Saying ‘Thank You’ with a Little Majik

Ottawa’s biggest J-pop artists, brothers Maynard and Blaise Plant, returned home on February 21 as Japan’s Kizuna Ambassadors (Ambassadors of Resilience) to play a sold-out show with their Sendai-based band Monkey Majik. Lucky Ottawa fans were treated to an intimate show at Zaphod Beeblebrox where Maynard, likely the most famous Canadian JET alumni, remarked that “he could see everyone – even at the back.”

Since their first mainstream success in 2006, the band has been playing increasingly bigger shows across Japan and has won over the ears and hearts of thousands of fans. An estimated 25,000 people tuned in to their first Send-love (Send愛 / Send-ai) charity show last summer in Osaka in support of relief efforts in Miyagi Prefecture.

Over the last year, Maynard, Blaise, Hideki “Dick” Mori and Takuya “Tax” Kikuchi have been steadily giving back to the people of Tohoku, their adopted home. The band members have done everything from picking up shovels and cleaning up homes in the days following the March 11, 2011, disasters to donating more than $200,000 to Miyagi Prefecture. As Tohoku Tourism Goodwill Ambassadors, Monkey Majik has helped draw tourists back to the region. In an interview with JETAA Ottawa, Tax noted “there are many good onsens (hot springs) awaiting visitors in the region” and that he looks forward to more visitors from Canada.

This past February, the band was appointed Kizuna (Resilience) Ambassadors by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs to help send the message that Japan is rebuilding and to thank Canadians for their support and contributions to Japan’s reconstruction efforts. After learning of the tragedies in Japan, Canadians have been generous and have stood in solidarity with the people of Tohoku. To date, more than $49 million has been raised to support Red Cross efforts in Japan. These donations have made it possible for the Red Cross to provide 130,000 blankets, 125,504 home appliance sets, 30,000 emergency relief kits, rehabilitate health infrastructure, assist nuclear power plant accident victims, and offer social welfare support including housing for the elderly. When introducing Monkey Majik, Japanese Ambassador Kaoru Ishikawa remarked that Japan truly appreciates the outpouring of support from Canadians.

Monkey Majik’s latest album, “Somewhere Out There” (released March 7) was one of the top ten albums in the Oricon chart in the week of March 11. The band’s latest single “Hero” is the campaign song for the Japanese Red Cross.

If we are lucky, there just might be some more Majik coming to Ottawa and other cities across Canada later this year.

CLAIR Acknowledges JETAA Ottawa's Fundraising Efforts

Learning the Language

By Gabriel Misaka, current JET, Gifu

My last six months in Japan have been abundant in new experiences. Before I share them, I would like to give a bit of my background. I am of Japanese descent but born in Brazil. I spent my teenage years in Canada. Before moving to Japan, I knew very little Japanese. I came here to learn about my grandparents’ culture and language.

I am currently living in Ena City, Gifu Prefecture. Located in the middle of Japan, Gifu is filled with many old towns with an abundance of history. It fascinates me how each town has something to offer that makes it special. During the summer, I visited many towns in the region and had a chance to see various festivals. I find Japan beautiful. Mountains and rivers surround me, and I never get tired of seeing them.

I regularly meet with a fellow JET, Susanna, to connect with my community and practice Japanese. We like to frequent izakayas (Japanese bars). Susanna is blonde with hazel eyes and speaks Japanese very well, while I possess typical Japanese traits and can speak very little of the language. This is the perfect combination to confuse and amuse locals. It also tends to lead to many entertaining events, liked when I learned how to ask for my bill in Japanese.

After spending a few hours eating and chatting with locals, Susanna taught me how to ask for the bill in Japanese (shiharaitai). After practicing a few times, I tried my best to say the expression properly. But instead of saying “shiharaitai,” I ended up saying “haraitai.” Apparently, I was actually saying: “I have a stomachache!” At this point, the izakaya’s owner started to panic. Still confused, I kept saying “haraitai” which only resulted in further panic. The problem was finally diffused when my friend intervened and explained the situation. As a result, I learned two new phrases and everyone in the bar had a good laugh.

To avoid such incidents from happening again, I have been visiting two Japanese families weekly. One family teaches me Japanese grammar and sentence structure, while the other teaches me casual conversational skills. This has been beneficial in various ways. Firstly, it is giving me the required skills to allow me communicate with the locals. But most importantly, I have found a home away from home.

The feeling of isolation and dependency while accomplishing simple tasks, like seeing the doctor or going to the bank, were my biggest challenges adapting to in Japan. I found that meeting those families to chat and ask questions about cultural things has improved my quality of life here. Another thing that I found really helpful was to join hip hop classes, as I used to breakdance back in Canada. Finding a hobby where I could meet people with the same interest has allowed me to make good local friends making the experience of Japan that much better.

All in all, I love my experiences in Japan. Every day has something new to offer!

Charity Concert - RSVP Today!

The Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme Alumni Association (JETAA) Ottawa will be hosting a charity concert at the Black Sheep Inn on May 24th, 2012 to help raise money for  Smile Kids Japan, and the Tohoku Kids Project.  Jordan Patrick, a Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme alumnus, will open the show with his mix of indie and modern folk music. Headlining the event will be the Hornettes who will keep the energy peaked and revive classic Motown, soul and funk sounds that will leave you sweaty and satisfied. The Hornettes formed in Ottawa in 2010, and since then have developed a loyal following of music lovers drawn to their ability to keep the dance floor moving. The band consists of two female front women, Anna and Irina, backed by a hot horn section and the classic trio of guitar, drums and bass.

A shuttle bus will be provided from the corner of York Street and Dalhousie Street at 6:30pm to the Black Sheep Inn, and will return once the concert ends. Tickets for the show and space on shuttle service are limited, RSVP to events@jetaaottawa.ca.

Event: Smile Kids Japan Charity Concert

Date: Thursday, May 24th, 2012

Time: starting at 7:30pm (doors open at 7:00pm)

Location: Black Sheep Inn, 753 Riverside Drive, Wakefield, Quebec

Admission: $15.00 minimum donation (cash or pre-paid donations through JETAA Ottawa or Global Giving only) *bring a printed receipt of all pre-paid donations

Shuttle: $5.00 (cash/pre-purchased tickets only) -  leaving at 6:30pm from the corner of York/Dalhousie St.

RSVP: events@jetaaottawa.ca

Q&A with JET Alumnus Colin Rivers of Marquis Entertainment

The Canadian play “2 Pianos 4 Hands” is giving its farewell performances as creators-performers Ted Dykstra and Richard Greenblatt retire from the show. “2P4H” follows the youngsters “Ted” and “Richard” as they tackle their love-hate relationship with piano lessons, exams and recitals. In January, “2P4H” played at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa. The show, which made a three-week stop in Tokyo in 2004, finds itself again in Japan this May. Colin Rivers (Nara-ken JET, 1997-2000) is now the Theatre Producer/Agent for Marquis Entertainment, which produces “2 Pianos 4 Hands.”  I had the chance to ask him about his time on JET, life as a producer and bringing “2 Pianos 4 Hands” back to Japan.

Describe being a producer.
“A Producer manages the business behind the show.  A General Manager does the same thing, but without the risk and the pressure to find the money. A New York theatre blogger sums it up perfectly… “Producers do everything! We are the bank, the therapist, the negotiator, the scapegoat, the creative, and we rarely get credit! I should add it’s awesome. Because I think it is.” 

How was your JET experience been relevant to producing?
“The JET experience strengthened my communication skills immensely. It taught me how to adapt my way of communicating with individuals and groups based on the ‘culture’ of the relationship/environment. It taught me that communication is not always about how much you can say in words. In Japan, I produced and directed three community theatre productions that were supported by the Nara Prefectural Government. They involved both JETS and Japanese friends/community members. And they were lots of fun!”

What’s a typical day for you as a producer?
“Every day is entirely different.  I start each morning by reviewing my 10-page long ‘to-do list’ and figuring out what the most critical items are – and then do them – the key things that MUST get done for me to be able to leave work satisfied and sane and at a reasonable hour (so that I can enjoy my night with my family). It’s a mix of behind the desk/email, working in the theatre/venue, and being out having meetings/communicating with people.”

Any memorable anecdotes?
“I still remember the afternoon 2002 when I reached out (through the cold medium of an email) to a very respected translator of English plays into Japanese and asked him if he had ever heard of a play called “2 Pianos 4 Hands.”  He replied within 10 minutes with great enthusiasm, and from there he went on to work with me to broker the tour partnership with one of Japan’s largest theatre companies (Shochiku) for a 2004 tour. And here I am, answering these questions from a hotel in Tokyo in 2012 as we prepare for a revival tour to Tokyo and throughout Japan later this spring. Sometimes you just have to ask…” 

Could you tell us about the revival tour of 2P4H to Japan?
“My hope is that it’s a big hit again and that through this opportunity, we’ll be able to continue working with Shochiku to develop a Japanese team who can perform the show again in the future. I would also like to see the show be produced commercially in China and Korea with new performing teams.    
I still remember the opening night in 2004. The audience responded politely, but was very reserved compared to what the performers of 2P4H are accustomed to. After the show, the two actors were very concerned that the show wasn’t received overly well, but then our Japanese co-producer came bounding backstage saying that he’d almost never seen such an enthusiastic response to a show.  And that’s when we learned it was a hit and that Japanese audiences, as with all different cultures, will respond in their own way.”

Any advice for aspiring producers?
“Just get out there and produce a show – something within your community or at a fringe festival.  Figure out what’s involved by working on as many projects as possible that requires mostly time and energy (as opposed to financial risk) and develop your own process.” 

Tickets, tour dates and more info can be found on www.2pianos4hands-japan.com. Watch a show in Tokyo, Sendai, Nagoya and Osaka this May.

Alumni Profiles: Where Are They Now?

JET alumnus Jordan Patrick rocks out and tells our editor about his inspirations, songwriting, and fundraising efforts

When Jordan Patrick was a newly minted JET adjusting to life in the small village of Toyone in 2009, he found some familiarity after he bought a used guitar from another Aichi-ken JET. “Without it, I don’t think I would have been able to adequately express myself and take advantage of all the great ideas and emotions -- some not-so-great -- that were floating around during that initial culture-shock phase,” Jordan said. He later scored his Takamine guitar after visiting a vintage shop with his supervisor.

Jordan – now back in Ottawa after completing his JET responsibilities last summer - played his guitar at live shows, bus stations, mountain summits and beach parties in Japan. He also joined a taiko group in his village. He filled his classrooms with music, noting Japanese youngsters truly enjoyed “Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes” on the guitar.

In playing with other Japanese and foreign musicians, Jordan was introduced to new approaches to music. “It was always about the experience, the crowd interaction and the general spirit of enjoying music.” He has been inspired by all types of musicians, from Canadian fingerstyle guitarist Don Ross to the Beatles to the Foo Fighters. As he started songwriting with local and foreign musicians, Jordan wanted to create an album to promote music, community involvement and raise charitable funds in Toyone. Armed with the help of many friends, he made recordings featuring the koto, the shakuhachi flute, the taiko, the djambe drum and his students.

With sponsorship from his Board of Education and AJET, Jordan released “The Heart of Toyone” CD last June. For one of the tracks, “My Hometown”, he collaborated with his students and asked them to write some lyrics and sing. He organized the first-ever Anjyanai Festival – featuring exhibitions of art, music and food -- to launch the CD. Musicians from Toyohashi and Nagoya provided live entertainment. People were also treated to some rakugo, dance demos and innovative storytelling. “Everyone in Japan wanted to help.” The music project raised $4,000 and a portion went towards the original plan of buying two guitars for the music programs in Toyone schools. The rest was donated in support of relief efforts in Japan after the March 11th earthquake and tsunami. Copies of the CD are still available from Jordan. “Everyone in Japan wanted to help,” he said. “Even those who hardly felt more than a rumble up on our mountain in Toyone.” Growing up in a musically-inclined family, Jordan played all kinds of instruments but was always drawn to the acoustic guitar.

He joined forces with his father, Marc Victor, to officially create their singer-songwriter duo, Lincez, a few years ago. Making their debut album was challenging, given the vast distance separating the two members. Even the magic of Skype wasn’t a surefire way to hold practice sessions. They mainly relied on e-mails and status updates. Two generations, different time zones and four years later - they are now releasing their first full-length folk album together, titled “Rain or Shine.”

Visit www.lincez.com or grab a CD from ITunes. Lincez’s CD release party will be hosted at Bassline Pub & Eatery on June 9. For tickets, please contact thelincez@gmail.com. Jordan will be performing at the Smile Kids Japan Charity Concert at the Black Sheep Inn on May 24. 

Remembering 3/11: Vigil on the Hill

By Maureen Barry, 2007-10 JET, Fukushima 

A year ago, parts of eastern Japan faced devastation and danger. This past March, a reception and vigil to commemorate the first anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake were held by the Canada-Japan Society of Ottawa (CJSO), Ottawa Japanese Canadian
Association (OJCA), with JETAA Ottawa’s support.

At the reception, everyone folded paper cranes with hand-written messages of hope and love, and brought them to the candlelight memorial service at the Centennial Flame on Parliament Hill. Origami cranes were later sent to schoolchildren in Motomiya-shi, Fukushima.

The vigil was everything I could have hoped for to commemorate my former home. Three hundred people gathered around the flame with candles and sent love in whatever way they knew how. Members of the crowd bravely told their experiences during the Earthquake, including my good friends, Matt Hawthorne and Lisa Fournier.

I was worried I would leave the vigil feeling sad or that it wouldn’t do justice to the lives lost and lives still struggling in Japan. I didn’t though. The amount of love and support in Ottawa for Japan and its people was incredibly touching and beautiful to see.

Remembering Acts of Kindness

By Matt Hawthorne, 2007-11 JET, Fukushima

Thinking back on March 11th is difficult for me, as one emotion seems to take precedence over others – guilt.  I find it hard to discuss my actions with friends and family, because I don’t feel my situation was as severe or extreme as others have experienced. I feel embarrassed I haven’t contributed as much towards the relief efforts, charities, or even participate in discussions about the nuclear crisis. I freeze up when people ask me, “How was it?” I don’t know how to answer properly without trivializing what I went through.  

I regret most my inability to properly thank

members of my community for doing so much for me and my fiancée during those difficult times. More than anything, I want to call those people and express how deeply grateful I am for their compassion. But then I feel inadequate for even thinking about it. I hope writing about some of these acts of kindness will help me reconcile my emotions.

“It is hard to explain how amazing it was … to wash away some stress.”

In our town of Ueda, we were fortunate enough to live near a raised barrier protecting our neighbourhood from the tsunami. The streets were filled with mud, debris and some overturned cars; but for the most part, we were spared from any significant water damage.  In the next town of Iwama -- just a kilometre and a half from our apartment -- dozens of homes were washed away, others were completely destroyed, and 12 people lost their lives. Electricity and gas were still running, but our water had been cut off. The first few nights were spent sleeping under the living room table, with the television turned on just in case any new developments concerning the reactor came on. After a few sleepless nights, tension was running high between me and my fiancée as we processed whether to stay in Iwaki or fly back to Ottawa.

The third day after the quake, Sasagawa-san, a nurse from one of my visit schools, came to check on me and two other ALTs living in the apartment complex. She and I had gotten along well on a professional level, but never had personal interactions outside of work. Despite this, she invited the four of us to dinner. That night, we were treated to a delicious curry dinner, hot showers, and best of all, a sense of normalcy.

It is hard to explain how amazing it was to have a warm, home-cooked meal and the chance to wash away some stress. With the calming atmosphere of her home, my fiancée and I relaxed slightly and discussed the situation with Sasagawa-san’s family. She knew there would be food shortages and her water line would eventually be suspended for conservation needs. Yet, she still showed immense generosity to four outsiders. After dinner, we thanked her and her family for their hospitality and all slept a bit easier.

“It was acts of charity…I will always remember most about March 11th.”

This was just one example of the many times Japanese colleagues or ALT friends went out of their way to look out for me. It was acts of charity like these that I will always remember most about March 11th. Personally, my thoughts during the disaster were mostly selfish, always assessing the next steps for my situation. It seemed to be the opposite for people like Sasagawa-san, who put their needs aside in an attempt to help others. On the fifth day after the quake, my fiancée and I voluntarily evacuated Japan for Ottawa and stayed there for two months.  During that time, I kept a pretty low profile; I didn’t want to talk too much about what we went through.  In May, the two of us headed back to Iwaki to finish our contracts and to volunteer with the clean-up efforts.

I’m not really sure how to end my reflections, except that I think it might be time for me to call Sasagawa-san. I’d like to let her know how I feel.  

Facing 3/11 in Gunma

By Anna Joynt, 2010-11 JET, Gunma

I was a first-year Ottawa JET living in Maebashi, Gunma when the earthquake struck on March 11th, 2011. All prefectural JETs had gathered in downtown Maebashi for our spring meeting at the kencho. We had just paused for a break when the building started to jump and sway. From the moment we first arrived in Gunma, we had been told by locals that the prefecture was one of the safest when it came to natural disasters. They attributed this notion to its geographical location. Gunma is nestled in the mountains right in the heart of Japan. When the earthquake hit, our group remained calm despite the long-lasting tremors.

Trains had been cancelled and the majority of the prefectural JETs were stranded in the capital. Thankfully, we were a very close-knit community and people's homes were opened up so that everyone could have a safe place to rest for the night.

“Leaving Japan at such a critical moment was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do.”

My husband, who remained in Canada, was supposed to make his first trip out to Japan two weeks later. Given our uncertainties and fears of nuclear fallout, we decided it would be best to cancel his trip and for me to return to Canada while we waited for things to calm down.

Leaving Japan at such a critical moment was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. I did not want to leave my friends, students and colleagues behind. I felt I was abandoning them but I also could not stand to see my family and friends back home worry about my safety.

When I returned a few weeks later, I was greeted with gasps and smiles. Despite my assurances, most of the other teachers did not expect to see me again. While the situation was still volatile, I knew I could not abandon the friendships I had made. I needed to be there for them and show I cared; so together we started to put the pieces back together again.

Newsletter - April 2012

Download a copy of spring editon of the JETAA Ottawa's newsletter created by our newsletter editors, Maureen Barry and Gemma Villanueva. Have a story for the next newsletter? Email newsletter@jetaaottawa.ca

Message from Ambassador Ishikawa

First of all, let me take this opportunity to congratulate you on the launch of your new quarterly newsletter.

Participants in the JET Programme play an invaluable role in strengthening Japan- Canada relations as Canada’s young ambassadors to Japan. Upon returning to Canada, you continue to play a role in building bridges between our two countries. I greatly admire the tireless work that JETAA Ottawa does to further strengthen and reinforce the friendship that exists between our two nations.

Thanks to your work and dedication as ALTs and CIRs in Japan, children, as well as “former” children all over Japan have developed affection for Canada and have really become “future-oriented”. Today, nearly 500 Canadian JETs are working in various regions of Japan with the goal of further strengthening Japan-Canada relations. In my opinion, this is one of the most positive results of the JET Programme.

“I greatly admire the tireless work that JETAA Ottawa does…”

I know that some of you experienced the Great East Japan Earthquake last year while living in Japan. You faced fears that many would consider unimaginable, and with boundless courage, you overcame your fears in order to continue working with the JET Programme. More importantly, you put on a brave face and helped bring calm and stability to the hearts and minds of your students. For this I am truly grateful for your efforts and I would like to express my sincere sympathy to those who experienced the disaster in the affected areas.

I would also like to once again express my deep gratitude to JETAA Ottawa and all its members for all your work after the disaster, organizing various fundraising events to not only raise money but awareness for those in the affected regions. This show of solidarity and support will never be forgotten.

I know that many members of JETAA Ottawa continue to contribute to the network of friendship between Canada and Japan, and for this I would like to say “Thank you”. While our two countries are an ocean away, JETAA Ottawa
helps to bring our two nations closer together on many fronts. I look forward to this continued collaboration and I wish you all continued success with your organization.

Sincerely,

Kaoru Ishikawa
Ambassador of Japan to Canada

Smile Kids Japan Charity Concert

The Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme Alumni Association (JETAA) Ottawa will be hosting a charity concert at the Black Sheep Inn on May 24th, 2012 to help raise money for  Smile Kids Japan, and the Tohoku Kids Project.  Jordan Patrick, a Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme alumnus, will open the show with his mix of indie and modern folk music. Headlining the event will be the Hornettes who will keep the energy peaked and revive classic Motown, soul and funk sounds that will leave you sweaty and satisfied. The Hornettes formed in Ottawa in 2010, and since then have developed a loyal following of music lovers drawn to their ability to keep the dance floor moving. The band consists of two female front women, Anna and Irina, backed by a hot horn section and the classic trio of guitar, drums and bass.

A shuttle bus will be provided from the corner of York Street and Dalhousie Street at 6:30pm to the Black Sheep Inn, and will return once the concert ends. Tickets for the show and space on shuttle service are limited, RSVP to events@jetaaottawa.ca.

Event: Smile Kids Japan Charity Concert

Date: Thursday, May 24th, 2012

Time: starting at 7:30pm (doors open at 7:00pm)

Location: Black Sheep Inn, 753 Riverside Drive, Wakefield, Quebec

Admission: $15.00 minimum donation (cash or pre-paid donations through JETAA Ottawa or Global Giving only) *bring a printed receipt of all pre-paid donations

Shuttle: $5.00 (cash/pre-purchased tickets only) -  leaving at 6:30pm from the corner of York/Dalhousie St.

RSVP: events@jetaaottawa.ca

A Lesson in Unconditional Compassion

By Jason Ishida, current JET, Fukushima-shi

Fukushima City has about 300,000 people, with a cozy atmosphere and convenient lifestyle. For those of us who have lived here, we hold a special place in our hearts for Fukushima - our second home. Having taught here for more than three years, I feel a strong sense of responsibility, both as a teacher and community member, to aid in Japan’s recovery. Others feel the same, and as a result, have done some miraculous things since the Great Tohoku Earthquake.

“I was continually amazed by the strength of the Japanese people...”

Two days after the quake, refugees from coastal areas were pouring into my school's gymnasium seeking food and shelter.  Teachers were working tirelessly to manage the influx of refugees and trying to distribute the limited amount of bread and onigiri (rice balls). While handing out food, my first instinct was to hide how much we had, so people didn't get greedy and take more than necessary. The Japanese mentality is exactly the opposite. I saw a woman give back a bag of food, because someone in her group had already taken some. For them, if you take too much for yourself, you are depriving another. This was the first of many instances where I was truly grateful to be in this incredible country. I was continually amazed by the strength of the Japanese people and how well they coped with such a devastating disaster. Even though many lost homes and loved ones, they endured while remaining compassionate towards others.

It was heartbreaking to leave my colleagues, but I felt it was unfair to my loved ones in Canada to stay. I left not knowing if I would ever come back to the life I'd built here. Thoughts of all the friendships I'd formed rushed into my head and I was overcome with intense sadness and guilt. People around me couldn't hop on a plane and escape. This is when I realized I had a larger role to play in the recovery effort. We were all in a unique position to tell our stories to raise money and awareness overseas.

“Certain situations …prove to calibrate our sense of what truly matters.”

The further we traveled from Tohoku, the more normal life seemed. After arriving at Tokyo Station, I instantly felt refreshed and took a deep breath of the polluted city air. We came from a situation where people were lining up for water and gas for hours, grocery stores were rationing food, and we were constantly refreshing the BBC Daiichi Power Plant news feed. The tension in the air dissipated and the constant stress of uncertainty disappeared.

As I sat in a Starbucks using Wi-Fi to keep up-to-date with the news and checking in with my family, I listened to the conversations around me. People really had no idea how dire the situation was, and we hadn't even left Japan yet. We tend to get caught up in what we convince ourselves is important.

“It wasn't until hearing my friend talk about the tsunami…that I realized the lasting mental impact this disaster would have.”

Certain situations, whether we subject ourselves to such experiences or they are forced upon us, prove to calibrate our sense of what truly matters.

While back in Canada, with the help of my family and friends, we worked to promote awareness and raise money for the relief effort. We did everything from speaking at fundraising events, schools and doing news interviews, to creating a Hope for Japan pin to fundraise. We held a charity lunch where English teachers from affected areas spoke of their experiences.

It wasn't until hearing my friend talk about the tsunami flooding his school that I realized the lasting mental impact this disaster would have for years to come. It was an exhausting time in Canada, but I felt an obligation to do everything in my power to make a difference.

When I returned to Fukushima, teachers and other Japanese friends were grateful, albeit surprised, to see me. People who call Fukushima home have a deep-seated desire to see it restored to how it once was: famous for Japan's best peaches and a tourist spot to view cherry blossoms. It seemed to help them cope with the uncertainty of the situation and overcome the devastation by working as a community.

“It's ingrained in the Japanese people to put one foot in front of the other and bond together to overcome whatever problem they are faced with.”

Everything changes when you're faced with a life- threatening situation. Survival instincts kick in and it's hard to think with a level head and stay calm. Yet throughout the crisis, there were very few reports of violence and theft. Refugees were welcomed and accommodated by volunteers who worked tirelessly to distribute food and help them feel comfortable. People lined up for hours, patiently waiting for necessities such as food, water and gas.  Not once did I hear talk of giving up.

It's ingrained in the Japanese people to put one foot in front of the other and bond together to overcome whatever problem they are faced with. I have nothing but the utmost respect for how the Japanese people maintained their composure and it amazes me to see how much progress has been made in the last year. I'm thankful to the people of Japan for not only treating me like one of their own, but for teaching me unconditional humility and compassion.

JETs in Japan なう！

Last summer, a new wave of Ottawa JETs met at the Macdonald-Cartier Airport and hopped on a plane bound for Japan. JETAA Ottawa caught up with two ALTs who are now experiencing their first winter working and living there. We would like to extend our thanks to Gabe in Gifu and Ingrid in Gunma for sending in their stories. Read Ingrid’s vignette online.

“Japan is my home away from home”
By Ingrid Morin-Strom

I became a JET last summer. I work and live in Takasaki City, Gunma; my area is a small farming town called Yoshii. Previously, I was a substitute teacher.  My decision to join the JET Programme was motivated by my interest to teach abroad, immerse myself in a new culture, become more independent and connect with old friends.

Being an Assistant Language Teacher has its challenges and its rewards. When I attended teachers’ college, I learned to go beyond the textbook and to encourage creative thinking amongst students. By contrast, the teachers at my Japanese schools design several creative lessons with the textbook as the centerpiece.

I truly enjoy spending time with many friends on the weekends, and every day feels like an adventure in Japan. Everything is new and exciting. I have worked hard to learn katakana, hiragana and even some kanji. Speaking in Japanese is still a challenge for me, so I haven’t been able to form very strong friendships at work. Outside of work, I have many friends, many of whom are Japanese; most of them speak English quite well, so unfortunately I don’t practice speaking Japanese with them very much. I’ve had the chance to connect with four of my close Japanese friends whom I had met during a study-abroad program in Ireland six years ago.

I am having the time of my life in Japan, and even decided to re-contract. I love Japanese culture.  I like that people in Japan say “itadakimasu” before eating and “gochisosama deshita” after eating to show appreciation for their food.  I enjoy singing karaoke and going to festivals and various events with my friends on weekends. I balance a professional life with a more spontaneous life.

I recently went on three trips.  I went to the Tobu World Square in Tochigi, the Jigokudani Yaenkoen Snow Monkey Park in Nagano and to a festival in Ikaho. The Tobu World Square has miniature sculptures beautifully illuminated during winter of most of the famous sights in the world.  The structures have such intricate details, and look almost identical to the real famous structures in various parts of the world.  At the Jigokudani Yaenkoen Onsen, I was less than a foot away from some of the most adorable monkeys in the world.  It was an experience I can’t really describe in words.  In Ikaho, I tried making mochi and saw children dressed up like dolls.

When I first arrived in Japan I had severe culture shock.  In fact, I felt unhappy and wanted to go home.  I had jumped into the unknown. Now, I feel as though Japan is my home away from home. I have reached a state of extreme happiness and peace.

Dragonboat

An Invitation Program to Japan for Social Media Writer

Are you active in the world of social media?  Do you have many friends and followers who read and enjoy what you write?  The Government of Japan invites you to participate in an opportunity to travel to Japan and share your experience through social media. The main objective of the participants’ visit to Japan is to share their impressions, positive experiences, and attraction to Japan through social media such as blogs, Facebook, and Twitter. Participants will be able to witness a vibrant Japan as it recovers from the disasters of March 11, 2011. edit: the deadline has passed

Save the Date - Aug. 18

JETAA Ottawa has already begun plans for our 8th annual Japanese Summer Festival. This year the festival will take place at Vincent Massey Park on Saturday, August 18 2012.

Currently we are looking for people interested in preforming at our summer festival, volunteers, donation of items for a raffle, or for people who wish to reserve a table for the sale of Japanese goods or services.

Please contact summer.festival@jetaaottawa.ca to discuss all matters related to the summer festival. 

As in previous years the event will be free.

Newsletter Release Party

Job Opportunity

The Japanese embassy in Ottawa is currently looking for an Administrative Assistant for their Medical Affairs Section. The primary duties of this position include: making appointments and managing schedules for diplomatic officers; drafting, editing and proofreading correspondence, writing reports and other documents; maintaining files on  subjects of interest. The position also involves providing primary research support when required.

If you are interested in this opportunity, please view the complete job description here and apply as directed before April 13, 2012.

Commemorative Coin Design Contest

Call for Entries to the Coin Design Contest for Commemorative Coins for the Great East Japan Earthquake Reconstruction Project

The Ministry of Finance and the Japan Mint is calling for entries to a contest to design coins for the new 10,000 yen gold coins and 1,000 yen silver coins which will be issued to commemorate the Great East Japan Earthquake Reconstruction Project.

The closing date for submissions is March 21, 2012.

For all specifications and requirements please go here.