Japan America Society of Minnesota

Transcription

1 Japan America Society of Minnesota The Tsūshin is a membership publication of the Japan America Society of Minnesota September 2013 VOL. 22, No. 09 Lantern Lighting Festival - Continued on page 5 - JASM featured its most anticipated summer event this year on Sunday, August 18 th at Como Park. The annual Lantern Lighting Festival had many great displays and booths to offer during the temperate evening. The festival is modeled after Japan s traditional O-Bon celebration, which welcomes back the departed ancestors to their communities. JASM proudly sponsored its own booths in light of the festival, among them included: the JASM Main Booth; the Sekohan Booth; the Calligraphy Booth; the Kingyo Sukui Booth; the J-Quiz Booth; the Yo-Yo Tsuri Booth; and finally, JASM s newest booth called Chopsticks Challenge, which put dexterity to the test as people transported beans into small bowls using chopsticks. There were many other booths at the festival from other organizations as well that offered a variety of authentic Japanese activities such as martial arts and kendo. Many people who were attracted to the festival s many expositions were enticed to eat traditional Japanese food like Gyudon (Beef Bowl) served by Tomoko Drake and Friends of the Minneapolis Japanese School. Meanwhile, demonstrations of music and dance took place all day at the main stage, featuring Taiko drummers, and talented Japanese dance groups such as Thunder Wave, and the Mikaharu-kai, who exhibited the famous O-Bon dance, the Bon Odori, a popular tradition at the festivals in Japan. - Continued on page 5 - Mondale Gala: Book Early Now The Mondale Award and Scholarship Gala, will be held on Saturday, November 2nd. This year s event will be held at the Oak Ridge Country Club, a private country club located in Hopkins, Minnesota. The event, pays tribute to the contributions that former Ambassador and Vice President Walter Mondale has made to building relationship between the two nations. The event will be highlighted by this year s speaker Marc Knapp, current director of the Department of State s Office of Japanese Affairs. We are planning to have the largest and record breaking attendance in JASM s history. We are working very hard to make this event very successful and memorable. We are offering our Early Bird Special price for reservations until Tuesday, October 1st.. Registration will be $90 for JASM members and $115 for non-members. Hurry because reservations will be on first come first serve basis! At the event, there will be a silent and live auction. Proceeds from the auctions will go to help fund the Mondale Scholarship. For more information, please contact the JASM Office at or jasm@us-japan.org. Japan Garden Tour Final Announcement There are still a limited number of slots available to reserve for the upcoming Japan Garden Tour. In cooperation with the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, JASM is giving anyone with an interest in Japanese gardens an opportunity to visit some of the finest gardens Japan has to offer. The cost of the trip will include a 12 night stay in various hotels throughout Japan, transportation while in Japan, most meals, and admission to the gardens themselves. For more information, please visit the JASM website to view the full itinerary for the trip. As of right now, the final day to make your initial deposit and reserve a spot for this trip is Tuesday, September 3rd. If you would like to make a reservation, please visit the JASM website. If you have any further questions that are not outlined in the itinerary on the JASM website, do not hesitate to call the JASM office, and we will do our best to make sure any questions that you have are answered.

2 Sushi Social Recap This year, the JASM Young Professionals Group again organized its greatly anticipated Sushi Social event on August 6, 2013 at Tiger Sushi, in the Uptown district of Minneapolis. The Sushi Social is an annual event created with the intention of bringing those interested in Japan, Japanese culture and the Japanese language together to share their interests with one another. Those who attended the event enjoyed an assortment of Tiger Sushi delicacies. Gyoza, tuna and salmon rolls, and a surprisingly delicious entrée called the Caterpillar are a few of the many delicious set meals provided by the wonderful staff at Tiger Sushi. Beer, and other drinks were sold, and as well as a few interesting Japanese refreshments. Not only was the food great, but the atmosphere provided by Tiger Sushi was very inviting, and helped to put everyone in a fun, relaxed mood while enjoying delicious food. Over 20 individuals participated in the event, and the conversations ranged from Anime, to work life in Japan, to the current political climate there as well. Many individuals participated in speaking Japanese, and a real sense of wholesome networking was shared by everyone in attendance.. Towards the end of the event, we experienced some shockingly extreme weather, but that did not stop participants from taking the gathering indoors to continue conversations and enjoy the company of JASM members and friends. JASM sincerely appreciates all those who participated in the event and to those who continue to support JASM by attending these events. We would also like to thank Tiger Sushi for allowing us to use their space to host this event, and for providing everyone with wonderful food and drink throughout the event. JASM looks forward to hosting more events at Tiger Sushi, and at other restaurants that are part of the JASM family. Check out the JASM member restaurants and support them too! Special thanks to Dan Gilbertson and Marc Blehert, JASM Board Members and co-leaders of the JASM Professional Group, for organizing the event. Fundraising Report Although the Japan America Society of Minnesota (JASM) is a non-profit organization, financial support from members and non-members alike is crucial to keeping JASM an active and productive non-profit organization. This past month, JASM initiated a pledge drive and received a number of pledges from members of the JASM community, amounting to $420. JASM is very thankful for each and every pledge that it received during the fundraising event and if you did not have an opportunity to donate this time, please visit the JASM website where you can donate anytime. Again JASM would like to thank you for the financial support you have given us. It is because of your support that we are able to put on cross-cultural events and strengthen the relationship between Japan and Minnesota, and improve the awareness of Japanese culture here in Minnesota. Without your financial support, JASM would not be able to accomplish any of these goals, and would not be the successful organization that it is today. どうもありがとうございました! Membership News Thanks to the following New JASM Members: James Hermanson, Daniel Lee, Kelly Canaan, TJ Hara, Bill Norris, Sophie Warton Thanks to the following renewing JASM Members: Jane Power, Josh Revier, Diana Lynne, Luke Walbert, James Votaw, Takehito & Richiko Kamata, Akiko Matsumoto, Hiroko Nagai, Chiharu Hall, David Blattner, Joel Updyke, Kara Macris Thanks to our renewing Corporate Members: BioBusimess Alliance Fuji-Ya Restaurant Briggs and Morgan, P.A. Find us at Facebook (Japan America Society of Minnesota), call the JASM office, or follow us on Twitter (@MNJAPAN) for latest JASM updates

3 Abenomics : What It Means For Japan By now, you have most likely heard the phrase Abenomics used to describe the transformation that is currently undergoing the Japanese economy. But, how many of us actually know what this economic policy equates to? Abenomics refers to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe s attempt to help improve Japan s economic situation, through the use of a strategy known simply as the three arrows that is meant to jump start the Japanese economy out of stagnation. The three arrows mentioned above consist of the following economic policies: quantitative easing by the central bank, fiscal stimulus, and structural reform. Basically, these three policies are aimed at reversing deflation so that Japan may gain a competitive advantage on the market, and can therefore use this advantage to spur economic growth through increased spending by public and private investors. At the heart of this policy is the Bank of Japan. Through conjunction with the Bank of Japan, Abe has instituted policies to increase government intervention in the economy. These policies include inflation targeting at 2% annually, correction of excessive yen appreciation, setting negative interest rates, radical quantitative easing, and expansion of public investment (Fensom). The LDP controlled National Diet also passed a policy to increase consumption tax rates to 8% for 2014, and 10% for 2015 in an attempt to reduce the national debt. So far, the policies of Abenomics have seen a noteworthy shift for the Japanese economy. Since Abe s election, growth has been witnessed in Japan s Nikkei Stock Index, and the Japanese Y en has seen depreciation versus the U.S dollar. However, critics say that this economic resurgence cannot be sustained, as they say the policies Abe is pursuing are only a short term solution and do not address the structural deficiencies present in Japan s economy. Currently, it is almost impossible to tell whether Prime Minister Shinzo Abe s economic policies will revitalize Japan s economy in a sustainable manner or not. However, it should be noted that the Japanese economy has seen growth since the introduction of Abe s plan. However, initial growth spurred by the motivational sentiments from Prime Minister Abe has recently started to slow down and look more complicated than the Prime Minister has said. Reflections and research by JASM Intern Eric Schneider. Corporate Member Story: Gray Plant Mooty JASM would like to recognize the law office of Gray Plant Mooty Mooty & Bennett, P.A. the oldest continuing law practice in Minneapolis for its support as a corporate member of our organization. Founded in 1866 as a firm focused on real estate, Gray Plant Mooty has grown considerably since then into a well respected and successful law firm. With over 170 attorneys, Gray Plant and Mooty services clients all over the world, in many different sectors of the corporate arena. In recent years, Gray Plant Mooty has been the recipient of a number of accolades. In 2010, Gray Plant Mooty was named one of Minnesota s Best Places To Work by The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal, while being the only law firm in Minnesota to receive this distinction. In 2005, the firm received the Minnesota Business Ethics Award. This award reflects not only the integrity the firm holds, but the importance they place on the relationships with their clients. In 2003 Gray Plant Mooty moved their Minneapolis office into the IDS Center at the heart of Downtown Minneapolis. JASM was lucky enough to host the July edition of our Corporate Roundtable event at this location. It was a splendid location for the event, and provided a comfortable and relaxing setting for the event. JASM would like to thank Gray Plant Mooty for hosting this business series and for the support that Gray Plant Mooty has given JASM throughout the years. JASM would like to especially thank Gray Plant Mooty attorney Inchan Hwang for the contributions he has made to JASM as a former board member. Please thank our members with your support! Corporate Benefactor Members Daikin McQuay, Inc. Delta Airlines, Inc. Corporate Sustaining Members 3M Company Amano McGann, Inc American Medical Systems, Inc. Andersen Corporation Boston Scientific Corporation Dorsey & Whitney, LLP Design Ready Control, Inc. Fredrikson & Byron, PA Gray Plant Mooty Hamre, Schumann, Mueller & Larson, PC Hubbard Broadcasting Lion Precision Mall of America St. Jude Medical Taiyo International, Inc. The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd. Vital Images, Inc. Proto Labs, Inc. Leonard, Street and Deinard Corporate Contributing Members Bloomington Sister City Organization Briggs and Morgan, P.A. Compart Family Farms Devicix, LLC Fish & Richardson, P.C. Japan Lifeline Co. Ltd. Professional Instruments Company Schwegman, Lundberg, Woessner, P.A. Sysco Asian Foods Wilson Learning Worldwide Satellite Industries Partners in Service Dave Steffens Automotive & Conway Auto Clinic Fuji-Ya Restaurant J&K Trading, LLC Kiku Enterprises Origami Restaurant St. Paul Saints Sakura Restaurant & Sushi Bar Saint Paul Convention & Visitors Authority Suishin Restaurant Tiger Sushi Tomodachi Nonprofit Members Aikido of Minnesota Anime Twin Cities, Inc. BioBusiness Alliance of Minnesota Concordia Language Villages JETAA Minnesota JETRO Chicago KCC Japan Education Exchange Macalester College Asian Language & Culture Department Minneapolis Japanese School Minnesota International Center Minnesota Trade Office Mu Performing Arts N-Dimensional Japan US-China Business Connections Winona State Univ. Global Studies Dept.

4 Tom Haeg s Book Review: It is often said that truth is the first casualty of war. However, lack of courage is a close second. Witness the internment of Japanese-Americans in World War II. Where were those who should have come forward to oppose the use of national origin as a proxy for national loyalty and by default accepted the military necessity argument? A Principled Stand is a solid, memoir account of Gordon K. Hirabayashi, who challenged, -unsuccessfully, the legal system to overturn the decision by President Franklin Roosevelt to place otherwise, law-abiding Japanese citizens in military detention after the Pearl Harbor attack on December 7, It relies on his diaries, manuscripts, government documents, etc. to provide a riveting, detailed accounting of his trials and detention. The text is edited by Lane Ryo Hirabayashi (nephew) and James Hirabayashi (son). It puts into issue a failed judicial system that abdicates its independence. It showcases how war hysteria frightens the good and emboldens the bad. There was enough blame to go around. The labor unions, -the Teamsters in particular, punted. The American Civil Liberties Union took a pass (they refused to challenge the internments). Even FDR s liberal-spirited wife, Eleanor, seemed passive. Nonetheless, the tone of A Principled Stand, although justifiably bitter, does illustrate some heroes. Hirabayashi acknowledges genuine acts of kindness from the YMCA, close personal friends (Caucasians) and local Quakers. He also commiserates with the families who lost loved ones at Pearl Harbor. So, the context of his argument is sound and balanced. Hirabayashi s moral narrative is this: wartime panics are toxic, maintain reason as an antidote, and heal by assessing each individual on a case by case basis. Certainly, our Constitution must accord nothing less. And, there is some redemption. Hirabayashi v. United States (1943) was unanimously decided, and a companion case, Korematsu v. United States (1944), was decided by a divided majority. In 1987 both cases were finally overturned and in 1988 Congress passed a reparations bill for all those unjustly interned. Return of the Sword Event September 21 The Saint Paul Nagasaki Sister City Committee invites you to witness the Return of the Sword, a ceremony that symbolizes peace and friendship, at the Como Park Visitors Center on Saturday, September 21 st at 9:30 a.m. Ninety-four year World War II veteran, Orval Amdahl, of Lanesboro, Minnesota, will return a sword, kept for 68 years, to its original owner, the Motomura family of Nagasaki. Tadahiro Motomura will represent his father in receiving the sword. Captain Orval Armdahl arrived in Nagasaki in September 1945, with the Second Marine Division, one of the first military units to serve with the Occupation Forces in Japan. One day Capt.Amdahl walked into a warehouse and found a beautiful sword with a leather scabbard that he chose to take back to Minnesota. Over the years, Capt. Amdahl wondered who was the true owner of the sword. Contact was finally made with the Motomura family. Ther ceremony on Sept. 21 represents the uniting of two families in their desire to facilitate the return of a valued family and cultural treasure. In returning the sword, two families, and their communities are able to affirm the enduring ties of peace and reconciliation that exist between the peoples of Japan and the United States. JASM is pleased to join the SPNSCC in welcoming all to this ceremony that embraces the ties between two families, two cities and two countries that share the legacy of the Pacific War and the blessing of Peace now and for future generations. For more information, please feel free to contact spnscc@gmail.com. Tom Haeg is Executive Secretary of JASM and sits on the Board of Directors Hirabayashi, Gordon K.; University of Washington Press, 2013, 217 p.; Hirabayashi, James A.

5 Lantern Lighting Festival Recap - continued from page continued from page 1 - As evening closed into night, everyone gathered by Como Park s frog pond to place illuminated paper lanterns in the shimmering, moonlit water. It is a beautiful sight to behold, and truly elucidates the rich history behind Japanese beliefs and culture. Not only that, but it serves as a great event for bringing people together who are native to Japan with those who are interested in Japanese culture. JASM would like to extend our gratitude to all of the volunteers who helped out at last month s Lantern Lighting Festival. We would like to thank you for all the hard work that you did, and the positive attitude you all brought to the event. Because of you, JASM was able to accomplish many of its goals for the festival, including the introduction of Japanese culture and the promotion of cultural understanding between Minnesota and Japan. Through your help, we were also able to raise funds that will help to sponsor future JASM events. With that being said, we at JASM hope that you enjoyed your time spent volunteering at the festival, and that you had a chance in your spare time to experience the wonders of Japanese culture at the festival. We hope that you will consider volunteering for future JASM events, so as to continue to help introduce Japanese culture to the area. JASM would like to extend a special thanks to the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council for providing a substantial grant which made the Bon Odori performance by Mikaharu-kai, Mu Daiko, and MuMin Group possible. We would also like to extend our gratitude to the Minneapolis Japanese School, whose faculty and students helped to serve delicious food for all. Once again, we sincerely thank you all for your time and effort spent helping the JASM organization, and hope to see you at future JASM sponsored events! Alex Piper s Study Abroad Experience As someone with a very limited amount of travel experience, my time in Japan was intensely new, stressful and fantastic at the same time. I lived for two-months in my now-favorite city, Osaka. I attended Osaka Gakuin University on a rigorous language and cultural program. Class was 5-6 hours every day and I had to adhere to a Japanese-only language pledge during the program s. During my time in the Kansai area, I lived in a house consisting of half-american students like myself and half-japanese students who were also attending Osaka Gakuin University. The adjustment to living with and spending a majority of my time with the Japanese roommates was a cultural shock within itself. I think I would have gotten permanently lost several times if I didn t have them to help me use the train system. Initially it was somewhat difficult to communicate, even with my somewhat limited proficient grasp on the Japanese language. Osakabin (Osaka area s commonly spoke slang) often times sounds like a completely different language. As time progressed a better mutual understanding developed. We began to understand each other s senses of humor and manner of living. The experience of living with a Japanese college student was my most valuable experience I took from my time abroad. My favorite location in Osaka was definitely the Umeda area. The array of delicious food was almost overwhelming. Even though I loved たこ 焼 き(octopus balls) and the authentic sushi was delicious, お 好 み 焼 き(Japanese pancake) was my favorite Osaka dish. My weekends were typically spent at probably the cheapest 居 酒 屋 (izakaya)in all of Osaka, a karaoke bar or commuting down to Sumo Beach in Kobe. On our only day off of class, I went with a group of friends to the Wakayama area and stayed in a 旅 館 (Japanese inn), and visited the most amazing beach I have ever been to. I made many friends in Osaka; at the end of my two-month stay it was difficult to say goodbye. However I got to start a new adventure, I spent the last two weeks of my time in Japan traveling and living with a host family. Some highlights during my travels were: spending a night at Mt. Fuji area, visiting the Nintendo Headquarters in Kyoto and the shopping at Akihabara in Tokyo. My first host family was located north of Tokyo in Abiko, Chiba. The second was south in Toyota. Living with host families was another experience that I value greatly. The different style of living was interesting; I didn t like getting up early though. My families were extremely welcoming to me and impressed with my Japanese speaking ability. Places my host families took me included: the Torasan Museum, my first pachinko experience, a shabu-shabu restaurant, the Toyota factory and many more. I got to see and do many things a normal tourist wouldn t be able to do; the experience was so much more in-depth. While it is unfortunate that I made so many relationships and had to leave so soon; I was made to promise many times that I would return to Japan.

6 Asako Hirabayshi Performance The St. Paul Chamber Orchestra will be performing on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, September 6, 7, and The featured guest will be Asako Hirabayashi and she will perform an opening gala for the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra. She will be performing J.S. Bach Orchestral Suite No. 4 with a harpsichord. The conductor is a past music director of Minnesota Orchestra, Edo de Waart. For more information on the concert, please visit the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra website, Asako Hirabayashi is an amazing composer and harpsichordist. She has won numerous grants, awards, and several first prizes at international composing competition. Her first recording label was selected as one of the five best classical CDs of the year 2010 by Minneapolis Star Tribune. She has appeared as a guest featured soloist in international festivals and music series worldwide such as the Bach Society of Minnesota, the International Bach Festival in Ukraine, and Italy. She is currently a faculty member at the St. Paul Conservatory of Music. Bilingual Children s Book Receives Attention In the July edition of the Tsushin, an advertisement was placed for a bilingual children s book called Hideki and Kenji Save The Day. Co-authored by Bonnie West and Diane Cater, the book was recently profiled in the Star Tribune newspaper. The article, written by freelance writer Peg Meier, explains how author Bonnie West was inspired to write a children s book in the aftermath of the Tohoku Earthquake, which devastated Japan in The article, which can be found on JASM s Facebook page via link, does a good job of explaining how the children s book came to fruition, and is a reminder of the ever growing relationship between Japan and Minnesota. Recently published, the book is available on Amazon for purchase. For more information on how to purchase the book, feel free to contact the JASM office. 日 本 語 図 書 館 玄 関 のコードを 変 えました 確 かに 変 えました 近 い 将 来 にはセキュリテイカメラも 備 え 付 けられ 図 書 館 への 出 入 りはビデオカメラに 記 録 され ます 新 しい 番 号 はToshie Metzgerさん( ) 又 はYoko Breckenridge ( ) にお 電 話 下 さい ~お 願 い~ 1) 出 入 りの 仕 方 をあなたの 友 達 に 教 えないで 下 さい 電 話 E-メール Facebook(なども 入 れて) 又 聞 きの 枝 葉 は 広 がり 悪 用 されています 日 本 語 図 書 館 は 貴 方 のように 日 本 語 図 書 日 本 文 化 を 通 しての 集 いのために 全 く 無 料 で 無 制 限 時 間 で 提 供 されております どうぞ 自 分 の 家 の 延 長 のように 愛 して 大 切 に 取 り 扱 って 下 さい 2) 此 処 には 図 書 館 員 掃 除 員 も 居 りません 利 用 するあな たが 経 営 者 の 立 場 になって 気 付 いた 事 に 手 を 貸 し 子 供 の 後 始 末 や 乱 れをもう 一 度 確 かめ 次 の 方 が 気 持 よく 入 れる い 様 にして 下 さい お 願 い 致 します 3) 図 書 館 の 備 品 飲 物 お 菓 子 からトイレットペーパー まで 貴 方 やお 子 さんが 楽 しく 時 間 を 過 ごされるために 私 費 で 備 えてありますどうぞご 自 由 に 但 し 許 可 無 しに 持 ち 出 すことをご 遠 慮 下 さい 長 い 年 月 で 集 まったミネソタの 日 本 人 / 日 本 語 図 書 館 の 名 前 住 所 データー750 家 族 中 を 持 っておられる 方 が 75%に 伸 びております 若 年 層 High Tech 環 境 の 中 にあっ て 読 書 や 奉 仕 に 関 心 がある 兆 候 で 嬉 しい 限 りです さあ 皆 さん やる 気 のある 方 いらっしゃい! 困 難 にめげ ず 張 り 切 り 働 き 楽 しみ ましょう! Make Our Dream Come True Yoko Breckenridge yoko@yoko4home.com

7 Advertise in the Tsushin! Advertisement Rates Style Size Cost/issue 1/4 page 5 x 3.5 in $ /2 page 5 x 7.5 in $90.00 Full page 10 x 7.5 in $ Classified 80 character line $10/ line (min. 2 lines) Ad production and design available in both Japanese and English for an additional charge. Deadline for completed ads and classifieds is the 20th of every month. Questions? Contact the JASM Office Tel: jasm@us-japan.org Japan America Society Calendar September Garden Tour Registration Deadline - September 3rd Welcome Party for New Japanese Students and Scholars - September 6th Return of the Sword event - September 21 October T.B.A. November The 16th Annual Mondale Award Dinner & Gala - November 2nd Japanese Speaking Club The Japanese Speaking Club is an informal meeting place for those wishing to practice Japanese. We encourage those just beginning the language as well as native speakers to gather at the Espresso Royale Café in Downtown Minneapolis to meet new people, discuss experiences in Japan, or simply to speak Japanese. Come when you can, leave when you must. Date/Time: Every Saturday, any time after 3:00 p.m. Place: Espresso Royale Cafe 1229 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis, MN 毎 月 日 本 語 図 書 館 で 日 本 人 会 の 昼 食 会 (Monthly Nihonjinkai )を 行 っています 電 話 などでお 誘 い 合 わせの 上 お 友 達 やお 知 り 合 いとご 一 緒 においで 下 さい 可 能 の 方 は どうぞ 料 理 を1 品 ご 持 参 願 います ミネソタ 州 在 住 の 日 本 人 達 で 良 い 事 を 考 え ご 馳 走 と 日 本 語 で 楽 しい 時 間 を 持 ちましょう 日 程 : 毎 月 第 2 月 曜 日 正 午 より 場 所 : 日 本 語 図 書 館 (4231 Bloomington Ave S., Minneapolis, MN 55407) また 毎 週 土 曜 日 午 後 2 時 からは 日 本 語 図 書 館 のお 手 伝 いしてくださる 方 の 集 まりがあります 是 非 ご 参 加 くだ さい この 図 書 館 には 漫 画 や 宗 教 誌 約 冊 や 約 2500 本 のビデオDVDがあり 希 望 者 にはセルフサービスで 日 本 人 会 と 同 じく 無 料 で 貸 出 しています お 問 い 合 わせは 下 記 までどうぞ Yoko Breckenridge Cell phone: (612) Yoko@yoko4home.com Nihonjin-kai monthly meeting on 2nd Monday noon at 4231 Bloomington Ave S Minneapolis, MN Become a JASM Member online! Support our mission and become a member! 1. Go to mn-japan.org 2. Click on Membership at the top 3. Select your membership type and read the benefits and instructions. Become a member on your smart phone! Japan America Society of Minnesota O Membership Application O Change of Address O Tax-deductible Donation Name Name (2nd adult of a household membership) Address City State ZIP Phone I would like to make an additional taxdeductable donation of 月 例 日 本 人 会 のお 知 らせ Amount Enclosed: (Please make checks payable to JASM) Japan America Society of Minnesota 43 Main Street SE Suite EH 131 Minneapolis, MN Individual Membership Patron $1,000+ Sustaining $500+ Contributing. $100+ Individual. $30 Student/Senior $20 Household... $50 (2 adults plus children under 18)

8 Japan America Society of Minnesota Riverplace EH Main Street SE Minneapolis, MN Tel: Fax: Tsūshin September 2013 The Japan America Society of Minnesota is a non-profit, nonpolitical association engaged in bringing the peoples of Japan and the United States closer together in mutual understanding, respect, and cooperation. Through programs and interchange, it endeavors to promote an appreciation of cultural, educational, economic, public, and other affairs of interest to both peoples. Membership in the society is open to individuals, corporations, and other organizations interested in furthering its programs. The Japan America Society of Minnesota is a member of the National Association of Japan-America Societies. (Please report any inaccuracies you find in this publication to jasm.interns@gmail.com) Thank you all for coming out and helping us make this a memorable Lantern Lighting Festival 2013!