Japan Exchange Teaching Alumni Association of British Columbia
Your Sea
Name Our New
r Submissions
Editor's Sums Report...,,
Vanig^Ver Islam
Moi^Pokai MemI
September Aluillj^Event
5
News Flash
5
Re-Entry Orientation/Career Day Stone Bridge Press Offer Hiking News 1998 Prep Seminar Report
5 5 6 7
Book Review - The Broken Bridge
7
Calender of Events (for Fridge)
8
Vol 4, No.4
July, 1998
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Two of our Steering Committee members have resigned for very
good reasons. They have left BO to teach. Jim Ivanoff left early in
June for Japan. Sue Wong left the end of June for Hong Kong. Both have left with no set time to
return. It's Japan and Hong Kong's gain and our loss. Now comes the hard part. We need to fill those seats on the
Steering Committee. Our Presi dent has asked me to spread the
seats we are looking to fill are Directors-at-large. This means that there is no specific portfolio of
responsibility but that your role is to support and help with everyone else. Your position would last
My third issue. I'm starting to get the hang of this newsletter editing
until the Annual General Meeting
business. The biggest thing that I
(AGM) in January when you
have noticed is the lack of stories
would have the option of being
submitted. Maybe I'm to blame. 1 didn't call you to ask you for an
voted into office.
Please volunteer immediately. Just like the war posters of old said,'We Need You!"
article. Did I have to? The Alumni
Association is your group. This news letter is your voice. We want to see
your ideas in this newsletter.
word in this newsletter that we
This issue contains many interesting tidbits of news about various alumni. Jim Ivanoff and Sue Wong have left
are looking for people to toss their hat into the ring and volunteer to
join our committee. If you or anyone you know would like to
Canada and retumed to Asia (Japan
and Hong Kong, respectively). They
become a member of the JETAABC Steering Committee
will be missed. Jason Hicks, our ven
erable past president, married Emi
please contact Stacey (299-3608) by July 31 st. At the next Steering
Nakazawa.
The Powell Street Festival is coming
Committee meeting on August 6th we hope to be able appoint
up again. We are sending off 100
the new members.
now already planning for the return of
What are the duties and responsibllities of this role? The JETAABC Steering Committee meets each month on the first
Thursday of the month. The
new JET's to Japan. We are even
mufmm
JET's from Japan. We could see even
another 50 people Join our ranks this
year as a result of the Cross Canada
NEEDED
Name Our Newsletter Submissions Entry A - The JET Effects (A"Newsletter for those people who-were once a JET^—
Entry B - Wlizuki Kaihou (Dogwood Report/Newsletter) Entry C - JET Lag
Alumni Newsletter mailed out to all Canadian JET's in May. Our Associa
tion has even attained a fully legal status as a Registered Society in BC
(Thanks Perren for your hard work). Your Alumni Association continues to
expand. We are exploring new ways to encourage alumni to participate. New events are Just some of the areas we are working on. We are
even talking to the Vancouver Mokuyokai Society and the Canada Japan Society to see if we can work togeth er and co-sponsor some events, both social and business oriented.
Entry D -StS - Seihou (Western Report/Newsletter)
I hope that you will contact us with ideas and suggestions.
This newsletter produced by:
Entry E - Senseisations
Web Words Ink Services 504-1010 Howe Street
Entry F
Hokusei Kaihou
(North-West Report/Newsletter)
Vancouver, BC V6Z 1P5 Tel: 604-662-7579
Fax: 604-662-7591
Email: info@ww-ink.com
Entry G - Genktriclty Times Send in your vote to the address on page 3
Page 2
JET Alumni Association of British Columbia
Web Design/Computer Training/DTP
SUMO CANADA BASHO A GIANT SUCCESS!On June 6th and 7th. the PNE Coli seum was transformed into a setting unlike anyone had ever witnessed before. The big event was the Cana da Sumo Basho. and for two exciting
days Vancouver was treated to a
selling sumo memorabilia and of
by Lori Tiefenbach
course the opportunity to have your
atmosphere. 1 found it amusing to
picture taken with your friends at the "purikura" ("Print Club") stand. The
read the individual bios of the rikishi
concourse level was no less lacking
them were not even born when I
in Japanese atmosphere, boasting
was. Bigger doesn't always mean older, I guess!
tournament equal in size
The first day ended with Akebono being crowned the winner. Reports
and caiibre to any major sumo event in Japan.
were that the second day was even
The excitement began
more tense with the supposedly
several days eariier with
injured Takanohana defeating his
the arrlvai of the big guys at the Vancouver Airport.
older yokozuna brother, Wakanohana and Akebono to claim the overall
Images in the news showed small crowds of excited Japanese tourists gathering around 40 or so
championship. Apparently, the broth erly match-up was something one hardly ever gets to see, even in Japan. Obviously, we in Vancouver,
kimono-clad, weary look
ing rikishi. An autograph signing session took place on Thursday at the V Megastore, which disappointingly failed to yield me an autograph or even a glimpse of Akebono, Musashimaru, or Takanonami (the
good looking one with the glasses). On the first day of the tournament, the outside of the PNE was alive with the sights and sounds of Japan.
Brightly coloured flags decorated the entrance, along with various stands
In the program and note that most of
were a fortunate bunch. It would be
great if an international sumo basho could become a yearly event,
koto "and Tea ceremony demonstrations, sumo sculptures and works of art, and to the delight of
spreading interest about Japan and Japanese to people in different countries. I. for one. enjoyed myself
my Japanese companion, real Japa-
Immensely and hope I have the
nese sake'
chance to see these sumo greats up
A video detailing the history of and
^gain someday,
various particulars about Japan's national sport preceded the tournament. Finally, it was time for what we had been waiting over a
year to see: the grand entrance of the Japanese sumo stars on Canadi an turf. The crowd erupted in cheers as each rikishi made their way onto
the dohyo. which had been meticu
lously constructed using special soft soil from Burnaby after it passed the examination of the National Sumo Association. The Kids Sumo was
popular with the audience, who roared with laughter as the huge wrestlers swung a group of brave lit tle kids around by their thongs,(what
do you call those things anyway!?) The next few hours were a blur of
bright colours, big bodies, and trails of salt as the round robin tournament
progressed. The commentary, in English by Konlshiki (I wonder who makes his suits?) and Katrina Watt, the NHK English sumo commentator
in Japan, was well done and informative. Every so often shouts of "AKEBONOOOOOO"
or "MUSASHIMAROOOOOO" added
interesting background to the festive JET Alumni Association of British Columbia
Page 3
are still tossing around the idea of a JET alumni pub night. There
iot
has been interest, but I simply
haven't had the time to organize
anything. Perhaps the best solu tion Is for me to just pick a date and do it. If no one shows, then
I'll be there drinking by myself. So be it.
GO
50%
Victoria JET Alumni Pub
Night
Saturday, July 25 (8:00pm ~) Garrick's Head Pub
(in Bastion Square) For more info contact Glen at 381-1067
The Reunion Dinner (May 16) and Mixer (May 24) were great successes. The Mixer in particu lar seemed to go much more
smoothly than last year, largely due to the fact that it was held
prior to the Vancouver Prepara
All going well, we will possibly
The Vancouver Mokuyokai Society
turn this into a bi-monthly event
(i.e. the last Saturday of every odd month - Jan/Mar/May/
July/Sept/Nov). Mainlanders, of course, would always be wel
$25
come to attend.
istyearonly
tion Seminar rather than after it.
This helped to keep the discus sion more "JET-focussed" and
gave the new recruits a chance to absorb some information and pre
pare better questions/comments before heading over to Vancouver the following week. Kudos to Leona and Anna for their help in
This Month's Contributors; Jason Hicks
Ellen Clague
Join the Mokuyokai Society for the first time and you get 50% off. This Is a special offer for all JET Alumni. Now is your
chance to join an extremely interesting group, with many fun and exciting events and
preparing the food, and a big ban
Paul Donovan
zai to Koto Restaurant for ,
Stone Bridge Press Boleyn Relova
activities.
This is the 4th year that Koto has provided sushi for the Mixer, and
Glen Allen
the owner herself told me this
Liz Stephen
© Monthly Hiking Group © Monthly Brown Bag
the
great sushi (and discounted bill!).
year what an honour it is for her shop to be able to assist us with this annual event. On behalf of the Vancouver . Island
membership, I hereby declare Koto as the unofficial sushiya-san of the Vancouver island JETAABC.
Lori Tifenbach
Thanks to all contributors
Lunch Business Seminar
Next Issue Deadline:
© Monthly Donwakai
Thursday, Sept. 3rd, 1998
© Other Events too
Please submit materials by email or on disk (TEXT format please) if at all possible. Photos and graph ics are welcome and encouraged.
The only other news is that we
Page 4
JET Alumni Association of British Columbia
Vancouver Mokuyokai Society P.O. Box 48901
Vancouver, 80 V7X 1A8
Alumni Night in September Congratulations Mr. and
Our ever popular Fall Event for Alumni is fast approaching. While we don't
have details on location, date, time or even price please keep your last Friday evening open (that's when it's been the last two years) for this magnificent event. Enkai memories will abound. Long lost acquaintances will be there. Meet some of the newly returned alumni. Contact Boleyn Relova later in August for more information (522-8761)
Mrs.
Jason & Emi
Hicks. They were married In
Oregon on Saturday, July 11, 1998.
On Sat
urday, July 18th from 11 ;30am to
2:30pm there will be a special Beach BBQ Recep tion at Jericho Beach for them.
Cbngfatulatloils to: Christy Hlingworth Kevin O'Donheli I' ^ David Suiz
on being accepted to the Japa nese Language Teacher's Training Program put on this summer in Chiba by the Minis
try of Foreign Affairs. These three people and 23 others from around the world will be
attending from July 26th to August 9th. I don't know about you, but this just makes me so jealous. A chance to go to Japan forfree!
If you can attend please call Liz asap at 738-3360
I don't, know . if you're interested, but "Dreams Come True" the Japanese pop group
are coming to Vancouver to play at "The Rage" nightclub on August 7', 1998. The tickets go on sale at Ticketmaster tomorrow (July 9th) and are the low, low price of $10-00'^ Maybe you could mention this in the.newsletter, in case there are some fans out there.
From Liz Stephen
25% OFF Books
PRESS
stone Bridge Press Is offering a special discount to at! JETAABC members of 25%.
iV.'
• Books • Trinkets
Re-Entry Orientation &
• and more
all about Japan. Check out their web site for more Items and information.
Career Day 1 know it's really early to be thinking about events for the Fall but we are looking
If you don't have access to the
for volunteers and ideas. In late October or early November we will again host
our Re-Entry Orientation and Career Day. This event has grown each year and we anticipate an even bigger turnout this year. The newly returned alumni will be wondering where to go. Reverse Culture shock will be hitting them heavy duty by that time. This event is not just for the new alumni but also for the
Internet, write to Stone Bridge Press directly for their cata logue and be sure to mark on your order form that you are a
alumni who've been back a long time.
member of JETAABC.
The Career Day portion of this event is also a highly successful activity. In the past we've had representatives from various industries in BC come to talk to us about looking for that elusive pay cheque. Again this year we will have industry representatives come.
If you would like to offer your services to plan and organize this event, or if you have any contacts with business people, speakers, presenters or more please contact Boleyn at 522-8761. See our next newsletter for the announcement of
Stone Bridge Press P.O. Box 8208
Berkley, OA 94707 USA 1-800-947-7271
www.stonebrldge.com
the date and location of this magnificent event. JET Alumni Association of British Columbia
Page 5
Hiking Group
Hlklfftg HÂŤws llll/Ce
IllU/ IQf
IIPOQMING HIKES - July 19th
May and June were a study of opposites in outdoors experiences for the
Hiking Group. From salty seas to alpine glaciers, we saw it all! May 24th saw 10 adventurous souls
gather for a morning of sea-kayaking at Deep Cove. Despite threatening clouds, we bravely set out across the
Brandywine Falls, near Whistler. Meet downtown at 8:30am. Cost $8
per person ($5 gas money,$2 partic ipation fee, $1 donation to Trans Canada Trails)
Participation Pollcv Group Maximum â– 20 No more than 2 guests per
member(maximum of 5 guests) $2 will be charged as a
participation fee for each event Also we are making a $1
voluntary contribution to the Trans Canada Trail.
Difficulty Rating: ** (easy hike,
If anyone has any preferences please let me know (Glen Allen -
about 8 kilometers round-trip, not a
250-381-1067).
lot of elevation gain)
way across despite the choppy seas
For July, we've chosen a nice easy
The proposed hike would be Mt. Finlayson in Goldstream Park. It is
and steady wind. Just as we were
inlet, and succeeded in battling our
hike for everyone to enjoy. The
about a 45 - 60 minute hike each
savoring the taste of victory, the skies
Brandywine Falls hike is a pleasant
way, with a spectacular view of
opened up and began soaking us with
ramble through the local scenery, and features a suspension bridge and the breathtaking Brandywine Falls! It should be a very nice hike for everyone, and we encourage you
Victoria, the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Olympic Mountains
(weather permitting, of course) from
to come out and join us!
Involve a little bit of clambering
Please RSVP to Jason & Emi at 876-4339. PLEASE NOTE: WE WILL BE AWAY FROM JULY 8TH UNTIL JULY 14TH. So please RSVP to our Voice-Mail, but don't be
up/around rock faces. On a dry day wet there are a number of other
surprised if you don't hear from us
of these is the "Goldmine Trail",
a steady rain. But on the plus side, the bad weather meant we had few other craft to deal with on the water, and we crossed back to Deep Cove with a minimum of effort thanks to the same seas and wind that gave us
trouble in the beginning. The entire
trip was made worthwhile by getting that unique sea-kayak perspective of the beautiful scenery around Deep
Cove, and by the sudden appearance of a curious seal just 3 meters from our boats during our return!
For the third year in a row, we took the Hiking Group to Joffre Lakes for what is one of our favorite hikes in the
region. On June 19th, the weather was perfect (sunny and warm, with a pleasant cooling breeze), and once again 10 people made the trip. The Joffre Lakes, located approximately 30 minutes northeast of Pemberton,
are a string of 3 shimmering pale-blue lakes fed by a mountaintop glacier. The trail took us past each of the 3 lakes, and finally to a large rock-field from which we enjoyed spectacular views of the glacier above and the
for awhile!
Aiiqii.'^t 23rd: Mount Baker (Washington State) Downtown meet ing time TBA. Cost: $9 ($6 gas money, $2 participation fee, $1 donation to the Trans-Canada Trail) Difficulty Rating: *** Intermediate hike, some significant elevafion-gaih. Will make you sweat from time to time, but certainly achievable for
anyone who gets some exercise
make the most of it!
Please RSVP to Jason & Emi at
876-4339, after August 1st.
which goes up to an old abandoned goldmine (dated around the turn of the century) and the E&N Railway trestle before finishing at the 48m
waterfall on Niagara Creek (known as none other than "Niagara Falls"). If the hike is held later In October, annual Chum/Coho/Chinook salmon
run should be underway. That is,
assuming there are any fish left in the oceans in the first place!
As for transportation, hikers coming
Ferry Terminal and walk on the ferry to Swartz Bay, where vehicles would be waiting on the other side. I have a 7-passenger van, plus we would try to round up another cou
ple of vehicles here in Victoria. If anyone wished to bring a vehicle over from Vancouver, this would be
a slightly more expensive (but very
nr.tobar Hike Information - After
welcome) option as well. After a wee nip at one of Victoria's
some discussion during the Van couver Island Reunion Dinner in
many public houses, we would transport everyone back to the ferry
May. the idea of organizing a hike in
terminal, and you can figure It out
the Victoria area has gained some
from there...
Interest. Although the hike is tenta
Please Mark Your Calenders
tively scheduled for sometime in
Hike Captains: Jason & Bmi
October, the dates are still flexible.
Tel: 876-4339
Page 6
very appropriate alternatives. One
ed to carpool to the Tsawwassen
On a clear day, you can see Mount Baker towering majestically in the distance, southeast and across the border into Washington state.
October - Victoria's Mt. Finlayson and Goldstream Park
trails in the park which would be
under 14 allowed.
There's a lot of great alpine hiking to be had up there, and we intend to
August 23 - Mt. Baker September - TBA
it should be no problem, but if it is
from the mainland would be expect
have not been, we highly recommend
Future Hike Dates July 19 - Brandywine Falls
erately difficult hike, and does
from time to time! Sorry, no children
upper lake below. For those who it!
the summit. Mt. Finlayson is a mod
JET Alumni Association of British Columbia
1998 Preparation Seminar Report
Book Review by Paul Donovan
by Boleyn Relova
The Broken Bridge - 1997 Donald
This year, 1189 applicants applied for
provided by Fuji Catering.
the 1998/99 JET Program in Canada. 20% of those applicants were British Columbians and finally 38% of the BC applicants were chosen.
On the 31st. ALT's learned about the
On May 30th and 31st, the JETAABC hosted the 1998 Preparation Seminar for 92 JET'S. This was the 3rd year that the Consulate allowed the Alum ni Association to produce the Semi nar and without a doubt, it was a complete success! The Seminar was held at two venues:
BCIT's new downtown campus and
Robson College. For the first part of the Seminar participants gathered at the BCIT Main Meeting Room to hear
Richie.
Japanese Education System and Team Teaching while ClR's had a
personal discussion regarding their new position. Japanese Etiquette and Culture was also a presentation
that participants appreciated.
Finally the last gathering of the Semi nar was the Regional Discussion
Group. It gave participants a chance to meet their neighbours and ask many questions. During this interac tive session, the Alumni gave their candid insight of their experiences in Japan.
During the two-day Seminar, partici pants heard many wonderful and very real stories which stemmed from different experiences of the Alumni. In about a month's time, they will be
creating their own stories. For the participants, it was a time to have their worries caressed. For the Alumni, it was a time of reflection and
healing as they shared their experiences.
With the remarkable support of Mr. Ida and Ms. Nakano of the Consulate, the Preparation Seminar would not have been possible. Spe cial thanks to the main organizing committee who assisted me (Paul D..
This book is a small collection of gai
jin writers. They are writing about things that we might never have experienced. 37 short stories in all. Authors range from housewives to business people, English teachers to company workers. They cover ideas about Japan from Nude Books to a Japanese Jew to Mr. Butterfry. One story I read in this book was
actually a bit funny and brought back memories of the JET experience. A new gaijin to Japan was hired to teach in a rural High School, The entire school had somehow gotten
the idea that this guy was short, fat and Mexican. When in fact he was
only short and from New Orleans and with Italian background. The school had decorated the whole teacher's room with Mexican decorations. It sure reminded me
about the many things that hap
pened in my JET days when the Japanese would do special things for me cause they misunderstood me.
This book is an interesting read. ISBN 1-880656-31-0
Tanya H., Stacey R., George K., Liz S.) and the other 25 volunteers. You
The Broken Bridge - 360 pages
all contributed to the success of the
Bridge Press. It sells for US$18.95
Seminar. ARIGATOU.
our main speakers speak on JET History, Packing, From Now 'til Sept
When we went to Japan we had only one side of the experience as gaijin.
The book is published by Stone but remember if you order it direct
you will get it for 25% off (only $14.21).
1st and Culture Shock & Adaptation. For the rest of the Seminar, partici
pants were divided into small groups according to their interests, job title and prefecture. The 35 minute Mini-Seminars were
very popular with the 'newbies'. It was a great chance for them to dis cuss specific topics such as Money &
Broken Bn
Taxes, Health and so on. The smaller
group setting eased them up to ask questions.
The Saturday night reception was full of energy! Everyone packed Robson College's main foyer area. It was time to relax and mingle amongst new JET'S and Alumni. I'm sure
everybody enjoyed the ample sushi
JET Alumni Association of British Columbia
Page 7
Put this calender up on yourfridge to help remember our Alumm events Steering Committee Members President
Events Calender "Everyone is welcome to attend ail events ofJETAABC and/or Mokuyokai regardless ofmembership status, except where indicated." All Dates and Events subject to change without notice. Please
- Stacey Rolofs (h)299-3608 Past President - Jason Hicks
Secretary - Ellen Clague
contact the organizer of each event to confirm your attendance.
Sunday, July 19, 1998 - Monthly Hike -Brandywise Fails. Meeting Place;
Treasurer - Perren Stem
Parking Lot behind YWCA on Burrard Street. 8:30am. Contact Jason 876-4339 Events & Activities
(See Page 6) Saturday, July 25, 1998 - Victoria JET Alumni Pub Night. Garrick's Head Pub (in Bastion Square). BiOQpm. Contact Gien 250-381-1067.(See Page 4) Saturday & Sunday, August 1 & 2, 1998 - Powell Street Festival. Again this year the Japanese Consulate will have a booth there. Alumni are welcome to come and assist as they talk about the JET Program and Japan. Contact Mr. Ida 684-5868 x 255.
- Boleyn Relova 522-8761 Membership - Liz Stephen Newsletter
- Paul Donovan (w)662-7579 Members-at-Large
Thursday, August 6, 1998 - Steering Committee Meeting, Robson
- Vacant
College, 541 Seymour Street. Contact Stacey 299-3608. All Alumni Are Wel
- Vacant
come To Attend.
Sunday, August 23, 1998 - Monthly Hike -Mt. Baker, Washington. Meeting Place: Parking Lot behind YWCA on Burrard Street. Contact Jason 876-4339 (See Page 6)
Vancouver Island Rep. - Glen Allen (h) 250-381-1067 Consulate Representative - Mr. T. Ida
Thursday, September 3, 1998 - Steering Committee Meeting, Robson College, 541 Seymour Street, Contact Stacey 299-3608. Ail Alumni Are Wel come To Attend.
Late September, 1998 - Alumni Fall Gathering - To meet newly returned alumni. Details not set yet. Please see next month's issue for details. Contact Boleyn at 522-8761 in August for more information. Late September, 1998(Sunday)- Monthly Hike. Date & Destination To
Be Announced. Meeting Place: Parking Lot behind YWCA on Burrard Street. Contact Jason 876-4339(See Page 6) Thursday, October 1, 1998 - Steering Committee Meeting. Robson
JETAABC Contact Info Postal Mailing Address: JETAABC Bentall Centre PO Box 48121
Vancouver, BC V7X1N8
College, 541 Seymour Street. Contact Stacey 299-3608. All Alumni Are Wel come To Attend.
Web Site Address:
Late October, 1998 - Monthly Hike. Mt Finlayson and Goldstream Park, Victoria. Meeting Place: Parking Lot behind YWCA on Burrard Street. Time &
www.vwv-lnk.com/jetaabc
Date To Be Announced. Contact Jason at 876-4339 or Glen at 250-381-1067.
jetaabc(gget-info.net
(See Page 6)
Late October or Early November, 1998 - JETAABC Re-Entry Orienta tion & Career Day. Date and Location to be announced in next newsletter. Con tact Boleyn at 522-8761. Volunteers needed.(See Page 5)
Early November, 1998 - Welcome Back Reception for new alumni. Date and Location to be announced. By invitation only. Hosted by the Consulate.
Thursday, November 5, 1998 - Steering Committee Meeting. Robson College, 541 Seymour Street. Contact Stacey 299-3608. All Alumni Are Wel come To Attend.
Page 8
JET Alumni Association of British Columbia
Email Address: Editor's Tel: 604-662-7579 Editor's Fax: 604-662-7591 Editor's Email:
pauld@vwv-ink.com Next Deadline
September 3rd, 1998