May 2018 Newsletter

In this issue:

2018 Paul J. Wilhelm Memorial Golf Outing Result and Photos

On May 14, golfers made it through a short thunderstorm to compete for team trophies, individual skill prizes, and hole-in-one prizes at Butler Country Club. The winning team was Don Rakoci, Jeff Sommers, Ed Weaver, and Shawn Wire.

Thank you to all sponsors, golfers, and volunteers for another great year. The generous support and donations we receive from our loyal members, local businesses, and sponsors at the Golf Outing supports the JASP's programming throughout the year. Visit the gallery to see more photos of this year's golfers!

Member Spotlight: UACJ Metal Components North America

The JASP would like to recognize our Bronze member, UACJ Metal Components North America Inc.
Formed by the merger of long-time JASP member PennTecQ and IWAI Metals (America), UACJ Metal Components North America Inc. provides precision metal forming for the automotive industry and other manufacturing applications. Over the past 30 years, the Greenville plant has expanded three times and had bridged Japanese and American culture with its focus on quality and lean manufacturing.

We would like to heartily thank UACJ Metal Components North American Inc. for its support of our organization!

Another Great Year of Japan in the Schools

Thanks to Katsuko Shellhammer and all of our dedicated volunteers who brought education about Japan to about 3,400 students in the Greater Pittsburgh area.

Allderdice High School	Harrold Middle School	Robert Morris University
Avonworth Middle School	Highcliff Elementary School	Ross Elementary School
Baker Elementary School	Ingomar Elementary School	Shaler High School
Carson Middle School	McClellan Elementary School	Shaler Middle School
Central Elementary School	Mt. Lebanon High School	Slippery Rock Elementary School
Conn-Area Catholic School	Mellon Middle School	South Park Middle School
Eisenhower Elementary School	Norwin High School	Streams Elementary School
Evans City Middle School	Pine Richland High School	Thomas Jefferson High School
Francis McClure Intermediate School	Pittsburgh CAPA 6-12	William Penn Elementary School
Greater Works Christian School	Pittsburgh Grandview Elementary School	Winchester Thurston School
George Washington Elementary School	Pittsburgh Obama Academy	Woodland Hills Academy
Haine Middle School	Pivik Elementary School

Thank you to our wonderful volunteers who make this program possible! If you would like your school to benefit from this fantastic program, please visit the Japan in the Schools page to find out more.

Japanese-English Reading Circle

The Japanese-English Reading Circle is held on the first and third Saturdays of the month. In addition to discussing your reading in Japanese or English with other members, there are opportunities to play games and build your confidence and vocabulary in your second language.

Saturday, May 19, Karaoke Party at KBox, 5:00-7:00 PM 
Saturday, June 2, 5:00-6:30 PM 
Saturday, June 16, 5:00-6:30 PM 
Saturday, July 7, 5:00-6:30 PM 

Kenmawr Apartments, Community Room, Ground Floor
401 Shady Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15232

Upcoming Community Events

From Jeptha Wade to Kelvin Smith: Collecting Japanese Art in Cleveland

The Japan-America Society of Central Ohio will be partnering with the Columbus Museum of Art  to present a lecture by Sinead Vilbar, curator of Japanese art at the Cleveland Museum of Art. The Cleveland Museum of Art has been collecting important works of Japanese art since its opening in 1916. While there have been a number of notable donations of works, the collection strategy of the Museum has largely been one of curators and directors guiding the museum to make important acquisitions. Dr. Vilbar will explore this collection strategy, highlighting the impact of former director Sherman Lee (1918-2008) and patrons like Mr. and Mrs. Kelvin Smith. The event is free but registration is required.

Where: Cardinal Health Auditorium, Columbus Museum of Art
When: June 7, 6:30 PM

Day of the Western Sunrise Rough Cut Screening      

Keith Reimink is screening a rough cut of his new feature length documentary "Day of the Western Sunrise," which tells of real life story the Japanese tuna trawler Daigo Fukuryu Maru, or the Lucky Dragon No. 5, and its 23 man crew.  On March 1st, 1954, the fishermen onboard the Lucky Dragon survived the biggest explosion ever caused by man, the Castle Bravo thermonuclear test in the Pacific Ocean.  That's just the start of the story.  Through survivor interviews and beautiful animation the film tells how their lives were forever changed while showing the long-term impact of this devastating event.

Where: Melwood Screening Room, 477 Melwood Ave, Pittsburgh PA 15213
When: June 12, 7:00 PM

Tanabata Star Festival

Add your wishes to our outdoor bamboo garden, see and make amazing prints, sample foods, and listen to traditional music. In conjunction with the Hiroshige's Tokaido Road exhibit.

Where: Carnegie Museum of Art
When: July 7, 12:30 - 4:30 PM

Hiroshige's Tokaido Road

Master printmaker Utagawa Hiroshige’s Fifty-Three Stations of the Tokaido is among the most celebrated works of Japanese art. For the first time in 25 years, CMOA presents a complete set of 55 prints from the first (Hoeido) edition, created between 1831 and 1834. This series depicts the spectacular landscapes and fascinating characters encountered on the journey from Edo (now Tokyo) to the imperial capital of Kyoto.

The Japan-America Society of Pennsylvania will partner with the museum for two more events, Children's Day on May 5 and Tanabata on July 7, but check out the many complementary events during this great exhibit!

Where: Carnegie Museum of Art
When: March 31 - July 22

Meet our Intern: Yukari Kikuchi

My name is Yukari Kikuchi. I worked for The Japan-America Society of Pennsylvania as an intern for nine months. 

I wanted to be an intern to experience American culture and work settings. Since I was a chemical engineer in Japan, I didn’t have any idea about managing and running the non-profit organization. I learned how to make a newsletter, how to hold an event, and how to manage the organization. Since my hobby is photography, I enjoyed taking photos at events like the High School Japanese Speech Contest and the Golf Outing. 

The JASP gave me the opportunity to organize a Japanese cooking class for elementary school students. My goal was for kids to be familiar with Japanese cuisine and culture. I considered recipes and activities so that they could learn these things while having fun. They were curious about not only cooking, but also Japanese storytelling and the Japanese alphabet. It was great experience for me to contribute and engage with the local society. I learned a lot of differences and common senses of education between the U.S. and Japan as well.

I also would like to say thank you to the JASP staff who were experienced and heart-warming. I was very lucky because I met a lot of great people including other volunteers by getting involved with the JASP. I hope as many people as possible get connect with such a great organization.

Thank you so much and I hope to see you all again!

See What’s Trending on the JASP Facebook Page

Join 770 people who like the JASP on Facebook to get updates on the Tomodachi Festival at the Carnegie Library, a guide to Japanese yen, and new leadership for Japan's family businesses!

Like our page today!
 

Did you know we're on Twitter? Follow us and tweet at us to connect. Stay on top of JASP news and events as they happen!