LEADING U.S.-JAPAN EXCHANGE IN HOUSTON FOR 56 YEARS
Japan-America Society of Houston ·
All Nippon Airways will resume NRT-SFO flights, increase frequencies NRT-LAX, and operate HND-SEA on selected dates during June through August.
ANA has also announced a temporary change in service on selected U.S.-Japan routes. Washington DC and Houston routes planned to depart from HND will be changed to NRT from July 1st - September 30th.
Japan-America Society of Houston ·
March 11, 2021 will mark the tenth anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami, and the nuclear accident at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant in Japan. To commemorate the triple disaster, memorial services, online talks and artistic initiatives are taking place in Japan, in the U.S. and all around the world. View some of the offerings below:
MAR 5 | Japan America Society of Chicago Presents: The Memorial Crane Project: Honoring the Victims of COVID-19
MAR 6, 7, 11, 12-26 | Japan Society & PlayCo Present: Ludic Proxy: Fukushima
MAR 8 | Japan Society of Northern California Presents: Innovation Salon | How Japan and the US are using technology to better address natural disasters
MAR 8 | Embassy of Japan & JICC Present: Lessons from Japan's 3.11 Triple Disasters with Dr. Daniel Aldrich
MAR 9 | Japan Society Presents: Resiliency & Recovery: A U.S.-Japan Dialogue Ten Years after 3.11
MAR 10 | U.S.-Japan Council Presents: Remembering March 11, 2011: Looking Back, Looking Forward
MAR 11 | Japan America Society of Chicago Presents: Kizuna 10: Inochi
MAR 16 | Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth Presents: JASDFW 3/11 Resilience Series: A Resurgent Region – Tohoku’s Recovery Since 2011
MAR 17 | Japan America Society of Southern California Presents: [JAPAN CURRENTS] Fukushima 10 Years Later: How Decades of Friendship and Cooperation Lead to the Success of Operation Tomodachi
Japan-America Society of Houston ·
It has been about a year since the COVID-19 virus had begun its sweep through the United States. Although the spread of the infection is still continuing, the number of vaccines administered mainly to medical personnel in the United States, which started in December last year, exceeded 50 million at the end of February, and the light of hope is gradually emerging. In Harris County, including the city of Houston, administration has been started as Phase 1 & 2 for those who are engaged in medical treatment, those aged 65 and over, and those aged 16 and over who have a chronic disease.
Under these circumstances, the world has been asking several questions of the medical community, such as, "Can you explain the vaccine to me again?" "How were the people who have been inoculated?" "What are the side effects?" and "Is it safe for a pregnant woman to receive the vaccine?"
In this third webinar installment of JETRO Houston’s Ask A Doctor webinar series, the focus was on the topic of the vaccine, and, just as in previous webinars, explanations came from Japanese infectious disease specialists who treat COVID-19 in Houston.
This program was presented in Japanese.
Watch the video by clicking the button below:
Japan-America Society of Houston ·
Japan-America Society of Houston stands in solidarity with our friends, partners and colleagues of Asian heritage in the ongoing fight against discrimination and hate-motivated aggression.
Japan-America Society of Houston rejects hate and bias in all forms and remains committed to promoting cross-cultural understanding, respect and inclusion for a more diverse, equitable, and just society.
ヒューストン日米協会は、差別や憎悪に基づく継続した攻撃に対し、アジアにルーツを持つ友人、仲間、同僚達と連帯しています。
ヒューストン日米協会は、あらゆる形態の憎悪と偏見を拒否し、より多様で公平で公正な社会のために、異文化理解、尊重、包摂を促進する活動に今後も引き続き取り組んでいきます。
Japan-America Society of Houston ·
On Saturday, March 13, 2021, JASH together with the Consulate-General of Japan in Houston co-hosted the 2021 Texas State Japanese Language Speech Competition.
32 high school and university students, representing the winners of the Austin, Dallas, Houston and San Antonio regional speech contests, gathered on Zoom to demonstrate their Japanese language proficiency through the reciting of poetry and the presentation of original haiku and speeches.
The event, which was shared via livestream on the JASH YouTube channel, featured a creative display of student determination, devotion, and tenacity as language learners. We congratulate all contestants.
Special recognition was given to the top three contestants in each competition division. Winners from each division were gifted with official Tokyo Olympic commemorative tote bags and towels along with prizes generously donated by our sponsors.
Winners of the POETRY DIVISION will receive a Hobonichi Techo along with a Kinokuniya gift certificate courtesy of the Japan Business Association of Houston (JBAH).
Winners of the HAIKU DIVISION received snacks, stationary and more courtesy of the Japanese Teachers Association of Texas (JTAT).
Winners of the H.S. FREE SPEECH AURORA DIVISION received scholarships from the Japanese Association of Greater Houston (JAGH): $500 for 1st Place, $300 for 2nd Place and $200 for 3rd Place.
Winners of the COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY FREE SPEECH DIVISION received scholarships from JASH: $600 for 1st Place, $400 for 2nd Place and $200 for 3rd Place.
| 1st Place | Narah MONREAL Churchill H.S. San Antonio Region |
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| 2nd Place | Vivan LIANG Lake Highlands H.S. Dallas Region |
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| 3rd Place | Lauren TIPPIN Boerne Samuel V Champion H.S. San Antonio Region |
| 1st Place | Sarah VU William P. Clements H.S. Houston Region |
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| 2nd Place | Sidney UY TESY Johnson H.S. San Antonio Region |
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| 3rd Place | Chaitanya GHATTY Liberal Arts and Sciences Academy Austin Region |
| 1st Place | Elianna MOORE "My Own Path" Johnson H.S. San Antonio Region |
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| 2nd Place | Leeza MUSHTAQ "Cherry Blossoms of the Heart" Johnson H.S. San Antonio Region |
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| 3rd Place | Hayagreev JAYARAM "The Importance of Positivity" Bellaire H.S. Houston Region |
| 1st Place | Matthew HO "Cooking is the Heart's Medicine" Baylor University Dallas Region |
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| 2nd Place | Yanyu ZHONG "Face My Own Fear" Rice University Houston Region |
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| 3rd Place | Rolani PANNULLO "Invasive Species of Guam: Brown Tree Snakes" Texas Christian University Dallas Region |
Japan-America Society of Houston ·
The 2021 Japan Currents Houston Conference was held on Tuesday, March 9. This virtual edition of the Japan Currents Houston Conference marked JASH’s 6th year of bringing together experts from Japan and the U.S. to examine the Japan-America alliance and its impact on Harris County and Texas.
In March 2011, Japan’s energy needs were suddenly transformed when the massive Tohoku earthquake and subsequent tsunami led to a meltdown at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. In the wake of the disaster that sparked the country’s worst energy crisis in the post-war period, Japan shut down its nuclear power plants and Texas shale gas and LNG helped compensate for the loss.
Now, ten years after the Fukushima nuclear accident, with the coronavirus pandemic threatening LNG imports, Japan finds itself in the midst of another energy crisis. Low LNG inventories coupled with colder-than-expected weather has spurred gas demand in Japan and caused The Japan-Korea Marker, North Asia’s spot LNG benchmark, to jump to an all-time high.
With the Japan’s post-Fukushima vulnerability further exposed by COVID-19 and the Suga administration committing to a net zero target by 2050, what is the longer-term perspective for energy producers and consumers alike? How is Japan going to diversify its portfolio to meet its enhanced demands for energy security? Will public investment focus on “green energy” or will the pressure of high unemployment and vast public debts lead to other priorities? What are key areas for ongoing Texas-Japan collaboration, bilaterally and in leading change globally?
Stephen STAPCZYNSKI, reporter for Bloomberg covering Asian energy business, kicked off the panel by providing a brief summary of the energy markets in Texas and Japan over the last few months. Jun ARIMA of ERIA discussed Japan’s 2050 carbon neutrality goal and the importance of nuclear energy to Japan’s decarbonized future. Jane NAKANO of CSIS addressed policy shifts under the Suga and Biden administrations along with areas for potential collaboration. Takuo MONGUCHI of Tokyo Gas America discussed its efforts to lead Japan’s energy diversification efforts by boosting stakes in renewable energy and shale gas through the acquisition of Castleton Resources and a 500MWac solar farm.
Through the presentations and discussions, it was made clear that the pathway to “Net-Zero,” while fraught with challenges, holds great potential for U.S. and Japan bilateral collaboration.
Stephen STAPCZYNSKI
Bloomberg Business Reporter
Jun ARIMA*
Senior Policy Fellow for Energy & Environment, Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA)
Japan’s Energy and Climate Challenges
Jane NAKANO*
Senior Fellow, Energy Security and Climate Change Program, Center for Strategic International Studies (CSIS)
Discussion on the US’s Changed Priorities under Biden Administration
Takuo MONGUCHI*
SVP, Tokyo Gas America Ltd.
Tokyo Gas & Tokyo Gas AmericaCompany Introduction
*view bios here
This conference, made possible with support from The Embassy of Japan in Washington D.C. and the National Association of Japan America Societies (NAJAS), provides the Houston-Harris County community with the opportunity to explore impact of U.S-Japan energy partnerships on our area.
Japan-America Society of Houston ·
The 2021 Houston Regional Japanese Language Speech Contest has concluded.
Nineteen (19) contestants demonstrated their Japanese skills in the areas of (i) POETRY RECITATION, (ii) HAIKU, (iii) FREE SPEECH AURORA, and (iv) FREE SPEECH COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY.
"Otsukaresama" to all participants, and "omedetou gozaimasu" to all winners.
Thank you for your inspiring displays of courage, initiative, diligence and enthusiasm.
Winners are listed below by division. Those placing in the top two will move on to the TEXAS STATE JAPANESE LANGUAGE SPEECH CONTEST, which will be held on March 13, 2020.
1. Emma WANG – 10th, William P. Clements High School
2. Johanna WEN – 9th, Bellaire High School
3. Andrea CONLEY – 12th, Bellaire High School
1. Sarah VU – 11th, William P. Clements High School
2. Dilara MUSLU – 10th, Bellaire High School
3. Emma LAI – 10th, Bellaire High School
1. Hayagreev JAYARAM – 11th, Bellaire High School
2. Brian HUYNH – 12th, Bellaire High School
3. Katherin LIN – 11th, William P. Clements High School
1. Yanyu ZHONG – Junior, Rice University
2. Xianglong GAO– Freshman, Rice University
3. Nathan MCCOSLIN– Junior, Rice University
Consulate-General of Japan in Houston
Japanese Teachers Association of Texas (JTAT)
Japan-America Society of Houston ·
All Nippon Airways is pleased to announce that the 2021 Spring Travel Schedule has been released. Customers are now able to view available flights through mid-April.
Currently, ANA has:
Daily operations from LAX (Los Angeles) to HND (Tokyo Haneda)
Daily operations from ORD (Chicago) to NRT (Tokyo Narita)
Daily operations from MEX (Mexico City) to NRT
Three (3) flights per week from SFO (San Francisco) to NRT
Three (3) flights per week from SFO (San Francisco) to HND
Three (3) flights per week from JFK (New York) to NRT
Three (3) flights per week from JFK (New York) to HND
Three (3) flights per week from YVR (Vancouver) to HND
Three (3) flights per week from IAD (Dulles) to HND
Three (3) flights per week from IAH (Houston) to HND
Four (4) flights per week from LAX (Los Angeles) to NRT
Two (2) flights per week from HNL (Honolulu) to HND
Japan-America Society of Houston ·
In compliance with Japan's requirements for entry and to help prevent the further spread of COVID, All Nippon Airways (ANA) has announced the start of their Quarantine Package Campaign.
This comprehensive Japan-entry package includes COVID testing, hotel accommodation and private transportation for customers who plan to stay abroad for an extended period of time before returning to Japan. Additionally, for customers returning to Japan who may have difficulty making hotel arrangements and are restricted from using public transportation, ANA is offering a variety of hotel plans for those who need to quarantine as well as transportation services.
To learn more about this program, click the button below:
Japan-America Society of Houston ·
In this year of the “Ushi” (cow/ox), the Texas longhorn serves as a fitting visual symbol of resilience and new growth.
As we remember what we have endured and achieved together in 2020, we are eager to take on the many challenges and opportunities before us in 2021. We will continue to work towards strengthening the core tenants of our mission – raising the profile of Japan in Houston while cultivating constructive, resonant and dynamic relationships between the people of the U.S. and Japan.
Our signature programs — from the Japan Currents Houston Conference to the Texas State Japanese Language Speech Contest — will continue virtually. JASH will also carry on with online Japanese language classes. In addition, throughout the year, JASH will be taking time to develop a new array of programs that foster mutual understanding, appreciation and cooperation between the people of Texas and the United States.
All of this would not be possible without the support of individuals, corporations and foundations, and we are grateful to those who help us bring the people of Japan and the United States closer together. Your support is, and will continue to be, critical to our success.
With much hope and Texas grit, we look to the GOOD THINGS TO COME and wish you a healthy and prosperous year.
今年は丑年！ Resilience ー回復力ーと新たな成長を感じさせるテキサスロングホーンは、今年を象徴します。
この resilience に支えられて、私達はヒューストンでの日本の知名度を高めながら、日米間の建設的で共鳴し合うダイナミックな関係を築くというJASHの使命の基盤を強化するためにさらに努力を続けていきたいと思っております。
Japan Currents Houston ConferenceやTexas State Japanese Language Speech Contestを含む JASHの主要なプログラムは、引き続き2021年もバーチャルな形で実施いたします。 また、オンラインでの日本語クラスの提供も継続していきます。 さらに、JASHでは、テキサスや米国の人々との相互理解、感謝、協力を促進するための新しいプログラムも年間を通して展開していう予定です。
JASHのすべての活動は個人、企業、そして団体からのご支援なしには実施することができません。日本とアメリカの人々が互いに理解、感謝、そして協力することを通じて、より親密な絆を築くために、皆様のご参加とご支援を引き続きどうぞよろしくお願い申し上げます。
多くの希望とテキサス級のグリットと共に、本年の皆様方のご健勝とご多幸をお祈り申し上げます。
Japan-America Society of Houston ·
Image provided by MOTIA
The Mayor's Office of Trade and International Affairs (MOTIA) together with the Greater Houston Partnership and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) hosted a bi-lateral, virtual trade mission to Japan. The trade mission focused on the themes of transportation, resiliency, and economic development to align with Mayor Sylvester Turner’s priorities.
It was kicked off with a virtual flight hosted by All Nippon Airways to celebrate the new round-trip flights between Houston and Tokyo's Haneda airport. Leadership meetings with the Mayor of our Sister City of Chiba, JETRO, Mitsubishi Corporation, Toshiba Corporation, and the Japan-America Society of Houston (JASH) highlighted the robust partnership between Houston and Japan. The mission culminated in a Trade and Investment Seminar with over 300 Japanese investors scouting Houston as their next business destination.
Japan is Houston’s 9th largest trading partner. For the past 10 years, trade between Houston and Japan averaged $5.8 billion annually and was valued at $9.2 billion in 2019. There are over 70 Japanese companies with a business presence in Houston and the surrounding area. This trade mission further cultivated Houston’s strong relationship to Japan and explored new business opportunities that may enhance the local economy, creating jobs and investment across the city.
Japan-America Society of Houston ·
The Japan-America Society of Houston (JASH) is thrilled to share that the Government of Japan has recognized our very own William H. Weiland with the 2020 Japanese Foreign Minister’s Commendation.
Mr. Weiland has served on the JASH Board of Directors at various periods over the past 30 years.
In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Mr. Weiland, working with fellow JASH Board Member Joe Hafner, the President of Riviana Foods, and then Japanese Consul General Yasuo Hori, devoted substantial personal time and effort to the development and construction of the Japanese Garden in Hermann Park.
In 2013, Mr. Weiland was asked to take on the role of Vice-President of JASH and soon thereafter was elected President, a role he served in until 2019.
Because of Mr. Weiland’s dedication and leadership, the Japan-America Society of Houston is well positioned to continue to perform its core mission of uniting Houston’s diverse community, local businesses, and individuals to advance the mutual interest of, and the strong bonds between, the people of Japan and the United States.
Mr. Weiland has led our organization with both honor and distinction, and we are delighted that he has been recognized for his contributions to U.S.-Japan ties.
Mr. Weiland is to receive an award certificate and a commemorative gift in recognition of his contributions promoting the mutual understanding between Japan and the United States in Houston.
Japan-America Society of Houston ·
On Thursday, October 8th, JASH kicked off its participation in the 2020 #OnigiriAction campaign by celebrating onigiri’s main ingredient – rice.
“Okome no Gakko” or “School of Rice” was presented in partnership with SATAKE USA, Inc. to provide insight into Japan’s rice culture.
SATAKE USA, Inc. President and CEO, Mr. Motoharu “Max” YOSHIMASA greeted guests and shared information about the company.
SATAKE Corporation, which was founded in 1896, produced Japan’s first milling machine and has been leading post-harvest technology ever since. SATAKE was introduced to the US market in 1960, and in 1980, SATAKE USA, Inc. was established in Houston. As SATAKE USA, Inc. celebrates the 40th anniversary of the establishment of its Houston office, they continue to dominate market share in their industry. Satake has retained a market share of over 95% in US, which essentially means SATAKE has been milling all rice produced in the US for the past 60 years. Their technology is also now utilized for wheat, corn and soybeans and in many other industries.
While the leading provider of technology for the processing of rice and grain, SATAKE actively supports sustainable agriculture and food education. In 2005, the company launched “Okome no Gakko” and has reached more than 10, 000 participants of all ages in Japan.
“This program offers opportunity to learn how rice carefully grown, how to process after harvesting, health benefit of eating rice.”
-Mr. YOSHIMASA, SATAKE USA, Inc. President & CEO
Following, YOSHIMASA-san's remarks, members of the SATAKE Group team from Hiroshima gave the first ever “Okome no Gakko” lecture in English for a US audience. Rice sommelier Naoji OTAKI, with the assistance of Ikuo NISHINA, provided an entertaining presentation covering rice structure, different varieties of rice, and rice cultivation in Japan. OTAKI-san and NISHINA-san also provided insight into post-harvest rice processing using Satake’s own advanced technology and shared the health benefits of rice along with tips for cooking and keeping storing rice.
“After my lecture, you will eat rice tasty and healthy. I believe that!”
- Mr. OTAKI, Rice Sommelier
We are delighted that, through “Okome no Gakko,” JASH was able to highlight the significance of rice in Japanese culture and promote healthy eating habits with rice at the core of one’s diet.
Japan-America Society of Houston ·
This October, the Japan-America Society of Houston (JASH) will support TABLE FOR TWO's Onigiri Action 2020 campaign.
Onigiri Action is an annual social good campaign in autumn connecting the simple act of taking a photo with helping to feed school children in need. Every time someone takes a photo of a Japanese rice ball and posts with #OnigiriAction, five school meals are donated to children in need around the world.
World Food Day on October 16 was established by the United Nations as a day for everyone to think about food problems in the world. To celebrate World Food Day, TABLE FOR TWO (TFT) holds Onigiri Action with a goal to deliver 1 million meals to children in need every year. TFT first started in Japan and featuring Onigiri celebrates rice, one of the major Japanese agricultural products, and showcases the Japanese tradition of making onigiri for loved ones.
10月16日は国連が設定した世界食糧デー。今年もヒューストン日米協会（JASH)は、開発途上国の飢餓と先進国の肥満や生活習慣病の解消に同時の取り組む日本発のNPO「TABLE FOR TWO」の「おにぎりアクション2020｣をサポートします。
日本食のシンボルであるおにぎりの写真やおにぎりと一緒の写真を１枚投稿することで、食事を必要としている子供達に給食５食分が寄付されるこのキャンペーン。おにぎりのイラスト、クラフトなどおにぎりに関係した写真の投稿も大歓迎です。また、投稿数の制限はありません。ご家族、お友達と一緒におにぎりの写真を投稿して、子供達に給食を届けませんか。
Japan-America Society of Houston ·
All Nippon Airways is pleased to announce that flights between Houston (IAH) and Tokyo Haneda (HND) will resume beginning in October with three (3) round trip flights per week (Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays).
Other planned changes include an increase in flights between Haneda and Sydney, Haneda and Paris, Narita and New York, and Narita and Mexico. Additionally, the Narita to Honolulu route will resume 2 round-trip services in October in order to meet the demands of passengers for studying or working purposes.
Currently, ANA has:
Daily operations from LAX (Los Angeles) to NRT (Tokyo Narita)
Daily operations from from ORD (Chicago) to NRT
Three (3) flights per week from SFO (San Francisco) to NRT
Three (3) flights per week from JFK (New York) to NRT
Three (3) flights per week from YVR (Vancouver) to HND
Three (3) flights per week from IAD (Dulles) to HND
Three (3) flights per week from LAX to HND
Five (5) flights per week from MEX (Mexico City) to NRT
Japan-America Society of Houston ·
Image provided by Tsukuba University
The School of Art & Design at Tsukuba University is hosting the 9th Art Writer Award for High School Students contest. This competition allows students to develop the ability to convey their ideas and thoughts about art in their own words through a 1000-word essay.
The contest will be held over the course of two (2) years and is divided into two (2) categories: English essays and Japanese essays. Essays in English will be collected and judged in 2020 and essays in Japanese in 2021.
The essay topics for this year are:
Japanese Art
Write about Japanese art.
Creative Experience
Write about a personal experience creating an art work.
Art and Life 2020
Write about art and life in contemporary worldwide situations.
To be eligible, applicants must:
Be high school students or students attending a public institution equivalent to an upper secondary school (in Japan, mostly ages ranging from 15 to 18 years old) at the time of the application.
The essay must be written by the individual.
The essay must have a title.
Students may think and write logically about the topic like a short thesis.
Students may talk about personal feelings as one might when reminiscing.
Students may also focus on reporting a topic in a journalistic style.
Please note: Although “Art” will be assumed to describe visual arts focused on art and design, the essay writer is free to define art according to his or her own view.
Title and Other Information
Fill in the file name (applicant's last name_first name), country, school name, title of the essay and the applicant’s name at the top of the essay.
Main Text
Applicants may use sub-headers throughout the main text if necessary.
Quotes and References
If quoting the thoughts or words of another person, use double quotation marks around the text (“ ”) and clarify within the body of the essay who the author is.
For example: McClellan stated, “Art museums have never been more popular” (McClellan 2008, 1). (Author’s surname, publication year, quoted pages).
Make a list of references and place it after the essay.
From a book:
McClellan, Andrew. 2008. The Art Museum from Bullée to Bilbao. Berkeley and Los Angeles: University of California Press.
(Author's surname, first name. Publication year. Title of book. Location: Publisher.)
From a journal article:
Ashton, Alex. 2016. “Drawing on Philosophy – An Investigation of Theory in Praxis.” International Journal of Education Through Art, 12: 271-289.
(Author's surname, first name. Publication year. “Article title.” Journal title, volume number: page numbers.)
From the internet:
School of Art and Design. 2019. “History of the School of Art and Design.” Accessed April 1, 2019. http://www.geijutsu.tsukuba.ac.jp.
(Author's name. Publication year. “Article title.”Accessed date. URL)
Make a list of figures and place it after the essay.
If you quote images from a book or other materials, list the reference as shown below:
Figure 1. A page from the instruction book for professional painters. Hokusai Katsushika, Ehon Saishikitsu, 1848, 54-55.
(Title of the image. Author’s name, Book title, publication year, page numbers)
If you show images of your art work, list them as below:
Figure 2. Alex Ashton, Untitled; a drawing from my sketchbook, 2020. Photo by the author.
(Artist’s name, Title of the work, year of creation. The photographer’s name, etc.)
These examples use Chicago Manual of Style. Other standard styles, such as The Modern Language Association (MLA), are acceptable.
The list of reference materials is not included in the word count.
Pictures and Photographs
Show as many of the images and art works you refer to in the essay as possible.
However, rather than pasting lots of images at once in the essay, try to effectively place necessary images throughout the essay in a way that ensures things can easily be seen.
Directly paste the images within the essay file, and use the “text wrap” setting within Word so that the images and text do not end up on top of each other.
If any artistic works are used in the essay, provide a brief explanation of the work in parentheses (Artist’s name, Title of work, size, materials used, technique used, year of creation, place housing the work, etc.) in the body of the essay. Alternatively, you can provide these explanation as a caption below the image.
For example, put text in a textbox and place it below the image.
Then, use the grouping function in Word to group the text and image together.
This makes the layout easier to maintain.
If more than one image is placed within the essay, add a number to the caption for the picture in the chronological order that it appears, such as Figure 1.
Note that if the contest hosts decide to publicly display a submitted essay, the work may be presented with images removed for copyright reasons.
Write your essay using the Template file - download [here].
Save the file for the essay using the applicant’s name in English (last name_first name).
For example, Mr. Pablo Picasso’s essay would be “picasso_pablo.docx”.
Only documents submitted in “.docx” or“.doc” Microsoft Word formats will be accepted.
Fill out the online application [here].
You can save and resume your progress by clicking “Save” at the bottom of the form.
Attach your essay file by clicking “Upload." Check that you have filled all the items and click “Submit” at the bottom of the form.
The message “Your application was submitted.” will be shown. You will receive an e-mail notifying you that your submission has been completed.
Applications are being accepted online through September 30, 2020.
For additional details, please click on the link below:
http://www.geijutsu.tsukuba.ac.jp/~awa/
Hosted by:
School of Art and Design, University of Tsukuba
Endorsed by:
Ibaraki Prefecture
National Association of Art and Craft Education in High School
International Society for Education Through Art – InSEA
Directed by:
Art Environment Support
University of Tsukuba Social Contribution Project
With Cooperation from:
Turner Color Inc.
Japan-America Society of Houston ·
Hiroshima’s Children’s Peace Monument
Houston’s MD Anderson Proton Therapy Center
As the U.S. and Japan celebrate the 75th anniversary of peace, we remember not only those lost, but also those who have dedicated their lives to the betterment of others in the aftermath of the horrifying tragedy.
It was the childhood experiences in the wake of the bombing of Hiroshima that led Japan-America Society of Houston (JASH) supporter and accomplished radiation oncologist Dr. Ritsuko Komaki Cox (Emeritus Professor from UT MD Anderson Cancer Center and Adjunct Professor of Radiation Oncology and Scientific Research Departments at the Baylor College of Medicine), to her decision to become a cancer investigator and physician.
Dr. Komaki was born in Amagasaki City, Hyogo prefecture between Osaka and Kobe. Born to parents originally from Hiroshima, the family returned to their hometown when she was four years old to assist family that had survived the atomic bomb.
During her elementary school years, she made friends with a classmate, Sadako Sasaki. Sadako, at the age of 11 after exposure to atomic bomb radiation, was diagnosed with leukemia and passed nine months later. While she was in hospital, Sadako attempted to fold 1,000 origami paper cranes, believing, as many Japanese do, that if she folded 1,000 cranes, she would recover from her illness.
After the loss of her friend, Dr. Komaki, with the help of Sadako’s older brother and their classmates, raised funds and built the Children’s Peace Monument in Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park in honor of Sadako and the many other child victims of the atomic bomb.
Soon after, Dr. Komaki began to study medicine at the University of Hiroshima where she focused on the affects of A-Bomb radiation on the human body. Having grown up with friends and family affected by this radiation, Dr. Komaki felt it her mission not only to treat those who suffered, but also work towards a world where those lost are not forgotten and that a war that took so many lives is not repeated.
Dr. Komaki’s passionate fight to rectify the damage caused by radiation has been highlighted in The New York Times, People Magazine, USA Today, ABC News and more.
Dr. Komaki’s full story can be read in Aya Fujiwara and David R. Marples’ newly released book, Hiroshima-75: Nuclear Issues in Global Contexts.
Watch Dr. Komaki speak from 2:14
Dr. Komaki’s interview broadcast on the August 6, 2020 edition of “Houston Matters” discusses how growing up in Hiroshima inspired her medical career.
Listen to Dr. Komaki speak from 13:04
Japan-America Society of Houston ·
Photo by Akiyoshi Inoue
updated 8/4/2020
All Nippon Airways has reached a decision to extend the current suspension of its IAH-HND flight beyond August 31 to the end of September.
Currently, ANA has:
Daily operations from LAX (Los Angeles) to NRT (Tokyo Narita)
Daily operations from from ORD (Chicago) to NRT
Three (3) flights per week from SFO (San Francisco) to NRT
Three (3) flights per week from JFK (New York) to NRT
Three (3) flights per week from YVR (Vancouver) to HND
Three (3) flights per week from IAD (Dulles) to HND
Three (3) flights per week from LAX to HND
Five (5) flights per week from MEX (Mexico City) to NRT
We look forward to the return of ANA operations from Houston to Tokyo Haneda as soon as safely possible.
In the meantime, we hope that all our All Nippon Airways friends stay healthy.
Japan-America Society of Houston ·
It is with much disappointment and sadness that the Japan-America Society of Houston (JASH) announces the cancellation of the 27th Annual Japan Festival Houston.
Out of an interest for public health and safety in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and taking into account the uncertainty of whether the high caseload of viral infections in Houston can be brought under control in time for a festival that in past years has been attended by between 25,000 and 30,000 individuals, the decision was reached to avoid the scheduling of a large in-person event during early fall.
“As much as we have looked forward to the Festival serving as the kickoff in Houston of the celebration of the 2020 Japanese Summer Olympics, we feel it essential that we do our part to curb the spread of COVVD-19. The safety and well-being of our community remains our top priority.”
– Laird Doran, President of Japan-America Society of Houston
With the Tokyo 2020 Olympics now rescheduled for July 2021, Japan-America Society of Houston is looking forward to the return of Japan Festival Houston in the spring of 2021 with an event highlighting Tokyo.
非常に残念ですが、ヒューストン日米協会は、第27回ジャパン・フェスティバル・ヒューストンの開催を中止することを決定致しました。
ここ数年のフェスティバル参加者数が25,000人から30,000人と多いことから、ヒューストンの高いウイルス感染者数と、COVID-19のパンデミック下の公衆衛生と安全を十分に考慮して、今年の秋にフェスティバルを開催することは避けることが妥当との決断に至りました。
「日本での2020年夏季オリンピック開催を盛り上げるため、ヒューストンでのキックオフイベントとして、当フェスティバル開催を望んでいましたが、それと同等以上にCOVID-19の感染拡大を抑制するために私たちの役割を果たすことが不可欠であると考えています。私たちにとって、コミュニティの安全と福祉は、最優先事項です。」
―ヒューストン日米協会レアード・ドラン会長
東京2020オリンピックが2021年7月に延期されたことから、ヒューストン日米協会は、2021年の春に東京に焦点をあてたフェスティバルを開催することを予定しています。
Japan-America Society of Houston ·
“We appreciate Mayor Turner, Council Member Kamin, and all of Houston’s City Council for taking the time to condemn coronavirus-related hate and promote respect for all Houstonians.”
-ADL Southwest Regional Director Mark Toubin
Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and members of Houston’s City Council signed a letter denouncing hate and the disproportionate impact of Coronavirus, while calling on all residents to treat each other with respect.
The letter was introduced by Council Member Kamin and was prompted by a rise in anti-Asian hate, antisemitism, racism and discrimination across the country. It notes that hate incidents and crimes are rising as the Asian and Pacific Islander community, Jews, Muslims and immigrants are being blamed for the outbreak and spread of COVID-19 and draws attention to the disproportionate impact of the virus on marginalized communities. It also highlights that COVID-19 is a health issue, not a racial, religious or ethnic one, and stigmatizing specific communities for the disease creates an inexcusable risk to all community members.
The letter denounces antisemitism, anti-Asian bigotry, and hateful rhetoric against the Asian and Pacific Islander, Jewish immigrant and other communities, and affirms the city’s commitment to the safety and well-being of all community members and to curbing hateful acts. It also encourages people to report incidents to the proper authorities and agencies for investigation.
