JASC Presents: Boston Report

(JASC Presents: Boston panelists ready to begin discussion)

JASC Presents finally arrived in the United States!!

"Internationalism in a New Age: Reflecting on 150 years of Japan-U.S. Relations"


The America's first JASC Presents took place at Harvard University on January 31st.

The venue is the place where we,the 61st JASC ECs, were elected as ECs. So, we felt like coming back to our birth place.

The event began with the keynote speech by Dr. Trent Maxey, Postdoctoral fellow at Harvard University. He spoke of the language used to describe US-Japan relations through the past 150 years, citing many films and books as examples.
Especially for me, it is interesting to hear about how Samurai culture has been viewed as Japan's whole identity despite of the fact that Samurais accounted for only few percent of the total population at that time.

(Keynote speech by Dr. Maxey)

After the Q&A session for the speech, we moved to the panel discussion.

I'll introduce the panelists(shown in the picture above) from the left.
*Samantha Scully Senior at Bowdoin College, 60th American Executive Committee Chair
* Colin Moreshead Sophomore at Wesleyan University, 61st American Executive Committee Chair
* Yoshihiro Kanemitsu Junior at the University of Tokyo, 61st American Executive Committee(This is me!!)
* Jason Knudson Administrative Assistant at the Office of the Executive Director at ‘Facing History and Ourselves,’ 58th JASC delegate

Each panelist first gave a speech on a topic within 7 minutes.
Jason spoke on the bilateral relations of Japan-U.S. security issues, and the 6 Party Talks, Yoshi spoke on the environment and the future of green technology, Colin spoke of the lessons learned from the Japanese bubble economy of the 90s and how it could be applied to the current global economic crisis, and Sam spoke on the evolution of the modern women, and how during wartime, they had to give up their rights for the country’s priorities. This was followed by a 30 minute Q&A session, which both the audience members and the panelists thoroughly enjoyed. They received many questions and comments and replied to them enthusiastically. The most thought provoking question was “out of all the speech topics discussed, how would you rank their importance?” Each panelist gave his/her own opinion.

(an audience member asks a question enthusiastically)

After the event, JASCers and the audience members mingled, where they discussed further on the various issues raised. The interesting thing was that the audience members also mingled amongst themselves, and we saw them exchange email addresses. Many became interested in JASC and said that they would apply this year.

We were pleased to welcome around 40 people attending the event, including a 31st JASCer, a 57th JASCer and two 58th JASCers.
We once again got reminded of the strong tie between JASC alumni.


Overall, we conclude this event as great success, and look forward to future JASC Presents events. Thank you everyone for your support – this could've not been done without you!


(After the event, JASCers had a small reunion party. The treasure of JASC is the long-lasting friendship between JASCers.)

JASC Presents: Boston

After 2 in Japan, JASC Presents finally comes to the US!

■ ■ ■ ■ ■

2008 marks the 150th anniversary of the Harris Treaty, signed at Shimoda on July 29th,1858. Forcing the 400-year old Tokugawa regime to abandon its isolationist policy towards foreigners, it opened free trading and consequently spurred Japan into its modernization phase. Despite its controversial beginnings, it nevertheless established an important foundation to the long-term relationship between the two countries. Although recent globalization has caused the U.S. to focus more explicitly on emerging Asian economies such as China and India, the ties bonding Japan and the U.S. remain powerful.

With the theme, "Internationalism in a New Age: Reflecting on 150 years of Japan-U.S. Relations" we wish to present to the public the views of the Japan-America Student Conference participants as they discuss the past, present and future relations of the two countries. Throughout its history, our relationship has seen both immense triumphs and trying frictions. Regardless, our shared commitment to cultural exchange and global mindedness has transcended economic hostility and global conflict. As our bilateral relationship reaches this milestone, we hope to reflect on the progress we have made while forging joint solutions to new challenges.

■ Event Info ■
【Date】　 January 31, 2009
【Time】　　 1:00-4:00 PM
【Location】　 Belfer Case Study Room, CGIS South Building
1730 Cambridge St., Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
http://map.harvard.edu/level3.cfm?mapname=&tile=F7&quadrant=B&series=M
【Admission】 Free and open to the general public

■ Event Schedule ■　　　　　　
【1:00 - 1:10】 Opening remarks
【1:10 - 1:50】 Keynote speech, followed by a Q&A session
* Dr. Trent Maxey, PhD Cornell University 2005, Postdoctoral fellow at Harvard University
【1:50 - 2:00】 Break
【2:00 - 3:00】 Panel discussion, followed by a Q&A session
* Colin Moreshead, Sophomore at Wesleyan University, 61st American Executive Committee Chair
* Yoshihiro Kanemitsu, Junior at the University of Tokyo, 61st American Executive
Committee
* Samantha Scully, Senior at Bowdoin College, 60th American Executive Committee Chair
* Jason Knudson, Administrative Assistant at the Office of the Executive Director at ‘Facing
History and Ourselves,’ 58th delegate
【3:00 - 3:15】 Announcement of the 61st JASC and closing remarks
【3:15 - 4:00】 Reception and light refreshments

■ RSVP ■
Although a RSVP is not necessary and walk-ins are welcomed, we would like to know a rough estimate of audience members beforehand. Please email your name and contact info to jascpresents.us@gmail.com.

Thanks and hope to see you there~

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!!!!!