the panel, saying “…I was moved to see that JET participants truly understand and enjoy the tradition, culture, and variety of seasons of Japan, and that they proactively make efforts to interact with those around them and become part of their respective communities. The videos in this contest are a great endorsement of the JET Programme, of the regions they feature, and of Japan itself.”

CLAIR hopes to utilize the videos submitted in the contest to contribute to the revitalization of Japan’s local regions as well as raise awareness of the activities of JET Programme participants and the JET Programme itself.

 

By Eden Law (ALT Fukushima 2010-2011), reporting from Sydney, Australia.

The Japanese Film Festival (JFF) in Australia is the largest Japanese-themed film festival in the world, travelling around the major cities in Australia as well as several regional towns. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the festival, which started in 1997 in North Sydney. As Margarett Cortez, JFF Program Coordinator (at Japan Foundation in Sydney) describes, it has expanded in size and scope, from 3 films, to offer a schedule that now boasts over 40 works, and is a touring festival that covers all the major Australian cities and some regional towns. Some films in the JFF will even have their first world premier during the festival, showing in the same week as when they open in their domestic market (such as Night’s Tightrope and Sanada Ten Braves). The original film festival was the vision of festival director Masafumi Konomi, and while he has moved on from helming the festival, he continues to be involved from Tokyo, ensuring the quality of films that Australian audiences currently enjoy.

Proper 20th anniversary celebrations will kick off in Sydney, the original home of JFF. The Sydney leg will open on 17th November with After the Storm, from legendary director Hirokazu Kore-eda, in a family drama about a deadbeat father given a chance to reconcile with his estranged wife and child. Following the opening film, the celebrations begin with a reception at Sydney Town Hall, with live music, and a special guest appearance by Yukiko Mishima, whose film Night’s Tightrope, a dark coming-of-age story of two girls with an obsession with death, is one of the highlights of the festival. Other events are planned as the festival unfolds, with live music in both Sydney and Melbourne (the latter at the ACMI cafe and bar).

JFF offers something in a wide variety of genres. Ms Cortez recommends the two-parter Chihayafuru – a live-action adaptation of the popular manga and anime series and a “sports” film of sorts, as it is based on competitive karuta, a Japanese card game that has seen a revival due to the popularity of the films. Dramas make a strong showing this year, apart from the aforementioned After the Storm, there is Nagasaki: Memories of My Son, about a grieving mother who reminisces with the spirit of her deceased son about life and loss – this is Japan’s entry to the foreign film category in this year’s Oscars. Creepy, the latest from Japan’s leading horror director Kiyoshi Kurosawa, is a psychological thriller about a neighbour that gets too close for comfort, while at the opposite end of the spectrum, step into the bizarre (or hilarious, depending on your taste) world of the panty-equipped superhero, Hentai Kamen, who returns in the sequel HK2: The Abnormal Crisis (lead actor Ryohei Suzuki seems to be contractually obliged to bare flesh in his films these days). In the documentary genre, Tsukiji Wonderland, filmed in the last year of operation of the famous Tokyo fish marketplace, is a behind the scenes look at how this institution operated for almost 80 years.

There are far more noteworthy films than can be properly described here – but what is certain is that lovers of Japanese films will be more than satiated with the quality and quantity of films available. To keep up to date as the festival opening dates draws near, go to the website (http://japanesefilmfestival.net/) or follow on various social media (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram).

WIT Life is a periodic series written by professional Writer/Interpreter/Translator Stacy Smith (Kumamoto-ken CIR, 2000-03). She starts her day by watching Fujisankei’s newscast in Japanese, and here she shares some of the interesting tidbits and trends along with her own observations.

I was in Japan on business for most of September, and while there I caught up on dramas, variety shows and news programs.  One special feature I saw talked about recent trends in 打ち言葉 (uchi kotoba) or Internet slang that was born from cell phone communication.  For example, perhaps the most well known uchi kotoba is あけおめ (ake ome), taking the place of the more formal 明けましておめでとうございます (Akemashite Omedetou Gozaimasu) or Happy New Year.  Such language is said to be 内輪 (uchiwa) or inner circle, and knowing how to use it indicates you are part of a group.

Some new incarnations that I found interesting were よきよき (yoki yoki) for いいよ （ii yo), or “Sure/That’s fine.”  It actually reminded me of the Kumamoto-ben よかよか (yoka yoka) with the same meaning, which I would hear often while living there on JET.  One abbreviation I liked was り or りょ (ri or ryo), both short for 了解 (Ryokai) or “Understood/Gotcha.”  Another way of conveying a similar sentiment is おけ (Oke) for “Ok,” though this doesn’t seem to make it easier to write.  These uchi kotoba are constantly evolving, and who knows how far they will go…

 

Ryan Hata (Tottori-Ken, 2014-Present) AJET National Council Director of Alumni Relations: Ryan is in his second year on the AJET National Council and first as the Director of Alumni Relations. He works alongside Rachel Brisson (AJET National Council Director of Alumni Resources ) and members of JETAA International (JETAA-I) to strengthen the relationship between former JETs, current JETs, and Japan. Ryan helps to keep you up to date with JETAA events around the world. If you have a specific event that you would like promote, please do not hesitate to contact him by email at ryan.hata@ajet.net or his Linkedin profile. 

Autumn is upon us in Japan and with autumn, brings the gorgeous phenomenon: the change of leaf colors. Since moving to Japan, I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing the changing of colors from green to yellow, orange, and red. Check out what events are happening around the JETAA community. Perhaps there’s some fall outdoor events for chapters in the northern hemisphere.

1. JETAA USA National Conference in Los Angeles

2016 JETAA National Conference
Hosted by JETAA Southern California

When: September 29th ~ October 2nd
Where: Double Tree by Hilton-120 S Los Angeles St, Los Angeles, CA 90012, United States

The conference will be held at the Double Tree by Hilton in the historical district of Little Tokyo in downtown Los Angeles. A great thank you to JETAASC for pulling out all the stops and organizing the hotel venue, dining sites, and evening events for this year’s conference!

We invite two delegates from each JETAA Chapter to attend. We recommend sending delegates that will be continuing as leaders and play active roles with your chapter in 2016/2017

(all times are tentative)
Thursday 9/29: Welcome Reception at 6pm hosted by USJETAA
Friday 9/30: Conference 8am – 6pm & Evening Reception hosted by Consul General
Saturday 10/1: Conference 8am – 6pm & Evening Reception hosted by CLAIR
Sunday 10/2: Conference 8am to 12pm, followed by optional local activities

 

Photo courtesy of JETAAUSA.com

2.  JETAANY

Pub Trivia Night

When: October 3rd, 7 pm-10 pm EDT
Where: Stone Creek Bar and Lounge-140 E 27th St A, New York, NY 10016, United States

Hey everyone!

Mark your calendars, it’s trivia time! Do you have the intellectual fortitude to reign supreme as the JETAA trivia master? Do you know the air-speed velocity of an unladen swallow? Prove it! Join us as fellow JET alum and this year’s host Wade Binneboese (Aomori represent!) tests your knowledge on everything from Japan to pop culture, and mix it up with other alumni over good food, good drinks, and great company. There may also be an interactive category for the truly witty, and amazing* prizes for the best teams! Sign up soon, and we’ll see you there!

*Cats not included*

COST: $10 to play and for light appetizers; order drinks and food a la carte from waitstaff. Happy hour is good through 8 pm – special for us! Pay athttp://jetaany.org/2016/09/11/1003-jetaany-pub-trivia-night/

Stone Creek Bar & Lounge
140 East 27th street (btwn Third and Lexington) http://stonecreeknyc.com/

We have a private room in the back!

Happy hour is until 8 pm (only for us!). Meet at 7:00 pm to make team, Game starts at 7:30.

Teams will be up to you, but team size will be determined by turnout, so the more who come, the more you can have on your team!

Email social@jetaany.org with any questions.

 

PC: From the JETAANY Facebook event page

3. JETAA Chicago

October Meeting

When: October 3rd, 6:30 pm CDT
Where: 325 N. LaSalle, Suite 775

On Monday, October 3rd, JETAA Chicago will have its monthly board meeting.

The meeting’s location will be at 325 N. LaSalle, Suite 775, so pencil the date in your diary.

Please confirm attendance by noon on 10/3 so we can register them at the front desk, and everyone will need a photo ID.

This meeting is the big one, we will celebrate a successful year with our current board of officers before we elect new people into roles.

If you are interested in running for a position do email info@jetaachicago.com for more details, or visit http://jetaachicago.com/archives/officerelections.

We gladly welcome returnees and alumni alike.

A light dinner is provided to all who attend. Let us know if you have any food allergies or avoidances.

There will be a nomikai afterwards.

Email info@jetaachicago.com with any questions or any items you would like to add to the agenda.

 

PC: From JETAA Chicago’s Facebook event page

4. JETAANC

SF Networking Nomikai

When: October 6th, 6 pm-7:30 pm PDT
Where: Crystal Jade Jiang Nan-Embarcadero Center, 4 Embarcadero Center, Lobby Level, San Francisco, CA 94111, United States

Join alumni and friends at our San Francisco Networking Nomikai (happy hour)! Crystal Jade has great happy hour specials and if it’s nice out come find us on the back terrace with beautiful views of the Ferry Building and Bay Bridge!

Come out, make new friends, and catch up with old ones. This is a great chance to do some networking in a fun, casual setting. Everyone is welcome!

Look for alumni with red JETAANC lanyards. Or print out this mini JETAANC table sign so people can find you! Just fold in half and then fold the bottom of each side into a base to make a standing “triangle”:
http://bit.ly/Xedg5s

JETAANC’s SF Networking Nomikais are held on the first Thursday of every month, so mark your calendar!

**Please drink responsibly.**

 

PC: From JETAANC’s Facebook event page

5. JETAA NSW

10th Inoue Yasushi Award Ceremony and Japanese Culture Program

When: October 7th, 6 pm-8 pm NSW
Where: The University Of Sydney – Charles Perkins Centre D17, The University of Sydney Johns Hopkins Drive Camperdown NSW 2050 Australia

The 10th Inoue Yasushi Award Ceremony and Japanese Culture Program is held at the Charles Perkins Auditorium Centre at the University of Sydney.

Inoue Yasushi is one of Japan’s most revered and awarded figures in Japanese literature, a highly prolific writer of poetry, essays, short fiction, and novels. In 2006 (Australia-Japan Year of Exchange), the Inoue Yasushi Award was established at the University of Sydney by the Inoue Yasushi Memorial Foundation/Inoue Family and Masanori Ohtani in Sydney to encourage research and researchers of Japanese Literature in Australia and NZ. Certification and Prize will be awarded to the winners chosen by the Selection Committee of The University of Sydney. The Program introduces Inoue Yasushi’s life, his works and his days, Silk Road, history of China and Japan since the 6th century with beautiful music, pictures and films and reading of his poems and stories.

This is a free event, so book early or enquire at inoueyaward@gmail.com.

6. JETAANC

JET Welcome Back Reception and Nomikai

When: October 7th, 6:30 pm-8 pm PDT; 8:15 pm- 10 pm PDT
Where: The Consul General’s Residence (2700 Vallejo Street, San Francisco CA 94123); Lion Pub (2062 Divisadero Street, San Francisco, CA 94115)

Who: This is for JETs returning in the last three years
What: Official Welcome Back Reception
Where: The Consul General’s Residence (2700 Vallejo Street, San Francisco CA 94123)
When: 6:30 to 8:00
Dress: business casual
Separate RSVP Required:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe14YOiuhGqnQU4peJf-kM9xIgx8xb2M7bc0mhrXMC_G9qQOg/viewform?c=0&w=1

JET alumni and friends are all invited to welcome back the 2016 JET returnees! Come by to share stories, advice, memories, and smiles!
Look for people with the red JETAANC lanyards, possibly a small JETAANC sign.
The nomikai will be at Lion Pub (Divisadero Street and Sacramento Street), about a 10-minute walking distance from the Consul General’s residence.
When: October 7, 2016
Time: 8:15 pm – 10:00 pm (Feel free to hang out earlier or later!)
Where: Lion Pub (2062 Divisadero Street, San Francisco, CA 94115) [Near Welcome Back Receptions]
How to get there: Buses 1, 2, 22, 24, and 38 will get you close to Lion Pub
Note: Pub may be busy, and there are no reservations. So, feel free to come early! Some of us will get there at 8:15 pm from the Consul General’s residence!

RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2016-jetaanc-welcome-back-nomikai-registration-27398666148

7. JETAAUK

NW Manchester Welcome Back Party!

When: October 8th, 7 pm-9 pm BST
Where: Samsi Manchester-36-38 Whitworth St, Manchester M1 3NR, United Kingdom

October is when we in the North welcome back our recently returned brethren. This year we will be holding two separate events in both Liverpool and Manchester where we will eat, drink, reminisce and carouse and help our new returnees recover from reverse-culture shock with some Northern hospitality! This is a great way to introduce new ex-JETs the wider JETAA North West community. Partners/friends/ adorable plushies are as always welcome but in case of number limitations, priority will be given to ex-JETs.

Saturday October 8th 7pm-9:30pm at the Little Samsi in Manchester City centre (hosted by Charles)
(http://www.samsi.co.uk/samsi-manchester.htm )

A six minute walk from Manchester Piccadilly train station or ten minutes from Manchester Piccadilly bus station.

Please RSVP Lorna at nwevents@jetaa.org.uk by October 1st for Manchester and October 15th for Liverpool. If you miss the deadline, you may still be able to squeeze in, so please message! (And of course attending both is fine too!)

 

PC: JETAAUK’s Facebook event page

8. JETAANY Philadelphia Sub-chapter

Philly Yukata Bar Crawl

When: October 8th, 1 pm EDT
Where: Bars in Philly TBD

Couldn’t make the NYC Yukata Bar Hop? Looking for an excuse to wear your super stylish yukata or jinbei one more time before it gets too cold? The Philly JET Alumni Association will be hosting a bar crawl and all JETs and friends of JETs are invited.

Dress in your yukata/jinbei or your however you’d like to represent yourself for a good walkabout the city! Locations to be announced, friends welcome. Celebrate the last of robe weather!

 

PC: JETAANY Philadelphia Sub-chapter’s Facebook event page

9. JETAAMN

JET Returnee Dinner

When: October 8th, Time TBD
Where: Place TBD

On Saturday, October 8th,JETAAMN will be welcoming home newly returned JETs with a Returnee Dinner. Former JETs, family and friends of former JETs, or any others interested in joining us are welcome! More details will follow soon, so please watch ourFacebook, Twitter, and your email inbox for more information.

10. GLJETAA

Yates Cider Mill Meetup

When: October 9th, 1 pm EDT
Where: Yates Cider Mill-1990 E Avon Rd, Rochester Hills, MI 48307, United States

The scenic beauty at Yates Cider Mill is ideal for a relaxing stroll, an afternoon picnic, or simply a quiet moment at the river’s edge while enjoying a Cider Mill treat. You name it, it’s your memory waiting to be made! For an enjoyable Michigan afternoon, visit Yates Cider Mill!

http://www.yatescidermill.com/

 

PC: From GLJETAA Facebook event page

11. JETAA Rocky Mountains

Second Sunday: Board Meeting and Networking Nomikai

When: October 9th, 12 pm-3 pm MDT
Where: Fort Collins Brewery & Tavern-1020 E Lincoln Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80524, United States

Come one, come all, to October’s Second Sunday Board Meeting and Networking Nomikai, or should I say, Norikai?! Grab a bike and a helmet and join us for pedals and pints in Fort Collins where we will pedal our way through town sampling the delicious drinkable fare.

Board Meeting @ Fort Collins Brewery and Tavern: 12 PM-2 PM
Networking Norikai @ Odell Brewing Company*: from 2:05PM

*Our pedals and pints adventure starts at Odell’s, but feel free to drop in to the Board Meeting at FCB beforehand. Bring your own bike or grab one at the bike share station. Check out http://bike.zagster.com/fortcollins/ for the specifics to ensure a stress-free riding experience.

If you need a ride or want to carpool, post to this event and we’ll get it figured out!

 

PC: From JETAA Rocky Mountain’s Facebook event page

12. JETAANC

East Bay Networking Nomikai

When: October 13th, 6 pm-7:30 pm PDT
Where: B-Dama ビー玉-907 Washington St, Oakland, California 94607

Join alumni and friends at our monthly East Bay Networking Nomikai (happy hour)! We are heading back to B-Dama in Old Oakland, near 12th Street BART, 12 minutes from SF. B-Dama offers real-deal Japanese izakaya food and drinks, including $5 Asahi on tap:
http://www.asbdama.com/

Come out, make new friends, and catch up with old ones. It’s a good chance to develop your network. Everyone is welcome!

Look for alumni with red JETAANC lanyards. Or print out this mini JETAANC table sign so people can find you! Just fold in half and then fold the bottom of each side into a base to make a standing “triangle”:
http://bit.ly/Xedg5s

JETAANC East Bay Networking Nomikai are held the second Thursday of every month, so mark your calendars!

**Please drink responsibly.**

 

PC: From JETAANC’s Facebook event page

13. JETAA Ottawa 

Welcome Back Pub Night

When: October 15th, 7:30 pm-10:30 pm EDT
Where: Clocktower Brewpub Byward Market 89 Clarence, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 5P5

Join your fellow alumni and recently returned JETA at the Byward Clocktower Pub as we get all natsukashiiiiiii and dish about our lives pre, during, and post-Japan. Get and give insight and advice at our annual “okaeri” event. RSVP to events@jetaaottawa.ca today.

 

PC-From JETAA Ottawa’s Facebook event page

14. JETAANY

Career Forum

When: October 15, 3 pm-6 pm
Where:Nippon Club-145 West 57th street

On Saturday, October 15, we are hosting our annual Career Forum at the Nippon Club. The event is focused on educating JET alumni on how to market their skills from Japan in order to find their next career opportunity. Whether you want to stay in teaching, use Japanese in the workplace or do something totally different from JET, then this event is perfect for you.

Date: Saturday October 15th

Time: 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Location: Nippon Club (145 West 57th street)

RSVP: ONLINE by Wednesday, October 6th.  To attend this FREE event we ask all attendees to fill out a form about your career interests to we can best help you grow professionally

Questions: Contact Wendy at social[at]jetaany.org or David at treasurer[at]jetaany.org

Schedule: 

3:00 – Doors open, registration, networking

3:30 – Welcome Remarks

3:35 – Writing Resumes for Results session

4:00 – Interviewing with Confidence session

4:25 – Break

4:40 – JET Alumni Panel Discussion with Q&A

5:10 – Wrap up

5:15 – Introduce Japanese recruiters

5:20 – Break-out sessions: Meet recruiters & JET Alumni

5:50/6:00 – End

We look forward to meeting you at an upcoming JETAANY event!

 

PC: From JETAANY’s Featured News and Events section on its website

15. GLJETAA

Cedar Point Trip

When: October 15th, 7 am EDT
Where: Cedar Point 1 Cedar Point Dr, Sandusky, Ohio 44870

Between out two great states we have some stellar day trip locations, one of them being Cedar Point! So all you rollercoaster lovers out there be sure to sign up for this event! (It will also be Halloweekends season!!)

If you’ve got a bit of a drive to the park, we encourage carpooling!

 

PC: From GLJETAA Facebook event page

16. JETAAUK

NW Film Trip ‘Kubo and the Two Strings’

When: October 16th, 12 pm-3 pm BST
Where: The Printworks 27 Withy Grove, M4 2BS Manchester, United Kingdom

Missing anime but feeling too lazy to test out your Japanese? Say no more!
Kubo and the Two Strings is a new, beautiful stop-motion animation from Laika Studios (Coraline). Set in feudal Japan and drawing inspiration from Eastern traditions and folklore and receiving glowing reviews so far, it looks the perfect balance of 可愛い (kawaii) and怖い (kowaii).

JETAA North-West is proposing meeting on Saturday October 15th/Sunday 16th EITHER at the Liverpool Vue Cinema or at the Printworks in Manchester city centre to enjoy the film and maybe grab lunch/dinner (unfortunately precise film times are not available this far in advance).

Whichever venue seems to be the most popular is the one we will go for, so please RSVP Lorna (nwevents@jetaa.org.uk ) by October 10th and we will confirm times and meeting spots! (If you cannot make the date but would still like to see the film, please message with another date and if we have enough demand we may reschedule).

 

PC: From JETAAUK’s Facebook event page

17. JETAA Rocky Mountain

Returnees Dinner

When: October 20th, 6 pm-8 pm 
Where: Address and directions to be sent to participants upon registration

2016 Retuners Dinner at the Denver Consular General’s Residence:

If you are a newly returned 2016 Alumni, you will receive a formal email from the Denver Consulate. Other Alumni, please read on:

We have 10 spots open to Alumni who would like to come and meet the newly returned 2016 JETs. This event requires an RSVP.

A huge congratulations to Katrina Barnas for starting up JETAA Mexico! Please read the following message from Katrina and pass this information to anyone you may know working or living in Mexico:

Know any JET alum in Mexico? JETAA Mexico is just fresh and new and would love to see who is out there. We have a Facebook closed group – JETAA Mexico. Please pass the word and have people contact me (Katrina Barnas) directly if they are having trouble getting access to the group. Gracias y Arigato!

 

Ryan Hata (Tottori-Ken, 2014-Present) AJET National Council Director of Alumni Relations: Ryan is in his second year on the AJET National Council and first as the Director of Alumni Relations. He works alongside Rachel Brisson (AJET National Council Director of Alumni Resources ) and members of JETAA International (JETAA-I) to strengthen the relationship between former JETs, current JETs, and Japan. Ryan helps to keep you up to date with JETAA events around the world. If you have a specific event that you would like promote, please do not hesitate to contact him by email at ryan.hata@ajet.net or his Linkedin profile. 

As new JETs are settling into their towns, cities, and prefectures in Japan, outgoing JETs are trying to get accustomed to life back in their home countries. Take a look at the JETAA events for September with particular emphasis in welcoming back returning JETs.

1. JETAANC

JETAANC SF Networking Nomikai

When: September 1st, 6-7:30 pm PDT
Where: Crystal Jade San Francisco-Embarcadero Center, 4 Embarcadero Center #1, San Francisco, CA 94111, United States

Join alumni and friends at our San Francisco Networking Nomikai (happy hour)! Crystal Jade has great happy hour specials and if it’s nice out come find us on the back terrace with beautiful views of the Ferry Building and Bay Bridge!

Come out, make new friends, and catch up with old ones. This is a great chance to do some networking in a fun, casual setting. Everyone is welcome!

Look for alumni with red JETAANC lanyards. Or print out this mini JETAANC table sign so people can find you! Just fold in half and then fold the bottom of each side into a base to make a standing “triangle”:
http://bit.ly/Xedg5s

JETAANC’s SF Networking Nomikais are held on the first Thursday of every month, so mark your calendar!

**Please drink responsibly.**

 

PC: JETAANC Facebook Event Page

2. JETAA Auckland

Fukuoka Day

When: September 3rd, 10 am-4 pm NZST
Where: Auckland Town Hall-Queen St, Auckland 1010, New Zealand

Come join JETAA Auckland as we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Sister City relationship between Fukuoka and Auckland.

 

 

3. JETAA Canberra 

Father’s and Children’s Day BBQ and Activities 

When: September 4th, 11 am-2 pm AEST
Where: Canberra Nara Park-Yarralumla ACT 2600, Australia

JETAA Canberra invite families with an interest in Japan to a BBQ and activities to celebrate Japanese Children’s Day (or its Southern Hemisphere equivalent) and Australian Father’s Day. There will be competitions, prizes and activities on the day.

We hope to see a great turnout so please spread the word!

! Sausages BBQ and Drinks provided

! $5 per family. JETAA members and family are free

! Dress in theme to win prizes

! Kids vs Parents soccer game

RSVP (for catering purposes) to social.coordinator@jetaacanberra.org

 

PC: JETAA Canberra’s Facebook Event Page

4. JETAA Chicago

JETAA Chicago September Meeting

When: September 6th, 6:30 pm CDT
Where: Japanese Information Center Chicago-737 N Michigan Ave #1000, Chicago, IL 60611, United States

On TUESDAY, September 6th,, JETAA Chicago will have its monthly board meeting. PLEASE NOTE THE CHANGE OF DAY!

The meeting’s location will be at the Japanese Information Center downtown, so pencil the date in your diary.
We will be discussing our returnee picnic, career development workshop and the all important elections which will take place at the October meeting.

If you are interesting in just how JETAA works and think you’d like to be involved then do come along! We gladly welcome returnees and alumni alike.

There will be a nomikai afterwards.

Dinner is provided to all who attend. Let us know if you have any food allergies or avoidances.

Email info@jetaachicago.com with any questions or any items you would like to add to the agenda.

 

PC: From JETAA Chicago’s Facebook Event Page

5. JETAANOLA

September 1st Wednesday

When: September 7th, 6:30 pm- 8:30 pm CDT
Where: The Big Cheezy Mid City-422 1/2 S Broad Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119, United States

Because who doesn’t want a grilled cheese made out of mac & cheese? Seriously.

 

PC: Megan Geeck’s event page for JETAANOLA

6. JETAA UK

Tales of Ise with translator Peter MacMillan

When: September 8th, 6:45 pm BST
Where: The Swedenborg Society-20-21 Bloomsbury Way (Hall entrance on Barter St)
London WC1A 2TH

Was it you who came to me,
or I who went to you?
I cannot tell.
Was I awake or sleeping?
Was it real, or just a dream?

Written by multiple authors over a period of approximately one hundred years, The Tales of Ise is one of the most famous and important works of Japanese literature. Consisting of 125 poem tales loosely based on the life of the hero, Narihira, a model lover of the Heian period, they evoke a world in which beauty and refinement are a way of life. Covering such themes as love, friendship, and delight in nature – these lyrical episodes combine great elegance with a subversive, experimental wit. This groundbreaking and brilliant new translation brings out the sophisticated humour and playfulness of the original, which has inspired Japanese art and literature for a millennium. In this talk the translator, Peter MacMillan, will introduce the audience to the pleasures of the Tales and the challenges of translating it.

Copies of Tales of Ise will be available on the night at the reduced price of £7.50 (usual price £10.99). Payment will be cash only.

Peter MacMillan is a prize-winning translator, scholar, poet, and artist. He was born and grew up in a part of the Irish countryside surrounded by more horses than people. He graduated first in his class from the National University of Ireland, University College Dublin, and then went on to take an M.A. in philosophy and a Ph.D. in English literature. He spent two years as a Visiting Fellow at Princeton, Columbia, and Oxford universities.

MacMillan is currently a Visiting Professor at Kyorin University and also teaches at The University of Tokyo. A citizen of both Ireland and Britain, he has lived in Japan for over twenty years and strives to be a bridge between Japan and the world. His artist name is Seisai.

In addition to creating prints, MacMillan is also a poet and translator. His translation,One Hundred Poets, One Poem Each (Hyakunin Isshu), was published in 2008, winning prizes in both Japan and the United States. He recently completed an English translation of the Tales of Ise (Ise Monogatari), to be published by Penguin in 2016. He has also published a collection of poetry, Admiring Fields.

MacMillan serves as a Councilor of the National Federation of UNESCO Associations in Japan.

To reserve your place, please call the Japan Society office on 020 3075 1996 or email events@japansociety.org.uk or submit the online booking form.

 

PC: From the Japan Society UK page

7. New England JETAA

JET Sushi Making and Language Exchange

When: September 8th, 6:00 pm- 7:30 pm EDT
Where: Showa Women’s Institute-420 Pond St, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130, United States

Free Language Exchange and Sushi Making Night with Japanese College Students (all Japanese levels welcome). Take turns practicing Japanese and English, while making sushi. Maybe even find a JLPT study buddy!

***Due to limited capacity, this event will be for JET alums and Showa students only.***

RSVP Deadline: Friday, September 2!!!! (select “attending” by midnight on Friday, or email Dan at president@nejetaa.com)

Transportation& Parking: There will be shuttles running from Reservoir Station (Green Line – D) to Showa Boston at the following times: 5:40 pm/ 6:50 pm.

For the return, there will be shuttles running from Showa Boston to Reservoir Station at the following times: 6:40 pm / 7:40 pm/8:40 pm. Free parking is available on campus.

If you have any questions, email Dan Lowe at president@nejetaa.com.

Thank you!

 

PC: NEJETAA Email

8. New England JETAA

JET Welcome Back Happy Hour

When: September 10th, 5:00 pm- 7:00 pm EDT
Where: Cornwall’s-654 Beacon St, Boston, MA 02215, United States

NEJETAA would like to invite you to a welcome back party for new and current JET alumni. JETs, friends of JET, and those interested in learning about JET are all welcome. Let’s raise a glass and kanpai for all of our great stories and experiences gained from JET on Saturday, September 10 at 5pm. Come share your experiences, meet recently returned JETs, friends of JET, and JET alumni in New England to see what everyone is up to after JET.

Deadline to RSVP: Thursday, September 9

 

PC: NEJETAA Facebook Event Page

9. JETAA MBSK

JETAA MBSK Annual General Meeting

When: September 10th, 4:00 pm- 5:00 pm CDT
Where: Japanese Cultural Association of Manitoba-180 McPhillips Street, Winnipeg, MB R3E 2J9, Canada

It’s that time again! We will be holding our Annual General Meeting at the Japanese Cultural Association of Manitoba at 180 McPhillips. We will discuss our plans for the following year. This is open to all alumni of JET in Manitoba and Saskatchewan (including those who have finished their contracts and have returned home). Refreshments will be offered.

This is the perfect opportunity to connect with other members of the JET Alumni community; to voice your opinions/suggestions/questions about the chapter; and to volunteer for future JETAA MBSK events.

And if everyone is all for it, we can go out for drinks! ;-)

 

PC: From JETAA MBSK’s event page on Facebook

10. JETAA South Australia

Returnees Brunch

When: September 11th, 11 am ACST
Where: East Terrace Continental-6 East Terrace, Adelaide SA 5000, Australia

In July we farewelled our newest JET members…….now it’s time to welcome some back!

Come and enjoy a relaxed Sunday brunch and celebrate the return of our latest JETAA members.

As usual, meals will be subsidised by JETAA. Friends or partners welcome!

Looking forward to seeing you all!

 

PC: JETAA South Australia’s event page

11. Great Lakes JETAA

JETAA Meet Up-Bowling

When: September 11th, 4:00 pm EDT
Where: Century Bowl-7345 Highland Rd, 48327 Waterford, United States

What better way to wrap up a monthly meeting than bowling? Come on out for open bowl at Century Bowl just down the street from Panera! Hope to see you guys there~

 

PC: Great Lakes JETAA Facebook Event Page

12. JETAANY

Summer Yukata Bar Hop

When: September 17th, 3:30 pm EDT
Where: Rockaway Brewing Company (46-01 5th St, Long Island City, NY 11101– short walk from the 7, E and G trains)

Cost: Everyone will pay for their own food/drinks. No need to do Paypal!

RSVP: Let us know you’re coming and invite friends on Facebook.

Dust off those Yukata and Jinbei because it’s time for JETAANY’s Yukata Hop in Queens! Meet us at the Strand Smokehouse in Astoria and then we’ll head out to a couple other bars in the area. The route is as follows:

The Strand Smokehouse, 2527 Broadway, NY 11106 (Broadway Station)

Irish Whiskey Bar, 2848 31st Street, NY 11102 (Broadway Station or 30th Ave Station)

Judy & Punch, 34-08 30th Avenue, NY 11103 (30th Ave Station)

Katch, 31-19 Newtown Ave, NY 11102 (30th Ave Station)

Bohemian Beer Garden, 2919 24th Ave, NY 11102

Check this page for updates on where we are.

No Yukata or Jinbei? — You should still join! Feel free to wear other festive garb (happi coats, kitsch t-shirts, etc.).

Need help putting on a Yukata? Got an extra Yukata? In need of one? — Email Wendy at secretary[at]jetaany.com and she will see what she can do for you.

Hope to see you there!

Check out the photos from last year:
http://tinyurl.com/yukataJETAANY2015

Questions? Email secretary@jetaany.org. Hope to see you there!

 

PC: JETAANY’s Facebook event page

13. JETAA Toronto

JETAA Social Night: Welcome Back Edition!

When: September 17th, 12:30 pm-6:00 pm EDT
Where: Snakes and Lattes-600 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6G 1K4, Canada

PLEASE NOTE: This event is taking place at the Snakes & Lattes on 489 College Street! Easily accessible via Bathurst or College streetcars.

Calling all JET Alumni! Toronto’s JET Alumni Association is hosting its first of many September events to welcome back our newest batch of returnees to Canada. First up: Come out and enjoy a relaxing day of playing board games to your heart’s content. The $5 sitting fee is covered for JET Alum, but feel free to bring along friends– and your memories of Japan. We’d love to hear about your experiences there while they’re fresh in your memory.

We’ll all be relaxing, but also competing fiercely at a variety of board games. Feel free to use this event page to garner interest in your favourite board games, and don’t be afraid to try new ones you don’t know either!

Due to S&L’s policy of not making or holding reservations, we will begin the event relatively early in the day to avoid the large crowds common on weekends in the afternoon and evening. Please arrive promptly so that we can be seated together– we’re hoping to start at 12:30 sharp.

 

PC: From JETAA Toronto’s Facebook Event Page

14. JETAA Rocky Mountain

Welcome Back JET Alumni Tsukimi

When: September 17th, 4:00 pm- 6pm MDT
Where: Flatirons-Chautauqua Park-Boulder, CO 80302, USA

Join us in giving a big “okaerinasai” to recent Rocky Mountain JET returnees and come to our Tsukimi (moon viewing) party.

When: Saturday, September 17th, 5:00 p.m.
Where: Chautauqua Park, Boulder, CO
We will be in the big grass field with a blue tarp and plenty of goodies.

The event will be a pot luck dinner, so please bring a dish to share and/or a drink or libation to help keep yourself warm as we view the moon!

It will get chilly, so remember to bring layers and it is a park party, so bring your own chair if desired (we will have a tarp)

We will be asking folks about doing a Nijikai – and we may post seperately with a need to RSVP.

~Also, we will announce a back up plan in case of inclement weather for the same time and date~

 

PC: JETAA Rocky Mountain Facebook Event Page

15. JETAA Southern Alberta

Ramen Romp

When: September 17th, 4:00 pm- 6pm MDT
Where: Goro + Gun-Scotia Center, 225 7 Ave SW #245, Calgary, AB T2P 2W3, Canada

The next JETAASA Ramen Romp is coming up! Join us at a new location downtown – Goro and Gun – for some delicious ramen! Kindly RSVP so we know the size of table we need. This is a family-friendly event, and all are welcome!

PC: JETAA Southern Alberta’s Facebook Event Page

16.  Great Lakes JETAA

JETAA Picnic

When: September 18th, 12:00 pm- 2:00 pm EDT
Where: Ault Park Cincinnati-3600 Observatory Ave, Cincinnati, OH, United States

It’s a picnic in the park. Please join us at Ault Park. The address is 5090 Observatory Circle, Cincinnati OH 45208. Time tentatively 12 – 2pm.

Bring a picnic basket, blankets, and maybe a frisbee.

17. JETAANSW

J-Kaiwa Language Exchange

When: September 21st, 7:00 pm- 10:00 pm NZST
Where: Space Academy-371 St Asaph St, Central City, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand

Come along to the all-new J-Kaiwa! This free event will allow you to spend time speaking in both Japanese and English. Meet new people and enjoy a fun quiz to win prizes.

Doors open 6.30pm, event starts 7pm so come in early and grab a drink and snack from the awesome bar!

All welcome, please bring your friends!

 

PC: JETAANSW’s Facebook Event Page

18. JETAASC

Nihongo Dake Dinner:Mitsuwa de Kaimono

When: September 24th, 6:00 pm PDT
Where: Mitsuwa Marketplace, Costa Mesa Store, 665 Paularino Avenue, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Do you miss going down to the local suupaa to get all your kudamono, yasai, and that delicious, delicious goma dressing that America doesn’t realize it needs? If that sounds like you, then join us for dinner and shopping at Mitsuwa Marketplace in Costa Mesa!

We’re going down to Orange County to visit one of Southern California’s largest Japanese supermarkets. They’ve got a huge grocery section, a great food court, a Kinokuniya book store, and lots of other specialty shops as well.

First we’ll gather in the food court for some ban gohan and tanoshii kaiwa. Then we’ll explore the rest of the store so you can get everything you need to recreate a bit of nihon in your otaku.

When: Saturday, September 24th, 6:00 pm
Where: Mitsuwa Marketplace, Costa Mesa Store, 665 Paularino Avenue, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, (714) 557-6699(http://www.mitsuwa.com/locations/costa-mesa/)
Cost: Free to participate, but dinner, groceries, and any other purchases are to be covered by the participant
RSVP: https://goo.gl/forms/EmBcHzJCr03ysgFK2 (Remember, the first 10 people to RSVP get free dessert!)

If you have any questions, please feel free to write to ndd@jetaasc.org. Hope to see you there!

 

PC: From JETAASC’s Newsletter via email

Ryan Hata (Tottori-Ken, 2014-Present) AJET National Council Director of Alumni Relations: Ryan is in his second year on the AJET National Council and first as the Director of Alumni Relations. He works alongside Rachel Brisson (AJET National Council Director of Alumni Resources ) and members of JETAA International (JETAA-I) to strengthen the relationship between former JETs, current JETs, and Japan. Ryan helps to keep you up to date with JETAA events around the world. If you have a specific event that you would like promote, please do not hesitate to contact him by email at ryan.hata@ajet.net or his Linkedin profile. 

August is notorious for numerous Obon Festivals throughout Japan and the world. See what type of JETAA events are going on around the world during the last month of summer.

1. JETAA Chicago

JETAA Chicago August Meeting

When: August 1st, 6:30 pm CDT
Where: Japanese Information Center Chicago-737 N Michigan Ave #1000, Chicago, IL 60611, USA

On Monday, August 1st, JETAA Chicago will have its monthly board meeting.

The meeting’s location will be at the Japanese Information Center downtown, so pencil the date in your diary. We will be reflecting on our outgoing JET initiative 2016, discussing upcoming events such as our much anticipated board game fundraiser and our Career Development Workshop. If you want to come and have your voice heard then you will be most welcome.

Plus there will be a nomikai afterwards.

Our meetings are open to any and all JET Alumni. Dinner is provided to all who attend. Let us know if you have any food allergies or avoidances.

Email info@jetaachicago.com with any questions or any items you would like to add to the agenda.

PC: JETAA Chicago’s Facebook Event Page

2. Texoma JETAA

Hurrah for Triviah! Houston JETAA Monthly Social

When: August 1st, 8 pm CDT
Where: Pimlico Irish Pub-810 Waugh Dr Ste 100, Houston, Texas 77019

Join us for Trivia in August! We will be at Pimlico Pub for trivia, starting around 8 PM.

Show up and hang out with Houston area JETAA members at this monthly event. Jessica will be attending for once, and there’s rumors that Dennis Li will as well.

Come one, come all!

NOTE: Since we had a non-drinker join us a couple of months ago, it’s come to our attention that monthly trivia night is looked upon by some as a “drinking event.” I’d note that while Pimlico is indeed a bar, they do sell non-alcoholic drinks and the group will certainly encourage non-drinkers to come and enjoy Trivia and time together with fellow JETAA members.

PC: Texoma JETAA’s Facebook Event Page

3. JETAA Canberra

August おしゃべりかい (Oshaberikai)

When: August 3rd, 6:30 pm AEST
Where: King O’Malley’s-131 City Walk, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 2601

Our August Oshaberikai and get together will be at King O’Malley’s, on Wednesday, 3 August from 6:30pm.

皆さん、できれば日本語でしゃべりましょう！( ´ ▽ ` )ﾉ

If you can’t speak Japanese come along anyway, we all speak English too!

For those who haven’t been before here’s how it works: You only pay for what you eat/drink and JETAA Canberra provides the bar snacks.

The Castle room is towards the back of the pub. Turn left at the bar.

Where King O’Malley’s, “The Castle room” 131 City Walk, Canberra
Date Wednesday 3 August 2016
Time From 6:30pm

SPECIAL NOTE ON PARKING
As of 1 September 2015, paid parking has been introduced to the parking area on London Circuit on the eastern side of Northbourne Ave. There is a maximum fee of $5 if you park there after 5pm.

The London Circuit car park on the western side of Northbourne Avenue is still free after 5.30pm.

Canberra Centre has a flat fee of $2 for parking if you enter after 6pm on weeknights.

There is FREE parking within the Australian National University after 5pm on weeknights.

It is also possible to find free parking on Torrens, Lonsdale and Mort streets in Braddon.

 

PC: JETAA Canberra’s Facebook Event Page

4. JETAADC 

JET Talks Presents: Taiko Workshop with Mark H. Rooney

When: August 6th, 6-9 pm EDT
Where: Dance Exchange- 7117 Maple Ave, Takoma Park, MD 20912 (About a 5 minute walk from Takoma Station on the Red Line)

Join JETAADC for a dynamic JET Talks workshop with JET alum Mark Rooney (Wakayama, 2000-2003), who will share the history and traditions of Japanese taiko drumming, along with his own experiences studying and practicing taiko in Japan. Through Mark’s instruction, participants will get hands-on experience learning the basics of taiko technique, practice of kumidaiko (ensemble drumming), awareness of ki (energy), and use of koe (voice).

 

PC: JETAADC.org

5. JETAA Wellington

NZIFF: The Red Turtle

When: August 7th, 1:45 pm NZST
Where: Embassy Theater-10 Kent Terrace, Mount Victoria, Wellington 6011, New Zealand

A couple of us are interested in seeing this movie and thought we could make it a JETAA +family+friends themed last minute event. I’ve e-mailed the box office to inquire about a group discount, but it might just boil down to each interested party buying their own tickets. I will update the situation by Friday at 12 noon. If we get the discount, we’ll need 20 attendees. So… who is interested?

 

PC: JETAA Wellington’s Facebook Event

6. JETAA NSW

‘Shaberanaito’ Japanese-speaking night!

When: August 10th, 6:30 pm AEST
Where: Daruma Japanese restaurant-8 Quay St, Haymarket NSW 2000, Australia

Again, Shaberanaito on August 10 will be at Daruma Japanese restaurant in Haymarket, where winter-time calls for nabe (Japanese hot-pot), in addition to the other plentiful dishes. Join us for a relaxed dinner speaking Japanese.

The format will be the same as usual: shared dinner in mixed small groups. All levels are welcome….and the atmosphere is friendly…

Join members of AJS-NSW, and JET Alumni Association (JETAA) and feel free to bring other friends.

The price includes good Japanese food, with drinks on your own account. Remember from 6:30pm it is Japanese speaking ONLY!

Registrations are now open. Sign up online or use the form and send by email.

Please get in touch with us (AJS email) if you would like to donate a door prize.

 

PC: Yelp.com

7. JETAA Singapore

JETAA Singapore Photo Contest!

When: Photos accepted from July 25th-August 10th, 2016

In conjunction with the JET Programme 30th Anniversary Photo Contest, we are calling all photo-loving JETAA SG members to participate in the 2016 JETAA Singapore Photo Contest. Winning submissions will be printed and distributed in JETAA SG’s events as postcards.

• RULES

1. The photo theme should be either of the following:

「給食」：Kyushoku, school lunches
「教室」： Kyoushitsu, classrooms
「国際交流」：Kokusaikoryū, international relations
「祭り」：Matsuri, Japanese festivals

2. Only submit photos that you’ve taken and have the right to share

3. Photographs featuring the faces of people are not acceptable.

4. All submitted photos must have been taken in Japan.

5. Each entrant may submit up to 2 photo entries for each theme.

6. Each image must be in JPEG format with a resolution of at least 1600×1200 pixels.

7. Each image should not be bigger than 10MB.

• Entry method:

Send your photos to publicrelationsjetaasingapore@gmail.com

Please indicate your:
– Full name (For winners, please note that your name will be published on the postcards)
– Your year and placement
– A title for each photo, where and when

This contest in eligible to all JETAA SG members.
Contest entry period: July 25 (Mon), 2016 ~ August 10 (Wed), 2016

General consent: By submitting your entry, you give JETAA SG permission to publish your photos and the information you provided on the Facebook page and other related social media channels. You also give JETAA SG permission to use your entry as a photo motif for the JETAA SG postcards.

 

PC: jetaainternational.org

8. Heartland JETAA

HJETAA JET Returnee Social (unofficial)

When: August 12th-August 13th 6:30 pm-9:30 pm CDT
Where: Tapcade-1701 McGee St, Ste 200, Kansas City, Missouri 64108

Let’s meet the JET returnees over drinks and 80s/90s arcade games!

JET Returnees! Come meet the alumni! We’re an awesome community that wants to hear about your stories! We want to hear about your plans? Not sure what to do about grad school or a job? We’ve got members from all over walks of life that want to help you out.

Never been to Tapcade? $5 gets you unlimited arcade games. Drink menu on the website below. Parking is free on the streets.

http://www.tapcadekc.com/

*Not official JET-supported event.

** There are way more than 4 arcade games than pictured above. They’re behind the picture’s view.

 

PC: HJETAA’s Facebook event page

9. JETAA Queensland

JETAA Annual Triva Event

When: August 13th, 2 pm AEST
Where: ‘Hidden Windows’ room-The Catchment Brewing Company- 150 Boundary Street, West End

Open to members and non-members of JETAA, this annual trivia event is a fantastic chance for you to catch up with ex-JETs or find out about the JET programme!

Hello members and friends!

WIT Life is a periodic series written by professional Writer/Interpreter/Translator Stacy Smith (Kumamoto-ken CIR, 2000-03). She starts her day by watching Fujisankei’s newscast in Japanese, and here she shares some of the interesting tidbits and trends along with her own observations.

This weekend marks the end of the 2016 JAPAN CUTS film festival.  Due to a business trip midway through I wasn’t around as much as I would have liked, but I was able to attend the beginning and end to see some fantastic films.

Last night featured Tatsuya Mori’s FAKE, which looks at the 2014 controversy surrounding self-taught classical composer Mamoru Samuragochi.  At that time, he was exposed by part-time university lecturer Takashi Niigaki as a fake.  Niigaki claimed that Samuragochi could hear despite claims that he was deaf, and that because he didn’t know how to notate music Niigaki had been his ghostwriter during their 18-year tenure working together.

Within the media circus that emerges, Mori takes a closer look by spending time with Samuragochi, his wife and their photogenic cat at their Yokohama apartment.  Although this serves as the film’s prime location, the viewer does not feel confined but instead drawn in to this he said/he said tale where true and false are not easily delineated.

At the post-screening Q&A, Mori stated his disdain for simple black and white explanations, and offered his view that there can be 100 versions of the truth.  He makes this stance very clear with the final shot of the film (which follows the credits so stick around until the very end when you watch it!), which closes with an open-ended question that is left unanswered.

Tonight I’ll be going to see the very last film of the festival, The Actor.  Hate to see it end but already looking forward to next year!

 

Ryan Hata (Tottori-Ken, 2014-Present) AJET National Council Director of Alumni Relations: Ryan is in his second year on the AJET National Council and first as the Director of Alumni Relations. He works alongside Rachel Brisson (AJET National Council Director of Alumni Resources ) and members of JETAA International (JETAA-I) to strengthen the relationship between former JETs, current JETs, and Japan. Ryan helps to keep you up to date with JETAA events around the world. If you have a specific event that you would like promote, please do not hesitate to contact him by email at ryan.hata@ajet.net or his Linkedin profile. 

In many parts of Japan, July=rainy season. However, in other parts of the northern hemisphere there is pristine weather for outdoor events such as picnics and hiking. Unfortunately, it’s a bit cooler for our friends in the southern hemisphere. For more information on what events are being held across the JETAA community, continue reading on.

1. JETAAUK

Pre-departure Meetup

When: July 2nd, afternoon
Where: Nottingham

The JETAA Pre-Departure Meetups organised by the JET Alumni Association of the UK are separate and very different from the one run by the Embassy of Japan. They are optional and meant to facilitate discussion on (almost) any aspect of the JET experience: from preparation and expectations, issues you may encounter, making the most of the experience, being family of a JET, and the options available to you after JET (like JETAA!).

They are casual meetups, usually over food/drink. Everything discussed is held privately within the JET alumni family. So please come to any/all of these events.

 

(Photo credit yuppee.com)

 

2. JETAA NSW

JETAA NSW 2016 JET Pre-departure orientation

When: July 2nd, 3 pm-4 pm AEST
Where: Sydney 

~ Call for past JETs to share their experiences ~

It’s that time of year again, and 2016’s new JETs will be leaving next month from Sydney. With this in mind, we invite past JETs to share their knowledge and experience (particularly recent experience from the last 2-3 years) with our JETlings, at our Pre-departure Orientation. It’s a great way to get involved and give back to the Programme! Our event will be Saturday, 2 July (yep, election day) from 3 pm or 4 pm onwards.

If you’d like to help, please email us at info@jetaansw.org

 

3. JETAA Ottawa

Sempai-Kohai Pub Night

When: July 3rd, 4:15 EDT
Where: Earl of Sussex-431 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 9M6

Description: Meet the newest crop of bright-eyed and bushy-tailed outgoing JETs and pass on some of your hard-earned sempai wisdom about life and teaching in Japan. The JETs will be heading to the pub after the end of two-day pre-departure orientation and we’ll be staying as long as people want to stay! One of our most popular events of the year and a really useful get together for nervous JETs. Please don’t miss it! RSVP to events@jetaaottawa.ca so we reserve enough space for everyone.

*Event image from Deviant Art – One Piece Kampai

4. JETAA Singapore

海の日 Beach Clean-up

When: July 6th, 9:30 am- 12 pm SGT
Where: Meet at Pasir Ris MRT, move to Pasir Ris Park

18 July is 海の日, Marine Day in Japan. To commemorate the importance of the ocean to our tiny island of Singapore, JETAA Sg will be holding a Beach Clean-Up activity at Pasir Ris Beach! Join us for to do your part for the environment. Friends and family are welcomed too!

Date: 6 Jul, Wed (Public Holiday)
Meeting time: 9:30am at Pasir Ris MRT

Programme:
9:30am Meet at Pasir Ris MRT, move to Pasir Ris Park
10:00am: Briefing
10:10 – 11:30 am: Beach Clean-up
11:30am: Debrief
11:45am: End of activity / Lunch at 5 Drunken Rabbits (*Lunch is not provided for by JETAA)

Things to note:
– Please wear comfortable footwear and attire.
– Please bring sufficient drinking water.
– In the event of rain or PSI >100, the event will be cancelled. You will be informed via SMS by 8:00am.

Please note that there is a limit on the number of participants, so do sign up early! Thank you and see yaaa!

 

(Photo credit snakku.com)

5. JETAANC

San Francisco Networking Nomikai

When: July 7th, 6 pm-7:30 pm PST
Where: Crystal Jade San Francisco-4 Embarcadero Ctr, Ste 1, San Francisco, California 94111

Join alumni and friends at our San Francisco Networking Nomikai (happy hour)! Crystal Jade has great happy hour specials and if it’s nice out come find us on the back terrace with beautiful views of the Ferry Building and Bay Bridge!

Come out, make new friends, and catch up with old ones. This is a great chance to do some networking in a fun, casual setting. Everyone is welcome!

Look for alumni with red JETAANC lanyards. Or print out this mini JETAANC table sign so people can find you! Just fold in half and then fold the bottom of each side into a base to make a standing “triangle”:
http://bit.ly/Xedg5s

JETAANC’s SF Networking Nomikais are held on the first Thursday of every month, so mark your calendar!

**Please drink responsibly.**

6. JETAA Wellington 

Drinks and Karaoke Catch-up

When: July 8th, 7 pm NZST
Where: Fork and Brewer-20A Bond Street, Wellington, New Zealand 6011

It’s been a while since JETAA Wellington has caught up, so how about we do that? Come out for some nibbles, some social drinks, and maybe even some karaoke to remind you of the times in Japan that you once had…

At the moment the proposal is this: we catch up at a bar (possibly Fork and Brewer on Bond Street), chat a bit and have some drinks, and then if we’re in the mood we can head to karaoke at somewhere like K-Zone. I’m open to ideas, and we can change things up depending on what’s popular.

Feel free to bring along anyone and everyone that might be interested – the more the merrier. Hope to hear from some of you soon!

7. JETAA Canberra

Trivia Night Fundraiser 

When: July 9th, 6:30 pm AEST
Where: St Peter’s Church Hall, Watling Place, Weston

It’s time again for our annual Trivia Night and on Saturday 9 July we will be fundraising for the Tohoku Youth Program. The Program is organised by our friends at The Australia-Japan Society (ACT) and aims to help, in some small way, the young Japanese who lost their parents in the disastrous earthquake and tsunami on 11th March 2011. All money raised on the night will be donated to the Tohoku Youth Program.

Our comperes for the night will be the inimitable Parker Brothers, Keith and Ken, and the questions will be a mix of Japan and Australia focused, so everyone will have a chance. All are welcome and we have arranged some great prizes direct from Japan, and have full range of side games and entertainment planned.

Where: St Peter’s Church Hall, Watling Place, Weston Creek
Date: Saturday 9 July 2016
Time: Doors open at 6:30pm and trivia starts at 7pm (sharp!)
Price: Entry by donation ($15 minimum). Please bring along plenty of gold coins for games and challenges
RSVP: Spaces are limited so get in early to avoid disappointment. Book a table of 8 or let us know that you’re happy to join a table on the night by emailing social.coordinator@jetaacanberra.org (special prize from Japan for the first 20 to register)
Food & Drink (BYO): Feel free to bring along dinner or order a pizza delivery on the night. Japanese snacks, and soft drinks, will be available for purchase. We ask that attendees bringing along alcoholic drinks make a $5 ‘corkage’ donation for use of the fridge

8. JETAA NOLA

Summer Taikai

When: July 9th, 7:30/8:30 pm- 10 pm CDT
Where: Sector 6 – 612 Distributors Row, New Orleans, LA 70123

Summertime in Louisiana calls for more indoor activities which is why Sector 6 is the perfect place to stay indoors and catch some air. Other than the signature large trampolines, Sector 6 includes a range of features like the rope forest, monkey bridge, tire swings and the FOAM PIT OF DEATH! Note: At 9:00 pm the venue becomes 15+. Please let us know if you will be bringing any children under 15 years of age to the event.

What: Summer Taikai at Sector6 Extreme Air Sports
When: Saturday, July 9th 2016
Time: 7:30 pm*/8:30 pm – 10:00 pm (we will have a 7:30* start if JETAA members bring children under 15 years of age)
Cost: $5.00 (PayPal link will be sent after you RSVP)
Where: Sector 6 – 612 Distributors Row, New Orleans, LA 70123
Who: JET Alumni and immediate family members
RSVP (Mandatory): http://jetaanola.weebly.com/jetaa-events.html

(Photo credit roadtrippers.com)

9. JETAASC

Beach Party and Potluck

When: July 9th, 2:30 pm PST
Where: Dockweiler Beach (https://goo.gl/maps/ioK7CetU42K2)

Every year, we gather to do a barbecue/picnic in a park. This year, we’ve changed it up and decided to do something distinictively Californian. Please join us for a potluck and a fun day at the (Dockweiler) beach.

We’ll stay until everyone wants to go home or until we finish with the bonfire.

Since it is a potluck, please post what you are bringing on the wall.

10. Florida JETAA

2016 Tanabata Hot Pot Party

When: July 10th, 2 pm EST
Where: Lemongrass Hot Pot-21073 Powerline Rd, Boca Raton, Florida 33433

It’s that time of year again – Tanabata’s just around the corner, which means it’s time for the FL-JETAA Tanabata party!

The Tanabata party in South Florida has been a yearly event for some time now. In the past, it was held potluck style, and members were encouraged to dress in Yukata. Last year, Bahia (FL-JETAA President) hosted it at her house, and we were able to tie some wishes to the bamboo trees she had in her yard.

This year, we unfortunately will not be able to have the potluck at someone’s house due to various circumstances. Since it’s too hot for a picnic, we’ve decided to have a Tanabata Hot Pot Party! The location is Lemongrass Hot Pot in Boca Raton. The price is about $33.00 for an all-you-can-eat array of ingredients that you can cook at your table!

Unfortunately, we will have limited space for this event. Only the first 16 people to respond will be able to join. If you would like to come, please RSVP to me as soon as possible (Private Message me!).

And remember to come in your Yukata!

Location: Lemongrass Hot Pot
21073 Powerline Rd, Boca Raton, FL 33433
Date: Sunday, July 10, 2016
Time: 2:00 P.M.
Cost: $33.00 (CASH ONLY)

11. JETAA Portland

Sayonara BBQ

Join JETAA Portland for a BBQ as we say “sayonara” to the new JETs as they leave for Japan!

When: Sunday, July 10th
Time: 12pm – 3pm
Where: Overlook Park, Picnic Area A (1599 N Fremont St. Portland)

Please bring a side dish, dessert, or snack to share with everyone. JETAA will provide the main dishes for meat lovers and vegetarians alike!

Parents, family, and friends of JETs are all welcome to attend!

For questions and to RSVP for this event, please contact Matt Turner.
Email: matthew.turner@se.mofa.go.jp
Phone: (503) 740-4250

12. JETAA DC

JASWDC + JETAA DC Izakaya Pub Quiz

When: July 12th, 6 pm EST
Where:  Pasara Thai (1219 Connecticut Ave, NW) (Nearest Metro:DuPont Circle | Red Line)

JASWDC and JETAADC are excited to host this year’s Summer Izakaya Pub Quiz with a Japanese spin. Test your knowledge of American and Japanese trivia! Teams  of  four  players  answer  various  questions  related  to  Japan  and  America.    Questions  will  be  read  either  in English or Japanese. But don’t worry; we will assign everybody into teams to level the playing field by spreading out  Japanese  speakers.  You  can  also  register  as  a  team  of  four  (make sure  you  have  someone  who’s fluent/advanced  in  Japanese!).

The  highest  scoring  teams  will  win  prizes!

Past  categories  include  language, Okinawan and Hawaiian history, music, Ghibli and Disney movies, and more!

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Register online at www.jaswdc.org by July 6, 2016. Refunds will not be given to cancellations after this date or to no shows. We do not accept applications on the day of the event.

If you have any questions, please call JASWDC at (202) 833-2210 or email info@jaswdc.org

(Image from kyllopattana.com)

13. JETAAUK

Pre-departure Meetup

When: July 16th, (late morning after JET orientation)
Where: London

The JETAA Pre-Departure Meetups organised by the JET Alumni Association of the UK are separate and very different from the one run by the Embassy of Japan. They are optional and meant to facilitate discussion on (almost) any aspect of the JET experience: from preparation and expectations, issues you may encounter, making the most of the experience, being family of a JET, and the options available to you after JET (like JETAA!).

They are casual meetups, usually over food/drink. Everything discussed is held privately within the JET alumni family. So please come to any/all of these events.

 

(Image from londonplacestoeat.com)

14. JETAA Auckland

JETAA NZIFF Film 2016

When: July 16th, 11 am NZST
Where: Civic Theater-Corner Queen Street & Wellesley Street Auckland, New Zealand 1010

This year’s JETAA Auckland New Zealand International Film Festival Japanese film selection is 海よりもまだ深く < umi yorimo fukaku> – After the Storm.

By well renowned Director Kore-eda Hirokazu <Like Father, Like Son NZIFF13> and featuring some well-known faces in this beautiful slice-of-life Japanese drama – this Cannes entry is one to see, so come see it with us~

Movie is at 1pm at the Civic, JETAA is putting on a pre-screening meetup from 11am involving food! – more details to come :)

Tickets are at the Group Booking discount of $15 – invite your friends, meet other former JETs and Yets (not yet, but almost off on JET!) and other Japanofiles!

When: Sat, 16th July
Time: 11am (1pm Movie)
Place: Civic – another venue TBC
Cost: $15 (discounted from the full price ticket price of $18.50!)
Why?: It’s Film Festival time!

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Tickets to be prepurchased to be secured.
RSVP to shelleymai@gmail.com or by texting 0210436056
for payment options and for more details
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Other Japanese films advertised are the famous 1953 classic Tokyo Story, The epic 5hr Happy Hour and the Japan wrestling scene Doglegs – go check them out!

 

15. Music City JETAA

New-JET Send Off

When: July 28th, Time TBD
Where: TBD

On Thursday, July 28th, JETAA will host an informal happy hour for outgoing JETs and their families on the eve of their July 30th departure for Japan. Join us to send the 2016 Cohort off in style. More information will be forthcoming on the JETAA FB Page.

16. JETAANY

JETAANY 2016 Summer Retreat

When: July 30th-July 31st 9 am-6 pm EDT
Where: Taconic Outdoor Education Center-75 Mountain Laurel Ln, Cold Spring, New York 10516

Bring yourselves. Bring your friends. Bring your kids. There’s something for everyone at the first-ever JETAANY Summer Retreat!

Activities, overnight lodging and all meals (lunch & dinner on Saturday and breakfast & lunch on Sunday) will be provided. We will be staying in 8-10 person cabins with shared bathrooms. Bus transportation (at an extra cost) can be provided if there is enough interest.

Activities include:
Hiking
Boating
Picnicking
Low Ropes Course
Campfire
Sports and Games
…and much more.

Costs:
Program Fee (with lodging): $102.50/person
Program Fee (without lodging – one day only): $51.50/person
Transportation: $10-20 each way, only if enough interest (Departing Saturday morning from NYC; Departing Sunday late afternoon from Taconic Outdoor Education Center) – Please email Amber at amberliang[at]jetaany.org by May 30th, if you are interested in transportation so we have enough time to organize.

Spaces are limited so please register if you want to secure your spot. Registration isn’t complete until you complete your payment using the Paypal button below the registration form. Registration closes on July 6th.

Author/advocate Suzanne Kamata’s (Tokushima, ’88-’90) unpublished memoir Squeaky Wheels: Travels with my Daughter by Plane, Train, Boat, Tuk-tuk, Metro and Wheelchair has been named a finalist for the initial  Half the World Global Literati Award.

Sponsored by Half the World Holdings, a woman-focused investment platform, this award intends to recognize an original story, screenplay, memoir, or novel featuring one or more female protagonists as the central character, and offering “a fresh perspective on the challenges and joys of women’s lives.”

According to research by Nicola Griffith, most major literary prizes over the past fifteen years have been awarded to works that did not have a woman at the heart of the story. This award will attempt to balance the equation. An international panel will determine the winner of the $US50,000 prize, however, anyone can vote for the People’s Choice Award until July 23. Here’s a link.

Here is a brief synopsis of Squeaky Wheels:

My thirteen-year-old daughter Lilia can’t walk, but she wants to travel the world. Born fourteen weeks premature, Lilia is deaf and affected by cerebral palsy. Her primary language is Japanese Sign Language, and she uses a wheelchair to get around. At the Tokushima School for the Deaf, Tokushima, Japan, which she has attended in one capacity or another since she was about two years old, she is on the special ed track, which doesn’t include English and social studies. Even so, she is wildly curious about other countries and interested in learning her mother’s native tongue. When she told me that she wanted to go to Paris, I vowed to find a way even though I didn’t have a full-time job. In SQUEAKY WHEELS, I write about my effort to open up the world at large to my daughter as her own world seems to be shrinking. As she becomes heavier and less portable in this country short of wheelchair ramps, her accessibility has decreased. However, we attempt to confront and overcome at least some of the challenges of traveling with a wheelchair. Among other things, I write about our mother-daughter trips to the art island of Naoshima in Japan’s inland sea where we sleep in a museum; to Paris – including our arguments about what to pack and what to wear, Lilia’s response to the art and food and sights of the city, accessibility to the Eiffel Tower; and to the United States where we explore the caves of Tennessee and the monuments of Washington, DC. At the same time, I struggle to overcome my fears for the future and revise my hopes and dreams for my daughter

 

WIT Life is a periodic series written by professional Writer/Interpreter/Translator Stacy Smith (Kumamoto-ken CIR, 2000-03). She starts her day by watching Fujisankei’s newscast in Japanese, and here she shares some of the interesting tidbits and trends along with her own observations.

Last week I had a chance to check out the 5th annual New York Japan Cinefest, whose mission is to introduce Japanese themed films and discover new talent in filmmaking.  In the past I have attended this festival hosted at Asia Society and always loved it, and this year too did not disappoint.  I made it to the first night of this two night event, which showcased six short films varying in length from 5 to 40 minutes.

I was most looking forward to the final film A Beautiful Person, as it was the newest work from the Kumamoto-born director Isao Yukisada and featured a cast exclusively from Kumamoto (with an appearance from the ubiquitous Kumamon!).  I had to laugh once they started speaking as the dialogue was in heavy Kumamoto dialect, adding to the film’s authenticity.  The story didn’t captivate me as much as I had hoped it would, but it was like a time capsule as it had been filmed pre-earthquake.  Especially after recently going back to Kumamoto and witnessing the horrible damage the castle has undergone, it was really special to see Read More

Ryan Hata (Tottori-Ken, 2014-Present) AJET National Council Director of Alumni Relations: Ryan is in his second year on the AJET National Council and first as the Director of Alumni Relations. He works alongside Rachel Brisson (AJET National Council Director of Alumni Resources ) and members of JETAA International (JETAA-I) to strengthen the relationship between former JETs, current JETs, and Japan. Ryan helps to keep you up to date with JETAA events around the world. If you have a specific event that you would like promote, please do not hesitate to contact him by email at ryan.hata@ajet.net or his Linkedin profile. 

June marks the official start of summer and with it, many new JETs anxiously awaiting more information about coming to Japan in either July or August. In addition to regular JETAA community events, this chapter beat will feature the first batch of pre-departure orientations/events where many JETAA chapters are looking for volunteers to help usher in the new JETs of 2016.

Regular JETAA Community Events

1. JETAA NOLA

JETAA NOLA First Wednesday – NOLA Brewery + McClure’s BBQ

When: June 1st, 6:30-8:30 pm (CDT)
Where: NOLA Brewing – 3001 Tchoupitoulas St, New Orleans, Louisiana 70115

The city’s best beer and barbecue, all in one place? You’re not going to want to miss this one. JETAA NOLA First Wednesday is heading to the NOLA Brewing tap room for cool brews and outstanding BBQ from McClure’s. As always, Friends of JET and anyone with an interest in Japan is welcome to join. Come for the whole evening or just pop in to say “Hi”. See you there!

 

2. JETAA Rocky Mountain

Casual Career Advice Meet-Up

When: June 1st, 7 pm (MDT)
Where: Coffee at The Point – 710 E 26th Ave, Denver, Colorado 80205

So you lived in Japan, huh? And what did you do? We all have that experience in common. Now let’s work together as we look at the present and to the future while translating our time in Japan into marketable skills. Network, peer review resumes, contribute! In addition to the experience and expertise of those attending (yes, me and you!) we will also have two special guests- Catherine Rackley and Mariko Watanabe. See you there! And don’t forget your resume and business cards!

 

3. JETAA NSW

JETAA Trivia Night and Kumamoto Earthquake Fundraiser

When: June 2nd, 6:30-9 pm (AEST)
Where: AB Hotel – 225 Glebe Point Road, Glebe, NSW 2037, Australia