JETAA Chapter Events – March 2021 -

JETAA Chapter Events – March 2021

**Page will be updated as new events are created**

Links to events in private/closed Facebook groups may not be available unless you are in the group.

WEEKLY VIRTUAL EVENTS

JETAA Southern California: Water Cooler – Every Tuesday at 12:00 PM PST via Zoom (passcode: 018586)

WFH blues got you down? Not being productive anyway? Just need a place to eat lunch? Take a break at the JETAASC Water Cooler!

This is a casual drop-in type hang out where you can say hi, stick around for some lunchtime conversation, or just tune in to some ambient social interaction we’ve all been missing away from the office. Bring your favorite drink or a full meal, pop in for a few minutes or an hour. We’re continuing to make this a weekly event to start your week off right.

JETAA Great Lakes Netflix Watch Party – Every Wednesday at 6:00 PM PST. Join Facebook group for details.

Every Wednesday at 8 we’ll be hosting a watch party! See the posts for specific details on what is currently being viewed, and how to join. We hope to see you there! We will still use teleparty due to size limitations on Hulu’s watch party service. Please remember that the teleparty app will need to be installed into your browser ahead of time and can be found at netflixparty.com ! In addition, you will need an account with Hulu to be able to join. The first watch party link will be posted at 8 and the video will begin playing at 8:30. We will watch four episodes per week so if you miss this week, you can always watch them in your own time before next week!

JETAA Radio Taiso -Every Friday morning

NEW Registration link
https://tinyurl.com/y55o4rzl

Fill out this quick Zoom registration once to get access to Radio Taiso that will work for every week you are able to join. Join your fellow JET alumni for Radio Taiso every Friday morning! It’s a 3-6 min stretch followed by a quick social check-in if you have time to chat. Join the virtual stretch via zoom:
11:30am EDT (New York); 10:30am CDT (Kansas City); 9:30am MDT (Denver), 8:30am PST (Los Angeles)

JETAA Washington DC Japanese Script Reading Club – Every Sunday at 2:00PM to 3:00PM ET. Sign up form

Join your fellow Japanese language learners and read through a Japanese short play script! The first read-through is for language study, the second read-through is for putting emotion into your Japanese. There will be three language levels available (easy, medium, hard), and a native-speaking Japanese Pronunciation Coach in every zoom breakout room.Email jetambassador@jetaadc.org with any questions. yo sign up : https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScl3pMd4reYVdHdyo_iqkjKubOKrL2m_ejc_KEKJFjBl1lzMg/viewform

JETAA Northern California – Film Appreciation club meets monthly. Join the club to get exact dates for film viewing

This group is for JET alumni, current JETs, and friends of JETs who are interested in watching and discussing Japanese films. This works like a book club: we watch a film separately, and then get together to discuss. If you can’t make the discussion, you can still choose to participate by watching the film and being active in this group.

We will only be selecting films that are widely and inexpensively available for rent, without a subscription required.

Please also feel free to post any relevant news, recommendations, or discussion topics in this group!

Email secretary@jetaanc.org to be added to the mailing list.

March 1 at 6:30pm CST – JETAA Chicago Open Board Meeting
At our March meeting, we will be discussing plans for future events and other opportunities in the virtual space, as well as holding officer elections for the 2021-2022 term! Interested in taking part in the conversation? Join us for our March Open Board Meeting: https://guestlist.co/events/676596PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS MEETING IS ONLINE ONLY!Monday, March 1, 2021
6:30 pm – 8 pm CST
Online – In the Comfort of Your Own Home

March 2 at 7:00pm ET – JETAANY Book Club: Silence

Details: We will be reading Silence, Shusaku Endo’s masterpiece about Christianity in 17th-century Japan. Bonus points if you watch Martin Scorsese’s cinematic adaptation, which can be rented for about $3 on several streaming services. (And planning ahead for April, we’ll be reading The Master of Go by Yasunari Kawabata.) While we usually meet in person over pizza, we’ll be gathering virtually for the time being. Feel free to eat and drink during the meeting, or join late.
How to join: Fill out this form to get the Zoom link
Facebook Invite: Facebook event page
Questions: contact Christy via email

March 3 at 7:30pm ET – Movie Night: Mary and The Witch’s Flower
Details: From the comfort of your own home via TeleParty (formerly Netflix Party), we will watch the Japanese animated fantasy film by Studio Ponoc.

**NOTE** You must be a Netflix subscriber to join this event. With the plug-in, we will be able to watch the movie at the exact same time and discuss in the chat window. Download TeleParty, a free Chrome plug-in, prior to the event: https://www.netflixparty.com/

*Please register beforehand using the Zoom link. Shortly before the start of the movie, the Teleparty room link will be emailed.

Trailer: https://youtu.be/I2IQqNP1ajg
How to join: Register via Zoom here
Facebook Invite: Facebook event page
Questions: contact Andy via email

March 5-March 11 at 7-9 pm -Footprints and Footsteps 3.11 and the Future of Tohoku

To learn more about this week long event, please check out the event website : https://ff311tohoku.eventive.org/welcome

This is an online event to look back at the events of March 11, 2011, and efforts to recover and rebuild in the 10 years since. Featuring a number of documentaries focusing on those affected by the disasters arising out of the events of that day, both Japanese and non-Japanese, especially JET Program participants and alumni, we will look back from this ten-year mark to remember what happened, and look at today and tomorrow to get a sense of what has been accomplished and what the future holds.

We are also collecting messages and memories on our Facebook page. We will keep you updated with the latest information about the film screening event.

March 9 at 7:30pm-9pm ET -USJETAA Reading Group

The goal of the USJETAA Japanese Reading Group is to help advanced beginner and intermediate level students improve their reading skills. Each month we will look at a short reading from Aozora Bunko, a repository of public domain literature. Participants should attempt to do the reading on their own and come to the meeting with any questions. We will spend the meeting each month reading the assignment sentence by sentence to understand how the Japanese is working. The meeting can be accessed here:https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85423674456…

In March, we’ll be reading Ogawa Mimei’s “The Green/Blue Lamp” (https://www.aozora.gr.jp/cards/001475/files/52607_72131.html). Ogawa is sometimes called the “Hans Christian Andersen of Japan.” He wrote a large number of children’s stories, short stories, and fairy tales. We’ll see if the story has any clues to whether 青い means green or blue this time.

March 10 at 6pm ET – Remembering March 11, 2011: Looking Back, Looking Forward

This year marks the 10-year anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake, which occurred on March 11, 2011 and devastated Japan’s Tohoku region. In commemoration of what was lost in the tremendous disaster, as well as what was built during the recovery, the U.S.-Japan Council is gathering with other U.S.-Japan-related organizations in a special virtual event to symbolize the United States standing together in solidarity with Japan and to underscore the importance of our alliance, friendship, and shared values.

The USJC community and all advocates of the U.S.-Japan friendship are invited to join the event, titled “Remembering March 11, 2011: Looking Back, Looking Forward” on March 10 at 6:00pm ET (March 11 at 8:00am JT). Simultaneous Japanese interpretation will be available.

Please register at the website to attend. More information: https://www.usjapancouncil.org/remembering-march-11-2011…/

March 10 at 6:30-7:30pm HST – JETAA Hawaii Virtual Kaiwa Table
Second Wednesday of the month

Bring your dinner and have fun chatting in Japanese.

Welcome to all levels of Japanese speakers, JETAA, and non-JETAA members.

RSVP here: https://forms.gle/ybMqPLoRaRiJnukq9

March 18 and March 24 – JETAANY Sashiko Sampler Kits & Stitching Nights

Details: Literally translated as “little stabs,” Japanese sashiko stitching is a practical form of embroidery traditionally employed to reinforce and patch worn-out material. While still utilized in mending, sashiko’s signature white-on-blue geometric patterns lends itself to decorative use as well. JETAANY is pleased to team up with Jessica Marquez of Miniature Rhino to equip you with everything you need to try your hand at sashiko!

JET alumni can purchase a Sashiko Sampler Kit for the special price of $13 (retail value $22, plus shipping), and will be sent six 4” fabric squares with printed patterns, thread and needles, and easy-to-follow instructions. We invite you to join us for one or both JETAANY Virtual Craft Nights in March, where we’ll share some basic tips and enjoy communal stitching. Note: The discounted $13 kits are available to JET alumni only. A limited number of kits are available for non-JETs at $20 each, while supplies last. All prices include shipping via USPS within the United States.

Purchase: Sachiko Sampler Kit by Tues., Feb. 23 HERE
Save the Dates for Optional Craft Night: Thurs., March 18 and Wed., March 24
Questions: contact Christy via email

March 19 at 8:30 pm EST – 2020 US-Japan Creative Artists Fellowship Program Webinar Series Vol. 2
Conversational session: Monuments of the Now

How do we begin again? 10 years after the Great East Japan Earthquake, and in the midst of a global pandemic, learn how Oakland-based artists marksearch (Sue Mark + Bruce Douglas) and Tokyo-based artists Hiroyuki Abe and Natsuka Endo creatively approach community-engaged art when it is not safe to gather in person.
Register for this webinar here: https://eastwestcenter.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_rpbT7vFVTouFVSvgeFWuGw

March 19 at 7:30 pm – JETAASC Nihongo Dake Dinner

Join us for our first Nihongo Dake Dinner of the year! We’re changing things up this time by playing Among Us but don’t worry, we’ll provide a vocabulary list to help you out! Registration will open in the following weeks but in the meantime, save the date for March 19th at 7:30pm.

March 20 at 9:00 pm – JETAAMN Virtual Escape Room Night
Save the date! Come join us for a night of socialization and puzzle solving as we attempt a virtual escape room on March 20th at 9:00 PM.

We are signed up for a Trapped Virtual Puzzle Room. This event is limited to the first 8 to sign up, so let us know you’re coming soon! The entry fee is $20, please pay via the paypal link below: https://jetaamn.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=44147f5d3eefbae752660c9da&id=650c0c7199&e=494ba04a72

March 23 at 6:30 PM CDT – Heartland JETAA The Profound and Profoundly Humorous in Zen Art

Facebook link : https://fb.me/e/58ZsIfHeb

Access the event (no registration required): https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83387473490?pwd=RFhnY0FkZUpjanNVZ0tESWNYa1pvUT09

Title : The Profound and Profoundly Humorous in Zen Art
Date : TUESDAY, MARCH 16, 2021 AT 6:30 PM CDT – 7:45 PM CDT
Description : Jan Kennedy, Associate Professor of Art History and Program Head of Asian Studies at the Kansas City Art Institute, will talk about the art of Zen (Zenga) in Japan from the Edo Period (1603-1868) to modern times, highlighting ways that Zen monk-artists communicated complex ideas.
Today, we often think that meditation and mindful actions are the central concerns of Zen Buddhist practices. While this is true, when we look back on the rich history of Zen art, we see that it could be quite variable in its approach, from restrained and serious to unabashedly humorous. Monk-artists such as Hakuin Ekaku (1685-1768), Sengai Gibon (1750-1837), Keidō Fukushima (1933-2011) and others conveyed ideas in both of these modes, knowing that the Zen mind can be discovered through many different paths.

March 26 at 7:30 pm -Talk with Todd Wassel
Host by the JETAA New England Chapter, this event is a fantastic opportunity to hear about Todd Wassel’s (former JET!) epic Shikoku Henro Pilgrimage and get to know his book “Walking in Circles”. Highly recommended!

When: March 26, 2021 at 7:30 PM EDT
Method: Zoom – please complete the Google Form to receive Zoom link.

More Info: Please visit the Event Page!

March 26 at 7pm MST- JETAA Rocky Mountain Virtual Jeopardy
JETAA Rocky Mountain will be hosting our first Japan-themed virtual Jeopardy night. This will be a friendly competition for teams to test their knowledge about all things Japan (spectators will also be welcome). The night will also include chances to win small prizes throughout.

March 26 at 8pm – GLJETAA Nintendo Nite
This month we are switching things up a bit (pun intended) and playing Nintendo Switch games. If you’ve got a Switch, join us on our discord to chat and organize to play multiplayer online titles including Mario Kart, Super Smash Bros., and Animal Crossing. We’ll begin at 8:00 PM, and we will be coordinating games on Discord. Click this link to join the Discord or sign up for free. Click the “Register” button to let us know you’re planning to attend OR post on our Discord. Register by Email: ec@greatlakesjetaa.org

Date: Friday, 3/26

Time: 8:00-10:00 p.m. EST

March 28 at 8pm – GLJETAA Membership Meeting

FOJ (Friends of JETs) are welcome to attend!
Register by Email: ec@greatlakesjetaa.org
We’d love to connect with you! Talk with us, let us know how we’re doing, and give us some ideas for future events. All this and more is possible at our open Membership Meeting! This meeting will be via Zoom.

Date: Sunday, 3/28

Time: 4:00-6:00 p.m. EST

March 28 at 2pm HST – JETAA Hawaii March Book Club Meeting

Book: Importing Diversity | By: David L. McConnell (Chapters 1 – 3)
Date: Sunday, March 28
Time: 2pm – 3pm HST / 5pm – 6pm PT / 7pm – 8pm CT
Location: Zoom (link will be emailed the day before the event)
RSVP by: Friday, February 26 at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfNNAKWFdTsf2eHlhjlxMsMyYhrxK-3ab2b3oC1OCx-Pw84pQ/viewform

March 31 at 8pm – Author Series: Reading and Q&A with Karen Hill Anton

Join USJETAA and NABEA for a conversation with author Karen Hill Anton. This event celebrates the publication of Karen’s latest book, The View from Breast Pocket Mountain. It will feature an introduction to the book, Karen reading a book excerpt and a Q&A session. We encourage anyone who is interested in learning more about her experiences and the book to attend.

The View From Breast Pocket Mountain is a unique and previously untold story, a treasure trove of experiences crossing borders and cultures, creating a life, and finding contentment in a far-off country. To those who’ve ever wondered what their lives would be if they’d taken that road without a map, this is the book you need to read. The book gives us a glimpse of a life not designed or even imagined. To find out more visit: https://www.karenhillanton.com/book

Register in advance for this webinar here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/1616153202027/WN_s3uAB54vTaykEOnmbToJhg

Speaker
Karen Hill Anton wrote the popular columns “Crossing Cultures” for The Japan Times and “Another Look” for Chunichi Shimbun. As a consultant and coach, she works in the area of cross cultural competence. She served on the Internationalization and Society Advisory Council of Prime Ministers Keizō Obuchi and Ryutaro Hashimoto. She is Emerita: Board of Governors, Temple University Japan, Shizuoka Human Rights Association, and the Jun Ashida Educational Foundation.

Karen has been an enthusiastic supporter of the JET Programme since its inception, and spoken to JETs on numerous occasions. Her daughter Mie was a CIR in Mie prefecture (smile), and her son Mario was assigned to Oita prefecture, where he now makes his home. Karen studied Japanese calligraphy for 25 years and attained second-degree mastery. She has taught modern dance and is now a devoted student of Hula.

Originally from New York City, she has lived with her husband William Anton in rural Tenryu, Shizuoka prefecture since 1975.

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