Japan America Society of Minnesota

Transcription

1 Japan America Society of Minnesota The Tsūshin is a membership publication of the Japan America Society of Minnesota Sustaining Tohoku: Remembrance, Recovery, and Kizuna On Thursday, March 12 th, JASM and JETRO welcomed 65 attendees to McNamara Alumni Center at the University of Minnesota to commemorate the 4 th anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake. This evening united community members and international businesses from Japan and the United States to discuss the ongoing economic recovery efforts in the Tohoku region after the natural disaster that was suffered in We were honored to hear the accounts of how the earthquake and tsunami altered the lives, businesses, and surroundings of four speakers. In the face of this adversity, however, Japan and the people who live and work there have demonstrated resilience in their recovery efforts throughout the past four years. For the first presentation of the evening, we were honored to welcome the Chief Executive Director of JETRO Chicago, Ichiro Sone. JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization) is an organization that promotes trade and investment between Japan and the rest of the world. Mr. Sone expressed his heartfelt thanks for the continuous support that Tohoku has received from the American people. A great deal of accomplishments have been made in order to revitalize Tohoku after the disaster, including rebuilding private housing and reconstructing permanent facilities for businesses. However, Mr. Sone also reminded us that it remains important to keep the people of the region that have been displaced by the disaster in our minds and hearts. Japan has been and remains a compelling market for the United States to do business with. John Harris, President of Becton Dickinson Japan, gave the keynote presentation on his experiences in Japan surrounding the 2011 earthquake. Becton Dickinson is a medical supply and healthcare company that has benefitted from international business with Japan. Because countless individuals around the world rely on Becton Dickinson s medical and pharmaceutical products and services, immediate action was required. Regardless of title or position, all members of BD readily assisted with the recovery of their Fukushima Facility as well as the relief efforts to the surrounding community. Mr. Harris reminded us that during crisis, if we band together we can persevere. For an in-depth look at the reconstruction of Tohoku, the evening continued with a talk by PaR Systems Environmental Program Manager Joe Dixon. Mr. Dixon gave an expert account (Continued on Page 3) April 2015 VOL. 24, No. 04 A Year in Review: JASM s 42 nd Annual Meeting On the evening of March 26 th, 2015, JASM welcomed members of the community and JASM board members both past and present to the 2014 Annual Meeting. This gathering served as a year in review as well as a time to look towards the future. To recount the successes of 2014, JASM s Executive Director Ben van Lierop gave an account of our past events as well as our future goals. JASM is growing, and through the generous contributions of its supporters, it will continue to develop in order to better serve the Minnesota community. JASM s efforts to reach communities beyond the Twin Cities are already underway. With the Greater MN Initiative, JASM has attended and assisted in organizing Japan-themed events in Rochester and Duluth. Director van Lierop closed with remarks that the key to any organization s success is to have a vision. With our members support and a clear vision to bring the peoples of Japan and the United States closer together in mutual understanding, respect, and cooperation, JASM will surely experience future success s Annual Meeting also represents the official inauguration of new JASM Board Members. JASM welcomed five new board members this year: Chris Armacost, Ayako Birch, Ron Leonhardt, Bill Mondale, and Hiroshi Nakato. The 2014 JASM President, David Smith, was also able to formally pass the baton of leadership to the 2015 JASM president, Liz Brailsford. Throughout their time together as leaders in JASM, they expressed gratitude to one another for their mutual support. Our organization would not function without the dedication of our past and present board members, and we are extremely grateful for their hard work. To bring the meeting to a conclusion, Dr. Andreas Marks of the Minneapolis Institute of Arts (MIA) also joined JASM for a special presentation. Currently playing many prestigious roles in the Asian arts community, Dr. Marks titles include: Japanese and Korean Art Department Head, Curator of Japanese and Korean art, and Head Director of the Clark Center. His detailed and witty presentation focused on the art acquisitions of the MIA s Clark Center for Japanese Art and Culture, including donated art from the collection of Mary Griggs Burke. His presentation featured a myriad of artistic media from elegantly painted screens to avant-garde lacquer sculpture. The MIA has many upcoming Japanese exhibitions featuring both contemporary and ancient Japanese art. Be sure to stop by and experience one of the United States premier Japanese art collections.

2 Letter from the President Mondale Scholarship Applications Attention to all students studying Japanese language and culture! Do you want to study abroad in Japan? The Japan America Society of Minnesota (JASM) will be accepting applications for the academic year Mondale Scholarship in June! President Liz Brailsford at the Annual Meeting Hello everyone, As we move into spring, I am energized by the warmer weather and sunshine we ve seen so far this year. It makes me look forward to our spring and summer events such the JASM Professional Group networking event and the Sake Tasting they should be wonderful, fun community events. This year, we have five new board members: Hiroshi Nakato, Ayako Birch, Ron Leonhardt, Chris Armacost, and Bill Mondale. I am excited to spend the next few years working with them as they devote their talents and good ideas to help espouse our mission of bridging the gap between the U.S. and Japan and also make JASM a better organization. Additionally, I am grateful to all the current board members as well. We have 17 this year a bountiful number! At the beginning of each year, we pass around the JASM Spoke & Wheel committee chart and ask board members to sign up for the various events and committees they d like to chair and/or plan during their tenure. I am energized when I think of our board members working hard to create better events for the community, events that serve all of the different types of our members: the Japanese community, students, families, those who love Japan pop culture, and Americans who are either currently working with Japan in their careers or those who plan on working with Japan in their careers in the future. There s something for everyone, and I invite you to come to our events to see what JASM has to offer. I d like to get the chance to meet you at one or several of them! Hope to see you there. My warmest regards, Liz Brailsford JASM President JASM will award the Mondale Scholarship to Minnesota undergraduate students enrolled in Minnesota colleges and universities who want to broaden their knowledge of Japan through a combination of study and travel. The selection committee has the discretion to award three scholarships. The awards are specifically to be used for travel to or within Japan before, during, or after the student s specified term(s) of study. Applicants must: 1. Complete application form (available online) 2. Send official college/university transcript(s) 3. Earn a cumulative GPA 3.0 or higher 4. Send two letters of recommendation. 5. Write an essay that addresses these questions: Why do you want to study and travel in Japan? What is your goal for this experience? How do you intend to use the scholarship dollars? The essay must be no longer than two double-spaced typewritten pages. 6. Send a copy of the letter of acceptance from the intended program of study in Japan. The selection committee will review all applications and select finalists for interviews. These interviews will be held in the JASM office during June and July. For more information and application materials, please visit mnjapan.org Membership News Thanks to the following Renewing JASM Members: Richard Kushino Masako Yoshida Thanks to the following Renewing Corporate Members: Naigai Industries, Inc. Minnesota Trade Office Tomodachi JASM President Liz Brailsford

3 Sustaining Tohoku (Continued from Page 1) of PaR Systems innovative efforts to use robotics to remove environmental contaminants such as fuel from the damaged nuclear reactors in Fukushima. One could witness from his presentation how passionate about this technology Mr. Dixon was the state of the art fuel handling machines are capable of handling immense weight and extremely harsh environments. Because of this, human lives can be protected during the environmental restoration of Tohoku. The final presentation of the event was given by Yasuhiro Nagamatsu, Executive Director of JETRO San Francisco and former Chief Director of JETRO Fukushima. To sustain the recovery, Mr. Nagamatsu expressed that continued business and travel to the Tohoku region is essential. He urged those around the world to come to Tohoku to witness the recovery for themselves as well as try one of Tohoku s famous peaches and enjoy the hot springs! As Tohoku continues to recover, Mr. Nagamatsu concluded by delivering us a heartfelt invitation that Tohoku always welcomes you. One thread that connected the unique perspectives of the presenters was the importance of kizuna, the personal relationships and bonds between the peoples of Japan, the United States, and the world. Whether those bonds are formed through business, travel, or personal friendship, the U.S.-Japan alliance will help the economic recovery in Tohoku and also strengthen the U.S economy. JASM and JETRO extend heartfelt thanks to the Consulate General of Japan at Chicago, the Minnesota Trade Office, JETAAMN, the St. Paul-Nagasaki Sister City Committee, and all who attended. Your participation serves as proof that the people affected by the tragedy in Tohoku have not been forgotten. With international bonds of Corporate Member Spotlight: Tomodachi Tomodachi s Team with Rilakkuma at the 10 Year Anniversary Event Tomodachi, a dedicated member and Partner in Service of JASM, celebrated its 10 year anniversary this March. Tomodachi, meaning friend in Japanese, is a store specializing in highquality toys, anime, and pop art. Tomodachi was founded in order to spread imagination, inspiration, and creation throughout the community. Tomodachi carefully selects products from top-notch local and international artists, designers, and suppliers in order to promote their work. Because of its fun educational events and community focus, Tomodachi s locations at the Mall of America and Rosedale Center are well-loved by the surrounding community. The business has even been named one of the top 10 best shops in the United States by USA Today. Stop by to experience the store s stylish aesthetics, high-quality products, and great service for yourself! Tomodachi held its fun-filled 10-year-anniversary celebration at its Mall of America location on Saturday, March 21 st. With customers and attendees filling the store and even lining up outside to purchase products, the event was a huge success! Attendees enjoyed a live DJ, raffle, and community painting. Friends of Tomodachi were even able to experience a special appearance by the beloved Japanese character Rilakkuma! From all of us at JASM, congratulations to Tomodachi on 10 years of business! We are excited to see what the next 10 years will bring. For more information, please visit Tomodachi s web site: Tomodachi at: hello@tomodachi.us Please thank our members with your support! Corporate Benefactor Members Daikin Applied Delta Airlines, Inc. Corporate Sustaining Members 3M Company Bowman and Brooke, LLP Design Ready Controls, Inc. Dorsey & Whitney, LLP Fredrikson & Byron, PA Gray Plant Mooty Hamre, Schumann, Mueller & Larson, PC Hubbard Broadcasting Japan Lifeline Co. Ltd. Jet Edge Inc. Lion Precision Mall of America Medtronic, Inc. MGK, Inc. Naigai Industries U.S.A. Inc. Proto Labs, Inc. St. Jude Medical Taiyo International, Inc. The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd. Corporate Contributing Members Aveda Corporation Briggs and Morgan, P.A. Compart Family Farms Deloitte Tax, LLP Leonard, Street and Deinard Microbiologics, Inc. Satellite Industries Sysco Asian Foods Wilson Learning Worldwide Partners in Service J&K Trading, LLC Kiku Enterprises Origami Restaurant Red Bridge Translation, LLC Sakura Restaurant Saji-Ya Restaurant Saint Paul Saints Baseball Club Suishin Restaurant The Voyager Group Tomodachi Zen Healing Center Nonprofit Members Aikido of Minnesota Anime Twin Cities, Inc. BioBusiness Alliance of Minnesota Concordia Language Villages JETAA Minnesota JETRO Chicago KCC Japan Education Exchange Macalester College Asian Language & Culture Department Minneapolis Japanese School Minnesota International Center Minnesota Trade Office Mu Performing Arts U of MN Dept. of Asian Languages and Literatures, Japanese Language Program US-China Business Connections Winona State Univ. Global Studies Dept.

4 Mondale Scholar Report - Eric Schneider Greetings from Japan! My name is Eric Schneider, and I am a Mondale Scholarship recipient for the year Due to some previously unforeseen circumstances regarding my major requirements at my home institution, my study abroad plan was delayed a full year. With that being said, I finally arrived in Japan on January 24th, 2015 to study for the entire Spring Semester at Kansai Gaidai University. Located in Hirakata-shi, Kansai Gaidai is a university known for its intensive language program, which hosts prospective Japanese language students from around the globe. As its name suggests, Kansai Gaidai is located in the Kansai region of Japan. Currently, I am living with a Japanese host family in Hirakata-shi. Their house is about a 20-minute bike-ride from campus. Although students have the option to live in an international dormitory, I elected to be randomly assigned a host family to live with throughout the four-month semester. Luckily, I could not have asked for a better host family. Although they are an elderly couple of 80 and 75 years of age respectively, their spirits exude the meaning of the word genki. Each night, the three of us have a family dinner cooked by my host mother. Some of the food she has made includes yakisoba, gyoza, and makizushi. Japanese rice, known as come, is always served with meals, and usually there is a soup or salad, or both, to complement the main dish. In my free time, I have tried to take advantage of the extremely well developed train system that exists in Japan. Thus far, I have been to Osaka, Kyoto, and Hiroshima. While Kyoto still holds much of the charm of the Japan s feudal heritage, Osaka is the definition of a modern metropolis. The contrast between the two cities is quite interesting indeed. Hiroshima, which is two hours from Osaka via the Shinkansen, has a unique feel to it as well. Despite its tragic past, the spirit of Hiroshima is clearly displayed at the Hiroshima Peace-Memorial Park, a park that commemorates the victims of the first atomic bombing. The Memorial Centograph at the center of the park states: the spirit of Hiroshima enduring grief, transcending hatred, pursuing harmony and prosperity for all, and yearning for genuine, lasting world peace. The memorial and the meaning behind it made for an unforgettable day in Hiroshima. With spring break soon approaching, I am planning a trip in the Kansai region to visit Kobe, and hopefully, Himeji Castle. Without the support of the JASM organization, I would not have been able to afford to study abroad in Japan in the first place, let alone visit these wonderful places. It is with immense gratitude that I thank JASM and its members for facilitating my effort to study abroad in Japan. I firmly believe that studying abroad in Japan has been one of the best decisions I have made. In any case, it is definitely an experience I will never forget. Economic Club of MN Luncheon This April, the Economic Club of Minnesota (ECOM) is honored to welcome the Governor of the Bank of Japan, Haruhiko Kuroda, to present his expertise and international perspectives on economics. The Economic Club of Minnesota provides a highprofile, non-partisan platform for national and international leaders in business, government and public policy to present their ideas on how Minnesota can better compete in the global economy and how America can most effectively provide world leadership on economic and strategic issues. When: Sunday, April 19, 2015 Reception: 11:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m. Luncheon: 12:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. Where: Wayzata Country Club 200 Wayzata Boulevard West Wayzata, MN Contact: Abby Michaud, abby@ecomn.org or Governor Hakuhiko Kuroda Pre-registration is required. JASM Members may register online for a discounted rate of $60 at

5 Nichibei Lecture Series: U.S.-Japan Relations and the Medical Device Industry This March, JASM was honored to welcome David Smith and Michael Nilan to Gray Plant Mooty for the fourth of our ongoing lectures: The Nichibei Lecture Series. Held multiple times per year, the lectures offer opportunities for interested members of the Minnesota community to hear professionals and specialists speak on a variety of educational topics. The lectures may be enjoyed by English and Japanese-speakers alike. In the past, our expert lecturers have presented topics including developmental biology, social media branding, and professional musical performance and composition. These lectures are a great opportunity for people to network with like-minded professionals as well as broaden their horizons with a new topic. Both David Smith, Vice President of Market Development for St. Jude Medical Japan, and Michael Nilan, General-Manager Asia-Pacific for Microbiologics, Inc., are experts in the medical device and health care industries who have devoted a great deal of their professional careers to work in Japan. The two charismatic speakers delivered their presentation in Japanese, sharing their involvement in the medical device industries of both Minnesota and Japan. The presenters overviewed some of the differences in business culture that one may encounter when transitioning between the U.S. and Japan. For example, the concept of loyalty to one s company is highly prevalent in Japan. Generally speaking, many Japanese businesspeople may not leave their company for long periods of time. On the other hand, American businesspeople tend to venture out to new companies more and take risks. Relatively more Americans start their own businesses because they are less afraid of the possibility of failure. However, Minnesota and Japan actually share many cultural aspects, including a similar communication style and a strong focus on teamwork. Within the medical device industry, there are many advantages to U.S.-Japan collaboration. Openness and international collaboration can foster the innovation of scientists and medical researchers of both of our countries. Collaboration could result in the future production of ground-breaking medical devices and save countless lives. During the presentation, one such device was showcased. A tiny heart monitor no larger than Mr. Smith s thumb was passed around the room. This device constantly monitors its patient s heart health and provides an early warning for any aberrations this saves the patient from many costly and sometimes tiring visits to a doctor and is an early warning system that could also save the patient s life. Developing more devices like this will ensure an improvement in the quality of life for future generations. After the presentation, attendees were able to ask the two lecturers questions and were invited to share their own crosscultural experiences. Regardless of country of origin, everyone came away from this lecture with a new perspective. If you weren t able to attend the Nichibei Lecture this month, don t fret there will be many more Nichibei Lectures in the future. Spring is Here: Join us for Harukaze Composer Asako Hirabayashi Date: Sunday, May 31 st Schedule: 3:00 - Performance Begins (Reception to follow) Location: Sundin Music Hall (Hamline University) 1531 Hewitt Ave, St. Paul Fee: $20 for general admission ($15 for JASM members, $10 for students, $5 for 18 and under) JASM s upcoming Harukaze, meaning spring wind, is an event that will truly provide guests with an experience that is once-in-a-lifetime. This year will feature the world premiere of the opera, Y ukionna (Snow Witch), by award-winning composer and virtuoso harpsichordist Asako Hirabayashi and renowned Minneapolis-based writer and actor Steven Epp. Join us to experience a breathtaking performance by Momoko Tanno and the finest chamber musicians from Twin Cities as they chronicle the well-known ghost story by Laficadio Hearn and depict the heartbreaking tragedy that unfolds between human and Mother Nature through their music. Harukaze is a chance for JASM to bring community members together to experience a crosscultural concert. This event is also an opportunity for JASM to show its appreciation for its dedicated members and all of the support that they provide in helping our organization to build bridges of cultural understanding between Japan and the United States. We hope you will join us for what is sure to be an unforgettable experience. Upcoming JASM Professional Group Where: Zen Box Izakaya 602 Washington Ave South, Minneapolis, MN When: Wednesday, April 15th Cost: Free for JASM Members, $5 for non-members For more information, please visit mn-japan.org JASM members and their guests are always welcome to join us for JASM Professional Group s fun social networking opportunities. Whether you want to discuss future opportunities to work or study in Japan or just want to share some stories with fellow Japan enthusiasts, we hope you will join us for an evening of good food and great company!

6 Tom Haeg s Book Review: The Tale of Genji The Tale of Genji; Murasaki Shikibu [written in 1008 A.D. and first published in 1021 A.D]. There will be a special exhibition of ancient Japanese art at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts (MIA) in September It will feature more than 170 items (out of a total of 700) recently bequeathed to the MIA by Mary Griggs Burke, a Minnesota native who passed away in 2012 at the age of 96 while living in New York City. The largesse includes and the exhibition will display priceless folding screens illustrating scenes from The Tale of Genji. Before there was Shakespeare in England or Cervantes in Spain, there was Shikibu s Genji in Japan. It is a classic work of literature written by a noblewoman portraying aristocratic life during Japan s Heian Period (794 A.D A.D). Literary scholars regard it as the world s first novel even though it was not translated into English until 1882 and modern Japanese until the early 20 th century. Some critics may debate that it bears only slight resemblance to our modern novel. It has no real plot (events occur and characters just grow older), is written in installments over time, and the central character dies with a third of novel to go. Plus, there are Dostoyevsky alertover 400 characters. If Shikibu was alive today and took her manuscript to a Tokyo publisher, they would possibly take a pass on the form alone. Huge mistake. Yet the real charm of Genji is the poetic, conversational language cleverly interspersed to convey allusions and veiling exotic images: Just as drops of dew settle on cicada wings, Concealed in this tree, Secretly, O secretly, These sleeves are wet with my tears. Genji was written by one aristocratic woman for other aristocratic women (yokibito) who just wanted to know, perhaps, what life was truly like behind the curtain (if you know what I mean) at the emperor s court. Today, the modern breadth of this masterpiece has expanded into popular adaptations for mass audiences in cinema, opera, dance, kabuki, modern novels, manga and anime. The JASM member intending to visit MIA s September special exhibition would be wise to first read The Tale of Genji just to gain a heightened awareness into the objet d art they will experience and enjoy. They will not be disappointed. 木の根の様に ミネソタの日光が暖かく感じ始めたセントパトリックデイの午後日本人教会を訪れていた牧師さん達と立ち話が弾んだ ミウラアヤコノナマエヲシッテイマスカ? 勿論! クリスチャンの作家でしょう? 彼女の遺跡を訪ねて旭川へ行き彼女の教会や文学記念館や小説の舞台になった農林省の林を歩き著書を全部買ってきました ワタシハカノジョトトモダチデシタ 本当?! ( 彼女は殆どを病床から書き終いには夫に口述して私達の心を動かす名作を残した ) 薔薇畑の掃除しながら私は幸せを感じた 歳を取るというのは辛い事 が先日話題になったばかりなのに... 私は思う... 幸福とは... Mortgage Amortization の様だ 初期は働いても成果は見えないが秘訣は 諦めない という処にあり努力して義務を果たしている間に効果は約束の通り見え始め加速度を加えて向こうから来るものだと 誰の言葉だったか? 国語の本にあった 右につっかえれば左へ延び, 左につっかえれば右へ延びる延びられる時, 延びられる方へ延びられるだけ延びておく木の根は賢い 良かったなあ... 鈍重なり と通信簿に書かれ ボンヤリだ と親は言い 愚頭だ と農家の雇主は罵った 泣いたけど諦めなかった 兎と亀の物語 私は亀だったのだ もうすぐ 82 才最近勤続 35 年の賞を貰った仕事ができる幸福感 より大きい幸福は異国米国のミネソタに根付いて 53 年只今沢山な笑顔に囲まれている幸せ者だ! 日本人会という名の集まりは呼べば答えてくれる日本人, 好日本人達 750 家族贅沢に近く恵まれているのが此の日本語図書館に整然と詰められた 3 万冊と DVD 北は Superior 湖に近い隣州から南は Iowa 州に近い所からも遥々来て下さる奉仕者達 有難う 私は幸福です 此の幸福は大勢で味わいましょうと秋の River Cruise をあなたの家族も入れて計画しておりますご期待ください 話のついでにもう一つ 6 月下旬の日本人会運営資金作りのヤードセールの支度を始めました 売られる物を集めております貴方の家 友達 隣近所からも収集にご協力ください 当日の奉仕者も申し出てください 木の根の様に何もかも不完全な環境だけれども諦めないで延びられる時延びられる方向へ延びられるだけ延びておきましょう屹度何時か幸福が向こうからやってきます 仲良く力を合わせてね 日本人会, 図書館への質問意見は下記の 又はお電話へどうぞ 図書館警報機の扱い方送りました を見てください Yoko Breckenridge B M Yoko@yoko4home.com -Tom Haeg

7 Advertise in the Tsushin! Advertisement Rates Style Size Cost/issue 1/4 page 5 x 3.5 in $ /2 page 5 x 7.5 in $90.00 Full page 10 x 7.5 in $ Classified 80 character line $10/ line (min. 2 lines) Ad production and design available in both Japanese and English for an additional charge. Deadline for completed ads and classifieds is the 20th of every month. Questions? Contact the JASM Office Tel: jasm@us-japan.org Japan America Society Calendar April J-Quiz Winners Travel to Washington, D.C. - April 9 th - April 11 th JASM Professional Group Meeting - April 15 th Economic Club MN Luncheon - April 19 th May Harukaze - May 31 st *If you would like to let JASM know about an upcoming event, us at jasm.interns@gmail.com* Japanese Speaking Club The Japanese Speaking Club is an informal meeting place for those wishing to practice Japanese. We encourage those just beginning the language as well as native speakers to gather at the Espresso Royale Café in Downtown Minneapolis to meet new people, discuss experiences in Japan, or simply to speak Japanese. Come when you can, leave when you must. Date/Time: Every Saturday at 3:00 p.m. Place: Espresso Royale Cafe 1229 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis, MN For more information, visit and search for the key words Japanese speaking club 月例日本人会のお知らせ 毎月日本語図書館で日本人会の昼食会 (Monthly Nihonjinkai ) を行っています 電話などでお誘い合わせの上 お友達やお知り合いとご一緒においで下さい 可能の方はどうぞ料理を 1 品ご持参願います ミネソタ州在住の日本人達で良い事を考え ご馳走と日本語で楽しい時間を持ちましょう 日程 : 毎月第 2 月曜日正午より場所 : 日本語図書館 (4231 Bloomington Ave S., Minneapolis, MN 55407) また 毎週土曜日午後 2 時からは 日本語図書館のお手伝いしてくださる方の集まりがあります 是非ご参加ください この図書館には 漫画や宗教誌約 冊や約 2500 本のビデオDVDがあり 希望者にはセルフサービスで日本人会と同じく無料で貸出しています お問い合わせは下記までどうぞ Yoko Breckenridge Cell phone: (612) Yoko@yoko4home.com Nihonjin-kai monthly meeting on 2nd Monday, at noon, at 4231 Bloomington Ave S Minneapolis, MN Become a JASM Member online! Support our mission and become a member! 1. Go to mn-japan.org 2. Click on Membership at the top 3. Select your membership type and read the benefits and instructions. Become a member on your smart phone! Japan America Society of Minnesota O Membership Application O Change of Address O Tax-deductible Donation Name Name (2nd adult of a household membership) Address City State ZIP Phone I would like to make an additional taxdeductable donation of Amount Enclosed: (Please make checks payable to JASM) Japan America Society of Minnesota 43 Main Street SE Suite EH 131 Minneapolis, MN Individual Membership Patron $1,000+ Sustaining $500+ Contributing. $100+ Individual. $30 Student/Senior $20 Household... $50 (2 adults plus children under 18)

8 Japan America Society of Minnesota Riverplace EH Main Street SE Minneapolis, MN Tel: Fax: Tsūshin April 2015 The Japan America Society of Minnesota is a non-profit, non-political association engaged in bringing the peoples of Japan and the United States closer together in mutual understanding, respect, and cooperation. Through programs and interchange, it endeavors to promote an appreciation of cultural, educational, economic, public, and other affairs of interest to both peoples. Membership in the society is open to individuals, corporations, and other organizations interested in furthering its programs. The Japan America Society of Minnesota is a member of the National Association of Japan-America Societies. (Please report any inaccuracies you find in this publication to jasm.interns@gmail.com)