http://en.bloguru.com/jypg eng http://en.bloguru.com/jypg/143624/asia-business-forum-522-ma-activities The Asia Business Forum is hosting another one of their events on May 22nd. ABF is a newer group on the scene but I have attended their past two events and they draw a large and eclectic group of professionals interested in Japan, China, Korea, and elsewhere in the Asia-Pacific. Their discussions are notable for having many experienced professionals in the field as panel speakers and of course the networking before and after is dynamic.

With this in mind, we invite you to check ABF out for its upcoming event focusing on Mergers & Acquisitions by Asia-Pacific companies, in the Pacific Northwest & Beyond. For more details, check out their meetup page here:

http://www.meetup.com/AsiaBusinessForum/events/55010982/

-Team JYPG out]]> 2012-05-10T00:51:00-07:00 http://en.bloguru.com/jypg/140817/will-soccer-be-japans-future-sport
Below is a synopsis. For more details and registration, go here: http://jsis.washington.edu/events/ and it is the event listed at 7 PM.

"Baseball and sumo were the center sports of 20th-century Japan, and they have been deeply embedded in the modern histories of nationalism, ethnicity, schooling, corporate organization, regional rivalries, and the media. Japan's recent embrace of the global game of soccer is not only reshaping the world of sports in Japan, but it has ramifications throughout the society and for Japan's place in East Asia and the world. This talk explores what it would mean if soccer continues to grow in Japan.

Kelly is Professor of Anthropology and Sumitomo Professor of Japanese Studies at Yale University. His recent research has focused on sport and body culture in Japan. He conducted field research for a number of years on the history and present patterns of professional baseball in the Kansai region and has published a number of articles and a forthcoming monograph on this work. He has also edited three volumes based on Yale University conferences that drew scholars from Japan, the US, and Europe: Fanning the Flames (2004), This Sporting Life (2007), and The Olympics in East Asia (2011)"
]]> 2012-04-11T11:10:00-07:00 http://en.bloguru.com/jypg/140622/kaname-networking-event-pictures


Meishi were exchanged.



Kaname served some excellent food!



There was plenty of mingling.



Beckie delivered a quick speech to the group. It was a great turnout! Thank you to everyone who attended!]]> 2012-04-09T15:05:00-07:00 http://en.bloguru.com/jypg/140068/closeup-with-tay-yoshitani-apr-4 -Chris/Team JYPG out.]]> 2012-04-03T22:54:00-07:00 http://en.bloguru.com/jypg/138460/eastside-event-asia-business-forum-328
Now, their second event brings the dialogue to the Eastside on March 28th. JYPG members who attend our business-focused talks will be particularly interested in this event, but if it is anything like the first one there will be a healthy amount of networking as well:

More information below and at their meetup page:
www.meetup.com/AsiaBusinessForum

"How to be Successful in Asia for Technology Companies” - - Wednesday, March 28 at 6:30 p.m. at Bellevue City Hall in downtown Bellevue.
Join us for ABF's first Eastside forum, with an inside look at a local company and its hybrid Chinese-U.S. model and strategy for expanding business throughout Asia (China, Japan, Korea and elsewhere), including successes and challenges. Plus, opening remarks by Bellevue Mayor Conrad Lee, and News updates by our commentators, followed by Q&A and group discussion.
]]> 2012-03-19T12:31:00-07:00 http://en.bloguru.com/jypg/138001/naaap-event-thursday-322-at-verizon-hq
Details from the NAAAP website, here: http://tinyurl.com/7oztdqt

"Are you looking for ways to hone your sales and negotiation skills? Learn first-hand how to sell anything--products, services, and your brand-- from Verizon's top retail and corporate sales gurus. Fortune Magazine named Verizon the #1 Wireless company in the US*. Come learn from the best.

Light appetizers and bottled water provided.

*Information from Fortune, 2011.

Time: 6:30p - 8:00p, Thursday, March 22
Location: Verizon Corporate Offices (Eastgate, Bellevue) Specific building number to follow.
RSVP: Michael Okimura, Michael.Okimura@naaapseattle.org"

-Chris
TEAM JYPG, out,.

]]> 2012-03-14T20:04:00-07:00 http://en.bloguru.com/jypg/137999/jypg-networking-event-329-at-kaname There will of course be a cash bar, and as Kaname is a shochu bar there is an excellent selection of drinks on hand as well.

For details and registration, visit the JASSW website here: http://tinyurl.com/72a9rah

We look forward to seeing you there!
Best,
Chris
-Team JYPG out.]]> 2012-03-14T19:58:00-07:00 http://en.bloguru.com/jypg/136045/winds-for-hope-311-jypg-15-tickets
Best,
Chris/Team JYPG out.]]> 2012-02-24T13:03:00-08:00 http://en.bloguru.com/jypg/133934/naaap-first-friday-mixer-tomorrow-23 Details from NAAAP's website at http://seattle.naaap.org/ :
600 Pine St, Seattle, WA 98101
"We have had a great begining of the year 2012 and a great success of new year mixer in Bellevue in Jan. For our first mixer in Seattle, we would have it@ PNK.

PNK Lounge offers us an extended Happy Hour from 6pm -9pm and we reserved a great section. We are having a 100 people crowd at each event!

Admission is free for our members and $5 for non-members."

-Chris/Team JYPG]]> 2012-02-02T14:36:00-08:00 http://en.bloguru.com/jypg/133930/upcoming-jbn-networking-feb-7
Their meetup group is at www.meetup.com/JBNSeattle/ and their next event is February 7th in Bellevue at Cascades Grille at Embassy Suites (3225 158th Avenue SE).

Hope a few of the JYPG crowd can make it out!

-Chris/Team JYPG]]> 2012-02-02T14:16:00-08:00 http://en.bloguru.com/jypg/132345/jypg-elections-2012-january-23rd-630-pm
But the other big election event of the year is a bit closer to home, and who needs a November election when you can make your voice heard now?

We will be holding our annual committee elections on January 23rd at 6:30 p.m. at:

1511 Third Ave, Ste 805, Seattle, WA 98101.

This is the 8th floor of the Melbourne Tower building in Seattle just between Pike Place and downtown. So if you have something to say or an event that's on your mind, or you just want to volunteer or make a difference, now is your chance!

If you arrive and the DOORS ARE LOCKED, please call 206-374-0180 to contact the office and be let in.

Here is a run-down of the positions:

PRESIDENT: Responsible for communications between JYPG planning committee and the leadership of the Japan America Society. Tasked with introducing speakers at events and making opening comments regarding upcoming and current activities. Opens and closes planning committee meetings and keeps discussion moving.

-VICE PRESIDENT: Backup for President if they are unable to fulfill responsibilities due to illness or absence. Second-in-command in relations and deliberations with Japan America Society leadership.

-SECRETARY: Responsible for taking and archiving minutes at monthly JYPG planning committee meetings. Emails minutes to committee members. Presents minutes to Japan America Society Board for review and archival.

-TREASURER: Responsible for coordinating planned costs of JYPG programming with the Japan America Society office. Keeps tabs on the JYPG Budget and expenses and reports to committee.

-COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR [2+ positions]: Responsible for creating and fostering an information environment for JYPG by creating Facebook, blog, and Twitter entries with interesting topics relating to the goals of the group. Reports on website traffic and significant events relating to the Facebook, blog, and Twitter feeds, to the committee.

Note also that we may discuss the formation of additional committee positions, as our scope has grown over the past year.

Best regards and hope to see you next week,
Chris C/Team JYPG ]]> 2012-01-16T09:28:00-08:00 http://en.bloguru.com/jypg/132064/rabbit-to-dragon-photos
This year's new year's party was a joint event with Japan America Society. Consulate General Kiyohiko Ohta made a toast.



Guests enjoyed food and conversation.


Chris delivered the new year speech.
]]> 2012-01-12T19:44:00-08:00 http://en.bloguru.com/jypg/131375/naaap-networking-event-16-in-bellevue
The National Association of Asian-American Professionals, NAAAP, is having their First Friday Mixer event tonight in bellevue! Check it out on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/events/345840005429650/ or check it out on their website at seattle.naaap.org. Admission for non-members is only $5!

Full details:
1/6 6-9 pm at
"Sky Ultra Lounge 550 106th Ave NE Ste 300 Bellevue, WA 98004

Sky Ultra Lounge offers us an extended Happy Hour from 6pm -9pm! We are having a 100 people crowd at each event!

Admission is free for our members and $5 for non-members.

For membership information, please go to our official website: seattle.naaap.org. We also will take membership enrollments at the event. It is only $25/year. All our proceeds go to our scholarship funds."
-Team JYPG out.]]> 2012-01-06T12:22:00-08:00 http://en.bloguru.com/jypg/131284/akemashite-omedetou-rabbit-to-dragon I hope everyone had a safe and relaxing holiday season. Things are underway for a great 2012, starting with our Shinnenkai next week. This is always a popular event and we draw people from a variety of professions and walks of life. A must-go if you want some quality networking!

Our last event of 2011, on the topic of Sustainable Sushi with Chef Hajime Sato of Mashiko in West Seattle, was a great success and thank you again to everyone for attending. As a result, I have really started watching out for the sushi I eat...it has been a great sacrifice but I have even considered making it a New Year's Resolution not to eat Maguro, Unagi, and other types of sushi that I really love.

Have you made a New Year's Resolution for 2012?

Speaking of sushi, a new record bid for a bluefin tuna was made at Tuskiji, the famous fish market in Tokyo. This bid was for nearly $736,000; almost double the previous record from last year. Japan eats about 80% of the Atlantic and Pacific bluefin tuna caught worldwide.

Is this an example of waning supplies causing a rise in price? Not necessarily so, as the winning bidder, Kiyoshi Kimura, said his bid was both to liven up Japan on the road to recovery, and also keep the 269 kg/593 lb bluefin tuna in Japan where it was originally caught.

But, there does remain concern that bluefin tuna is being overfished. Thus, stories like these are very worthwhile to watch.

The article on this record-breaking bid may be found at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-16421231

Best wishes to all in the New Year and I wish you the best on your Resolutions!
-Chris]]> 2012-01-05T12:49:00-08:00 http://en.bloguru.com/jypg/130030/mochitsuki-event-next-week mochitsuki event is back! JCCCW (Japanese Cultural & Community Center of Washington) will hold annual mochitsuki event free to public on Dec 29th (Thu). Learn the art of pounding a steamed dough of sticky rice in wooden vessel to its silky and delightful perfection.

Event is free, but to be able to bring mochi back home, you need to pre-order mochi. It is still much cheaper than market price, you shouldn't miss this bargain opportunity!

For details click JCCCW website
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?hl=en_US&formkey=dERESEUyckxqSURwUGtzRUxIaDZZb2c6MQ#gid=0


]]> 2011-12-21T21:06:00-08:00 http://en.bloguru.com/jypg/129915/shinnenkai-2012
Rabbit to Dragon: New Year's Celebration
01/11/2012


Mark the turn of the calendar with this two-part program from the Japan-America Society. Consul General Ota casts his eye back over thispast year and beyond, shaping his presentation with his long experience in Europe, leading an intimate gathering through expectations for 2012. Includes refreshments and Shinnenkai admission.

Next all members and friends are invited to ring in the New Year at the Shinennkai with the Japan Young Professionals Group. Enjoy catered hors d'oeuvres and great conversation with like-minded people. Celebrate what was good about the Year of the Rabbit and what will be great about the Year of the Dragon.


DATE:
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11TH, 2012

TIMELINE:


RABBIT: (LIMITED TO 20 PARTICIPANTS)
REGISTRATION AND NETWORKING: 4:45 - 5:15 PM (INCLUDES REFRESHMENTS)
CONSUL GENERAL OTA'S PRESENTATION: 5:15 - 5:45 PM
Q&A 5:45 - 6:00
DRAGON:
SHINNENKAI REGISTRATION: 5:30 - 6:00
SHINNENKAI 6:00 - 8:00 PM (INCLUDES BUFFET HORS D'OEUVRES)


ADMISSION FEE:
JYPG or Japan-America Society Members
Rabbit and Dragon: $25
Dragon Only: $20

Non-Members
Rabbit and Dragon: $35
Dragon Only: $30

LOCATION:
O'ASIAN KITCHEN AND RESTAURANT 800 5TH AVENUE, SUITE PLAZA 1, P LEVEL SEATTLE, WA 98104

Registration: Please click here to register.


]]> 2011-12-20T07:57:00-08:00 http://en.bloguru.com/jypg/129394/potato-chip-restaurant Calbee Plus in Harajuku, Tokyo, which is the third antenna shop of Japanese popular snack maker. The shop opened a week ago, and already enjoy a lot of attention.

Menu seems to offer a bounty of unusual – if not kooky – culinary experiences. Toppings like cheese, burnt salt, whipped cream, or chocolate will definitely pique your interest. If you are those who keep up with Japanese snack trend, you know Jagariko is a long-time popular line (available in salad, cheese, potato-butter, and cheese-fondue flavor). Here you can meet its brother, Poteriko, a little bit chubby and short.

A shop next to the restaurant offers limited or new products. One of them is named as happy butter flavor potato chip. My mouse is watering just imagining what’s inside…!



If you are going to visit Tokyo over the holiday season, be sure to check out this new snack heaven, and more importantly, remember to bring omiyage for me! Tee hee.



Calbee Plus
Jingumae 1-16-8 Shibuya, Tokyo
http://www.calbee.co.jp/newsrelease/111206.php



.shino]]> 2011-12-13T16:21:00-08:00 http://en.bloguru.com/jypg/129010/reception-by-consulate-general
The reception started and the grand hall was absolutely packed. Chandeliers were sparkling and the view was breathtaking. Photograph is not allowed at anywhere in the house. (Boo!) I couldn’t see where the voice was coming from over the sea of heads, but I knew it was Mr. Ohta. He made a really good speech about Japan and US relationship. His congenial and warm personality is coming out from his speech.

The US-Japan relationship started long time ago when Lady Washington sailed from Washington and visited Kobe harbor in 1791. Back then Japan was still closed for foreign commerce. From that time, now 82% of Japanese have favorable impression to Americans in general. This is the highest of all other countries. (A replica of Lady Washington was built in Aberdeen, WA, and was used as a model in the movie Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl )

Mr. Ota also touched about the great disaster in Northeastern part of Japan. An one-year memorial event will be held at Seattle Center on March 11th next year.

Next year is just right there - merely three weeks away. This year was truly rough. Japan got a huge blow, and US economy is sinking without a hope. I can't help wishing for better wind next year.

::: Shino]]> 2011-12-08T22:05:00-08:00 http://en.bloguru.com/jypg/128851/jobhuntingwars
Everyone seemed a bit nervous on the first day of the event. There was a huuuuuuuuuuuge line in front of the big Boston convention center with tons of Japanese students who are in formal black suits with their passionate and a bit of scared face.

I seriously felt like I came to Makuhari-Messe, a huge Japanese worldwide convention center in Chiba for a job fair. The view I saw from the taxi was not one of Boston's.. "Whoa...!!"

It wasn't as cold as I'd heard from my friends. The weather was very nice and autumnal leaves were just cheerful and lovely.



There were 171 companies +α at the venue. Yes, it was a huge job opportunities. Job hunters walked from booth to booth with holding their resumes in their hands. Lots of companies were holding their seminars to explain about what their company is like. If there are some empty schedule for interviews, you can bring your resumes as walk-in right at the booth, but popular companies get full very quickly, so I highly recommend you to submit the "entry" online before the actual event starts. I know some companies' walk-in submission of entry sheet ended in the first one hour due to the overwhelming. You don't want to miss your chance like that. So, preparation is definitely a big key to grab your dream.



For those who passed the resume check and got an opportunity to have an interview with the company, you will be asked to go to the SPECIAL INTERVIEW ROOM to have interviews with companies executives. Some interviews are in English, most of them are in Japanese. Companies like consulting companies or accounting/audit companies have high chances to have you the interview in English due to the real demands for your ability to speak in English. Some of you may know about this, but these companies usually have a type of interview called "Case Interview" which examines your ability to deal with problems and observes your thinking processes toward obstacles. These case interviews are usually in English. So, you need some preparations such as reading newspapers, articles, or some books related to economics and critical thinking to perform well in the case interview.

There are some books to help you prepare for these interviews. You might want to invest your money into books like this !!

Students from different states, and even from different countries, (I met some people from Japan and England!!!) are all your rivals. It was very inspiring for me to talk with all diverse students who is willing to get grab this huge opportunity.

Some students with high motivations and huge dreams with strong leaderships I could tell just by talking scared me in a good way. These people motivated me well. Also, simply, the conversation with them was fun!! They are my competitors and factors to push myself harder to become a better, more sophisticated professionals.

On the other hand, it was also interesting to talk with some people who were still trying to figure out what they really want to do. I talked with some people like this case, and they all claimed that this CFN event made them realize what they actually like and want to do and not in the future through interviews and conversations with other students. And, that is 100% true. You always think you know well about yourself, but sometimes, you just don't know that you don't know. By talking with people and by being asked what you want, what you like, what you want to be, you will start figuring out the core true dream of yours by putting everything inside of you into words.


She is my friend, Darlene from University of Washington. She did a fantastic job on her interviews and got some great offers!! Congrats!!

Everyone was fighting to gain something to achieve their goal in different ways. That was just powerful and beautiful. I, myself also obtained so many good experiences and motivations off of this event. I know so many of my friends going back to Japan to have their 2nd and 3rd interviews from companies they are willing to go as a result of this CFN event in Boston.

One biggest tip I can give you on job interviews is that don't put yourself into one format. You will be boring and fake if you do so. It's a great thing to practice interviews, but if you make a template/format for your interviews, interviewees can tell that. They are not willing to have the correct answers or I-am-super-genius-so-you-should-hire-me answers. They are willing to know who you are and what you can do within the limited amount of time of the interview. So, don't think too much, just relax and talk about yourself to them. Think about who you are, and just have a conversation with them. What's important the most here is to speak with your own words. Express yourself with your words. To do so, you just need to know well about yourself.

What do you like to do?
What is your life goal?
What do you think you are good at?
What do you think you are not good at?
What makes you different from others?
What interest you?
Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years?


Oh and one more thing, for international students, know WHAT LED YOU TO STUDY ABROAD, and for those who are not Japanese and want to have a job in Japan, know WHY IN JAPAN. You will be asked these questions.

There are more career forums coming in Japan towards the end of this year. CFN Tokyo Winter Career Forum
My-navi International Job Fair

Fumiko]]> 2011-12-06T16:25:00-08:00 http://en.bloguru.com/jypg/128466/toy-poodle-police-force
Any person even with a bad intention will come forward in front of these cute puppies... don't you agree?!?

Source:
http://ajw.asahi.com/article/behind_news/social_affairs/AJ201112020084a


::: Shino]]> 2011-12-02T00:27:00-08:00 http://en.bloguru.com/jypg/127971/dont-eat-endangered-fish-and-seafood importance of making intelligent choice on fish we eat. He raised an awareness to overfishing and hyper-marketing of blue fin tuna, which is one of many species facing the extinction. (Full list of seafood to avoid is available at Seafood Watch.) The event was held at a beautiful The North American Post's Nagomi Teahouse Space. Chef Sato engaged in lively conversations with the guests after his passionate speech. Many guests lingered on for more discussions and networking.








For more pictures please visit our Facebook funpage album

Resources:
Seafood Watch
Mashiko Seattle Sushi Bar and Restaurant
The End of the Line
Sushi: The Global Catch

]]> 2011-11-25T22:32:00-08:00 http://en.bloguru.com/jypg/128110/no-sushi-in-the-future
What's your favorite sushi menu? I love bluefin tuna, hamachi, and Japanese flounder/hirame!! But can you imagine the day that we only have egg/tamago and some squid on the sushi boats...??? How sad is it, and how boring is it to go to the sushi restaurant if that really happens in the future? That's totally something we want to avoid. However, the beginning of the nightmare has been happening.

Fish is in danger!!! Your excellent sushi time is in danger!!!

It was said that "At current rates of catch, driving up by increasing demand from Japan for use in sushi, Atlantic bluefin tuna stocks will be gone within 3 years. That's the word from WWF" in a couple years ago. Lots of people do not even know about this fact and keep eating whatever they want to at their favorite sushi restaurants.



To me, Chef Sato from Mashiko , the very first sustainable sushi restaurant, looked like a revolutioner in the fishing industry. He considers deeply about this issue and have his own policy and strategy on his sustainable sushi business to protect sushi industry in the near future. He has done several speeches and seminars at colleges as well as talking with a lot of people in the fishery field to discuss and recognize about this issue. His own restaurant started focusing on sustainable sushi from 2 years ago, and since then, he serves people in Seattle purely sustainable sushi and sake to protect fish in danger and promote more local fish.

He said, "My sushi chef friend in Japan said I'm destroying Japanese culture...... but if you want to enjoy the tasty bluefin tuna, hamachi, eel, and more of your favorite sushi menus, you need to do something to protect them." Chef Sato continued, "I'm not saying don't eat sushi anymore. I love sushi too!! ...We just need to reduce the amount of sushi we eat." Even though lots of sushi chefs are already aware of this-sushi-in-danger situation, they do not stop selling bluefin sushi, hamachi, and eel to their customers since these menus are the ones that bring restaurants profit.

http://youtu.be/pyDge9_m_DI

His challenge starts from spreading his words to people. More people need to know about this issue and take it seriously. Chef Sato passionately told the attendees of the event, "There are two ways. One, you just eat whatever sushi you want as you wish and let it become extinct. I hope none of you are willing to be a parent who tells your kid 'I had the last bluefin tuna in the world!! But you can't!! hahaha!!' The other way, you reduce the amount of fish in danger you eat and choose the sushi you eat by becoming sustainable and locally supportive."

If you want to tell your kids how amazing Japanese sushi such as bluefin tuna, hamachi, eel, hirame, and all the other stuffs, you need to control yourself just a little bit to have a great family sushi dinner in the near future with your beloved. It isn't just a joke that we won't be able to have bluefin tuna in 5 years. On the top of that, we got so many other great fishery food around here especially salmon!!! Why not eat our tasty salmon in Seattle!!?

His challenge continues with his strong passion. His restaurant provides you great sustainable meals and fantastic sake. Trust me, they are professionals. They know how to make you happy with their food. What he is trying seems extremely hard to change the entire situation, yet we surely need to change this situation with supports and leads of a person like him.

I could tell that he purely loves the ocean and sushi. His passion and love toward fish lead him to face to this huge challenge. It must be hard to convince all the sushi chefs in the world not to sell bluefin tuna and hamachi especially when these are the main menu they can make lots of profit, but what if... what if we, customers question the sushi chefs what they think about this fish-in-danger situation.



Chef Hajime's speech definitely talked to those who showed up to the event with his special sustainable bento. His special bento box was very yummy, and people were constantly talking about how delicious the sake, Momokawa, that Chef Hajime choose for this event specially!!

Thanks Chef Hajime and everyone who came to JYPG event!! Let's make this sustainable sushi movement bigger and bigger from Seattle!!!

]]> 2011-11-22T15:26:00-08:00 http://en.bloguru.com/jypg/127137/fish-for-thought
However there is no denying I love sushi. And in Seattle we have some great options for it; such that I did not find myself too forlorn when leaving Japan without a fishy bite. But in tough economic and environmental times, it is sometimes difficult to find a good balance between eating what I "want" and eating what is "right" for me, my wallet, and the environment.

I have found some good-valued sushi places around here to handle the formula of taste vs. value, but I hope that tomorrow at the JYPG "Sustainable Sushi" event with Chef Hajime Sato, I can begin to think seriously about how I can add sustainability into the mix.

In preparation for the event I have been reading some articles about what I can do on the local end in my grocery purchases of seafood. I found the following article of interest and would like to share it with you all:

http://blogs.prevention.com/prevention-news/2011/11/15/12-fish-to-stay-away-from/

I look forward to seeing everyone tomorrow for a great event!

-Chris, Team JYPG]]> 2011-11-16T10:07:00-08:00 http://en.bloguru.com/jypg/126823/boston-career-forum-2011-arrival
Day before the Boston Career Forum, I arrived at the airport around 5 pm in Boston time. Some people needed to wait for their flight for 2 hours due to the weather condition, but I didn't have any issues with my flight, which was very comfy and relaxing. It wasn't as cold as I was taught by my friends who used to live in Boston. But the quiet rain in Boston town reminded me to Seattle and missed my town already!! haha

You need to get a map at your hotel to master taking trains. It's not complicated at all, but you need the map for the first day. I found some interesting places on brochures I found at my hotel.



I went to Berklee College of Music where Hiromi Uehara, Akiko Grace, and John Mayer used to study. There are so many musical students who simply and deeply love music. Once you get inside of the school, you see tons of millions of students who sing, play their instrument, and talk about music with whoever loves music. It has a great environment to become a true professional musician.

I dropped by a coffee shop and had Earl Grey tea and a piece of cheese cake. It simply a nice time to feel the atmosphere of Boston at the coffee shop. People are very fashionable and friendly here. On the top of that, the cheese cake was fantastic.



Boston's train system is amazing!! It reminded me a lot about Japanese trains!! Super convenient and cheap!! I just like the feeling of being on the train. It always makes me sleep somehow... too comfortable :) Again, people are very friendly here, so they just talk to each other about whatever topics they have on the train even though they are strangers to each other. I like it that way especially when you want to know about good local places to go and food to have, talking with people on trains is one of the most efficient ways to collect the right info!!! :D



I got to the hotel around 10 pm after checking out downtown Boston a little bit and having the first meal in Boston, which was Thai food at Pho Basil, a popular Thai restaurant in front of Berklee College of Music. I see several Japanese people getting ready for their interviews and preparing their resumes. They seemed a bit nervous about tomorrow and also very excited about this three days big opportunities to grab their future dream!!!

Yes, this is a big chance for you. There are 171 companies looking for Bilingual talented people with enthusiasm!! The first step of your dream has begun here.

I'll report more about the career forum itself in the next post. Don't miss it!!


Fumiko]]> 2011-11-13T00:09:00-08:00 http://en.bloguru.com/jypg/126773/event-for-sushi-lovers-1117thu
Sustainable Sushi
An Evening with Mashiko’s Chef Hajime Sato

Thursday, November 17
6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
North American Post Nagomi Tea House

REGISTRATION: Click here to register for this event.



Chef Hajime Sato is a pioneer of sustainable food restaurant and markets his restaurant as a Fully Sustainable Sushi Bar. Have you ever asked yourself "How can I enjoy my food without damaging mother nature?"

Well, come find out your answer this coming Thursday.

Spend an evening eating the finest sustainable sushi obento available while listening to Chef Hajime Sato speak about his experiences of opening Mashiko, the first Sushi Bar and Japanese Restaurant in Seattle to serve only sustainable seafood.

How do we define what is sustainable when it comes to seafood? Some key factors to consider are traceability, fish populations, fishing methods and farming practices. The most sustainable fishing methods do not cause damage to the oceans or allow for much bycatch (unintended creatures caught during fishing). How often do you think about this while you are eating sushi? Join us for this fun and informative evening and learn!

Chef Hajime Sato opened Mashiko Japanese Restaurant and Fully Sustainable Sushi Bar in September of 1994. He is very proud to say that as of August 15, 2009, Mashiko is Seattle's first fully sustainable sushi bar. He has solid relationships with several top seafood sustainability experts and appreciates the support he has received from both customers and industry insiders. He is passionate about his intense and ongoing sustainable sushi education.

Ticket prices include a fully sustainable sushi obento which Chef Sato will talk about and give interesting information while you enjoy your dinner and drinks. Please note that this event is open to those who are 21 years of age or older only.

DATE: Thursday November 17th 2011
TIME: 6:30 - 8:30 pm
LOCATION: Nagomi Tea House (519 6th Ave. South Seattle WA 98104)

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PARKING: Parking is available in the parking lot of the old Uwajimaya building for $5. Otherwise, street parking is metered in the International District until 8:00 pm.

COST: $25 members/$30 non-members
REGISTRATION: Click here to register for this event.

If you are a vegetarian or have special dietary restrictions please let us know at least a week in advance so dinner accommodations can be made.


Special thanks to the Nagomi Tea House Space for their generous in-kind support.]]> 2011-11-12T09:49:00-08:00