JASA Board Member Spotlight! | |
|
Eriko Ellis, Daikin America
Eriko Ellis serves as the General Affairs Supervisor at Daikin America, Inc. She joined Daikin in 1993, when the plant was still under construction. She serves as an interpreter, translator, and supports Daikin’s expatriates and their families in the community, and plays Taiko drums as a leader of Daikin Taiko Force. She was born in Tokyo and raised in Yokosuka, Japan, until she moved to Panama in 1982 and then to Germany in 1983 with her parents. She moved to Huntsville, Alabama in 1988, where she began attending the University of Alabama in Huntsville and obtained a bachelor’s degree in Industrial and Systems Engineering. She lives in Madison, Alabama with her two cats.
When there are opportunities, Eriko introduces Japanese culture in the community by speaking about Japan at the local library and schools, teaching origami at children’s summer camps, and playing Taiko drums with her Taiko drum team. She enjoys playing Taiko drums with her colleagues the most.
Daikin America’s first Taiko drum was donated by the parent company, Daikin Industries in 1997. A team was formed with two employees. Since then, more drums were added, and more employees joined the team. Daikin Taiko Force performs in the annual Daikin Festival. It is one of the major events Daikin hosts and shares Japanese culture with the community. The team also performs during Bon-dance, as the festival attendees dance Japanese folk dances in a big circle during the evening. Over the years, Daikin Taiko Force has performed in Dragon Boat Festivals in Decatur, JASA’s Cherry Blossom Festivals in Birmingham, JASA dinners in Huntsville and Birmingham, Spring Festivals in North Alabama Japanese Garden in Huntsville, Japanese festivals in Memphis, and Daikin Forum in NY. Daikin Taiko Force now has a total of 5 Taiko drums and 10 drummers.
This year, the Daikin Festival is on Friday, May 3 at Point Mallard Park in Decatur.
| |
May Kayoubikai / 5月の火曜日会
Date: Tuesday, May 21
Time: 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Where: IKKO Japanese Ramen and Sushi: 1909 11th Ave S #2603, Birmingham, AL 35205
Join us for our May 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!
| |
|
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.
| |
Quick USA, Inc.
Quick USA, the American subsidiary of Quick Co., Ltd., a company listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime Market, provides a wide range of comprehensive HR services including staffing, temporary staffing, and labor consulting throughout the United States. Founded in 1999, our headquarters is located in New York City. We expanded our presence to Atlanta in September 2023 and have further extended our operations to the state of Alabama.
As of April 2024, our group has established bases in New York, Los Angeles, Dallas, Chicago, Orange County within the United States, and additionally in Aguascalientes and Querétaro in Mexico.
Learn More
| |
American Leakless Company
American Leakless Company, LLC (ALC) was founded in 2009 as the wholly-owned subsidiary of Nippon Leakless Corporation (NLK). Located in beautiful Athens, Alabama, ALC utilizes innovative technology developed and patented by NLK to manufacture high performance sealing solutions for the automotive industry throughout North America. Their gaskets offer unsurpassed leak prevention and can be found in your vehicle's engines, transmissions, intake manifolds, exhaust manifolds, and auxiliary equipment.
Their 80,000 square foot production facility is equipped with uniquely developed process components that allow them to produce and ship more than 1.6 million gaskets per month. In addition to gaskets, they manufacture their own rubber compounds which are used in their patented rubber-coated steel production. Their two rubber coating lines can produce more than 32 miles of coated material per day!
Creative. Innovative. Reliable. These words not only describe Their products but also the 72 employees who make it all happen. Their employees are dedicated to making quality products and delivering them on-time the first time, every time.
Learn More
| |
Culture/Education Opportunities and News | |
Daikin Festival 2024
Date: Friday, May 3
Time: 6:30 - 9 p.m.
Where: Point Mallard Park, Decatur
The Daikin Festival is back this year on May 3rd! Celebrating Daikin's 30th anniversary with a Bon Odori-style festival, this event will have food, activities, and performances. Don't miss out on the Daikin Taiko Force drum team and the ending fireworks show at one of Alabama's largest Japanese festivals of the year! And remember, everything is complimentary! Enjoy food, beverages, and entertainment, all courtesy of Daikin for you and your loved ones.
Learn More
| |
21st Japanese Spring Festival
Date: Sunday, May 5
Time: 12:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Where: North Alabama Japanese Garden
Price: $10 entrance fee per vehicle
Monte Sano State Park is set to host a Japanese Spring Festival in its Japanese Garden. The event will feature displays of Japanese culture, including performances by the Daikin Taiko Force, Bon Odori, and Nihon Buyo. Attendees can also witness martial arts demonstrations such as laido, Karate, Aikido, and Kendo. There will also be engaging activities like calligraphy and origami, along with Japanese snacks available.
Learn More
| |
Heersink School of Medicine: AAPI Heritage Month Celebration
Date: Wednesday, May 8
Time: 4 - 6 p.m.
Where: UAB Wallace Tumor Institute
The Heersink School of Medicine's Office for Diversity and Inclusion, in collaboration with the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Faculty Association, will be celebrating AAPI Heritage Month with a presentation by the Curators of Asian Art from the Birmingham Museum of Art, food, and entertainment. There will be activities including Japanese calligraphy, Chinese dance, ikebana demonstrations, anime exhibition and more.
Learn More
| |
Candelabra Chronicles: Unveiling Japan-Europe Trade in the Edo Period
Date: Wednesday, May 15
Time: 12 - 12:30 p.m.
Where: Birmingham Museum of Art
Explore the fusion of late 18th-century French aristocratic artistry with Japanese trade dynamics during the Edo period in ArtBreak led by UAB Curatorial Fellow Liz Casement. Discover the blend of Rococo and Neoclassical styles in exquisite candelabras, offering a unique journey through time and cultures.
Learn More
| |
Alabama Bonsai 50th Anniversary Spring Show
Date: Saturday, May 18 (10 a.m. - 5 p.m.)
Sunday, May 19 (10 a.m. - 4 p.m.)
Where: Birmingham Botanical Gardens
The Annual Spring Show at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens is scheduled for May 18-19, marking the 50th anniversary of the Alabama Bonsai Society. This indoor event will showcase bonsai displays and sales, along with vendors offering gardening supplies.
Learn More
| |
|
Fifteen Birmingham City Schools juniors and sophomores are set to join the inaugural International Dual Enrollment Academy (IDEA) program, led by Birmingham Sister Cities, Miles College, and Birmingham City Schools. Designed to cultivate global skills, the program includes dual enrollment coursework at Miles College, cultural activities, and a trip to Japan. Participants can earn nine college credits, a stipend of at least $500, and may attend the Sister Cities International Youth Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C. Aligned with Birmingham's commitment to exceptional education and global readiness, the program runs from May 6 to December 11, 2024.
For more information about the IDEA program, click here.
| |
Business Opportunities and News | |
|
Alabama leads the nation in car exports, topping $11 billion in 2023
Alabama has outpaced South Carolina as the state exporting the most passenger vehicles. In the last two years, South Carolina has led the country in car exports achieving $2 billion more than Alabama in 2021 and $3 billion more in 2022. In 2023, however, Alabama pulled ahead and exported more by $1 billion for a total of $11 billion for the year. To read more about this success, visit the site linked above.
| |
|
Protective Life Corp., a subsidiary of Dai-ichi Life Holdings Inc., is acquiring ShelterPoint Group Inc., a New York-based provider of disability benefits and paid family leave insurance. This transaction highlights Protective's dedication to broadening its portfolio and addressing the evolving insurance demands within the U.S. market. market. Pending regulatory approvals, this marks the seventh deal since Protective became part of Dai-ichi in 2015. Dai-ichi has more than $463 billion in total assets as of Dec. 31, 2023 and serves customers in 10 countries, with Protective as its U.S.-based subsidiary.
| |
|
The last four months have seen growth in Japan's exports. In March this growth reached 7.3%. The U.S. and China have been the main drivers of this growth with exports from Japan climbing to 8.5% and 12.6% respectively. The source of this growth comes from increased demand for autos and semiconductors.
However, there is caution that, due to widespread economic slowdown caused by interest-rate hikes, there is a global decline for goods. Therefore it is unlikely Japan's exports will continue to have significant growth in 2024 according to a report by Mizuho Securities.
| |
|
Finance Minister Shunichi Suzuki's recent remarks suggest Tokyo may intervene in currency markets due to concerns over excessive yen depreciation. Following a meeting with U.S. and South Korean counterparts, Suzuki warned of the impact of a weak yen on import costs. The dollar's recent strength against the yen has heightened concerns, prompting discussions among the three countries. Analysts anticipate potential volatility during Japan's Golden Week holidays, prompting authorities to remain vigilant. Suzuki emphasized Japan's readiness to address currency volatility and did not rule out intervention. The yen's decline is attributed to strong U.S. economic data, raising speculation about the Federal Reserve's interest rate policy.
| |
|
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey announced over $6.4 billion in investments from companies launching or expanding operations in 2023, reinforcing the state's robust economic growth and job creation. The efforts resulted in 8,095 new jobs across 43 counties, with key sectors like automotive, metals, and information technology driving growth. Rural Alabama attracted significant investments, and foreign direct investment played a crucial role, contributing almost $3 billion and nearly 3,400 new jobs. Top global and domestic brands, such as Miele and Sierra Pacific, continue to choose Alabama for expansion. Secretary of Commerce Ellen McNair emphasizes the state's commitment to creating 21st-century jobs and developing a comprehensive economic development strategy for the future. Governor Ivey highlights the importance of innovation and technology in sustaining Alabama's economic momentum, driving the need for new strategies and bold approaches.
Click here to see the 2023 Alabama New & Expanding Industry Report.
| |
if you'd like us to feature your organization/event in our newsletters!
| |
|
Japan-America Society of Alabama
2081 Columbiana Road #10
Birmingham, AL 35216
(205) 703-0960
www.japanalabama.com
| | | | |
