@

Annual JAA Scholarship Dinner of the 40th Scholarship Awards
and 4th Honjo Scholarship Awards

The JAA Scholarship Awards Dinner was held at the Harvard Club on May 27, 2010. We were honored to have Actor George Takei as the keynote speaker.
Deputy Consul General Mamoru Shinohara, Ms. Kiyo Matsumoto, a district judge for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York and Gary Moriwaki, President of JAA headed the list of 150 guests and members who attended the event. Thirteen high school recipients (total of $44,500 and two Japan Airlines tickets) of the 40th JAA Scholarship Awards and four graduate school recipients (total of $20,000 from the Honjo Foundation) of the 4th Honjo Scholarship Awards were honored.
The ceremony began with MC Koji Sato, co-chair of the Scholarship Committee, then a welcome by JAA President Moriwaki, followed by Deputy Consul General Shinohara's greeting. After the dinner, keynote speaker Mr. George Takei gave a wonderful speech that inspired not just the students but all who were present. He talked about how the science fiction TV series and film "Star Trek" were early models for promoting diversity. He further spoke about his own experience in the internment camp and the young men who joined the 442nd Regimental Combat Team while their families remained behind barbed wire. He congratulated the students and encouraged them to do their best and to be proud of their Japanese and American heritage.
After the key note speech, Mr. Koji Sato and Ms. Suki Terada Ports, co-chairs of Scholarship Committee presented the awards. Aelita Rose Parker, recipient of the Bingham McCutchen Murase Award, spoke on behalf of the other high school recipients, expressing her gratitude to JAA, Sayaka Chatani concluded the evening as she represented the Honjo Scholarship recipients and expressed her appreciation in receiving the award.
Dinner table sponsors are Bingham McCutchen Murase LLP, Cook Pine Capital LLP, Fox Rothschild LLP, Yosuke Honjo (Ito En North America, Inc.), J.C.C. Fund of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry in New York, Susan J. Onuma, Esq. and Orient Corporation of America.
The Scholarship Committee consisted of Co-Chairs Suki T. Ports, Koji Sato, Julie Azuma, Michiko Ito Crampe, David Hiromura, Makoto Iwahara, Frederick Katayama, Yumi Kuwana, Gary S. Moriwaki, Satoru Murase, Robert Norton, Susan J. Onuma. Members of the JAA Honjo Scholarship selection committee consisted of Susan J. Onuma, Gary S. Moriwaki (Chair), Joe Oshima and Katsuo Takeda.

40th JAA Scholarship Awards
1:Bingham McCutchen Murase Award
($6,000 plus Japan round trip ticket courtesy of Japan Airlines)
Aelita Rose Parker

Piscataway High School to University of Pennsylvania

2:Dr. Soji Tomikawa Award ($5,000)
Daniel Ken Tahara

Edgemont High School to Yale University

3:Dr. Soji Tomikawa Award ($5,000)
Midori Takasaki

Rye Neck High School to Harvard University

4:Cook Pine Capital Award ($5,000)
Kenneth Ryohei Nakazawa
Baruch College Campus High School to Columbia University

5:Mitsui USA Award ($3,500)
Kunihiko Nagakura

The Dalton School to Princeton University

6:Orient Corp. of America Award ($3,500)
Fabiel Sayaka Jean-Philippe

Harrison High School to University of Pennsylvania

7:TV Japan Award ($3,000)
Alexa Yunako Koike

Trinity School to University of Pennsylvania

8:Sakae & Shigeyuki Nishioka Award ($3,000)
Haru Zenda

United Nations International School to Oberlin College

9:Miyoko & John Davey Award ($3,000)
Arison Theodore Than

Leonia High School Academy for Science and Technology to Brown University

10:Toyota Motor North America Award ($2,500) @
Jun Shepard

Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School to Harvard University

11:Sanada Award for Arts ($2,000)
Haruko S. Hashimoto

John L. Miller-Great Neck North High School to Brown University

12:Michiyo & Hiroshi Wada Award ($2,000)
Louise Everett Balsmeyer

United Nation International School to Trinity College

13:Japan Travel Award
(Round trip ticket courtesy of Japan Airlines plus $1,000 donated by Furumoto Realty)
Komo Yamashita

Wyoming Seminary Upper School to University of California Los Angeles

The 4th JAA of Honjo Scholarship Awards

Sayaka Chatani-PhD. candidate in history at Columbia University, goal is to shift largely Euro-centric scholarship to include the Pacific and promote richer research and teaching on Japan in the American academic world $7,500

Tomomi Fujita-MA candidate at The City College, City University of New York, MA expected May 2011; focus is on the experiences of Japanese immigrants and the impact of their cross-cultural experience in their lives and intercultural relationships $5,000

Rei Kobayashi-MBA candidate at Baruch College, Zicklin School of Business, degree expected February 2011; interested in helping Japanese companies navigate compliance and other international accounting and tax regulatory issues while acting as a role model for the local Japanese community $2,500

Justin Kraemer-PhD candidate at Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, research focuses on inter-cultural trust-building behavior and how, by identifying trust-building behaviors, Japanese and Americans can construct positive inter-cultural relations $2,500

Miki Tomaru-PsyD candidate at Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology of Yeshiva University, doctorate expected May 2013; interest is in understanding the different patterns, common beliefs and acceptable behaviors of Japanese and American cultures, and, in working with the Japanese community, exposing the two cultures to each other's perspectives $2,500

Keynote Speaker
George Takei


GEORGE TAKEI, best known for his portrayal of Mr. Sulu in the television and film series Star Trek, has more than 40 feature films including six Star Trek films and hundreds of television guest-starring roles to his credit. He is currently a recurring character on NBC-TV's Heroes.
Born in Los Angeles, Mr. Takei and his family were sent to internment camps in Arkansas and California at the outbreak of World War II. He received both a BA and MA in Theater from the University of California, in Los Angeles. His later studies included the Shakespeare Institute in Stratford-Upon-Avon, England, Sophia University, Tokyo, Japan, and Hollywood's Desilu Workshop.
Mr. Takei is Chairman Emeritus of the Japanese American National Museum's Board of Trustees; a member of the US-Japan Bridging Foundation's Board of Directors; and served on the Board of the Japan-United States Friendship Commission under President Clinton. Mr. Takei is also a member of the Human Rights Campaign and spokesman for their Coming Out Project. He is a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, Actors' Equity Association, Screen Actors Guild, and American Federation of Television and Radio Artists.
In recognition of his contribution to the Japan-United States relationship, His Majesty the Emperor of Japan conferred the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette upon Mr. Takei in 2004.
Census 2010

The Census is only half over. Census takers are knocking on doors in your neighborhood to make sure everyone is counted correctly, so please open the door to Census Takers. They can be identified by their official Census Badges and they will never ask for your social security number, immigration status, or donation. Your Census information is confidential. If you feel you have been missed by the Census, you can submit your Census information over the phone by calling 1-866-872-6868.
2010 JAA Baseball Tournament

The 25th JAA Foreign Minister's Cup tournament which started on May 2 has been progressing smoothly on three fields in New York and New Jersey. Results up to the five week of the preliminaries are very competitive, A block is led by Boko Boko with victories from the start, Jokers and Badmen, B Block is led by Hamakko, Junks, and Radiators.
This year's committee: Honorary chairman Shuji Kato, Chairman: Shig Nakanishi, members: Shunsuke Takahashi, Takashi Kawaguchi, Shin Shinohara.
Memorial Day Ceremony
@ the Japanese Cemetery in Mt. Olivet Cemetery


On a beautiful day, Memorial Day Services (Bosankai) were started from 11 AM on May 31 at the Japanese Cemetery at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Queens. Services were held under trees due to strong sunshine. The affair, sponsored by the JAA with the support of the New York Buddhist Church and the Japanese American United Church was conducted by JAA Director Shigeaki Nakanishi
First, Rev. Kenjitsu Nakagaki of the Buddhist Church, read from the Sutra while incense and flowers were offered to the pioneers who had contributed so greatly to the present standing of Japanese and Japanese American Community.
Mr. Gary S. Moriwaki, JAA President gave a greeting and expressed our appreciation to our pioneers who were buried here and veterans who fought for Japanese Americans and USA. The following veterans who were in attendance, Mr. Eiichi Kuwayama, Mr. Kazu Yamaguchi and Mr. George Mukai (442) were then introduced. Rev. Nakagaki and Rev. Yugo Suzuki of Japanese American United Church each performed services. Following greetings by Ambassador Shinichi Nishimiya of Consul General of Japan in New York, Mr. Tomoyuki Mitsui, principal of Greenwich Japanese School of NY and Mr. Toru Okamoto, principal of the Japanese ChildrenÕs Society each gave a heartfelt talk. JAA members, Teachers and pupils from the Greenwich Japanese School of New York and parents were also present, making a total in attendance of some 150.
Wreathes were offered by the Consulate General of Japan in New York, Nippon Club, Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry in New York, Japanese Lions Club and three organizers.

The 150th Anniversary of the First Japanese Delegation to New York City

Amb. Nishimiya announced that it is the 150th anniversary of the first Japanese diplomatic mission to the United States and its enthusiastic reception in New York City on June 16, 1860. The Samurai paraded on Broadway which were packed with hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers. Consulate General of Japan is promoting two events of Samurai Parade in Japan Day @ Central Park on June 6 and Exhibition of "Samurai In New York: The First Japanese Delegation, 1860" at the Museum of the City of New York at the Museum of the City of New York, 1220 Fifth Ave., at 103rd St. New York, NY 10029 from June 25 to Oct. 11, 2010 Visit website www.mcny.org

Exhibition of Japanese and
Japanese American Artists in New York 2010


The 15th annual Art Exhibition (Chairperson Yoko Sasaki) of the Japanese and Japanese American Artists in New York were held from May 6 to 15. The 30 artists (two new artists, Francis Shingo and Masaki Takizawa) displayed their 56 art works at the JAA Hall. .
The opening reception was held at 5 P.M., on the 6th, attended by Deputy Consul Mamoru Shinohara, Mr.& Mrs. Motoatsu Sakurai of Japan Society, Mr. Tsutomu Karino of JCC and Nippon Club, the artists and JAA members and guests. The attendees enjoyed delicious food which our social services volunteers made and drink, with much happy conversation surrounded by unique international art works,.
Nine artworks were sold and the amount of $5,670.00 was raised of which 50% was donated to the JAA.

4th Japan Day @ Central Park

On a beautiful Sunday, June 6, 2010, 50,000 people were gathered at East Meadow in Central Park for the fourth annual Japan Day. In early morning, the 4 Mile Japan Run was held with 5464 runners.
The gates were opened at 10A.M. New Yorkers enjoyed Japanese cultures and foods on the grassy lawn. Samurai Parade led by Ambassador Shinichi Nishimiya Japanese Saxophonist Sadao Watanabe anchored Japan Day with many childrenÕs singing. Volunteers from JAA calligraphy class (Instructor: Fusako Otsubo) demonstrated their beautiful and skillful brush work to 2,800 New Yorkers. The booth was so popular that we ran out of ink and papers! "Japan Day:" was held to express gratitude towards New York City for their hospitality towards the Japanese community residing in the area. With beautiful weather, a wonderful time was had by all who attended.

Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund and
JAA Business Women Committee (BWC)


On June 10, Journalist Keiko Tsuyama and Mrs. Michiyo Noda presented a JAA check, in the amount of $2,000.00 of JAA Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund to Mr. Jim Luce, founder & CEO of Orphans International Worldwide which has been helping orphans and building up new schools in Haiti. Pease check their website www.oiww.org Ms. Tsuyama, a freelance Journalist visited Haiti after the earthquake in March and reported it at BWC's April meeting and raised $1,500 for JAA Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund. JAA also received $500 from our members. We therefore donated a total of $2,000 to this organization. Ms. Tsuyama said she will report to JAA on what they will use our donation.
As this organization still needs funds for children, please support the JAA Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund.
Social Service Committee

Keirokai-Luncheon for Seniors

  • May 13, Menu was raw fish over sushi rice which was brought by Mr. Robin Kawada, president of Takesushi restaurant. Dr. Kinichi Shibutani talked on "Emergency Treatment"

  • May 27 Menu was rice with bamboo shoots. Reona Ito, music director/conductor lectured on "Chopin's Life" with solo pian by Maxin Anikushin.

  • June 4 It was Rakugo Keirokai. Story Teller Sanyutei Kintoki performed Rakugo and short comic dance which really entertained all in attendance. Isabella House donated for this luncheon. Ms. Leona Chen made a greeting and said Isabella has been offering Summer Special for housing. Menu was Fried fish and shrimps. Every keirokai, K. Iwaki and group have been holding "Karaoke" at JAA Hall.

  • June 24 is next Keirokai, menu is cold noodle Chinese style and nata de coco.

    Report from JAA Committee on Aging Issues Visit ŌGood Shepherd Medical Adult Day Center in NJ On June 3, ten JAA members and Mrs. Michiyo Noda and Dr. Tsunetaka Yoshida visited Good Shepherd Medical Adult Center in NJ. RN, dietician and social workers are on -site to supervise participants' physical and mental health from 8am to 1pm. The program is covered 100% by Medicaid. Private pay will be $80per day. It is located at 725 Valley Brook Ave., Lyndhurst, NJ 07071, please contact 201-681-4523 (Hiromi) for more information.

    4th Senior Week will be held from September 11 to September 26 at JAA Hall for all ages. More events will be scheduled.
  • Donation
    5/1/2010- 6/15/2010

  • To General Account
    Estate of late Mrs. Ruriko Okada $1,000
    Anonymous $2,000
  • To Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund
    Total $2,000 from JAA Business Women's Committee ($1,500),
    Nancy Alexander, Hisashi Kobayashi, Alyce Matsumoto,
    Tomoko Okajima, Kyoko Ohnishi, Masako Ryder, Akio Shirakawa,
    Yoshiko Takahashi, Akemi Takeda and Reizo Yoshida
  • To Sakura Matsuri
    Mrs. Chieko Inagaki $7,780.00
    DRL Books Inc. (Julie Azuma) $800.00

    Report from Membership Committee

    from 5/1/10-6/15/10

  • Individual membership
    Silver($500): Yuzuru Anzai, Susan J. Onuma, Joe Oshima

  • Corporate Membership
    Ajinomoto U.S.A., Inc. American Airlines, NA,
    Bingham McCutchen Murase LLP, Brother Int'l Corp.
    Fujisankei Communications Inc. Ito En (North America), Inc.,
    JFC Int'l Inc., JTB, Konica Minolta Business Solutions USA,
    Mitsubishi Gas Chemical America, Mitsui USA,
    NHK Cosmomedia America, Inc. Nippon Express USA, Inc.,
    Orient Corp. of America, Sojitz Corp. of America,
    Sony Corp. of America, Sumitomo Corp. of America,
    The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ,
    The Japanese Educational Institute of NY

  • Members

  • Ryu Goto, Violinist (recipient of 2006 JAA Mitsui USA Scholarship) had his sold out debut at Carnegie Hall on May 4.

  • Suki Terada Ports vice president of JAA received 2010 Pioneer Spirit Award by Asian Americans for Equality on May 27, 2010 at New York University's Kimmel Center.

  • Reona Ito (Music Director and Conductor) and JAA Chorus held Reona Ito Choral Concert on May 29 at the Church of St. Paul and St. Andrew with packed audience. They really enjoyed Mozart' Coronation Mass and Schumann "Piano Concerto".

  • Katsumi Oneda, vice president of JAA celebrated his new book "Success Story of Katsumi Oneda" with over 100 guests including friends, JAA members and Committee of Social Services and Business Women's Committee on June 14 at JAA Hall.
  • For Your Information

    Japanese Immigrants in the USA and the War Era has been exhibited at the National Museum of Japanese History in Japan from March 16, 2010 to April 3, 2011. If you will visit Japan, please visit it.
    Website www.rekihaku.ac.jp
    @

    @