The Japan-America Society of Georgia
ジョージア日米協会 Spring 2022 Newsletter
To take a shortcut to articles, just click on the article name below: Georgia Legislature Japan Caucus Nakato Peace Bell Fundraiser: Culture and Japanese Luncheons Atlanta Sports Peace Bell Fundraisers Global Atlanta: Symposium with Consul General and Cobb County Celebration JASG Winter/Spring Business Events Tomodachi Club |
Japan Fest dates have been set! Come join us September 17-18 at the Gas South Convention Center in Gwinnett. Experience the rich culture of Japan right here in Georgia with performers, anime, children’s games, food, workshops, and JBig vendors. For more information as plans firm up and to sign up to participate or purchase tickets, please see: https://www.japanfest.org/.
Georgia Legislators Celebrate Connections to Japan
In early March 2022, the Georgia legislators celebrated the 48th anniversary of the Consulate-General of Japan in Atlanta and the various accomplishments of the Georgia-Japan community by passing a resolution - www.legis.ga.gov/api/legislation/document/20212022/208019. In 2019, members of the Georgia General Assembly announced the launch of the Georgia-Japan Legislative Caucus. Representative David Knight will continue to serve as one of the original four Co-Chairs of the Caucus, |
Hope Amidst Adversity
As I write this message, we have entered risshun (立春) the period that marks the beginning of spring on the traditional
ALL THE SNOW MELTS EVERYWHERE THE FRAGRANCE OF WILD PLUM BLOSSOMS -Tagami Kikusha (1753-1826) |
This
new year certainly has brought its fair share of adversity, especially in
Eastern Europe. But like
the ume blooming through the snow, I am determined to feel hopeful, bolstered especially by the spirit of international peace and friendship displayed during the recent Olympic games. And we definitely should be celebrating the stellar performance of Asian-American athletes, with Chloe Kim, Nathan Chen, and Eileen Gu winning gold medals in their sports. The value of having such positive role models for the next generation to emulate, especially during this particular moment in history for the AAPI community, cannot be overstated. As Nathan Chen said about Michelle Kwan, “…Having athletes that look like you certainly gives you the hope that you can do the same.” Representation brings hope to all who follow.
But the most inspiring moment for me during the Olympics was not the gold medal wins but the courage displayed by two-time Olympic gold medalist Yuzuru Hanyu attempting the most difficult jump in figure skating: the quadruple axel. A quadruple axel is so difficult that few skaters have attempted it, even in practice. For Hanyu, the quadruple axel was the biggest motivating factor in Beijing, bigger than winning a third gold medal. He was not satisfied with achieving what others had already done; instead he risked everything in an attempt to achieve what no one had done. He may not have landed the quadruple axel, but he ended his career a winner in everyone’s eyes.
And I find much hope in the huge goal our own Society is trying to accomplish in building a Japanese bell tower for President Carter’s “Peace Bell.” To be honest, I had no idea what we were getting into when this project was first conceived one year ago. My dad, who built the home I grew up in on the weekends in his spare time, always used to say that construction projects take twice the time and double the budget you anticipate. Given my childhood experience, I’m not sure why I’m surprised that this project is any different. But let’s take inspiration from the Olympic athletes we watched this year and eliminate the obstacles that stand in our way while staying focused on our goal – to complete a magnificent bell tower celebrating international peace and friendship.
Jessica Cork, JASG Chair
YKK Vice President of Community Engagement and Communications
ICA Georgia Seeking Host Family for 2022-23 School Year
ICA Georgia has been chosen to receive a Japanese Assistant Teacher from the ISECE Program for the 2022-23 school year. Maki Shinzato hails from Okinawa. She is currently a high school teacher teaching English. Her hobbies are playing the Okinawan sanshin and ukulele, swimming, painting and crafting. If you know anyone interested in hosting, please contact Ms. Saito-Bush (m.bush@internationalcharteracademy.org) at ICAGeorgia.
During these times of global unrest, a rededication to peace and global friendship is even more crucial. Japan and Georgia share a long history of friendship, economic ties, and cultural/ educational exchange. To celebrate the Japan-Georgia connection and our prayers for world peace and friendship, we are constructing a bell tower for the Peace Bell at The Carter Center.
To date, the following milestones have been reached:
- Georgia Dept of Transportation has approved project
- Carter Center Land Survey Completed by Atwell Group
- Site of Bell Tower Construction Finalized
- Tower Blueprints from Japan translated, reviewed, and approved (in-kind by Philips Architects)
- Trees cut, lumber being cured, and kawara roof tiles prepared in Japan for shipment to Atlanta
- 1/4 scale belltower built in Konu (Miyoshi) Japan so full size tower can be built, broken down and packed for shipment
- Japanese carpenters to visit Atlanta in September to train subcontractors in Atlanta to build tower
for Culture and Culinary Peace Bell Fundraisers The JASG and Nakato Japanese Restaurant are excited to present a series of spectacular Japanese Art & Culture Workshop Luncheons where all proceeds will support the construction of the Peace Bell Tower at The Carter Center. All events in the series will be highlighted by a unique cultural demonstration and include a delicious, authentic Nakato Japanese lunch.
The series will kick off on Saturday, April 23rd at 11am with a Japanese Music & Dance program featuring 2 Japanese performers. Mie Osawa will play shamisen and yokobue, and enact the shishimai Japanese lion dance while Junko Fujiyama will do an interactive Ekaki-Uta demonstration and perform some J-Pop music. Other upcoming luncheon events include:
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JASG has been spearheading the Peace Bell Tower project now for several months. To create more widespread knowledge and expand interest in the Project, The Society has teamed up with Atlanta’s own professional sports teams: NBA’s Atlanta Hawks, NHL’s Atlanta Gladiators, and 2021’s World Series Champions, the MLB’s Atlanta Braves! This spring, JASG “Japanese Community Night” functions in affiliation with these teams are dedicated to raise additional funds for the Peace Bell Project, as well as to cultivate stronger ties in our Atlanta community. Each respective function hosts opportunities to network with like-minded individuals, support the Georgia-Japan relationship, and to cheer on your Atlanta teams!
The Peace Bell initiative dates at sporting events are for the Atlanta Hawks: April 6th; for the Atlanta Gladiators: April 9th; and for the Atlanta Braves: May 29th. More information, including ticket purchase links, can be found on our website. |
More Information on Peace Bell Project More information about the Peace Bell Tower project is available at www.jasgeorgia.org/Georgia-Japan-Peace-Bell. Videos of the story of the Peace Bell and project summary are available below:
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Thank You for Your Generosity. . . .
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(please see https://www.jasgeorgia.org/sys/website/?pageId=18295 for details and registration)
April 14 International Networking Symposium
April 16 Ouchi Gohan II Part 2: Chan Chan Yaki
April 18 Spring On-line Japanese Language Classes
April 23 Japanese Art and Culture Workshop Lunch: Japanese Music and Dance
April 30 Nihongo-Eigo Kai
May 10 Kayobi-kai
May 14 Ouchi Gohan II Part 3: Teddy Bear Omu Rice
May 28 Nihongo-Eigo Kai
May 29 Atlanta Braves Fundraiser for Peace Belltower
June 18 Ouchi Gohan II Part 4: Cream Anmitsu
Sept 17-18 JapanFest 2022
JETRO Survey on Business Conditions for Japanese Companies Operating Overseas In September 2021, JETRO conducted an online survey on the state of Japanese companies operating in the U.S. and Canada. 978 responses were received from 1,878 survey sent. This survey is conducted once a year to ascertain the management situations and changes in local business environments of Japanese companies in the U.S. and Canada. It is the 40th annual survey for the U.S. and the 32nd for Canada. With the reopening of the economy, earnings of Japanese companies operating in North America are expected to improve. Companies that have their sights set on business expansion in the next one to two years have surpassed the 2019 level.
For a report summary, see: www.jetro.go.jp/en/news/releases/2022/498ee8912a97a65e.html To read the full 117-page report, please access: www.jetro.go.jp/ext_images/en/news/releases/2022/498ee8912a97a65e/rp_north_america2021_202203.pdf |
Bonenkai Festivities Return with Carter Lifetime Award
Many people are familiar with President Carter’s contributions to protecting human rights and alleviating human suffering in countries around the world - efforts for which he received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. However, it is less widely known that President Carter has been instrumental in laying the foundation for the enduring bonds of friendship that connect Georgia and Japan. Today, Japan is the number one foreign investor in the state as over 650 Japanese affiliated companies that employ over 35,000 people, have invested over $11 billion in Georgia. During his acceptance speech, Jason Carter acknowledged, “The relationships that my grandfather built when he was the (Georgia) Governor gave him the faith, I think, in himself to step to that next level when he decided to run for President… He started that life in Plains with this image of Japan as the rest of the world in many ways… A few months ago, he received from a small group of children in a hospital 1,000 cranes, and he hung it right in his sunroom... So that connection to the rest of the world that he’s had so much for his life, it really is now in that room with that incredible symbol of Japanese culture.”
Perhaps a story that embodies President Carter the most is of the bonds of friendship that formed between the people of Konu-cho in Hiroshima and Americus, Georgia, all because, through a twist of fate, Konu-cho’s temple bell was gifted it to him in commemoration of the opening of The Carter Center. The bell, now known as the “Peace Bell,” has been housed at The Carter Center since 1985 where it will be put up in a new Bell Tower being built at The Carter Center by the JASG and other Japanese community organizations. The Bell Tower will be a replica of the tower in Konu and is expected to be completed by Fall 2022. |
For more than 20 years, Global Atlanta has been the only publication tracking Atlanta’s rise as a center for international business, education, and culture. To subscribe and read more global news, please see https://www.globalatlanta.com/.
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WINTER/SPRING BUSINESS AND CORPORATE PROGRAMS
Due to COVIID-19, JASG has been focusing on virtual programing: webinars, seminars, cooking lessons, children’s programs, and Japanese language classes. Moving forward, we will be attempting more hybrid programs that are both virtual and small groups congregating. CDC guidelines will still be followed.
JASG Confronts Geostrategic Issues for US, Japan, Russia & China Relations
The Japan-America Society of Georgia in partnership with the Sasakawa Peace Foundation and the National Association of Japan-America Societies (NAJAS) hosted “US-Japan Now: Geostrategic Impacts on a New World” on March 22. The program featured Bonnie S Glaser, Director of Asia Programs at the German Marshall Fund of the United States in Atlanta, and Yasuhiro Matsuda, Professor of International Politics, Institute for Advanced Studies on Asia at the University of Tokyo, in Japan. Attendees were both in-person at Georgia Tech Scheller College of Business and the Hotel Indigo as well as on-line.
With new administrations, the U.S. and Japan both face unique, changing geostrategic challenges and opportunities in relation to China, North Korea, and the re-emergence of Russia, among others. The program started with remarks by Peter Kelly, President of NAJAS, and Atsushi Sunami, President of the Sasakawa Peace Foundation. The panel discussion focused heavily on the war in Ukraine and its impact on US-Japan and China-Russia relations. Ms. Glaser pointed out China’s goal of great global influence and the danger this posed democracies. Professor Matsuda added the Japanese perspective about security concerns as its neighbors China and Russia are not allies. The Japanese public’s reactions range from pacifist to realist with realists upset by how Russia’s invasion affects Ukranian civilians. There are also economic issues related to trade with Russia and China as well as Japanese investments. Ms. Glaser calls this a wakeup call for democracies. Professor Matsuda also highlighted the Japanese concern over whether China would soon act with force against Taiwan. Both experts then spoke about how this situation will affect current political administrations.
Ms Glaser also discussed America’s relationship with Asia, particularly with China, over recent years, and focused on the Biden and Xi Jinping relationship as well as the Japanese Prime Minister Kishida’s relationship with China. With her unique perspective on Ukraine-Russia relations through her work at the German Marshall Fund, she shared some insights from Germany and other parts of Europe as well. Professor Matsuda, on the other hand, went into more depth about US-Japan relations during Prime Minister Abe’s tenure, Prime Minister Suga’s short time in office and the current Prime Minster Kishida’s administration as well as how he expects it to develop over the next two and a half years. Ms Glaser continued to present the Biden Administration’s Indo-Pacific Strategy report outlining how it plans to deal with China and to better secure and improve the region for the international community. and Professor Matsuda stressed why U.S.-Japan relations are so important and how will they shape our world in the future. Both speakers ended by speaking about what young people can do and the importance of obtaining a global perspective.
While the JASG began holding all programming virtually since the start of the pandemic in March 2020, this” U.S.-Japan Now: Geostrategy in A New World” emphasized the importance of offering a hybrid model so that programming could be available to more individuals. To view the entire presentation, please see: www.youtube.com/watch?v=OsBzK7FgjHg&t=1s.
Apr 8 |
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Mar 25 |
Celebrating Women Who Are Breaking
Biases |
Mar 03 |
US-Japan Business Leaders Series: Conversation with Delta Air Lines
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Feb 9 |
Forsyth County – A Future Forward for National & Global Businesses Distinguished speakers presented their views on some industries of interest for Forsyth County like Advanced Manufacturing, Health Technologies, Information and Data Center Technologies followed by Q&A. Session 1: Past and Current Trends of Growth in Businesses. Session 2: A Future Forward for Domestic & Global Businesses. |
On this 1-year commemoration of the heartbreaking shootings in Atlanta-Georgia on March 16, 2021, The Japan-America Society of Georgia offers its deepest condolences to the families and friends of the victims. Loss of any life is tragic, and we are saddened by the ongoing bloodshed in our communities. We condemn violence of all kinds and pray for peace and understanding of all peoples. Please join us in spreading OMOIYARI (a Japanese term for compassion, empathy, and action) with love and sympathy in continuing the legacy of those we’ve lost. |
SPRING/WINTER EDUCATION, CULTURE AND SOCIAL EVENTS |
This year on March 20, JASG had the privilege of participating and walking in Macon, GA’s annual Cherry Blossom Festival parade. Walking side-by-side with JASG Gold Member (and the Festival’s exclusive partner) YKK Corporation of America, the JASG team was comprised of volunteers, partners, and our Obirin University (Japan) exchange students who were ecstatic to be present and active in one of Georgia’s most popular and internationally-oriented events. What began 40 years ago as a small 3-day festival, the Macon Cherry Blossom Festival has since grown into a month-long celebration with hundreds of events to entertain all ages and backgrounds. The festival is a catalyst for the enhancement of community, fellowship, and civic pride of Macon and all Georgia residents through the encouragement and development of recreational, social, and cultural activities. Known as the “Cherry Blossom Capital of the World,” Macon boasts over 350,000 Yoshino cherry trees. |
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Back by Popular Demand Ouchi Gohan Japanese Home Cooking Returns
The fall programs were so popular that the three Societies have decided to continue this spring with Ouchi Gohan II. On March 19, Debra Samuels taught how to make the popular Chirashizushi (please see Culinary Corner in the newsletter for the recipe). The rest of the spring programs are Chan Chan Yaki and Spicy Edamame on April 16, Teddy Bear Omu Rice on May 14, and Cream Anmitau on June 18. To register for these special cooking classes, please go to the JASG Events Page (https://www.jasgeorgia.org/page-18213?EventViewMode=1&EventListViewMode=1).
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The Tomodachi Club, the Women’s Friendship & Culture Group of JASG, will conclude its 2021-2022 membership year on May 4th with a celebration of the organization’s 40th anniversary. Founded in October, 1981, a year after the founding of the Japan-America Society of Georgia (JASG), the mission of the Tomodachi Club continues to be the promotion of friendship, cultural exchange and mutual understanding among Japanese and American women. Our membership averages around 55-60, almost equally divided between American and Japanese ladies.
To celebrate our 40th anniversary, our May 4th meeting will be held at the beautiful East Cobb home of co-chair Anne Godsey. Members and co-chairs will contribute photos and reminisces to put together a Power Point retrospective of the various meetings and events organized by the Tomodachi Club during the past 40 years. It will be great fun to see some of the older photos of our members and how they have changed over the years. Our program will be followed by a delicious bento box lunch provided by The Orient Restaurant. With the successes of the past 40 years under our belt, the Tomodachi Club is ready to launch its next 40 years!
Since the Fall JASG newsletter, the Tomodachi Club held two meetings over Zoom as some members were still reluctant to meet in person due to the new variants of COVID-19. On Wednesday, January 12th, co-chair Anne Godsey presented a PowerPoint program entitled, “Japanese Prints: From Ukiyo-e to Sosaku Hanga.” Using photos of prints from the Godseys extensive collection of nearly 400 Japanese prints by 75 different artists, Anne explained the progression of Japanese printmaking from the early ukiyo-e prints of the 18th and 19th centuries to the sosaku hanga and kindai hanga prints of the present day. She also discussed the differences between an original print vs. a reproduction, the four major techniques of printmaking, and the numbering system employed by contemporary Japanese printmakers. The Godsey collection, collected over the past 50 years since they lived in Japan from 1970-77, will eventually reside at the Harn Museum of Art at the University of Florida in Gainesville, FL.
Our March 2nd virtual meeting was a change of pace when Tomodachi co-chair Kaori Dixon presented a program on “Posture Walking for Exercise & Confidence.” Kaori-san is the first US-based posture walking instructor certified by the Posture Walking Association of Japan. Although she only became certified in 2020, Kaori-san was recently recognized by the Posture Walking Association as the best new instructor for the year 2021! She explained to members how to posture-walk for great exercise and how easy it can be to integrate posture walking into one’s daily life and be enjoyed by anyone at any time. It is a simple, healthy approach to beautifully shape the body and improve self-confidence.
Over the summer, the four Tomodachi Co-chairs will be organizing new programs and venues for the 2022-2023 Tomodachi year, which extends from July to June. All meetings are held on Wednesdays, usually with a social time from 10:30 am until the program begins at 11:00 am, followed by lunch around noon. The tentative dates for the five general meetings for the 2022-2023 membership year will be September 14, 2022, November 2, 2022, January 11, 2023, March 1, 2023, and May 3, 2023.
Since the new 2022-2023 membership year will begin in July, now is a great time for female members of JASG to join us. Membership is $40 for individual members and $50 for family members. All Tomodachi Club members are automatically members of JASG. Please contact the JASG office at 404-842-1400 if you wish to become a Tomodachi Club member.
The JASG Young Professionals (YP), established in 1996, is dedicated to creating a friendly, stimulating environment for young professionals to enjoy informal, informative and interactive programs to enhance knowledge of Japan and U.S.-Japan relations. The YP meetings are also about having fun socially. Please consider joining them in 2022. To join, go to: www.jasgeorgia.org/Young-Professionals.
The JASG’s Young Professionals continues to stay active in 2022, finding time to gather monthly for a variety of activities. On January 16, the group met at The Plaza Theatre for a special film screening of ‘Drive My Car,’ a 2021 Japanese film based on a shorty story by Haruki Murakami. The film won 3 awards at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival. In February, the YPs were part of 2 group outings at local sports games - the Atlanta Hawks Lunar New Year Celebration Night featuring the Toronto Raptors’ Yuta Watanabe and an Atlanta Gladiators ice hockey game. In March, YPs accompanied Japanese students to the Macon Cherry Blossom Festival’s parade marching along side the YKK float.
In addition, the YPs have been active hosting the Society’s monthly Kayobi-Kai Networking Dinners and Nihongo-Eigo Kai language exchange meet-ups. Kayobi-Kai dinners have been hosted at Wagaya Japanese Restaurant, Tofu House, Taka Sushi, and Los Bravos. Other dinners will be held at Nakato Japanese Restaurant, Agora, Tokyo Shokudo, and Beard Papa’s. The Nihongo-Eigo Kai language exchange meet-ups have been held online to allow for participants from Japan to join in on the conversation but plans are being made for in-person meetings in the near future.
As Atlanta’s liaison office for the 34th Annual Asian-Pacific Children’s Convention (APCC), The Japan-America Society of Georgia (JASG) is again able to share a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for 4 elementary school students (two boys and two girls) and 1 chaperone from the State of Georgia through this fully funded exchange program in Fukuoka, Japan (Atlanta’s Sister City). The APCC is normally held in-person in Fukuoka, Japan – Atlanta’s Sister City, but because of the ongoing global pandemic, this year’s program will be held online through the APCC’s BRIDGE Virtual Summer Camp. The camp will take place virtually, on Saturday evenings during the months of July to September 2022. Applications for 2022 are due on Monday, May 9, 2022 and all application materials must be received by the JASG by 5:00pm EDT that day. Junior Ambassador Invitation Letter & Application Instructions Junior Ambassador Application - http://bit.ly/APCC-2021 |
CHIRASHIZUSHI
Chirashizushi is mixed sushi rice with toppings. Families typically make chirashizushi for Dolls Festival on March 3rd or other celebratory events at home during the year. Whereas few Japanese eat sushi at home, chirashi sushi is made at home.
Ingredients:
Sushi rice:
3 cups cooed short or medium grain sushi rice (1½ cups raw rice) – rice should be warm5 tablespoons rice vinegar
3-4 tablespoons sugar1 egg – made as an omelet and then cut into narrow strips
10 fresh pea pods or string beans or ½ cup frozen green peas, thawed
1 cup shredded (julienne) carrots (pre-shredded packaged carrots work well)
8 fresh shiitake mushrooms or dried shiitake reconstituted (or any brown mushroom like crimini)
10 cooked shrimp or 6 slices of smoked salmon (optional)
1 sheet of nori (roasted seaweed) – sliced into narrow strips
salmon roe (optional)
burdock (optional)
1 tablespoon soy sauce
Water for cooking vegetables and shrimp
5 strawberries
Japan America Society of Georgia Newsletter Contributors: Jessica Cork Joeph Clark Maria Domoto Yoshi Domoto Anne Godsey Eric Kendrick Global Atlanta Sophie Monsibais Maki Murahashi Debra Samuels Graphics Shirley Susilo
To advertise in future newsletters, pleasecontact: The Japan-America 1900 Century Place NE Atlanta, GA 30345 Tel: (404) 842-1400 Admin@JASGeorgia.org
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New Individual Members
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