Menu
Log in


Log in

Never Miss an Event!

Follow us on Facebook and subscribe to our email newsletter for updates and reminders about our upcoming events and opportunities. 


  • 31 Dec 2018 3:25 PM | Anonymous

    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.


  • 26 Nov 2018 3:04 PM | Anonymous

    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.

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


  • 26 Nov 2018 3:03 PM | Anonymous

    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 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.


  • 5 Nov 2018 3:02 PM | Anonymous

    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


  • 30 Oct 2018 3:02 PM | Anonymous

    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


  • 30 Oct 2018 3:01 PM | Anonymous

    –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!


  • 5 Oct 2018 3:00 PM | Anonymous

     

    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 10th to November 20th. 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 3rd). 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.


  • 22 Sep 2018 2:59 PM | Anonymous

    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.


  • 22 Sep 2018 2:58 PM | Anonymous

    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


  • 22 Sep 2018 2:57 PM | Anonymous

    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


Contact Us

Tel: +1 (205) 703-0960

2081 Columbiana Rd #10

Vestavia Hills, AL 35216

officemanager@jasaweb.org

Copyright (c) 2019 Japan-America Society of Alabama

Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software