Where: Duets 48 (304 E 48th St.)

Cost: $14 flat fee for singing, drinks 50% off

RSVP/Questions: Email Alexei at  alexeisensei@gmail.com and check out the Facebook event HERE
Let’s enjoy karaoke marathon! Sing as much as you like for $14. No advance pay is necessary–but please RSVP by May 29 if you plan on attending, so I can reserve an appropriate-size room. Huge selection of English and Japanese songs, and other languages are available too. Did I mention all drinks are 50% off?

Wednesday May 23rd – Come meet fellow JETAANY members and Japanese speakers at our monthly language exchange, Nihongo Dake Dinner, starting at 6:30pm.

This month we’ll be tapping into the luck of the Irish at Feile Restaurant and Bar, known for their angry bleu cheese burger and great selection of draught beers. Any and all levels of Japanese speakers welcome! (Some of our Japanese friends love meeting new people for English conversation!)

To RSVP, please email Kendall at vicepres @ jetaany.org

When:  Wednesday, May 23rd, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Where: Feile Restaurant and Bar  http://www.feilenyc.com
131 West 33rd Street (between 7th and 6th Ave)
RSVP: Send email to Kendall vicepres @ jetaany.org

On Sunday May 13th, JETAANY and the Japan Society will be hosting the Yo-Yo Balloon Tent at Japan Day in Central Park.

We’ll be helping visitors “fish” for Yo-yo Balloons and need volunteers to assist in many areas of the booth – including greeting the guests, explaining the game, prepping water balloons and assisting children with the game.

All volunteers will get a delicious bento lunch, a drink and a free Japan Day t-shirt, plus meet tons of fun people and teach the NYC community a fun Japanese festival game.

Volunteers are needed for two shifts:
#1 Morning 8am-12pm (free breakfast provided by JETAANY)
#2 Afternoon 11:30am-3pm

VOLUNTEER  TEAM FULL

Please comet o Japan day and support your fellow JETAANY members and friends

Or, contact one of our officers for more information:
JETAANY President, Monica Yuki at president at jetaany.org
Vice President, Kendall Murano at vicepresident at jetaany.org
Secretary, Pamela Kavalam at secretary at jetaany.org

(One-hour workshop and mini socializing party after workshop with snack)

Where:  Chelsea Studios

(151 West 26th St, between 6th & 7th Aves,  6th Floor)

Cost: $20; RSVP HERE

Application deadline: May 2

Shorinji Kempo is a totally unique non-competitive Japanese martial way focusing on three elements; healthy mind, healthy body and effective self-defense. Shorinji Kempo was founded in 1947 by Japan’s Doshin So. Unlike most martial arts, it was not simply developed as a method of self-defense or for winning contests. It concentrates on mutual respect and understanding between training companions so that both parties enjoy the benefits of training and progress on the basis of mutual development. It is in this respect that Shorinji Kempo is unlike any other martial art or sport.

In December 1982, The Shorinji KempoNew York City Branch was officially established by former Branch Master, MiyataSensei who has 6th Dan,currently resides in California. Following his departure, Atsushi Ohashi wasappointed as the new Branch Master – becoming a Sensei. Ohashi Sensei was born in Hokkaido. He has been studiedShorinji Kempo since 1985 and holds the rank of 5th Dan Seikenshi. He moved toNew York in 1996 and been very committed to teaching Shorinji Kempo and hasheld numerous demonstrations at various New York City schools. For more information about the workshop, please feel free to contact JETAANY@mieinc.net

For more information: The Shorinji Kempo New York City Branch: http://shorinjikemponyc.org/index.html

Above events are produced by Mie Ikeda.

With the warm weather, the cherry blossoms are in early bloom. Don’t miss your chance to revel in their beauty – join us in Central Park  on April 15th for a Hanami Picnic.

The JETAANY picnic will be behind the MET Museum (see map) starting at 12pm. Enter Central Park on the east side at 84th street or 79th street, and on the west side enter at 79th street. We will be sitting under the trees on the east side of the great lawn.

This is a free event! Just bring anything you’d want to have for a picnic – blankets, snacks and drinks to share – plus park activities like frisbee, volleyballs, softballs for catch, or bubbles!

No RSVP needed. But you can email Monica at President @ JETAANY.org for contact information to find us in the park.

Hope to see you there and Happy Spring!!

Where: 227 East 87th Street, Lower Level  (Between 2nd and 3rd Avenues)

Cost: $35 including material cost, RSVP via Paypal HERE and check out the Facebook RSVP HERE

Application deadline: April 18 (Maximum participation is 7)

Questions:  For more information about the workshop, please feel free to contact
Mie at JETAANY@mieinc.net.

Relax… this is Zen weaving. After you take a minute lesson of a SAORI loom, you can make an artistic tapestry only in an hour! SAORI Zen weaving is dedicated to self- discovery by finding one’s true identity as a creative individual. You can choose any yarns from our selection of 500 colors and textures. It’s easy and meditative weaving… with no mistakes. We use many recyclable materials with the “Mottainai” idea from Japan.

SAORI is a philosophy which encourages freedom of expression through true improvisation. In 1968 SAORI weaving program was founded in Japan based on this philosophy. It’s referred to by some as Zen weaving. Indeed, the SA of SAORI is the first syllable of the word SAI. SAI is found in Zen vocabulary. It means everything has its own individual dignity and the ORI means weaving. Yukako Satone founded Loop of the Loom, a SAORI certified weaving studio in 2005. Now it’s located on the Upper East Side where people gather from all over the world to express their own style in weaving.

Facebook: Loop of the Loom.

Above events are produced by Mie Ikeda.

Atsushi Yamada (Conductor)
         Yunah Lee (Soprano)
         Alissa Anderson (Mezzo Soprano)
         Orchestra： The Friends of Japan Orchestra
(comprised of members of New York City Opera Orchestra)
         Choirs ：
- Tohoku Fukushi University Chorus Group (Miyagi Prefecture)
- Iwate Prefectural University Chorus Group (Iwate Prefecture)
- MJC Ensemble(Fukushima Prefecture)
- The College of New Jersey Chorale (U.S.)

Questions: Email Rachelle de Leon and Fernando Rojas at njrep@jetaany.org

Japan’s leading rock-band, L’Arc～en～Ciel is having their world tour concert in New York City, “L’Arc～en～Ciel WORLD TOUR 2012 at Madison Square Garden” on Sunday March 25th at 8:00pm. JETAANY is working to support the success of the concert and is giving out complimentary tickets to invite you to the show. Our purpose is to make a successful concert by inviting as many members as possible from our community. It is our great pleasure to invite you to enjoy and heat up the show.

Please use the below link to provide your contact information and a valid e-mail address.  You can reserve up to 4 tickets.  Once confirmed you will receive a link to Ticketmaster to retrieve your complimentary tickets to print yourself. (Your e-mail address will not be used for any other purpose besides to receive the ticket). Deadline to sign up is Friday March 23^rd at 5pm. Tickets are available on first come first serve basis.

SORRY NO MORE COMPLEMENTARY TICKETS

The following is some information about the band, for those of you who may not know much about them. L’Arc～en～Ciel has reached the group’s 20th anniversary, and is known as one of the most famous and successful rock bands in Japan.

Official Website: www.LArc-en-Ciel.com/

This band has been acknowledged worldwide, and has given great impacts in Asia and France. Their music is listenable to audience of all ages. Please visit the website below and check one of their works out!

L’Arc～en～Ciel “BLESS”- chosen as a theme song of Vancouver Olympic by NHK (Ja
pan Broadcasting Corporation)
http://www.sonymusic.co.jp/?72000394_KSCL-1550&72000394_KSCL-1550_01SFL

Questions: contact Monica Yuki at president@jetaany.org

When: Wednesday April 25th, 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Where:  Flatiron Building, 14th Floor (175 Fifth Avenue @ 23rd St)
Cost:  $2-3 for pizza and snacks (drinks are separate)
RSVP/Questions:  Email  jetaanybookclub@gmail.com and check out the Facebook event

Looking for the next great book to read? Join us for the next JETAANY Book club in April: The Elephant Vanishes by Haruki Murakami. Hope to see you there!

The Elephant Vanishes by Haruki Murakami

Book Description:

With the same deadpan mania and genius for dislocation that he brought to his internationally acclaimed novels A Wild Sheep Chase and Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World, Haruki Murakami makes this collection of stories a determined assault on the normal. A man sees his favorite elephant vanish into thin air; a newlywed couple suffers attacks of hunger that drive them to hold up a McDonald’s in the middle of the night; and a young woman discovers that she has become irresistible to a little green monster who burrows up through her backyard.

By turns haunting and hilarious, The Elephant Vanishes is further proof of Murakami’s ability to cross the border between separate realities—and to come back bearing treasure.

Join us in celebrating the historic 100th year of Japan’s gift of cherry blossom trees to the United States. This year’s cherry blossom festival in Washington DC is sure to be the biggest yet! JETAANY will be partnering with JETAADC for this hanami event. Don’t miss out on the biggest cherry blossom festival in the United States and a chance to explore our nation’s capital!

When: Saturday, April 7- Sunday, April 8
Where: Washington DC
RSVP: Amber Liang at liang.yxamber(at)gmail.com by Sunday, March 25
Please include the following information in your RSVP: If you can provide or will need transportation and if you will need overnight accommodation

For more information on the National Cherry Blossom Festival, click here.

Where: (Registered participants will be contacted with the address)

Cost: $20 – RSVP via Paypal HERE and check out Facebook event HERE

Application deadline: March 29 (Maximum participation is 5)

Spring is almost coming, so let’s feel the warm air slightly early through Okinawan culture. The sanshin (literally “three strings”) is an Okinawan musical instrument and precursor of the Japanese shamisen. Often likened to a banjo, it consists of a snakeskin-covered body, neck and three strings. You will enjoy a professional Okinawa sanshin performance and experience to play Okinawa sanshin. You will touch the lively Okinawan culture in a relaxed atomospher.

Saki Taguchi studied Okinawa sanshin at the Sakima Ryukyu Folk Music School for seven years. Meanwhile Saki joined the Ryukyu Folk Music Association in 2003 and won Ryukyu Folk Music Association competitions in Okinawa in 2004. Saki is a highly sought- after musician among sanshin players. In 2011, Saki and her students performed their first sold-out concert in New York as the sanshin group Ryu-Kaji. This March Saki will perform at the annual White Plains Cherry Blossom festival.

For more information:
Ryu-kaji
Saki’s Music School

For more information about the workshop, please feel free to contact JETAANY@mieinc.net

Above events are produced by Mie Ikeda.

Join us for our largest networking event of the year and fundraiser for Japan! The annual Meishi Exchange will be held at 6:30 on Thursday, March 15th at Amber Restaurant. The $10 pre-pay admission includes two drinks, hors d’oeuvres, and $2 will go to our JETAA USA Japan Earthquake Relief Fund.

In recognition of the one year anniversary of the twin disasters in Japan on March 11, 2011, this year’s Meishi Exchange – in addition to offering networking possibilities with talented NYC professionals – will be accepting donations for Japan and giving away great prizes through a raffle. This is an opportunity to show your support for Japan, as well as mix and mingle with JET alumni and professionals from various organizations in the NYC area.

This event is open to all JET alumni and friends who are interested in building their professional network and meeting other people passionate about Japan.

Please feel free to pass along to friends and co-workers. No RSVP necessary.

When: Thursday, March 15th, 6:30pm
Where: Amber Restaurant (432 6th Ave, between 9th and 10th Streets)
www.ambervillage.net
Subway-A,B,C,D,E,F,M @ West 4 Station
#1 Train @ Christopher Street Station
Cost:
$10 pre-sale through PayPal
$12 at the door
(Includes $2 donation to the Japan Earthquake Relief Fund, 2 drink tickets and hors d’oeuvres including Thai, Japanese, and Chinese cuisine)

Questions regarding this event please contact Monica Yuki at
president (at) jetaany.org

No Experience Necessary!! Whether you are a pool shark or complete beginner -  an advanced Japanese speaker or speaker of only a few words  – everyone is welcome! Meet and mix with your fellow JET alumni and Japanese expats in New York.

Please RSVP through PayPal here. And, invite your friends to come on Facebook!

Details -
What: Nihongo Dake Billiards
When: Sunday, February 26th
Time: 3:00-5:00pm
Price: $12 (RSVP through PayPal)
Where: Soho Billiards
298 Mulberry St, New York, NY (Mulberry and Houston)
Located near the Bleeker St and Broadway/Lafeyette subway stations
sohobilliardsny.com

Where:  (Registered participants will be contacted with the address)

Cost: $10; RSVP via Paypal HERE

Application deadline: February 23 (Maximum participation is 5)

 Questions?: Contact Mie Ikeda at jetaany@mieinc.net

Have you practiced your Japanese since you got back to the U.S.? This month we will compose Japanese Haiku, a traditional form of poetry. Haiku usually includes many themes related to nature, personal feelings or everyday things. The most common form is three short lines. The first line usually contains five syllables, the second one seven syllables and the last one five syllables. A Haiku must “paint” a mental image in the reader’s mind. This is the challenge of Haiku – to put the poem’s meaning and imagery in the reader’s mind in ONLY 17 syllables over just three lines of poetry!

New York Hakobune Haiku kai is a non-profit organization for enjoying Haiku with Haiku lovers. It was approved as the first non-profit organization of Japanese Literature Society in the United Statesin 1980 and has about 40 members in the USand overseas. The members meet once a month and compose their original Haiku. Mr. Tan-itsu Kimura, the chairman, and Ms. Tsukiko Kimura, the chairman’s wife, have compiled ‘Hakobune’, a monthly coterie magazine since 1968 and it reckoned in the world of Japanese Haiku. For more information: kimura575@msn.com.

Above events are produced by Mie Ikeda.

Japan Day @ Central Park, which will be held on May 13th, is a celebration of food, activities and entertainment showcasing some of the most exciting elements of traditional and contemporary Japan.

Where: Japan Local Government Center (JLGC) - 3 Park Avenue @ 34th St, 20th Floor

RSVP: Reserve your spot by filling out the online RSVP HERE. Also, check out the Facebook event page.

We’ll be discussing upcoming JETAANY events, Japan Day at Central Park, the JETAANY survey, and other great opportunities for those of you wishing to get more involved! Hope to see you there. There is no cost for this event but RSVP is required as (a modest but delicious!) dinner will be served.

Volunteers are needed to fill two shifts:
2:00 – 5:30 — open to industry representatives, i.e. restaurants and press
6:30 – 8:30 — open to consumers

You can volunteer for one or both shifts as your schedule allows. Ability to understand Japanese preferred as most representatives do not speak English and volunteers will be helping explain to visitors the various types of shochu on display. But, there’ll also be a 30 minute orientation to teach more about shochu before each shift begins.

Please contact Kendall Murano (vicepres at jetaany dot org) to sign up or for more information.  Hurry, spots are limited!

What: Experience Shochu, the National Spirit of Japan
When: Monday, February 13th
Time: 2:30 – 8:30
2 volunteer shifts 2:00 – 5:30, 5:30 – 8:30
Where: Astor Center (399 Lafayette Street)

Where: EDO Japanese Restaurant, 68 Easton Ave., New Brunswick, NJ 08901

Cost:  Everyone pays for their own meal off the menu (and BYOB!)

RSVP/Questions:  Email  Fernando Rojas and Rachelle de Leon at njrep@jetaany.org and check out the Facebook event

あけましておめでとうございます！

Join us on Saturday, January 21st for our Shinnenkai – New Year’s Party! It will be held at EDO Japanese restaurant in New Brunswick, NJ, just a 5 minute walk from the New Brunswick NJ Transit Station. There is no set menu and it will be BYOB.

Check out the menu here: http://www.campusfood.com/restaurant.asp?campusid=90&mlid=20226

If you’re interested in attending, please RSVP at njrep [at] jetaany.org.