Dec 29

JQ Magazine: Book Review — The ‘Tonoharu’ Trilogy

Art, Article/Journalism, Books, Cartoon/Illustration, JQ Magazine, Notable JET Alums, Reviews Comments Off on JQ Magazine: Book Review — The ‘Tonoharu’ Trilogy

“This graphic novel series arrests your attention, from the immersive quality of the art, to the highs of self depreciating humor, to the lows of isolation and despair that run through it. Those who have lived abroad will find much to relate to.” (Top Shelf Productions)

By Julio Perez Jr. (Kyoto-shi, 2011-13) for JQ magazine. A bibliophile, writer, translator, and graduate from Columbia University, Julio currently keeps the lights on by working at JTB USA while writing freelance in New York. Follow his enthusiasm for Japan, literature, and comic books on his blog and Twitter @brittlejules.

Everyone has felt out of place at some point in their lives. People who choose to live abroad sometimes make that their everyday. In Tonoharu, cartoonist and JET alum Lars Martinson (Fukuoka-ken, 2003-2006; Kyoto-fu, 2011-2016) illustrates a story exploring themes of human relationships through the experience of an English teacher in Japan on a journey of self-discovery. Told in three parts, the final volume was released in November and represents many years of work for Martinson that began to see fruition when he received the Xeric Grant for Comic Book Self-Publishers in 2007.

Tonoharu is a tale of several non-Japanese teachers of English living in the titular rural town outside of Fukuoka City, mostly from the viewpoint of a young American named Dan Wells. Wells feels out of place in Japan, but claims to have felt the same way back home without having the excuse of being a foreigner. The reader climbs in the back seat for an intimate road trip with him through his pursuit of purpose and success in his job and social life, privy to all manner of encounters from intimacy in the bedroom to traditional parades with locally made floats. In just one year, Wells encounters unique challenges in his work, frustrations with seemingly unrequited romantic interest for another American, confusion and alarm at the mysterious activities of other foreigners in Tonoharu, and worst of all, the inability to replace light bulbs in his apartment!

Tonoharu is full of quiet moments that when described may come off as unimpressive, but they are always captivating and powerful in the way the words and imagery captures the moodiness of imperfect exchanges between people that are not usually seen in glossier fiction. This quality is enhanced by a lack of narration—the framing story of Dan’s successor (also named Dan) features his narration, but in the main story the characters only express themselves by speaking to one another. Often the things they don’t say, their expressions and their body language, and the things they choose to say while alone, speak just as powerfully as the introspective autobiographical style of narrative-driven graphic novels such as Persepolis.

Read More

Dec 25

Travel Book Review: ‘Japan by Rail’

Uncategorized Comments Off on Travel Book Review: ‘Japan by Rail’

Posted by Eden Law (Fukushima ALT 2010-2011, President of JETAANSW, Australian Country Representative, JETAAI Webmaster… I guess the very model of a modern Major-General?)

Not just for trainspotters

Travelling from one major city to another in Japan is a fantastic experience – the efficiency, the comfort, and for foreign travellers, the affordability, by way of the many available tourist travel passes. The extensive rail network and its famous and speedy bullet train (shinkansen) makes rail travel a viable choice to explore the country. And if you’ve ever thought about using this mode of transport for your next trip to Japan, then the recently published “Japan by Rail” travel guide would be a great way to start your planning.

Written by Ramsey Zarifeh (himself a former JET), Anna Udagawa, Andrew Picknell and James Hodgson, “Japan by Rail” is comprehensive – anywhere the rail network reaches, it will be covered in the book – except for the islands of Okinawa. Each chapter or part deals with the regions of Japan, such as Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu and Shikoku. Following along the major train route from either Tokyo or Osaka as a starting point, the chapters also detail and recommend many side-trips to lesser known destinations of towns, villages and noteworthy nature locations. Helpfully, it also lists the modes of transport and ticket prices where required, if needing to change between trains, buses or boat, and estimated travel times. While not extensive in every entry, accommodation, places to eat and shop are also included.

True to its specialisation, the book provides a generous amount of information on all things rail-related. Information on the various train passes are available – and there’s a quite a variety. There are even passes for short trips between just two destinations (for example, the Kawagoe Discount Pass between Ikebukuro and Kawagoe or “Little Edo”), which are described where applicable. Included are also train schedules for major rail routes by shinkansen, and suggested itinerary by rail. Note that the travel information is primarily based on the JR company, which dominates the country’s rail network infrastructure, though the text does include non-JR transport if needed to complete the journey. If you wish to use local travel routes that rely on non-JR lines, doing a self-guided tour by hired car, or choosing to base yourself from a place not covered in this book, “Japan by Rail” will be less useful, but can still provide some description of places and local sightseeing spots. Unusually, the guide book does not include JR’s railway maps, which would be useful (perhaps for future editions).

A great practical and detailed guide, “Japan by Rail” is highly recommended to start you off on your planning.

Japan by Rail 4th ed, Trailblazer Publications, and written by Ramsey Zarifeh, Anna Udagawa, Andrew Picknell and James Hodgson and available from the Trailblazer website

Dec 20

JET Alumni: Positions Using Japanese at San Francisco Career Forum 2017 (San Francisco, CA, USA)

Events, Jobs Comments Off on JET Alumni: Positions Using Japanese at San Francisco Career Forum 2017 (San Francisco, CA, USA)

Posted by Sydney Sparrow, an ALT currently living in Toyota City. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.

Event: JET Alumni: Positions Using Japanese at San Francisco Career Forum 2017
Location: San Francisco, CA, USA

Thanks to JET alumna Catherine Rackley (Chiba-ken)  who works for DISCO International, for sharing this info:

JET alumni with at least conversational Japanese language ability are invited to the San Francisco Career Forum 2017 on February 11 & 12.

In addition to being a great opportunity to meet and interview directly with companies seeking individuals with intercultural skills, the San Francisco Career Forum will feature an informative panel discussion with bilingual IT professionals from Google, Nikkei America, and more.

—– San Francisco Career Forum  2017 —–

February 11 & 12 (Sat. & Sun.)

San Francisco Marriott Marquis

http://www.careerforum.net/event/sf/?ref=2017JETwit&lang=E

Register and begin applying to companies here: http://www.careerforum.net/event/sf/comlist.asp?ref=2016JETwit&lang=E

*There is no cost to register for or attend Career Forums.

Dec 20

Job: Youth & Outreach Program Coordinator – Palm Beach County (Delray Beach, Florida, USA)

Jobs Comments Off on Job: Youth & Outreach Program Coordinator – Palm Beach County (Delray Beach, Florida, USA)

Posted by Sydney Sparrow, an ALT currently living in Toyota City. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.

Positions: Youth and Outreach Program Coordinator
Posted by: Palm Beach County
Location: Delray Beach, Florida, USA
Contract: Full-time (40hrs/week)

Thanks to JET alumna Wendy Lo (Toyama-ken) for the following job opening:

The Youth and Outreach Program Coordinator will be responsible for the creation and implementation of educational programming for children (K-12) activities and off-site outreach programs (children and adults). This includes children’s activities at our annual festivals, special events, teacher development workshops, Family Fun Days, and our Summer Tour Plus program. The position requires a creative, dynamic and hands-on individual. The person must be able to work weekends and evening events. Position Reports to the Curator of Education.

Specific Responsibilities and Duties:

• Create and implement museum educational programs for children and families.
• Coordinate and implement all necessary aspects of programs to ensure success and efficiency (pre-, day-of, and post-program) of set-up and breakdown.
• Develop, implement, and manage outreach programs for both students and adults.
• Develop, create, and coordinate children’s (K-12) activities at our annual festivals and special event days, including the supervision of volunteers and managing setup and cleanup.
• Develop, implement, and oversee the Summer Tour Plus (STP) program activities.
• Supervise daily operations of STP, which also includes training and scheduling of interns and high school volunteers for the STP program.
• Work with Education Staff in developing, creating, preparing and implementing programs for public and private school collaborations and teacher development workshops.
• Manage the organization and inventory of the Education Department’s program supplies and replacement of various educational materials in the Yamato-kan exhibits when necessary.
• Work in conjunction with education staff to develop educational teaching materials and tour program contents
• Keep accurate monthly attendance and fiscal reports for all children’s programs, STP program, school collaborations, and outreach programs.
• And other duties as specified

Read More

Dec 19

Job: YES Alumni Coordinator – American Councils (Washington, D.C., USA)

Jobs Comments Off on Job: YES Alumni Coordinator – American Councils (Washington, D.C., USA)

Posted by Sydney Sparrow, an ALT currently living in Toyota City. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.

Positions: YES Alumni Coordinator, Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study Program
Posted by: American Councils
Location: Washington, D.C., USA
Contract: Full-time

This is a job via Idealist:

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

JOB BAND: 4

Based in Washington, DC, the Alumni Coordinator will be part of a team that administers the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. The YES Inbound program annually provides scholarships for up to 900 high school students from approximately 40 countries with significant Muslim populations to spend an academic year in the U.S. Students live with host families, attend high school, engage in activities to learn about American society and values, acquire leadership skills, and help educate Americans about their countries and cultures. The Alumni Coordinator will be the primary contact for alumni programming for the YES Consortium and will report to the YES Program Manager. Read More

Dec 19

Job: Senior Program Officer, Sustainability – Asia Society (New York City, USA)

Jobs Comments Off on Job: Senior Program Officer, Sustainability – Asia Society (New York City, USA)

Posted by Sydney Sparrow, an ALT currently living in Toyota City. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.

Positions: Senior Program Officer, Sustainability
Posted by: Asia Society
Location: New York City, USA
Contract: Full-time

This is a job via Idealist:

Asia Society, a prestigious, global non-profit with an exciting portfolio of programs in the areas of arts and culture, business and policy and education and leadership is seeking a Senior Program Officer for Sustainability in ASPI. The Asia Society Policy Institute (ASPI) is a start-up, solution-oriented think/do tank that places policy and business on equal footing in solving pressing challenges confronting the Asia-Pacific in security, prosperity, sustainability, and the development of common norms and values. The Senior Program Officer will help carry forward the project, ‘Toward a Northeast Asian Carbon Market’ (NEACM). The position will report to the Director of Asian Sustainability. It is a one-year, grant-funded position, with the potential of renewal. Read More

Dec 19

Internship: DC-based Internship with Sasakawa Peace Foundation and the Aspen Institute (Washington, DC)

Internship Comments Off on Internship: DC-based Internship with Sasakawa Peace Foundation and the Aspen Institute (Washington, DC)

Posted by Sydney Sparrow, an ALT currently living in Toyota City. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.

Posted by: Sasakawa Peace Foundation and the Aspen Institute
Location: Washington, D.C.
Contract: Full-time

Dear JETAADC Members:

We are writing to share two exciting internship opportunities with the Sasakawa Peace Foundation and the Aspen Institute:

1. Sasakawa USA has a new internship opening for the Education Program. The job posting is attached or can be found via Sasakawa’s website (click here).

2. The Aspen Institute is hiring a paid, spring intern, to start in January. This group works on interesting and important economic issues that have the power to expand wealth-building opportunities to low- and moderate-income Americans, including retirement, tax reform, and consumer finance regulation. More info here: https://aspeninstitute.hrmdirect.com/employment/job-opening.php?req=474837&&&jbsrc=1024

Thank you and good luck!

Dec 19

Job: Executive Assistant to Vice President – Dolby Laboratories (Tokyo, Japan)

Jobs Comments Off on Job: Executive Assistant to Vice President – Dolby Laboratories (Tokyo, Japan)

Posted by Sydney Sparrow, an ALT currently living in Toyota City. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.

Positions: Executive Assistant to Vice President
Posted by: Dolby Laboratories
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Contract: Full-time

Here’s a job via LinkedIn as an Executive Assistant at Dolby Laboratories:

Join the leader in entertainment innovation and help us design the future. At Dolby, science meets art, and high tech means more than computer code. As a member of the Dolby team, you’ll see and hear the results of your work everywhere, from movie theaters to smartphones. We continue to revolutionize how people create, deliver, and enjoy entertainment worldwide. To do that, we need the absolute best talent. We’re big enough to give you all the resources you need, and small enough so you can make a real difference and earn recognition for your work. We offer a collegial culture, challenging projects, and excellent compensation and benefits. 

Summary Description:

Performs specialized administrative support tasks of a routine and non-routine nature to assist Dolby’s Vice President, Japan in the daily operation of the company.  May lead and provide work guidance to other administrative and clerical employees.  Normally receives no instruction on routine work and only general instructions on new assignments. Contacts may include all levels of company personnel, customer executives and may be confidential in nature.  Requires knowledge of worldwide and Dolby Japan company procedures, business, product line and business practices.  Accountable for assigned projects rather than supporting individuals with project responsibility. Read More

Dec 16

WIT Life #308: Silence

Events, Film, Translating/Interpreting, Uncategorized, WIT Life, Writers Comments Off on WIT Life #308: Silence

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 night I attended a screening of Martin Scorsese’s new film Silence, based on the 1966 novel 沈黙 (Chinmoku) by Shusaku Endo, himself a Japanese Catholic.  It is the story of a Jesuit missionary sent to 17th century Japan, who is played with great nuance by Andrew Garfield.  He and his followers endure horrible persecution during this period when 隠れキリシタン (Kakure Kirishitan or Hidden Christians) are targeted for their beliefs.  Having lived in Kyushu I had a vague sense of what had taken place in Nagasaki at that time, but not the extent of the barbaric ways Christians were killed and tortured. Read More

Dec 14

Job: Grant Writer & IVLP Coordinator – Pacific and Asian Affairs Council (Honolulu, HI, USA)

Jobs Comments Off on Job: Grant Writer & IVLP Coordinator – Pacific and Asian Affairs Council (Honolulu, HI, USA)

Posted by Sydney Sparrow, an ALT currently living in Toyota City. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.

Positions: Grant Writer & IVLP Coordinator
Posted by: Pacific and Asian Affairs Council 
Location: Honolulu, HI, USA
Contract: Full-time

F/T position which requires fulfilling the duties of two positions: 1) Grant Writer, which manages existing and develops new grants and giving programs which are in line with PAAC’s mission and programs; 2) IVLP Coordinator, which manages the implementation of the U.S. Department of State’s premier professional exchange program in Hawaiʻi.

Requirements

The candidate should believe in PAAC’s mission and have an undergraduate degree preferably in Communications, English or International Affairs. Candidate should be a team player with a positive attitude, with ability to multi-task and meet deadlines in a fast-paced work environment. Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs and excellent oral and written communication skills are a requirement. Grant writing experience is a plus. Knowledge of Hawaiʻi business and charitable environment, prior experience in program coordination, and travel/work experience abroad are preferred. Required travel around Oʻahu with possible neighbor island, mainland and international travel.

Responsibilities

• A. Grant Management & Development
  • Oversee grants including research, proposal writing, and reporting requirements
  • Oversee grant prospect research
  • Represent PAAC at grant acknowledgment events
• B. Giving Program Management & Development
  • Manage applications and maintenance of giving programs such as Aloha United Way
  • Work with Communications Officer to promote giving programs to members and community
  • Oversee participation in giving program campaigns
• C. IVLP
  • Coordinate IVLP including research on local resources, proposal writing, scheduling of meetings, Hawaiʻi hotel and ground transportation arrangements, home hospitality requests, and cultural activity suggestions
  • Work closely with program agencies in Washington, DC via email and telephone
  • Maintain data on visitors, resources and programs
  • Engage with community to develop new resources in rising sectors of significance
  • Serve as emergency contact for groups while they are in Hawaiʻi
• D. Other Administrative Responsibilities
  • Assist Executive Director in general office management and support of other PAAC programs as needed.
  • Providing support at PAAC’s forums, special dinners and fundraising events.
  • Other projects as assigned by the Executive Director

Application Process: Please send resume and cover letter via email to ed@paachawaii.org by December 23, 2016. Job will be posted until filled. Application deadline December 23, 2016.

Dec 14

Job: Administrative Aide – New York University (New York, USA)

Jobs Comments Off on Job: Administrative Aide – New York University (New York, USA)

Posted by Sydney Sparrow, an ALT currently living in Toyota City. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.

Positions: Administrative Aide
Posted by: New York University
Location: New York City, New York, USA
Contract: Full-time

Involved in administrative and general assistance type office work for the Office of Student Affairs. The incumbent will provide handle complex budget work. Perform a wide range of clerical, secretarial and general office duties including those of a confidential nature. Prioritize office activities and delegate work to student and/or casual employees. Respond to inquiries displaying a comprehensive knowledge of the departmental offerings and policies. Interact with the general public and act as NYU contact/liaison. Interact with University personnel including those at the senior level regarding specific issues and problems. Customize and/or compose letters in response to requests for information. Perform general word processing duties utilizing intermediate to advanced-level functions. Modify and/or create databases and complex spreadsheets. Monitor complex department budgets and/or grants.

Qualifications:

• Required Education: High School diploma or equivalent or an Associate’s degree or some college.
• Preferred Education: Bachelor’s degree.
• Required Experience: 3 years of office experience (with High School diploma). 2 years of office experience (with Associates degree or some college).
• Preferred Experience: 1-2 years of office experience (with Bachelor’s degree).
• Required Skills, Knowledge and Abilities: Proficiency with intermediate to advanced word processing, spreadsheet and database applications. Moderate to fast, accurate keyboarding. Good proofreading and writing skills.
• Preferred Skills, Knowledge and Abilities: Proficiency with intermediate to advanced Microsoft Office or proficiency with Apple. Knowledge of desktop publishing software. Knowledge of Access.

Application Process: To apply for this job please click here.

Dec 14

Job: Librarian – The Library of Congress (Washington, D.C., USA)

Jobs Comments Off on Job: Librarian – The Library of Congress (Washington, D.C., USA)

Posted by Sydney Sparrow, an ALT currently living in Toyota City. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.

Positions: Librarian (Reference Librarian)
Posted by: Library of Congress
Location: Washington D.C., USA
Contract: Full-time

The Library of Congress is currently hiring a Japanese-speaking reference librarian to work in the Asian Reading Room.

https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/457098500

Dec 11

JQ Magazine: Music Review — ‘Time to Play’

Article/Journalism, JQ Magazine, Music, Reviews Comments Off on JQ Magazine: Music Review — ‘Time to Play’

“Time to Play is a well-produced colletion of covers that delights in mixing together several genres.” (J-MUSIC Ensemble)

By Rashaad Jorden (Yamagata-ken, 2008-10) for JQ magazine. A former head of the JETAA Philadelphia Sub-Chapter, Rashaad is a graduate of Leeds Beckett University with a master’s degree in responsible tourism management. For more on his life abroad and enthusiasm for taiko drumming, visit his blog at www.gettingpounded.wordpress.com.

“J-pop meets jazz.” What does that really mean?

These words appear on the J-MUSIC Ensemble’s official website, the J-MUSIC Ensemble being a New York-based jazz-influenced instrumental band that mixes various genres. The group’s Grammy-nominated founder Patrick Bartley once told me, “We’re not just playing jazz songs; we’re taking the jazz mentality.”

So what do they serve up with Time to Play, their full-length recording debut? Befitting the group’s name, Time to Play features eight covers of songs by popular Japanese musical acts (including Hikaru Utada’s “Simple and Clean”) executed in a cohesive mix of jazz, funk, rock and pop. Sure enough, the album’s first track (and Perfume cover) “Game” features a significant rock influence with a heavy dose of bass and guitar. The album closes with another substantial touch of rock as the Yoko Kanno cover “The Real Folk Blues” also features a significant helping of the two above-mentioned instruments (but oddly enough, the song doesn’t sound in any way like a folk or blues tune).

Read More

Dec 4

Job: Travel Consultants – InsideJapan Tours (Brisbane, Australia)

Jobs Comments Off on Job: Travel Consultants – InsideJapan Tours (Brisbane, Australia)

Posted by Sydney Sparrow, an ALT currently living in Toyota City. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.

Positions: Travel Consultants
Posted by: InsideJapan Tours
Location: Brisbane, Australia
Contract: Full-time

InsideAsia Tours is currently recruiting for Japan travel consultants for the InsideJapan Tours brand. We have positions available in our brand new Sales office in Australia (Brisbane).

InsideAsia Tours is a young and dynamic travel company based in Bristol, UK. Our customer facing brands are InsideJapan, InsideVietnam and InsideBurma Tours. The company also has offices in Nagoya, Japan, and Boulder, CO, USA.  We organize small group tours and tailored packages for private clients and third-party travel agents. The majority of our customers are UK-based, but we also have a significant volume of customers from North America, Australia, and other parts of the world.

This is a specialist sales position. You will be responsible for designing and selling Japan holiday packages and for ensuring our customers have the best possible Japan holiday experience. You will need to meet sales targets whilst providing the highest levels of customer service. There will be opportunities for research travel to Japan to aid your understanding of the country and to improve your product knowledge.

More information about the company can be found by clicking here.  Read More

Dec 4

2017 Sakura Matsuri: Looking for Committee Members

Events Comments Off on 2017 Sakura Matsuri: Looking for Committee Members

Posted by Sydney Sparrow, an ALT currently living in Toyota City. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.

Position: Committee Members 
Posted by: Japan-America Society of Washington DC
Location: Washington, D.C., USA

Each spring during the cherry blossom season, Japan-America Society of Washington DC (JASWDC) produces the largest one-day Japanese street festival in America, and it is here in the Nation’s Capital!  This coming year the festival will be held on Saturday, April 8 from 10:30 to 6:00 pm in the Capitol Riverfront Neighborhood in SE DC (Navy Yard Metro Station).  Each year, it takes about 65 Sakura Matsuri Committee members and over 600 volunteers to put on this huge event.

The festival is not only the celebration of the gift of the cherry trees in 1912, but also JASWDC’s largest outreach program to educate Washingtonians about Japanese culture.  For the last three years, we have been able to impact over 100,000 people and show the richness of Japan and its culture.

The Sakura Matsuri Committee is divided up into 18 different sub-committees which are led by Chairs and Sub-chairs.  Each year, JASW is very lucky to have a strong core of committee members who come back year after year.  However, there are always a couple of spots we need to fill.  We understand that many of our Sakura Matsuri Committee members work, go to school or live in other cities, and may not be able to come to all the meetings.  In that case, each committee and its members should be in contact by e-mail or phone talking about committee responsibilities.

Our first meeting is on Friday, December 16 at JASWDC from 6:30.  The following meeting will be a team building meeting on Sunday, January 8 from 12:00 to 4:00 pm.  The team building meeting is designed for all the committees to meet and get to know each other.  We do exercises that help us prepare for the festival; more experienced committee members will discuss their experiences with Sakura Matsuri, and have a good time with people all working for the same goal, putting on the best Japanese street festival in the country.

On the day of the festival the Chairs and Sub-chairs are asked to arrive at 4:30 am to help unload the truck, and organize their committee supplies.  Sometimes, it feels like there is never enough time!

Meeting Schedule:

1. Friday, December 16 at JASWDC from 6:30pm
2. Sunday, January 8 from 12 – 4pm
3. February Individual Meetings with Sub-Committees
4. Friday, March2 at JASWDC from 6:30 pm
5. On-site Meeting, TBD at Capitol Riverfront from 10am
6. Volunteer Orientation at JASW; tentatively scheduled for March 19 thru March 31.
7. Last Meeting, Wednesday, April 5 at JASWDC from 6:30pm
8. Sakura Matsuri – Saturday, April 8 at Capitol Riverfront from 4:30am

Orientations for day-of volunteers will be at the end of March.  The Beer Garden’s orientation is mandatory for everyone!  For the Alcohol Committee orientations, a representative from DC’s ABRA comes out and lectures us on ID checking and JASWDC goes line by line for our management plan for the gardens.  We will offer 4 Beer Garden Orientations for volunteers to join.

If you are interested in being a part of the largest and best run Japanese street festival, please feel free to contact me directly at mhitzig@jaswdc.org, and I will let you know what positions on the Sakura Matsuri Committee are open.

Thank you very much and I hope to speak with you soon.