Letter From the CEO - Madeline Adams

 
 

Many people think of the beginning of the year or spring as seasons of fresh starts and renewals. However, I have always felt that the end of summer also marks a new beginning. With the summer slowing down, there is the promise of cooler weather, a new school year has begun, and JAST is launching its new year of programming.

The JAST team has been hard at work building the 2022-23 season of programming to present unique experiences, networking opportunities, and JAST’s signature programs and festivals, many of which have already been announced!

Recently, for the first event in the Mitsui Lecture Series, JAST members and special guests gathered for a night of sake tasting and networking at the newly opened Rice Vice by Proper Saké Co. in Nashville. In addition to learning the science and history behind sake making, everyone walked away enlivened and hopeful with the connections made and the delicious refreshments provided. I, along with the JAST staff, am looking forward to meeting you at an upcoming event!

Registration Now Open for the 2022

Southeast U.S.-Japan Conference

 
 

We are pleased to announce that registration for the 44th Annual Joint Meeting Southeast U.S.-Japan & Japan-U.S. Southeast Associations is now open. The Southeast U.S.-Japan conference will make its long awaited in-person return November 16-19 in beautiful Orlando, Florida. JAST Corporate Members are eligible to receive a discount on their registration.

Join Tennessee Head of Delegation, Commissioner of Economic and Community Development Stuart McWhorter, for this prestigious gathering of global business leaders. The Southeast U.S.-Japan conference celebrates longstanding economic and cultural ties and offers delegates from Japan and seven Southeastern U.S. member states unparalleled opportunities to meet key contacts and leverage international connections. More information here

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact jastninfo@jastn.org.

 

Join Us For the Next Installment of

Reading Between the Lines with JAST

Yurina Yoshikawa returns for the next installment of Reading Between the Lines with JAST. This virtual series features books by Japanese authors that have been translated to English. 

First published in Japan in 2003 and never before published in the United States, Dead-End Memories by Banana Yoshimoto a book of short stories of five women who, following sudden and painful events, quietly discover their ways back to recovery.

Do you live in Nashville? You can find the book at Parnassus Books on their bookshelf dedicated to book clubs! Receive a 10% discount when you checkout in person by saying you are in the JAST Reading Between the Lines Book Club. Discount is not available for online purchases. Shipping is available for non-Nashville residents.

 
Register Now
 

JAST Congratulates Recipients of The 2022 Mitsui U.S.A. Foundation Scholarships in Tennessee Program

 
 

From Left to right:

Sophia Sakura Aiello, Landry Ellese Dupree, Olivia Katherine Layman, Leonard Frank Phegley III

 

JAST is excited to introduce the four outstanding Tennessee high school seniors selected by the Scholarship Review Committee for The 2022 Mitsui U.S.A. Foundation Scholarships in Tennessee Program. 

Sophia Sakura Aiello

Sophia, from Memphis in Shelby County, will attend The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Visiting family living abroad and with different backgrounds, including her mother’s family in Japan, encouraged Sophia’s interest in other countries. She plans to enroll in UT’s study abroad program, intern with international companies, and pursue her career in Journalism and Electronic Media on a global level. 

Landry Ellese Dupree 

From Gallatin in Sumner County, Landry will attend Middle Tennessee State University. She plans to pursue a career in the global aerospace industry and will major in Aerospace Maintenance Management. As the world becomes more connected, Landry sees her future contribution to the global community will be mentoring young women and encouraging them to join STEM related fields.

Olivia Katherine Layman

Olivia will also be attending The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. From Farragut in Knox County, Olivia has been passionate about learning Japanese since meeting a Japanese classmate in 5th grade. She plans to study Japanese and Architecture at UT, participate in UT’s Tokyo study abroad program to learn about Japan’s unique architectural style, and reunite with her friend. 

Leonard Frank Phegley III 

Leonard is from Bethel Springs in McNairy County and will be attending The University of Memphis. The son of a missionary, Leonard has lived in and visited many countries. He is interested in an international career that will combine his language skills and the study of law and political science, and give him the opportunity to continue to connect with people from around the world.

Now in its 19th year, The Mitsui U.S.A. Foundation Scholarships in Tennessee Program was established by The Mitsui U.S.A. Foundation to provide educational opportunities to college-bound Tennessee high school seniors and to promote cross-cultural understanding between Japan and Tennessee. The scholarship program is administered by the Japan-America Society of Tennessee.

Established in 1987, The Mitsui U.S.A. Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Mitsui & Co. (U.S.A.), Inc. for active, social contribution programs in communities where the company does business. Currently, it supports more than 50 initiatives across the U.S. in the areas of education, community welfare, arts & culture, employee matching and volunteerism.

JAST joins The Mitsui U.S.A. Foundation and Mitsui & Co. (U.S.A.), Inc. in congratulating these exceptional, globally-minded students and wishing them much success in college and in their chosen careers.

 

The 2022 Women’s Leadership Forum &

Networking Luncheon

 
 

Mark your calendars for the 2022 Women’s Leadership Forum & Networking Luncheon on Thursday, October 20th. The event will be held at the Frist Art Museum.

JAST's Women's Leadership Forum brings into focus the critical need to invest in the advancement of women everywhere, but specifically in the U.S. and Japan. By advancing social and economic equality, women from all walks of life stand to benefit from participating in societies free from gender bias. In turn, both the U.S. and Japan reap rewards aplenty in the form of future jobs growth, economic and political stability, and inclusive prosperity. This year’s program will be focused on financial empowerment. Details will be announced soon.

 

Sponsor the 2022 Memphis Japan Festival

 
 

The Memphis Japan Festival is a family-friendly, interactive, and hands-on experience of Japanese culture featuring food, entertainment, games, crafts, and more! The day is packed full of performers including a rock show by Kazha, magic tricks from the roving Candyman, and awe-inspiring circus acts and magic by the Kent Family Magic Circus.

Please consider joining sponsors City of Memphis, NKC of America, Inc., Shelby County Government, Tennessee Arts Commission, TVA - Tennessee Valley Authority, Brother Industries (USA), Inc. and The Mitsui U.S.A Foundation  to maintain the high quality of artists and offerings the Festival features and help JAST continue to bring this important event to the Memphis and West Tennessee communities. Contact Ginger Byrn at gbyrn@jastn.org or Madeline Adams at madams@jastn.org for more details.

Upcoming Japan-America Society Events

 
Kamogawa: The River at the Heart of Kyoto

September 9, 2022 7:00 pm ET

Presented by the Japan-America Society of Boston

 
 

Join the Japan-America Society of Boston and Kyoto Guide Club (KGC) for a virtual introduction to Kamogawa River, a one-of-a-kind communal locale in Japan’s most traditional city. Kyoto locals and KGC volunteers will discuss why the Kamogawa is such a central spot for rest and recreation in Kyoto, much more than the Seine in Paris or Thames in London. They will also answer questions for the curious traveler!

BUDO: PART 3 - KYŪDŌ

September 29, 2022 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm ET

Presented by the Japan-America Society of Boston

 
 

Join the Japan-America Society of Boston and Byakko Kyudojo for an introduction to Kyudo, the centuries-old practice of Japanese archery. This is the third installment in their BUDŌ Series, featuring traditional Japanese martial arts. The event will provide a window into the precise yet deceptively simple practice of Kyudo, including an introduction to common equipment and basic techniques, such as the “Seven Coordinations.” Attendees will also have the opportunity to ask questions about the history of Kyudo and its everyday mental and physical benefits.

Guide to Daily Living in Tennessee 

 
 

Moving to a new area is daunting, especially if it's in a different country! JAST created the Guide to Daily Living in Tennessee (in Japanese) for newcomers and long-time residents alike. The guide is intended for Tennessee residents originally from Japan, whether new or long-time residents, and provides essential information on aspects of daily life that may differ from Japan or other parts of the world.

Information featured includes how to open a bank account or obtain a driver's license, interpretation guides for the grocery store or the weather forecast, where to find medical services, and much more! Please let your Japanese friends, colleagues, and neighbors know about this helpful resource guide. We also welcome suggestions or additions to the guide that may have been overlooked, or that may be specific to your community. 

We hope this will help our Japanese communities across Tennessee! 

https://www.jptnguide.org/ 

JAST is generously supported by these outstanding partners

 
 
 
 
 
 

Austin Peay State University

Baker Donelson

Jack and Barbara Bovender

DENSO Manufacturing Tennessee, Inc.

Clay and Cathy Jackson

Komatsu America Corp.

The Mitsui U.S.A. Foundation 

Office: +1 615-663-6060

jastninfo@jastn.org

www.jastn.org