JASC Presents: Kyoto (That's a wrap!)

(JASC Presents: Kyoto panelists listen intently to Consul General Dong)

Well, I am over 12 days late with this update. If you can't tell from the lack of original content from our ECs, then let me put it bluntly: This is the busiest time of the year for planning the 61st as our recruitment phase is in full swing. 

Anyway, here's the readout from JASC Presents: Kyoto, which took place on January 9th at Ritsumeikan University. The United States Consulate General Edward Dong delivered a thrilling speech on the (then) coming change of administration and what the results might be upon Japan-U.S. relations followed by a question and answer session from the audience of 40-plus young adults from the Kansai region of Japan. 

The program then moved into its second phase in which 59th JASCer and 60th JEC Ryusuke 'Hiroryu' Hirota, and 60th JASCers Tomomi Sakamoto and Jon-Michael Durkin (that's me!) delivered speeches pertaining to the the environment. Ryusuke's speech stole the show, dealing with the hidden evils of bio-ethanol while Tomomi spoke on rapid deforestation and Jon-Michael (that's me!) discussed the involvement of the United States Government in the future development of the big 3 auto manufacturers of Detroit. 

(Tomomi Sakamoto, Ryusuke Hirota, Jon-Michael Durkin, and Kayoko Hirata during the panel discussion)

The event was moderated by 59th JASCer and 60th JEC Yukio Iseki who, together with 60th JASCer and 61st JEC Moto Ono and 60th JASCer Ryoko Imaya, made the stunning event possible. In addition to the audience from outside of the JASC spectrum, fellow 60th JASCers Shinichiro Higa, Catherine Simes, Robert Cooper, Kayoko Hirata, and Hideya Matsumoto came to show their support for the second outing of the JASC Presents Series. 

I'd like to personally thank everyone who was involved in making the event a success (with special thanks to my fellow 61st AEC Kayoko Hirata for serving as my personal interpreter when times got tough (and for not laughing at my underwhelming speech)).

Introducing lovely lovely Oyuri!!

(Oyuri + a horse)

Name: Yuri "Oyuri" Honda
School: Keio University
JASC 61 RT: International Development: Searching for Real Solutions

Age: secret(my younger sister in JASC forever :X)



* What was your original goal/intention for attending the 60th Jasc?
-There were several. To meet new people, to have an experience of being inspired..etc But there was also a simple intention that I wanted to try to discuss something in English. Although I went to international school where I had opportunities to do so, I felt that I couldn't do as much as I should have done.


* What kind of leader do you want to become for the 61st? In the perspective of the Japadeles? Amedeles?
- A leader who is flexible and positive.

* What do you want to accomplish in the 61st? In the RT? As a person?
- To have a wonderful conference with 61st JASCers !

* Briefly describe one particular memory you had at JASC that was memorable to you.
- Talking with JASCers. Behind the academic scenes.

* If you could describe yourself as a type of food, what would it be and why?
Rice, because I like it.

* If you only had one option, which would you choose: time or money? why?
- Time. Time is more precious as we can never have "same" time or moment in our life.

* Besides answering to the questions, what are you doing right now?
- Sending e-mails.

* What is your ideal day?
- Wake up and just go for a walk without a plan. It would be nice if the weather is sunny and warm. One of my friends told me that I was like her grandma when I talked about this ideal day.

* The world is ending in 24 hours. How do you want to spend your last day on Earth?
- I try to meet all the people who have supported and helped me through my life and tell them thank you with a hug :)

* If you had to lose one of your 5 senses, which would you lose and why?
- It's such a difficult question.. but at least I do not want to lose the sense of taste as I love eating food.





(Oyuri loves eating :D Cute<3)







* Please write a brief message to the future Amedeles.
- Thank you for reading this! I hope you will be joining us next summer. Do not miss this chance! Be a 61st JASCer!!!

Introducing the "big brother" leader among the JECs

Keisuke is one of the oldest ECs, who sometimes reminds me of a 52 year old salary man (prob cuz he often wears a suit?). Besides JASC work and academics, he's currently super busy with job hunting...but was very kind in replying to this questionnaire.

Name: Keisuke Matsuo （松尾恵輔）

School: Junior at Waseda University, Faculty of Law
RT: Environment and Sustainable Development
(With RT leader Yoshi at the beach in LA)

What was your original goal/intention for attending the 60th Jasc

For finding "what is the happy life" and "what Japan and USA can do for such a life", through the days in US and discussions.

What kind of leader do you want to become for the 61st? In the perspective of the Japadeles? Amedeles?

Answer the every question about Japan.

What do you want to accomplish in the 61st? In the RT? As a person?
In my RT, we will discuss whether we can manage Sustainable society and how. Through such a discussion, personally, I want to find out what is the desirable way of living for human beings. It is very philosophical though.

(with AECs Durkin, Rachel and Japadeles Chihiro and Emiko in LA)

Briefly describe one particular memory you had at JASC that was memorable to you.
The most memorable memory for me is climbing a mountain to see shooting stars in Montana.

I never forget when I lay on the grass and could see beautiful stars with precious friends.

If you only had one option, which would you choose: time or money? why?

Time.

We cant buy it,though we can spend it to earn money.

Moreover, Even working for earning money is good experience for me.

Besides answering to the questions, what are you doing right now?

Im working on 61th jasc, endless fundraising...

What is your ideal day?
Ideal day...l want to lie on the grass in Yoyogi-park all day, talking and drinking beer with my friends

The world is ending in 24 hours. How do you want to spend your last day on Earth?
I want to go to the place where reminds me of good memories with my family

(eating with JEC VC Yuri)

What is an article of clothes/accessory that defines "you"?

Polo-shirts

If you had to lose one of your 5 senses, which would you lose and why?

Sight, Without sight,I can feel this dirty world more beautiful..lol

Please write a brief message to the future Amedeles.

Hi!

This is Keisuke Matsuo.

Beautiful nature, kind people, hot discussion and we JECs are waiting for YOU sincerely!

See you in Japan!

けいすけです。 美しい自然、やさしい人たち、

熱いディスカッションそして私たちＪＥＣがあなたを心から待ってます。 日本で会いましょう。

Introducing our awesome JEC Vice Chair

Name: Yuri Takeuchi

School: University of Tokyo
JASC 61 RT: Globalizing Economies

(With RT Co-leader Jon-Michael Durkin)

* What was your original goal/intention for attending the 60th Jasc?
I'd been interested in Japan America Student Conference since elementary school, and I also had an extra push from my parents and JASC OBs that my parents knew. Having lived in Japan for half of my life and the US for the other half, I was hoping that this conference would be an interesting event and learning experience for me - as a student who is Japan-America if not in blood, in experience.

* Now that the 60th is over, and some time has lapsed since, how much as a person do you think you have grown?
Through talking with both American and fellow Japanese delegates, I've come to recognize myself more as a Japanese person than I ever have - and feel very proud about it. This has been an extremely important event that has somewhat helped me come to terms with my mixed up and confused identity. ;)

* What kind of leader do you want to become for the 61st? In the perspective of the Japadeles? Amedeles?
Open to everyone and aiming for the best

* What do you want to accomplish in the 61st? In the RT? As a person?
An amazing JASC suitable for JASC's 75th anniversarythat we will be able to look back on 20 years from now and say "That was the beginning of it all."the best JASC with the best ECsaaand the best RT ever with the best RT partner in the world.

(Yuri and Oyuri)

* Briefly describe one particular memory you had at JASC that was memorable to you.
Being on top of the beautiful mountain in Montana and lying down with 60th JASCers and counting shooting stars

* If you could describe yourself as a type of food, what would it be and why?
hot pepper. I like red? When I'm determined I go pretty strong and direct.

* If you only had one option, which would you choose: time or money? why?
Time. Time and working my ass off can make money but money can't make time.That and I always seem out of hours in a day...

* Besides answering to the questions, what are you doing right now?
talking with JEC KOJI about business plans and the future :-)

* What is your ideal day?
Spending an entire day from wake-up to falling asleep with everyone I love :)New York cheesecake and baby monkeys (favorite animal) by my side would be nice too.I've had urges to spontaneously just go on a trip around the world recently... if I suddenly got magical powers that would allow me to add hours to the day and go on a trip to foreign countries at my demand that would make my day even more spectacular.

(Yuri holding a stuffed monkey)

* The world is ending in 24 hours.How do you want to spend your last day on Earth?

as above.

* If you had to lose one of your 5 senses, which would you lose and why?

I've spent 5 minutes thinking about this one and I can't answer it. I would start with having a coup d'Etat and overriding whoever was trying to make me lose my senses.

* Please write a brief message to the future Amedeles.

You all don't know it yet, but the Executive Committee members' most important source of energy as we do our JASC work is all of you, future delegates.I can't wait to meet all of you.Get prepared for an inspirational and unforgettable summer!!!!!

Introducing the original Tokyo B-Boy.. Koji Jimba!

If Koji were this introduction, I'm sure it would be in rap form with some mad beats accompanying, but since I'm introducing him, it will just be pictures and words!




Name: Koji Jimba
School: International Christian University
JASC 61 RT: Educating a Global Citizenry

*********

What was your original goal/intention for attending the 60th Jasc?
I wanted to meet people from TOKYO university, etc.

* Now that the 60th is over, and some time has lapsed since, how much as a person do you think you have grown? Unthinkable is myself without this experience. I have learned the importance of meeting and communicating.

* What kind of leader do you want to become for the 61st? In the perspective of the Japadeles? Amedeles?
Someone who is influential and involving.

* What do you want to accomplish in the 61st? In the RT? As a person?
something so new that I can't imagine it.

* Briefly describe one particular memory you had at JASC that was memorable to you.
I rode an ATV with my friend, and had a very NICe time!!

* If you could describe yourself as a type of food, what would it be and why?
Sushi, don't know why.

* If you only had one option, which would you choose: time or money? why?
Time; to make myself better using it.

* Besides answering to the questions, what are you doing right now?
making websites, designing pamphlets...

* What is your ideal day?

wake up early not feeling sleepy, go shopping somewhere, come back home and work!

* The world is ending in 24 hours. How do you want to spend your last day on Earth?
spend time discussing our life with friends.

Koji, SunYoung, Emi, and Moto ( Minority RT, JASC 60)

* What is an article of clothes/accessory that defines "you"?
b-boy clothing

* If you had to lose one of your 5 senses, which would you lose and why?
sorry, I would not like that.

* Please write a brief message to the future Amedeles.
I want you!! for JASC.

JASC Presents: Kyoto

■ Theme ■
Towards a New Japan-U.S. Relations: The Aftermath of the Presidential Elections and the Future of the Global Society
新たな日米関係をめぐって〜大統領選後の日米と国際社会のゆくえ〜

With the inauguration of Barack Obama in January 2009, how will he bring change to this global economy plagued with the international financial crisis? How will Japan and the U.S. solve pending problems such as global warming, food security and energy policies/resources? U.S. Consulate Dong and the participants of the 60th JASC will present the academic discussions and cultural exchange that take place during the conference by extending our conversations to the Kyoto community.
For more information, please check (in Japanese),
http://www.ritsumei.jp/topics_pdf/cger_413a72239304c6455876eef3d1d6c880_1230169863_.

■ Event Information ■
Date: Friday, January 9th, 2008
Time: 2-4:30 PM (Doors open at 1:30 PM)
Location: Nakano Memorial Hall, International Peace Museum 1st floor, Kinugasa Campus, Ritsumeikan University (http://www.ritsumei.jp/accessmap/accessmap_kinugasa_j.html)
Admission: Free

■ Participants ■
Keynote speaker: Edward K.H. Dong (Current Osaka/Kobe U.S. Consul)
Panelists: Tomomi Sakamoto (Kyoto University, 60th delegate), Ryusuke Hirota (Keio University, 60th JASC JEC), Jon-Michael Durkin (University of Akron, 61st JASC AEC)
Moderator/Translator: Yukio Iseki (Kyoto University, 60th JEC)


This is our second JP event this year, held in the historically and culturally significant city of Kyoto. As you can see, JASC isn't just about the main conference, but a continuing process throughout the year.

Next JP will be held in Boston at Harvard campus. Stay tuned~