May 5 is Children's Day, when families celebrate the healthy growth and happiness of children. It became a national holiday in 1948, but it has been a day of celebration in Japan since ancient times.

The fifth day of the fifth month was traditionally called Tango no Sekku and was a festival for boys. Girls have their own festival, called Hina Matsuri (Doll Festival), held on the third day of the third month.

On Children's Day, families with boys fly huge carp-shaped streamers (koinobori) outside the house and display dolls of famous warriors and other heroes inside. The carp was chosen because it symbolizes strength and success; according to a legend, a carp swam upstream to become a dragon. (source: Web Japan)

The University of West Alabama’s International Programs have added global flair to the rural campus for many years, bringing to campus renowned scholars from programs like the Fulbright Program and Edmund S. Muskie Professional Fellowship Program for residencies and extended visits. The campus’s academic and athletic programs alike have drawn students from around the world, making the University a true hub of diverse cultures and ethnicities representing global geography and experiences. Likewise, UWA students have refined their portfolios and scholarly experiences while faculty have traveled to collaborate abroad and gain experiences that they in turn bring to Livingston and use to spark new initiatives.

An increased emphasis on partnerships with similar institutions around the world in recent years meant International Programs at UWA were expanding at a much faster rate than ever before, peaking at as many as 170 international students on campus. What emerged was a globalized campus culture, an influx of motivated students, and a financial benefit to the university. 

Among the highlights, UWA hosted Consul General of Japan Takashi Shinozuka and Honorary Consul General of Japan Mark B. Jackson on campus in 2019. Their visit included a campus tour exploring campus and visits to our College of Business, International Programs, Integrated Marketing & Communications, and with a group of UWA students who have participated in the Tigers International Study Abroad program.

Pictured left to right are UWA Provost Dr. Tim Edwards, Honorary Consul General of Japan Mark B. Jackson, former Consul General of Japan Takashi Shinozuka, UWA President Dr. Ken Tucker, and Dean of International Programs Dr. Mark Davis.

Sisters Yurie Takanishi (left) and Emiri Takanishi (right) are members of the defending three-time conference championship women’s tennis team at UWA, having just won the third in April.

May Kayoubikai /５月の火曜日会

May 23, 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

@ Nori Thai and Sushi

Join us for our May Kayoubikai at Nori Thai and Sushi!

Kayoubikai is an opportunity to meet new friends with similar interests, practice Japanese, and stay connected with other people in our JASA community. Both JASA members and non-members are welcome! Please RSVP at least one day in advance! There is no cost to attend this event but everyone will be responsible for their own ticket at the end of the meal. 



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Become a JASA Member!

We are grateful to have the support of our corporate members and individual members at all levels!

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.



MADE IN ALABAMA:

Honda Alabama opens

$16 million customization facility

(April 12, 2023)

The $16 million, 66,000-square-foot Post-Production Option facility will house a program that outfits the automaker’s light-truck lineup with features designed to add extra performance and function, including bronze alloy wheels, fender flares, roof rails, cargo nets and trailer hitches.

On Tuesday, community leaders joined company officials to cut the ribbon on the new PPO facility, which will allow Honda to expand the program to include accessory packages for the redesigned 2023 Pilot SUV and meet increased demand for customization of light truck models.



Read the full article.

Daikin Festival 2023

May 5, 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm

@ Point Mallard Park

Each year in May, beginning in 1994, Daikin America, Inc. employees produced a Japanese Festival in the style of Bon Odori for their North Alabama neighbors.

The Daikin Festival delights attendees with live music, Japanese Folk Dancing, Shodo (Japanese calligraphy), Yakisoba (grilled buckwheat noodles with beef and special sauce), BBQ, hamburgers, refreshing drinks, and special prizes.

This year, the festival will conclude with a dramatic fireworks display by PYRO Shows.

Please note that no purses, bags or backpacks are allowed.

Visit the website for more information.

20th Japanese Spring Festival

May 7, 12:30 pm - 4:30 pm

@ Monte Sano State Park

North Alabama Japanese Garden

Come and join us at Japanese Spring Festival in 2023! This will be our 20th Spring Festival and welcoming a special guest from Japan, former Japanese astronaut, Dr. Mamoru Mohri!

During the festival, we will show various Japanese cultures such as Daikin Taiko Drum, traditional Japanese dance, Karate, Kendo, Iaido sword performance, and Tea ceremony with Koto music. You will enjoy Origami, Caligraphy experiences, Japanese snacks etc…

Please enjoy the relaxing time and our culture surrounded by the beautiful nature of the Alabama State Park! ($10 per vehicle for state park entrance fee. We recommend carpooling!)

View the Facebook page.

Alabama Bonsai Society Spring Show

May 20, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

May 21, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

@ Birmingham Botanical Gardens

The Alabama Bonsai Society will be hosting our Annual Spring Show in the Auditorium of the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, May 20th-21st, Saturday from 10am-5pm and Sunday from 10am-4pm. Don't miss out on the chance to see these incredible living works of art! There will be beautiful trees on display and for sale. There will also be live demonstrations by a bonsai master and vendors selling pots, tools, and soil. This event is indoors and free to the public! 

View the Facebook page.