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November 2024 Newsletter

Last chance to register for the JASA 35th Anniversary Celebration Dinner & Business Forum!

毎年、アラバマ日米協会(JASA)は、アラバマ州内外の会員やゲストが集まり、交流し、食事を楽しむ特別なレセプションとディナーを開催しております。

このイベントでは、アラバマ商務省による日本企業の表彰やサミュエル・ウルマン賞の授賞式に加え、ゲストスピーカーによる講演も行い、日本とアラバマの長きにわたる友好関係を祝います。さらに、翌朝にはビジネスフォーラムを開催し、ゲストスピーカーがアラバマ州でのビジネスに関する貴重な情報や最新の動向を共有します。

皆様のご参加を心よりお待ちしております。 

JASA CELEBRATION DINNER

Date: Thursday, November 7

Time: 5:30 PM - 9:00 PM

 - Registration begins at 5:00 PM

 - Reception at 5:30 PM

 - Dinner & Program at 6:30 PM

Location: Renaissance Birmingham Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa


This year features keynote speaker Camille P. Dawson, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs at the U.S. Department of State. DAS Dawson will share insights into Japan’s role in world affairs from the State Department's perspective. We’ll honor the Alabama Department of Commerce’s New and Expanding Japanese Companies in Alabama and present the 2024 Samuel Ullman Award.


JASA BUSINESS FORUM

Date: Friday, November 8

Time: 8:00 AM - 10:30 AM

 - Registration begins at 7:30 AM

 - Buffet Breakfast at 8:00 AM

 - Program at 8:30 AM

Location: Renaissance Birmingham Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa


The next morning, our Business Forum will feature guest speakers, including Hiro Kagohashi, Executive Vice President of Mazda Toyota Manufacturing; Mark Moore, General Manager of Topre America Corporation; David Sides, International Trade Manager at the Alabama Department of Commerce; and Kiyoshi Tanigawa, Executive Director of Keidanren (Japan Business Federation) USA. They will share their perspectives on conducting Japanese business in Alabama from both Japanese and local viewpoints, as well as provide an overview of the current and future Japan-Alabama business relationship.

REGISTER TODAY!

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!

Upcoming Events

November Kayoubikai + Onigiri Action


Tuesday, November 12

6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

JASA Office: 2081 Columbiana Road Birmingham, AL 35216


What is Onigiri Action?

TABLE FOR TWO USA (TFT) is a 501(c)(3) organization tackling global food imbalances. From October 3 to November 16, 2024, post a photo of onigiri (rice balls) with #OnigiriAction, and their partners will donate to provide 5 school meals to children in need. [More Info]

To support this, we’ll make onigiri and share photos on JASA's social media! Everyone is welcome, whether you’re a member or new to our community.

Please RSVP to secure your spot, as tickets may sell out quickly.


RSVP HERE!

November Language Club Meetup


Wednesday, November 20

6:30 - 8:00 p.m.

Hoover Public Library


Join us once a month at 6:30 PM to study Japanese! Our self-study club uses Genki as our main resource, and members of all proficiency levels are welcome! Review the grammar section at home, and come prepared for workbook exercises and conversational practice during our sessions!

英会話を練習したい方、新しいお友達を作りたい方、メンバーの日本語勉強を手伝ってくれる方も募集しています。ぜひお気軽にご参加ください!



Join our Facebook Group to RSVP! 

BECOME A JASA MEMBER!


Our members enjoy basic benefits as well as special support from JASA for welcoming Japanese guests, coordinating events, and more. Whether you are Japanese or American, represent a group related to Japanese business and culture, or just have an interest in Japanese culture, we welcome all members. 


If you are interested in our membership program or would like more information, please contact us at officemanager@jasaweb.org or visit our website.

Click Here to Join JASA!

Welcome! New JASA Member

Nihongo-de-USA.は、不動産の取得で資産構築を目指す投資家と共に日系、韓国系企業の駐在員や出張者の賃貸物件探し、賃貸住宅の創造と管理を専門とする会社です。住まいは生活の基盤であり、安心して快適な環境を提供することで日韓の企業のサポートと地域の経済発展に貢献しています。


Nihongo-de-USA. specializes in assisting expatriates and business travelers from Japanese and Korean companies in finding rental properties, as well as in the creation and management of rental housing in collaboration with investors aiming to build assets through real estate acquisition. Housing is the foundation of life, and by providing a safe and comfortable environment, we support Japanese and Korean companies and contribute to the economic development of the local community.


【アラバマ州ハンツビル、マディソン地域でスタッフ募集中】

Nihongo-de-USA.LLCでは、日本からの駐在員のお家探しや賃貸住宅の管理をサポートするスタッフを募集しています。パートもしくはフルタイム、業務委託&フルリモートです。詳細はこちらをご覧ください。ご興味のある方は、akiko@nihongo-de-usa.comまでご連絡ください。

Culture/Education Opportunities and News

SAMURAI: Sunrise, Sunset Exhibit at History Museum of Mobile 


September 27, 2024 - January 12, 2025

111 South Royal St | Mobile, AL 36602


The History Museum of Mobile presents "SAMURAI: Sunrise, Sunset", an exhibition showcasing 100 historic artifacts from Japan’s samurai era, on display until January 12, 2025. Featuring full samurai armor, helmets by renowned maker Ryoei, swords, and decorative objects, this exhibition explores the samurai class and the Bushido code. Special programs will offer additional insight into samurai history, art, and traditions for all ages.


For more information, check the website.

Dothan Anime-Fest 2024


Saturday, November 16

10:00a.m. - 5:00p.m.

Dothan Civic Center

126 N St Andrews St #214, Dothan, AL 36303


Dothan Anime-Fest is Alabama's ultimate anime convention, bringing fans of all genres together in Dothan for a day filled with collectibles, cosplay, and pop culture fun! Enjoy a live Sailor Moon concert, meet anime industry professionals, and explore exhibitors offering everything from manga and cosplay to video games and unique anime candy. Don’t miss this must-attend event for anime enthusiasts!


For more information and ticket purchase, check their website.

おうちごはん! (Ouchigohan) Tsukurioki Cooking Class


Sunday, November 17

5:00 - 6:30 p.m. (EST) via Zoom

Japan-America Society of Georgia

$10 Members | $15 Non-members


Join JASGeorgia's November edition of Ouchigohan!—a family-friendly online Japanese home cooking class series—as they explore Tsukurioki (作り置き), the Japanese art of meal prep. Learn to make simple, versatile dishes like portioned rice, chicken meatballs, pickled cauliflower, and marinated eggs, all prepped for easy, fresh meals throughout the week. Perfect for busy schedules—no fancy containers needed!


Register here

Alabama Asian Cultures Festival | Drums Across

Asia


Sunday, November 17

2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Bessemer Civic Center


The Alabama Asian Cultures Foundation invites you to the 2024 Alabama Asian Cultures Winter Festival: "Drums Across Asia," taking place on November 17, 2024, from 2:00 to 6:00 PM. Enjoy Asian artistic performances, a variety of delicious savory and sweet Asian foods, and vendors showcasing unique Asian merchandise. Enjoy dessert from food trucks outside! Admission is $20, which includes tokens for 3 food samples and 2 drinks. For updates, visit their Facebook page.


Purchase tickets here

Business Opportunities and News

The 2025 JET Program application is OPEN!


Applications for 2025 departures to Japan will close on Friday, November 15th, at 11:59 PM HST!


Don’t miss your opportunity to live and work abroad as a cultural ambassador on the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program next year!



Commerce Sec. McNair leads Alabama delegation to SEUS-Japan joint meeting


Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair is leading an Alabama delegation at the SEUS-Japan Alliance meeting in Charlotte to strengthen ties with Japan, a key economic partner. The event focuses on enhancing trade, exploring investment opportunities, and fostering collaboration in sectors like automotive, aerospace, and renewable energy. Alabama has seen significant Japanese investment, creating thousands of jobs, particularly in automotive manufacturing. The state aims to position itself as a premier destination for innovation and investment, especially in emerging industries like electric vehicles.

Alabama leaders kick off EV Technology Center project to boost training


Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair joined state and local leaders to celebrate the groundbreaking of a $30 million EV Technology Center at the Alabama Robotics Technology Park near Decatur. This 40,000-square-foot facility aims to enhance Alabama’s automotive workforce for electric vehicle production and emerging technologies. Set to open in early 2026, the center will support the state's shift to EV manufacturing and strengthen partnerships with industry and educational institutions, ensuring workers are equipped with the skills needed for future automotive innovations.

An Alliance to Counter China’s Aggression


China’s aggressive approach—where power equates to legitimacy—has backfired, leading to strengthened partnerships among the U.S. and its Indo-Pacific allies. The Biden administration has enhanced security ties, forming significant alliances with Japan and South Korea, and Japan and the Philippines. China’s economic coercion tactics, including mercantilism and debt-trap diplomacy, have prompted countries like Australia and Lithuania to rally support and resist its influence. To effectively counter China, a trade-defense coalition could be established, mirroring NATO’s collective defense. The U.S. should integrate economic strategies into its broader response to China, leveraging partnerships and countermeasures to provide leadership and deter aggression in the developing world.

Anime Is Japan’s Next GlobalChampion


Japan’s anime industry is emerging as a major global entertainment force, potentially rivaling Marvel. The market for anime has surged to $20 billion, driven largely by international demand, which comprised about half of total revenue in 2022. Streaming platforms like Netflix are capitalizing on this trend, with anime content experiencing significant growth. Major companies, including Sony and Toei Animation, are poised to benefit from the increasing popularity and merchandise sales. With its expanding reach, anime offers promising opportunities for both audiences and investors.

Japanese Automakers Team Up on Software Development; Aim to Compete with U.S., China in SDV Market


Toyota, Honda, and Nissan have agreed to collaborate on developing in-car software and standardizing specifications for vehicle functions. Meanwhile, Suzuki will partner with chip manufacturers to advance autonomous driving software. This initiative aims to enhance Japan’s competitiveness against U.S. and Chinese automakers. The Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry plans to promote Software Defined Vehicles (SDVs) and develop talent in automotive software.

Japan’s Political Shakeup


Japanese voters have ousted the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) from the lower house, reflecting widespread frustration with political scandals and economic issues. The LDP, in power for nearly 70 years, lost significant seats, while the Constitutional Democratic Party (CDP) gained around 50. Voters expressed a desire for stronger defense amidst rising regional tensions but opposed tax increases to fund it. The CDP’s unclear economic alternative failed to win them a mandate, highlighting the need for a coherent plan to strengthen both the economy and defense without imposing additional burdens on citizens.

Headwinds Growing Against Ishiba Administration; Landslide Election Loss Forces Position Change on Political Activity Funds


A recent Yomiuri Shimbun poll shows a significant drop in approval ratings for Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba due to public anger over political funding scandals. The ruling parties lost their House majority, prompting Ishiba to seek cooperation with opposition parties and announce plans to abolish controversial political activity funds.

22 Japanese-language schools accredited under newly introduced system


The education ministry accredited 22 Japanese-language schools under a new system to ensure quality education for Japan's growing foreign population. These schools must meet staffing and curriculum standards and report operations annually. Schools accepting foreign students need accreditation within five years. With foreign residents surpassing 3 million in 2023, the government has also eased visa regulations to help students find jobs.

Please contact us at officemanager@jasaweb.org if you would like your organization/event featured in our newsletters!

Japan-America Society of Alabama

2081 Columbiana Road #10

Birmingham, AL 35216

(205) 703-0960

www.japanalabama.com

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