News Japan Exchange Teaching Alumni Association of British Columbia
Vol 4, No.5 September 1998
Congratulations, Jason & Emi! A report of their wedding by Maki Ode
The summer of 1998 was a very memorable summer for
me.
spend several weekends driving all the way down there to arrange many things for the wedding .
of
At 11:00 a.m., the backyard of the cabin turned into a holy place when the minister, a friend of Cathy's, showed up. Then, Emi appeared in a
course, because of Jason & Emi's
simple, but, beautiful wedding dress,
Why?
Not because of the
unbelievable heat the Vancouverites
experienced
everyday.
It
is,
wedding. On behalf of the few friends who attended the wedding, I would like to share a story about their wedding with you (In fact, I have more interesting stories to talk about,
so if you are interested in them, ask me on a hike).
walking with her father. Her father,
rather
than
Emi, seemed
very
nervous; I saw him shaking a little bit while walking (I was worried if he would trip because of his
nervousness ...). The ceremony began. Led by the minister, Jason &
Their wedding ceremony was held
Emi made solemn vows to love and
on July 11th in a very peaceful resort area near Portland,Oregon, The series of events for the wedding
support each other, lit a candle and
started
with
the 'Welcome
BBQ'
where most of the guests met and got to know each other on the night before the ceremony. The atmosphere of this night was very casual and relaxed; many of us,
including Jason & Emi, were wearing jeans, and talked and laughed all the time. We enjoyed the great food prepared by Jason & Emi and Gene
& Cathy Comfort who were Emi's host-family when she did her first homestay a long time ago in Portland. There were Jason's family and relatives from New Jersey, Emi's parents from Japan, and their friends from various places. We spent a very enjoyable night together surrounded by the woods and mountains in Oregon. The morning of the wedding day was
cloudy and chilly, so we were worried about the weather during the ceremony. The clouds, however, went away, and the sun showed up just before the ceremony started. It turned out to be a beautiful day after all. The ceremony was held in the small backyard of Gene & Cathy's
exchanged their rings, and then, they were finally married. An unexpected incident was that the minister, being deeply moved by the sentences Jason & Emi made by themselves, burst into tears while giving her service (this made me burst into tears, too). Each moment was very sacred. Tranquillity was wafting in this holy place. The only sounds were the voices of the minister, Jason & Emi's and the beautiful sound of the creek behind the cabin.
J
trying out many new things together,
including organizing monthly hikes. As a friend of both, I have seen them
After the ceremony was a wedding
gradually
reception at the same cabin hosted by Jason & Emi, and Gene and Cathy. Here, the atmosphere was, again, very casual, and everybody congratulated the couple. During the reception, Jason gave a 'Thank you' speech, starting with "Thank you everybody for coming today...", which reminded me of the speeches he always makes on the mornings of the JET/Mokuyoukai hike (I am sure that
become more confident in themselves and in their lives for
changing;
they
have
these two years, by respecting and supporting each other. I am sure that even if they face any difficulties in future, they will overcome them with this good teamwork. Their wedding was different from the fancy weddings which many of you JETs probably have attended or seen on
TV in Japan; their wedding was very
those who have gone hiking with us can understand what I am talking about...). Emi was still wearing her wedding dress, holding a pretty
simple, but absolutely memorable
bouquet. She was very beautiful in
for the last two years, and, I believe,
because Jason & Emi's hearts and
passions were there. It was exactly what Jason & Emi have been doing
that dress. She looked very very
they will be pursuing together in
cabin, which was in the woods at the
happy, and, of course, so did Jason.
future, too.
foot of Mt. Hood. The place was very tranquil. The only sound we could hear was from a creek running right
Reflecting on this wedding, I really
Lastly, I would like to give my sincere
think that Jason & Emi made their
congratulations to Jason & Emi once
behind the cabin. When I saw this
backyard, I understood why Jason & Emi wanted to have their wedding at this cabin even though it was far from Vancouver, and they had had to Page 2
they had not been dating yet. After that hike, they started deepening
again. I hope their teamwork will be strengthened by this marriage, and they will keep going ahead as a married couple and as 'greatest friends' as which they have seen
their relationship little by little by
each other up to today.
own
wedding
with
their
good
teamwork. When I first met them two
years ago on the Bowen Island hike,
JET Alumni Association of British Columbia
See Maki's story on page 2. We cer tainly thank Maki for this wonderful story.
mettle.
reception for Jason and Emi (See photo on cover, top right). With over
See the announcement in this news letter for more details,
Welcome home new Alumni.
able time. It's not often we get that
Some of our readers this
This month we welcome two new
issue will be fresh back
from Japan. This is really exciting for
faces to our Steering Committee. Tanya Hill has volunteered to step
both the new Alumni as well as for
into Perren's shoes as our new
JETAABC. We hope that you will take a moment to let us know you have arrived. Since you are receiv ing this newsletter, this means the Japanese Consulate in Vancouver has been in touch. That's just the first step. The next step is to reach your Alumni Association. True, we are primarly based in Vancouver, but no matter where you live in BO (and
treasurer. Also joining us is Kevin O'Donnell. Kevin has just returned
much free food!
from Japan after completing the spe cial Japanese Teachers conference in Chiba sponsored by the Japanese Ministry of Education. Perren Stern, our treasurer and in-
house lawyer, has made the decision to return to Japan. He's gone briefly
the Yukon) you are a member of the
to Toronto to take an RSA/TESL
JETAABC. And at no cost to youll What more could you want. Check
course, and then will head to Tokyo to be an English teacher. We had a
out this newsletter, our web site and
party for him on Saturday, August
even our events. Get involved.
29th at Boleyn's house. Good luck Perren!(Story in this issue)
This issue is full of news of weddings and new things for JETAABC. So much has happened over the last 2
Before I start I'd like to tell you about a telephone call I received in August.
Our president, Stacey Rolofs, has taken on a new beau, Darryl, and
A current JET who left from Vancou
from an extremely reliable source, they are going to get married next summer (they are on the front cover, bottom left). They have a new place to live and Stacey has moved from
umnist with all the announcements to
ver In the summer of 1997 called me
up. He just wanted to say thanks for all the hard work and information we
provided at the Pre-Departure Orien tation that year. He's going to stay in
Japan for the full 3 years but wants us to know that when he finishes and
returns to BC he's going to volunteer to help JETAABC. Yatta!
Now, let's head back to the early days of July. The 11th to be precise. A small country cottage in the woods in Oregon. Jason and Emi had a nice wedding ceremony. While I didn't attend, the special guests that did go from Vancouver certainly gave us a wonderful report of the beauty of the bride, the beauty of the location and the beauty (?!) of the groom.
pled with the annual Welcome Back reception at the Consul General's home.
As always, I have to ask for your assistance in providing information to your newsletter. The next deadline for submissions is November 5th.
Submissions on any topic are welcome. If possible please submit them electronically (email or on floppy) and don't forget photos are encouraged. Contact information is on the last page of this issue.
head off to the life we left behind. It
be made this Issue.
start. I almost feel like the gossip col
Also coming up is the Re-entry Orientation/Career Day event. Cou
On July 18th was the Reception for the new JET's heading off to Japan. 101 new JET'S were preparing to was scorching hot and with us all dolled up in our suits and dresses we tended to gravitate to the bar and the shade as much as possible.
months I'm not even sure where to
This month we have our
of Jericho beach we had a BBQ
30 invitees there we had an enjoy
Come on out. Send in articles and
Upcoming events will also show our
annual fall party. This year It's being held on Saturday, September 26th.
Just one week later on the beaches
announcements. See you all soon.
photo on top left on front cover),
the Tourism School to work for
Glen & Leona Allen and Barb Onstad
enjoy the hospitality of the Consul Gen eral on July 18th, 1998 atthenewJET Send-Off Reception
JETRO in Canada Place. Congratu lations to Stacey for all these changes. Our esteemed Secretary, Ellen Clague has also announced her upcoming wedding to Michael (see cover photo bottom right). They are getting married next May. Speaking of weddings!!! At the recent hike to Ml. Baker Liz Stephen and
This newsletter produced by: Web Words Ink Services 504-1010 Howe Street
Vancouver. 80 V6Z 1P5 Tel: 604-662-7579 Fax: 604-662-7591
Email: info@ww-ink.com Web Site: www-ww-ink.com
her new fiance YasushI announced
they will tie the knot next summer as well (that's Liz taking a cookie from Yasushi's mouth at a recent hike,
Web Design/Computer Trainlng/DTP
JET Alumni Association of British Columbia
Page 3
Adieu Perren On Saturday, August 29th the Alumni GOod Steering Committee members held a going-away party for Perren Stern. He will be spending some time in
fesiaiicl'^'> ' .
Toronto before he goes back to
Japan to teach corporate English. \ l-'l
S'
3
<Ot
by Bo ley n Relova
l>: :
50%
Perren has been in the Steering
Committee for almost two years. His
greatest accomplishment in our orga nization was writing our consitution
and by-laws, which has led to our
Nanajm<»^
newest distinction as the a fully regis
tered Society in BC, the "JET Alumni Association of BC". With this new
distinction we are a registered orga
nization enabling us to be more inde
pendent of the Japanese Consulate. We will miss our in-house legal consultant. Perren plans on coming back to Canada some day to pursue
Viotcifrra
his legal practice. You can continue to reach him at
Island Alumni Rejoice
sukiyaki22@hotmail.com.
We are having a hiking event
The Vancouver Mokuyokai
Society
$25
in our neck of the woods.
Sunday, October 25th a group of mainlanders will hcome over
Islyear only
to Victoria to bask in the beauty of
the island, namely the Goldmine Trail at Mt. Finlayson. Please check out page 6 of this newsletter under the Hiking News for details. For those on the Island planning to participate please call Glen Allen at 250-3811067 or by emai l at cantec@ jdmicro.com. We will need a couple of cars to meet them at Swartz iDay
that morning. The organizers of our monthly hikes are quite excited about the chance to see a part of BC they usually can't see. Let's make this a truly Island event.
This Month's
Stone Bridge Press Tracey Nishimura Glen Allen
activities.
Contributors: Jason Hicks Maki Ode Paul Donovan
Boleyn Relova Kenneth Januszewski
Ellen Clague
Bi-Monthly Island Pub Nite Saturday, October 3rd
Thanks to all contributors
8:00pm - ??
Next Issue Deadline:
Christie's Carriage House Pub
Thursday, Nov. 5th 1998
1739 Fort Street, Victoria
Please submit materials by email or on disk (TEXT format please) if
Information: Glen Allen 250-381-1067
Alumni & Friends Welcome
Page 4
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
at all possible. Photos and graph ics are welcome and encouraged. Contact Information on last page.
JET Alumni Association of British Columbia
1 Monthly Hiking Group m Monthly Brown Bag Lunch Business Seminar
® Monthly Donwakal ® Other Events too
Vancouver Mokuyokai Society P.O. Box 48901
Vancouver, BC V7X 1A8
Alumni Night in September POTLUCK AND ALL New & Old Alumni & Friends Our ever popular annual Fall gathering over food. Each year this event has been different. Whether it's in a restaurant or on a boat or whereever, we
always know how to talk (something that the JET Program Ingrained into our
beings!!!}. This year we would like to extend a great big welcome to new and old alumni. Even if you've been back from Japan for years, this is your chance to come out. The cost is low and the fun is priceless, The details are below. What to Bring:
A Dish of Food/Dessert/Snack/Nourishment and Beverage(s) of choice. Cost:
One Gold Coloured Loonie (or any of it's silver coloured relatives). Note -- if you should happen to arrive at the party with empty
Mr. Shimokoji (Consul General of
Japan) and Mr. Ida (Vice Consul of Japan - JET Program)
hands then the cost goes up to Five Loonies. Please don't forget to bring some food and beverages.
Date & Time: Saturday, September 26th - 6pm - 10:30pm Location:
2nd Floor Party Room 1010 Howe Street (Paul's Donovan's Apartment Building) (ring suite 504 or ask the security guard for admission)
RSVP's are requested (although not a requirement) to Liz Stephen (h) 738-3360(w)684-5868 X 230.
Re-Entry Orientation & Career Day Saturday, November 7th is our annual Re-Entry Orientation and Career Day. The festivities begin at 9am with a special guest speaker (yet to be announced). This speaker's topic will be relevant to the concept of Re-Entry into Canadian Culture. While this is primarily focused on the newly returned Alumni, all Alumni are welcome to attend and participate. Speakers in the past have helped us understand the strange emotions we are feeling as we attempt to return to a culture that we know, but feel like outsiders in.
STONE
25% OFF Books
BRIDGE
Stone Bridge Press is offering a special discount to all JETAABC members of 25%. • Books • Trinkets • and more
Then starting at 1pm is Career Day. This highly successful event is welcomed each year. Whether you already have a job or are still going to school or just thinking about a career change, this day will offer you some guidance. A spe cial guest speaker will talk to us about the job of finding a job. Following this we will break into small groups and meet with representatives from various indus tries (employment agencies, import/export/trade, tourism, small business, education, and more). We hope to also have some professionals give us some advice on preparing a good resume and how to handle an interview. This is def initely a day for all alumni to attend.
all about Japan.
Date & Time:
member of JETAABC.
Check out their web site for more items and information.
If you don't have access to 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
Saturday, November 7th - 9am - Noon, 1:00pm - 4:00pm Location:
YMCA English Language Institute, Alberni & Bute (2nd Floor) Tel: 899-4161 (Ellen Clague)
Cost: $5 participation fee Information: Boleyn Relova 522-8761
Stone Bridge Press P.O. Box 8208
Berkley, CA 94707 USA 1-800-947-7271
www.stonebridge.com JET Alumni Association of British Columbia
Page 5
'his has been a glorious summer for hiking, and the Hiking Group has done its best to take advantage of it!
'July 19th. 14 people trekked out along High\way 99 to Brandywine Falls, to do an easy 4-hour loop out there. The weather was simply gorgeous, and the scenery very rewarding. I'm not sure which part of the hike I liked better; the thundering Falls at the beginning, eating iunch literally at the edge of the confluence of two swift glacier-rivers, or digging into the delicious watermelon at the end! While we certainly didn't set any endurance records this day. we did
manage to relax, enjoy the scenery and the company, and really make a fine
Hiking Group Participation Policy Group Maximum - 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 S1 voluntary contribution to the Trans Canada Trail.
outing of it. The hike to Mount Baker, on August 23rd, was rather a different story. We left Vancouver in bright summer sunshine, only to find Mount Baker enshrouded in cold cloud and occasional mist. Our handy-dandy guide-map had boldly proclaimed this hike's elevation gain to be a scant 100 feet (yes feet, not
meters!), but neglected to inform us of the rather large ridge that we first had to go up, over, and then down ... Nevertheless, 1 am pleased to report that everyone made it alive and well, although some more quickly than others. Fortunately, even under cloud-cover the scenery was superb, and at times spectacular. We even saw a few snow-patches, and I'm sure a snowball or two
were tossed by the end of the day! The scenery and trails were excellent, and I will definitely be going back sometime ... but this time. I'll bring my fleece and expect to do more climbing! Not to end on a sad note, but Emi and 1 would like to make it official: we will be
resigning from our positions of Hiking Group Co-Captains by the end of this year. We have truly enjoyed leading the group, literally over mountains and
through rivers! But we've been doing it for more than two years now,and we think it's time for someone else to take the reins for awhile. So if you're interested in helping out with the hikes, please let us know! We hope to be able to put together a small committee to run the group in the future.
Upcoming Hikes For Autumn 1998 Sunday, Sept 20: Levette Lake Loop (past Squamish) HitseJBatmg; Easy - Moderate (distance 11km, elevation gain 300m, estimated time required 5 hours) Hike Description: A wonderful hike, offering a great combination of sweep ing views changing scenery, and patches of old-growth forest! All of this
for relatively little effort - what more could we ask for??
S_athermg_Ilrrie: 8:00am downtown Cost: SB ($5 gas-money, $2 partici pation fee, $1 contribution to TransCanada Trails) RSVP: To Jason & Emi at 876-4339
Sjjnday. October 25th: Gold stream Park (Vancouver Island) Hike Rating: Easy Hike Description: Join us for the
Hiking Group's first-ever excursion to Vancouver Island, as we go to the Goldmin Trail and witness one of
the region's most famous salmonruns! Due to the ferry-rides, this will be a long day, but the hike itself will be fairly easy, and the company will be great as always! I'm told the scenery there is also very nice! Gathering Time: 7:30am YWCA Parking Lot <lc>sjtL$27 ($7 gas & parking, $17 Ferry. $2 fee, $1 contribution to
Jason & Emi at Brandywine Falls - celebrating Trans-Canada Trails) 1 week of marriage RSVP: To Jason & Emi at 876-4339 Page 6 JET Alumni Association of British Columbia
Sunday. November 15: Alice Lake Provincial Park (Squamish area) Hike_Rating:_Fairiy Easy (12km, mini mal elevation gain, 4 hours) Hike Description: As we all know, the weather in November often is not the
best, so it's important to take that into consideration when choosing a hike. Fortunately, the Alice Lake loop is enjoyable regardless of the weather. Featuring lots of pleasant forests (which also protect us in case of rain!) and 4 pretty little lakes, Alice Lake PP is a great early-winter option for get ting out of the house and out of town for a few hours. Gathering Time: 8:30am
Cost;_$8 ($5 gas-money, $2 participa tion fee, $1 contribution to Trans-
Canada Trails) RSVP: To Jason & Emi at 876-4339 after November 1st. December: No Hike in December
due to the busy-ness of the Christmas season! If, however, someone else
would like to organize a hike, please get In touch and we'll be happy to sup port you!
DREAMS COME ButTRUE FOR 1200 AT THE RAGE simple but effective, and the sound finally everyone was in. The by Jason Hicks
Not many people outside the
was
clear
and
full.
My
only
lights darkened, and the band came on stage. The crowd began cheering, the volume swelling with each new person who stepped into the lights, until it reached a roaring
their newer music, and none of their
just don't get much bigger than that.
crescendo for lead singer Miwa Yoshida. Screams of "Miwa-chan"
relatively short, about 80 minutes including the encore. I think that if
This is a band so big in Japan that
rang through the air from hundreds
the
Japanese community knew it, but August 7th was a big night
on the Vancouver live-music scene.
Dreams Come True was in town. You
people actually flew across the Pacific just to see this concert. Fans camped out overnight to be first in line for the August 6th autograph session at the Virgin
Megastore.
Good thing they did, too, because the actual event was overwhelmed, and
complaint was that they played only classic
old
tunes
that
I
am
especially fond of. The concert was
crowd
had
their way, the
of admirers, broken only by cries
concert would have gone all night!
from King Masa's fans (he being the deadpan bass-player).
But then it was over. The lights
For those of you who have never seen Miwa-chan before, let me just
the crowd began to filter out in an
stay that she's a bit of an odd character. She tends to sport funky
went bright, the DJ came on, and orderly manner. Our Dream evening had come to an end.
hairstyles and wacky clothes, and
"sign".
We left the nightclub and went around back to gel the car. Beside
she flashes an acre of teeth when
the rear entrance to the club waited
The Dreams Come True concert was
she smiles, which is often.
held at the Rage which, although large by Vancouver nightclub standards, could barely hold the 1200-odd people who packed in for
But to give her credit, she
the show. Those 1200 people got to
amphetamines. Even her speech had a rushed and >• breathy quality that suggested airhead on a
not nearly every fan got their coveted
experience one of Japanese pop's most enduring legends in a small, intimate venue, practically a personal concert by today's standards. And the price per ticket? A mere 10 bucks. Unbelievable. Truly a dream come true for a fan like me.
To
warned the
concert promoters what they had coming to town. When they first got the gig, they groaned and worried if anyone would show up. Bewildered by the size of the crowd, they asked my wife, "Do you know Dreams Come True? Are they big in Japan?" When I got to The Rage at 7:00 (show-time was billed for 7:30) there was a lineup a mile long. The scary thing is, that's not much of an exaggeration. The lineup literally all
around
the
Plaza
of
crowd
Japanese,
was
almost
punctuated
occasional
■§
had to wonder if she was on
high. Miwa-chan is a marvellous entertainer. She knows how
by
had
the
whole
her superb strong singing voice, a talent that is so rare in Japanese
pop. She can, and did, sing deep, high, soft, strong ~ often changing in a split-second.
Miwa doll. Silently, I wished them good luck.
Come True uses a lot of English in their music; in fact, their latest CD was recorded entirely in English. I
sounds. Well, despite her audience
surprisingly, we ran into quite a few
being 99% Japanese, she spoke
friends there. Also not surprisingly, it
almost entirely in English, and did it
took until nearly 9:00 to check the ID and bags of all those people. I even got to help a bit, checking Japanese
pretty well. Perhaps she will inspire more Japanese youth to dare to speak our terrible tongue!
benefit alter all!
a small gaggle of fans, hoping for one last glance of their idols. One was wearing a "Miwa-chan" outfit, and carrying a large home-made
And she proved that she actually can speak English. Like many Japanese pop groups. Dreams
the
driver's licences for the perplexed doorman. Turns out that knowing the conversion to Showa years had some
Dreams Come True
Million Kisses -1991 Albu m
place bouncing along with her. She made full use of
Not
entirely
Caucasian.
time she
always wondered if Miwa could speak the language, or if she was just good at mimicing English
Nations and nearly out to the road. The
m
bouncing all over the stage. I
to work a crowd, and in no
be fair, nobody
snaked
was full of energy, literally
The concert Itself was a lot of fun.
The musicians were all excellent,
Miwa had enough energy for all 1200 of us, the light-show was JET Alumni Association of British Columbia
Page 7
mifmmmmmmmKmmmm
Beyond Sushi by Kenneth Januszewski
If you are like me you went to Japan on the JET Program. What
closed
any
cultural gap you had worried about.
you "knew" about Japan when you boarded the plane for Tokyo were
All in all, you left Japan with fond memories of the people and the
primarily the truths (and the myths)
places. And you were relieved that, relinquishing your "mini
instilled In us all by the media. Later
we
learned
ambassador" status, you no longer had to nightly
how
uninformed we were about
pry the smile off your
Japan. Part of the reason for the
lack
face. Having learned the truth, you probably
of accurate
Information about Japan is that
most
consider
Western
that
journalists seem to never leave Tokyo. Worse, sometimes they simply do not understand what they
unfortunate
what
we
government,
"know"
the
American paper which talked about the Japanese love of nature. As proof the article explained that the Japanese
call Mount Fuji, Fuji-san to personify mountain. Most
readers probably never suspected the journalist was clueless about the trash annually littered on the mountain by Japanese who are just now learning the "pack in pack out" theory. Nor did the readers appreciate the reporter's lack of knowledge of kanji basics. If the author had asked anyone familiar
with kanji, he would have known the kanjI for yama, when added after the name of a specific mountain, is
pronounced san without regard for any special Japanese love of mountains.
If you are like me, you wish such
We
are
JETAA
involved because
the JET Program allows
Japanese even in remote corners of the country to be "up close and personal" with a galjin. This person to person contact, we hope, will eventually pay understanding
off in better between our
Japanese a
Together y
If you are like me, since you came home, along with working for a living,
you volunteer your time. I do work for the Himeji Committee (Phoenix sister city), the annual Matsuri, interviewing prospective JET
participants, acclimating the annual visiting Japanese judge In Phoenix and other ways I cannot recall now as I sit at my computer. We have also tried to tell our friends about the
made you want to scream. The
Japanese people went through and
Japanese who said outrageous things usually ended by saying, "You
live through today to give their country the highest standard of living in Asia, there would be less bashing and more understanding. Ultimately
cannot understand because you are
not Japanese." To make matters worse, by the time you walked into
If
we
all
knew
what
the
that the Japanese are more like us
sure you were cut out for teaching teenagers. After a short time,
than most of us realize.
inquisitiveness and their desire to
al l
Semester
starts
Wednesday, October 14th :00 - 9:00 pm at the MCA English Language nstitute on Alberni and ute.
The cost is only $144.00 or 10 weeks.
Classes are
eld every Wednesday except for Thursday, November 12th, due to ollday)
To Register please contact
Ellen Clague at the YMCA at 899-4161.
Minimum class size - 4
people. We will offer beginners, ntermediate and advanced classes.
we would all know what we learned,
school the first day you were not so
natural
X
countries.
told.
If you are like me, you made friends
Page 8
^
we
came to understand that
had conversations with others that
no desire to bash the Japanese, just to get the facts straight.
students
Study
in
with many fine people. But you also
errors could be corrected. You have
the
55;
two
real Japan. I took the additional step of writing a book, Beyond Sushi, A Year in Japan (actually I spent three years there but it did not have the same ring). The book is my way of trying to tell the story we all want
however,
Let's
worst representatives of the Japanese people.
I remember an article in an
respect the
it
about Japan Is primarily its big companies and
are talking about.
and
0
know more about the world beyond their islands shores
Excerpts of Beyond Sushi can be read atwww.beyondsushi.com
JET Alumni Association of British Columbia
Alumni and the general pub ic are welcome to register and attend.
Japanese Media
Powell Street Festival'88
The Powell Street Festival Is a
by Tracey NIshimura essential to the running of the festival
There are two new Japanese lan guage newspapers/magazines that have started up in the last
grass roots Japanese Canadi
every year, from fundraising to set up
an community celebration
to the stage crew to clean up.
few months.
And don't forget the sumo. One of
The first is Oops!. This is published twice per month and is in newspaper format. It's a free newspaper and is slowly finding its ways into the local area Japanese businesses. TThe writers are principally Japanese but I have noticed a couple of nonJapanese names in the listings
which began in 1977, the centennial of Japanese Canadian immigration. The festival has become Vancouver's
oldest community festival and 1998
the largest events (no pun intended) of this year's festival was the sumo tournament. Unlike Sumo Canada
marked the 22nd annual celebration.
Basho, anyone, even women can
On a shockingly tiny budget, the
join in and compete for the title of
Powell Street Festival has more than
festival yokozuna. This year's wom
survived, it has prevailed due to the contribution of thousands of volun
teer hours every year. The commu
nity spirit that rallies around the festi val every year to make it possible has made it a favorite among festi
en's tournament was cancelled
because of lack of enrollment, next year gurls... I have higher
The festival is held every year in
The target market for this newspaper appears to be the young international student living in Vancouver. This Is an ambitious project as this market is extremely mobile and hard to reach.
Oppenhelmer Park, 400 block Powell
They often talk about places outside
expectations. Don't worry, I don't think they expect us to wear those "fundoshi."
vals for many.
By the end of 1998, Vancouver will have experienced two other Japan
sometimes.
Street. The area is more known
of Vancouver too for travel. Places
festivals and the much celebrated
today for the addicts and the home of
Sumo Canada Basho but, no other
Vancouver's most desparate popula tion but, It was once the home to the
like Salt Spring Island as well as res taurant and amusement places
Japanese celebration In Vancouver is as comprehensive as the Powell Street Festival.
reviews.
Japanese Canadian community.
I do have only one technical comment
While most of the families and busi
though, the typists need to learn how
The varied menus of two rows of
nesses have left, there are still some
food booths offering homemade,
structures that remain, The Powell
to spell. One ad in the classifieds that was written in English had 7 typing or
authentic Japanese Canadian food, including chanko nabe and spam sushi, are always the festival's most
Street Walking tour offered by the
spelling mistakes In It. As I don't read
Japanese Canadian National Muse
Japanese well enough to say If there are similar mistakes in the Japanese, but I certainty hope they will do a much better job of spell checking.
um and Archives Society told surpris
notorious draw. However, there Is so
ing stories and history revealed by
much more to see and do. In 1998
the surrounding buildings.
there was a community tent with over
The two day celebration Is held every
eight community groups showcasing their roles in the community and 20 craft booth vendors. The shelter of
the Buddhist Church offers displays of bonsai, ikebana, haiku, gardening
and history and culture. Every year the children's tent and children's
activities brings more to the festival for the llttlier members of the family. Of course, there are two outdoor
stages offering non-stop entertain ment from tea ceremony, traditional
dancing, school kids, to hardcore
year on the B.C. Day long weekend (the first weekend In August.) The food Is always cheap and the entrance fee is FREE! If you are interested in getting involved, call
met the advertising director, Jeff
Cowling, at a Mokuyokai meeting recently. They are focusing a lot on the International residents too. They
starts at the end of the last one.
feature areas of 80 in each Issue.
Preparations begin in March and by July, well, it's getting a bit late if you
Places like the Okanagan and such. They welcome contributions from
want to take on a major role. The fes tival is always looking for key volun teers and becareful, festival fever is
anyone, In English or Japanese. If
infectious.
written in English they will translate it for the paper. The July issue, which I am referring to as t write, has a calender of events for the area, maps of the downtown area. Also interviews with Japanese people
the park. Another unique feature of this long running festival is that none of the performers are paid and there
in town. mtmnnnÂŤ
In the latest issue you can look for an
The Powell Street Festival is also the best event to see all the most cele
exclusive interview with Dreams
Come True. Jeff was able to get close to the group during their recent con cert and got some unique perspectives, things the other Japa nese media didn't get.
brated Vancouver taiko groups. The
story of taiko and the festival are Intertwined. In particular, two groups, Katarl Taiko and SawagI Taiko not
only bring the crowds of taiko fans but, are key volunteers that are
Japanese. It is produced monthly. I
early. Powell Street Festival planning
rock music in Japanese that blew out
is still a demand for stage time.
The second new magazine is Vancou ver Tonight. It again is published In
'Bwnouiumw
JET Alumni Association of British Columbia
Page 9
P^sf this emtemder mp mmp&mr fridge t& heip remember eur
steering Committee Members President
- Stacey Rolofs (h) 437-5859 Past President - Jason Hicks
Events Calender
Secretary - Ellen Clague Treasurer
I "Everyom is weicome to stSBnd sU@v@^ afJETMABC and/or Moksjyokai
{ - Tanya Hill
I Events & Activities
I
mgasdlms of mombemhip§Mm,except whem indicated,"
\
All Dates and Events subject to change without notice. Please
I
contact the organizer of each event to confirm your attendance.
i
|S<8§sifi«m6s®ir
ISt©
- Monthly Hike. Levette Lake Loop. Meet-
liny Place: Parking Lot behind YWCA on Burrard Street.Time: S:00am. Contact Uason 876-4339(See Page 6) ii, 1§i©
- Alumni Fall Gathering - To meet newly
ireturned alumni. Location: 2nd Floor Party Room, 1010 Howe Street (corner of [Nelson)- Paul's Home). !
|®et®g9®ir 1, HiSi (T^aairs^a^)- Steering Committee Meeting. Contact Sta|cey 437-5859 for location. All Alumni Are Welcome To Attend. 2, IfiS
- Mokuyokal Moon Viewing Party & Harbour
iCruise. $25 per person. BYOk Snacks provided. Contact Liz Stephen at 738|3360. |®©ti:®Os@[r
I - Boieyn Reiova 522-8761 I Membership
I - Liz Stephen Newsletter
- Paul Donovan (w)662-7579
j Members-at-Large
I - Kevin O'Donneil i Vancouver Island Rep.
I -Glen Allen (h)250-381-1067 I Consulate Representative I -Mr. T. Ida
HSii (Md)!n)®sd]a^$ - First class for Japanese lessons.
i$144.00 per person. YMCA ELI at Alberni & Bute. Contact Ellen Clague at the
|YMCA at 899-4161. 'SiD©
~ Monthly Hike. Mt Finlayson and Gold-
jstream Park, Victoria. Meeting Place: Parking Lot behind YWCA on Burrard iStreet. Time: 7:30am. Contact Jason at 876-4339 or Glen at 250-381-1067.
j(See Page 6)
PostaE MaBBimg Address:
i,
- Steering Committee Meeting. Contact
jStacey 437-5859 for location. All Alumni Are Welcome To Attend. '^9S®((IFir8sOs^5 - Welcome Back Reception for new alumni,
pate and Location to be annourced. 3y Invitation only. Hosted by the [Consulate.
JETAABC Bentall Centre PO Box 48121
Vancouver, BC V7X1N8
B^®v®oiiiB9®ir
Hifi
- JETAABC Re-Entry Orientation &
Career Day. YMCA English Language institute, Alberni and Bute. 9am - 4 pm. Contact Boleyn at 522-8761. Volunteers needed.(See Page 5) is ,IS®® - Monthly Hike. Lake Provincial Park. [Meeting Place: Parking Lot behind YWCA on Burrard Street. Time: 8:30am.
jContact Jason 876-4339(See Page 6) t
iP@@®mis®ir 3, iSS®
- Steering Committee Meeting. Contact
|Stacey437-5859 for location. All Alumni Are Welcome To Attend. IJaireiisaD^ 7, iSSS ([TBaafiirsdaSfJ - Steering Committee Meeting. Contact Stacey 437-5859 for location. All Alumni Are Welcome To Attend.
BI^BMaBigssfry, itS9 - Annual General Meeting (AGM)and Shinnenkai. Con-
jtact Stacey 437-5859. Ail Alumni are Encouraged to Attend. 4, iSSS
- Steering Committee Meeting. Contact Sta-
jcey 437-5859 for location. All Alumni Are Welcome To Attend. Page 10
JET Alumni Association of British Columbia
Web Site Address:
www.ww-ink.com/jetaabc Emaol Address:
jetaabc@get-info.net Editor's Td: 604-662-7579
Editor's Fax: 604-662-7591 Editor's EmmaiB:
pauld@ww-ink.com November 5th, 1998