Roland Kelts to give Tokyo Otaku talk at Temple U. – Thurs March 18 (Tokyo)
More details here: http://japanamerica.blogspot.com/2010/03/tokyo-otaku-talk-temple-this-thursday.html
JET Author: “Rock & Roll Jihad” co-written by Robert Schroeder
Robert Schroeder (Shizuoka, ’92-’93), a JET alum and journalist based in Maryland, has released a book he co-wrote called Rock & Roll Jihad: A Muslim Rock Star’s Revolution (Free Press/Simon & Schuster). After Schroeder wrote a piece in The Wall Street Journal profiling the Pakistani musician in 2007, the star asked him to be his writing assistant on his memoir. And now, just a few months after publication, the book has already garnered high praise, both from celebrities like physician Deepak Chopra and Amazon readers.
The memoir follows the life of Salman Ahmad — founder of the “U2 of Asia” Sufi-rock band Junoon, a United Nations Goodwill Ambassador, and teacher of South Asian poetry — who is now credited as the first musician to bridge the gap between the West and the Muslim world. He brought chart-topping rock & roll riffs to new ears in his home country of Pakistan, but also reined in listeners from around the world, including those at the UN General Assembly and the Nobel Peace Prize concert.
Ahmad, with the writing assistance of Schroeder, chronicle the cultural and political intricacies of navigating the politically tense Middle East, along with the post-9/11 world as a whole, as he continues to educate through music the true diversity of the Islamic faith and its art to the rest of the globe.
Schroder himself is not new to crossing national borders. A former NHK producer and now reporter at Marketwatch, he has contributed pieces about Japan in numerous American periodicals, including a review in The Washington Post of a Virginia inn with Japanese style ofuro baths and traditional breakfasts. Another first-person piece in The New York Times Magazine recounts the shock of eating whale sashimi in Ayukawa. To read more of his pieces, click here.
To preview the first few pages of the book, read here.
Job: English/Spanish-Japanese Interpreters on PEACE BOAT
PEACE BOAT, a Japan-based international non-governmental and non-profit organization, that has been coordinating language lessons abroad at sea for the past 20 years, is looking for interpreters and language teachers to volunteer with them on their next voyage. They are looking for interpreters who can speak Japanese and either English or Spanish, as well as English language teachers with at least 18 months of teaching experience, so JET alumni would be perfect for this program. Unfortunately, their upcoming voyage is visiting Cuba, so only those in non-U.S. countries or those with citizenship in non-U.S. countries are encouraged to apply.
English Language Teacher
REQUIREMENTS:
- Have at least 18 months of relevant full-time English language teaching experience.
- Be a highly advanced speaker of English, although not necessarily ‘native’ or ‘first-language’ speaker of English.
- Have experience of, or a definite interest in, the areas of peace and global education in language teaching.
- A qualification in English language teaching and conversational Japanese ability are also preferred, but are not prerequisites for the application.
- The 70th Voyage will be visiting the port of Havana, Cuba. Because of restrictions imposed by the US government on US citizens and permanent residents entering Cuba, regrettably, we are unable to consider such applicants for this particular voyage. Instead, we encourage prospective applicants to refer to the Peace Boat website for later voyage itineraries.
HOW TO APPLY: To read more about the position and download the application materials, click here.
Interpreters – Spanish and English
- You must be fluent in both Japanese and either English or Spanish.
- You should be interested, have background knowledge and be able to interpret university level lectures on international affairs, current events, politics and socio-cultural issues (previous topics include North-South issues, the environment, regional conflicts, poverty, nationalism, nuclear issues, racial discrimination, civil society, indigenous peoples, development and international organs).
- You must be available for the entire duration of the cruise as well as for the orientation which starts a week before the departure. Spanish interpreters may choose to join for only the Latin American sections of the voyage. Experience in interpreting for conferences or taking interpreting classes is desirable.
- As this position is on a volunteer basis, there is no salary. However, Peace Boat will cover the cost of the the voyage, required visas and the cost of any programmes in port you join as an interpreter. Personal expenditure onboard (including drinks, laundry service etc) or in the ports of call is your own responsibility.
- The 70th Voyage will be visiting the port of Havana, Cuba. Because of restrictions imposed by the US government on US citizens and permanent residents entering Cuba, regrettably, we are unable to consider such applicants for this particular voyage. Instead, we encourage prospective applicants to refer to the Peace Boat website for later voyage itineraries.
HOW TO APPLY: To read more about the positions and download the application materials, click here.
Jobs: Executive Director & Senior Advisor of International Student Conferences (DC)
The International Student Conference, an annual summer conference for young people from Japan, the United States and Korea is looking for an executive director and part-time senior advisor. The Japan-America Student Conference, the oldest student-run exchange between the two countries, boasts an extensive collection of alumni participants Nobel Peace Prize winner and former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, former Prime Minister of Japan Kiichi Miyazawa, and countless notable names in government, corporate positions and the media. Students tour both countries and engage with leaders, while discussing pertinent global issues. They’ve also expanded and started a Korean-American Student Conference as well.
From ISC:
Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director is responsible for the overall administration and operations of ISC and its programs. ISC is an expanding organization with a long-term history of success. The operation is well organized with a growing financial base and a skilled staff team. For a full description of the position and its responsibilities, please visit: www.iscdc.org.
Ideal candidates for this position will share our commitment to promote peace by furthering mutual understanding, friendship and trust through cross-cultural interchange through student-run international conferences focusing on US-Japan and US-Korea. She/he will bring a variety of experiences and attributes to ISC, including:
QUALIFICATIONS:
• In-depth understanding of and appreciation for Japanese and Korean cultures;
• Demonstrated effective leadership, planning and non-profit management skills;
• Proven experience interacting with senior government, business and/or academic leaders;
• Minimum 5 years experience as senior staff person or chief executive officer of a non-profit organization preferred;
• Public relations and fund raising experience preferred;
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field; advanced degree preferred;
• Valid passport and availability to travel to Northeast Asia as well as throughout the U.S. as necessary.
SENIOR ADVISOR
The Position – Part-time
The Senior Advisor represents ISC and its two conferences through strong ties with leaders in government, business, and academia. Her/his goal is to strengthen and expand support for ISC programs. S/he works with the Executive Director and members of the Board of Directors to reach out to individuals in universities, corporations, think tanks, government, foundations, and alumni to increase support for the programs in multiple ways: universities may host a week of the conference, corporations and foundations can sponsor specific conference events, experts are invited to be speakers and presenters at seminars and roundtables, and corporate, foundation and alumni donors are needed to contribute the bulk of Conference costs, which are not covered by the delegates themselves. This position is part-time, approximately a 0.30 FTE.
Reporting to the Executive Director and working closely with the Board of Directors, the Senior Advisor will serve as the key representative of ISC to build ISC’s network of relationships with government, business, and academic leaders who interact in the Japan-America and/or Korea-America international environment. Her/his duties will include:
- Coordinating with the Executive Director to ensure effective management of relationships between ISC and its external stakeholders/supporters.
- Identifying and pursuing a calendar of activities (events, networking conferences, speaking engagements, etc.) to promote ISC’s visibility and presence in the Japan-US and Korea-US arena.
- Establishing successful and sustained fundraising procedures throughout the organization.
- Securing specific commitments of support from stakeholders (hosts, speakers, funders, etc.).
- Establishing and managing a budget to support representational activities.
- Interacting with Board committees on general promotion and marketing of ISC programs and activities
Experience and Attributes
Ideal candidates for this position will share our commitment to promote peace by furthering mutual understanding, friendship and trust through cross-cultural interchange. S/he will bring a variety of experiences and attributes to ISC, including:
- In-depth understanding of and appreciation for Japanese and Korean society, politics, economics and cultures;
- Demonstrated effectiveness in eliciting cooperation and support from leaders in those societies and in the U.S.;
- Minimum 10 years experience interacting with senior government, business and/or academic leaders in the US-Japan/US-Korea arenas;
- Public speaking experience;
- Direct experience identifying, establishing, strengthening and consolidating professional relationships with key stakeholders;
- Availability to attend key events (i.e., opening ceremonies, board meetings, etc.) at the JASC and KASC.
- Fundraising experience and willingness to catalyze the entire organization toward fundraising by coaching the staff and Board in skills.
Jobs: Directors of Giving (Corporate and Individual) at the Japan Society (NYC)
The Japan Society
is looking for a Director of Corporate Giving and a Director of Individual Giving at their headquarters in New York City. Both full-time positions require a college degree and six to eight years of experience in the non-profit membership/fundraising space. Japanese language skills and cultural interest are required.
The last day to apply is April 24, 2010.
• Serve as the frontline for corporate membership, overseeing monthly renewals, upgrade and solicitation materials, telephone and email inquiries, and providing customer service/troubleshooting.
• Research and identify corporate member prospects; create and implement cultivation strategies to increase overall corporate membership revenues through upgrades, new memberships and cross-selling opportunities such as rentals, Webcast services, and program sponsorships.
• In coordination with program areas, research and identify potential corporate sponsors for gallery exhibitions, film, performing arts, education, corporate, policy and other program areas as appropriate.
• Work with the Media and Marketing team on corporate membership-related collateral materials, including membership-related aspects of Japan Society’s website and online presence.
• Collaborate with program areas and Special Events on cultivation events, fund raising campaigns and the annual dinner.
• Conduct cultivation visits with existing and potential donors, and cultivate members at Japan Society programs on a regular basis throughout the year.
• Fulfill corporate member and sponsor benefit obligations and requests, including complimentary gallery passes, Executive Courtesy Cards, complimentary catalogues and invitations to programs and openings.
• Manage annual revenue budgets and forecasts.
• Oversee data entry in Raiser’s Edge related to corporate members and sponsors and corporate prospects.
• Prepare correspondence, marketing materials and related documents, including proposals, acknowledgement letters, benefits and report drafts.
• Oversee credit lines of corporate sponsors in coordination with Director of Foundation Relations.
• Oversee airline contracts and ticket usage and report to Finance Department as needed.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelors degree and a minimum of six to eight years corporate membership program management/fundraising experience.
- Spoken Japanese and knowledge of Japanese culture required.
- The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in successfully cultivating and soliciting corporate partners; superior written, verbal, and intercultural communication skills; accomplished skills in networking and building external relationships; and excellent interpersonal and presentation skills.
- Must be a hands-on, resourceful team player with experience managing staff and building consensus.
- Experience with database processing (preferably Raiser’s Edge) required. Must be willing to work evenings and weekends as necessary.
HOW TO APPLY: Email a letter of interest and a current resume to Jane Fenton, Director of Human Resources, at – jobs@japansociety.org.
• Serve as the frontline for individual membership, overseeing daily membership operations, including managing membership sales, fielding telephone and email inquiries, and providing customer service/troubleshooting.
• Manage high-category membership operations, including the processing of gift acknowledgements, fulfillment of membership benefits, and maintenance of the monthly renewal cycle.
• Compose, prepare, and disseminate direct member correspondence, materials, and messaging tools.
• Manage Annual Fund, Board, and membership acquisition appeals, and develop new cultivation strategies to increase overall membership levels.
• Manage annual revenue budgets and forecasts.
• Identify and research individual donor prospects, and work with program directors to prepare major gift solicitations.
• Conduct cultivation visits with existing and potential donors, and cultivate donors at Japan Society programs on a regular basis throughout the year.
• Develop reports and statistics to monitor the results of appeals and campaigns, tracking progress toward annual Individual Giving goals.
• Generate donor recognition lists for Japan Society’s Annual Report, exhibition catalogues, and other promotional materials.
• Work with Special Events team and program directors on the planning and execution of member recognition, engagement, and cultivation events.
• Work with Media and Marketing team on the development and production of all membership-related collateral, including membership-related aspects of Japan Society’s website/online donation forms.
• Negotiate and publicize special offers, incentives, and discounts for members.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelors degree and a minimum of six to eight years membership program management/fundraising experience.
- The ideal candidate will have a proven record of success cultivating and soliciting individual donors, including major gift fundraising
- Must be a hands-on, resourceful team player with experience managing staff and building consensus.
- Experience with database processing (preferably Raiser’s Edge) required.
- Must be willing to work evening and weekends as necessary.
- Knowledge of or interest in the language and culture of Japan is essential.
HOW TO APPLY: Email a letter of interest and a current resume to Jane Fenton, Director of Human Resources, at – jobs@japansociety.org.
These job listings come from Idealist.org, a career site for those in the non-profit, education and international development space. Click here to see more similar openings and sign up for their job alerts.
Job: Director of Major Gifts at the Asia Society (NYC)
The Asia Society, an internationally renowned non-profit, is looking for a Director of Major Gifts at their headquarters in New York City. The Director of Major Gifts is responsible for overseeing fundraising efforts from individual major donors and members for their operations and endowment budgets.
ROLES:
- Coordinate capital campaign to raise $50 million for Society’s endowment;
- Fundraise major gifts from Trustees and other individual major donors to fulfill the Society’s revenue targets for operating revenues;
- Manage Master Prospect List of individual donors and drive solicitations of major gifts;
- Lead effort to move donors and prospects up Master Prospect List to higher levels of donation.
- Develop and implement fundraising targets, strategies and plans for donations from individual major donors;
- Engage with all program areas of the Society to determine funding needs (especially from individuals), develop fundraising targets and execute plans to realize such targets;
- Manage individual donors through the identification, cultivation and solicitation of major gifts for annual support and capital campaign;
- Oversee donor prospect research;
- Manage and oversee all individual membership programs, including Chairman’s Circle, President’s Circle, Friends of Asian Art, Asia Circle
- Develop and implement strategies for upgrading current donors for unrestricted annual fundraising;
- Work in close consultation with and advise the Director of Special Events on individual donor participation on committees and in fundraising events.
- Engage the Board of Trustees and manage the Society’s Development Committee to enhance the Board’s fundraising capacity and role;
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Proven fundraising capabilities;
- Masters degree and 7-10 years experience in soliciting major gifts and managing capital campaigns at significant nonprofit organizations preferred;
- Excellent organizational and management skills;
- Ability to engage and work well with members of the Board of Trustees, with major individual donors and prospects, and senior management with tact, maturity and good judgment;
- Dynamic personality and can-do attitude and proven ability to achieve targeted goals;
- Strong management skills and ability to get staff to achieve their results;
- Excellent research, writing and presentation skills;
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office software and knowledge of Raiser’s Edge or other database software.
HOW TO APPLY:
Email cover letter and resume with salary expectations to: HR@asiasoc.org. List job code 113 and job title in the subject line. Resumes without cover letters will not be considered. No phone calls please. For more information, see official job listing here.
This job listing came from the Foundation Center’s Philanthropy News Digest job announcement board. Click here to see more U.S.-based non-profit and foundation full-time positions and to sign up for their job alerts.
Tom Baker reviews “I Love You Phillip Morris”
Tom Baker (Chiba-ken, 1989-91) is a staff writer for The Daily Yomiuri. A big part of his beat is the Pop Culture page, which covers manga, anime and video games. You can follow Tom’s blog at tokyotombaker.wordpress.com.
He also writes movie reviews. Here is an excerpt from a recent review of “I Love You Phillip Morris,” in which Jim Carrey and Ewan McGregor play Steven and Phillip, the lead characters in a gay romantic-comedy/prison-break film that is based on a true story. It opens March 17 in Britain and April 30 in the United States, but is already playing in Japan.
McGregor’s sweet and naive Phillip is totally believable. Harmlessly meek and far too trusting, yet somehow uttering the lion’s share of the laugh lines, he makes you want to protect him, which is also how Steven feels. “You only see the good in people,” marvels Steven, whose own outlook is far more cynical.
Carrey, who does appear in good movies now and then, is not always as believable in his role, but this is appropriate since he plays a chronic fake who is always trying on new identities and tells lies to everyone he meets. Late in the movie, when Steven tries to prove his love by revealing his true self to Phillip, he can’t really do it.
Steven is a criminal who went to prison because he belonged there. But his scams are amusing because his wealthy victims are entertainingly depicted (fairly or not) as crude, pompous fools. And his various prison escapes are amazing. In one, he uses felt-tip markers and toilet water to dye his prison uniform green, enabling him to walk right out in the guise of a visiting doctor…
Read the rest of the article here.
Yoshiko Chuma returns to the 92nd Street Y Harkness Dance Festival March 19 to 21 with the New York premiere of Hold the Clock, the latest installment of her ten-year project, Page Out of Order. To celebrate the 92nd Street Y’s 75th anniversary theme, Past-Future-Now, Chuma, who has appeared at the Harkness Dance Festival in 1995 and 2001, invited three artists she admires to create a 7-minute piece to be integrated into the final presentation of the work: Ursula Eagly, Jon Kinzel, and Rie Ono. Chuma will appear in each of these artists’ new works. The evening will also feature performers Mina Nishimura, Jun Kim, Catherine Galasso, Yuko Mitsuishi, and Ryuji Yamaguchi, singer Sizzle Ohtaka, and sound designer Kohji Setoh. For more info click here.
March 19-21, 2010
Fri & Sat, 8 pm; Sun 3pm
Tickets: $15
New TESOL Certificate Program (San Francisco)
If you’re in the San Francisco area and are looking for a TESOL Certificate Program (Teaching English to a Speaks of Other Languages), the Intercultural Institute of California is an affordable option.
Priced at $1499 for a 140 hour, 4-week course, the non-profit program covers teaching grammar, listening and speaking, writing and reading for those who want to teach English abroad or in the United States. Contact Kevin at kevinsim@iic. edu or Sina at sina@iic.edu or 415.359.9099 for further questions.

Intercultural Institute of California - English Language Program - Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages certificate program
I’m looking for JET alum lawyers or law-related types out there. Especially ones who would be willing to be contacted by fellow alums seeking career advice and perspectives on careers in law.
Please contact me at jetwit [at] jetwit.com if you are willing to be contacted.
Yoroshiku.
Steven Horowitz (Aichi-ken, 1992-94)
p.s. If you’re not already familiar with these, here are some JET alum law resources out there:
- JETAA Law Facebook Group (open to all JET alums) (Admins: Zach LeNarz & Steven Horowitz)
- JET Alumni Restructuring & Bankruptcy Group on LinkedIn (Admin: Steven Horowitz)
- Japan Law Society (Admin: S. McIntire Allen)
C-DOC: Learn Chinese NYC – The Chinese Pronunciation System (Pin Yin) – Initials
Japanese Classes OnlineThe Chinese Doctor is a recurring feature written by Friend Of JET, Jon Hills, who maintains the blog for Hills Learning (www.hillslearning.com).
Hills Learning is a NY-based language learning services company offering customized and personal Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Thai and Cantonese language learning options. Their listing of classes can be found at: Japanese Classes Online Chinese Classes Online Korean Classes Online Cantonese Classes Online Thai Classes Online
Congratulations on choosing to learn Chinese Pinyin! Whether you’re an advanced or a complete beginner, developing your pinyin skills is essential for any Chinese language learner. Once someone has perfected the pinyin system of sounds, they can basically read and communicate with any Chinese person. The only criteria is that the Chinese person needs to remember their pinyin!
Debunking the Myths about Pinyin A lot of foreigners looking to learn Chinese see the pinyin system as developed for “them.” The Chinese language with its 10,000 characters is just too daunting a task, so there was a romanized system setup for Chinese to make learning it an easier process. While having pinyin definitely makes it easier for English speakers to learn Chinese, actually pinyin is not only just for foreigners. Chinese people learn it too! In early childhood education, pinyin (along with Mandarin instruction) is mandatory in schools throughout China.
Click here for the rest of the article, including other Chinese language and culture articles
Jamie Graves: Food translator and waiter at Kajitsu NYC
By Steven Horowitz (Aichi-ken, 1992-94)
Just wanted to share that I had a really terrific dinner the other night at Kajitsu (www.kajitsunyc.com), a new and very unique Japanese restaurant on E. 9th Street in NYC, thanks to professional translator Jamie Graves (Saitama-ken, 2002-03) who not only waits tables in the intimate establishment but also translates the menu and other texts for Kajitsu and interprets for important clients.
Jamie, who specializes in translations relating to food and cooking, explained to me a few months ago at a JETAA NY gathering that he was working at a restaurant that specializes in shojin cuisine, which as a non-foodie I can best describe as a sort of high-end, vegan kaiseki. The chef, Masato Nishihara, had worked at Kitcho, a very prestigious kaiseki cuisine restaurant in Kyoto before coming to New York to open Kajitsu.
I can’t remember exactly what I ate, but each course did really blow me away in terms of both flavors and creativity. Plus the soba dipping noodles may be the best in NYC. The menu changes every month, so apparently a number of regulars come back each month to sample the new menu.
The fare is not inexpensive. But it’s well worth it if you have a special occasion to celebrate (which I did!) Especially if you get a seat at the counter where you can watch Chef Nishihara prepare each course right front of you, including his zen-like tea ceremony approach to making the macha at the end of the meal. (According to Jamie, all chefs at Kitcho must study tea ceremony.)
Here’s a little additional background on Kajitsu from it’s website:
Kajitsu – “Fine Day”
Kajitsu means “fine day”, or “day of celebration” in Japanese. We have chosen the name Kajitsu hoping that a visit here will always be a special occasion for our guests.Shojin Cuisine
Shojin cuisine refers to a type of vegetarian cooking that originates in Zen Buddhism. Even though it does not use meat or fish, shojin is regarded as the foundation of all Japanese cuisine, especially kaiseki, the Japanese version of haute cuisine.
If you decide you have your own special occasion, make sure to say hi to Jamie and ask him all of your questions about the restaurant and the food. There’s lots to tell and lots to learn.
Kajitsu (www.kajitsunyc.com) is on E. 9th St between 1st Ave & Avenue A in New York City.
Sake World e-Newsletter by John Gauntner (March 2010)
The March 2010 issue of the Sake World E-mail Newsletter by JET alum and leading sake expert John Gauntner (aka “The Sake Guy”) is now available online.
Japan Info e-Newsletter – Feb 2010
The February 2010 edition of JapanInfo is now available online. JapanInfo is published by the Consulate General of Japan in New York/Japan Information Center and is a great source of info for Japan-related things going on in New York and the surrounding area.
JETAA Chapter Beat 3.11.10
Freelance writer/editor Jonathan Trace (Fukuoka-ken, 2005-08) takes us on a walk around the JET Alumni community for another edition of JETAA Chapter Beat.
- Honolulu Festival Volunteers Needed – The Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii is looking for volunteers for the 16th Annual Honolulu Festival on Saturday and Sunday, March 13-14th at the Hawaii Convention Center. The JCCH Booth will feature Make-n-Take Hachimaki, a gift shop and a membership information table.
- Awa Odori Dance Festival at UH Manoa – Monday, March 15th, 10:30 to 11:45 at the UH Manoa’s Campus Center Grand Ballroom. Check out this wonderful dance festival as it comes to Hawaii.
- Kujira Hike – Sunday, March 21st, 9:30 at Kujira. Enjoy the sun with a “Let’s Enjoying Kujira” Hike, followed by lunch at Kona Brewing Co. in Koko Marina Center.
- Annual General Meeting(AGM) – Friday, March 12th, 6:00 at Bar 138. Take a look back on the events of the year and look forward to what is ahead for JETAAWA at this year’s AGM.
- Quiz Night – Tuesday, March 30th, 6:30 at UWA Tavern. Win prizes and make new friends as you test your knowledge at this year’s Quiz Night.
- Kaiwa – Thursday, March 11th, 5:30 at 43 Below. Practice Japanese with old friends and some tasty snacks.
- East Bay Nomikai Happy Hour – Thursday, March 18th, 6:00 at the Trappist. This week’s event will have samples of over 25 rotating taps and over 160 bottles of Belgian and other specialty brews, so don’t miss it.
- Joshikai – Thursday, March 18th, 6:00 at Postrio. The next meeting of Joshikai, for women with an interest in Japan, will be a fun networking and girl talk event, with a chance to practice some Japanese as well.
- Book Club Date Change – Thursday, March 25th at 6:30. Book Club has been pushed back one week, so mark your calendars.
- Kabuki Club – Saturday, March 27th, 2:00 at the Rockridge Library in Oakland. JETAANC is forming a new Kabuki Club and the first meeting is in two weeks, so check it out if you’re interested in Kabuki theater or just want to try something new.
- J-Lunch – Friday, March 12th, 12:00 at Thai Kingdom. Come share your love of Japan over lunch with others in the DC area.
- 2010 JETAADC Rally Scavenger Hunt – Saturday, March 20th, 1:00 at Shaw/Howard University Metro Station. Join JET alumni and friends for this year’s scavenger hunt rally around DC. Prizes and the title Rally Champion are up for grabs, so don’t miss out.
- Nihongo Dake Happy Hour – Tuesday, March 23, 6:00 at Cafe Citron. Practice your Japanese and have a fun night out with the gang at JETAADC.
- 2010 Cherry Blossom Festival Volunteers Needed – The National Building Museum is looking for JET alumni volunteers to help with the yukata dress-up station at the Cherry Blossom Festival’s Opening Day Kickoff on Saturday, March 27th.
- Wisconsin Subchapter 4th Quarter Meeting – Friday, March 12th, 6:00 at Perkins Restaurant.
- Yakiniku White Day – Sunday, March 14th, 6:00 at San Soo Gab San. Celebrate the Japanese holiday of White Day with yakiniku.
- Ikebana Workshop – Saturday, March 20th, 1:00 at the Tachibana School in Houston. Mrs. Laverl Daily of the Tachibana School of Ikebana will be sharing her experience and knowledge of Japanese flower arrangement.
- Shunbun Hike – Sunday, March 21st, 11:00 to 1:00 at the Silverwood Wildlife Sanctuary. Celebrate the Spring Equinox with an enjoyable hike through the Silverwood Wildlife Sanctuary. Be sure to bring water and sunscreen and lunch if you want to picnic afterwards.
- Scavenger Hunt – Saturday, March 13th, 3:00 at Oiwake Restaurant. Join JETAASC’s annual scavenger hunt around Los Angeles, followed by dinner in little Tokyo at 6:00.
- Superbowl Hike Rescheduled – Sunday, March 14th, 9:30 to 1:00 at the Greek Theatre.
What happened at your chapter’s event? If you attend(ed) any of these exciting events, JetWit would love to hear about them. Just contact Jonathan Trace with any info, stories or comments.





