p page 1 acific bridge page 1 The Politics Issue Alumni Adventures in Japanese Politics We didn’t go over there to run for office or start a revolution, but sometimes politics had a way of finding us. Here are some of the best stories from fellow alums. “Like Arnold Schwarzenegger” On JET, I lived in a very small town in a very small prefecture, Nichinan-cho in Tottori-ken. One of those places where everybody knows everybody, and as the resident gaijin, everybody knew me. I knew the mayor, the council members, and all of the other politicians in town (along with the shop owners, garbage men, policemen, and little old ladies in their gardens). It wasn’t until I returned to America, however, that I really learned how close-knit Tottori-ken really is. A few years ago, I was at the JETAA Welcome Back Reception chatting with some JET alums new and old, when one of the staff pulled me over and said, “Kurara-san, you used to live in Tottori, right? There is someone else here from Tottori, you should meet him.” So I wandered over to this newcomer to say some “Yoroshikus.” The Japanese man I introduced myself to looked vaguely familiar, but I didn’t really pay much attention to it (he was, after all, another Japanese man in a suit; perhaps they were starting to blend together in my mind?). So I said I used to live in Nichinan-cho, expecting him to say “doko?” Which is the response I typically get when I mention my lovely town. But instead he said, “Oh Nichinan! I know Mayor Yata well.” We continued talking in Japanese and I asked why he knew the mayor of my town, and he responded by saying he used to be “chiji” of Tottori-ken. Now, I was a CIR and I know my Japanese pretty well, and I thought chiji meant governor, but I double- checked. “Chiji? Honto?” He said, “Yes, chiji, like Arnold Schwarzenegger!” Right, no wonder he looked so familiar! Governor Hirai recently came back to America for a business trip, and I was invited to a party for Tottori residents in the area to greet him, I’m now an official “Tottori ex-pat” in America. Leave it to the power of JETAA to bring me together with the governor and other residents of my favorite ken! Clara Solomon, Tottori, 1999-2001

“Exceptions” A black truck pulled up, parked, and Two days before our three-year was spouting (or rather, blasting) stint on JET was to end, we had its propaganda, so I decided to take lunch with the mayor of our city, advantage of the photo opportunity. who wanted to thank us for our time As I struck my poses in front of the and efforts. Nick and I were the only van, more and more photographers, JETs in our relatively 30,000-person both Japanese and foreign, gathered small Hokkaido city. around, snapping photos. Behind me, the right-wingers discussed the When the waitress came, we were situation nervously and within a few asked what we’d like to drink and minutes had packed up and left. Nick and I both looked at each other and I knew what he was thinking, For all of their convictions, it so I said, “beer nonde mo ii desu ka?” was the foreigner who wound up He thought about it for a second chasing them away. They had no and said that he normally wouldn’t place in one of the most liberal- drink at lunch, but would make and spirited places in Tokyo, anyway. In exception and ordered three beers. the photo you can see them packing up their ladder, while I sport the Well, it was obvious he “made visual-kei with flair. exceptions” often as he was later forced to resign because he was Dawn Mostow, Gifu, 2003-06 taking bribes from companies for “Wacky Nakamatsu” city projects. D’oh! We both enjoyed Dawn’s visual-kei flair wards off the black truck dudes. the beer we had with him, though. It Way back in 1999, I was with some was a nice finish to a fun three years in the beautiful outdoor friends at a free outdoor techno concert in Yoyogi park when all playground of Hokkaido. of the sudden Dr. Nakamatsu, the wacky inventor of PyonPyon spring shoes and floppy disk technology, jumped up on stage Toby Weymiller Hokkaido, 1997-2000 , with his campaign flag and started dancing with the techno heads. He was running for Tokyo governor at the time and I “The Power of Fashion” guess trying to win over some young votes. I recall this the time that I used the power of fashion to The crowd started to go wild and chant Nakamatsu’s name. chase away the right-winger black trucks. It was a typical It was such a great spectacle that I tracked him down for a Sundayin Harajuku. The cosplayers and indie bands were picture. He’s known to frequently run for election but always all out in full force, enjoying the attention of the crowds on loses, the poor guy. —Meredith Wutz, Saitama, 2000-02 Meijijingu-bashi. 政治 p page 2 acific bridge page 2 From the Leadership From the Editor This issue’s theme isseiji , “Politics.” A timely topic, I think, not least of all because we just had one of the most momentous elections in U.S. history. But also because we all were the beneficiaries of one of the largest and most successful government-sponsored international exchange programs in the world. Which means over 20 years of consistent political support from every single level of Japanese government from the Ministries on down to the village councils of the tiniest local mura. Perhaps the best way we can show appreciation for all of this support and good faith is to continue the mission of the JET Program in our own communities, doing what we can to further the program’s worthy goals of internationalization and cultural exchange. I suggest one of the best ways to further these goals is to become an active member of JETAANC, which actually has the goals of the JET Program built into its mission. The group offers so many ways for you to get involved and “give back” a little of what you received in . Don’t wait! Send an email to [email protected] today to find out how you can become more involved. One great way to get involved is by volunteering to help with this newsletter! We need new, generous volunteers for each issue. Can you help? Email me at [email protected]. A huge “thank you” and election victory-style “banzai!” to the many people who volunteered their time and talents to help produce another great issue! Otsukaresama deshita. Mark Frey, Kumamoto, 2002-06, Editor テーマ

Message from the President Message from the Consulate I was ecstatic to see a On behalf of the Japan Information Center and the Consulate nation come together and General of Japan in San Francisco, I would first like to welcome back effectively vote for change all returning JETs from Japan. I hope that you are having a smooth on Tuesday, November transition back to your life in the United States. Please contact our 4. It gave hope to many office if you have any questions or would like to know more about ways that we do have the power to stay connected to Japan. to make a difference and I also encourage you to get involved with the JET Alumni Association make our voice heard, of Northern California. We are fortunate to have a strong chapter while it demonstrated to ready and willing to assist and support JET Alumni. I was very pleased others that the tyranny to meet many of you at the Welcome Back Reception held at the of the majority still rules Consulate General’s residence. I would like to thank Consul General some aspects of our society. Yasumasa Nagamine for inviting all of the newly returning JETs. I With 2008 drawing to a close, what does this change would also like to thank JET alumni Lauren Nakasato and Mark Frey, mean for JETAANC? The word for 2009 will be and the President of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Northern stability. Almost all of the Executive Committee will California, Mr. Isao “Steve” Matsuura, for speaking at the event. be staying on another term. From my discussions and We are starting to round up our recruiting for the 2009 JET Program. observations at the National JETAA Conference in I would like to thank all of the volunteers who helped recruiting Seattle, I learned that this is a big plus, because we will for future JET participants. Thanks toMakenna Barris, John have experienced leadership guiding this group. Branderhorst, Melissa Chan, Lorelei Cortez, John Dzida, Brian Does this mean that everything is going to remain the Fujimoto, Kai Kadoich, Ryan Kimura, Ravi Kumar, Casey Lary, same as 2008? Not at all! While 2008 was a solid year Minika Lowe, Tom Miskey, Lauren Nakasato, Emily Normile, Greg for JETAANC, we are looking to build on our success. Porter, Liana Prescott, Tiffany Sakato, Mike Shu, and Geraldine We are aiming to increase our programming by adding Waycie. This year we organized and events that will increase the sense of community participated in over 30 events in for JETAANC. We hope to accomplish this through Northern California and Nevada, more networking and fundraising events that will including information meetings, study/ support the JETAANC Scholarship among other work abroad fairs, and career fairs. initiates. We are also looking at ways in which we can The 2009 JET Application is out now collaborate with other like-minded organizations like the and available online on the Embassy of Japan Society. Japan’s website. It’s due November 25, We really have one of the best JETAA chapters in the 2008. If you know anyone who you nation, but we still have room to grow. We held a feel has the skills to be a successful JET Volunteer Meeting on November 18th at the Japan participant, please encourage them to Information Center in downtown San Francisco that apply! The Face of JET: Peter Weber some very enthusiastic alumni came to. During this Last, I would like to welcome Ms. meeting we discussed and planned for the upcoming Yuko Eto, the newly appointed Advisor for Educational Affairs at the events for 2009. Your participation in these planning Consulate. Although she has only been in the potion a short time, she meetings is crucial. If you are interested in volunteering has already been very helpful and supportive of the JET Program and or learning more about how you can get involved and its alumni. I hope that you are able to meet her soon and make her feel contribute your talents, I encourage you to email me at welcome. [email protected]. Take care and travel safely in these busy holiday months. I hope to see With your support, we are in a great position to take a you at a future JET-related event! big step forward in 2009. Peter Weber, Saitama, 2004-07 総領事館から Rod McLeod, Shimane, 2005-07 会長からの JET Program Coordinator, Japan Information Center のメッセージ President メッセージ p page 3 acific bridge page 3 Politics and JET Alumni Adventures in Japanese Politics No Sleep for the Weary I was tired and hung over as the doors opened and I flopped out of the train and onto the platform. It was 7:30 a.m., and I had taken one of the first trains out of Tokyo back to my town. I smelled like beer, smoke and God knows what else as I did my best to avoid the main roads of my town on my stumbling walk to my apartment, for fear of running into students or co-workers. All the backstreet navigating proved successful, and I found myself staring blurry-eyed up at my apartment, just four short flights of stairs above me. “No shower,” I thought, “Just sleep.” Yes, deep, deep sleep into the afternoon hours of a lazy Sunday was my plan. I burped and then smiled as I unlocked my door, slightly giddy since my journey home had ended. I tossed off my shoes and proceeded to close all the curtains to hold off the morning sun. I fell into my futon and just about nodded off when from a distance I heard what sounded like music and talking all at once, amplified, and moving closer. I couldn’t make out the muddled Japanese, but it grew louder and louder until it felt like it was underneath me. It then slowly passed, only to be followed by similar booming music The basketball-playing President Elect is not and talking 10 minutes later. After the third episode, I got out of bed and made the only one with the “Ups”—Dr. Nakamatsu myself some tea. Sleep was futile. Election season had begun. campaigning, PyonPyon-style Rick Ambrosio, Iwate-ken, 2006-08

“Teaching Politics to Prize Phillies” student’s family, it is generally accepted that once the goal is One day I was approached by a faculty member at reached, very little is to be expected from the prize filly. Kashiwazaki Shoyo Junior High, an advanced “SELHI” For students like these, an awareness of politics and a school, to formulate a lesson about my experiences on motivation to think positively about national representation is September 11. What did I think or know about America an essential lesson best served young. before 9/11? What do I think or know now? Kirsten Phillips, , 2005-08 With assistance from the Japanese teacher, I taught three classes intended for Second Grade junior high and First “The Return of theRanjin ” Grade high school. More than just a recounting of events, I was discussing the finer points of Japan’s ubiquitous my goal was to inspire consciousness about the importance vending machines with the former prime minister of of political activism or even simple awareness. I wanted the Netherlands, secretly marveling them to think about the meaning of icons—showing how at how I never expected to meet their country was represented to the rest of the world and by any heads of state when I first whom. Like many teenagers, topics like fashion and music applied for JET. Life is occasionally came before prime ministers and elections. like that. However, I found it striking to notice in casual discussion Mr. Dries Van Agt was in Kobe for that more students seemed to be aware of the American several days, and my assignment presidential candidates’ backgrounds than their own prime was to show him around and minister. There seemed to be a general sense of disinterest and provide any necessary translating. I or lack of knowledge whenever I asked my Japanese friends or ended up being a test audience for colleagues about the current political climate in Japan. a speech he wrote for a conference later that week on posh Rokko Island. That’s politics for you. Van Agt, leaving the We made a good team, and my pantaloons behind this time bucho tagged along on every step of the way, which was typical when the international center hosted dignitaries. This made for some interesting conversations. Since Baba-bucho (whom Mr. Van Agt slyly dubbed “the Arabian” whenever he was out of earshot) spoke decent English, Mr. Van Agt grabbed the opportunity to ask him all sorts of loaded questions about Japanese society, culture and especially culinary customs. Mr. Van Agt made a strong impression on me. At over six feet, he was remarkably open, direct and inquisitive. I didn’t “So, Halliburton hiring?” know at the time whether that just went with being Dutch, A number of the upperclassmen I spoke to that day were but it was refreshing to meet a man with a larger than aiming for Tokyo University—the place where prime life personality after spending several months in a formal ministers, cabinet members, CEOs, lawmakers and Japanese office. ambassadors get made. Because the fight to get into Japan’s Justin Tedaldi, Kobe, 2001-02 政治 top university is so strenuous on the student as well as the p page 4 acific bridge page 4 Politics and JET Obama Burgers and Designer Glasses: The Election Hits Japan woman who wears their glasses as the citizens of Obama have fallen for Barack. They’re all hoping for a McCain victory.

I must admit that when I read about these things I nearly laughed out loud. Supporting a future leader based on glasses or a name? How much more naïve could you get? But then I took a moment and actually thought about it. Really, how much is your average American voter any different?

Living in the Bay Area amidst a flurry of political buttons and t-shirts, it’s easy to forget that for many people, politics is just something that happens around them. Something that’s reported on the evening news. And when they vote, 10,000 Female Japanese Obama fans can’t be wrong if they vote, they vote based on something that touched “Hey! Who do you like better…Obama or Hillary?” This them personally and resonated with their own lives, religion, question is fired at me in the hallway, not by a fellow teacher for example, or one specific issue, or the fact that they’re or an adult eikaiwa student, but by a fifteen-year-old junior registered republican or democrat. high school boy, Okobayashi, who sleeps during English class And many people by the way. So I can safely say it was one of the last questions who could vote, I expected to come out of his mouth. “You tell me first.” I don’t bother. In the responded. “I like Obama!” he enthused. “Why’s that?” A presidential elections pause. “Well, ’cause his name sounds Japanese and I think over the past years he’s a good man.” Ok. I can go along with that. we’ve only had about Living in Japan during the long “who will it be?” process that 50% of all voting age was this year’s primaries, I found it interesting that nearly citizens actually cast a every Japanese person I spoke to wanted to talk politics. vote. The last time we And not to hear my opinion but to tell me theirs. They were hit 60% was in 1968. universally in the Obama camp. Stepping out of the The English teacher I worked with, the math teacher and the Space of Indifference Japanese teacher who would bring it up at every enkai, my That’s why this adult students, my 73-year-old Japanese grandmother, they election is exciting and all wanted to tell me they liked Obama. And the reasons different. So many were pretty much the same as Okobayashi’s. “He seems people have stepped like a good man.” “I think he has a good heart.” End of out of that space of conversation, on to the next round of drinks. indifference. This year the country seems to Encountering so much enthusiasm based on so little care. evidence was very strange to me. And it kept getting stranger. I read an article in the Not just the political savants in the big Change never tasted so good!: Japan Times about a Obama-mura’s Obama Burger and cities. The whole little fishing village in Obama manju Fukui prefecture called country is wearing Obama, buttons. And if the village of Obama is any indication, the world as well. The people of the village have rallied so We’re inspired again. And that’s what our democracy is all strongly behind their about. Believing that your vote can make a difference and namesake candidate using it as a voice. The Obama campaign is built on that that it is both charming message of hope. And it’s been working because we all want and disturbing. something to change.

They have Obama In the end, some people will research all the issues and make informed decisions, voting from their head. Others will feel a Do I these designer Japanese t-shirts, an Obama glasses? You betcha! theme song, and connection and vote from their hearts. And it’s in thinking of Obama-branded manju. that “from the heart” quality that I always look back at Japan. The town seems to have taken Obama into their hearts and The Japanese people have an extraordinary ability to devote given them their utmost support. themselves to their beliefs without damning those that are I read in the New York Times recently that there is another on the other side of the fence. That faith without force is city in Fukui-ken that is actively interested in the current something we should take to heart. Our country could use it. election. Fukui City is the home of Masunaga Optical, the And maybe some Obama manju too. company that makes the frames for Sarah Palin’s glasses. Marissa Baumann, Kochi, 2004-08 選挙 They have fallen just as much in love with the charming p page 5 acific bridge page 5 Politics and JET “All Politics Is Local”: Interview with Inuyama City Councilman and JET Alum Anthony Bianchi

Editor’s Note: Brooklyn native Here, sometimes there’s a lot of back and forth, before the and JET alumnus Anthony session starts. But once it starts, what they do is try to drag Bianchi (Aichi, 1987-91), the things out. Once it’s officially turned into a bill and it’s on first-ever North American to the agenda, people don’t want to vote against it. hold an elected position in Japan, is still going strong in MG: You must have learned a whole lot in the process of his role as a city councilman in running for office. Inuyama-shi, Aichi-ken. AB: Actually, we were fairly lucky. I had some people Councilman Bianchi, in front of Alum Michael Glazer (Chiba, around us who were familiar with the process who gave us Inuyama Castle 1995-97) recently interviewed some hints. We decided we should campaign by instinct. Anthony to discuss the hot local topics, learn more about politics I don’t know if you’re familiar with campaigning in Japan. in Japan and get a sense of how things look across the pond. It’s a lot of people out there with sound trucks repeating Michael Glazer: You have a very interesting background. How their name over and over again and annoying catch does a JET program teacher become a city council member? phrases, especially on this level. We decided that we would just let people know what we wanted to do. Anthony Bianchi: Well, I’ll try to make the story as short as possible. I studied filmmaking at New York University and I I say “we” because this is not something you really do on was interested in Kurasawa films and whatnot, and I was out you own. People who decided to support me had the same in L.A. for a while. I came back to New York. I was working kind of ideas about what was wrong with the city and what for New York City and I saw an ad in the paper about the needed to be done as I did. Expo that was held in Gifu about 20 years ago. So we just let people know what our ideas were, and we So I went over to Japan on a home stay program and decided hoped that enough of them would write my name on a it would be nice to try to live there for a year or so. I joined little piece of paper on election day and we would get a the JET program, stayed for a couple years, and decided I chance to do something about it. wanted to stay longer. MG: Are you seeing generational dynamics play out in I was teaching, working for the Board of Education in Japanese politics? Inuyama, and I kind of got involved in the administrative AB: What I found that was surprising in the last city aspects of it. I was banging my head against a lot of brick council election, seven new members were elected. I used walls and finding that I had to get in touch with the mayor to think I was one of the younger guys when I first got and the city council people to help back up what we were elected, but I ain’t anymore. doing. But now I see even some of the younger guys still have I finally got to a point where I got tired of complaining about what I like to call a kind of old fashioned way of thinking things and needing other people’s help, so I decided to try where everybody has to work in lock step, and to reach and do something myself. I ran in the election and somehow a final decision, we all have to look like we agreed on I got elected, believe it or not. something. MG: Once you were elected into office, were there any things The thing is some of early on that struck you as unexpected? the older members AB: Yes, actually there were a few things in the beginning. aren’t that strict about One was that the council sessions seemed to go a little bit doing things that way. too smoothly for my liking. At first I thought I was missing So it’s kind of strange. something. That maybe people were somehow getting It’s not really based information through all the channels that I wasn’t quite in on age. touch with yet. But I started to realize there’s a tendency here And yes, in Japan, where, once things get to the council session, the katachi, the it’s changing a little Bianchi makes his case form, is more important than the content. bit. Actually, the American election now is causing some As long as the council session isn’t too rocky, everything is interest here in the fact that, within the next month or so, considered to be going well. Once proposals from the mayor they are probably going to dissolve the upper and lower or the city get to the council floor for a vote, by and large house. And there’ll be an election here. And the LDP they get passed. I just felt there wasn’t enough debate about (Liberal Democratic Party) is worried about the timing. certain things. It also took me a little while to learn the If in the American election, Obama gets elected, that procedures and learn what I could do about that myself. represents change. The LDP has been in power for 50 years Lately I’ve been putting out more legislation and trying to since the end of World War II and that wouldn’t bode well cause more debate than usual. Actually, in the last council for them, so they’re trying to avoid that timing. session, I caused a bit of a debate that some people didn’t care That generational aspect—I don’t know if it’s generational for, and it became sort of a hot topic. But these are important aspect, or a cultural aspect—is kind of like a split in things that need to be discussed and not just “rubber civilization. I would just say in our council we have a stamped.” Some people don’t like it. But, you know, I’m from problem that is one of bunmei. We have two different Brooklyn, so “what are you going to do about it.” [Laughs.] civilizations in our city council. MG: So how does debate happen in Japan? To hear or download the full interview on podcast, go to: AB: In the U.S., there seems to be a little more debate and jetaany.org/documents/JETAA-Bianchi-Interview.mp3 people giving their opinions as the legislative session goes on. インタービュー p page 6 acific bridge page 6 Alumni Spotlight Spotlight on: JETAANC Board Member Bruce Jaffe, Kanagawa, 1988-90

What are some of your most vivid memories of your JET experience? My most vivid memories of my JET days are of the (mostly) Japanese people who came into my life. It is beyond words what a profound impact they had on both my life as an AET (now called “ALT”) and post-JET. Not a day goes by when a wonderful memory of one of them doesn’t pop into my mind while going about my daily life. Clearly, the opportunity to meet so many extraordinary people during my short two-year tenure was an opportunity of a lifetime. How did JET affect what you did when you got back to the States? Although I went back to my prior work when returning from Japan, I did get involved in establishing JETAANC almost immediately. That introduced me to a whole new circle of friends that shared my amazing Japan experience and helped lessen the tremendous reverse culture shock that I was experiencing. What are some of your proudest accomplishments and best memories as a leading member of JETAANC? Getting the 501c3 non-profit status was an arduous task that we undertook back in the early 1990s. It took a lot of work from many alums to get it done. As far as memories go, there are too many to list, but the annual shinnenkai, the Vancouver sumo basho trip in 1998 and the farewell and welcome back receptions at the Counsel General’s residence all stand out in my mind as great events. I also have truly enjoyed working on the annual JETAANC scholarship award as well. What is your focus area or passion as a Board member? Because of my background in business and finance, I try to focus on the financial welfare of JETAANC. In the future, however, I would like to focus on fundraising and would like others in JETAANC to join me. Where do you see JETAANC headed and how can alumni become involved? JETAANC is headed wherever the membership and Executive Committee would like to take it. There are so many opportunities for each and every alum to get involved and help shape its future. 帰郷

Say Hello to Melissa Chan, our New Media Circle Coordinator!

Hello everyone! My name is Melissa Chan and I was an ALT in Musashimurayama- shi, Tokyo from 2005 to 2007. After graduating from UC San Diego in Ethnic Studies and Japanese Studies, I packed up and set off on the JET Program. I was a rare Tokyo JET, since there are only nine of us each year – five in Musashimurayama and four scattered among the Izu Islands off the coast of Tokyo. Located aboutshi) in an hour west of Shinjuku, Musashimurayama is infamous as the only city ( Tokyo without a train station. I was based in a junior high school, but also made biweekly visits to two elementary schools. Being on JET really piqued my interest in Japan’s educational system, particularly in English education. After returning in 2007, I immediately started a Master’s program at Stanford University in International Comparative Education. During the 12-month program, I researched and wrote a Master’s Monograph studying the various influences on English education policies and curricula. Now that I’ve been back in the U.S. for over a year now, Ifrom have those many tiny moments udon and cheese and garlic stuffedtonkatsu where I miss Japan – especially the hand-made restaurants near my apartment. Currently, I am an intern at the Japan Society of Northern California, where I assist in planning and preparing programs and workshops. Because I am an avid reader, I enjoy books related to Japanese history and culture, including both historical and contemporary fiction. As for other Japan-related interests, I enjoy watching Japanese dorama and variety shows and listening to Jpop. I am interested in making book or movie recommendations, as well as coordinating events and meetings to discuss books, music, movies and [email protected] media. I am excited. Yoroshiku to serve as the new Media Circle Coordinator and welcome suggestions from everyone at 帰郷 onegaishimasu!

Know of someone deserving of a Spotlight? Email [email protected]. p page 7 acific bridge page 7 Event Reports

Alumni Enjoy Another Successful Career and Networking Forum (CNF)!

In September, JETAANC hosted its annual Career Network Forum (CNF) at the posh Kabuki Hotel in San Francisco. The event featured three parts—keynote speaker, panel discussion, and networking session—all designed to help recently returned alumni start a new career and other alumni to explore all of the potential career paths out there. Keynote speaker Libby Wolfensperger, Chiba, 1992-94, talked about job hunting in today’s market and ways of translating the JET experience into assets on resumes and during interviews. She shared strategies on resume and CV writing, successful interview techniques, and potential career sectors for JET alumni. She also gave some really great advice about navigating human resource departments and best practices for follow up. “Survey says!”: The alumni panel shares career advice The second part of the Career Network Forum was a panel discussion by JET alumni, who described their transition after JET and how they arrived at their current career path. The panelists included our new Media Circle Coordinator,Melissa Chan, Tokyo, 2005-07, who completed her M.A. in International Comparative Education at the Stanford University School of Education in 2008; Peter Kinmond, Osaka, 2001- 04, now a software engineer and web developer; Chelsea Mao, Chiba, 2002-05, who is starting an integrative medicine program at the Chinese Hospital of San Francisco; and long-time CNF favorite, Ryan Moore, Kochi, 1997-00), a teacher at Longfellow Elementary School in San Francisco. The panelists had a variety of backgrounds and career paths, and shared their stories about how they arrived at their current situations. Of particular note was the point that while they were not all using their nominal JET skills (teaching or Japanese) at work, they were able to use the broader skill sets and experiences they gained during their time on JET to help them in their current roles. The third part of CNF was an active networking session, where JET alumni were given the opportunity to meet representatives from various Will work for sushi!: Rapt alumni take in job- hunting tips to super-charge their careers organizations, businesses, and recruiting firms invited by JETAANC. Attendees included recruiters such as Interac, Interplace, Pasona, and TOP; local businesses such as Azuma Foods; organizations such as the Japan Society; educational institutions such as Merritt College; and government institutions such as the Peace Corps and the Consul General of Japan in San Francisco. The networking session was a good opportunity for JET alumni to talk to these representatives on an individual basis, and find out more about the current job market. Many of the recruiting firms and companies that attended were actively hiring and taking resumes on location, and also reviewing and giving personal consultation to JET alumni about their resumes. The event was a tremendous success and there were several key JETAANC members that should be recognized. JETAANC President Rod McLeod, Treasurer Arisa Takahashi Fuller, Communications Coordinator Mark Frey, and JET Program Coordinator Peter Weber, were all instrumental in all phases of the event from planning to execution. If you missed this year’s JETAANC CNF and would like a copy of the program or networking contact list, send an email to president@ “Everything tastes better with natto!”: An alum learns about jetaanc.org, and make sure to join us next year! opportunities at Azuma Foods Mike Shu, Hyogo-ken, 2005-08, CNF Co-Chair ネットワーク

I’m Going to Japan Tomorrow!: New JETs Reflect the Night Before Departure Talk about being nervous! I’m returning to Japan after having studied abroad there two years ago, so this is like re-opening a stage in my life. I’ll be living alone for the first time in my life, too. But I know this will be a huge time of personal growth and exploration. Let the adventure begin! —Canon Purdy, Headed to Miyagi p page 8 acific bridge page 8 Event Reports

NorCal Represent!: Local Alumni Crash the National Convention “Dozo Yoroshiku Onegaishimasu!” With meishi facing outward, held by the fingertips to show my name, title and the cool Golden Gate Bridge logo, both presenter and presentee recall our proper meishi etiquette. Where was this? Osaka? Sapporo? Denver? Minneapolis? No, Seattle, Washington, site of the 2008 JET Alumni Association National Conference.

So there we were, over 60 people assembled in the University district of Seattle. Amazingly, the rain stopped for us the afternoon we all arrived, and only resumed the afternoon we were leaving. There are 18 chapters and over a dozen sub-chapters within those 18 chapters. In some ways it was like another JET conference, with people coming out from all over the country, asking about their JET assignments and where they are now. NoCal in the house! Rod and Arisa represent at the JETAA National Convention in Seattle However, this is the Alumni Association; we’re all here because we want to be. We’re all volunteers. It is all on our own time, we’re spending our own vacation day away from work and our weekend to attend this conference representing our region. Representing JETAA Northern California this year were Rod McLeod, President and yours truly, your Treasurer.

We had a full schedule starting from our Thursday evening reception and extending through meetings all day on Friday, Saturday and Sunday morning. Our Pacific Northwest JETAA hosts put on a great conference for us. We had several speakers from University of Washington and CLAIR, and we also heard from the Director of the Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Washington. They spoke to us about JETAA history, alumni association administration, National JETAA updates, Canada JETAA, and newsletter ideas, just to name a few. It was very inspiring to listen to all the different stories. We tossed around different ideas on how we could better serveyou , our local JET alumni. It was difficult not to get “fired up” and enthusiastic, thinking of all the great things we could do with our home chapters.

The big discussion topic this year was the creation of sub-chapters. By CLAIR’s definition, sub-chapters need a minimum of four members. And then must fulfill two of the following four requirements: elect two officers; have at least one organized activity a year; present a budget to the parent chapter; have a simple governing document. Since our region encompasses all of Northern California and Nevada, it would be nice to see activity in other areas covered by our region. Hope some of you outside of the Bay Area might consider this!

For many of us attending the JETAA National Conference, it was a first time or rare visit to Seattle. So our hosts went a step further and gave us the option of going on one of those amphibious “Ducks” tours of the lovely city. We got to see the various districts of the city, sports stadiums and even a glimpse of the boathouse made famous in the movie “Sleepless in Seattle.”

It was great to meet people from all over. There were people who had just taken over as officers this year (like us), and others who had been representing their regions for years. Participants had a wide range of “day jobs,” but all with a common history on the JET Program. And while we shared many great ideas and stories, Arisa goes amphibious: Representatives take a break to do some I have to say, I think we’ve got a pretty good thing going on here sightseeing on a Seattle “Duck” in the Northern California Chapter—even though, for now, much of the activity is in the Bay Area. We were one of the first 501(c)3 non-profit organizations. We have a Board of Directors who have given history and guidance to our chapter. We have a full slate of activities throughout the year.

That being said, our Northern California and Nevada Chapter is only as good as the members who are involved. If there is an event that you’d like to see, we’d love to hear from you. If there is an existing event that you’d like to help out with, let us know. And of course, if you are interested in stepping up to become an officer, contact us! Email me at:[email protected] .

We’ll see you at the next gathering!

Arisa Takahashi Fuller, Nara, 1991-94, Treasurer 全国大会

I’m Going to Japan Tomorrow!: New JETs Reflect the Night Before Departure Excited! Lots of emotions and thoughts...is my luggage too heavy? Did I bring enough omiyage? Will I be able to find cheese in Japan? —Cheryl Young, Headed to Kansai p page 9 acific bridge page 9 Upcoming and Recent Events

Book Worms Rejoice! Book Club Meets Again in January!: Mishima’s “After the Banquet”

To kick off the new year and revive the JETAANC Book Club, we will meet in mid-January to discuss Yukio Mishima’s After the Banquet. Mishima creates a portrait of a marriage, complicated by politics, ambition and appetite. Although Kazu gave up her restaurant career to marry a retired politician, her restless self decides to resurrect his political career. Tensions arise between the two as the political world clashes with their well-ordered lives. This book can be found easily online, in bookstores and at most public libraries. Stay tuned for more information on the date and location. The Book Club has been dormant for a little while, but there has been a lot of interest in reviving it! I’d like to gauge who’s interested, so please RSVP me at [email protected]. Happy reading and see you there! Melissa Chan, Tokyo, 2005-07, Mishima is waiting for you Media Circle Coordinator 読書会

“Wait, who are you? What’s JETAANC? What do you do?”: New JETAANC Display Debuts With about 50 new alumni returning from Japan, many of whom were expected to attend the CNF (Career Networking Forum), someone suggested, wouldn’t that be a good time to explain JETAANC? We were trying to figure out how we could explain our organization, when one of the executive committee suggested having a table at the CNF just for JETAANC, complete with a “science fair” display board. So we set out to answer the questions in the headline above on our display board. While we hope people do read our mission statement on jetaanc.org, we wanted to show what we do, because “pictures are worth a thousand words.” We kept the words to a minimum and added pictures of alumni participants from various JETAANC events. With the creative talents of a number of volunteers, we planned, reviewed lots of pictures, cut, pasted and assembled. The display board garnered a good amount of interest and positive feedback Welcome to JETAANC!: Rod, Mike and Arisa show off the new at the CNF. Check it out at future events! JETAANC display board at the group’s CNF networking table

Arisa Takahashi Fuller, Nara, 1991-94, Treasurer 掲示板 p page 10 acific bridge page 10 Member Material

Departing JETs Reception, Consul General’s Residence, San Francisco, August 2008

Door-to-Door Campaigning In terms of local politics in Japan, those big political campaign sound trucks were a real interesting cultural difference. One time, a local politician on the campaign trail turned up at my door, presented his meishi, and began his spiel for a little bit, before I politely informed that I wasn’t actually Japanese so I couldn’t vote for him. But I told him “gambatte” anyway. SF Nomikai, Tokyo GO GO, San Francisco, Granted, I did live in a “city” of 80,000 people, but since when did October 2008 politicians in this country actually go door to door themselves to campaign? In any case, I thought it was rather quaint. Certainly a novel relief from the “missionaries” who would show up without fail every month or so bearing copies of their newsletter in Japanese. One of those women actually brought me bentos for a while. Not enough to get me to convert, though. Lee-Sean Huang, Oita, 2003-06 継続

Departing JETs Orientation, Kabuki Hotel, San Francisco, August 2008 Ask Oyaji - Election Thoughts?

Dear Oyaji, I know by the time all the JET alums get to read this the election will have been decided but what are your thoughts about the election? Regards, Voter #14

Dear Voter #14, What an exciting time it must be for you. Here in Returning JETs Welcome Reception, Consul General’s Residence, San Francisco, October 2008 Japan, we get a new PM every year, and they keep getting older and older. Also, Prime Minister Taro Aso may want to introduce himself as Taro in English speaking countries…. So I’ve been following your election in the Japanese media and I must say that the two candidates look and sound very different. I think it’s 変 amazing that your country will be making history by either having the How do you feel with just a few weeks to go?: Departing JETs Reflect and extended are looking forward to visiting Oldest President EVER, the first U.S. black President, possibly the first I’m really excited to be leaving. My family is excited, too; immediate ９ 画 me (an excuse to travel!). The great thing is talking to current JETs in my placement city. We’re getting to know one woman Vice President, and record voter turnout. Wow. 音: �ヘン | �訓: ������������か（わる）・か（わり）・ another, which is great because no one from back home want to hear me talk about Japan and JET 24/7. か（える） As this column isn’t about me, I won’t tell you whom I like but here Headed to Kobe —Christina Shepherd, Examples: is the pulse of Japan, 61% want Obama to win while 13% preferred 変化 (へんか) - change, transformation McCain. I don’t know what happened to the other 25%, maybe they ). And like a good Japanese, I’m a 変更（ へんこう） - alteration, change just like Sarah Palin (all those salarimen 変（へん） - strange conformist…. I hope you voted (^.^) 変わる（かわる） - to change Mata 変える (かえる) - to change something Kind Oyaji アドバイス 変人（ へんじん） - a weirdo p page 11 acific bridge page 11 Member Material Being All He Can Be: SF Alum Patrick Ripton Explains Why He Joined the Army

Editor’s Note: Patrick Ripton is a San Francisco alumnus who was a I saw in the people powering it, but committed to join only JET in Okinawa from 2001 to 2004, and then in Shiga from 2004 after I felt I had gained adequate knowledge of Japanese culture. to 2005. He will be incommunicado for some time but would be glad to answer questions about his experiences as a new soldier Simultaneously, I decided that I wanted someday to parlay when able. Email him at [email protected]. my experience living these two groups into a role that would allow me to improve the general relational situation on the island. It bothered me that, despite having a school full of students interested in connecting with the international world and groups of friends hoping for more intimate exposure to the country they had been thrust into, few programs existed to bridge the gaps of language and culture. Joining the Army does not put me directly in line to a position working in Okinawa. Neither did Okinawa put me on a direct path toward the military. Joining the military has reminded me a great deal of applying to the JET Program. Even if we put down our preferences for favorite prefectures and cities we knew that we were surrendering a degree of control, leaving some amount of the experience to fate. I trust the Army A Few Good JETs: John and Patrick, with new friends will put me where I can be of use and hope that I will make the As I imagine is the case for most JET participants, my most of whatever position I am given. experience in Japan ended up being almost entirely unlike what Becoming an “Ambassador” I had anticipated. I ended up in Okinawa, which not only lacks Joining the military has also given me another excellent the futuristic elevated trains I had dreamt about in the months opportunity to work as an ambassador. I never realized how preceding departure, but also the Bullet Train (which actually many people of the sort I met on JET, young, educated, and exists), local trains, and even reliable bus service. JET put me able, had never considered the military, either for themselves or down more and more varied roads than my textbook-addled for people they knew. I have found myself educating the people mind could have imagined. around me as I learned more about the military, clearing up But, five years after arriving, it still came as a surprise to me that misconceptions and helping people to reconsider who typically the reason that would finally compel me to leave Japan would joins the military and for what reasons. be to join the military, and that this idea would come to me as a This has given me a considerable amount of pleasure, and result of my experience in Japan. But, here I am, two days away reminds me of clearing up misunderstandings about American from departure for Army basic combat training, the beginning culture held by my coworkers and students in Japan. of what should be about nine to ten months of training before I I frequently wonder how many other people made the transition go active as a second lieutenant. from JET to the military. I can’t imagine there being many, but Growing to Love Okinawa I’m sure they’re out there. While originally dismayed to find myself living in a place that This surprises me, was not the fantasy Japan of my dreams, over a number of years considering what I imagine I grew into the idea of living in a truly multi-cultural corner of to be a great amount of what I had imagined to be an otherwise uniform country. As an overlap in the respective American in Okinawa, from the start one is put in a position potential applicant pools: between the locals and the military. Every Okinawan mistook young, adventurous me for a marine; friends were pulled over in the street for travelers willing to commit wearing “shower shoes” (flip-flops) in the street. themselves to vaguely On the other hand, military personnel I met assumed that I defined jobs that require shared their feelings about the importance of keeping bases flexibility and intense effort in “The Keystone of the Pacific” (representing 21% of the the far away from traditional total land area of Okinawa and 75% of the total US military support structures. presence in Japan, in a prefecture that represents less than 1% of From JET to Serving sovereign Japanese land). Uncle Sam Military friends would commiserate with surface complaints I am proud to be bringing about the Okinawa people and expect me to reply in part. my experiences from JET The most vocal views on the politics of the situation bubble to An officer and a JET-leman: into the Army. I think Patrick swears in the surface first, attracting a person’s earliest attention. I can it behooves people with remember only barely stopping myself from attending anti-base experience such as ours to ensure the U.S. is well-represented protests my first year. As time passed, though, my views on the internationally. Like it or not, the armed forces have become a subject gained nuance. large face on the U.S. presence in a large number of countries Existing Between Two Cultures around the world, at times at very grassroots levels. It quickly became apparent that what would largely define my Should I have the opportunity to represent our country and JET experience would be existing between the two cultures. I armed forces internationally, I am confident the Certificate of became committed to the island and its people while gaining Completion I earned on JET will be put to good use. respect for the military through exposure to the many excellent troops I met stationed there. Before I knew it, I had made a Patrick Ripton, Okinawa and Shiga, 2001-05 入隊 decision to enter the military, moved as I was by the dedication p page 12 acific bridge page 12 Letters from Japan

Letters from Japan: First Year NoCal JETs Report Back Last issue we read about the anxiety and excitement that three NoCal JETs were feeling just before departing for Japan this August. Three months later, let’s check in on them to see how they’re doing and getting settled. Every Situation may be Different, but I would bet that at least a few of their experiences will elicit a few grins of recognition from you.

I can’t believe it’s been three months already! It’s gone by a lot faster than I thought it would. I’ve been busy settling in, adjusting to my new surroundings and getting to know my co-workers, students, neighbors, and town.

I haven’t had a chance to talk to too many JETs, but I definitely feel like being a JET in Okinawa is quite a unique experience I’m amazed at unique blend of cultures found here in the Ryukyu Islands and the great pride that Okinawans have for their culture: Eisa Dancing, Okinawa Soba, Toki’s new home in paradise: Looking towards Kouri Island Awamori (Okinawan shochu), Sanshin music, etc. in the East China Sea I learn something new everyday about the history and culture of Okinawa. For instance, did you know that before Commodore Perry sailed into Edo Bay with his fleet of big black ships and ended the period of Japanese isolation that he actually visited and stayed in Okinawa? Unfortunately, not all of the things I’ve learned have been that cheerful. As many people are aware of, Okinawa was the site of one of the fiercest battles in World War II and the sad legacy and reminders of the Battle of Okinawa are evident throughout the island.

Since the war the U.S. has had an interesting influence and relationship with Okinawa. I’ve experienced a kind of reverse culture shock already, where I find myself being surprised by the huge influence the U.S. has had here. Until 1972 Okinawans used U.S. dollars and drove on the right side of the road—which leads me to wonder what the first day of reversion was like—lots of car accidents? Another example is the fast food chain, A&, which I thought went out of business a while ago, is thriving in Okinawa (and from what I’ve heard, its one of the few places in Japan where you can get unlimited refills for your soda).

Sometimes I forget I’m in Japan and think I’m in the Bay Area still. So far I love being here: the weather (it’s the beginning of November and it’s still in the mid-70’s), my students, my co-workers, the food; I can go on and on. I teach at the junior high school in the morning then head off to one Eisa Dancing at the of the five elementary schools each afternoon, but wherever I go I’m always Tokujin Obon Odori greeted with a smile and usually a “Hello Toki-sensei, please eat some of this ______, it’s only found in Okinawa.” If you’re thinking about heading back to Japan soon and haven’t been to Okinawa before, I highly recommended taking a trip down to Okinawa and experiencing another side of Japan.

Okay, until next time! Mata, ne! —Toki Burke, Currently in Okinawa ; Email Toki at [email protected]. 感想 p page 13 acific bridge page 13 Letters from Japan

Well, it has been three months and I can’t say I’ve gotten used to this new environment. Despite not being used to work and my living situation 100% I can say that I have experienced a ton of wonderful and not-so-wonderful experiences. As a former study abroad student I can honestly say work and study are completely different.

To start with some of my less happy experiences, I arrived to my old and tiny apartment in the sweltering heat of Japan to discover I have a fear of thunder and lightening. It’s too bad living alone does not help lessen the fear and so the rain, thunder and lightening made my initial adjustment a tad difficult.

My second difficulty came in the form of an old bicycle that had brakes ready to break, rust all over, and it was just a little too big for me. So I decide to brave the streets of Wako-shi despite these obstacles only to bike home one day, have the brakes fail, and bam, I’m lying on the sidewalk while some students from my school walk by me as if they didn’t see me. Luckily no major injuries other than my pride, and a nice man did walk up to me and ask if I was okay. Now I am bike-less and waiting for my new bike to come in at some point. Close Encounters of the Bug Kind As of now the absolute worst thing that has happened to me is a giant five-inch spider managing to crawl into my apartment and deciding to place itself right above my futon. Fortunately I have a nice neighbor who I called on at 2 am, but because she was asleep, I had a lovely all-nighter in the corner of my apartment staring at the big, black, disgusting arachnid, just daring it to move. The disposal of the spider was pretty awful as well because two screaming girls at 7 am in the morning attracts a lot of attention from the neighbors. I can only suggest bug spray. Great Views Putting the scarring moments aside I am having an absolute blast in Japan. First, I love my location. I love my school, the teachers, and the students, and I love Japan’s autumn! I admit everything was awkward in the beginning and teaching for the first time is still an intimidating experience, but I think this is a great Kampai! Kathryn (left) and new friends growing experience and I am learning many many new things. One of the major pluses to my work place is that there are a few nice P.E. teachers offering me eye candy. Unfortunately, one of them has the image of Anpan Man in my head now and when I look at him I might fall on the floor laughing. School Life The school I am at is a junior high school, and every so often I have business trips to city hall but for the most part I am at school. I may just be very slow at adjusting, but every other week the school is having some special event so class schedules are changed, people are off on business trips, suddenly special events are being planned, and I’m somewhere in the middle. With a little grasp of the Japanese language some of the teachers are very comfortable with me and don’t mind chatting with me. Thus, I receive many invites to participate in these special events. enkai or just hang out. I also had my As there are some younger teachers closer to my age as well, we sometimes have birthday here in Japan recently, and I was pleasantly surprised by some students announcing it in the teachers room— which brings me to the children. The students at my school are all really adorable and sweet. I like their energy and they are supportive of me by telling me I’m not scary or unapproachable. It’s a good feeling and I am even happier when students come up to me telling me they enjoy English classes now.

I also get to do a lot of activity planning and helping out with lesson plans. Despite being asked some really difficult grammar and linguistics questions, like explaining semantic breaches, I am having fun with the English language. I am also learning a lot of Japanese. Interacting with the students outside of class has also done wonders for some students. My JTE and I are proud to announce that we have managed to influence some of the rowdier students to enjoy English and they help make classes enjoyable for the other students, as I’ve been told by some.

So now I am in the process of coping with the cold weather, constant rain, activity planning, and debating when to go with my JTE to Tokyo Disneyland. There is never a dull moment! I am excited to finish up this year and start the next! 感想 —Kathryn Wong, currently in Saitama

Know a JET currently in Japan who wants to write for Pacific Bridge? Email [email protected]. p page 14 acific bridge page 14 Letters from Japan

One month has gone by fast; I think I might have to rewind a little bit! On my second night in Tokyo, I ate raw horse meat. It changed the meaning of “I’m so hungry, I can eat a horse” into “I’m so hungry, I am eating a horse!” For Obon I went to Nagasaki and some guys in their 70s asked if I wanted to drink some shochu in Shindaigaku. A few drinks later, I saw that an obaasan was approaching our table. She gave us mung bean candy. I gave her a melted chocolate chip bar. Her name was Haru, and she asked where I was from. I said the U.S. and then she told me she was an atomic bomb survivor. Both her parents died from drinking radioactive water. Haru proceeded to give me a photo of a black rapper from the U.S. that she saw in Japan. I had to give continue the gift giving thing and I made her a Hiroshi-san, Josh and Haru-san, chillin’ paper crane. Later on I participated in a local parade— hanabi everywhere! Afterwards the ship float that was being carried in the parade was “sent” out to sea and I gave a speech in Japanese at the after-party! A few days later at my apartment next to a rice paddy...sounds boring right? Well, it was so boring that some people tried to break into my apartment! Talking to the police was entertaining. The officer asked, “Are you a Marine?” (We do have Marines in Sasebo and they definitely bring a unique aspect of cross-cultural exchange.) I still am trying to figure out why the people tried to break into my apartment. Perhaps they were trying to get stuff former ALTs left from 10 years ago. Such as love letters from Denmark, journals, pictures of girlfriends, money from Brazil, laptops, a digital camera, and...well, unmentionables.

Building a float for theKunchi festival I have a distinct advantage in being of Asian decent, for example, when I’m with my JTE in the supermarket and someone thinks I’m his son and then compares me to her own children. At my technical high school of 99% boys, they tell me I am like their brother. We may look Japanese but it hides the diversity of the JET program and Japan. The SEA at my school is from Korea and the CIR is from Shanghai, China. I have to communicate with her in a mixture of Chinese and Japanese. Finally, the home economics teacher knows Portuguese because she grew up in Brazil. I know Spanish so we communicate in “Portojapanish.”

Stay tuned for more adventures. I will be in the Kunchi festival. I am also in the badminton club for both my schools and soft tennis (this is a sport?) with my JTL and some Japanese guys in their 80s. So I will be in great shape when I come back! Work hard, play hard, party hard! —Joshua Lee, currently in Nagasaki

感想

As the reverse culture shock sets in, the economy JET ALUMNI collapses and you can’t seem to land a job, we’d like to welcome you home, JET Alums! GET YOUR To soften the blow of coming home, the Japan Society of Northern California would like to offer all newly returning JETs a one year complimentary membership.* Remain close to Japan through our informative panel programs and Japanese language classes—maybe even FREE get a job through one of our meishi-swapping happy MEMBERSHIP hours (or at least get drunk)! Call or email to activate your membership now: [email protected], 415.986.4383.

*To be eligible for this offer you must have returned from the JET Program in the summer of 2008. NOW Membership is valid for one calendar year from the date of activation. Offer expires 12/31/2008. Founded in 1905, the Japan Society of Northern California is a leading forum on Japan and US-Japan relations. Its mission is to strengthen cooperation and understanding between the peoples of the United States and Japan by providing programs that help to expand knowledge, increase personal interaction and facilitate discussion of important issues. WWW.USAJAPAN.ORG p page 15 acific bridge page 15 Cultural Happenings Film Notes: Japanese Film in Northern California Now Playing: Cinema Japan at Berkeley’s PFA Pacific Film Archive on the UC Berkeley campus is pleased to present “Cinema Japan: A Wreath for Madame Kawakita,” a series of 24 feature films screening from Saturday, November 1 through Wednesday, December 17.

In November and December, films directed by Akira Kurosawa, Kon Ichikawa, Kaneto Shindo, Seijun Suzuki, Nagisa Oshima, Yoji Yamada, Shohei Imamura, and Sumiko Haneda will be shown (with many of the screenings featuring beautiful new prints) in honor of the centenary of Madame Kashiko Kawakita, a greatly admired champion of Japanese cinema, a distributor of foreign and Japanese art films within Japan, and founder of the Japan Film Library Council (now the Kawakita Memorial Film Institute), which began preservation Rashomon efforts to safeguard Japan’s cinema heritage. Kurosawa’s Mme. Kawakita worked tirelessly within Japan, lending encouragement to such filmmakers as Nagisa Oshima, Susumu Hani, Kaneto Shindo, and to critic and film curator Donald Richie, whose writings in English led many to discover the glories of Japanese cinema. She also traveled the world, extolling Japanese cinema; for example, she was instrumental in the screening of Akira Kurosawa’s Rashomon at the 1951 Venice Film Festival, where its receipt of the Golden Lion drew international attention to Japanese cinema. For complete program notes, visit www.bampfa.berkeley.edu. 映画

The Top Ten Ways JETAA Would be Different If Obama or McCain Were Your JETAA Chapter President! Who would have been a better president, McCain or Obama? Maybe that’s the wrong question. Perhaps the focus should be on what presidency they should really be running for. And thus the question is begged, what would be...

The Top 10 Ways JETAA Would be Different If Obama or McCain Were Your JETAA

Chapter President 10. Beach Boys parodies about bombing Iran replaced by parodies about market turmoil 9. General skepticism about president’s claim that while on JET he “could see South Korea” from his school’s window. 8. Promises of lower noodle taxes for Joe the Ramenya-san 7. Onsen trips...to Maui! tonkatsu 6. President shows off “maverick” side by putting sauce on okonomiyaki Shinnenkai dinner 5. Chicago deep dish pizza served at 4. Election opponent branded as a terrorist after admitted to having bought a phone card from an Iranian guy in Ueno Park in 1995 3. Uniqlo shopping spree for the Veep enkai? “Grill, baby, grill!” 2. Position on yaki-niku 1. “I’m Barack Obama, and I approve this sake” p page 16 acific bridge page 16 Cultural Happenings Ex-pat Legends: Ian Buruma and John Nathan in Conversation On Monday, October 20th, two legendary experts and writers on East Asia, Ian Buruma and John Nathan, participated in a conversation about their new books and the life of an expatriate in Asia at the Mechanics Institute Library in downtown San Francisco. The event was presented in cooperation with the Japan Society of Northern California and the Asia Society of Northern California. Buruma and Nathan shared the stage, posing questions to each other about how they came up with ideas for their books and exchanging various anecdotes about living in Japan in the 1960s and ’70s. A well-known translator and journalist, Ian Buruma discussed his newly published novel, The China Lover (2008), which examines the life of starlet Yamaguchi Yoshiko (山口 淑子) from the perspective of three different men Japan in the 70s: Nathan and Buruma reminisce living in three different time periods. Born in Manchuria China, Yamaguchi assumed a Chinese pseudonym (Li enrolled in a first-year Japanese language class taught by the Xianlan) and is best known for her roles in numerous films renowned Edwin Resichauer, who later served as a mentor from the 1930s and 40s, where she often portrayed a Chinese when they both lived in Japan. woman falling in love with a Japanese soldier. During their conversation, Buruma and Nathan reminisced John Nathan’s memoir, Living Carelessly in Tokyo and about Japan in the ’70s, when authors wrote about Elsewhere, traces his own life and long-term relationship people’s relationships, as compared to many isolated with Japan. Nathan arrived in Japan after graduating from characters in contemporary fiction. They exchanged Harvard and became the first American to be admitted as anecdotes from their time in Japan about the treatment a a regular student to the University of Tokyo. He took on foreigner often receives, especially when he or she speaks various jobs teaching at a new English conversation school Japanese fluently. They both recalled that although many in Tokyo and English literature at Tsuda College. Nathan also Japanese people were amazed at their Japanese abilities, there talks about the different people he encounters while living was still the unspoken divide and subtle cultural nuances that in Japan. distinguished them as foreigners. When asked about how they first arrived in Japan, both Buruma and Nathan spent some time answering questions shared stories of going to Japan to study more about Japanese from audience members, including one from Consul culture, literature, film, and language. Buruma discussed his General Yasumasa Nagamine, who asked for thoughts on early interests in Chinese literature and Japanese film, leading contemporary Japan. Both commented on how much Japan him to study at Nihon University in the late 1970s. Nathan has changed over the years and look forward to seeing how described the turning point during his undergraduate years Japan continues to grow in the future, especially with China at Harvard, when a Japanese student captured his attention as a rising power. by writing down two kanji characters and explained what Melissa Chan, Tokyo, 2005-07 they meant. Fascinated by the depth of the language, Nathan Media Circle Coordinator リポート

Rockin’ with at the Fillmore! August 12, 2008 was an unprecedented day for Glay fans in the Bay Area and on the U.S. mainland. The band’s concert in San Francisco’s Fillmore Auditorium was the first of three concerts in the U.S. outside of Hawaii, initiating their Verb Tour. The tour was made even more special since it celebrated the band’s 20th Anniversary.

While in Japan, most JETs become familiar with at least the band’s name, which is derived from a play named “Gray,” deliberately misspelled to reflect their eclectic range of styles in their music. For those of you who are unaccountably not Glay Super Fans, the band consists of four main members, Takuro (guitar), Teru (vocal), (bass), and (guitar). The group originated from Hokkaido growing from small roots to having Giant Strong Faust Super Stars: numerous Number One hits. Glay treats the crowd at the Fillmore Many people who are familiar with Glay know that the Fillmore, which is a smaller, more intimate venue, is a very unusual scene hardly replicable in Japan today—the days of the band’s first, two-person concert giving way a long time ago to immense popularity, leading to over 50,000 enthusiastic fans turning out for sold out concerts. Glay fans are among the most die-hard, worldwide. Amongst the Japanese who showed up to the Fillmore was a guy from Minnesota who flew all the way to San Francisco just to attend the concert. This was already quite impressive, but even more so was the fact he was getting married that same weekend! While there were probably a few people there who heard of Glay for the first time, most of the attendees seemed to be devoted fans who sang along to the 16-song performance and knew each band member by name.

The band rocked each song, the fans enjoying bouncing on the concert floor. But most likely, it was Glay themselves who enjoyed the chance to play in San Francisco and reminisce over their days when they could still see and play for their fans up close and personal. —Amy Rockwood, Nagano, 2002-05 ロックンロール p page 17 acific bridge page 17 Cultural Happenings

Rare Bugaku Dance Marks Genji’s 1,000th Anniversary

This year marks the 1,000th anniversary of the “Tale of Genji,” by Lady Murasaki. Often called the world’s first novel, the Genji Monogatari has been a seminal influence in Japanese culture for over a thousand years. In commemoration of the millennial anniversary of this timeless classic, the Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco, together with the Genji Millennium Committee and with the support Japan Society of Northern California presented a performance of bugaku entitled, “Bugaku: Japanese Classical Dance from the World of the Tale of Genji” at Stanford University on Saturday, October 25 and at the Koret Auditorium of the San Francisco Main Library on Sunday, October 26. Bugaku are ancient folk dances originating from China, Korea and Heian Hip-Hop: Bugaku at Stanford University Central Asia that were performed to the accompaniment of Japanese classical court music, gagaku, during the Heian period. Today, such performances can usually only be seen at special times of the year in certain Shinto shrines in Kyoto. These performances offered an extremely rare treat for the audience as this was the first time that a bugaku performance was held on the West Coast. The dances were beautifully performed by Ms. Junko Ikukawa and three of her master students of the all women Japanese classical dance troupe Hara-sho-kai. The program consisted of a guest lecture on bugaku and the Genji, two dances including Gosechi-no-mai which appeared in the Tale of Genji, a demonstration of how to put on the 12 layered (junihitoe) kimono, and a short DVD on the Genji Millennium celebrations in Japan. The program played to packed houses on both days and the responses from the audiences were overwhelmingly enthusiastic and positive. If you are interested in this or any other kind of cultural programming on Japan, please feel free to contact our Cultural Programming Department at the Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco at: [email protected] or [email protected]. Your interest and input are most welcome and will help us to offer more programs like Happy 1,000th, Genji! this in the future. Steve Goldman, Senior Coordinator for Cultural Affairs, Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco 舞楽 For more information about Bugaku, visit the following link: www.sf.us.emb-japan.go.jp/archives/PR_e/2008/pr_08_1014.htm.

JIC Hosts Opening of “Gyotaku - The Art of Fish Printing” The Japan Information Center (JIC) of the Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco hosted a reception on September 4 to celebrate the opening of its new exhibition titled “Gyotaku: The Art of Fish Printing” featuring various fish prints by Professor Christopher Dewees, a former Sea Grant Marine Fisheries Specialist at UC Davis. Professor Dewees first encounteredgyotaku , an art form that is believed to have originated in Japan, when he was a graduate student in fishery biology at Humboldt State University. He studied the methods through the publication Gyotaku, authored by Professor Yoshio Hiyama of Tokyo University. In 1975, he established the Nature Printing Society with his fisheries- specialist and botanist friends, but little did they know that the Society Fish, and their fans: Gyotaku at the JIC would soon grow to over 200 members from around the world. His artworks have been exhibited at prestigious institutions such as the Smithsonian Institution and the California Academy of Sciences. At the Opening, Professor Dewees explained the direct and indirect methods of Gyotaku, and answered a number of questions from an enthusiastic audience. Among the wonderful artwork exhibited are an octopus print and a shrimp print—not often found. Ethan Savage, Hiroshima, 2000-2003 魚拓

I’m Going to Japan Tomorrow!: New JETs Reflect the Night Before Departure Now that I’ve finished packing, the calm feeling I had is gone and the excited panic is beginning to grow. I can’t wait to leave. —Kimberly Grisham, Headed to Gifu p page 18 acific bridge page 18 Greetings and Farewells

Jiko-Shokai: Yuko Eto, Our New JET Program Coordinator

I am Yuko Eto, Researcher and Advisor for Educational Affairs at the Consulate. I arrived from Japan at the end of July. I have been really enjoying getting involved with the JET Program. I was born and brought up in Tokyo. I spent three years in the UK for high school, then returned Tokyo for my BA. I have also lived and worked in Kanazawa and Yokohama. The JET Program has always been close to me, as my good friends that I met at “Uni” and through work were JET alumni. Also, in my previous job in Kanazawa I was often working with a CIR. It is a happy coincidence for me that I am working for the JET Program now. I have a Masters in Art Management, with a focus on education in museums. So I really like going to museums and galleries! I also enjoy running and traveling. This is the first time for me to live in the U.S., and San Francisco is my first West Coast Yoroshikuexperience, onegaishimasu so please share! your kind tips of living, places帰郷 to visit, etc.! I am looking forward to meeting you soon.

“Ganbaru!”: Remembering Alumna Natalia Kraft Gambaru! No one knew how to use this word to the fullest like Natalia Rae, a.k.a. Natalie or Nat Kraft. Although the meaning of the word is to make the sincerest effort dissociated from the outcome, Natalie believed in outcome.

I knew her when she started as a CIR in 1988 on the JET Program, followed by her almost 10-year career working to improve environmental policies in Asia, to her last love as a yoga teacher, massage therapist and practitioner of Gestalt Awareness Practice— Natalie soaked up all life had to offer.

Natalie died of breast cancer this past summer three years after the battle began. Never wishing to exclude anyone, she shared her cancer journey publicly with her lively blog at www.beginwithin.net. She continued to laugh, dance, travel, and mentor, coaching herself Natalia Kraft and others to be alive. No wonder she mesmerized so many people from Japan to her community in Larkspur in Northern California.

As was described by her friends at the Yoga Studio where she last taught, “She was a yogi, a dancer, a free thinker, an optimist, a progressive partisan, and a fun loving party girl. She taught and meditated and stretched; she gave therapeutic massages and non-stop philosophic pep talks. She was the un-Zen Zen master, causing enough commotion to cook a koan.

A steam-rolling goof ball, hell-bent on getting it right, she’d take you out of the play for eating from a non-sustainable diet, while watching Oprah, and networking on Facebook. A modern day Mohammed who had no problem bringing it to the mountain, over and over again, she could float like a butterfly, and sting like a bee.”

I miss her and am honored to have learned from her up until her physical end. However, there is no end to her spirit echoing the word “Gambaru!” to all of us.

Judy Pan, Yamaguchi, 1987-89 おくやみ

Losing One of Our Own: A Reflection from Bruce Jaffe, JETAANC Co-Founder and Board Member

Natalia left this world much earlier than any of us would have liked. She would have wanted to remind everyone of the importance of self-breast exams and mammograms, especially for women under the age of forty.

She would also have liked to leave behind some advice: “Go have a beautiful day each and every day,” “Breathe deeply,” “Take care of the planet and all the people on it,” and above all, “All you need is love.”

Natalia leaves behind an irrepressible spirit, lots of teachings, friends all over the world, her blog and significant contributions to the building of a strong foundation for JETAANC.

交流 p page 19 acific bridge page 19 Announcements Save the Date “Ask Rod”: What is a Subchapter? 12/6-7 U.S.-Japan Baseball Symposium Hey Rod, what is a subchapter? A subchapter is a small group of JETAA members Inst. of East Asian Studies, Berkeley who live in an area outside of the main region of the chapter, in our case, San 12/29-30 Mochi Pounding Workshops Francisco. The purpose of the subchapter is to bring JET alumni communities JCCCNC, San Francisco together, wherever they may be located. Active subchapters would have the full 12/31 Japanese New Year Bell-Ringing support of chapter resources, including the Executive Committee and Board of Ceremony, Asian Art Museum, SF Directors. Events are what you make of them, and would ultimately depend on 1/3 Mochi Pounding Ceremony what each subchapter wants to do. Asian Art Museum, SF There has been great interest within our chapter to have JET events outside of the 1/15 Butoh Dance Performance Bay Area. Here is your chance to do it! Some examples of potential subchapters Asian Art Museum, SF would be (but not limited to!): South Bay, Sacto, Central California, NorCal, 1/24 JETAANC Shinnenkai New Year’s Reno and Las Vegas. If you know of at least four alumni in your area, why not Party: East Bay, TBD start a subchapter and get something going? Email me at [email protected]. 2/8 Noh Performance Rod McLeod, Shimane, 2005-07, President 少数派 University of San Francisco Note: Nomikai happy hours are held in San Francisco every first Thursday and in the East Bay every third Thursday of every month. For more details about these and other upcoming events, join the JETAANC Message Board at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/jetaanc and choose to receive either “individual email” or “daily digest.” To stay even more in the loop, join the JETAANC Facebook & LinkedIn pages!

Japan Exchange and Teaching Alumni Association of Northern California P.O. Box 2873 San Francisco, CA 94126-2873

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Pacific Bridge is published quarterly by volunteer members of the JET Alumni Association of Northern California. All rights reserved. Only one issue per year is sent to members via U.S. Postal Service. To receive notification when newonline issues become available, join the JETAANC Yahoo Group at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/jetaanc. Past issues can be found online at www.jetaanc.org.

President Rod McLeod [email protected] Vice President currently open Treasurer Arisa Takahashi Fuller [email protected] Communications Mark Frey [email protected] Coordinator Webmaster Heidi Smith [email protected]

Fall 2008 Media Circle Melissa Chan [email protected] Outreach Coordinator Douglas Shelton [email protected]

Pacific Bridge Board of Directors Lenore Española Gary Mukai Sabrina Ishimatsu Ronn Patton Bruce Jaffe Libby Wolfensperger Tim Morey JETAANC Website http://www.jetaanc.org JETAANC Yahoo http://groups.yahoo.com/group/jetaanc JETAANC Jobs http://groups.yahoo.com/group/jetaancjobs SFJETS http://groups.yahoo.com/group/sfjets