Japan-America Society of Alabama News

North Alabama Japanese Garden Vintage Doll Fundraiser

JASA Staff — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 17:48:04 GMT

North Alabama Japanese Garden Vintage Doll Fund Raising

Mr. Mike and Mrs. Donna Williams donated the vintage Japanese doll collection that belonged to his mother, Satsu Harada Williams, for our Japanese Garden. We are so grateful for this donation, and we would like to use the sale for our garden maintenance and renovations. Please feel free to message us via Facebook if you are interested in the purchase from the link!

Japanese Geisha Maiko Doll --- $220

----------Description from Mr. Mike Williams----------

My parents met after World War II in Yokohama, Japan. My father's military service took him all over Southeast Asia. They were stationed in Okinawa where my mother began lessons on how to make dolls. She made a few of these dolls but the other were purchased as part of her collection. The wooden dolls belonged to my mother as a child, as I was told. We settled as a family in Louisiana at Fort Polk which was my father's last duty station in the US Army. The dolls were proudly displayed in our family home from my earliest memory. My Mother passed away from cancer in 2011. That was when I took possession of the collection. Before Donna and I got married, I needed to downsize my home. That was when I reached out to the Japanese Society of Alabama. Mike Swinson and I connected. We came up with a few ideas and the one I liked the most was to donate the collection to the society so that they could have them in an auction or as gifts to speakers. I love the idea, that others would enjoy them as much as my family has for all these years.

March 4, 2025: A Landmark Japan Day for Alabama-Japan Relations

JASA Staff — Wed, 19 Mar 2025 19:47:43 GMT

In the Spring of 2024, Alabama House Representatives Mike Shaw and Kerry Underwood sponsored House Resolution 143 that established the Japan Alabama House Legislative Exchange Group with a purpose “to pursue friendship and cooperation between the members of the House of Representatives and the people, government, and businesses of Japan.”

This resolution proved to be the foundation that made March 4, 2025 one of the most noteworthy days for JASA and Alabama-Japan relations. On this day at the Alabama Capitol complex, House Representatives Shaw and Underwood were joined by Representative Joe Lovvorn who sponsored House Resolution 80 which honors “the long-lasting friendship between the State of Alabama, this body, and the nation of Japan.” Additionally, Alabama Senator Arthur Orr sponsored a Senate Resolution with the same honor. At the opening of the session, Consul General Mio Maeda and Honorary Consul General were recognized by the House body.

After the session ended, Japan Day was held in the Alabama House Building where about a dozen Japanese companies exhibited to about 2/3 of the legislative body their company’s products, and economic and cultural contributions to the State of Alabama. Japan Day was a successful coordination between the office of the Japan Consul General for Southeast U.S.; Sandy Riordan, consultant to the Consul General; and JASA Governmental Affairs Committee chair Steve Pelham.

The day concluded with a dinner hosted by the Consuls General, attended by several key legislators and JASA staff, marking March 4, 2025, as a pivotal day for Alabama-Japan relations. Plans for Japan Day 2026 are already underway, promising even more opportunities for collaboration and engagement!

Here is the link to the video of Japan Day: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1U0kPma7QdzQzKJdqKjy6o_pea5pv8yYP/view?usp=sharing

Air University repatriates WWII era Japanese flag

Fri, 28 Feb 2025 03:00:12 GMT

https://www.airuniversity.af.edu/News/Display/Article/3910452/air-university-repatriates-wwii-era-japanese-flag/

"Like many World War II veterans, U.S. Army Cpl. Arthur G. Thompson, serving with the 117th Engineer Regiment, returned home with souvenirs from his time at war. Among them was a Japanese flag that he found after the Battle of Luzon in the Philippines.

As years passed, Thompson often expressed his desire to find the family of the Japanese solider who carried it into battle, but not knowing where to begin, it continued to be passed down for two generations, and has most recently been in the possession of his granddaughter Sarah and her husband, Col. Ryan Stebbins, the Eaker Center for Leadership Development Force Support Professional Development School director.

“Since I am the only service member in the family, the flag was given to us,” said Stebbins. “When we got stationed at Air University, Sarah decided to contact the historian to see what he could recommend with the flag. After considering many options, it became clear that we wanted to honor Cpl. Thompson’s wishes and try to repatriate it back to Japan.”

Although the decision to repatriate was fairly easy, locating the recipient proved to be a challenge. Mr. David Bonner, the Air University historian responsible for coordinating the repatriation, met with Japanese Col. Hirokazu Honda, an Air War College student, to translate the information on the flag.

“I am very honored to join this project,” said Honda “Because for us, our military members, at that time we were enemies. He served for his country, same as us. It has special meaning, that flag, and it has a meaning of good luck, both in war and a wish to come home safely. The war was a hard time, but this flag coming back to his society, it will be a very happy day.”

The flag was identified as a “Good Luck Flag.” During the Pacific War, it was common for Japanese soldiers to carry a Yosegaki Hinomaru (Good Luck Flag) or a Senninbari (Thousand Stitch Band) when going into combat. The four kanji characters at the top of the flag are roughly translated as “May your fortunes be everlasting.”

Honda was able to quickly identify the soldier as Shinyo Huruyasiki, and noted that his home in Japan was easy to identify as his name is unique to a specific region in his homeland. Once identified, Bonner found a nonprofit that assists with the repatriation process.

“I will be sending the flag to The Obon Society,” said Bonner. “It’s a nonprofit organization that specializes in repatriating Japanese war memorabilia. They were recommended by both the National Infantry Museum and the Japanese Embassy.”

Thompson’s family feels grateful that after nearly 80 years, the family of Shinyo Huruyasiki will once again possess an important and special piece of history."

Join Our Team: Assistant Director Position at the Japan America Society of Alabama (JASA)

JASA Staff — Wed, 15 Jan 2025 20:47:17 GMT

The Japan America Society of Alabama (JASA) is seeking to fill the position of Assistant Director. The position may be full-time (30+ hours/week), part-time (10-20 hours week), or on a project basis depending on the applicant’s ability to meet the requirements of the JASA Assistant Director Job Description (included below).

Compensation will be determined by the needs of JASA and the applicant’s ability to meet the requirements of the job description but is expected to be in the $20.00-$25.00/hour range. Work will be conducted remotely from home and/or virtually, but there are significant in-person requirements. Applicants must reside in Alabama and be able to represent the JASA membership, most of whom are located in central and north Alabama. There are no benefits associated with this position. Start date is flexible but is expected to be around April 1, 2025.

Applications should include a resume’ and written explanation (no more than one page) of why the applicant is interested in and qualified for this position. Providing at least one letter of recommendation is encouraged. Applications should be sent to HR@JASAweb.org by February 15, 2025, 5:00pm.

See the JASA Assistant Director Job Description.

Mazda considers shifting production to Alabama plant in response to proposed Trump tariffs

JASA Staff — Fri, 03 Jan 2025 21:29:01 GMT

AL.com: Mazda considers shifting production to Alabama plant in response to proposed Trump tariffs

The auto industry is concerned about a proposed 25% tariff on imports from Mexico and Canada. Mazda, which produces vehicles in Mexico, may shift some production to its joint plant with Toyota in Huntsville, Alabama, to avoid the tariff. This move could benefit Alabama, as Mazda looks to adapt to the potential cost increase from the tariffs.

Nissan and Honda announce merger plans to create world’s no. 3 automaker

JASA Staff — Wed, 25 Dec 2024 21:27:00 GMT

CNN: Nissan and Honda announce merger plans to create world’s no. 3 automaker

Honda and Nissan have agreed to discuss a potential merger, which would create the world’s third-largest automaker, behind Toyota and Volkswagen. Mitsubishi will also join the talks. The merger aims to help the companies compete with Chinese automakers and the shift to electric vehicles. However, past mergers in the industry have faced challenges, and Nissan is currently struggling with financial issues. Analysts predict more industry consolidation may follow.

Mazda Toyota Manufacturing Sponsors North Alabama Japanese Garden Foundation

Fri, 15 Nov 2024 20:45:05 GMT

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

Alabama and Japan forge stronger economic bonds at JASA event

JASA Staff — Mon, 11 Nov 2024 19:08:46 GMT

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.

Alabama leaders kick off EV Technology Center project to boost training

JASA Staff — Fri, 01 Nov 2024 19:36:11 GMT

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.

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

JASA Staff — Fri, 01 Nov 2024 19:34:11 GMT

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.

Nihongo-de-USA 【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】

JASA Staff — Mon, 07 Oct 2024 17:04:50 GMT

【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

New investments, strategies position rural Alabama for economic growth

JASA Staff — Thu, 05 Sep 2024 20:45:50 GMT

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

JASA Staff — Thu, 05 Sep 2024 20:41:24 GMT

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

2025 JAPANESE AMERICAN LEADERSHIP DELEGATION TO JAPAN 22nd DELEGATION (February 28 – March 8, 2025)

JASA Staff — Fri, 30 Aug 2024 21:24:48 GMT

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

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.
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:

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

JASA Staff — Fri, 16 Aug 2024 20:42:37 GMT

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.

サンフォード大学の関係者が前橋市訪問 / Samford University officials visit Maebashi City to strengthen international cooperation between universities

JASA Staff — Mon, 01 Jul 2024 17:36:06 GMT

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

Alabama auto industry’s rapid growth fueled by billions in new investment

JASA Staff — Mon, 10 Jun 2024 22:10:34 GMT

Made in Alabama: Alabama auto industry’s rapid growth fueled by billions in new investment

On September 30, 1993, Mercedes-Benz announced its first U.S. manufacturing facility in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, marking a pivotal moment for the state's economic future. Initially investing $400 million and planning for 1,500 workers, Mercedes has since invested over $7 billion and employs over 6,300 people. This decision attracted other automakers, including Honda, Hyundai, and the Mazda-Toyota partnership, solidifying Alabama's reputation as an auto industry powerhouse. Today, Alabama’s five automakers have invested around $15 billion, creating over 50,000 jobs and making motor vehicles the state’s top export. The industry is now focusing on electric vehicles, with significant investments in EV production infrastructure.

Toyota Alabama to expand production with 350 new jobs in Huntsville

JASA Staff — Mon, 10 Jun 2024 22:06:45 GMT

Made in Alabama: Toyota Alabama to expand production with 350 new jobs in Huntsville

Toyota is expanding its Huntsville engine factory with a $282 million investment, creating over 350 new jobs. This project raises Toyota Alabama’s total investment to over $1.7 billion, reinforcing its commitment to U.S. operations. The Huntsville plant, Toyota's largest North American engine producer, employs over 2,000 people and assembled more than 770,000 engines in 2023. The new investment will add drivetrain product lines, enhancing production capabilities. Local officials, including Governor Kay Ivey and Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle, praised the project for its economic impact and job creation, emphasizing Toyota's role as a key partner in Alabama's auto industry.

Birmingham City Schools, Miles College, and Birmingham Sister Cities Announce Inaugural Cohort ofthe International Dual Enrollment Academy

JASA Staff — Fri, 31 May 2024 23:58:01 GMT

The International Dual Enrollment Academy (IDEA) launched on May 18th at Miles College, Birmingham, in partnership with Birmingham Sister Cities and Birmingham City Schools.

The program offers dual enrollment coursework, cultural activities, and travel abroad. The inaugural cohort comprises 25 students from various Birmingham high schools, with 15 selected for a trip to Japan in October based on performance criteria. Stakeholders express enthusiasm for the program, highlighting its potential to showcase Birmingham globally, provide students with a global perspective, and strengthen ties with Japan.

See whole article

Governor Ivey Celebrates Alabama’s Exporting Success with ‘Trade Excellence Awards,’ Proclaims World Trade Month

JASA Staff — Thu, 02 May 2024 20:44:16 GMT

Governor Ivey Celebrates Alabama’s Exporting Success with ‘Trade Excellence Awards,’ Proclaims World Trade Month

Governor Kay Ivey awarded five Alabama companies with the 2024 Governor’s Trade Excellence Award for their global success and impact on the state's economy. The companies honored include Evonik, Hartzell Engine Tech, MDT Armor, PTS Expeditionary Communications, and United Aero Group. Governor Ivey also proclaimed May as World Trade Month in Alabama. Additionally, Nisa Miranda received the Trade Advocate of the Year Award for her significant support of Alabama's export system during her tenure at the University of Alabama Center for Economic Development.

Relationships matter: Honorary Consul General of Japan visits Jasper

JASA Staff — Sat, 27 Apr 2024 00:36:37 GMT

Jasper Mayor David O’Mary highlights the importance of relationships, citing his enduring bond with Mark Jackson, Honorary Consul General of Japan. Jackson's recent visit emphasizes the value of solidifying connections beyond business interests. Their collaboration has attracted Japanese businesses to Jasper, showcasing the benefits of strong ties. O’Mary acknowledges Jackson's proactive role in representing Japan, facilitating investment in Alabama. Jackson stresses the ongoing significance of relationships in attracting Japanese investment to the U.S.

See the article on Daily Mountain Eagle below.

DME 4-25-24_front.pdf

DME 4-25-24_A9.pdf

Tokyo issues strong warning on yen intervention as currency dips further

JASA Staff — Sat, 27 Apr 2024 00:35:09 GMT

The Japan Times: Tokyo issues strong warning on yen intervention as currency dips further

Finance Minister Shunichi Suzuki's recent remarks suggest Tokyo may intervene in currency markets due to concerns over excessive yen depreciation. Following a meeting with U.S. and South Korean counterparts, Suzuki warned of the impact of a weak yen on import costs. The dollar's recent strength against the yen has heightened concerns, prompting discussions among the three countries. Analysts anticipate potential volatility during Japan's Golden Week holidays, prompting authorities to remain vigilant. Suzuki emphasized Japan's readiness to address currency volatility and did not rule out intervention. The yen's decline is attributed to strong U.S. economic data, raising speculation about the Federal Reserve's interest rate policy.

15 Birmingham students will go to Japan under global studies program

JASA Staff — Sat, 27 Apr 2024 00:33:36 GMT

AL.com: 15 Birmingham students will go to Japan under global studies program

Fifteen Birmingham City Schools juniors and sophomores are set to join the inaugural International Dual Enrollment Academy (IDEA) program, led by Birmingham Sister Cities, Miles College, and Birmingham City Schools. Designed to cultivate global skills, the program includes dual enrollment coursework at Miles College, cultural activities, and a trip to Japan. Participants can earn nine college credits, a stipend of at least $500, and may attend the Sister Cities International Youth Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C. Aligned with Birmingham's commitment to exceptional education and global readiness, the program runs from May 6 to December 11, 2024.

For more information about the IDEA program, click here.

Protective Life acquires New York-based insurance company

JASA Staff — Wed, 10 Apr 2024 22:11:49 GMT

Business Alabama: Protective Life acquires New York-based insurance company

Birmingham-based Protective Life Corp., a subsidiary of Dai-ichi Life Holdings Inc., is acquiring ShelterPoint Group Inc., a New York-based holding company of ShelterPoint Life Insurance Co.

ShelterPoint is a provider of disability benefits and paid family leave insurance, which employers are required to provide under New York state law. ShelterPoint also has been actively expanding. Through its relationships with approximately 200,000 businesses, ShelterPoint currently provides insurance and income replacement products to nearly 2 million individuals across the United States.

...

Once closed, pending regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions, it will be the seventh deal completed since Protective became a part of Tokyo-based Dai-ichi in 2015. Dai-ichi has more than $463 billion in total assets as of Dec. 31, 2023 and serves customers in 10 countries, with Protective as its U.S.-based subsidiary.

Alabama leads the nation in car exports, topping $11 billion in 2023

Fri, 05 Apr 2024 02:17:50 GMT

Alabama leads the nation in car exports, topping $11 billion in 2023

Alabama has outpaced South Carolina as the state exporting the most passenger vehicles. In the last two years, South Carolina has led the country in car exports achieving $2 billion more than Alabama in 2021 and $3 billion more in 2022. In 2023, however, Alabama pulled ahead and exported more by $1 billion for a total of $11 billion for the year. To read more about this success, visit the site linked above.

Toyota to headline SEUS/Japan conference in North Carolina

JASA Staff — Wed, 27 Mar 2024 16:30:52 GMT

GMI POST: Toyota to headline SEUS/Japan conference in North Carolina

This year’s Southeast U.S./Japan Annual Joint Meeting will be sponsored by Toyota. This meeting is aimed at attracting more Japanese investment to the Southeastern United States. This year it will be hosted in Charlotte, North Carolina from October 27 to 29th. For more information and comments from the governor, check out the article linked above.

Report: 2023 growth projects to inject $6.4 billion into Alabama communities

JASA Staff — Wed, 27 Mar 2024 16:28:05 GMT

Made in Alabama: Report: 2023 growth projects to inject $6.4 billion into Alabama communities

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey announced over $6.4 billion in investments from companies launching or expanding operations in 2023, reinforcing the state's robust economic growth and job creation. The efforts resulted in 8,095 new jobs across 43 counties, with key sectors like automotive, metals, and information technology driving growth. Rural Alabama attracted significant investments, and foreign direct investment played a crucial role, contributing almost $3 billion and nearly 3,400 new jobs. Top global and domestic brands, such as Miele and Sierra Pacific, continue to choose Alabama for expansion. Secretary of Commerce Ellen McNair emphasizes the state's commitment to creating 21st-century jobs and developing a comprehensive economic development strategy for the future. Governor Ivey highlights the importance of innovation and technology in sustaining Alabama's economic momentum, driving the need for new strategies and bold approaches.

Click here to see the 2023 Alabama New & Expanding Industry Report.

Leadership change at MTM in Madison

JASA Staff — Tue, 12 Mar 2024 19:35:32 GMT

Business Alabama: Leadership change at MTM in Madison

Mazda Toyota Manufacturing has announced a change of leadership at its plant in Madison.

Founding Plant President Masashi Aihara, who took the helm of the new plant in 2018 as part of his 40-year career with Mazda Motor Corp., is stepping aside at the end of March.

Mazda veteran Mitsunobu Mukaida will become plant president.

Mazda shares a plant with Toyota, where Mazda CX-50 and Toyota Corolla Cross are made.

“It has been a great challenge to start an automotive facility of this size from cotton fields, to where MTM is now,” Aihara said. “We received much support from the local governments, communities, suppliers, our team members and other stakeholders that has led to our success — two new lines, two shifts, producing two vehicles. My hope is to leave the same kind of positive impact on MTM and Alabama, that they have had on me and on my family over the past five years.”

Mukaida has been with Mazda 35 years, most recently as executive officer in charge of global production. He has also served as CEO and president of Mazda Powertrain Manufacturing in Thailand.

“My mission at MTM as a joint venture plant is to further realize the synergy between Toyota and Mazda through their respective strengths, and to develop it as a ‘best in town’ facility that is loved by our team members and the local community,” said Mukaida. “I will continue to work with determination to put down roots in Huntsville.”

Toyota marks record for engine production

Mon, 11 Mar 2024 16:48:24 GMT

Business Alabama: Toyota marks record for engine production

The Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama (TMMAL) engine plant in Huntsville assembled 770,000 engines in 2023, a record production number for the facility. The plant is a critical part of Toyota’s supply chain and has the capacity to build up to 900,000 engines per year. To keep up with production demands, TMMAL has also seen a significant bump in hiring and currently employs more than 2,000 people.

“Toyota Alabama supplies over one-third of all engines for Toyota’s North American operations,” points out Jason Puckett, president of Toyota Alabama. Puckett has overseen production and administration functions at TMMAL since 2021. Prior to that, he served as vice president of administration and manufacturing at Toyota Indiana, where his Toyota career started in 1997.

“Every line at Toyota Alabama assembles engines for both hybrid and combustion vehicles. It’s our 2,000 team members and their skills that have paved the way for this plant to play a critical role in Toyota’s electrified future,” Puckett says.

The 1.3 million-square-foot facility has four assembly lines that produce four-cylinder + HEV engines, 2.4 turbo + HEV engines and twin-turbo VS + HEV engines that can be found under the hoods of RAV4, Corolla, Corolla Cross, Highlander, Sienna, Tundra and Sequoia vehicles. It is also the only Toyota plant globally to build four-cylinder, V-6 and V-8 engines under one roof, and it is the only plant in North America that builds the Twin Turbo V-6 engine.

Toyota Alabama kicks off production on new engine line after $222 million project

JASA Staff — Wed, 21 Feb 2024 20:35:39 GMT

Made in Alabama: Toyota Alabama kicks off production on new engine line after $222 million project

HUNTSVILLE, Alabama — Toyota Alabama announced today that it has started production on its i-FORCE 2.4-liter turbo engine line at its Huntsville engine plant, culminating a $222 million investment project launched in 2022.

Toyota Alabama said the new engine line will provide powertrains for the all-new Tacoma pickup and reinforces its commitment to diversified powertrains that align with customer demand.

“The completion of the i-FORCE 2.4-liter turbo engine line marks a significant milestone for Toyota Alabama and further supports job stability for our 2,000 employees,” said Jason Puckett, president of Toyota Alabama.

“Now, with Tacoma offering a hybrid option, every line at our plant includes engines for hybrid vehicles,” he added. “It’s our team and their skills that have paved the way for this plant to play a critical role in Toyota’s efficient and electrified future.”

Ellen McNair, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce, said the new engine line’s production launch is the latest in a long line of milestones for the Toyota engine plant, which opened in Huntsville in 2003.

“Toyota Alabama has an extensive track record of success, and we’re proud of the workforce in Huntsville that has helped make all of that possible,” McNair said.

“In addition, Toyota is a great community supporter and a crown jewel in Huntsville’s dynamic economy.”

Read the whole article

Application for 2024 KKC Japan Study Tour open to Mar 1!

JASA Staff — Mon, 11 Dec 2023 17:46:40 GMT

Application for 2024 KKC Japan Study Tour open to Mar 1 for grade 6-12 social studies teachers!

KEIZAI KOHO CENTER TEACHER FELLOWSHIP

Application Due: March 1, 2024

Dates: June 24 (Mon) -July 2 (Tue), 2024 (Tentative)

Program Type: Education Exchange, Public Affairs

Contact: Email: kkcfellowship@us-japan.org

Contact Phone: 412-856-8608, Ms. Katsuko Shellhammer

Keizai Koho Center (KKC), in cooperation with the National Association of Japan-America Societies (NAJAS), will offer the “KKC Study Tour to Japan 2024” for U.S. and Canadian social studies teachers.

Since 1980, over 700 U.S. and Canadian social studies teachers have taken part in “KKC Study Tour to Japan”. The program aims to deepen participants’ understanding of Japan and contribute to international mutual understanding across the Pacific. Their experiences and findings in Japan have significant value to their students, who will build future ties with Japan.

Dates of the Program

June 24 (Mon) -July 2 (Tue), 2024 (Tentative)

The contents will be developed to provide vivid and enjoyable experiences which may include:

Visits to Japanese schools and Japanese companies,
Meetings with scholars and/or experts on political, economic, social issues and the education system,
Cultural and fun experiences,
A seminar with an audience of business people.

Costs covered by KKC

KKC provides round trip air transportation from the participants’ home city to Tokyo, as well as accommodations, ground transportation and meals associated with the program.

Guidelines at https://www.us-japan.org/kkc before applying at https://najas.wufoo.com/forms/r1pu1gw61awsgr1/ Help for societies/teachers c/o aboots@japansocietypa.org while reflections from participants are at https://en.kkc.or.jp/programs/stj/.

New $30 million EV training center will support auto industry growth

JASA Staff — Thu, 30 Nov 2023 22:15:42 GMT

Made in Alabama: New $30 million EV training center will support auto industry growth

MONTGOMERY, Alabama — Governor Kay Ivey announced today that Alabama is building a $30 million workforce training center in Decatur that will focus on electric vehicles and emerging technologies in order to position the state’s auto industry for the next chapter of its growth.

The facility will be located on the campus of the Alabama Robotics Technology Park, a unique $73 million center operated by AIDT that helps companies train workers on advanced R&D and manufacturing technologies.

“Alabama is already a recognized leader in workforce development, and this training center concentrating on EVs and new technologies will add an important dimension to our capabilities,” Governor Ivey said.

“This investment shows that we’re fully committed to making Alabama an even greater force in the global auto industry in the future.”

AIDT Director Ed Castile said design work has begun on the planned facility, which is projected to span 40,000 square feet at Robotics Park, where there is room for growth on 40 available acres.

The training center is expected to be operational in 18 to 24 months.

“Our main goal is to help the state’s automakers continue to grow during the transition to electric powertrains and assist them as they embrace new technologies that are evolving all the time,” said Castile, who also serves as Deputy Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce.

“We just want to make sure we have workforce that has the ability to thrive in this new environment, so it’s a natural extension of what we do at Robotics Park.” ...

Read the whole article

Long-standing Alabama-Japan bonds on full display at celebration

JASA Staff — Sat, 11 Nov 2023 02:10:47 GMT

Made in Alabama: Long-standing Alabama-Japan bonds on full display at celebration

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama — Six Japanese companies embarking on investment projects in Alabama were recognized Thursday night at a ceremony that highlighted the deep economic and cultural connections that link the Southeastern state and the Asian nation.

The Japan-America Society of Alabama (JASA) dinner at the Renaissance Birmingham Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa brought together leaders from government, economic development, education and culture in support of the Alabama-Japan relationship.

Birmingham’s Mark Jackson, who serves as Honorary Consul General of Japan, said last night’s event highlighted the multi-layered importance of Alabama’s relationship with Japan.

“From manufacturing, financial and insurance services to educational exchanges and cultural events, Japan has become a major part of Alabama’s landscape,” Jackson said. “Our leaders understand the importance of this relationship, and I am happy to work with them as it continues to expand.

“When you consider the economic impact of 80+ Japanese companies on a state of approximately 5 million people, you understand why Alabama is at the forefront of leading the global economy,” he added.

Greg Canfield, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce, said many communities across the state have benefited immensely from the long-lasting relationship with Japan.

“Over the years, I have developed an unshakable admiration for the Japanese business culture, which places an emphasis on teamwork, quality, continuous improvement, innovation, environmental stewardship and honor,” Secretary Canfield said.

“The Japanese companies operating in Alabama have brought an authentic community spirit and have shown themselves, time and time again, to be great corporate citizens,” he added. ...

Read the whole article

Sec. Canfield heads Alabama team in Tokyo for SEUS-Japan 45 summit

JASA Staff — Thu, 12 Oct 2023 22:58:21 GMT

Made in Alabama: Sec. Canfield heads Alabama team in Tokyo for SEUS-Japan 45 summit

Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield is leading an Alabama delegation at an international conference in Tokyo this week that seeks to enhance the robust economic and cultural ties between seven Southeastern states and Japan.

The 45th annual joint meeting of the Southeast U.S.-Japan and the Japan-Southeast associations, known as SEUS Japan, officially begins today and features a full agenda of speeches, high-level panel discussions and networking opportunities on Friday.

Secretary Canfield said the annual SEUS Japan gathering allows members of the Alabama delegation to reinforce bonds that have been established over decades and to explore pathways to future collaborations.

“The long-standing partnership between Japan and Alabama continues to spark economic growth, create opportunity, and foster deep friendships,” he said. “That’s why I am looking forward to seeing this relationship blossom for decades to come.”

Secretary Canfield, who will make remarks to the group on Friday, said Japan is one of Alabama’s most important global partners.

Today, an estimated 90 Japanese companies have established operations in Alabama, according to data from the Alabama Department of Commerce. The roster of Japanese companies includes global names such as Honda, Toyota, Mazda, Daikin, Rheem and Dai-Ichi Life.

“The impact of Japanese investment in Alabama has been massive,” Secretary Canfield said. “Back in 1999, Honda announced plans to open an auto assembly plant in Alabama, and since that milestone, nearly $10 billion in Japanese investment has flowed into the state.”

‘CONTINUED SUCCESS’

The theme of the SEUS-Japan 45 joint meeting is “Continued Success through Partnership & Innovation for a Sustainable Future.”

Panel discussions on Friday will focus on the resiliency of the U.S.-Japanese economic partnership amid global turbulence and how to properly position workforces to support emerging technologies and new sustainability initiatives.

In addition, Rahm Emanuel, the U.S. Ambassador to Japan, will address attendees, as will two-time Indianapolis 500 champion Takuma Sato, the first Asian driver to win the celebrated race.

SEUS-Japan 45 also features a reception and gala dinner, as well as a networking event.

The Alabama delegation in Tokyo is composed of community leaders, company officials and economic development specialists from across the state. Ed Castile, director of AIDT and Alabama’s workforce development guru, and Christina Stimpson, Commerce’s international trade expert, also are on the trip.

“The SEUS-Japan summit is a valuable event for us,” said Don Smith, executive director of the St. Clair County Economic Development Council, who is on the trip.

“It provides incredible data and networking opportunities as well as creating a base camp for us to visit the top leadership positions making decisions regarding our local Alabama companies.”

TIGHTENING BONDS

Stimpson, who serves as director of Commerce’s Office of International Trade, said the commercial ties with Japan have become an increasingly important economic driver for Alabama.

“The Japanese-Alabama relationship is stronger than ever. Not only do we have significant foreign direct investment from Japan, but for the first time ever Alabama exports to Japan last year reached over $1 billion,” Stimpson said.

“This is a 42% increase from 2021 and represents the largest percentage increase among our top trading partners.”

Besides Alabama, the states represented at SEUS-Japan are Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Mississippi and Florida.

JASA RECEIVES SATSUMA POTTERY COLLECTION

JASA Staff — Mon, 21 Aug 2023 16:31:12 GMT

Many Alabamians are familiar with the word “Satsuma”, either as a reference to the City of Satsuma in Mobile County, or to its namesake, the Satsuma orange, which was grown in Alabama beginning in 1878 after Emperor Meiji of Japan presented a Satsuma tree as a gift. In fact, farming of Satsuma oranges in the Mobile area was a thriving business in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s until Satsuma trees were damaged by the combination of cold weather and a disease that affected fruit trees.

There is another type of Satsuma that originated long before Satsuma trees were introduced to Alabama. Around the year 1600 a type of clay pottery called “Satsuma” began production in the Satsuma Province in southern Kyushu, Japan. The original Satsuma pottery, which was plain and dark in color, was succeeded in the mid-1800’s by elaborately decorated Satsuma that was made in cities throughout Japan. It was made until around 1930, and during its 80 years of production was exported from Japan to countries around the world. Once the production of authentic Japanese Satsuma ended, because it had become so popular in export markets, other countries, including China, began making a lower quality version of Satsuma that continued until the 1960’s.

Earlier this year JASA was contacted by Mr. John Daane of Milton, Florida, who was searching for a Japanese organization that would be willing to own and care for the Satsuma pottery his parents had collected between the 1950’s and 2015 when they lived in The Netherlands, South Africa and New Zealand. On behalf of his family’s estate, it was Mr. Daane’s wish that a Japanese organization would care for and display his parents’ Satsuma, and with that commitment, JASA is now the proud owner of a 63-piece collection of authentic Satsuma, most of it now over 100 years old.

JASA first introduced the collection at a recent Board of Directors meeting, and it has since been displayed at other JASA events. The plan is for it to be on temporary display at JASA member companies, universities or other organizations. Anyone interested in hosting all or part of the collection should contact JASA President Mark Brown or Honorary Consul General Mark Jackson.

JASA is grateful to the Daane family for their donation, and we look forward to many years of JASA members and friends being able to see and appreciate the incredible beauty and quality of authentic Satsuma!

Toyota donating $6.7 million to Huntsville schools

JASA Staff — Thu, 10 Aug 2023 23:19:38 GMT

AL. com: Toyota donating $6.7 million to Huntsville schools

Toyota USA is donating up to $6.7 million to Huntsville City Schools with the goal of boosting the industrial workforce through STEM education programs as well as providing career support for young classroom teachers.

It’s part of a national educational Driving Possibilities program by Toyota in areas where its plants are located. The announcement Thursday took place at Jemison High School – just four miles south of Toyota Motor Manufacturing’s sprawling facility in north Huntsville where as many as 900,000 engines are produced annually.

“It’s a unique program in that we are not necessarily going wide with our funding and doing things district wide,” said Bekah Schmidt, a corporate communications analyst for Toyota. “We’re going very deep in a few schools and kind of getting to the root of how can we best serve the students and make an impact. And so we have been working on this project for over a year and working with Huntsville City Schools to identify some opportunities where we could have collective impact.”

Specifically, the funding will help support a new industrial tech program at the planned Career Tech Center to be built in north Huntsville on the same campus as a new central office for the school system off Memorial Parkway between Sparkman Drive and Max Luther Drive.

“Toyota understands the importance of training and preparing our students to fill high-tech, 21st Century jobs by the time they graduate,” Alabama Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth said in a press release announcing the donation. “Alabama consistently ranks among the nation’s leaders in economic development and industrial recruitment, and thanks to generous corporate partners like Toyota, we have the tools necessary to maintain that top ranking for many years to come.”

Read the whole article here

Ippin Ramen on 280 is now open

JASA Staff — Tue, 25 Jul 2023 18:18:35 GMT

A new restaurant has opened on 280– Ippin Ramen is celebrating its grand opening at 3000 Meadow Lake Drive. The new spot is now serving up all kinds of Chinese specialties, ramen and bubble tea.

Ippin Ramen is not exactly new in town. The restaurant, which was formerly called Golden City 2, has been completed renovated and rebranded to feature all new menu items and ambiance.

In a recent Facebook post by Friends of 280, the restaurant’s owners expressed their excitement about the new and improved location.

View full article on Bham Now!

Steve Ammons included in the prestigious Power 60 list for 2023

JASA Staff — Tue, 25 Jul 2023 18:11:17 GMT

Congratulations to Steve Ammons, JASA Board member!

Birmingham's 60 Most Influential Business Leaders

We are proud to share that our President & CEO, Steve Ammons, has been recognized by the Birmingham Business Journal in their prestigious Power 60 list for 2023. This impressive list includes over 40 of our valued investors, further affirming Birmingham Business Alliance’s influence in the business community. Congratulations to all the honorees! Read more about this recognition here.

by Birmingham Business Alliance

【TS Tech Alabama, LLC.】 Japanese-Speaking Translator/Interpreter

JASA Staff — Mon, 24 Jul 2023 15:58:55 GMT

Job Posting: Japanese-Speaking Translator/Interpreter

Company: TS Tech Alabama, LLC.

Location: Boaz, Alabama, USA

Job description

Located in Boaz, Alabama and part of the TS Tech Americas group, a global supplier of automobile seats and interiors, with operations in 72 locations in 14 countries. TS Tech Alabama has a unique opportunity for a Japanese-speaking Interpreter to support Japanese team members including Plant President with day to day communication between local and Japanese team members and visitors. The selected candidate will work closely with Japanese team members.

Although no manufacturing experience is required, the selected candidate will be exposed to production processes, control systems, as well as many functional areas of the plant. This is not a remote position.

Essential Functions

Speak, read, and written (including emails) in English (Business/Professional level) and Japanese (Native level).
Translate Japanese and English online and written materials accurately to maintain tone, style,
and original meaning.
Interpret Japanese and English verbal meetings and document accurately.
Work with HR Staff to coordinate travel arrangements for Japanese guests and their families.
Work with the HR Group to provide meeting assistance; may include travel, lunches, etc.
Support doctor visit, and other various procedures for Japanese staff.
Other tasks as required by Management.

Competencies

Must be able to accurately interpret verbal and written communications
Be detail oriented
Ability to analyze information and make sound judgements
Confidentiality and work ethics
Must be reliable in attendance and work successfully in a team environment.

Work Environment

Open office area with constant activity and interaction with cross-functional departments.
Minimal exposure to shop elements such as noise, dust, odors, fumes. The performance of this position normally requires exposure similar to general office work, with a few minimal exceptions.
There are areas that require the use of personal protective equipment such as safety shoes and safety glasses (provided by TS Tech Alabama).

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, citizenship, genetic information or other protected status under federal, state or local laws.

Job Type: Full Time

Salary: $20 - $23.29 per hour

Email resume: Julie.Kirsch@tstech.com

PowerSouth lights the way from Prattville to the Florida Panhandle

JASA Staff — Thu, 20 Jul 2023 18:06:41 GMT

Business Alabama: PowerSouth lights the way from Prattville to the Florida Panhandle

In the 1960s, PowerSouth Energy Cooperative’s electrical generation was regulated by two clocks: one mechanical, the other electric. The mechanical device displayed perfect time and served as the setpoint for the electric clock. If the electric clock ran fast, operators reduced power generation, slowing it down until its time matched the mechanical device. If the electric unit ran slow, operators increased power generation until both clocks matched.

Humans watched both clocks, making adjustments accordingly. Today the clocks are mostly for show. The electric grid is managed primarily by computers that monitor and make corrections on a continuous basis.

“We still have those clocks in a control room,” says Gary Smith, PowerSouth’s president and CEO. “We keep them for demonstrations. They are part of our history.”

Headquartered in Andalusia, the company was formed in 1941. Its mission then is the same as now — to generate and provide reliable and affordable electricity to its members.

Today, the company’s 500-plus employees accomplish its goals via 2,100 miles of high-voltage transmission lines running through South Alabama and the Florida Panhandle. Andalusia’s electricity powerhouse distributes energy to cooperative and municipal members who serve end-users in 39 Alabama and 10 Florida counties.

- Sponsor -

But the company started with humble beginnings.

“In the early days, electrification was urban,” adds Smith, who joined PowerSouth in 1989. “In the 1940s, Andalusia, Troy, Evergreen, Opp and other towns had some semblance of electricity, but not much. Power was often produced by in-town generators that ran power to small downtown grids.”

Smith also notes that in the 1920s the Horseshoe Lumber Company built two dams on the Conecuh River. “It is a small insignificant river, but it was big enough to run two hydro projects to generate power in our area. After the lumber company cut down most of the trees, it sold power to small nearby municipalities.”

He continues, “Those municipalities became the nexus for the Alabama Electric Cooperative in 1941.”

Those two dams built by the lumber company, about five miles north of Andalusia, became the catalyst for PowerSouth.

Back then, the duo of dams produced about 9 megawatts of power. Today the company’s new natural gas combined cycle power plant alone produces 693 megawatts.

PowerSouth has grown into an electric cooperative serving the wholesale power needs of 20 distribution members, including 16 electric cooperatives and four municipal electric systems in Alabama and Northwest Florida.

“We are a wholesaler, not a retailer,” notes the company president. “We sell our product to our members who in turn, sell it to their members and customers. We are a true cooperative. We do not have shareholders, like investor-owned utilities. We are owned by the same people/cooperatives we serve.”

The entities served in Alabama include: Baldwin EMC in Summerdale, Central Alabama Electric Cooperative in Prattville, Clarke-Washington EMC in Jackson, Coosa Valley Electric Cooperative in Talladega, Dixie Electric Cooperative in Montgomery, Pea River Electric Cooperative in Ozark, Pioneer Electric Cooperative in Greenville, South Alabama Electric Cooperative in Troy, Southern Pine Electric Cooperative in Brewton, Tallapoosa River Electric Cooperative in Tallapoosa and Wiregrass Electric Cooperative in Hartford.

Other Alabama distribution members include Utilities Board of the City of Andalusia, City of Brundidge, Water Works & Electric Board of the City of Elba, and Utilities Board of the City of Opp.

Florida members are CHELCO in DeFuniak Springs, Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative in Wewahitchka, Escambia River Electric Cooperative in Jay and West Florida Electric Cooperative in Graceville.

PowerSouth COO Damon Morgan (left), Gary Smith and other employees at Lowman Coal Plant, which is being converted to the natural gas-fired Lowman Energy Center.

Meeting the power needs of a diverse cooperative group has its challenges. Many of these trials stem from nature, government regulations and, most importantly, fuel costs.

“When a hurricane threatens, we deploy our line crews to prepare to restore the system,” says Smith. “Linemen are stationed in safe strategic locations that we believe can reach damaged areas in the quickest time.” But he adds, “Hurricanes are of course, always unpredictable, and when the storm strikes, I like to quote Mike Tyson: ‘Everybody has a plan until you get hit in the mouth.’”

Smith recalls, “The worse storm I have seen was Hurricane Michael (October 2018). We lost 264 high voltage transmission structures. Our areas around Panama City, Florida, and south were completely destroyed.”

In addition to natural disasters, there are the man-made hurricanes of government regulations. “It is a challenge, building a plant and the government comes in saying, ‘You need to shut this down in 13 years for environmental reasons.’ There is no way we can pay off the investment in that plant. If the plant is taken out of operation our members are left with a stranded investment.”

Federal regulations are becoming stringent for anything fueled by coal or fossil fuels — from power plants to cars to natural gas stoves. “The only coal generation we have now is our 8% interest in Alabama Power Co.’s Miller Units, near Birmingham,” says Smith. “I hope that plant site is not phased out. It is a very efficient unit. The costs are very good. A lot of investment has been made in environmental controls.”

Smith notes, “At one time we were completely a coal utility. Now we are almost completely a natural gas utility.” With change comes challenges.

PowerSouth emphasizes that operations are much more automated now than they were 20 years ago. Systems are more computerized and less labor-intensive. “Not too long ago, when the power failed, we sent a team out to patrol the line until they found the problem,” says Smith. “Today when we have an outage, the electronic systems identify the location of the outage.”

But he adds, “What really keeps you awake at night is worrying about fuel costs. Last winter natural gas was about $8 to $10 per million BTUs. Today (May 15, 2023) it is just over $2.35 per million BTUS. Last week it was $2.05.

“With so much variation day by day, trying to balance and manage natural gas costs is troublesome. It makes our costs to members difficult to predict,” Smith says.

As for the future, PowerSouth is faced with the challenge of building and operating a new electrical generation plant while complying with environmental rules. Some question Power South’s operations.

“Yes, we run coal plants and we burn fossil fuels,” Smith adds. “But we are trying to save the world in a different way. We are saving the world with affordable and reliable electricity for people who are economically challenged. If we can provide them a better and a more affordable way of life, we have done our job.”

This article appears in the July 2023 issue of Business Alabama.

The University of Alabama (featured in JASA July Newsletter)

JASA Staff — Sat, 08 Jul 2023 00:01:30 GMT

The University of Alabama envisions being known as the university of choice for the best and brightest students who seek exceptional educational opportunities to advance the intellectual and social condition of the people of the state, the nation and the world. UA provides a premier undergraduate and graduate education that offers a global perspective and is characterized by outstanding teaching, high-quality scholarship and distinctive curricular and co-curricular programs.

The Capstone International Center (CIC), led by the Associate Provost for International Education and Global Outreach, coordinates programs and opportunities on and off campus that have an international focus. Dr. Teresa E. Wise currently directs the CIC and currently sits on the 2023 JASA Executive Committee. The CIC also offers advising and support for prestigious international scholarships such as the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program, Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship and Boren Awards to name a few. The CIC fosters partnerships with various universities worldwide and participates in student exchange programs at 29 different universities in 14 countries including Japan. These campuses include Hiroshima University, Kansai Gaidai University, Meiji University, Ritsumeikan University and Chiba University which has been a partner for over 25 years.

Dr. Wise and fellow CIC staff, Sonya Harwood-Johnson and Ruzanna Yolyan, pose for a photo with international students and fellow volunteers on United Way’s Day of Action. The CIC provides opportunities for international students and scholars to interact with the community in a positive light.

Many international students at UA also participate in the accreditedIntensive English Program coordinated by CIC’s English Language Institute (ELI). The institute provides top quality instruction to non-native speakers of English while providing students with orientation to U.S. culture. ELI enrolls approximately 75 students per session from 16 different countries mostly from Japan, China, Colombia, Saudi Arabia and Turkey. Some students participate in customized group programs such as Chiba University’s English + Nursing Program where students attend English language sessions with a focus on medical terminology and observe UA nursing classes, attend clinical immersion and tour local medical facilities. Serving as a “Gateway to UA”, the specialized Intensive English Program provides an opportunity for international students to matriculate into UA degree programs at both undergraduate and graduate degree levels. The ELI plays a major role in international student recruitment at UA.

In the Fall of 2022, the CIC’s International Student & Scholar Services served 1,118 active, enrolled international students, including 246 new international students from 88 countries, territories and regions. Of the 246 new international students, there were 188 first-time and internal transfer graduate students, 50 first-time freshmen, and eight first-time undergraduate transfer students. The university is also currently sponsoring 175 recent graduates who are working on Optional Practical Training (OPT). UA also employs 277 non-immigrant scholars, faculty and staff representing 44 countries and territories.

While UA welcomed many international students last year, the CIC’s Education Abroad (EA) program sent 1,115 students to more than 55 countries to participate in over 235 unique programs internationally in 2022. After a pause from in-person programs worldwide, the EA office saw a heightened demand for studying abroad as the world emerged from the pandemic. When international borders opened once more, 40% of the students who participated in an EA program had never been abroad before and 36 students travelled on a Gilman Scholarship Award.

The CIC provides many opportunities for cultural exchange on and off campus through the Global and Cultural Perspectives Minor, Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL), and community outreach. In 2018, UA received an American Council on Education grant to initiate COIL activities with a partner institution in Japan, Chiba University, with support from the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology. This partnership allows the Chiba nursing students to collaborate online with UA students prior to their arrival for the English + Nursing Program.

Kansai Gaidai and UA students excited to eat Japanese curry and get to know one another at the Japanese themed Multicultural Coffee Hour last spring.

In 1987, the CIC held Tuscaloosa’s first Annual Sakura Festival in collaboration with Tuscaloosa’s Sister Cities International and has continued the tradition each spring to engage the local community with Japanese culture. This year, Consul General Mio Maeda gave a speech to the community and students from UA and Kansai Gaidai University held demonstrations and matsuri games for the all ages. The CIC supports international groups and events such as the weekly Multi-Cultural Coffee Hour that invites all international and domestic students, scholars, faculty and staff to enjoy a culturally themed snack over great conversation with new and old friends from around the world. In an effort to internationalize the campus and community, the CIC coordinates these programs and opportunities with a worldwide focus.

Consul General Maeda speaks to everyone at the beginning of the 37th Annual Sakura Festival.

Kansai Gaidai students demonstrate the Morning Taiso Stretch routine at the 37th Annual Sakura Festival.

Mazda Toyota Manufacturing awards grant funding

JASA Staff — Thu, 22 Jun 2023 16:36:29 GMT

Mazda Toyota Manufacturing has awarded its second round of grant funding totaling $150,000 to 12 nonprofits. Grantees also took a tour of the Huntsville manufacturing facility.

“MTM is grateful to the organizations that support our community, and our MTM Grant Fund is one way that we can show that commitment to North Alabama,” said Mark Brazeal, vice president of administration at MTM.

The 2023 MTM Grant Fund received more than 80 applications. Of those, the following 12 nonprofits received funding this round: Huntsville Hospital Foundation, Family Services Center, NCAC, Heals Inc., KTECH/Kids to Love, ELM Foundation, Girls Inc., Kid One Transport, The Care Center, Huntsville Botanical Gardens, Still Serving Veterans and Cap & Gown Project.

The Community Foundation of Greater Huntsville hosts MTM’s fund on its platform and is integral in facilitating MTM’s corporate grantmaking.

MTM will launch a third round of funding later this year. Interested applicants can visit the Community Foundation’s website or follow MTM on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn for the announcement of the third round.

Read the article by Business Alabama

2023-2024 Japanese Language Grants by The Japan Foundation, Los Angeles (JFLA)

JASA Staff — Fri, 09 Jun 2023 19:56:39 GMT

2023-2024 Japanese Language Grants by The Japan Foundation, Los Angeles (JFLA)

Grant for Nationwide/Statewide/Region-wide Events for Learners

Japanese Language Learners Event Grant

(Examples: Speech Contest, Quiz Contest, Japan-themed Festival for Learners, etc.)

Deadlines: September 1, 2023

More info

__________________________________

Grant for Nationwide/Statewide/Region-wide Projects for Teachers

Japanese-Language Education Project Grant

(Examples: Conferences/Seminars/Workshops for Teachers, Teaching Material Development, Research Projects, etc.)

Deadline: 2 months before the project start date

More info

__________________________________

Grants for Individual Japanese Language Programs

Japanese Teaching Material Purchase Grant

Deadlines: September 15, 2023

More info

__________________________________

Advocacy Support Letter

If your Japanese language program is in danger of being cut due to COVID-19, we will send a support letter to stakeholders (Superintendent, Principal, Dean, etc.).

Please contact JFLA for details.

Honda Alabama opens $16 million customization facility

JASA Staff — Mon, 01 May 2023 19:53:29 GMT

The $16 million, 66,000-square-foot Post-Production Option facility will house a program that outfits the automaker’s light-truck lineup with features designed to add extra performance and function, including bronze alloy wheels, fender flares, roof rails, cargo nets and trailer hitches.

The PPO program began in late 2020 with the installation of accessory packages for the redesigned 2021 Ridgeline pickup.

On Tuesday, community leaders joined company officials to cut the ribbon on the new PPO facility, which will allow Honda to expand the program to include accessory packages for the redesigned 2023 Pilot SUV and meet increased demand for customization of light truck models.

Honda also plans to eventually offer installation of single-item accessories to dealers.

“Our customer-focused Honda accessories program represents an incredible effort by our highly engaged team of associates who believed in this new business area and had the drive to make it succeed,” said Susan McCormick, department head of accessory product planning at American Honda Motor Co.

“The new PPO facility at our Alabama Auto Plant will enable us to better serve our Honda customers and provide them with the high-quality options they desire.”

Read the whole article by Made in Alabama from here.

Power purchase agreement announced for $49 million Toyota solar project

JASA Staff — Thu, 06 Apr 2023 19:51:23 GMT

A $49 million, 168-acre solar project for Toyota in Huntsville now includes a power purchase agreement.

Huntsville Utilities, Toyota Alabama and Toyota Tsusho America announced the agreement at an event today in Huntsville.

The plan includes a 30-megawatt solar-generated system in the North Huntsville Industrial Park, near the Toyota engine plant. The system is expected to generate 62,000 megawatt hours annually, enough to power more than 5,600 homes.

“Toyota is taking a transparent, science-based approach to address climate change,” said Jason Puckett, president of Toyota Alabama. “By relying on the sun to power our operations, we will reduce our carbon footprint and create a model of environmental stewardship in North Alabama.”

Tsusho led the project’s development and will manage construction, which is scheduled to begin this spring. Tsusho will be the owner of the solar facility, which is scheduled to begin generating solar energy in the summer of 2024.

By Business Alabama

Daikin Festival is Back for 2023

JASA Staff — Sat, 01 Apr 2023 19:50:12 GMT

Mark your calendar for May 5, 2023, from 6:30 to 9 pm CDT. The Daikin Festival is back and moving to Point Mallard Park!

Each year in May, beginning in 1994, Daikin America, Inc. employees produced a Japanese Festival in the style of Bon Odori for their North Alabama neighbors. Every year, that is, until the pandemic made it impossible in 2020.

Now, at long last, the festival returns, offering even more fun for the entire family.

The Daikin Festival delights attendees with live music, Japanese Folk Dancing, Shodo (Japanese calligraphy), Yakisoba (grilled buckwheat noodles with beef and special sauce), BBQ, hamburgers, refreshing drinks, and special prizes.

This year, the festival will conclude with a dramatic fireworks display by PYRO Shows.

Best of all, the entire event is free of charge, including food, drink, and entertainment, and is open to the public.

We look forward to the return of one of the largest Japanese cultural events in the Southeast US.

Read more: https://daikinalabama.com/news/daikin-festival-is-back-for-2023

アメリカ在住の内に知っておきたい！ファイナンスセミナー

JASA Staff — Sat, 11 Mar 2023 15:30:00 GMT

A free financial seminar held by Satoko Tsutsumi from Financial Planning and Education service on 3/11 (at Birmingham) and 3/12 (at Huntsville).

Ms. Satoko is an expert in financial planning in the USA and in Japan. We will learn about the general information about financial planning including benefits of saving and investing early for your retirement, social security benefits, Medicare, etc.

The seminar will be conducted in Japanese.

Milton Davis: the State of Alabama’s Engineering Hall of Fame (AEHOF)

JASA Staff — Tue, 07 Mar 2023 21:24:20 GMT

Milton Davis, JASA Board member, and past JASA Board chairperson, was recently inducted into the State of Alabama’s Engineering Hall of Fame (AEHOF). The Alabama Engineering Hall of Fame was founded in 1987 by proclamation of the Governor. AEHOF honors, preserves, and perpetuates the outstanding accomplishments and contributions of individuals, projects, and corporations/institutions that have brought and continue to bring significant recognition to the State.

Milton is a champion in the field of engineering and in Alabama. He is one of the top performing business development managers in his industry with more than 40 years of progressively challenging experiences. He is vice president of economic development for Clayco, a full-service, turnkey real estate development, master planning, architecture, engineering, procurement, and construction firm. Throughout his career, Davis has received several honors and awards including UA Centennial Fellow Chemical and Biological Engineering in 2010, 2012 UA Distinguished Engineering Fellow, and was selected as Engineer of the Year in 1996 by the National Society of Black Engineers. His service to engineering education and the State includes several boards and leadership positions such as past chairman of the Alabama Community College System Board of Trustees, chair of the Capstone Engineering Society, and co-chair of the Economic Development Committee of Manufacture Alabama, active member of the Economic Development Association of Alabama, and JASA. As a member of the Alabama Community College System, Davis is at the forefront of examining and approving measures that ensure the success of residents, businesses, and industry at Alabama’s 24 community and technical colleges. He has promoted Alabama and helped in the recruitment of numerous manufacturing projects to the State.

Learn more about the Engineering Hall of Fame.

GMI POST x Chip Cherry: Huntsville/Madison County, AL: Ready for another lift-off

JASA Staff — Thu, 02 Feb 2023 00:58:24 GMT

"We occupy a unique space in the United States ecosystem. We have a very long history with international companies and a unique relationship with the Japanese and the European space agencies. We work in the aerospace side, the automotive side, and the genomic research side."

GMI POST x Secretary Greg Canfield: Alabama: Why investors need to take a closer look

JASA Staff — Thu, 02 Feb 2023 00:57:01 GMT

"Alabama's strategic strength in space and aerospace presents itself as a potential opportunity for Japanese companies looking to expand their footprint in the U.S. We plan to spend some effort in that regard as well. We believe that it's time for us to work closely with our Japanese partners to capture some of their knowledge base."

JASA Article by MADE IN ALABAMA

JASA Staff — Tue, 25 Oct 2022 21:08:37 GMT

JASA 2022 Annual Celebration Dinner and Business Forum was featured on Made in Alabama!

"Alabama-Japan relationship celebrated as robust bonds strengthen"

See the whole article here!

About JASA Annual Dinner...

Each year, the Japan-America Society of Alabama hosts a special reception and fundraiser to allow our members and guests from all over Alabama to gather, network, and dine with a special program to celebrate the JASA community. We recognize New and Expanding Japanese Companies across the state, hear from JASA leadership about our community's mission and goals, and honor the recipient of the Samuel Ullman Award.

SYSCOM Webinar: 3/23 Wearable Tablet XR Solution

JASA Staff — Wed, 16 Mar 2022 19:02:07 GMT

3月23日（水）にウェアラブルタブレットに関するウェビナーを開催します。本ウェビナーでは、ウェアラブルタブレットが設備メンテナンス、機械修理、トレーニングなど様々な場面でどのように活用されているかのご紹介と、簡単なデモを通じて実際の使用例をお見せいたします。

『製造業向けウェアラブルXRソリューションデモ』
●日時：2022年3月23日（水）午後2時～3時 (ET)・午後1時～2時（CT）
●アジェンダ：
– ウェアラブルタブレット機能説明
– ウェアラブルタブレットを利用した簡単なデモ
●対象者：米国における製造日系企業の経営責任者、工場関係者、設備メンテナンス、ＩＴ
●言語：日本語
●主催：SYSCOM GLOBAL SOLUTIONS
●スピーカー：亀田洋輔 （中西部/南部/南東部担当シニアセールス )

●お問い合わせ：marketing@syscomgs.com

●申込：https://syscomgs.com/ja/event/webinar/event-webinar-wearable-xr-solution/

---

We are hosting a webinar on Wearable XR Solution to demonstrate how wearable devices can help improve business transformation and operational efficiency.

At the moment, the webinar is only available in Japanese. However, if you would like us to run a similar webinar in English, please let us know. It will be our pleasure to schedule another webinar for English speakers. Here is the overview of the webinar:

『Wearable XR Solution Demo』

●Date: Wednesday, March 23, 2022

●Time: 2-3PM (ET)/1-2PM (CT)

●Agenda：

- Features of the wearable tablet by Realwear

- Quick demo on the wearable tablet

●Language: Japanese

●Host: SYSCOM GLOBAL SOLUTIONS

●Speaker: Yosuke Kameda, Senior Sales for Mid-West, South, South-East of the US

●Contact: marketing@syscomgs.com

●Registration: https://syscomgs.com/ja/event/webinar/event-webinar-wearable-xr-solution/

AAMA Supply Chain & Logistics Conference

JASA Staff — Wed, 16 Mar 2022 17:07:52 GMT

The AAMA Supply Chain & Logistics Conference will connect logistics providers, tiered suppliers, OEMs and more to discuss issues and solutions for Alabama's expanding Automotive Industry.

This year's conference will also include Exhibitors with dedicated exhibitor breaks, a Special Luncheon presented by NAITA, and a Networking Reception (snacks & cash bar) following the conference.

***Please note, if you have registered for the full conference, lunch is already included***

Conference Program

Wednesday, March 23, 2022 from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM CDT

The Jackson Center 6001 Moquin Dr NW Huntsville, AL 35806

Don't miss presentations by the Port of Huntsville, the Port of Mobile, DSV Air & Sea, Inc, Norfolk Southern, US Customs and Border Protection, Foreign Trade Zone Corporation, Mazda Toyota Manufacturing, and more!

JASWDC: National Japan Bowl Volunteer Opportunity

JASA Staff — Sat, 26 Feb 2022 23:55:52 GMT

The Japan-America Society of Washington DC is recruiting volunteers to help with this year’s National Japan Bowl competition. Now in its 30^th year, the 2022 National Japan Bowl will be held online via Hopin on April 21-22 as Digital Japan Bowl III.

Each spring the Japan-America Society of Washington DC brings together 200 of the country’s top high school-level Japanese language students for two days of competition, cultural events, and networking. The National Japan Bowl is a high-intensity competition that tests the students' knowledge of Japanese language, and of the culture, history, and social context that brings the language to life.

JASWDC is looking for volunteers to serve as preliminary round monitors to help guide the students through the preliminary round. Volunteers are assigned to one team during each preliminary round of the competition and share the pre-recorded video of the preliminary round questions, distribute answer sheets, make sure students adhere to competition Code of Conduct. It's a rewarding position that allows volunteers to engage with the students and experience the competition questions. Knowledge of the Japanese language is not necessary. Volunteers will receive training in advance.

For any questions, please reach out to japanbowl@jaswdc.org.

DJB III Volunteer Flyer_Final.pdf

SBA Disaster Assistance Central Alabama

JASA Staff — Mon, 10 Jan 2022 18:21:52 GMT

SBA Offers Disaster Assistance to Businesses and Residents in Central Alabama Affected by October Severe Storms and Flooding

NEWS RELEASE

Disaster Field Operations Center East

Release Date: Dec. 23, 2021 Contact: Michael Lampton (404) 331-0333 Michael.Lampton@sba.gov

Release Number: 22-110, AL 17289/17290 Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Blogs & Instagram

WASHINGTON – Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are available to businesses and residents in Alabama following the announcement of a Presidential disaster declaration due to severe storms and flooding on Oct. 6 - 7, 2021.

“SBA’s mission-driven team stands ready to help Alabama small businesses and residents impacted by this disaster in every way possible under President Biden’s disaster declaration for certain affected areas,“ said SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman. “We’re committed to providing federal disaster loans swiftly and efficiently, with a customer-centric approach to help businesses and communities recover and rebuild.”

The disaster declaration covers Jefferson and Shelby counties in Alabama, which are eligible for both Physical and Economic Injury Disaster Loans from the SBA. Small businesses and most private nonprofit organizations in the following adjacent counties are eligible to apply only for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans: Bibb, Blount, Chilton, Coosa, Saint Clair, Talladega, Tuscaloosa and Walker in Alabama.

Businesses and private nonprofit organizations of any size may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets. Applicants may be eligible for a loan amount increase up to 20 percent of their physical damages, as verified by the SBA, for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements may include a safe room or storm shelter, sump pump, elevation, retaining walls, and landscaping to help protect property and occupants from future damage caused by a similar disaster.

For small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations, the SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. Economic Injury Disaster Loan assistance is available regardless of whether the business suffered any physical property damage.

Disaster loans up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $40,000 to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed personal property.

Interest rates are as low as 2.855 percent for businesses, 2 percent for nonprofit organizations and 1.563 percent for homeowners and renters, with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by the SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition.

Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/ela/s/, and should apply under SBA declaration #17289, not for the COVID-19 incident.

To be considered for all forms of disaster assistance, applicants should register online at DisasterAssistance.gov or download the FEMA mobile app. If online or mobile access is unavailable, applicants should call the FEMA toll-free helpline at 800-621-3362. Those who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services should call 800-621-3362.

Businesses and individuals may also obtain information and loan applications by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 (1-800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing) or emailing DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov. Loan applications can also be downloaded at sba.gov/disaster. Completed applications should be mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.

The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is Feb. 21, 2022. The deadline to return economic injury applications is Sept. 21, 2022.

About the U.S. Small Business Administration

The U.S. Small Business Administration makes the American dream of business ownership a reality. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit sba.gov.

Toyota Alabama News

JASA Staff — Tue, 21 Dec 2021 22:18:30 GMT

Toyota Alabama’s Future is Electrified and Turbocharged

Plant revs up exclusive production for two new engines, going in the 2022 Tundra!

Huntsville, Ala. (October 18, 2021) – Together with state and community leaders, Toyota Alabama held an event to celebrate the first of Toyota’s latest engine products for the all-new 2022 Tundra to come off the production line. The new engines, a hybrid electric powered twin-turbo V6 engine and the gas-powered twin-turbo V6 engine, usher in the next era of powertrains being assembled in Huntsville.

Toyota’s new twin-turbo V6 engine line was part of a $288 million investment that also added 450 new jobs. That represented the largest hiring need in Toyota Alabama’s history, , boosting the plant’s total employment to 1,800. Completion of this project – originally announced in February 2019 - marked the fifth expansion at Toyota Alabama. Toyota Alabama’s total cumulative investment is $1.2 billion and now boasts an annual engine capacity of 900,000.

Toyota Alabama is the sole producer of both engine models for the 2022 Tundra in North America, creating long term employment stability for the plant’s 1,800 workers.

“Our team members in Alabama recognize the confidence and trust Toyota places in us since we are the only plant selected to build engines for the all-new Tundra,” shared Jason Puckett, president of Toyota Alabama. “Launching the new twin-turbo V6 line and celebrating our 20th anniversary remind us here just how lucky we are to have such incredible team members who have made Toyota Alabama known as ‘the engine capital of the world’.”

At 142 yards, both of the twin-turbo V6 engine options for the 2022 Tundra are being built on the longest Toyota engine line in North America. The V6 Turbo line will produce a new engine every 58 seconds, with a capacity to build 18,000 engines each month. These additional engines push the total capacity for Toyota Alabama engine production to up to 900,000 engines per year.

The all-new 2022 Tundra goes on sale later this year. The standard i-FORCE 3.5L twin-turbo produces up to 389 horsepower and 479 lb.-ft of torque. The i-FORCE MAX powertrain boasts 437 horsepower and 583 lb. -ft of torque, making it the most powerful engine in the Toyota line-up.

“For the last 20 years, our state and Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama have shared a mutually beneficial relationship that has created remarkable outcomes for Alabamians,” Governor Ivey said.

“Toyota’s $288 million investment to produce the all-new twin-turbo V6 engine continues to demonstrate that Alabama is not only open for business, but is the best place to do business.” Toyota Alabama is hiring. To learn more visit toyotamanufacturingjobs.com.

About Toyota

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in the U.S. for more than 60 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our nearly 1,500 dealerships.

Toyota has created a tremendous value chain and directly employs more than 36,000 in the U.S. The company has contributed world-class design, engineering, and assembly of more than 30 million cars and trucks at our 9 manufacturing plants, 10 including our joint venture in Alabama that began production is September 2021.

To help inspire the next generation for a career in STEM-based fields, including mobility, Toyota launched its virtual education hub at www.TourToyota.com with an immersive experience and chance to visit many of our U.S. manufacturing facilities. The hub also includes a series of free STEM-based lessons and curriculum through Toyota USA Foundation partners, virtual field trips and more. For more information about Toyota, visit www.toyotanewsroom.com.

Media Contact:

Bekah Schmidt

256.788.4304

Bekah.schmidt@toyota.com

Documentary Opportunity / ドキュメンタリーの機会

JASA Staff — Tue, 23 Nov 2021 21:10:47 GMT

Please see below for a special opportunity from Natasha Lewin to participate in an HBO children's documentary featuring multicultural children and elders across America!

アメリカ全土の多文化の子供たちと年長者を特集したHBOの子供向けドキュメンタリーに参加する特別な機会については、以下で書いてあるメッセージをご覧ください。

CALL FOR PARTICIPANTS!

Award-winning documentarians are working on a new children's documentary featuring an intergenerational conversation on what it means to be multiracial in America. As a way to highlight the diversity in experiences, their crew will interview older adults across 50 states and some of the U.S. territories. The production is seeking to hear the stories of adults who are 70+ years old and identify with two or more races and/or families with a mixed race child between the ages of 6-12.

If you are interested in learning more, please contact natasha.lewin@hboprod.com

No acting experience necessary.

受賞歴のあるHBOドキュメンタリーは、アメリカで多民族であることの意味についての世代間の会話を特集した新しい子供向けドキュメンタリーに取り組んでいます。経験の多様性を強調する方法として、彼らの乗組員は50の州といくつかの米国領土の高齢者にインタビューします。この作品は、70歳以上で、6〜12歳の混血の子供を持つ2つ以上の人種や家族と同一視する大人の話を聞くことを目的としています。

詳細については、natasha.lewin @ hboprod.comまでお問い合わせください。

演技の経験は必要ありません。

SEUS-Japan Virtual Meeting

JASA Staff — Wed, 10 Nov 2021 21:33:32 GMT

Please see the article below discussing the 43^rd joint meeting of the Southeast US-Japan and Japan-US Southeast Associations virtual meeting. The link is included in the article or you can click here to watch the video.

Virtual SEUS-Japan meeting focuses on strong ties, growth potential

November 03, 2021

Words by Jerry Underwood

The robust economic and cultural ties between the U.S. Southeast and Japan are on full display in a virtual meeting of organizations dedicated to strengthening the long-standing relationship between seven Southern states and the Asian nation.

The 43^rd joint meeting of the Southeast U.S.-Japan and Japan-U.S. Southeast Associations had been set for October 2021 in Tokyo, after the 2020 installment was canceled due to COVID-19. Organizers decided to hold the meeting virtually because of the pandemic

A video of the virtual meeting, featuring remarks from Japanese officials and Alabama Governor Kay Ivey and leaders from other Southeastern states, is now available for viewing. Click here to watch the video.

Teruo Asada, chairman of the Japan-SEUS Association and a former leader of the Marubeni Corp., said Japanese companies have been major investors in the Southeast, with over 1,500 Japanese companies investing a combined $60 billion in the region, generating around 200,000 jobs.

Plus, he added, Japanese companies have continued to invest in the Southeast during the pandemic, highlighted by Mazda Toyota Manufacturing’s $830 million additional investment in its joint assembly plant in Huntsville, which began production in September.

In her remarks, Governor Ivey praised the SHOWA Group, the only U.S. producer of single-use nitrile gloves for health care workers. During the pandemic, SHOWA’s expansion project at its Fayette facility doubled production to 2 million gloves per day, and it is now working on another large-scale growth project there.

“This is just one example of our Japanese investors working to help to Alabama and the world fight COVID-19,” she said.

Governor Ivey said Southeastern leaders need to sustain the strong bonds between the region and Japan that have been forged over decades.

“As we look toward the future, we must continue to build upon the rich history of business collaboration between the Southeast United States and Japan,” she said.

“Let’s continue to move forward in finding ways to strengthen this partnership between our great region and Japan to fully realize the opportunities for the benefits for all of our citizens.”

FINANCIAL IMPACT

Alabama today is home to around 80 Japanese companies, involved in industries including chemicals, steel, advanced materials and nutritional supplements in addition to a heavy concentration in automotive manufacturing.

Since 2015, Japanese investment in Alabama has totaled $4.4 billion, resulting in over 7,500 jobs, according to Commerce data. Two-way trade between Alabama and Japan totaled nearly $2 billion in 2020.

“The relationship with Japan is strong not just for the state but for our local communities,” said Greg Canfield, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce. “We all utilize the SEUS Japan conference to connect with our Japanese investors, and it is particularly useful when the conference is in Japan. It provides us an invaluable opportunity to enhance the relationship personally.

“I know we are all looking forward to the time when we can meet face-to-face and deepen connections with our Japanese friends.”

Florida will host the 44^th Annual meeting in the Fall of 2022. More details will be shared as those plans are put into place. If you have any questions, please contact me at Hilda Lockhart, AL SEUS Japan Coordinator email: hilda.lockhart@commerce.alabama.gov or 334-328-2460.

Relo Redac, Inc. Webinar　　ウェビナー８月２０日（金）

JASA Staff — Thu, 12 Aug 2021 21:48:08 GMT

-----------------------------------

Relo Redac, Inc.

全米リロケーション・総合不動産サービス

URL: www.reloredac.com

-----------------------------------

『激動の米国賃貸マーケット！今、企業にできることは？』

日時：8月20日（金）

東部時間午後4時 / 中部時間午後3時 / 山岳時間午後2時 / 西部時間午後1時

会場：ZOOM※定員500名

内容（仮）：

1.　米国賃貸マーケットの基礎知識

2. 2020 年コロナで住宅マーケットの”何”が変わったか

3. 2021 年ポストコロナの異常事態

4.　ポストコロナで生じた問題点

5.　今、企業にできることは？

6. Q&A

参加者へのリアルタイムでのアンケートも企画しております。

当日参加される日系企業各社の対応や状況など共有して参りますので、皆様のご参加をお待ち申し上げております。

【参加登録リンク】

https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_dr4MhX-0SXKOSRt4iNSiAA

Pecha Kucha, a specialized presentation style

Thu, 22 Jul 2021 10:42:26 GMT

Pecha Kucha, which means 'chit-chat' in Japanese is a presentation style where 20 slides are shown for 20 seconds each, creating a presentation of 6 minutes and 40 seconds in total. This style was created by architects Astrid Klein and Mark Dytham of Tokyo’s Klein Dytham to have “More show. Less tell,” and streamline design presentations to below 7 minutes.

Now it is used by millions around the globe, becoming the world’s fastest-growing storytelling platform. Global innovators in school or business use the PechaKucha platform to create powerful, visually-compelling stories that move audiences. There are also separate events called 'PK Nights' where anyone's Pecha Kucha story can be shared. These events have an attendance of anywhere from from 50 to 5,000 people.

Visit the official website and the accompanying links to watch some presentations, learn about the history and execution of PK, and even create your own Pecha Kucha!!

Official Site

How to Make Great Presentations the Pecha Kucha Way

How to plan, present, & survive a Pecha Kucha style presentation

AITC: VAT Tax Changes Impact Small Businesses

JASA Staff — Mon, 12 Jul 2021 18:59:14 GMT

How the EU's VAT Tax Changes

Impact Small Businesses

Beginning on July 1^st, 2021, the EU enacted new regulations surrounding tax collection and tariff labels. It aims to “simplify VAT obligations” for all goods and services sellers.

The VAT rules on cross-border business-to-consumer (B2C) e-commerce activities have changed. The rationale for these changes is to overcome the barriers to cross-border online sales and address challenges arising from the VAT regimes for distance sales of goods and for the importation of low value consignments.

Everyone in the e-commerce supply chain is affected, from online sellers and marketplaces/platforms both inside and outside the EU, to postal operators and couriers, customs and tax administrations, right through to consumers.

All goods priced up to €150 will be subject to the VAT. This contrasts with the previous rule that exempted items priced under €22 from the VAT. Items priced above €150 were already subject to VAT and will not see any change in regulations.
Services such as “Import One-Stop Shop” (IOSS) that assist in collecting the VAT are expected to be required for sellers in online markets.
Businesses should begin collecting the VAT on all goods sold for up to €150. IOSS or third-party shippers such as Fed-Ex and UPS may be used by sellers to easily charge VAT. In reference to tariff codes, business can find the corresponding codes for their products via tools from the European Taxation and Customs Commissions and the U.S. International Trade Commission.

More Information Here

Auburn dedicates $22 million state-of-the-art Advanced Structural Engineering Laboratory

Thu, 17 Jun 2021 19:33:26 GMT

Auburn University dedicated the new standard for structural engineering research laboratories today.

Link to full Article with video Here

Located at the corner of West Samford Avenue and Shug Jordan Parkway, the new $22 million Advanced Structural Engineering Laboratory (ASEL) is a state-of-the-art 42,000-square-foot facility that includes a high bay laboratory with a strong wall and strong floor specially engineered to handle extreme structural testing loads; a geotechnical chamber within the strong floor; a concrete materials research and testing laboratory; wind testing capabilities that can replicate hurricane-level loads; and faculty and graduate student spaces.

The lab allows for elements up to 140 feet long and features a 4,700-cubic-foot geotechnical test chamber within the strong floor footprint — the only such test chamber in the nation included in a university laboratory — that will allow the department’s geotechnical researchers to conduct testing on foundations, anchorages and towers previously only possible in the field.

Auburn University President Jay Gogue, one of several university officials who spoke at the Friday afternoon event, described the ASEL as “a beacon for research, leading the nation and the world in groundbreaking technological advancements in structures and load resistance testing.”

“The Advanced Structural Engineering Laboratory is the next step in elevating Auburn University’s prestige,” Gogue told the more than 200 attendees. “It will allow for our exemplary faculty to find life-saving solutions to extreme events by creating more sound buildings, bridges, towers, pipelines and machinery that can withstand the forces of nature. And the new Advanced Structural Engineering Laboratory provides a unique, hands-on learning experience for our students.”

Auburn University Trustee Charles McCrary, ’73 mechanical engineering, also took the podium to praise the lab’s potential.

“This is a world-class lab that in my opinion is second to none,” said McCary, retired president and chief executive officer of Alabama Power Company. “We can make this world a safer place because of this facility. It's an engineer's dream."

Though that dream has been a reality since the ASEL opened its doors late last year, College of Engineering administrators postponed the dedication due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Christopher B. Roberts, dean of engineering, thinks the delay may have worked out for the best.

“While this dedication ceremony was delayed, I am actually glad it is taking place now that the laboratory is already being utilized,” Roberts told the audience. “Now you can see the equipment we have set up across the laboratory, and I would challenge you to find a graduate student after our program and ask them about the great projects they are undertaking in this space.”

The only thing graduate student Dan Jackson, who will graduate this fall, dislikes about the ASEL is how little he’ll be able to use it.

“I won’t have much of a chance to really use this facility,” Jackson said from the podium. “But this lab will definitely be a draw to top graduate students all around the world as it provides the opportunity to work at a state-of-the-art facility and participate in innovative research.”

Steve Taylor, associate engineering dean for research, agrees.

“We now offer one of the best laboratories in the country — if not the best,” he said. “If I’m a student who wants to be a structural engineer, this is the best place to go to school in the nation.”

Free Prerecorded AITC Webinars are available

Thu, 17 Jun 2021 18:41:29 GMT

"Just because World Trade Month 2021 is over doesn't mean you can't still learn from the international trade experts"

The Alabama International Trade Center® has provided access to free webinars hosted by Shipping Solutions® that took place for Free trade Month. These webinars have representatives of NASBITE International®, Law Office of Jack Shelton, Minnesota Export District Council™ and many more present to discuss all things Exporting!

Please enjoy these webinars here: Free Webinars on Exporting

Alabama Technology Network OSHA Training Course

JASA Staff — Thu, 17 Jun 2021 15:55:29 GMT

ATN is offering these two OSHA classes in mid-July at Jefferson State’s Shelby/Hoover Campus. These classes are designed are for ALL industries (e.g.: warehouses, storage facilities, general stores, manufacturers, etc.); after all, OSHA can drop in and visit any business at any time and we want to make sure the businesses in our area are prepared. Through a grant, we are able to offer the OSHA 30-Hour class for $300/per person—this class normally list for $595/per person. Please encourage businesses to take advantage of the low cost and valuable training.

https://www.atn.org/workshops

Job Posting: Chambers County Development Authority

JASA Staff — Tue, 15 Jun 2021 18:15:57 GMT

Chambers County Development Authority

Project Manager

The Chambers County Development Authority is seeking to fill a Project Manager position. This position is responsible for planning, organizing, monitoring, managing, and evaluating economic development activities for the CCDA. The Project Manager will be focused on providing overall assistance to the economic development team working to support new and potential project activity, as well as gaining and maintaining a high-level working knowledge of the area’s marketable assets, building and site characteristics, regional value proposition, and local and state incentives. The Project Manager will manage projects assigned by the Executive Director related to product development, new business/industry opportunities, start-ups, existing industry expansions, and property maintenance. The Project Manager will play a key role in development and implementation of new business recruitment strategies, oversight of business retention efforts, data analysis and acquisition, and overall project management. A complete job description and resume submission instructions can be found at the CCDA's website home page at www.chambersida.com

Job Posting: Wiregrass Alabama Economic Development Corporation

JASA Staff — Tue, 15 Jun 2021 18:14:38 GMT

Wiregrass Alabama Economic Development Corporation

Executive Director

Wiregrass, Alabama is seeking an Executive Director responsible for recruiting jobs through new business and industry, or expansion of existing business and industry with an emphasis on development and recruitment of industry and businesses to our existing industrial parks. They will develop and maintain relationships with investors and serve as primary contact and solicitor of all funding efforts.

Our ideal candidate will be a team builder who can work with multiple investors and stakeholders. He/she will have a regional mindset and represent multiple communities. They will be an engaged, friendly person who will develop strong relationships at the state level. Our ideal candidate will be a doer who can put plans into action.

Preferred:

Established track record of business/economic development expansion and recruitment is preferred.
Knowledge of military facilities and contractors for these facilities
Bachelor’s degree

Skills Required:

Strong Leadership and Communication Skills
Project Management
Computer Skills
Good Supervisory Skills
Excellent interpersonal skills allowing for working relationships with a diverse group of stakeholders

Salary: $90,000-$110,000 plus exceptional benefits

Submit a resume by Friday, July 9th, 2021. Submit resumes electronically to wiregrass@thenextmovegroup.com. View the full job profile here: https://www.thenextmovegroup.com/wiregrass

Job Posting: Huntsville/Madison County Chambe

JASA Staff — Fri, 11 Jun 2021 05:15:26 GMT

Huntsville/Madison County Chamber

Economic Development Specialist/Project Manager

The Economic Development Specialist/Project Manager provides project management and research support to the Chamber’s economic development program. The Economic Development Specialist/Project Manager reports directly to and works with the Vice President for Economic Development to meet the Chamber’s strategic goals and responsibilities. The position provides general support to the Chamber’s overall mission.

Please send resume's to Lucia Cape lcape@hsvchamber.org.

Click here for more information!

Job Posting: Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

JASA Staff — Mon, 07 Jun 2021 15:17:40 GMT

The Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce is hiring a Talent Development & Attraction Manager. Please view details of the position below or click here for more information.

Summary of Position:

The Talent Development & Attraction Manager reports to the Director of Economic Development under the leadership of the Vice President of Economic Development. The primary functions are the development and implementation of talent and workforce development initiatives of the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce (“MACC”). Such initiatives include developing and supporting programming to attract, retain, and develop talent to support the success of industry in Mobile.

Interested individuals are asked to email a cover letter and resume to hr@mobilechamber.com. In addition, any inquiries or questions should also be emailed to hr@mobilechamber.com

Mask Up 2020 Mask Designing Contest

Wed, 13 Jan 2021 23:40:41 GMT

The Japan Foundation Center for Global Partnership and The Japan Foundation, New York have partnered to launch a mask designing contest called "Mask Up 2020"! Participants of all ages are welcome.

The deadline to submit your design is January 22, 2021 at 6pm (EST). To learn more and sign up for the contest, click the link below. Good luck to all participants!

https://www.cgp.org/news201201

International Education Week Japan Programs

JASA Staff — Thu, 07 Jan 2021 23:14:39 GMT

Jefferson State International Program Presentations

Jefferson State Community College's 2020 International Education Week placed a special focus on Japan and Japanese culture! View recordings of two events here.

Conversation with Mark Jackson, Honorary Consul of Japan in Birmingham, Alabama – November 2020

Conversation with Jolie Thevenot – Executive Director of the Japan-American Society of Alabama

駐在員の住宅規程に関するベンチマーク調査

JASA Staff — Tue, 22 Dec 2020 22:17:54 GMT

========================================

駐在員の住宅規程に関するベンチマーク調査

========================================

多くのお客様からのご要望を受け、この度、駐在員の住宅規程に関するベンチマーク調査を実施することになりました。

内容といたしましては、手当制 vs 上限実費制、家賃補助の考え方、金額の見直し頻度や参考としているデータなど、を伺います。

急速に変化する米国のビジネス環境において、自社の住宅規程を再確認し、必要に応じて見直す必要性もあるかと存じます。

集計結果についてはご回答いただきました企業様へ共有差し上げます。

この度の調査が貴社のお役に立てれば幸甚です。

◆アンケート回答リンク◆

https://jp.surveymonkey.com/r/M3GBPMQ

◆調査の目的

　米国に進出されている日系企業の住宅規程に関する傾向調査・分析

◆調査期間

　～12月末日

　※同調査については今後も定期的に実施してまいります。

◆調査結果

　調査結果については2月初旬を目途にご回答いただいた企業のご担当者様へ共有いたします。

-----------------------------------

Relo Redac, Inc.

全米リロケーション・総合不動産サービス

URL: www.reloredac.com

-----------------------------------

（オンライン）英語のコース

JASA Staff — Fri, 13 Nov 2020 19:47:38 GMT

英語をネットで勉強しましょう！３週間のコースを取って、東南アメリカの文化について習えます！

詳細についてはhttp://international.ua.edu/eli/yes/にアクセスしてください。

Looking for English language opportunities? The University of Alabama's English Language Institute is now offering special 3-week courses year-round for improving English language ability and learning about southern US culture.

Visit http://international.ua.edu/eli/yes/ for more information.

JETAA Exchange Program Opportunity

JASA Staff — Fri, 23 Oct 2020 22:30:21 GMT

Drr

Tayō-sei: Japanese Language and Cultural Exchange Program

(https://usjetaa.org/programs/college-students/tayo-sei/)

Application Deadline: November 3, 2020

Application form available at bottom of page.

Applicants will be notified of status by November 10, 2020

Tayō-sei is a virtual Japanese language and culture seminar series for Black and LatinX college students at schools across the four states served by the Japan Exchange and Teaching Program Alumni Association Southeast (JETAASE): Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina.

The free course provides an opportunity for students underrepresented in studying or working abroad in Japan, specifically for those from LatinX backgrounds and students of color, to develop an interest in studying and living abroad in Japan among this cohort. This course will give them the opportunity to consider Japan as an option in the trajectory of their lives.

We’re looking for students who:

Have a passion for global languages and cultures
Are interested in Japan, but have not taken any Japanese language classes or travelled to Japan
Identify as a student of color or have a Latinx background
Are enrolled in a U.S. university (especially community college or historically black colleges and universities)

Preference will be given to students who have not taken Japanese classes or traveled to Japan, who attend historically black colleges and universities, who are first generation college students, and who are community college students.

This program is completely free and funded by a grant from the Japan Foundation, Los Angeles.

Recognition of Completion:

At the end of the series, JETAASE and USJETAA will award students a certificate of completion. Each student will be mailed a printed certificate and a small assortment of Japanese sweets. To receive the final recognition, students must attend 3 of the 4 required classes and submit the final survey.

Content:

There will be four sessions total.
The first three sessions will each have a different guest speaker and a Japanese lesson.
The final session will be a final wrap reflection on what you've learning and providing resources on pursuing Japanese language, study abroad, or work after college.

**JASA is not affiliated with this program offered by USJETAA.

Samuel Ullman Museum: Birmingham Historical Society

JASA Staff — Fri, 04 Sep 2020 21:12:29 GMT

The Birmingham Historical Society has compiled an impressive piece on the life and legacy of Samuel Ullman.

Samuel Ullman and the Poem "Youth"

"Civic, religious, and educational leader, Samuel Ullman penned the poem “Youth” in this Birmingham residence. Ullman was 78. The poem sums up his philosophy of purpose and service, and the optimism that defined his life and continues to inspire." - Birmingham Historical Society, August 2020

Find the full story on their website:

https://birminghamhistoricalsociety.files.wordpress.com/2020/08/bhs_newsletter_2008_ullman.pdf

YOUTH - SAMUEL ULLMAN

Youth is not a time of life; it is a state of mind; it is not a matter of rosy cheeks, red lips and supple knees; it is a matter of the will, a quality of the imagination, a vigor of the emotions; it is the freshness of the deep springs of life.

Youth means a temperamental predominance of courage over timidity of the appetite, for adventure over the love of ease. This often exists in a man of sixty more than a boy of twenty. Nobody grows old merely by a number of years. We grow old by deserting our ideals.

Years may wrinkle the skin, but to give up enthusiasm wrinkles the soul. Worry, fear, self-distrust bows the heart and turns the spirit back to dust.

Whether sixty or sixteen, there is in every human being’s heart the lure of wonder, the unfailing, child-like appetite of what’s next, and the joy of the game of living. In the center of your heart and my heart there is a wireless station; so long as it receives messages of beauty, hope, cheer, courage and power from men and from the infinite, so long are you young.

When the aerials are down, and your spirit is covered with snows of cynicism and ice of pessimism, then you are grown old, even at twenty, but as long as your aerials are up, to catch the waves of optimism, there is hope you may die young at eighty.

Birmingham Sister City Haiku Exchange

JASA Staff — Thu, 23 Jul 2020 21:05:07 GMT

"Alabama man thinks three lines can change the world"

https://www.al.com/news/2020/07/alabama-man-thinks-three-lines-can-change-the-world.html

"Scotty Colson of Birmingham and Toru Suzuki of Hitachi, Japan, are trying to bring the worlds closer with haiku." Read more on AL.com!

Diplomatic Challenges in Asia

JASA Staff — Tue, 12 May 2020 23:37:43 GMT

Diplomatic Challenges in Asia

The National Association of Japan-America Societies has shared with us a private webinar. Join Chairman Dave Shear as he discusses Diplomatic Challenges in Asia and answers questions from JAS representatives across the country.

"Diplomatic Challenges in Asia"

https://vimeo.com/412497655

Participating in the audience were leaders from 27 Japan-America Societies, from Boston, Colorado, Dallas/Fort Worth, Georgia, Greater Austin, Greater Cincinnati, Greater Philadelphia, Hawaii, Houston, Indiana, Kansas City, Kentucky, Mississippi, New Orleans, New York, North Carolina, Northern California, Northwest Florida, Oregon, Pennsylvania, St. Louis, South Carolina, Southern California, Tennessee, Toronto, the State of Washington and Washington DC participating, along with NAJAS Board members.

AshaKiran Interpreter Training

JASA Staff — Wed, 15 Apr 2020 16:27:39 GMT

One Week left to register for the Free Online Trauma-Informed Interpreter Training by AshaKiran

If you wish to reduce the language gap by helping people within your community with your language skills, this is the perfect training!

Go ahead and apply by clicking on the link below. Please feel free to reply back with any questions.

Thanks and stay safe!

Training details

Schedule- April 28- May 26, 2020 from 6pm -8pm.

Where- adobe connect platform

In person workshop- June 6-7, 2020

Where- Central Alabama (venue tbd)

( In person can be shifted to online or postponed. Participants will be informed accordingly before May end)

Other requirements:

Complete online quiz after each webinar.
Donate 10 volunteer hours for AshaKiran or any other crisis organisation.( AshaKiran will let the participants know of any volunteer opportunities)
Shadow other experienced interpreters.(AshaKiran will try to connect the participants with other interpreters).

(All in person requirements to be adjusted pending public health status).

Deadline to apply- April 21, 2020

Link to apply: https://forms.gle/Nvt2RHFS1ic6N6YB6

For more information and registration:

http://ashakiran.com/Jul2017/trauma-informed-interpreting-2 OR

contact ladv@ashakiranonline.org

OFFICIAL STATEMENT: The passing of Irene Hirano Inouye

JASA Staff — Sat, 11 Apr 2020 15:55:08 GMT

Please see a message below from the US - Japan Council as well as a personal message from our Honorary Consul General on the recent passing of Irene Hirano Inouye.

Message from the USJC Board of Directors Chair Phyllis Campbell

It is with profound sadness that I must inform you of the passing of U.S.-Japan Council President Irene Hirano Inouye on April 7, following an extended illness. We extend our deepest condolences to her family.

I know we are all devastated by this news. Irene was a singular figure in U.S.-Japan relations, respected by leaders on both sides of the Pacific as she carried out the mission of USJC. Since the founding of the Council, she infused the organization with her wisdom and entrepreneurial spirit, kept her pulse on every aspect of USJC while keeping her eye on the strategic vision, and managed to approach every challenge with fearlessness and determination.

Back in January when she wrote to the USJC membership about her plans to retire later this year and assist in the Board of Directors’ search for a new CEO, she expressed the hope that her leadership of USJC will have made a lasting contribution to the U.S.-Japan relationship. Serving as president of the U.S.-Japan Council, she wrote, “has been an honor of a lifetime.”

I hope Irene realized that it was actually our honor to have known her. Many of you have your own wonderful memories of Irene from USJC, from her community activities, and from her previous positions, including as the president and founding CEO of the Japanese American National Museum. For me, she was and always will be an inspiration and a model of leadership.

While current circumstances will prevent us from gathering in person to pay tribute to Irene, her family will share with us any plans for a future memorial service after the current global crisis has ended. Her family has asked that, in lieu of flowers or cards, donations be made in Irene’s name to the U.S.-Japan Council.

In addition to her leadership of USJC, Irene’s professional and community activities included serving as Chair and Trustee, Ford Foundation; Chair and Trustee, Kresge Foundation; Chair, Smithsonian Institution Asian Pacific American Center; Chair of the Advisory Board, Terasaki Center for Japanese Studies, University of California at Los Angeles; Trustee, Washington Center; Trustee, Independent Sector, and member, American Academy of Arts and Sciences; member of the Advisory Board, Center on Philanthropy & Public Policy, Price School of Public Policy, University of Southern California; Chair, Board of Directors of the American Association of Museums; Board Member, National Trust for Historic Preservation; Member, National Board Smithsonian Institution; member, Toyota Corporation’s Diversity Advisory Board; member, Business Advisory Board of Sodexho Corporation; President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities by Presidential appointment; and Chair, California Commission on the Status of Women.

Until a new CEO is named, Irene’s responsibilities at USJC will be supported by Chief Operating Officer Terri Swetnam and Executive Vice President Laura Winthrop Abbot.

In the meantime, I know you join me in mourning the loss of a most vibrant and iconic woman, who graced us with her friendship and extraordinary leadership.

Very sincerely yours,

Phyllis

Message from Mark Jackson, Honorary Consul General of Japan in Alabama

CLICK HERE FOR THE OFFICIAL STATEMENT

Mrs. Irene Hirano Inouye

It is with great personal sadness that I learned of Mrs. Irene Hirano Inouye’s passing earlier today.

Throughout her life, she dedicated herself to the success of the Japan-USA relationship. Having been the wife of Japan-born US Senator Daniel Inouye (Hawaii) and the founder/CEO of the US Japan Council, she never tired of promoting the cause of Tomodachi (friendship) between the two countries.

Hers was a story that spanned a lifetime.

Her many accomplishments are catalogued across Japan and the United States; most recently in Alabama.

Her bold keynote speech at the Japan America Society of Alabama 30th Anniversary Annual Dinner in September 2019, heralded the commitment both nations made to each other and to the world. She spoke of her life, her struggles, her successes and of her partnership with her husband. Her speech was informational and inspiring.

All who were in attendance will remember her presentation.

The executive director of JASA, Ms. Jolie Thevenot, summed up her feelings by saying “the confidence and passion with which she spoke was infectious and incredibly motivating for me in my work with JASA.” She further added, “it was a night I will always remember”.

We will miss Mrs. Inouye. She left her mark on the world by making it a better place. Why? The answer is simple- because she cared.

-8 April, 2020

Mark Jackson

Honorary Consul General of Japan

Grant enables UAB to expand Japanese language instruction

JASA Staff — Wed, 18 Mar 2020 16:07:58 GMT

Click here for the full article from UAB!

JOB OPPORTUNITY - Bilingual Administrative Assistant at HIROTEC Manufacturing

JASA Staff — Fri, 07 Feb 2020 20:44:30 GMT

HIROTEC Manufacturing America, located in Fayetteville, Tennessee is part of the HIROTEC

Group, headquartered in Hiroshima, Japan. HIROTEC Group delivers body-in-white closures, exhaust systems, flexible closure manufacturing tooling and stamping dies to automotive customers around the world. With a US headquarters in Auburn Hills, MI, HIROTEC Group operates 25 facilities in eight countries.

We are currently seeking a dynamic Bi-Lingual Administrative Assistant to become a part of the HIROTEC team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for administrative duties in two or more languages including translating and interpreting for both English and Japanese while performing the following duties and responsibilities:

 Strong Manufacturing knowledge.
 Collecting and analyzing information and preparing presentations.
 Coordination of domestic/international travel arrangements for various team members.
 Maintaining inventory and office supplies including office equipment.
 Other duties and projects may be assigned to ensure operational objectives are
accomplished.
 Providing general administrative support (i.e. answer phone calls, organization and distribution of correspondence, coordination of meetings).

The position requires a bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university; or three to five years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Must be fluent in Japanese and English (speaking, listening, reading, and writing), excellent typing and proofreading skills as well as outstanding organizational skills.

If you are hardworking, dependable and enjoy a group environment, come join the HIROTEC MANUFACTURING AMERICA team.

An excellent work environment and benefits await you!

http://hirotecmfg.com/careers.html

Live and Work in Japan in Birmingham’s Sister City!

JASA Staff — Tue, 07 Jan 2020 02:31:10 GMT

Live and Work in Japan in Birmingham’s Sister City!

Teach English in Hitachi City, Ibaraki Prefecture! The Hitachi Municipal Board of Education is looking to fill a direct-hire position for a native English instructor (ALT). This position is reserved exclusively for candidates from Hitachi’s Sister City of Birmingham, Alabama.

Job Description Employed by the Hitachi Municipal Board of Education and based at a public junior high school, you will assist Japanese teachers of English in planning and conducting English lessons. Although you will mainly teach at junior high school(s), there will be periodic visits to elementary schools, kindergartens, and/or other city schools for special activities. Although no Japanese is required for this job, it is highly recommended and beneficial to have basic Japanese skills. Successful applicants with a high level of Japanese ability (N2 or above) may have the occasional chance to work on translation of documents related to Sister Cities and various other projects for Hitachi City Hall.

Contract Period Initial contract is for one (1) year with the opportunity to continually renew every year Contract will commence on April 1st, 2020 *We ask for an initial two-year commitment for visa purposes, etc.

Requirements ① Hold a bachelor’s degree in any subject ② Be a current or former resident of Birmingham (graduate of surrounding university etc.) ③ Be able to commit to completion of initial two-year contract ④ Have a strong interest in Japan (language/culture) ⑤ Prior teaching experience preferred but not required

Benefits • Visa Sponsorship • Airfare from Birmingham and return ticket upon completion of contract • Housing provided • Work commuting costs covered (when public transportation is necessary) • National Health Insurance

About Hitachi Hitachi City is located in Ibaraki Prefecture, about 1.5 hours from Tokyo by limited express train. Positioned on the east coast, Hitachi is surrounded by both the ocean on one side and mountains on the other. With the establishment of Sister City ties in 1982, Birmingham has its oldest and most active Sister City relationship with Hitachi. Hitachi employs four ALTs from its two Sister Cities (Birmingham City and Tauranga City, New Zealand) and engages in various cultural and economic exchanges with these cities.

*Please contact Scotty Colson, Hitachi’s representative in Birmingham, at scotty@jimmiehalemission.com for application materials and further inquiries.

Writers in Kyoto 2020

JASA Staff — Fri, 06 Dec 2019 21:53:22 GMT

Writers in Kyoto Present the Fifth

Annual Kyoto Writing Competition

December 1, 2019 / Writers in Kyoto / Comments Off on Writers in Kyoto Present the Fifth Annual Kyoto Writing Competition

THEME: Kyoto (English language submissions only)
DEADLINE: March 31st, 2020 (Midnight JST)
GENRE: Short Shorts (unpublished material only)
WORD LIMIT: 300 Words (to fit on a single page)
FORM: Short poems, character studies, essays, travel tips, whimsy, haiku sequence, haibun, wordplays, dialogue, experimental verse, etc. In short, anything that helps show the spirit of place in a fresh light.

Submission Requirements

Limited to one submission per person
You do not need to be located in Kyoto to participate. We accept submissions from anywhere in the world.
Must be submitted by Microsoft Word attachment file. (Submissions by PDF attachment are NOT accepted.)
At the top of the Microsoft Word attachment (not in the body of the e-mail), please include the following: Full Name, E-mail Contact, Nationality, Current Residence (Town, Country).
Do not provide any special formatting to your piece. We request your information at the top with the text directly below.
Please send your Microsoft Word attachment file to: kyotowritingcompetition2020@gmail.com

Top Prizes:

First Prize: ¥30,000, Kyoto Prize (To Be Decided), One-year complimentary WiK membership (April 2020 – March 2021), publication on the Writers in Kyoto website, and inclusion in the WiK Anthology

Second and Third Prize: Kyoto Prize (To Be Decided), Zen Gardens and Temples of Kyoto by John Dougill and John Einarsen, publication on the Writers in Kyoto website, and inclusion in the WiK Anthology

Publishing Rights/Copyright

Writers in Kyoto reserves the right to publish entries on its website. Winning entries will be eligible for publication in the WiK Anthology. Authors retain the copyright of their own work.

Local Prizes:

Japan Local Prize: A selected ceramic piece from the Robert Yellin Yakimoto Gallery

USA Prize: Phila-Nipponica: An Historic Guide to Philadelphia & Japan and one-year complimentary Japan-America Society of Greater Philadelphia membership

Kyoto prizes are generously provided by the Kyoto City Tourism Association. Phila-Nipponica: An Historic Guide to Philadelphia & Japan is awarded by the Japan-America Society of Greater Philadelphia. This competition is also sponsored by the Kyoto Journal and Kyoto International Community House.

The WiK Competition logo was designed by Rebecca Otowa, author of The Mad Kyoto Shoe Swapper, At Home in Japan, and My Awesome Japan Adventure.

For More Information about Writers in Kyoto:

Writers in Kyoto website: http://www.writersinkyoto.com
Writers in Kyoto anthologies available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle editions:

Echoes: Writers in Kyoto Anthology 2017

Edited by John Dougill, Amy Chavez and Mark Richardson.

Encounters with Kyoto: Writers in Kyoto Anthology 3

Edited by Jann Williams and Ian Josh Yates.

http://www.writersinkyoto.com/2019/12/writers-in-kyoto-present-the-fifth-annual-kyoto-writing-competition/?fbclid=IwAR2QORVhO0sYz7dxPaY0QZ97vuWX4gT1TsfRhC817Gr0pjYUX_ft4e4eLK0

UNO Japan Summer 2020 Program Now Open

JASA Staff — Mon, 25 Nov 2019 18:07:32 GMT

Here are some of the details about this year’s program:

UNO-Japan: Study at Doshisha Summer 2020

May 24 – June 27, 2020 (Online Intro Session: May 13-23)

2020 Classes: Students are required to take two classes (6 credit hours) while abroad that will be fully transferrable to your home institution. Class is held Monday – Thursday, with Fridays off for a longer weekend, giving students the opportunity to travel and participate in field trips.

Intermediate Japanese I (JAPN 2001) (third semester Japanese)

Art Appreciation (FA 1010)

Deciphering Manga & Anime (HUMS 2090)

Into to Digital Photography (FA 1551 – for non-art majors)

Introduction to Photography (FA 2550 – for art majors)

Godzilla and the World: History of Post War Japan (HIST 3992)

Price: $5,595.00 (Cost includes: tuition for your two classes, housing, breakfast every day, lunch on campus during class days, 30-day bus pass in Kyoto, study abroad health insurance, cultural activities, guided campus and city tour, participation in our Tomodachi Program, and MORE!) We also have optional field trips available in Kyoto, Osaka and Nara for an additional cost: http://new.uno.edu/studyabroad/japan/Fieldtrips.

Job Posting: Toyota Boshoku

JASA Staff — Fri, 08 Nov 2019 16:40:21 GMT

Toyota Boshoku Aki USA in Athens, AL is seeking a bilingual (English / Japanese) HR representative to assist with recruiting. Reach out to Stan Brewer for more information.

Contact:
STAN BREWER, SPHR/SHRM-SCP
Human Resources Manager
Toyota Boshoku Aki USA; LLC
300 West Sandefer Road
Athens, AL 35611
Stan.brewer@toyota-boshoku.com

Survey: Intersectionality in Asian Americans

JASA Staff — Fri, 08 Nov 2019 16:05:37 GMT

Please find a message below from Halleh Hashtpari,

Hello!

My name is Halleh Hashtpari, and I am a counseling psychology doctoral student at the University of Utah. I would like to invite you to participate in an online study examining how participants experience their ethnic identity within the context of other identity statuses (i.e., gender identity, religious identity, sexual identity) at different times throughout the day, over the course of a week. This study has received Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval through the University of Utah (IRB_00099876).

This study is open to anyone who identifies as Asian or Asian American.

Your participation will involve completing a short survey that takes approximately 5 minutes to complete once a day over the course of a week. Questions will be asked about how you are experiencing your different identity statuses in that moment, and how you may be feeling emotionally and physically over the course of each day. If you would like to participate in the study, please send me an email (halleh.hashtpari@utah.edu).

Your participation is completely voluntary, and responses will be anonymous and confidential.

If you have any questions, please email me at halleh.hashtpari@utah.edu, or my research supervisor, Dr. Karen Tao, at k.tao@utah.edu.

If you have questions regarding your rights as a research participant, or concerns you do not feel you can discuss with the investigator, you can contact the Institutional Review Board (IRB). The University of Utah IRB may be reached by phone at (801) 581-3655 or by e-mail at irb@hsc.utah.edu.

Please sign up at the link below if you are interested in participating.

https://goo.gl/forms/i2H9vtPwtOk4AcQE2

Thank you for your time and consideration!

Sincerely,

Halleh Hashtpari, M.S.

University of Utah

Typhoon Hagibis Relief Funds

JASA Staff — Fri, 18 Oct 2019 19:27:45 GMT

Our hearts go out to those affected by Typhoon Hagibis.

If you would like to support relief efforts, our colleagues
at the Japan-America Society of Iowa the Japan Society have opened relief funds. Visit the websites below to donate:

-Chie Schiller writes that Japan America Society of Iowa has a fund : https://www.japaniowa.org/

-Motoatsu Sakurai writes that Japan Society, Inc. has opened a fund : https://jscommunity.japansociety.org/pages/japan-relief-fund?_ga=2.248872448.661770023.1571150626-1367775772.1395064087

"Tokyo — Less than a week after being hit by the worst typhoon in decades, Japan was bracing on Thursday for a secondary disaster. Heavy rain was forecast to hit already-inundated areas in the coming days. Officials said additional precipitation could destabilize storm walls along swollen rivers and trigger more landslides, with recovery efforts barely underway and a full picture of the devastation wrought by Typhoon Hagibis just starting to emerge.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism said more than 56,000 acres across eastern and northeastern parts of Japan's main island of Honshu were flooded by the super typhoon. More than 100 river embankments collapsed during and immediately after the storm struck last weekend, causing 33,000 homes to flood. Almost 2,000 houses were partially or totally destroyed.

More than 77 deaths have been blamed on the storm, and hopes were fading fast that any of the approximately 10 people still listed as missing would be found alive. Thousands remained in shelters on Thursday, often shivering through the night as temperatures drop." - https://www.cbsnews.com/news/typhoon-in-japan-death-toll-nears-80-as-more-rain-forecast-to-test-tokyo-flood-defenses-today-2019-10-17/

JUMP Japan U.S. Military Program

Sat, 21 Sep 2019 19:00:00 GMT

Have you or a family member been stationed in Japan while in the U.S. Military? If so, check out JUMP: the Japan U.S. Military Program.

This year's JUMP event is hosted by our neighbors at the Japan America Society of Northwest Florida . The event will be at the Pensacola National Naval Aviation Museum on Saturday, September 21st, 1p.m. till 4 p.m.

JUMP's mission is to connect past and present service members, their families, and government civilians who have served in Japan. JUMP builds relationships and provides opportunities for service members to engage with each other and form bonds that transcend cultural barriers. JUMP provides a powerful foundation for sustaining the solid alliance and relationship that exists between the U.S. and Japan.

If you are in the Southern Alabama area, this would be a great opportunity!

For more information, please visit https://www.jumprogram.org/

Questions? email at jasnwfl.org or call at 850-602-7049

An Announcement from the Martial Arts Club at UAB

JASA Staff — Wed, 14 Aug 2019 16:31:27 GMT

We are a student club at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, studying the Japanese martial art of Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu. Our faculty sponsor is Dr. Jeffrey Walker, PhD. Dr. Walker is a Shihan (Master Teacher) in the Bujinkan, and is ranked at 15th Dan. He is the chief instructor for the group.

Shane Layton is a Criminal Justice major at UAB. He has been training in the Bujinkan since 1985, and is a Shidoshi (Teacher), holding the rank of 7th Dan. Shane is the assistant instructor for the group.

Classes are currently held at the mini park on Saturday mornings from 9-11 am. Classes are open to all UAB students. There is no fee for UAB students.

The Bujinkan system consists on 9 martial arts lineages:

 Togakure-ryū Ninpō 戸隠流忍法

 Gyokko ryū Kosshi jutsu 玉虎流骨指術

 Kuki Shinden Happō Bikenjutsu 九鬼神伝流八法秘剣術

 Koto Ryū Koppō jutsu 虎倒流骨法術

 Shinden Fudo Ryū Dakentai jutsu 神伝不動流打拳体術

 Takagi Yoshin Ryū Jūtai jutsu 高木揚心流柔体術

 Gikan Ryū Koppō jutsu 義鑑流骨法術

 Gyokushin-ryū Ryū Ninpō 玉心流忍法

 Kumogakure Ryū Ninpō 雲隠流忍法

For more information contact Shane at dlayton1@uab.edu.

Pensacola Bon Fest 2019

JASA Staff — Tue, 30 Jul 2019 17:21:00 GMT

South Alabama residents: don't miss this once-a-year opportunity in Pensacola!

Press Release:

13^th ANNUAL 2019 BONFEST

Saturday, September 7, 2019

Noon – 4 p.m. at

BOOKER T. WASHINGTON HIGH SCHOOL

6000 College Pkwy Pensacola, FL 32504

Taiko Drummers from EPCOT will be performing at the event! Enjoy Authentic Japanese Food, Dancing, Fun & Activities for ALL AGES !

Thanks for your community support!

Youth for Understanding (YFU)

Tue, 18 Jun 2019 16:29:44 GMT

HOST FAMILIES NEEDED. Have you ever wanted to host an international student for a semester? Youth for Understanding, one of the oldest and most respected nonprofit foreign exchange organizations in the nation, needs your help! YFU is looking for families to host a high school aged exchange student for the academic school year (August to June) or for just a semester.

Host families are responsible for provide basic meals and a place to sleep. The students will have their own insurance and spending money. Please consider making a student’s dream a reality while also learning about another culture. If interested, please contact Kylie at kneidich@yfu.org and “apply” online at www.yfuusa.org!

Sakura Radio

JASA Staff — Thu, 06 Jun 2019 18:00:00 GMT

Sakura Radio is an Internet Radio community that offers a wide range of programs such as health recipes for families, childcare consultations, health hours, legal advice for business and business discourses, live entertainment, culture, celebrity interviews, and immediate broadcasts in the case of an emergency.

Check out their website to find out more!

http://www.sakuraradio.com/

Take a peak at the schedule to listen to the talk show, LIVE news or local program.

http://www.sakuraradio.com/Schedule.html

Appraise-A-Thon

JASA Staff — Thu, 06 Jun 2019 17:25:13 GMT

Japan-America Society of North West Florida is hosting the Gulf Coast Appraise-A-Thon.

Get 3 items apprised for just $10.
Saturday, June 8, 10:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.
Garth's Antiques, 3930 W. Navy Blvd.

Appraisal proceeds will help fund local middle school student exchanges with Pensacola's Japanese sister city, Gero.

For more info, please email info@jasnwfl.org

Interpreter Training Opportunity

JASA Staff — Thu, 30 May 2019 17:15:05 GMT

Are you bilingual? Do you have a desire to help those in your community who are in crisis? Consider becoming an interpreter!

Who should attend: Fully fluent bilingual individuals in Alabama who have a desire to help crisis victims in

their community. This training is designed to teach professional interpreting -- and prepare participants for working

with victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking and other violence.

Participants also learn interpreting procedures for common settings (Immigration, Counseling, etc.) and cultural

competencies (LGBTQ, Disabilities, etc.).

Course requirements: Total of 42 hours training through a combination of online sessions, full-day in-person

workshop, practicum and final interview.

Benefits: Complete this training to become eligible to contract with AshaKiran for paid assignments — in cities

throughout Alabama. And, use your valuable language skills to make a difference in your cultural community!

Trainers: Our lead trainer, Carola E. Green, has 20+ years experience in professional interpreting as well as teaching

and training interpreters. She is co-author of several national publications about interpreting in the legal

and medical fields including the innovative curriculum “Breaking Silence: Interpreting for Victim Services.”

Other trainers include AshaKiran staff and subject matter experts who have experience working with

victims and/or victim service providers.

Seating is limited, so apply early! Deadline to apply is July 2.

Application fee is $25. There is no additional cost for this training, however we

request 10 volunteer hours for AshaKiran and/or our partners.

Application and Course Schedule: 2019 Interpreter Training

Information: LADV@ashakiranonline.org (256) 509-1882 or (800) 793-3010

Gustolab International Study Abroad

JASA Staff — Sat, 23 Mar 2019 14:50:00 GMT

Japanese cuisine, or washoku, offers invaluable opportunities to think about how we understand ourselves and our world. These include, among others, the intersection of the modern and traditional, local and global, rural and urban, nature and society, taste and waste, our futures and the future of our planet. This program is based in the city of Osaka “the food capital of Japan”. Students explore the food cultures and systems of contemporary Japan through interdisciplinary, multi-sensual learning experiences. Students learn the philosophical and historical foundation of washoku as well as basic culinary techniques through intensive cooking sessions, and they broaden and deepen their culinary experience by critically engaging in the culture and politics of sustainability in seminar sessions. We also visit wholesale markets where hundreds of food ingredients and products are brought in and re-distributed, engage in field studies at a soy sauce distillery, sake brewery, and a small-scale farming village as well as historical temples in Nara and Kyoto. The program is designed by Gustolab International and hosted in cooperation with Osaka Shoin Women’s University, one of the first liberal arts women’s colleges established in Osaka and now running the nation’s first food studies program.

Deadline: March 25, 2019

Program Dates: May 26 - June 23, 2019

Eligibility: Students interested in Japanese culture, language, or business. Prior language study is encouraged, but not required. Professionals and graduate students in food or environment related fields are encouraged to inquire.

Cost: $ 4,750.00 USD

Geostrategy in the Grassroots AL News Center

JASA Staff — Fri, 15 Mar 2019 17:14:02 GMT

"There is no doubt that the Asia Pacific region is one of the most critical to the world’s economy, just as there is no doubt that the U.S. needs to have a strong ally there.

That was the basis of the “Geostrategy in the Grassroots” presentation that the Japan-America Society of Alabama (JASA) hosted Tuesday at University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Collat School of Business.

Driving the point closer to home, Japan is the second largest source of foreign direct investment in Alabama – thanks in large part, but not limited to, the automotive industry."

Read more about March 12th's event at Alabama
News Center here!

https://www.alabamanewscenter.com/2019/03/13/experts-relationship-japan-u-s-needs-remain-strong/

Website Globalization Webinar March 20th

JASA Staff — Fri, 15 Mar 2019 16:55:04 GMT

Incremental Website Globalization and Cross-border eCommerce Strategies

Registration:

https://gettingtoglobal.org/website-globalization-webinar/

AITC Webinar - Incremental Website Globalization and Cross-border eCommerce Strategies

March 20th, 2019 – 12:00 Noon Central Time

Cost: Free

Quick, affordable and non-techy ways to optimize your website for incremental global expansion and Cross-border eCommerce Strategies

While cross-border online sales will reach $1 trillion by 2020 74% of merchants are not prepared to service their top markets. Hear straight-talking insights on how to tap into global markets via ecommerce and learn actionable take-aways you can apply to your growth strategy immediately.

Learn how to start your incremental journey to global sales through ecommerce channels with plug-ins and tools at the lowest cost possible with minimal in-house tech support.
Learn how to use government grant money to convert your transactional site into a global-ready sales channel and marketing your products overseas.

This webinar is for online merchants of products and services looking to increase engagement and sales conversion with overseas clients. Whether you sell manufactured goods, packaged foods, apparel, cosmetics or software solutions, we will provide input as to why doing any of the following will make or break your conversation and how you can get started:

Display a pop-up welcome message in 10 languages
Display the prices in your visitor’s local currency
Facilitate payments in 200 currencies
Calculate the total landed cost for your customers
Translate your checkout and emails automatically
Find support resources and product category experts
Reduce your shipping costs with preferred rates
Protect against global fraudulent transactions

In partnership with:

Special Announcement | Japan 2019

JASA Staff — Fri, 01 Mar 2019 17:39:21 GMT

Japan 2019 aims to broaden understanding of an interest in Japanese culture in the United States through two programs: the Japan 2019 Official Program featuring a series of events co-organized or supported by the Japan Foundation, mainly in New York and Washington, D.C., and the Japan 2019 Associated Program, featuring affiliated events organized by public and private entities to introduce Japanese culture and promote exchange between Japan and the U.S.

Check out the link below!

https://www.jpf.go.jp/e/about/area/japan2019/index.html

Upcoming U.S. Career Forum for Japanese-English bilinguals

JASA Staff — Fri, 01 Mar 2019 17:35:48 GMT

Anyone with at least beginner level Japanese language ability are invited to the upcoming U.S. Career Forum exclusively for domestic positions.
Attendees will have the opportunity to submit resumes, interview, and even receive offers of employment during the one-day event.

Career Forum registration and attendance are entirely free.

U.S. Career Forum 2019 (in New York)
====================================
March 30 (Sat.), 2019
https://careerforum.net/en/event/us/
* All positions in the U.S. using Japanese
* Anyone with legal U.S. work permission welcome
* Attendance Support available
====================================

If you have questions about any of the Career Forums, please contact us at cfn@careerforum.net

We look forward to seeing you there!

Bridge to the Gods: Tales of Kyushu by Andrew Thomson

JASA Staff — Fri, 01 Mar 2019 16:00:00 GMT

A new book about Japan has been published andavailable online at www.ryanpub.com.au!

Written by Fukuoka resident, Andrew Thomson, Bridge to the Gods: Tales From Kyushu, assists the reader in understanding where Japanese culture began, And where the country may go in the future. It discusses topics on Shinto, rice, tea, Christian samurai, food, politics, organized crime, and more.

Choko Kimura Aiken and Nanaho Chiba Duet, UAB

JASA Staff — Thu, 28 Feb 2019 17:00:00 GMT

CHOKO KIMURA AIKEN and NANAHO CHIBA will introduce traditional and contemporary Japanese music by focusing on differences between US and Japanese customs and cultures.

Choko was born and raised in Japan and began studying classical piano at the age of three and later piano, violin, voice, and music theory at colleges in Tokyo and Fukuoka as well as traveling to the United States to study jazz in Los Angeles and New York.Her "Imagination" album, made in Los Angeles in 2011, was featured in that year’s February issue of JAZZIZ magazine. Choko has also performed many genres in Japan, including jazz, salsa, latin, classical, gospel, and pop. She left her long-time group Tri-Voices and other bands to relocate to Birmingham in January 2013. Since that time, Choko has enjoyed playing in the Magic City at many of its local venues, including the 4th Avenue Jazz Festival, Moss Rock Festival, Creek Bank Festival, Mt. Brook Arts Festival, and Eric Essix Jazz Escape. She has been Guest Pianist at the 2015 Supper Jazz Concert, 2016 4th Avenue Jazz Festival, and 2017 Jazz in the Park. She looks forward to continuing with her main goal of simply making people happy with her music. For more information, please see: https://www.chokoaiken.com

Prof. Mariya Aida Niendorf Lecture on Japanese Courtesy

JASA Staff — Wed, 27 Feb 2019 20:00:00 GMT

Professor Niendorf will first offer various definitions and views of politeness in Japan, Sweden, and the US as well as other English-speaking countries and discuss the reasons why these came to be viewed as they are today. Swedish learners’ attitudes toward the use of Japanese polite forms will be examined using data from surveys and error analyses. And various methods for overcoming cross-cultural miscommunication caused by differences in politeness strategies will be proposed, which may be applied to learners of other languages.

*This event is free and open to the public.

When: March 07, 2019. 3:30 - 4:30

Where: UAB Heritage Hall Building, Rm 104. 1401 University Blvd, Birmingham, AL.

Annicon 2019: A Spirit of Anniston Convention

JASA Staff — Wed, 27 Feb 2019 19:00:00 GMT

A free Asian cultures convention hosted by Annicon will be in Anniston on Saturday, March 02! Enjoy a one-day celebration of Asian Culture with displays and performances on the subjects of art, music, cosplay, manga, anime, gaming, food, history, and special guests. Check out the schedule below to see what’s featured.

More information about the event and volunteering at www.annicon.com

Location: Anniston City Meeting Center 1516 Noble Street, Anniston, AL.

AirKitchen in Japan

JASA Staff — Wed, 27 Feb 2019 17:00:00 GMT

Are you traveling to Japan soon? Would you like a chance to make authentic, in-home Japanese meal while you’re there? Look no further than AirKitchen!

AirKitchen is a unique opportunity that allows global travelers to book an authentic cooking class by Japanese hosts in their homes. AirKitchen creates an experience to learn to cook homemade Japanese food and enjoy the warmth of eating around a dinner table with Japanese locals.

Is your mouth watering yet? Hop over to their website to learn more!

https://airkitchen.jp/

*They don’t have a host in Alabama because they’re currently offering the service in Japan.

Come See Us at Kami-Con!

JASA Staff — Wed, 13 Feb 2019 20:25:45 GMT

JASA will have a table at Alabama's Largest Anime and Gaming Comic - Con! Come and see our fan table on Friday night and Saturday morning of the 3-Day event! We'd love to see you there.

Kami-Con Dates: February 22-24 2019

For more information about Kami-Con, follow this link.

Elgin Heinz Outstanding Teacher 2019 Award

JASA Staff — Wed, 13 Feb 2019 19:00:00 GMT

EngageAsia is administering the Elgin Heinz Outstanding Teaching award to one exceptional teacher in the humanities category (the 2020 award will focus on Japanese language). The Award recognizes exceptional teachers who further mutual understanding between American and Japanese people. The award consists of a $2,500 monetary award and a $5,000 grant provided by the United States-Japan Foundation. It is named in honor of Elgin Heinz for his commitment to educating students about Asia as well as for the inspiration he has provided to the field of pre-college education.

To learn more about the award and application procedures, please link here:

https://www.engageasia.org/programs/

Eligibility Requirements

The award is open to current full-time K-12 classroom teachers of any relevant subject in the United States. There are two award categories, one in the humanities and one in Japanese language. The 2019 award will only be open to candidates in the humanities category.

Previous award recipients often have over 10 years of teaching experience and have been engaged in teaching their students about Japan for a substantial period of time. Candidates must demonstrate sustained commitment to improving mutual understanding between Americans and Japanese, and must have made a significant contribution to enhancing students’ knowledge of Japan.

Applicants for the Japanese language category must have excellent command of the Japanese language and may be contacted by members of the selection committee to verify this.

Nomination Procedures

Applicants for the Elgin Heinz Outstanding Teacher Award need not be nominated to apply. However, the Foundation is always seeking to encourage the nation’s top educators to consider applying for the award. Therefore, we welcome nominations of individuals qualified to apply for the Award.

Letters of Nomination should briefly highlight the qualifications of the candidate and must include his/her name, contact information, and indicate the school at which the candidate currently teaches.

EngageAsia, which is administering the award, will accept Letters of Nomination at any time and will inform candidates that they have been nominated for the Award. Those nominated must submit a full application as indicated below.

Nominators should keep in mind the deadline for applications is in early May. Therefore, it is recommended that nominations be submitted by early March in order to provide potential candidates the time needed to compile their applications.

Deadline: May 15, 2019

Letters of Nomination should be e-mailed to EngageAsia at: info@engageasia.org

Thank You For Coming!

JASA Staff — Sun, 10 Feb 2019 18:23:27 GMT

We'd like to extend a warm thank you to everyone who came to the Okonomiyaki class yesterday! We had tons of fun, made new friends, and rekindled with old ones!

Modern Moku Hanga Show

JASA Staff — Thu, 07 Feb 2019 22:00:27 GMT

Contemporary interpretations of the traditional Japanese woodblock print by:

Katie Baldwin, Annie Bissett, Mariko Jesse, Jennifer Mack-Watkins, Serena Perrone, Julie Shelton Snyder, and Richard Stockham

The show opens Friday March 8 from 5:30pm-7:30pm and is open Saturdays 11am-4pm. The show will close April 27 with a Japanese tea ceremony at 1pm hosted by the Chado Urasenke Tankokai Birmingham Association.

The show will be held at the PaperWorkers Local studio located at 2717 Seventh Avenue South, Suite 203 Birmingham, AL

Paperworkers Local will also participate in the Cherry Blossom Festival at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens on March 16 from 10am-4pm, they will have demos and encourage the public to try moku hanga printing.

The Naganuma School of Japanese Language

JASA Staff — Fri, 01 Feb 2019 23:00:00 GMT

The Naganuma School is widely considered as the pioneer of modern Japanese language training in Japan. Although officially established as a school in 1948, its birth occurred almost two decades earlier as its founder, Naoe Naganuma, had begun publishing Japanese language texts books and performed as instructor for the US Embassy diplomats in the years prior to WWII. As such, Naganuma is regarded as one of the world’s longest continual providers of Japanese language training. In addition to sustaining the publication of its highly regarded Naganuma text books today, the School continues to employ the groundbreaking teaching techniques which came to be known as the Naganuma Method.

Naganuma offers courses in University Prep, Graduate University Prep, Business Japanese, Private Lessons, JLPT Prep and more! Click on this link to find out more!

Amy's Guide to Best Behavior in Japan: Do it Right and be Polite! by Amy Chavez

JASA Staff — Fri, 01 Feb 2019 18:45:00 GMT

This illustrated guide to common courtesy, acceptable behavior, and manners is essential for any visitor to Japan. By knowing how to act in every situation you'll gain the respect of your hosts and in the end get even better service and enjoyment during your travels.

Covered here are all the essentials—like travel, greetings, dining—plus subtle niceties like tone of voice, body language, cell phone usage, city vs. country styles, and attire (and what to do about your tattoos!).

Sections include:

10 Things You Should Never Do in Japan

10 Things You Should Always Do in Japan

Greetings

When to bow

Asking for help

Apologizing

Money

About tattoos and piercings

Gift-giving

Dating

Train etiquette

And more!

For more information click here!

San Francisco Career Forum

JASA Staff — Thu, 31 Jan 2019 22:35:35 GMT

Interview with companies, participate in panel discussions, networking lunch and much more!

Only at the Career Forum, are you able to interview with various companies at once. At this year's San Francisco Career Forum, there are many benefits for those who just started job searching to those already mid-way through their job search. There is also a travel scholarship and a financial incentive for IT and Engineering major students. Registration and attendance is free so take full advantage of this opportunity to see what the San Francisco Career Forum has to offer!

A minimum of beginner ability in both Japanese and English and one of the following:

Student recently graduated from or currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. program outside of Japan or with at least one year of study outside of Japan
Professional with work or study experience outside of Japan

Date: February 16th (Sat.) & 17th (Sun.), 2019

Time: 10:00AM －6:00PM (Registration closes at 5:00PM)

Place: 1800 Old Bayshore Hwy, Burlingame, CA 94010

For San Francisco Career Forum, business casual is recommended. For more information, click here.

Thank You For Coming!

JASA Staff — Tue, 29 Jan 2019 02:30:00 GMT

JASA hosted a Japanese Calligraphy class with professional calligrapher, Ayako Suzuki. We'd like to extend a warm thank you for making our Japanese Calligraphy class a success! We had a wonderful time as she shared her passion for the Art of Writing! Guests of all ages came to participate in the relaxing and informative class and we'd love to have her again some day.

Do you practice Calligraphy at home too? Like us on Facebook and tag #JASA when you post your art so we can see!

https://www.facebook.com/Japan-America-Society-of-Alabama-666560433494927/?epa=SEARCH_BOX

60th Anniversary Celebration of the Camellia Japonica

JASA Staff — Thu, 24 Jan 2019 19:12:03 GMT

Did you know that this Japanese native flower is an official state symbol of Alabama? It was adopted 60 years ago in 1959 and we want to celebrate the anniversary with all of you!

This weekend event will also be part of our Alabama Bicentennial celebration, honoring 200 years of statehood. How better than to celebrate one of our state symbols? The biggest public event will be Saturday, February 17, attended by dignitaries like Governor Ivey and other leaders at the Mobile Convention Center. A public ribbon cutting at 1:00 pm will start a “second line” marching band that will lead us into the show – where Camellia Japonica will be the star!

Place: Renaissance Riverview Plaza Hotel, Mobile Alabama.

Japanese Calligraphy Demonstration with Ayako Suzuki

JASA Staff — Tue, 22 Jan 2019 20:39:53 GMT

Ayako Suzuki was born and raised in Nagoya, Aichi, Japan. She began learning calligraphy when she was 8 years old. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Daito Bunka University, Tokyo, Japan, An institution well known for its Department of Calligraphy. Her concentration was Japanese calligraphy, and she acquired a wide range of perspectives on calligraphy through the mastery of history, theory, and artistic appreciation. While also studying calligraphic techniques to achieve artistic expressions.

She established her professional career as a calligraphy artist in New York where she both collaborated with other calligraphers, and held a personal exhibit from 2007 to 2008, then held a group exhibition in Paris, France in 2011. Ayako now teaches calligraphy to children to pass the tradition of the Japanese culture down to future generations. In her session, she will demonstrate calligraphy and explain its history, and social and academic role in Japanese contemporary society. Ayako is recognized internationally as an expert Japanese calligrapher.

The event is Wednesday February 06, 2019 2:00p - 3:00p at UAB's Humanities Building, room 424.

This event is free and open to the public.

Are Japanese People Really Collectivists? Lecture by Daiku Yasuhiro.

JASA Staff — Tue, 22 Jan 2019 19:36:24 GMT

Date: Thursday, January 24, 2019.

Time: 3:30p - 4:30p

Place: UAB Humanities Building 105

The event is free and open to the public.

Yasuhiro Daiku is a Ph.D. student in the Graduate School of Human Sciences at Osaka University, Japan. He serves as a research fellow at Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, and is a visiting scholar in the Department of Communication Studies at UAB. He studies Social Psychology, and investigates human behavior as a member of society. His research mainly focuses on lie /deception detection.

Generally, it has been thought that Japan has more collectivist culture compared to America. Recently, however, some cultural psychologists counter the traditional views of Japanese collectivism vs. American individualism. Here, I will introduce arguments on both sides, and give the audience the opportunity to think twice about both cultures. Also, I will explain cognitive biases that humans have generally, which sometimes make us misunderstand cultures.

Meet and Greet with Mark Jackson

JASA Staff — Fri, 18 Jan 2019 21:34:55 GMT

On Saturday, January 12th, the Center for Entrepreneurship provided a group of student innovators the opportunity to have a small group discussion with Mark Jackson, Honorary Consul General of Japan for Alabama. Mr. Jackson also owns Moreson Conferencing, a company with offices in 65 countries around the world. The visit was arranged by Stanley Harper, an economic development specialist working with the Japan America Society and American Diabetes Association.

Ayusa Summer Camp 2019!

JASA Staff — Fri, 18 Jan 2019 20:15:00 GMT

Ayusa International is introducing their annual Japan summer camp for young people interested in Japan and Japanese culture.

PROGRAM DATES: June 30, 2019 - July 22, 2019(3 weeks)

DISCOVER THE REAL JAPAN
Immerse yourself in Japanese culture through volunteer activities, meeting local Japanese people, and unique sightseeing opportunities.

IMPROVE YOUR JAPANESE
Learn Japanese or improve your language skills, not only with daily classes from experienced professional teachers but also through school and home visits. (No previous experience required!)

EXPERIENCE THE RICH HERITAGE OF KYOTO (OPTIONAL)
Kyoto is world-renown for its beautiful shrines, temples, and Japanese gardens. Explore the cultural heart of Japan and be charmed by Kyoto’s many traditional delights.

DEADLINE TO APPLY: March 15, 2019.

COST: $3,800

FEE INCLUDES: Housing, meals except lunch, Japanese language classes, volunteer, high school visit, home visit, activities, local transportation, and 24-hour supervision.

TO APPLY CLICK HERE

FOR MORE INFO CLICK HERE

MAZDA Career Opportunity

JASA Staff — Wed, 16 Jan 2019 22:00:00 GMT

We're excited for the development of the new Mazda-Toyota plant in Huntsville!

Mazda is seeking a Bilingual Quality Engineer who is proficient in both Japanese and English. Below is a link to the position:

https://careers-mazdausa.icims.com/jobs/1180/engineer-ii%2c-quality/job

Please click on the above link to apply. Questions can be directed to Laura O’Meara at lomeara@mazdausa.com.

Overview

Position Summary:

Quality Engineer II position is responsible for the quality assurance of parts that are supplied to Mazda and its affiliated vehicle & powertrain assembly plant.

To assure the parts quality that satisfies customer specification and expectation with the experience of quality, manufacturing, engineering, financial, and regulatory knowledge.
To resolve quality concern through the investigations and manufacturing process review/audit.
To improve supplier quality system through the process and system audit.
Responsible for administration and enforcement of Quality Operating System (QOS) processes used within MNAO and Mazda manufacturing affiliates.
This position is expected to have mind set of Challenger spirit, Self-initiative, Integrity, Flawless execution, Continuous Kaizen, Co-creation, and Teamwork.

Responsibilities

Application of Mazda Quality Standard Requirement for Suppliers (QRS)

Promotes and applies procedures stated in the manual of Mazda Quality Requirement for Supplier.
Execute Mazda QRS training for assuring supplier thorough the understanding of Mazda’s quality requirements and expectations.
Train, assist, and support suppliers to maintain 100% MQRS compliance for all production stages (pre-production through mass-production).

Manufacturing Site Assessment (MSA)

Perform Mazda System Assessment (MSA) audits to ensure the effectiveness of quality operating systems (QOS) on all potential supplier candidates and make recommendations for suitability to Mazda requirements and development needs.
Perform Mazda (MSA) Mazda System Assessment Audits on current supplier.
Provide feedback and report results to Mazda responsible groups/departments when determining supplier suitability for business awards.

New Parts Launch and Change control (APQP, PPAP)

Project Management Tracking: Monitor progress (QRS APQP Tracking Sheet) of schedule, objectives and targets for development, continuous improvements implementation. Report results to Mazda responsible groups/departments. Take appropriate recovery actions when progress of monitored actions are not achieved.
As a part of (CFT) Cross-functional Team collaborate with suppliers and Mazda Engineers during design reviews to ensure the design is appropriate for Manufacturability and Assembly.
Review Design Drawings / Component Drawings / Engineering Standards to properly address Critical (CC) and Significant (SC) characteristics.
Review high impact characteristics for correct dimensioning to ensure manufacturing, processing, measuring and testing feasibility.
Perform production readiness assessment process audits (PPAP reviews) at suppliers manufacturing facilities.
Report assessment readiness status results with identification of all deficiencies, corrective action plans, timing and responsibilities.
Supplier Production Readiness: Conduct on-site manufacturing trial run process reviews to assess supplier manufacturing capability and quality systems effectiveness. Report results and corrective actions to be implemented.
Train, support and assist Suppliers to effectively execute Mazda QRS APQP PSD PPAP activities.
Promote and implement the use of (SPC) Statistical Process Control with added safety margins in efforts to reduce process variability for achieving and maintaining Process Control.

Corrective Actions and Continuous Improvement of current on-going parts product/Improvement of warranty parts performance

Train, support and assist supplier corrective action and continuous improvement activities for effective and timely resolution.
Initiate and track corrective actions 8D reports. Identify both “root cause” and “systemic root cause” to drive systems and manufacturing processes improvements, using tangible objective evidence (Statistical data) to prioritize actions/work to be taken.
Support and assist Mazda production assembly plants for RN, DI, corrective actions, continuous improvement activities and warranty concerns to prevent reoccurrence.
Use lean and PDCA tools to optimize on-going process efficiency and effectiveness (Lean, Quality/Problem Solving Skill).

Focus Supplier Improvement

Identify focus suppliers and conduct intensive continuous improvement activities.
Negotiate with suppliers to initiate investigations and support resolving warranty issues through corrective action activities.

2019 KKC Teacher Fellowship

JASA Staff — Mon, 31 Dec 2018 21:25:44 GMT

Applications for the 2019 Keizai Koho Center Teacher Fellowship are now open!

Are you a social studies teacher interested in broadening your knowledge of international education? Take advantage of this unique opportunity to visit Japan! More information on the fellowship is available here. You can follow the fellowship on Facebook here.

Keizai Koho Center (KKC), in cooperation with the National Association of Japan-America Societies (NAJAS), will offer “KKC Study Tour to Japan 2019” for U.S. and Canadian social studies teachers.

Dates in Japan:

June 24 (Mon) – July 2 (Tue), 2019 (Tentative)

Primarily in Tokyo,the itinerary will be developed to provide vivid and enjoyable experiences with participants, which include:

Visits to Japanese schools to interact with students and teachers,

Meetings with scholars and experts on Japanese society and its education system,

Visits to major Japanese companies and meetings with senior company executives,

Home stay with a Japanese family, and

Cultural and fun events.

Costs covered by KKC:

KKC provides round trip air transportation from participants’ home city to Japan, as well as accommodations, ground transportation and meals associated with the ten day program.

Eligibility:

To be eligible, applicants must:

Have skills and experience in developing curriculum and a strong interest in Japan,

Have never lived in Japan nor visited Japan on a similar study tour,

Be middle or high school classroom teachers of Economics, Social Studies, Geography or History (grades 6-12).

Requirements:

To participate in the Study Tour, applicants are required to agree to:

Make a presentation and contribute to discussions at a symposium organized as part of the program.

Submit a lesson plan on Japan for their own classroom to KKC by Oct. 31, 2019.

Submit a final report to KKC by January 10, 2020, which describes how experiences and findings on the tour are used in the classroom and other occasions. Relevant copies of any school newspaper/magazine articles are appreciated.

Consent that the lesson plans and the final reports become the property of KKC to be posted to its website for use by other school teachers.

Understand that the demands of the itinerary are such that only individuals physically able to travel without special assistance should consider the participation, special diets cannot be provided and a smoke-free environment cannot be assured.

Understand there will be no provisions for spouses to accompany fellows due to the nature of the program and logistical requirements.

Internet connection cannot be assured by KKC.

Fourth Annual Writers in Kyoto Competition

JASA Staff — Mon, 26 Nov 2018 21:04:42 GMT

WRITERS IN KYOTO PRESENT THE FOURTH ANNUAL KYOTO WRITING COMPETITION

◆THEME: Kyoto (English language submissions only)
◆DEADLINE: March 31st, 2019 (Midnight JST)
◆GENRE: Short Shorts (unpublished material only)
◆WORD LIMIT: 300 Words (to fit on a single page)
◆FORM: Short poems, character studies, essays, travel tips, whimsy, haiku sequence, haibun, wordplays, dialogue, experimental verse, etc. In short, anything that helps show the spirit of place in a fresh light.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
●Limited to one submission per person
●You do not need to be located in Kyoto to participate. We accept submissions from anywhere in the world.
●Must be submitted by Microsoft Word attachment file. (Submissions by PDF attachment are NOT accepted.)
●At the top of the Microsoft Word attachment (not in the body of the e-mail), please include the following: Full Name, E-mail Contact, Nationality, Current Residence (Town, Country).
●Please send your Microsoft Word attachment file to: kyotowritingcompetition2019@gmail.com

TOP PRIZES INCLUDE:
[First Prize] ¥30,000, Kyoto Craft, publication on the Writers in Kyoto website, and inclusion in the Writers in Kyoto Anthology
[Second and Third Prize] Kyoto Craft, Zen Gardens and Temples of Kyoto, publication on the Writers in Kyoto website, and inclusion in the Writers in Kyoto Anthology

LOCAL PRIZES INCLUDE:
[Within Japan] Selected Ceramic Piece from the Robert Yellin Yakimono Gallery
[Within the USA] Quiet Beauty: The Japanese Gardens of North America by Kendall H. Brown

PUBLISHING RIGHTS/COPYRIGHT
Writers in Kyoto reserves the right to publish entries on its website. Winning entries will be eligible for publication in the WiK Anthology. Authors retain the copyright of their own work.

COMPETITION SPONSORS
Kyoto crafts are generously provided by the Kyoto City Tourism Association. Quiet Beauty is awarded by the Japan-America Society of Greater Philadelphia. This competition is also sponsored by the Kyoto Journal, Kyoto International Community House, and the Robert Yellin Yakimono Gallery.

****************

Former prize winners

For the prize winner in the 2018 competition, please click here. For the second prizewinner, click here. And for the third prize winner, see here.

For the winner of the 2017 competition (‘Joys of Silence’), see here. and for the first competition winner (‘Kimono Memories”) see here.

*****************

JASA Visits Birmingham’s Sister Cities in Japan

JASA Staff — Mon, 26 Nov 2018 21:03:38 GMT

Thank you to our incredible hosts in Maebashi and
Hitachi, Japan!

Last month, JASA representatives had the honor of visiting Birmingham’s two Japanese sister cities. We are so grateful for the warm welcome and hospitality we experienced in both cities and hope to visit again.Visit Birmingham Sister Cities Commission for more information about Birmingham’s relationships with Maebashi and Hitachi. For information on other Alabama sister cities in Japan, please contact us!

JASA Delegates visit the dedication to Samuel Ullman’s “Youth” in Maebashi, Japan.

Maebashi – Gunma Prefecture

Our two days in Maebashi were filled with sightseeing, including to the Maebashi Museum of Literature. Outside is a statue dedicated to Birmingham poet, Samuel Ullman (pictured right). We were able to meet in Maebashi City Hall with several city officials including Deputy Mayor Kurashima and members from the Maebashi International Association. Thank you to everyone in Maebashi for a fantastic welcome dinner and a great visit to the city!

JASA Delegates visit the first building of Hitachi Manufacturing.

Hitachi – Ibaraki Prefecture

While we were only able to spend one day in Hitachi this year, we had a wonderful time meeting with Hitachi City Officials and Hitachi Mayor Haruki Ogawa and experiencing the city. We toured the Hitachi Manufacturing Plant and visited various sightseeing spots around Hitachi City. This included Kamine Park (pictured right), which features a Vulcan Statue gifted to Hitachi by Birmingham Sister Cities Commission. Thank you for showing us your beautiful city by the sea!

Hitachi’s Vulcan statue, gifted by Mayor Richard Arrington and Birmingham Sister Cities Commission.

JASA delegates pose with Vulcan.

JASA delegates visit Hitachi Manufacturing in Hitachi, Japan.

Maebashi Museum of Literature – Sakutaro Hagiwara’s home.

JASA delegates with Maebashi’s statue of Samuel Ullman’s “Youth” in English and Japanese.

JASA delegates with Kazunori Tago of Maebashi International Association and Seishun Society of Japan.

JASA Delegates with Deputy Mayor Kurashima of Maebashi, Japan.

JASA delegates pose with Sakutaro Hagiwara’s statue in front of the Maebashi Museum of Literature.

Choko Aiken Piano Concert – Birmingham

JASA Staff — Mon, 05 Nov 2018 21:02:53 GMT

The University of Alabama at Birmingham

College of Arts and Sciences

Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures

UAB Jemison Lecture Series

CHOKO KIMURA AIKEN

Pianist, Composer, Arranger, Keyboardist, Vocalist

Thursday, November 15, 2018 – 2:00-3:00

Hulsey Recital Hall

Hulsey Center: 950 13th St S, Birmingham, AL 35205

Event Description: A Piano Event Encounter with Japanese Music

Autumn songs, Japanese nursery rhymes, Japanese/American anime songs
Choko Kimura Aiken will introduce traditional and contemporary Japanese music by focusing on differences between US and Japanese customs and cultures.

About Choko Aiken

Choko was born and raised in Japan and began studying classical piano at the age of three and later piano, violin, voice, and music theory at colleges in Tokyo and Fukuoka as well as traveling to the United States to study jazz in Los Angeles and New York. Her “Imagination” album, made in Los Angeles in 2011, was featured in that year’s February issue of JAZZIZ magazine. Choko has also performed many genres in Japan, including jazz, salsa, latin, classical, gospel, and pop. She left her long-time group Tri-Voices and other bands to relocate to Birmingham in January 2013. Since that time, Choko has enjoyed playing in the Magic City at many of its local venues, including the 4th Avenue Jazz Festival, Moss Rock Festival, Creek Bank Festival, Mt. Brook Arts Festival, and Eric Essix Jazz Escape. She has been Guest Pianist at the 2015 Supper Jazz Concert, 2016 4th Avenue Jazz Festival, and 2017 Jazz in the Park. She looks forward to continuing with her main goal of simply making people happy with her music. For more information, please see: https://www.chokoaiken.com

This event is free and open to the public
Sponsored by the Jemison Visiting Professorship in the Humanities

Boston Career Forum

JASA Staff — Tue, 30 Oct 2018 21:02:12 GMT

DISCO International, Inc., organizer of job fairs for Japanese-English bilinguals, welcomes those with some degree of both Japanese and English language abilities to come speak and interview with 230 companies at the upcoming Boston Career Forum.
Attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about participating companies, submit resumes, interview, and even receive offers of employment during the three-day event.

Boston Career Forum (Nov. 9-11)
============================
https://careerforum.net/en/event/bos
*230 participating companies
*Registering and attending are free
*Open to anyone pursuing a Bachelor fs degree or higher who is bilingual in English and Japanese seeking a full-time or internship position

For more details and to register, please go to: https://careerforum.net/en/event/bos

If you have questions about any of the Career Forums, please contact us at cfn@careerforum.net

We look forward to seeing you there!

Sincerely,

CareerForum.Net
cfn@careerforum.net

Cultural Training Webinar

JASA Staff — Tue, 30 Oct 2018 21:01:26 GMT

–JASA & AGP Present–

Leave the Right Impression: Navigating German and Japanese Business Culture Webinar

Tuesday, November 6, 2018

Noon to 1:00pm Central Time

Register here to receive a link to the webinar!

Following our joint workshop last month, we present a webinar exploring the cultural values and practices across the USA, Germany and Japan.

Learn how to leave the right impression, fine-tune your international business communication skills and knowledge of global etiquette. We will uncover what your body language and dining etiquette says about you in a different cultural context. Learn how to send your intended message the culturally appropriate way and interpret other’s nuances correctly.

Training is provided by Mind Your Culture, LLC and Michiki Morgan Worldwide

Michiki Morgan Worldwide serves Japanese global organizations at various levels. Nozomi Morgan leads a team of experts in developing global leaders. Her team helps organizations develop Co-created Culture which she believes is the foundation for individuals and organizations to fulfill their purpose in this world.

MIND YOUR CULTURE, LLC is a cross-cultural business solutions and leadership development firm. They specialize in guiding people through the complexities of cultural differences in the global business world.

REGISTER NOW!

#Onigiri Action Campaign

JASA Staff — Fri, 05 Oct 2018 21:00:28 GMT

TABLE FOR TWO Celebrates World Food Day 2018

– Change the World with Onigiri (Rice Ball) #OnigiriAction

This fall, TABLE FOR TWO USA (TFT) invites everyone to participate in their “Change the World with Onigiri #OnigiriAction” campaign from October 10^th to November 20^th. The campaign commemorates World Food Day, established in honor of the founding of the Food and Agriculture Organization by the UN in 1945. Onigiri Action aims to provide 1 million meals to children in need around the world. As an NPO with roots in Japan, the TABLE FOR TWO USA campaign highlights onigiri (or Japanese rice balls) made from rice, one of Japan’s major agricultural products. In Japan, rice balls are a simple comfort food made for others with love. During the campaign, every photo of a rice ball posted on the Onigiri Action website or social media with #OnigiriAction will provide 5 meals to children in need. Last year, over 108,815 rice ball photos were posted by people from all over the world, providing 975,000 warm school meals. Over 4,500 children were able to eat for an entire school year. The Onigiri Action campaign received the “Asia Marketing Excellence Awards for Marketing 3.0” from the Asia Marketing Federation as a socially responsible marketing program.

To participate, visit the Onigiri Action interactive website to post a photo, or post a photo on your social media with #OnigiriAction. For every onigiri photo posted, our sponsoring organizations (*) will donate 5 school meals to children in need. To participate, please visit: https://onigiri-action.com/en/ (launch on October 3^rd). To learn more, visit the Onigiri Action 2017 page: http://jp.tablefor2.org/campaign/onigiri/en/.

As part of the campaign, TABLE FOR TWO will also be hosting onigiri -making workshops in New York City, Washington, DC, Boston, and California, where you can learn to make traditional Japanese rice balls, onigiri. Onigiri, while simple – just rice, savory fillings, and seaweed – form a cornerstone of Japanese cuisine. Event details to be announced soon!

“We are thrilled to launch our World Food Day campaign this fall in an effort to provide meals to children in need,” said Mayumi Uejima-Carr, Co-President of TABLE FOR TWO USA. “We hope as many people as possible take advantage of this opportunity to make a difference in the world while enjoying Japanese food.”

*The Onigiri Action 2018 campaign is generously supported by: J.C.C. Fund/Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of New York, JFC International/Nishiki, Japan Commerce Association of Washington D.C. Foundation, Zojirushi America, San-J, ITOCHU International, SMBC Global Foundation, Misuzu Corporation, MUFG Union Bank, N.A, Otafuku Foods, Just One Cookbook, BentOn, Onigilly

In addition, a portion of the proceeds from the products below will be donated towards providing school meals: Nishiki Rice (JFC International), Rice Cooker (Zojirushi America), Tamari Soy Sauce (San-J), Tamaki Quick Cook Brown Rice (ITOCHU International), Over 70 onigiri items (Tokyo Central’s online store), Inari (Misuzu Corporation), Okonomiyaki Pancake Mix (Otafuku Foods), Just One Cookbook eBook – Essential Japanese Recipes (Just One Cookbook), Brown Rice Plum Basil Hijiki Onigiri/Five Grains Konbu Onigiri (BentOn), Onigilly (Onigilly), Onigiri (Hana Japanese Market), Fresh Miso Soup from Miso Soup Dispenser (Marukome), Echigoya Koshihikari (Echigoya), Sushi Workshop for Good (Sushi Chef Institute), Orinigiri workshop (Orinigiri), Miso Onigiri and Shio koji salmon Onigiri (Aedan).

About TABLE FOR TWO USA:

TABLE FOR TWO USA (TFT) is a 501(C)(3) organization that addresses the joint issues of hunger and obesity. First established in Japan in 2007, the organization has expanded to 14 countries, including the United States. In the US, TABLE FOR TWO launched the “Wa-Shokuiku –Learn. Cook. Eat Japanese!- ” (www.wa-shokuiku.org) program to educate American schoolchildren about healthy eating practices, inspired by Japanese culture and cuisine. TABLE FOR TWO runs a unique “meal-sharing” program by partnering with companies, restaurants, and schools to serve healthy TFT-labeled meals. Every meal purchased provides a meal to a child in need. TABLE FOR TWO works to help correct the global food imbalance. For more information about TABLE FOR TWO, please visit: http://usa.tablefor2.org.

Represent Alabama in the Reischauer Scholars Program (RSP)

JASA Staff — Sat, 22 Sep 2018 20:59:42 GMT

The RSP is an online course about Japan and U.S.–Japan relations that is offered to high school students across the United States. This course is offered through the Stanford Program on International and Cross-Cultural Education (SPICE) at Stanford University, and is an application-based class that accepts 25 to 30 diverse and talented students from across the U.S. each year. We are currently accepting applications for the Spring 2019 RSP, which will begin in February and end in June 2019. We are very interested in encouraging more students in the Midwest and South to apply. The RSP is a very student-centered class, and we feel strongly that diverse student perspectives deeply enrich the learning experience. We would love to have student representation from Alabama in our course for the upcoming term!

Accepting Applications August 27, 2018 – October 05, 2018

Apply online at https://spicestanford.smapply.io/prog/reischauer_scholars_program.
Application deadline for 2019 course: October 5, 2018.

Tuition fee: $400
A limited number of full and partial tuition waivers are available.
Follow SPICE on Facebook or Twitter or join our email list to receive announcements for the next application period.

The Reischauer Scholars Program (RSP) is an online course for high school students sponsored by the Stanford Program on International and Cross-Cultural Education and the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies (FSI). Named in honor of former Ambassador to Japan Edwin O. Reischauer, the RSP annually selects 25–30 exceptional high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors from throughout the United States to engage in an intensive study of Japan. Selected students participate in the online course on Japan from February to June of each year.

Currently entering its sixteenth year, the RSP provides students with a broad overview of Japanese history, literature, religion, art, politics, economics, and contemporary society, with a special focus on the U.S.–Japan relationship. Ambassadors, top scholars, and experts throughout the United States and Japan provide online lectures and engage students in live discussion sessions. RSP students will interact with the Japanese high school students of the Stanford e-Japan Program, deepening their mutual cross-cultural understanding and broadening their global perspectives. Students also complete readings and weekly assignments, with the coursework culminating in an independent research project. Final research projects are printed in journal format, and students are also required to lead two presentations on Japan at their schools or in their local communities. Students who successfully complete the course will earn Stanford Continuing Studies Program (CSP) credit and a Certificate of Completion from SPICE, Stanford University.

Japan Pavilion at Southern Automotive Conference(SAC)

JASA Staff — Sat, 22 Sep 2018 20:58:51 GMT

Visit the JAPAN Pavilion!!

11th Southern Automotive Conference 2018

Date: October 3-5, 2018

Location: Cobb Galleria Centre

(address：2 Galleria Pkwy South East, Atlanta, GA 30339)

The annual Southern Automotive Conference is a unique collaboration presented jointly each year by the automotive manufacturing associations of Alabama (AAMA), Georgia (GAMA), Mississippi (MAMA), and Tennessee (TAMA).

The Kentucky Automotive Industry Association (KAIA), South Carolina Automotive Council (SCAC), and Southern Automotive Women’s Forum (SAWF) are affiliate members of SAC.

The conference brings together more than 1000 industry leaders from across the US and overseas.

In collaboration with the 2018 Southern Automotive Conference, JETRO Atlanta is extending the opportunity to connect Japanese companies

(both from Japan and Southeastern US) with southeastern OEMs, suppliers and R&D facilities by creating a Japan pavilion.

https://www5.jetro.go.jp/newsletter/ama/2018/AD_JAPAN_Pavilion_at_SAC.pdf

This business matching event will showcase 24 Japanese companies with which companies can meet and explore new strategic business opportunities.

In preparation for our business matching efforts, we have attached the brochure of 24 Japanese company participants.

https://www5.jetro.go.jp/newsletter/ama/2018/Japanese_Exhibitors_Information_at_SAC.pdf

We are asking all interested parties to please select the companies they would like to meet with as well as the time slots that would be most suitable from the following link.

The deadline for business matching requests will be 26th September, 2018.

https://www5.jetro.go.jp/newsletter/ama/2018/Business_Meeting_at_JAPAN_Pavilion_in_SAC.xlsx

◆2018 Southern Automotive Conference (https://www.southernautocon.com/)

◆Further Information: JETRO Atlanta

TEL: 404-681-0600 (Mr. Trevin Dye, Reiji Ishida, Norikazu Mori)

E-mail: ama@jetro.go.jp

A Message from Rise Raptor Project (RISE)

JASA Staff — Sat, 22 Sep 2018 20:57:59 GMT

Our mission is to inspire the public to embrace principles of good stewardship, engage in scientific discovery, and be immersed in the riches of history and culture by connecting with the most powerful birds in the world.

Rise Raptor Project (RISE), based in North Alabama, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation founded for the purpose of teaching the principles of good stewardship, sound science, conservation, history, and culture. Raptors (birds of prey) provide a unique avenue by which to communicate these principles in a memorable and meaningful way. We offer programs on a low cost basis, allowing us to reach thousands of people. RISE travels anywhere we are asked, and presents 50-85 presentations annually. We believe all people regardless of social or economic status should have these principles integrated into their lives and character in order to achieve their full potential. As a result of this policy we operate on a donation basis.

International Collaboration : Connecting Japan with the United States with Eagles

The people of Alabama have benefitted from government, business, and personal relationships with one of the USA’s greatest allied nations, Japan. RISE is collaborating with one of the best conservation rehabilitation, and research facilities in the world located in Kushiro, Hokkaido: Institute for Raptor Biomedicine Japan. As a result of this relationship, Japan will be sending RISE one of their non-releasable White Tailed Eagles. The White Tailed Eagle is considered one of Japan’s national treasures. This eagle will become one of our education ambassadors and participate in research for captive propagation. New education programs will include conservation issues currently facing eagles worldwide, as well as aspects of history and Japanese culture. This eagle will not only be an ambassador for its wild relatives and our environment, but it will be a unique and special ambassador of the Japanese people. We hope to develop long term relationships between Huntsville, Alabama and Kushiro, Hokkaido elementary schools as a result of this cultural exchange. One goal is to work with the children of Kushiro to name the new eagle. RISE is currently working with Japanese government ministries and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services in finalizing this transfer. Fund raising proceeds will be applied to expenses of transporting the eagle to the USA and the construction of a new eagle facility.

RISE is considering further work to establish several pairs of non-releasable White Tailed Eagles in a captive propagation program in Huntsville. This effort would result in continued eagle propagation research and education. Since the White Tailed Eagle is considered vulnerable/endangered in Japan, offspring would be sent back to Hokkaido to replace those birds lost due to injury. This work will require outside financial support.

The Rise Raptor Project Team

Curt Cearley – Executive Director, Principle Founder, Educator / Master Falconer, Raptor rehabilitation, research lead

Stephanie Kern – Avian rehabilitation expert, songbird specialty, educator, legal specialist

Lindsey Wilmer – Educator, rehabilitation expert – water fowl specialty

Tim Gels – Educator, Educator for State of Alabama

Robin Harris – Educator, assistant raptor training, equine behavior and training specialist

Christina Turner – Educator for State of Alabama, assistant raptor trainer, handler

Dan Meyer – World class performer sword swallower, Guinness World Record holder, entertainer, and motivational public speaker

Morgan Harker – Junior educator, assistant, raptor handler

Lorelei McElroy – Junior educator, assistant, raptor handler

5638 Highway 53, STE B-276, Harvest, AL 35749

Curt Cearley – Executive Director

www.riseraptor.org

www.facebook.com/riseraptorproject

info@riseraptor.org

256-270-4811

Lionbridge Work Opportunity

JASA Staff — Mon, 13 Aug 2018 20:57:17 GMT

Lionbridge is looking for Social Media Evaluators to rate social media ads and other content for quality and relevancy in order to help our clients improve the Internet experience for all users.
We offer competitive pay, flexible hours, and the ability to work from home. This is a temporary employment position for up to 12 months.
If hired, Social Media Evaluators must be able to complete all assigned tasks accurately and efficiently within timing and/or production standards or requirements.

Please find below and review all the projects details.

Work Schedule:

Work from home;
Part-time flexible schedule (day/night);
Maximum 1 hour per day, self-directed schedule;
At least 5 days per week;
Maximum 7 hours per week.
Rate is 19USD/per hour.

Basic Requirements:

Computer with a secured high-speed Internet connection;
iPhone or Android smartphone that is less than 3 years old;
Fluency in written and spoken English;
Good understanding of Japanese language;
Active daily user of social media (Facebook, Instagram, etc.);
Must be living in Japan for at least the past 3 years;
High level of cultural awareness and familiarity with current events in Japan including entertainment, shopping, business, media, sport, news and social media.

Preferred Experience:

Experience in using web browsers to navigate online content and the ability to handle software issues such as installing applications and troubleshooting.

If you are interested, please proceed to take our evaluation questionnaire (it will take only 10-15 minutes). Click this link and register: https://goo.gl/2mXzUj

Once registered, you will need to take our short Social Media Evaluator Questionnaire, a basic (A2) English test and accept our Service Level Agreement (SLA).

Link to the questionnaire: https://www.workmarket.com/lms/view/details/14365
Link to the English test: https://www.workmarket.com/lms/view/details/14257
Link to the SLA: https://www.workmarket.com/groups/66961

Please click on the APPLY button in the top right corner of this page. The system will give you a message, that you don’t meet the requirements. Please ignore this message and press OK. “Master Service Level Agreement” will pop up, after the “Apply” button is clicked, please kindly scroll down to the bottom and accept it.

Kindly complete the above-mentioned step as soon as possible, so that we can consider you for this position.

SISTER CITIES INTERNATIONAL ELECTS SHIN KOYAMADA TO THE NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS

JASA Staff — Thu, 09 Aug 2018 20:55:03 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 9, 2018

MEDIA CONTACT

Christina Burchette

cburchette@sistercities.org

202.347.4876

SISTER CITIES INTERNATIONAL ELECTS SHIN KOYAMADA TO THE NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS

WASHINGTON, DC (August 9, 2018) – Sister Cities International (SCI) elected Shin Koyamada (小山田真), Actor, Producer and Philanthropist of Los Angeles, California to the Board of Directors on August 3, 2018 at the 2018 Annual Conference in Aurora, Colorado. Koyamada was voted in by SCI’s individual member sister cities, counties, and states from all over the country.

“We are deeply honored to have Shin Koyamada join the Board of Directors and the Sister Cities International leadership team,” said Ron Nirenberg, Chairman of the SCI Board of Directors and Mayor of San Antonio, Texas. “His passion and contribution as a world citizen diplomat are inspiring and will help the organization to highlight the critical importance of the role of the everyday citizen in promoting world peace.”

Koyamada is the first native-born Japanese member of Sister Cities International’s Board of Directors, and also serves as the Country and Regional Representative for Japan and East Asia. He is originally from Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture, Japan and immigrated to the United States in June of 2000. In 2004, Koyamada became best known to global audiences after his co-starring roles in the Warner Bros. blockbuster Tom Cruise film The Last Samurai, with a worldwide box office of $456 million. He starred in the Disney Channel hit TV movie Wendy Wu Homecoming Warrior, making it one of the highest viewed Disney Channel movies in the U.S and the highest rated kid’s channel in Europe, U.K. and Japan. He is Co-Founder and Chairman of KIF (Koyamada International Foundation) and Shinca Group CEO. He has dedicated a large portion of his life to philanthropic work that focuses on promoting the role and importance of citizen diplomacy, especially in empowering global youth and women and strengthening and deepening the ties between Japan, East Asia, and the United States. For more information about him, please visit http://ShinKoyamada.com.

Koyamada first become involved with Sister Cities International when he participated in the 60th San Jose-Okayama Sister Cities Anniversary in San Jose, California to support his hometown of Okayama, Japan. In July 2017, he was appointed to the SCI Board of Directors as the Young Professional Representative, and then elected as Director-at-Large this year. For Koyamada, the highlight of the 2018 Annual Conference was receiving the Chairman’s Award before hundreds of sister cities members for his tremendous contributions and achievements he made in the past year as a board member, including two international trips to Japan with two different U.S. delegations, nine separate domestic sister cities trips across the U.S., creating SCI Youth national branding, bringing in a major corporate sponsor, and more.

After his election, Koyamada stated, “I am sincerely honored to be elected to the Director-at-Large position by the Sister Cities International network, and I am looking forward to continuing my work with Sister Cities International to bridge global communities for world peace.”

Lionbridge Job Opportunitiy

JASA Staff — Thu, 09 Aug 2018 20:54:18 GMT

“Lionbridge is an American company with headquarters in Massachusetts (USA) and offices in 26 countries. We deliver translation and localization, global content management, and application testing services to the world’s top brands. Currently we are urgently looking for Japanese native speakers over the age of 65 to participate in our paid Japanese Language Research Project.”

Please see below the project overview:

Lionbridge is helping to develop modern speech recognition systems for computers and mobile devices and is now starting a Japanese Language Research Project, which consists of collecting voice samples in Japanese. The task is simple and does not require any specific knowledge or previous experience. It can be performed from home, using a mobile device or computer. The entire project should take no longer than 45 minutes and each participant that successfully completes the task will receive $35 (USD) via PayPal or Direct Bank Transfer (via XendPay). Below you will find the task overview.

Timeline: As soon as possible.

Location: The task can be completed remotely from any location as long as there is a mobile device/computer with stable internet connection.

Requirement: Japanese native speaker in the age group of 65 years and older.

Task description: The participants will see sentences in Japanese and will need to record their voice while reading them aloud.

The duration of the task: approximately 45 minutes per participant.

Rate: 35 USD per participant for the entire task. The payment will be done via PayPal or Direct Bank Transfer (via XendPay). 5USD (per participant) can be provided to those who refer participants who successfully complete this study.

Interested candidates can register for the project by filling in this short registration form: https://fs30.formsite.com/LB2014/form294/index.html

Once the registration form has been completed and you have qualified to participate, our production team will contact you with additional details and instructions.

Kindly note that this is a one time task, you cannot participate again if you have already completed this project.

We offer a referral fee of 5 USD per person that you recommend for this project if they successfully complete the task. If you know many native speakers who would be interested in this project, please let us know and we will send you the details on how to proceed. Also, please ask candidates (referred by you) to write your name in other comments “Referred by <your name>”.

Visit us at:

Website: http://www.lionbridge.com/solutions/global-services-for-machine-intelligence/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LionMachineIntelligence/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Lionbridge_GSMI

Instagram: http://instagram.com/lionbridge_gsmi

Japanese and English Job Opportunities

JASA Staff — Tue, 24 Jul 2018 20:53:25 GMT

JASA has been notified of several positions available for individuals skilled in both English and Japanese.

EPAM Systems is looking to hire Japanese/English-proficient Systems and Software Engineers, a Team Lead, Team Manager and Quality Assurance Analyst. Job postings can be found below.

Akorbi is looking for two Japanese interpreters for work with Panasonic. Please contact interpreterjobs@akorbi.com

Alternatively, call 214-396-8236

Please let us know in the comments if you applied for any of these positions, or if you have a posting you would like advertised.

Passing of Charles Wesley Wood

JASA Staff — Wed, 18 Jul 2018 20:50:37 GMT

The JASA community is saddened by the passing of Charles Wesley Wood, 98, founder of the Mobile Japanese Garden and recipient of the Imperial Conferment of the Order of the Rising Sun, and the Gold and Silver Rays. The impact he left on the Mobile community will be remembered.

A link to the full obituary can be found here.

Summer Movie Nights: Japanese Fashion Extravaganza

JASA Staff — Wed, 18 Jul 2018 20:49:00 GMT

We’re back with another movie night! This time we’ll be celebrating the wonderful world of modern Japanese fashion with a presentation from designer and cosplayer Robin Ray and a screening of the award winning Japanese comedy Kamikaze Girls*. As always, we will have free Japanese snacks for everyone to try!

Robin Ray is an Alabama based artist, designer, and cosplayer. She specializes in Japanese lolita fashion and has modeled for Japan’s most famous lolita fashion store, “Baby The Stars Shine Bright.” You can see her work on her Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/hellomermaid/ Robin will also have some of her crafts for sale. We here at JASA are pleased to have her present!

Kamikaze Girls (下妻物語――ヤンキーちゃんとロリータちゃん) is the story of the unlikely friendship —and ensuing chaos— that forms between Momoka and Ichiko, who wear contrasting fashion styles: lolita and Yanki.
For a quick rundown on Japanese fashion, please check out its Wikipedia page.

Schedule: 5:30 pm- Doors open
5:45- Presentation from Robin Ray
6:30- Movie Screening Kamikaze Girls
8:00- Hanashikai – Socialize with your fellow attendees!
9:00- Good night!

Click here for the Facebook event page.
RSVP here.

Admission for the event: a donation of any amount to the Japan America Society of Alabama, pay what you want!

*Kamikaze Girls is rated PG-13. Robin Ray’s presentation will be for all ages.

An Interview with Junho Jeong, JASA Intern

JASA Staff — Wed, 11 Jul 2018 20:48:09 GMT

Welcome to our new series of interviews with the local JASA community. To kick things off, we interviewed our former intern Junho Jeong!

Junho Jeong has been interning at the Japan-America Society of Alabama for the past six months. He is a Japanese and Financial Engineering major at Korea University in Seoul, Korea. He’s been studying Japanese since 2011 and English since childhood.

Q: What brought you to Alabama and to JASA?
“I participated in the Korea West Program, a joint program between the Korean Government and the US Department of State, so I was in Texas for three months and then got matched with JASA for an internship by the Program.”

Q: What do you at JASA?
“So I usually do social media stuff: I post Japan related news on our Facebook page and website and translate the posts into Japanese too. I also get the opportunity to participate in our board meetings and cultural events. I also do our ‘Japan in a Suitcase’ presentation.”

Q: What have you learned from working at JASA?
“I’ve learned how to manage a company’s website and see how that all works. Also, translating English into Japanese is quite an experience. And, I think if you’re a foreigner, you get so many opportunities to make friends, a lot of friends, around here. Like at our monthly dinner Kayobikai.”

Q: English is your third language and Japanese your second; what is it like working in your non-native languages?
“I just think it’s cool, it’s so cool!
When it comes to working in English I think it’s much easier because I know so much more grammar. I’ve been learning English grammar for so long and it made me realize that you never really learn grammar in your first language [Korean]. It’s also a really interesting experience to notice how people make sentences or express their feelings in different ways, depending on what culture you’ve been raised in.”

Q: What got you interested in Japan?
“The reason I got interested in Japan is that I wanted to be a journalist covering issues in East Asia. Since Korea is an ally with Japan and the US, I thought it is critical to understand the history between the nations and why we became allies. When I was a high school student, I felt like I needed to get exposed to Japanese articles too to get more correct information and not to be biased. That was the first time I started learning Japanese.”

Q: What have you liked about living in Alabama?
“People! It’s really different from what I expected. When I googled Alabama -I had never heard of Alabama before I came here- I noticed it had not a very good reputation with various problems, and even my teachers in Austin were worried about me going to Alabama with no one I know. But, it turned out it was not like that at all; people were so warm and sweet hearted. Everyone I met here has been understanding and, I think most of all, it has been really precious for me to be in a family orientated culture in my life. It’s been really cool just to get a family dinner or have a Christmas party, or Easter or any kind of holidays spent with family members here, and to be part of those events was so nice. I will never forget southern hospitality I got here.”

Q: What’s next for you?
“I have three semesters left at my University and am planning on learning more about finances. I’m planning to apply for a Japanese company and am seriously thinking of applying for Dai-ichi Protective Life [headquartered in Birmingham] so I can maybe come back here. That’s how much I liked living here.”

“Thank you for having me here and thanks to JASA for having me here. I enjoyed it a lot!”

Birmingham Artist Contributes to Moriumius Project

JASA Staff — Thu, 05 Jul 2018 20:47:15 GMT

Celeste Pfau, a gifted young Birmingham artist, will soon begin work as an artist-in-residence at Moriumius in Ogatsu, Japan. Moriumius is an area of Tohoku hard hit by the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami; the organization aims to bring about healing through nature-focused programs. Celeste’s work includes creating beautiful prints using plant materials and will contribute to the mission of Moriumius, reconnecting children with nature.

Celeste received the honor of “emerging artist” at the Magic City Art Connection and is one of the driving forces as a community organizer in the Art Town East Lake Project working to make East Lake a hub for the arts in Birmingham.

During her time in Japan, Celeste will be traveling to Gunma prefecture, home to Birmingham’s sister city, Maebashi.

http://moriumius.jp/en/ (Learn more about Moriumius here)

Today is Maebashi Day!

JASA Staff — Tue, 03 Jul 2018 20:46:28 GMT

One year ago today, July 3rd 2017, Birmingham formalized a Sister City relationship with Maebashi, Japan. Maebashi had previously been a Friendship City since 1998. Maebashi is the birthplace of famed poet Hagiwara Sakutaro and hosts an expansive Museum of Literature, which also features Birmingham poet Samuel Ullman.
Learn more about Birmingham’s Sister Cities Program here and visit Maebashi’s English language site.

Summer Movie Screening: Japanese Literature Night @ Samuel Ullman Museum

JASA Staff — Tue, 03 Jul 2018 20:45:27 GMT

Join us at the Samuel Ullman Museum for a presentation on Japanese Literature and a screening of “Tokyo Girl.”
Free snacks and refreshments will be provided. Come try Japanese confectionaries! This event will be a great opportunity for those interested in learning more about Japanese literature, history, and film.
Click here for the Facebook event page.

5:30-6:30 Japanese Literature Presentation & Snacks

6:30 – 8:30 Movie Screening: Tokyo Girl

8:30 – 9:00 (Optional) Hanashikai – Socialize with other guests

Tokyo Girl (東京少女) is a drama-romance-scifi film and representative of most Japanese movies: “The occurrence of an earthquake in Japan is not unusual. What would be, however, is the existence of a hole through time and the passage of a phone through which two people – one hundred years apart – can communicate. When a schoolgirl comes into communication with an aspiring writer, who is studying under poet and novelist Soseki Natsume, the most unlikely of romances ensues.” -IMDB

Admission: Donation at the door (Any amount is appreciated!)
**JASA Members enter free!

RSVP on our website here: http://jasaweb.org/?page_id=1548 or email intern@jasaweb.org.

If you are able to make it for one of the events but can’t stay for the whole evening, don’t worry! Just let us know in your RSVP.

This program is funded by the Japan Foundation Center for Global Partnership as part of a long-term project to build a Japanese community around the Samuel Ullman Museum. We are grateful for their support!

Storytelling Saturday – Beato Goes to Japan

JASA Staff — Tue, 26 Jun 2018 20:44:36 GMT

On Saturday, June 23rd, author Sucheta Rawal gave a reading of her book “Beato Goes to Japan” for local families at the Samuel Ulman Museum. The book features a fictional version of her cat Beato traveling to Japan and learning about Japanese culture with Kazumi-san, a character based off her real life friend. The real life Kazumi-san attended the event and gave origami lessons to the children, teaching them how to make paper cranes. JASA gave our “Japan in a Suitcase” presentation and offered Japanese snacks to the visitors. Thank you to everyone for coming and learning about Japan!

Keep an eye out for our other events and more chances to learn about Japanese culture!

You can RSVP here for our upcoming events.

For more information about the author, and a series of Beato books, visit here

JASA Anime Trivia Questions

JASA Staff — Tue, 12 Jun 2018 20:42:57 GMT

Thanks to everyone who made it out to our first anime trivia and movie night at the Samuel Ullman Museum. Our trivia from the event, both the questions and the answer key, are available here:
Anime Trivia Questions & Anime Trivia ANSWERS.
Please enjoy the trivia! We hope to see you at our next event!

Hiroya Tsukamoto to Play Free Concert at the Birmingham Public Library

JASA Staff — Tue, 05 Jun 2018 20:42:26 GMT

JASA is collaborating with the Birmingham Public Library to host the innovative guitarist and composer Hiroya Tsukumoto!

Hiroya will be performing a free concert at the Birmingham Public Library, August 7^th at 6 PM, as a part of JASA summer programming. For more information, see the Library’s Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1701253059969846/

“Hiroya takes us on an impressionistic journey” -Boston Herald

Born and raised in Japan, in 2000 he received a scholarship to Berklee’s College of Music and came to the United States. Hiroya has released six albums and has performed with Esperanza Spalding, The Kennedys, Joe Jencks (Brother Sun), Michael League (Snarky Puppy), Brooks Williams, and Jim Kweskin. For more information on Hiroya and his music, check out his site at http://www.hiroyatsukamoto.com/

Passing of Dr. Bob Wendorf

JASA Staff — Tue, 05 Jun 2018 20:41:16 GMT

The Alabama community is saddened by the passing of Dr. Bob Wendorf, 70, on May 22, 2018 in Birmingham, Alabama following a brief illness. He held a Doctorate in Psychology from the University of Illinois and was teaching at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Dr. Wendorf spent the past 25 years studying the art of Bonsai and was a board member and the president of the Alabama Bonsai Society. He was a frequent volunteer at the Birmingham Botanical Garden’s Japanese garden and tea house and kept his own Japanese style garden in his backyard. Dr. Wendorf’s family asks that any donations be sent to the Japanese Garden at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, 2612 Lane Park Road, Birmingham, AL 35223, or to The Karl Wendorf Scholarship Fund at Canterbury United Methodist Church, 350 Overbrook Road, Mountain Brook, AL 35213.
Read more about Dr. Wendorf’s life and work here

Consul General Shinozuka Recognized at Daikin Festival

JASA Staff — Fri, 01 Jun 2018 20:40:09 GMT

Consul General Takashi Shinozuka presented recognition and appreciation award to Daikin America President Yasuhiro Utsumi at Daikin’s Japanese Festival in Decatur

On Friday, May 25th, Daikin America received a recognition and appreciation award at the Daikin Festival in Decatur, AL from the Consul General of Japan in Atlanta, Takashi Shinozuka. This prestigious award is given to those who have made outstanding efforts to promote goodwill and advance business, cultural interchanges, and mutual understanding between people of Japan and America.

Daikin America has continuously supported local Japan-related organizations around Alabama such as the Japan-America Society of Alabama and tirelessly promoted grassroots relationships between Japan and America. One of their significant contributions to local communities is the Daikin Festival in May where people learn about Japan through music, food, and cultural activities.

Additionally, Daikin offers a Japanese homestay program to local teachers and students. Those who have been selected as participants will stay at Daikin employees’ houses in Japan for 10 days to become immersed in Japanese culture.

Vote on Films for JASA Movie Nights

JASA Staff — Tue, 08 May 2018 20:37:08 GMT

Winter Days– From the recently passed Director Isao Takahata of Studio Ghibli fame, the film is based on one of the renku (collaborative linked poems) in the 1684 collection of the same name by the 17th-century Japanese poet Bashō.

The Tale of Princess Kaguya– Takahata’s last film, based on the folktale The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter, the movie features breathtaking animation and an emotional story.

The Makioka Sisters– Adapted from Junichiro Tanizaki’s classic novel, the film follows the decline of the once-prominent Makioka family.

Tokyo Olympiad– This impressionistic documentary of the 1964 Tokyo Summer Olympics pays as much attention to the crowds and workers as it does to the actual competitive events.

Jiro Dreams of Sushi– In this documentary, revered sushi chef Jiro Ono strives for perfection in his work, while his eldest son, Yoshikazu, has trouble living up to his father’s legacy.

The Twilight Samurai– Nominated for the academy award for foreign film in 2002, this historical drama follows Seibei Iguchi a low ranking samurai turned bureaucrat and the subsequent turmoil that ensues in his life.

YOJIMBO– In this comedic samurai film directed by Akira Kurosawa a rōnin arrives in a small town where competing crime lords vie for supremacy. The two bosses each try to hire the newcomer as a bodyguard.

Godzilla– The original monster movie, a fire-breathing behemoth terrorizes Japan after a bomb awakens it from its centuries long sleep.

The Kingdom of Dreams and Madness- A documentary offering an inside look at Japan’s most famous animation company, Studio Ghibli.

Tokyo Idols– A recent documentary examining Idol culture.

Which movie do you want to see for our movie night? (映画会で見たい映画を選んでください) *

Winter Days (冬の日)
The Tale of Princess Kaguya (かぐや姫の物語)
The Makioka Sisters (細雪)
Tokyo Olympiad (東京オリンピック)
Jiro Dreams of Sushi (二郎は鮨の夢を見る)
The Twilight Samurai (たそがれ清兵衛)
Yojimbo (用心棒)
Godzilla
The Kingdom of Dreams and Madness (夢と狂気の王国)
Tokyo Idols

Passing of Dr. Ichigo Miyagawa

JASA Staff — Tue, 08 May 2018 20:36:35 GMT

The Alabama community is saddened by the passing of Dr. Ichiro Miyagawa, a former professor of physics at the University of Alabama and a resident of Trussville, AL. Among numerous other awards and merits, in 1998 Dr. Miyagawa received the JASA’s Samuel Ullman award. He is survived by his children Dr. Shigeru Miyagawa (Reiko) of Boston, Haruyo Miyagawa of Birmingham, and Mari Songer (Hal) of Clay, and four grandchildren. Read more about Dr. Miyagawa’s life and accomplishments here.

Calling all Japanese and ESL Tutors

JASA Staff — Sun, 25 Mar 2018 20:34:49 GMT

Are you a tutor? Do you have experience with ESL and an interest in working with Japanese families and children? Do you speak Japanese and want to share your knowledge with Alabama natives with an interest in Japan? If any of these apply to you, you’re in luck! We’ve received many inquiries from Japanese families looking for English tutors and from Americans interested in learning Japanese on the side.

If you have experience as an English or Japanese tutor and would like to work with more Alabama students, send us your resume at executivedirector@jasaweb.org!

Stay tuned for more information.

International Festival in Huntsville

JASA Staff — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 20:33:54 GMT

Country Day School will be hosting an International Festival in Huntsville on March 10. We are going to give a presentation in the Great Hall about Japanese culture, tradition, and lifestyle for students coming to the event. This is open to the public, so visit the festival and enjoy our presentation as well as various performances from different cultures!

Dr. Woodall at the University of Alabama

JASA Staff — Tue, 06 Feb 2018 20:32:34 GMT

Thanks to the 2018 Guest Speaker Grant given by the National Association of Japan-America Societies (NAJAS), we were able to host Dr. Brian Woodall from Georgia Tech University at the University of Alabama in Gorgas Library on Tuesday, January 23rd, at 3:30 pm. Dr. Woodall gave a captivating presentation on Japan-US relations under the administrations of President Trump and Prime Minister Abe.

Nitto Denko at JASG’s Japan Update

JASA Staff — Fri, 02 Feb 2018 20:31:54 GMT

JASA Member Nitto Denko from Jasper, Alabama will be represented at the Japan-America Society of Georgia’s Japan Update on February 14th! Nitto Denko Board Member Takashi Hatchoji will be joining as a guest speaker. Register for the event (Atlanta, GA) by 2/9

Wednesday, February 14, 2018

11:00 AM

Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta

1000 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta 30309

Non-Member Registration – $25.00

Click here for more information!

JETRO Seminar on Business Strategies to Latin America

JASA Staff — Fri, 02 Feb 2018 20:30:09 GMT

Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) announced they will hold a seminar on business strategies to Latin American countries in Atlanta. The guest speaker, 水野亮(Mizuno Ryou), is an Executive Researcher and Consultant of TWI Global business, and will present a lecture about the effects of renegotiation of NAFTA and changing foreign trade policies in the region. They also have webinar for those unable to visit. This event is free and given only in Japanese.

Location: Phipps Tower, Conference Room on the 2^nd floor.

3438 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30326

Date: 3. 12. 2018

Webinar: Monday, 12^th in March. 14:00~16:00 (Eastern Standard Time)

Webinar Register Here

Language: Japanese Only

Contact: ama@jetro.go.jp / 404-681-0600

UWA welcomes Japan Consul General Shinozuka to campus

JASA Staff — Tue, 30 Jan 2018 20:29:15 GMT

Consul General of Japan Takashi Shinozuka and Honorary Consul General of Japan Mark B. Jackson visited the University of West Alabama. They had a campus tour and a roundtable discussion with campus leaders and UWA students. Check out the whole article here!

Career opportunities at San Francisco Career Forum

JASA Staff — Wed, 24 Jan 2018 20:28:15 GMT

DISCO International, Inc. organizes job fairs for Japanese-English bilinguals called “Career Forums” worldwide.
Their biggest job fair, the Boston Career Forum, brings about 200 world class companies and 5,000 participants.

One of the job fairs they have coming up is the San Francisco Career Forum next month.
It is open to anyone who is bilingual in English and Japanese, but at this particular event, there is a high demand for candidates with IT and engineering background.
There is also going to be SFCF exclusive panel discussions on both days with IT and engineering professionals active in Silicon Valley as panelists.

Event information:

日英バイリンガルを対象としたキャリアサイトを運営していますディスコインターナショナルです。本日は日英バイリンガルのジョブフェア、サンフランシスコキャリアフォーラムのご案内を送りしています。

サンフランシスコキャリアフォーラム 2018
2月17日（土）・18日（日）
San Francisco Airport Marriott Waterfront
参加登録：https://careerforum.net/ja/event/sf/

参加企業（一部）：Apple、サイボウズ、日本IBM、三井住友銀行、メルカリ、楽天等
* IT/エンジニア専攻学生にはスペシャルインセンティブあり
* 最大$350のトラベルスカラシップ支給
* IT/エンジニアやIT業界の経営者によるパネルディスカッション。詳細はこちらから：https://careerforum.net/ja/event/sf/feature

Organizer of the largest Japanese-English bilingual job fair, DISCO International, Inc. invites Japanese-English bilinguals to take advantage of the opportunities available at the San Francisco Career Forum.

San Francisco Career Forum 2018
– Japanese-English bilingual Job Fair –
February 17th & 18th (Sat. & Sun.)
Event Registration: https://careerforum.net/en/event/sf/

Participating companies include: Apple, IBM Japan, Ltd., Rakuten, Mercari, Inc., Mitsui Banking Corporation and more.
* Financial incentive for IT/engineering students (specified majors)
* Up to $350 travel scholarship available for qualified students
* Panel Discussions with experienced professionals from Cybozu, Inc., Fujisoft America, Inc, SOURCENEXT INC., StreamSets, Inc. and more
Details here: https://careerforum.net/en/event/sf/feature

International Bazaar at UAB!

JASA Staff — Wed, 24 Jan 2018 20:26:56 GMT

Date: 11:00 AM ~ 3:00 PM on 31, January

Location: UAB Hill Student Center

1400 University Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35294

Join one of the biggest events at UAB, the annual International Bazaar!

In partnership with a variety of individuals and group participants, UAB’s Social Justice Advocacy Council will have a platform to share the cultural diversity inherent for our university and the greater Birmingham community. There will be informational displays, free food, performances, and student led activities with a focus on international representation.

Alabama picked for Toyota-Mazda plant

JASA Staff — Mon, 22 Jan 2018 20:18:54 GMT

Toyota Motor Corporation and Mazda Motor Corporation have recently announced that their joint venture for a new assembly plant in the U.S. will be built in Huntsville, Alabama! The $1.6 billion assembly plant will create 4,000 new jobs by 2021 in the Huntsville Area. Check out the whole article from AL.com here!

Japan-America Society of Alabama News

North Alabama Japanese Garden Vintage Doll Fundraiser

March 4, 2025: A Landmark Japan Day for Alabama-Japan Relations

Air University repatriates WWII era Japanese flag

https://www.airuniversity.af.edu/News/Display/Article/3910452/air-university-repatriates-wwii-era-japanese-flag/

Join Our Team: Assistant Director Position at the Japan America Society of Alabama (JASA)

Mazda considers shifting production to Alabama plant in response to proposed Trump tariffs

Nissan and Honda announce merger plans to create world’s no. 3 automaker

Mazda Toyota Manufacturing Sponsors North Alabama Japanese Garden Foundation

Alabama and Japan forge stronger economic bonds at JASA event

Alabama leaders kick off EV Technology Center project to boost training

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

Nihongo-de-USA 【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】

New investments, strategies position rural Alabama for economic growth

Toshinan - Reawakening a Treasure

2025 JAPANESE AMERICAN LEADERSHIP DELEGATION TO JAPAN 22nd DELEGATION (February 28 – March 8, 2025)

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

サンフォード大学の関係者が前橋市訪問 / Samford University officials visit Maebashi City to strengthen international cooperation between universities

Alabama auto industry’s rapid growth fueled by billions in new investment

Toyota Alabama to expand production with 350 new jobs in Huntsville

Birmingham City Schools, Miles College, and Birmingham Sister Cities Announce Inaugural Cohort ofthe International Dual Enrollment Academy

Governor Ivey Celebrates Alabama’s Exporting Success with ‘Trade Excellence Awards,’ Proclaims World Trade Month

Relationships matter: Honorary Consul General of Japan visits Jasper

Tokyo issues strong warning on yen intervention as currency dips further

15 Birmingham students will go to Japan under global studies program

Protective Life acquires New York-based insurance company

Alabama leads the nation in car exports, topping $11 billion in 2023

Toyota to headline SEUS/Japan conference in North Carolina

Report: 2023 growth projects to inject $6.4 billion into Alabama communities

Leadership change at MTM in Madison

Toyota marks record for engine production

Toyota Alabama kicks off production on new engine line after $222 million project

Application for 2024 KKC Japan Study Tour open to Mar 1!

New $30 million EV training center will support auto industry growth

Long-standing Alabama-Japan bonds on full display at celebration

Sec. Canfield heads Alabama team in Tokyo for SEUS-Japan 45 summit

JASA RECEIVES SATSUMA POTTERY COLLECTION

Toyota donating $6.7 million to Huntsville schools

Ippin Ramen on 280 is now open

Steve Ammons included in the prestigious Power 60 list for 2023

Birmingham's 60 Most Influential Business Leaders

【TS Tech Alabama, LLC.】 Japanese-Speaking Translator/Interpreter

PowerSouth lights the way from Prattville to the Florida Panhandle

The University of Alabama (featured in JASA July Newsletter)

Mazda Toyota Manufacturing awards grant funding

2023-2024 Japanese Language Grants by The Japan Foundation, Los Angeles (JFLA)

Honda Alabama opens $16 million customization facility

Power purchase agreement announced for $49 million Toyota solar project

Daikin Festival is Back for 2023

アメリカ在住の内に知っておきたい！ファイナンスセミナー

Milton Davis: the State of Alabama’s Engineering Hall of Fame (AEHOF)

GMI POST x Chip Cherry: Huntsville/Madison County, AL: Ready for another lift-off

GMI POST x Secretary Greg Canfield: Alabama: Why investors need to take a closer look

JASA Article by MADE IN ALABAMA

SYSCOM Webinar: 3/23 Wearable Tablet XR Solution

AAMA Supply Chain & Logistics Conference

JASWDC: National Japan Bowl Volunteer Opportunity

SBA Disaster Assistance Central Alabama

Toyota Alabama News

Documentary Opportunity / ドキュメンタリーの機会

SEUS-Japan Virtual Meeting

Relo Redac, Inc. Webinar ウェビナー８月２０日（金）

Pecha Kucha, a specialized presentation style

AITC: VAT Tax Changes Impact Small Businesses

Auburn dedicates $22 million state-of-the-art Advanced Structural Engineering Laboratory

Free Prerecorded AITC Webinars are available

Alabama Technology Network OSHA Training Course

Job Posting: Chambers County Development Authority

Job Posting: Wiregrass Alabama Economic Development Corporation

Job Posting: Huntsville/Madison County Chambe

Click here for more information!

Job Posting: Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

Mask Up 2020 Mask Designing Contest

International Education Week Japan Programs

Jefferson State International Program Presentations

駐在員の住宅規程に関するベンチマーク調査

（オンライン）英語のコース

JETAA Exchange Program Opportunity

Drr

Tayō-sei: Japanese Language and Cultural Exchange Program

Relo Redac, Inc. Webinar　　ウェビナー８月２０日（金）