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  • 1 Feb 2019 5:00 PM | Anonymous

    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!


  • 1 Feb 2019 12:45 PM | Anonymous

    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!

  • 31 Jan 2019 4:35 PM | Anonymous

    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.

  • 28 Jan 2019 8:30 PM | Anonymous

    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


  • 24 Jan 2019 1:12 PM | Anonymous


    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.


  • 22 Jan 2019 2:39 PM | Anonymous

    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.

  • 22 Jan 2019 1:36 PM | Anonymous

    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.



  • 18 Jan 2019 3:34 PM | Anonymous

    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. 


  • 18 Jan 2019 2:15 PM | Anonymous

    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



  • 16 Jan 2019 4:00 PM | Anonymous

    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.

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

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