Huntsville, AL — The North Alabama Japanese Garden Foundation (NAJGF) is pleased to announce that Mazda Toyota Manufacturing (MTM) has become a generous sponsor of NAJGF which allowed its representatives to attend the 2024 Japan-America Society of Alabama (JASA) Annual Celebration Dinner. "We are deeply grateful to MTM for their continued support," said Sumie Sanders, Executive Director and President of the Board of NAJGF. "Their generosity not only enables us to participate in this significant event but also strengthens our shared mission of being a bridge between the United States and Japan."

Founded in 1988 by Master Gardener Mr. Robert Black, the North Alabama Japanese Garden is located in the heart of Monte Sano State Park. The first annual Spring Festival was held in 1992, and the iconic Teahouse was built the next year. When Mr. Black became ill and could no longer maintain the garden, it was lovingly rebuilt by Mr. Kozo Matsuda, Mr. Mark Jackson, then-Japanese Consul General Takashi Shinozuka, and student volunteers from the University of Alabama in Huntsville.

With the retirement of Mr. Matsuda, who coordinated fundraising efforts, the garden now faces operational challenges. To achieve sustainable management and operations, the NAJGF was established and is working towards becoming a non-profit organization. Its goal is to keep providing the community with a place to experience the beauty and tranquility of Japanese culture.

MTM's leadership has been instrumental in supporting the NAJGF's efforts. "With the large number of Japanese citizens that we have supporting MTM, we value our partnership with the NAJGF,” said Mr. David Fernandes, Senior Vice President at MTM. Mr. Mitsunobu Mukaida, President, Mr. Hiro Kagohashi, Executive Vice President, and Mr. Koji Kato, Treasurer, have all demonstrated remarkable commitment to supporting the Foundation in its goal to become a non-profit organization. Mr. Kato and a team of MTM volunteers also joined our garden clean-up event prior to one of our festivals, exemplifying their hands-on dedication to the community.

We also extend our appreciation to other sponsors, including Daikin, who is sponsoring the Daikin Trail currently under construction, Lockheed Martin, who provided volunteers for this year’s Spring Festival, and many members of the local Japanese community for their invaluable support. Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Alabama (TMMAL) and Bill Penney Toyota have also been key supporters of the garden.

For more information about the NAJGF and sponsorship opportunities, please visit https://www.facebook.com/Japanesegardenhuntsville or info@northalabamajapanesegarden.org

Made in Alabama: Alabama and Japan forge stronger economic bonds at JASA event

The 2024 JASA Annual Dinner and Business Forum in Birmingham highlighted Alabama's growing economic ties with Japan. Keynote speaker Camille P. Dawson discussed U.S.-Japan relations, while six expanding Japanese companies were recognized for their contributions to Alabama’s economy. Rep. Mike Shaw was honored with the Samuel Ullman Award for his role in creating the Alabama-Japan Legislative Exchange Group. At the Business Forum, speakers including Kiyoshi Tanigawa, Hiro Kagohashi, Mark Moore, and David Sides shared insights on trade, investment, and future growth opportunities. The event also marked JASA’s 35th anniversary, celebrating the ongoing collaboration that strengthens Alabama’s global business position.

Made in Alabama: Alabama leaders kick off EV Technology Center project to boost training

Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair joined state and local leaders to celebrate the groundbreaking of a $30 million EV Technology Center at the Alabama Robotics Technology Park near Decatur. This 40,000-square-foot facility aims to enhance Alabama’s automotive workforce for electric vehicle production and emerging technologies. Set to open in early 2026, the center will support the state's shift to EV manufacturing and strengthen partnerships with industry and educational institutions, ensuring workers are equipped with the skills needed for future automotive innovations.

Made in Alabama: Commerce Sec. McNair leads Alabama delegation to SEUS-Japan joint meeting

Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair is leading an Alabama delegation at the SEUS-Japan Alliance meeting in Charlotte to strengthen ties with Japan, a key economic partner. The event focuses on enhancing trade, exploring investment opportunities, and fostering collaboration in sectors like automotive, aerospace, and renewable energy. Alabama has seen significant Japanese investment, creating thousands of jobs, particularly in automotive manufacturing. The state aims to position itself as a premier destination for innovation and investment, especially in emerging industries like electric vehicles.

【アラバマ州ハンツビル、マディソン地域でスタッフ募集中】

日本からの駐在員のお家探しと投資家さんと一緒に賃貸住宅の創造と物件管理をしているNihongo-de-USA.LLCで働いてみませんか？

（労働形態） 業務委託＆フルリモート

（報酬）

面談、物件抽出、内見、入居のご案内まで通してできる場合：

賃貸契約１件あたり$775, もしくは１ヶ月分の家賃の35%

パートにて内見とご入居の案内だけ：

ご相談に応じます！

・内見や入退去の際に物件に行ってもらう必要はありますが、オフィスに通う仕事ではありません。報酬にガソリン代金は含まれます。

・お家探しのご依頼があった人をチーム内で担当を振り分けて行きますので、出来る範囲で担当を決めて行きます。 ・日本への一時帰国などに対してはフレキシブルに対応が出来ます。

・週に１度オンラインのチームミーティングがあります。

（スキル）最初からできなくても試用期間中に研修があります

・基本的なコンピュータスキルのある方。

・日本語、英語でお客様の対応が出来る。

ー内見に必要なスキルー

・家の基本的な設備について説明することが出来る。

・内見時にテナントさんの不明な点や不安な点を聞き出し大家さんに確認することが出来る。

ー面談からご入居の案内まで通してするのに必要なスキルー

・担当するエリアの学区について基礎的な知識を持ち、学年の区分け等を説明することが出来る。

・入居までのプロセスを案内出来る。　　

・契約書の内容について説明することが出来る。　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　

（キャリアパス）最初は内見やご入居の案内など単発のパートで初めて、徐々に慣れてから少しずつ責任範囲を増やしていくことも出来ます。

最初から通しでお仕事をする場合、 お家探しだけでなく会社内のセントラルスタッフのポジションを志してみたいということであればCEOの宮本亜希子と月に１度のOne on Oneを通してキャリアパスを構築して行きましょう。

（どんな方を探しているか） チームプレイヤー。 人と接するのが苦にならない人。不動産に興味があり、不動産のお仕事をキャリアとしてみたいと思っているかた。

（資格） アメリカでの労働許可をお持ちで長期にわたりお仕事ができる方。 我こそはと思う人はこちらまで↓ご連絡ください。

akiko@nihongo-de-usa.com

**Now Hiring in the Huntsville and Madison Areas, Alabama!**

Are you interested in helping expatriates from Japan find homes, or collaborating with investors to create and manage rental properties? Join us at Nihongo-de-USA, LLC!

**Position Type:**

- Independent Contractor & Fully Remote

**Compensation:**

- For full-service roles (consultation, property selection, showings, and move-in assistance): $775 per rental contract or 35% of the monthly rent.

- For part-time roles (showings and move-in assistance only): Compensation is negotiable.

- While property visits are required for showings and move-ins/outs, this is not an office-based role. Gasoline expenses are included in the compensation.

- Client assignments are distributed within the team based on availability, so you can work within your schedule.

- Flexibility for trips, including visits back to Japan.

- Weekly online team meetings.

**Skills:**

Even if you lack experience, we offer training during the probationary period.

- Basic computer skills required.

- Ability to communicate with clients in both Japanese and English.

**Skills needed for showings:**

- Ability to explain basic home features.

- Address tenant concerns during property tours and communicate these to landlords.

**Skills needed for full-service roles (from consultation to move-in assistance):**

- Basic knowledge of school districts in the area and ability to explain grade divisions.

- Ability to guide clients through the move-in process.

- Explain rental contract terms to tenants.

**Career Path:**

You can start part-time with showings and move-in assistance and gradually take on more responsibility as you become more comfortable.

For those interested in full-service roles from the beginning, you can also pursue central staff positions within the company. We offer monthly one-on-one meetings with our CEO, Akiko Miyamoto, to help build your career path.

**What We’re Looking For:**

- Team players.

- Those who enjoy interacting with people.

- Individuals interested in real estate and pursuing it as a career.

**Requirements:**

- Must have U.S. work authorization and be able to commit long-term.

If this sounds like you, reach out to us at:

akiko@nihongo-de-usa.com

Made in Alabama: New investments, strategies position rural Alabama for economic growth

Alabama’s rural areas are poised for economic growth through strategic investments and policies. Governor Kay Ivey emphasizes commitment to rural revival, citing Sunbelt Solomon Services’ new $5 million facility in Coffee County, which will create 50 jobs. Additionally, Enterprise is accelerating industrial development with a $5.7 million state grant for an $8.5 million industrial park project. Click the link above to explore the recent developments driving growth in rural Alabama.

Toshinan - Reawakening a Treasure

"Seated in the Cultural Center of the Japanese Garden, beyond the Taylor Gate, visitors may discover a 16th-century, Sukiya–style teahouse, named “Toshinan.” While the teahouse might look untouched since its construction in 1993, the scent of freshly shaved and sanded cedar that lingered in the breeze this past summer is evidence of the restorative construction completed by carpenter Hiroshi Awano and copper craftsman Taichirou Ishii..."

Read the Article by Birmingham Botanical Gardens

The Japanese American Leadership Delegation (JALD) program provides the opportunity for a select group of Japanese American leaders from across the U.S. to travel to Japan to engage with Japanese leaders in the business, government, academic, non-profit and cultural sectors. The trip also allows Japanese leaders to gain a greater understanding of multicultural America through the experiences of a diverse group of Japanese Americans. Upon their return, delegates collaborate with JALD alumni, the local consulates, the U.S.-Japan Council (USJC) and local and national community organizations to continue strengthening ties between the U.S. and Japan.
 
The 2025 Delegation will include senior Japanese Americans who are top leaders in their professions, have had moderate to extensive experience in U.S.-Japan relations, and will be committed to furthering the U.S.-Japan relationship upon their return. The 2025 program seeks senior leaders in the field of business, trade and investment as well as people-to-people exchanges with the Asia-Pacific region, and climate change, sustainability, and energy, and from government (both elected and appointed), finance, nonprofit, philanthropy and public relations, communications, cross-cultural exchanges, and media. Priority will be given to candidates from areas not represented in previous delegations, with a strong commitment to collaborate with Japanese Americans nationwide. The 2025 Delegation seeks to select a diverse delegation of prominent Japanese American leaders nationally.
 

SUBMISSION OF APPLICATIONS/NOMINATIONS

 Deadline for receipt of applications: September 9, 2024

1. Applications should be submitted by email to the local consulate office based upon the applicant’s residence (see below for list of consulate offices). For residents of Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina, applications should be submitted to the Consulate General of Japan in Atlanta.
2. A duplicate copy should also be sent to the U.S.-Japan Council by e-mail to amurata@usjapancouncil.org.

 
For more information and to access the application form, please see the following:

• JALD information 
• Application form 
• Embassy and consulates in the US (Contact Information)

AL.com: Beth Thames: The ‘Haiku Path’ at Monte Sano State Park

To beat the summer heat, visit Monte Sano Mountain in Huntsville, where it's 10 degrees cooler. Explore the Haiku Path in the Japanese Garden, featuring engraved haiku poems inspired by local flora and fauna. Created by friends Terri French and Peggy Bilbro, the path invites visitors to reflect on nature and poetry. With ongoing contributions and a goal to expand, this serene spot offers a calming experience amidst the natural beauty.

群馬県前橋市とアラバマ州バーミングハム市の姉妹都市関係を強化し、国際的な大学間交流を促進するため、サンフォード大学の関係者が小川市長を訪問し、意見交換を行いました。

To strengthen the sister city relationship between Maebashi City, Gunma Prefecture, and Birmingham, Alabama, and to foster international university exchanges, representatives from Samford University visited Mayor Ogawa.

Youtube video