Mansfield Next Generation of U.S.-Japan Nuclear Policy Experts Program Accepting Applications

Image courtesy of The Maureen and Mike Mansfield Foundation

Applications for the second cohort of the “Mansfield Next Generation of U.S.-Japan Nuclear Policy Experts” program are now open!

This training program aims to nurture a new generation of Japanese and American nuclear experts who will contribute to the strengthening of U.S.-Japan security relations and grow into leaders and policymakers with a comprehensive understanding of regional nuclear security dynamics.

The program, held entirely in English, includes a series of interactive webinars culminating in an in-person, immersion training in Washington, D.C. and the opportunity to publish a short policy-relevant article. The participants will receive round-trip airfare to Washington, accommodations, and meals.

The application deadline is January 28, 2024 at 10:59PM CST / 11:59 PM EST. Click the button below to learn more about the program and to apply.

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PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY:

• Japanese students enrolled in an MA or PhD program in international relations, security studies, political science, or related fields at a university in Japan; OR

• Students (including non-U.S. citizens) enrolled in an MA or PhD program in international relations, security studies, political science, East Asian studies, or related fields at a university in the United States.

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PROGRAM TIMELINE:

• January 28, 2024 | Deadline to apply

• Early February 2024 | Short virtual interviews with candidates and selection of the Japanese and U.S. program participants

• Late February / Early March 2024 | Virtual meet-and-greet among participants and Mansfield staff

• March-July 2024 | Three virtual interactive webinars (90 minutes each), featuring a speaker discussing global nuclear politics and history; nuclear security dynamics in the Indo-Pacific; and arms control and the future of nuclear agreements. Additional optional webinars may be scheduled.

• September 2024 | Participants travel to Washington, DC for a 7-day in-person training program. Facilitated by the Foundation, the students will meet with key nuclear experts from academia and think tanks as well as practitioners from the U.S. government.

• November 2024 | Participants will work in groups and submit a short policy-relevant piece for online publication with the Mansfield Foundation.

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HOW TO APPLY:

Please submit the following to applications@mansfieldfdn.org:

• A resume or CV (no more than 2 pages);

• A 1-page motivation letter detailing your interest in nuclear policy and the Indo-Pacific, and your career plans in the security/international relations/nuclear field;

• A letter of recommendation from a professor or a supervisor who knows you personally and is familiar with your work. The recommender can send the letter directly to applications@mansfieldfdn.org.

If you have any questions about the program, please email pgoodman@mansfieldfdn.org.

Daikin Hosts Neighbor's Household Hazardous Waste Recycling Event

Free up space at your home and bring your acceptable household hazardous waste to Daikin Texas Technology Park on November 15 from 7:30 AM - 2:30 PM, where CleanEarth will be waiting to collect and dispose of it in a responsible manner, free of charge.  

This event is for residential neighbors and Daikin employees in Harris and Waller counties. There is no cost to you, but registration is required.  A list of waste items is also required for drop-off.  Please list the items you will bring, and quantity, when you sign up.  Please refer to the lists of acceptable and unacceptable items below:

• Household amounts of paint related products (excluding lead-based paint products),

• household cleaners,

• aerosols,

• yard products (such as fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides),

• automotive products (such as oil, filters, gasoline, and diesel),

• household batteries,

• products containing mercury (thermometers, thermostats, bulbs),

• pool chemicals,

• small size propane cylinders, and

• other hazardous materials from households.

  • Hazardous shipping categories may be flammable gases (small propanes and aerosols), flammable liquids and solids, poison liquids and solids, oxidizers and organic peroxides, corrosives, and other environmentally hazardous materials. Tires and electronics will be accepted.

Unacceptable waste materials are:

• lead based paint,

• asbestos, 

• radioactive,

• explosives (including firecrackers and ammunition),

• medical waste,

• pharmaceutical/biological waste (sharps),

• propane containers larger than camp stove size,

• commercial/business waste,

• dioxins,

• containers larger than 5 gallons,

• materials containing asbestos,

• lead-based paints, and

• municipal trash.

CleanEarth limits spray paint cans to 12 cans and gallon paint cans to 5 gallons.

DAIKIN AND CLEANEARTH RESERVE THE RIGHT TO REFUSE ITEMS.

I.D. will be required for confirmation at drop off.  

Daikin loves supporting their neighbors and working with community partners like the City of Waller and our friends at CleanEarth to promote a healthier environment, which includes diverting recyclable waste from landfills—one of Daikin’s Net Zero goals. Let’s do it together on America Recycles Day!

JASH BASH 2023

JASH BASH 2023 was held on October 24, 2023 at Bayou Music Center in downtown Houston.

In addition to marking JASH’s 55th anniversary, the event highlighted the gastronomic traditions from Japan and Mexico that have shaped Houston’s living culture, and celebrated the strengthening of U.S.-Japan business ties in our region as well as 135 years of special ties shared between Japan and Mexico.

Guests were greeted by Mariachi Reyes as well as treated to a special performance from Japan Festival favorite Kaminari Taiko.

Mr. Bob Harvey, President and CEO of Greater Houston Partnership, was presented with the 2023 Houston-Japan Friendship Award which honors local individuals and organizations for contributions to the fostering of Japan-America friendship and understanding in Houston. JASH presented this award in recognition of Mr. Harvey’s commitment to promoting the continued collaboration and goodwill exchanges that foster economic development between Houston and Japan.

JASH also presented Ms. Candice Kumai, Wellness Writer and Chef, with the J. Thomas Schieffer Leadership Award in recognition of her role as a global leader in cultural diplomacy through advancing understanding of Japanese culture through food and lifestyle.

The main feature of the evening was undoubtedly the collaborative dinner featuring the culinary excellence of local chefs Hugo Ortega (executive chef/co-owner of five of Houston’s top restaurants – Backstreet Cafe, Hugo’s, Caracol, Xochi and URBE, and winner of Best Chef: Southwest at the prestigious 2017 James Beard Foundation Awards) and Manabu Horiuchi (four-time James Beard Award nominee and Executive Chef at award-winning Kata Robata and soon-to-open Katami).

JASH is grateful to all those who made JASH BASH possible, providing funding to further the society’s mission of strengthening the bond of friendship between the U.S. and Japan through educational, business, and cultural initiatives.

View more photographs in the JASH BASH 2023 Gallery [HERE].

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JASH gratefully acknowledges the support of:

SUSTAINER SPONSORS

• The Friedkin Group / Gulf States Toyota

PARTNER SPONSORS

• Kathy and Glen Gondo

ADVOCATE SPONSORS

• JERA Americas

• Mitsubishi Corporation (Americas)

• Mitsui & Co. (U.S.A.), Inc.

• Sumitomo Corporation of Americas

• Debra Tsuchiyama Baker and Peter Rockrise

• Miwa Sakashita and John Stroehlein, M.D.

• Westlake Corporation

ALLY SPONSORS

• Daikin Comfort Technologies North America Inc.

• Mitsubishi Heavy Industries America, Inc.

• MUFG Bank, Ltd.

• SHINTECH Inc.

FRIEND SPONSORS

• All Nippon Airways

• BakerHostetler

• Locke Lord, LLP

• Midori and Jay Mochizuki

• Nippon Steel

• Nanako and Dale Tingleaf

HOST COMMITTEE

• Donna Fujimoto Cole | Cole Chemical & Distributing, Inc.

• Fresi Travels | Tami Hiraoka & Lou Borrego

• Dr. Risako Komaki-Cox

• Prof. Hiroko Sato and Mr. Randy Singh

• Dr. Jun and Mrs. Naoko Teruya

DONORS

• Shirley Bloom

• Carla K. Deluca

• Aimee Dodson in honor of Miwa Sakashita

• Shara Fryer

• Dr. Hiroyuki Katayama

• Killer Noodle

• Gwendolyn Gantt Mullins

• Nippon Shokubai America Industries, Inc.

• Osaka Gas USA Corporation

• Daniel Parker

• Cheryl Renee Rhode

JASH ANNUAL MEMBER MEETING at HOUSTON CENTER

On September 26, Japan-America Society of Houston members returned to the HOUSTON CENTER for the 2022-2023 JASH Annual Meeting.

The meeting opened with a warm welcome from Nobukazu Shimada, Regional Strategy Department Manager of Mitsubishi Corporation (Americas).

Following the opening remarks, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries America President Takajiro (Tak) Ishikawa was voted in as JASH Vice President, and Sadami Sugimoto of All Nippon Airways (ANA) was named to the JASH Board of Directors.

JASH President Laird Doran provided an update on the state of JASH through the JASH 2022-23 Annual Report.

JASH also recognized the first 2023 Houston-Chiba Sister Cities Youth Ambassador Exchange Program since 2019. Student Ambassadors Evan Gildea, James Gillett, and Campbell Pacey recounted their experiences along with Chaperone Janet Atkins.

At the conclusion of the meeting, members were treated to nigiri sushi by Mitsubishi Corporation (Americas) corporate chef Takao Saito, sushi rolls by Sushic, and sweet cream puffs by Beard Papa Katy.

Special thanks go to JASH Corporate Sponsor Mitsubishi Corporation (Americas) for making the 2023 ANNUAL MEMBER MEETING possible.

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JASH 2022-23 ANNUAL REPORT

Click here to view the JASH FY2022-2023 Annual Report.

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Images courtesy of night.sky.creative

Japan ICU Foundation - Full Tuition Scholarship Opportunity for US Students

The JAPAN ICU FOUNDATION will once again be offering the merit-based Nelson Ranch Scholarship for U.S. citizens to attend the INTERNATIONAL CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY (ICU) in Mitaka, Tokyo.

The scholarship will cover the entire cost of tuition for four (4) years of undergraduate study at ICU. 

Eligible applicants must :

• be a United States citizen (Applicants with Japanese dual citizenship are not eligible.);

• be committed to Christianity;

• demonstrate significant financial need.

Applications are being accepted through November 1, 2023.  Learn more about the scholarship and apply online by clicking the button below:

2023 JLPT Dates Announced

The American Association of Teachers of Japanese (AATJ) has announced that the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) will be held on December 3, 2023.

The testing site for Texas is Rice University in Houston, TX. 223 seats are available.

Registration is opening by level:

• Registration for LEVEL N1 will open on Monday, August 7, at 11:00 AM CDT.

• Registration for LEVEL N2 will open on Thursday, August 10, at 11:00 AM CDT.

• Registration for LEVEL N3 will open on Thursday, August 17, at 11:00 AM CDT.

• Registration for LEVEL N4 will open on Saturday, August 19, at 11:00 AM CDT.

• Registration for LEVEL N5 will open on Monday, August 21, at 11:00 AM CDT.

Registration for ALL LEVELS will close on Tuesday, September 19, at 7:00 PM CDT, or when all seats at all test sites are filled, whichever is sooner.

Some JLPT registration procedures have changed. Registration fees remain $100 per test. Download the JLPT Test Guide below for the most up to date information about the exam.

**NOTE: Even if you have registered in previous years, you will need to create a new user account in the system.**

2023 Japanese Language Scholarship from JLSF

Japanese Language Scholarship Foundation (JLSF) is now accepting applications for the 2023 Japanese Language Scholarship. Up to two (2) awardees will receive a $5,000 to carry out a project of their choosing in Japan.

Applicants are encouraged to propose projects that they would like to implement but have been kept from pursuing due to lack of funding. Projects must be shown to enhance the awardee's educational goals.

Following the conclusion of the project, scholarship awardees will be required to submit reports to the JLSF about their experiences in Japan.

Open to U.S. citizens and citizens of other countries teaching Japanese in the United States.

Learn more by clicking the buttons below.

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QUALIFICATIONS:

• Applicants must fulfill ONE of the following three requirements:

  • Be an in-service Japanese language teacher in any school level in the US;

  • Be a graduate student studying Japanese language education who is committed to working in Japanese language and/or Japanese language/culture-related studies in the US; or

  • Be a pre-service Japanese language teacher currently studying to obtain a teaching credential for teaching Japanese in the US.

• Applicants must also:

  • Be available for an oral interview in person or by phone;

  • Write and submit a report on the project accomplished in Japan; and

  • Be able to attend the award ceremony to be held in Los Angeles, CA on Saturday, January 20, 2024.

    • (Limited travel expenses and accommodations for this ceremony may be covered by JLSF as needed)

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REQUIRED APPLICATION DOCUMENTS:

• Completed application form;

• Current resume/biography;

• Photograph of applicant (optional); and

• A letter, typed, double-spaced and no longer than three (3) pages that describes the potential scholarship recipient and proposed project.

The letter should include the applicant's background, goals, current activities, commitment to Japanese language education and Japan studies related to language, a detailed description of their proposed activity in Japan, and a proposed budget (including airfare between the U.S. and Japan).

Applicants should be able to justify their field in Japan Studies related to language. For instance, applicants can be students in Japanese literature focusing on language studies, sociology studying language education, or history studying Japanese for their research.

Entries, including photographs, will not be critiqued or returned. From the time of submission, all entries become properties of the JLSF.

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DEADLINE AND SUBMISSION:

• All applications must be e-mailed on or before Friday, September 15, 2023.

• Send all required materials as attachments to scholarship@jlsf-aurora.org

• Subject line: JLSF Scholarship Application Submission

  • PDF, JPG, DOC files preferred.

Up to two (2) winners will be selected, depending on application volume and quality.

Selection will be announced by Sunday, October 15, 2023.

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JLSF was established in 1998 (and its guidelines revised in 2013) to encourage teachers of the Japanese language and students in Japanese language studies in their educational and/or professional development as well as to promote cultural exchanges.

七夕 Tanabata - Star Festival at Children's Museum Houston

On Friday, July 7, twenty-one JASH volunteers joined the Consulate-General of Japan in Houston at Children's Museum Houston to celebrate Tanabata (七夕/ star festival).

Steeped in legend, Tanabata honors the tale of Orihime and Hikoboshi.  According to folklore, the Milky Way separates these lovers, and they are allowed to meet only once a year on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month of the lunisolar calendar. With the stars aligning for this reunion, wishes are destined to come true.  So on this day, Japanese write their own wishes on colorful paper (tanzaku) and hang them from bamboo branches.

JASH volunteers helped visitors to the Museum experienceTanabata traditions by folding origami magpies, crafting Tanabata decorations, creating tanzaku wishes, and mastering a few kendama skills.

Many thanks to all who came out to enjoy Tanabata with us. We hope all your wishes will come true!

2023 Houston+Chiba Sister City Youth Ambassadors in Chiba, Japan

For the first time since 2018, students from Houston have traveled to Japan to participate in the Houston-Chiba Sister City Youth Ambassador Program.

Four (4) students and two (2) teacher chaperones from River Oaks Baptist School will be representing Houston in Japan from June 4-15.

Follow the adventures of the Youth Ambassadors through the new Youth Ambassador Program Blog.

NEW Japan Festival Houston 2023 Blog

Relive Japan Festival Houston 2023 through the new Japan Festival Houston 2023 Blog!

Each article focuses on a specific aspect of the Festival. Enjoy!

JASH Celebrates AAPI Month

May was a busy month as JASH joined Houston in celebrating AAPI Heritage.

In addition to hosting Japan Festival Houston and carrying out regular JASH programs including Japanese language classes, ikebana workshops and Japan Junction in Levy Park, JASH was engaged in a number of outreach activities.

Thank you Houston Astros, Houston Dynamo, BakerRipley, Fort Bend County Judge KP George, Fort Bend County Library, MD Anderson and Woodland Hills Elementary School for inviting us to share the rich culture of Japan with Houston.  

JASH Board Member and JASH ED named to New AAPI Advisory Board

Mon May 30, Mayor Sylvester Turner proudly announced the establishment of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Advisory Board, a momentous step towards fostering stronger connections between the City of Houston and its diverse communities. This newly formed board will serve as a vital bridge, ensuring that the voices, concerns, and contributions of the AAPI community are heard and included in the city’s decision-making processes.

Houston stands tall as the most diverse city in the nation, and Mayor Turner recognizes the importance of embracing and celebrating the vibrant cultures that weave together the fabric of Houston. With the establishment of the AAPI Advisory Board, the City of Houston reaffirms its commitment to upholding the values of inclusivity, respect, and representation.

“The formation of the Asian American and Pacific Islander Advisory Board is an exciting development for our city,” said Mayor Sylvester Turner. “Houston has a rich history of Asian immigrants contributing to our community for over 150 years. As the AAPI population has grown significantly in the past few decades, it is imperative that we continue to foster a sense of belonging and provide a platform for their voices to be heard. I am confident that this advisory board will play a pivotal role in addressing the concerns of the AAPI community and ensuring their needs are met, not just in my administration, but well into the future.”

The AAPI population in the Houston area has experienced remarkable growth, increasing from 1% to an impressive 26% in the past 50 years. With over 1.2 million AAPI residents in Harris County, Houston now ranks among the top 10 cities in the United States with the largest AAPI population.

Mayor Turner was joined by District F City Councilmember Tiffany Thomas, State Rep. Gene Wu, and AAPI Advisory Board Chair- Nomi Hussain. KHOU Anchor/Reporter, Shern- Min Chow, served as the mistress of ceremony.

“Asian-Americans are not a monolith or a silent community. Today’s announcement underscores the importance of creating space for all voices to be heard, seen, and acknowledged.”

-District F Councilmember Tiffany D. Thomas.

The newly appointed Asian American and Pacific Islander Advisory Board is made up of esteemed individuals who have dedicated themselves to serving their communities. The Advisory Board includes:

(AAPI Advisory Board Chair) 
o    Nomaan Husain 
(Members)
o    Wea Lee
o    Lufti Hassan
o    David Kim
o    Zafar Tahir
o    Jagdip Ahluwalia
o    Donna Cole
o    Helen Chang
o    Alice Lee
o    Kenneth Li
o    Shah Haleem
o    Hasu Patel
o    Muhammad Sheikh
o    Loloy Reyes
o    Murad Ajani
o    Paul Gor
o    Patsy Brown
o    Nancy Li
o    Bobby Singh
o    Casey Youn
o    Ben Chou
o    Bianca Mabute-Louie
o    Cindy Dinh
o    Sarah Syed
o    Victor Lee
o    Soren Valverde
o    Dieu Thao Khoa Nguyen
o    Tejal Patel
o    Darrien Bui
o    Rufi Natarajan
o    Miraj Patel
o    Lindsay Gee Calvert
o    Erin Orbe
o    Danny Nguyen
o    Glenda Joe
o    MJ Khan
o    Tony Ly
o    Dawn Lin
o    Glen Gondo
o    Stephen Le Jr.

Board Chair, Nomi Husain expressed enthusiasm for the opportunities that lie ahead, “It is with profound respect and gratitude that I thank Mayor Sylvester Turner for his vision in creating the new Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) board. His foresight underscores our city's commitment to celebrating diversity, fostering understanding, and empowering every community. This initiative is a significant step towards a more inclusive Houston, and for that, we owe Mayor Turner our sincerest appreciation.”

Mayor Turner and the City of Houston are committed to ensuring that Houston remains a city where everyone has a seat at the table, where diversity is celebrated, and where all communities are empowered to thrive. The establishment of the AAPI Advisory Board is a testament to this commitment, further cementing Houston’s position as a model of diversity, inclusion, and progress.

Houston News Media Celebrates Japan Festival's Return

Special thanks go out to KHOU 11 Great Day Houston with Deborah Duncan and KPRC Channel 2 for hosting interviews highlighting the grand comeback of Japan Festival Houston.

The 2023 festival followed a four-year long COVID hiatus and marked the 30th anniversary of the founding of the event. In addition, the event celebrated the 30th anniversary of the Japanese Garden and the 50th anniversary of the Houston-Chiba Sister City relationship.

2023 saw sumo join the performance lineup for the first time. The Festival also hosted the inaugural TEXAS KENDAMA SHOWDOWN, providing kendama enthusiasts — beginners and experts alike — a chance to show off mastery of an extensive trick list. 

To watch the televised interviews, click the buttons below:

Japan Festival Houston Makes a Comeback

Houston, WE MISS YOU ALREADY!

Our deepest gratitude and appreciation to everyone who joined us at Hermann Park on May 6 and 7, rain or shine, for the grand comeback of JAPAN FESTIVAL HOUSTON!

Following a four-year COVID-19 hiatus, 2023 marked the 30th anniversary of the Festival as well as the 30th anniversary of the Japanese Garden and the 50th anniversary of the Houston-Chiba Sister City relationship

This event is #FORHOU, and we were so happy to see your smiling faces!

JASH VP RECEIVES HONORARY CITIZENSHIP

On April 13, Japan-America Society of Houston joined the City of Houston in a ceremony bestowing honorary citizenship on Yuzuru Nagawa. 

The presentation was made by Chief Development Officer Andy Icken on behalf of Mayor Sylvester Turner.

Nagawa-san was recognized for his many valuable contributions to the community and was selected to serve as a Good Will Ambassador of the City.

After eight (8) years of serving as Vice President and General Manager of the Houston Office of All Nippon Airways (ANA), Nagawa-san will be returning to Japan to take on the role of Senior Director, Government & Industrial Affairs (渉外調査部 国際渉外担当）for ANA HOLDINGS INC.

Nagawa-san arrived in Houston in 2015 with the mission to connect Tokyo and Houston with nonstop air service on Japan’s leading airline.  The arrival of the ANA flight served as a testament to the growth of economic and cultural ties between Houston and Japan, and ever since, Nagawa-san has been at the forefront of showcasing Texas-Japan relations in a truly productive and visible light.

In addition to serving as Vice President of Japan-America Society of Houston and Co-President of Japanese Festival of Houston, Inc., Nagawa-san sat on the Hermann Park Conservancy Board of Directors and chaired the Hermann Park Conservancy Japanese Garden Advisory Committee.  Moreover, as Community Liaison for the Japan Business Association of Houston, Nagawa-san established strong collaborative relationships with a variety of community organizations.

The manner in which Nagawa-san tirelessly gave of his time has strengthened U.S.-Japan ties in our region. 

We join the City of Houston in admiration of Nagawa-san’s contributions to our community, and congratulate Nagawa-san on a most deserving honor.

2023 Spring Japanese Garden Cleanup

On Saturday, April 8, JASH hosted the Annual Spring Japanese Garden Cleanup in Hermann Park.

Under the guidance of the Hermann Park Conservancy (HPC), the 41 volunteers who gathered were tasked with pulling weeds, dredging streams, relaying river rocks, and tidying the tea house.

Volunteers also honored Japanese Garden Advisory Commitee Chairman and JASH Vice President Yuzuru Nagawa for his eight years of dedicated service to the Japanese Community in Houston.

お疲れ様 (otsukaresama) to everyone who gave of the time and effort during this cold and overcast weather to ensure the Japanese Garden is looking its best in preparation for Japan Festival Houston!

JASH Bids Farewell to Yuzuru Nagawa

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On April 6, members of the Japan-America Society of Houston (JASH) Board of Directors gathered to bid farewell to Vice President Yuzuru Nagawa.

JASH has had the good fortune of working with Nagawa-san since he arrived in 2015 to launch All Nippon Airways’ direct flight between Houston to Tokyo.

Over his eight (8) years in Houston, Nagawa-san has tirelessly given of his time and resources to help raise the profile of Japan-America Society of Houston. Nagawa-san’s many contributions include representing JASH in the community, facilitating cooperation with key Japanese business leaders, and championing Japan Festival. His commitment to the strengthening of U.S.-Japan ties also extended to our sister organizations in Austin, Alabama and Georgia.

JASH is grateful for Nagawa-san’s wise counsel, warm-hearted teamwork and profound dedication to the JASH mission. 

In recognition of Nagawa-san’s friendship and support, JASH President Laird Doran presented Nagawa-san with a Texas flag that was flown over the State Capitol in his honor on March 31, 2023.

While Nagawa-san’s active leadership as a judicious steward of our organization will sincerely be missed, JASH wishes him all the best in his next role. 日本でご活躍をお祈りしております。

In the words of singing cowboy Roy Rogers, we say:

Happy trails to you until we meet again!

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ZEN-An: Traveling Teahouse Experience

In 2017, Kuniji Tsubaki designed a portable teahouse that condenses into the size of a suitcase. His ZEN-An was constructed using authentic Japanese techniques by master carpenters (sashimonoshi), tatami craftsmen, blinds (sudare) makers, and washi paper mounters. His goal was to develop a tearoom that could be assembled within the time it takes to burn one stick of incense (approximately 15 minutes). 

From Friday, March 31 - Sunday, April 2, ZEN-An was presented in locations around the Houston area. Visitors to the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH), the Japanese Garden in Hermann Park, MECA, Levy Park, and Burnett Bayland Park were able to experience this specially crafted environment through an introduction to the rituals of Japanese tea ceremonies as influenced by the long history of Buddhist religion.

The program was presented in conjunction with None Whatsoever: Zen Painting from the Gitter-Yelen Collection on view from February 18 – May 13, 2023 at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.

ZEN-An was co-presented by JASH and the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH) and funded in part by The Japan Foundation. 

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ABOUT THE ARTIST

Kuniji Tsubaki is a Japanese architect who specialises in tea rooms. He has found an ingenious way to take this spirit of hinraku around the world. His chashitsu fits in a suitcase and can be re-assembled in any location where he spreads a message of peace. Kuniji-san’s portable tea room is constructed by his team of master artisans. 

FUNDER

The presentation of ZEN-An in Houston was funded in part by The Japan Foundation.

Photos by night.sky.creative

TX Speech Contest Winner Receives Scholarship to ICU

Aidan Sisneros, winner of the 2023 Texas State Japanese Language Speech Contest High School Free Speech Aurora Division has received a full-tuition scholarship to study at International Christian University in Tokyo, Japan.

The Johnson High School Senior is one of only two students in the entire country to receive this honor.

“Freshman year, I wanted to challenge myself, so I decided to take Japanese. I absolutely fell in love with the language. Halfway through freshman year, I decided I wanted to study in Japan. This has been a dream in the making the past four years.”

Aidan’s dream of studying in Japan is coming true. But it wasn’t without great sacrifice and determination. There was a rigorous interview and multiple essays. But Aidan had something the other scholarship candidates didn’t – his Japanese teacher, Dr. Yuka Kato. 

Sensei Kato worked with Aidan to perfect his essay. She grew up in Japan and knows what it takes to earn acceptance to this extremely competitive university. Nine drafts later, she confirmed that his essay was ready to be turned in. A few months later, his acceptance letter followed. 

“Out of all the people in my life, my mother and Kato Sensei are the two people I respect the most,” said Aidan. “Her character traits, hard work and work ethic influenced mine and gave me the opportunity to even do this. We like to call her our Japanese mother. She’s so loving and truly does care about her students. I’m so grateful to have had her as a teacher these past four years.” 

The feeling is mutual. Sensei Kato cherishes her students. She considers them to be her greatest teachers. She is so proud of Aidan for persevering through every challenge. 

“To me, he’ll always get to the top because he makes an effort,” said Sensei Kato. “He always dreamed of going to Japan. It was a beautiful essay. He never, ever gave up. He persevered.” 

His perseverance continues to pay off. Aidan plans to move to Tokyo in August and will double major in linguistics and business. 

Kato Sensei has also received a well-deserved honored for her work teaching Japanese in San Antonio. Kato-sensei is North East Independent School District’s representative for the 2023 Trinity Prize for Excellence in Teaching. Click here to learn more.

CONGRATULATIONS to both Aidan Sisneros and Kato Sensei!

KEIZAI CONVERSATIONS: NAJAS-KKC Business Speaker Series

On Monday, March 20, JASH together with the Greater Houston Partnership hosted KEIZAI CONVERSATIONS - a program of the NAJAS/KKC BUSINESS SPEAKER SERIES.

The series made possible by the National Association of Japan-America Societies (NAJAS) and the Keizai Koho Center (KKC) with funding from Keidanren (Japan Business Federation) seeks to feature senior executives from Japanese corporations to highlight the impact of Japanese corporate investment in the United States.

The Houston edition of the NAJAS-KKC Business Speaker Series – KEIZAI CONVERSATIONS – underscored how Mitsubishi Heavy Industries America (MHI-A) is evolving and collaborating in the development of innovative clean energy solutions that will impact the future. 

MHI-A President and CEO Takajiro “Tak” ISHIKAWA spoke to the MHI Group global strategy and the company’s energy transition focus. In conversation with Bob HARVEY, President and CEO of the Greater Houston Partnership, ISHIKAWA provided  unique insight into the technology being developed for the transition away from fossil fuels. 

In addition, Kiyoshi TANIGAWA, Executive Director of Keidanren USA, highlighted the importance of the U.S.-Japan economic relationship.

JASH is grateful to NAJAS and the KKC for the opportunity to present KEIZAI CONVERSATIONS.

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SPEAKERS

• Takajiro “Tak” ISHIKAWA

  President & CEO

  MHI America

• Kiyoshi TANIGAWA

  Executive Director

  Keidanren, USA

MODERATOR

• Bob HARVEY

  President & CEO

  Greater Houston Partnership

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CO-HOSTS

The Greater Houston Partnership is dedicated to strengthening Houston’s position as the Energy Capital of the World. The economic vitality and growth of Houston’s economy is inextricably tied to the energy industry, and the industry is changing rapidly. In 2021, the Partnership released a strategy for how Houston can leverage its energy leadership to accelerate global solutions for an energy-abundant, low-carbon future and launched the Houston Energy Transition Initiative (HETI). HETI is an industry led effort that builds on the best of traditional energy skills and systems to accelerate the energy transition, grow the region’s economy, export low-carbon products and expertise, equitably create new jobs, and help Houston achieve the goals of its Climate Action Plan. 

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SPONSORS