Register Today for JASA 35th Anniversary Celebration Dinner & Business Forum, November 7th & 8th! | |
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。
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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.
SPECIAL EVENT: GOLF AT ROSS BRIDGE
Join us for a golf outing at Ross Bridge after the forum with tee-off times starting at 12:00 PM! Please register by Tuesday, October 22!
SPONSORSHIP
We offer a range of sponsorship levels that provide exposure at the event and across our platforms. Your support is vital to the success of our Annual Dinner and Business Forum, and we truly appreciate it. If you're interested in sponsoring or have any questions, please reach out to Rio Nunley, JASA Assistant Director, at officemanager@jasaweb.org.
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THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! | |
We are excited to introduce Kanami Welchel, who will be joining JASA as the Fall Intern!
"My name is Kanami Welchel and I am a senior at UAB, from Lincoln, AL, studying Japanese and Business Administration. I am also the president of UAB’s Japanese Culture Club where I oversee our board as we create and encourage a space for students to experience and celebrate Japanese culture. In my spare time I enjoy traveling, reading, and playing with my 3 month old cat, Tora! My goal at JASA is to be as useful and reliable in my work as possible so that I may assist the organization in their continuation of fostering and strengthening the relationships between Alabama and Japan.
I am so excited to work with everyone at JASA, and am beyond grateful for the opportunity that they have given me to learn and grow not only as an intern but as a person. I cannot wait for all that we have planned for this fall!”
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October Kayoubikai / 10月の火曜日会
Tuesday, October 15
6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Umami Birmingham: 2808 7th Ave S #117, Birmingham, AL 35233
Join us for our Kayoubikai! It's a great opportunity to meet new friends with similar interests, practice Japanese, and strengthen connections within our JASA community. Whether you're a JASA member or new to the community, all are welcome! Please RSVP at least one day in advance to secure your spot. While there's no cost to attend this event, please note that everyone will be responsible for their individual bills after the meal. We look forward to seeing you there!
RSVP HERE!
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October Language Club Meetup
Thursday, October 24
6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
JASA Office
Join us once a month on Thursdays at 6:30 PM. Our self-study club uses Genki as our main resource, catering to different skill levels and goals—from travel phrases to JLPT preparation. Study the grammar section at home and join us 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!
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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.
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Culture/Education Opportunities and News | |
Introduction to Japanese Maples Featuring Highlights from the Garden’s Collection
Thursday, October 10
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Birmingham Botanical Gardens
Few trees are as beautiful as the “autumn welcoming tree,” or Japanese maple. With thousands of varieties and cultivars, including hybrids, the iconic Japanese maple tree is among the most versatile small trees for use in the landscape. Join us to hear Ross Callaway, longtime Gardens volunteer and Japanese maple enthusiast, tell the story of the Gardens’ collection.
Register Here
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Kokedama Workshop
Saturday, October 12
4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Common at the Frank
Join this event for a special Kokedama Workshop to learn about the ancient Japanese art of crafting moss ball plant displays, with all materials provided, plus snacks, drinks, music, and exciting giveaways. Everyone will leave with a special gift bag and new creations in this unforgettable event blending creativity and community.
Purchase Ticket
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Japanese Autumn Celebration
Sunday, October 20
12:00 - 4:00 p.m.
North Alabama Japanese Garden
Entrance Fee: $10 per car (carpooling is recommended)
The North Alabama Japanese Garden is hosting the Autumn Celebration at the stunning Monte Sano State Park! Enjoy demonstrations of traditional martial arts, Japanese children's dance, and a kids' music recital.
If you’re interested in becoming a vendor, please submit the online form here.
For updated event information and parking details, check their Facebook.
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Concert: Atarashii Gakko!
Sunday, October 13
8:00 p.m.
The Eastern, Atlanta GA
Atarashii Gakko! is hitting the road for their AG! Calling tour, celebrating their newest album. The four-member Japanese pop group, known for their individuality and high-energy performances, has released 24 singles and contributed to the Ghostbusters soundtrack in their seven-year career. With limited tour dates, tickets are expected to sell out fast!
Purchase Ticket
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'Shogun' wins record 18 Emmy Awards, including best drama and best actor
The Japan-set historical series "Shogun" has won a record number of prizes at the 76th Emmy Awards in the US, including best drama and best actor. "Shogun" collected a total of 18 awards, the most-ever for a single season of a television series. It has already won 14 awards at the Creative Arts Emmy Awards earlier this month.
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Business Opportunities and News | |
US Economic Outlook for Japanese Companies
October 10, 2024
1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Central Time
Webcast
The KPMG LLP (US) Japanese Practice will offer a 60‑minute English webcast highlighting economic issues impacting Japanese companies with global operations. KPMG LLP Senior Economist Ken Kim will provide the latest outlook on the US economy, and share insights on the implications of current economic conditions on Japanese companies with operations in the United States. Topics will include:
- Forecast for economic growth during the remainder of 2024 and into 2025
- How the US election could influence the US economy and Japanese companies
- Prospects of BOJ and FED monetary policy and their impact on the overall economy, exchange rates and Japanese companies
Register Here
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YOUTH AMBASSADOR PROGRAM - USA Pavilion at World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan
The application deadline is Tuesday, October 15th
Are you between the ages of 19-27 and a US Citizen? Want to get paid to live in Japan? Apply now to be a Youth Ambassador at the United States Pavilion at World Expo 2025 in Osaka! The application deadline has been extended to October 15th to become a cultural liaison and guide representing the USA in Osaka.
Youth Ambassadors will be divided into three cohorts:
- Full-Term: March 26th, 2025 - October 15th, 2025
- Spring : March 26th, 2025 - July 23rd, 2025
- Fall: July 12th, 2025 - October 15th, 2025
Learn More and Apply!
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The 2025 JET Program application is OPEN!
Don’t miss your chance to live and work abroad as a cultural ambassador on the Japan Exchange and Teaching (“JET”) Program next year!
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Toyota Alabama’s Huntsville plant, with 2,000 employees, has assembled its 10-millionth engine, a significant milestone since breaking ground in 2001. The plant, which produces about a third of Toyota’s North American engines, reached this mark with an i-Force MAX 2.4-liter engine for the hybrid Tacoma. Supplying engines to seven Toyota vehicle plants, it supports models like the Corolla, RAV4, and Tacoma. President Jason Puckett expressed pride in the achievement, while an earlier $282 million expansion will add 350 jobs. Toyota’s total investment in the plant has exceeded $1.7 billion.
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Governor Ivey receives new economic strategic plan to energize Alabama’s long-term growth
Governor Kay Ivey announced Alabama’s new economic strategic plan, Catalyst, presented by Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair, to guide the state’s growth over the next decade. Replacing the successful Accelerate Alabama plan, which generated $67 billion in investment and 170,000 jobs since 2012, Catalyst focuses on modernizing Alabama’s economic development approach. It emphasizes human capital, entrepreneurship, talent attraction, and rural development, targeting eight key industry sectors, including mobility, defense, and bioscience.
Click here for a Catalyst summary
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Liberal Democratic Party President Shigeru Ishiba was appointed as the new Prime Minister on the afternoon of October 1st during plenary sessions of both houses in an extraordinary Diet session convened that day.
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Japan's new Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba had his first phone call with US President Joe Biden a day after taking office. They discussed strengthening the Japan-US alliance, with Ishiba emphasizing Japan's plans to increase defense spending and enhance defense capabilities. The leaders agreed on improving deterrence and cooperation in economic security, as well as addressing challenges related to China and North Korea.
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Japan to face price hikes on 2,900 food items in October, most in 2024
Japanese consumers will face price hikes on about 2,900 food and drink items in October, the highest monthly increase this year, driven by rising raw material, logistics, and labor costs, as well as a weaker yen, according to Teikoku Databank Ltd. Alcoholic beverages account for nearly half of the hikes. For 2024, a total of 12,401 food item price increases are expected, significantly lower than 2023's 32,396.
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An unexploded World War II bomb detonated on a taxiway at Miyazaki Airport in southwestern Japan, leading to the runway's closure. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. The explosion created a 7-meter-wide crater, and flights were suspended while the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force investigated. The airport, previously a naval base, has a history of unexploded ordnance. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi confirmed the bomb was U.S.-made, and local authorities evacuated the area.
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Japan-America Society of Alabama
2081 Columbiana Road #10
Birmingham, AL 35216
(205) 703-0960
www.japanalabama.com
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