February 2019 Newsletter
In this issue:

February 21 -  Japanese Whisky Taste and Learn

What is the secret ingredient in Japanese whisky? From international awards to soaring Hibiki prices, Suntory is the preeminent name in Japanese whisky.

Stephen Jamieson, who is currently promoting the new House of Suntory line of spirits and has been selling Suntory beverages in Pennsylvania for five years, will speak about the origins of Japanese whisky, how it's made, and how it compares to other spirits internationally. Attendees will also learn how to taste whisky, what to look for on a label, and finally, how to make the perfect highball.

Join us for this free evening on Thursday, February 21 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Penn Avenue Fish Company.  Regular registration is full, but sign up for the wait list to receive notification of open seats!



April 25 - What is a Japanese Garden?
Dr. Brenda G. Jordan, Director of the University of Pittsburgh's National Consortium for Teaching About Asia, will explore the history and design of Japanese gardens, including the different varieties of garden, their concept outside of Japan, and suggested plant types and features for Japanese gardens in Southwest Pennsylvania.

Join us for this free event at the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden on Thursday, April 25 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. Beverages and light hors d’oeuvres will be provided and the presentation will begin at 6:30 PM. Advanced registration is required and is available on the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden website.

Thank you to Mitsubishi Electric Power Products, Inc. for their generous sponsorship of this series.

Member Spotlight: Grove City College

The JASP would like to thank our Academic Member, Grove City College.

Geostrategy in East Asia

The US-Japan alliance has provided one of the foundations for decades of security and freedom in Asia. But, the neighborhood is changing: Japan is experiencing significant strategic and diplomatic challenges from China, faces increasingly aggressive North Korean weapons development and testing, and has an uncertain relationship with South Korea.

As uncertainty in the region abounds, Japan considers how to work effectively with the U.S. but also how to chart its course as a leader and a balancer in Asia. Prime Minister Abe’s vision includes pledges for deregulation and economic renewal, the development of Japan’s military capability, and policies to stimulate domestic social innovation. His landslide victory in the recent election indicates that the Japanese people support these new directions. 

Join us for a conversation with experts Yuki Tatsumi & Wallace “Chip” Gregson on the evolving Japan-US alliance and its impact on security and trade in Asia.
 

Rivers Club, 301 Grant Street Suite 411, Pittsburgh, PA 15219

Tuesday, March 05, 7:30 to 9:00 AM



This event is supported by a grant from NAJAS and the Embassy of Japan in Washington DC. 
Also in partnership with the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh.

Not a member yet? Join the JASP today!

Upcoming Community Events

San Francisco Career Forum 2019
Like the Boston Career Forum, the San Francisco Career Forum is open to anyone pursuing a Bachelors degree or higher who is bilingual in English and Japanese seeking a full-time or internship position. There is a travel scholarship and a financial incentive for IT and Engineering majors. Registration and attendance are free.

When: February 16 and 17, 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Where: San Francisco Airport Marriott Waterfront

Japanese Silent Film Benshi Performance
Katz Business School at the University of Pittsburgh invites you to a conversation with Ms. Hiromi Iriyama (GSPIA ’05) on her work with the Japan International Cooperation Agency, Tokyo, Japan. In her current role, Ms. Iriyama consults on procurement supervision for projects funded by Japanese Official Development Assistance Loans. Ms. Iriyama also has significant financial experience in corporate and investment banking, including with the Japan Bank for International Cooperation in Hanoi, Vietnam. Ms. Iriyama will share insights from her current work as well as her international career path, which has taken her to the United States, Vietnam, Kenya, Malaysia, Philippines, France, Germany and beyond. RSVP is not required but appreciated.

When: Tuesday, March 5, 3:00 PM to 4:00PM
Where:  4130 Posvar Hall, 230 S Bouquet St, Pittsburgh, PA 15213

Entrepreneurship in Japan
Katz Business School at the University of Pittsburgh invites you to a conversation on Entrepreneurship in Japan and the U.S. with Dr. Akie Iriyama, Associate Professor at Waseda University, Graduate School of Business and Finance, Tokyo, Japan. Dr. Iriyama has worked as a business consultant and industry economist including building corporate, market and global strategies for Japanese automotive manufactures. Clients have included Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Mitsubishi Motors and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan. Dr. Iriyama has previously presented to students during the 2018 Japan Global Research Practicum. 

When: Tuesday, March 5 at 5:00 PM to 7:00PM
Where: University Club, 3rd Floor Conference Room, 123 University Pl, Pittsburgh, PA 15260
RSVP is not required but appreciated.

The Art of Noh: Woodblock Prints by Tsukioka Kogyo