Fall 2010 Volume 15 Issue 2

Newsletter Fall 2010 - Volume 15, Issue 2 Summer has come and gone. As the days get cooler and the nights get longer, why not enjoy the return of Fall with a double-feature matinee presented by the Japan Foundation? Plus, it’s free!

In this issue…

2

News from the JET Desk Lecture on Japanese Politics & Economy

3

Upcoming Events 2010 Board of Directors

4

Interview with JET Alumnus Lia Cosco

5

Japanese Class / Orientation Seminar

6

Powell Street Festival / BOD Changes

7

Ready JET Go! / Furemi-an Tea Room

8

Adventures in Bento-Making / Film Night in Victoria

About JETAABC: The JET Alumni Association of British Columbia and Yukon (JETAABC) is one of Canada's most active chapters, with 620 members. Its mission is to: *Provide a community for alumni returned from Japan *Foster a connection between Japan and the BC/Yukon community *Support and promote the Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme We welcome your participation and ideas for events, activities and contributions to this newsletter… check us out at www.jetaabc.ca for contact information and upcoming events! If you would like to get involved, drop us a line! *By Email: See www.jetaabc.ca/Main/BoardOfDirectors for a list of email addresses (or see page 3 of this issue) *On the Web: www.jetaabc.ca *By Mail: JETAABC, Bentall Centre, PO Box 48121, Vancouver, BC, V7X 1N8 Twitter: http://twitter.com/jetaabc (@jetaabc) Battery (120 min.) - Parental Guidance - Violence Memories of Matsuko (132 min.) - Parental Guidance Sexually suggestive scenes; violence; coarse language.

*And now a Facebook Page! http://www.facebook.com/pages/ JETAABC/116941341652229 or search for “JETAABC”

www.jetaabc.ca

News from the JET Desk at the Consulate General of Japan Steve Chevalier Excited, but nervous. That about summed up the emotions felt by the majority of participants as they lined up to check in for their flight to Tokyo . All of them looking forward to a new adventure, but not knowing the full scope of what was in store for them over the next year.

Of the 196 Canadians invited to participate in this year’s JET Programme, 47 (46 ALTs and 1 CIR ) departed from Vancouver International Airport on July 31. They will join another 278 Canadian JETs already in Japan , bringing the total to 474. Canada has the second largest number of participants behind the U.S. and ahead of the U.K. With the end of another JET cycle, the Consulate would like to thank all of the JETAABC members who helped us recruit, interview and prepare this year’s participants for their adventure in Japan . Your continued support for the program is very much appreciated.

Superior adaptability skills, professionalism to a tee, a love for interacting with people, and a willingness to try almost anything – we know many alumni fit this bill. If you have friends or family who do too, and they want to experience onsen, ohanami and rajio taiso just like you did, let them know that recruitment for the 2011 JET Programme will be underway soon! Want to do it all again? Alumni who have not participated since 2008, and did not participate for more than five years total, can re-apply, as long as they meet the other eligibility requirements. The application form and information session schedule will be available on the Consulate’s website (www.vancouver.ca.emb-japan.go.jp) in mid to late September. Simply look for the JET Logo or the link in the What’s New section.

The Consulate General of Japan in Vancouver

800 – 1177 West Hastings Street Vancouver, BC V6E 2K9 www.vancouver.ca.emb-japan.go.jp Good luck, new JETs! Photos from the send-off reception at the Consul General’s residence in Vancouver, July 31, 2010. Photos courtesy of Suzuki-san, Consulate General of Japan in Vancouver.

TAKE NOTE! Lecture on Japanese Politics and Economy: What course should Japan take?

by Katsuyuki YAKUSHIJI Senior Staff Writer at ASAHI SHIMBUN Date: Time: Location:

Monday, September 27, 2010 4:00pm Auditorium of the Asian Centre, UBC

*Note this lecture will be held in English; presentation and discussion will take approximately one hour. No registration is required.

This free lecture is presented by the Consulate General of Japan in Vancouver and the Centre for Japanese Research of University of British Columbia.

Last year, there was an historic changeover of power in Japan from the former Liberal Democratic Party coalition to a new governing coalition led the by Democratic Party of Japan. This new government is struggling to steer a difficult course in order to tackle complex and diverse issues that are present in both domestic and foreign challenges affecting Japan. Mr. Katsuyuki Yakushiji, an expert on the politics and diplomacy of Japan will discuss how Japanese politics, economy, and diplomacy should progress.

Mr. Yakushiji is currently a senior staff writer at the Asahi Shimbun in Tokyo, Japan and a special visiting professor at Gakusyuin University. He has published several books and articles on the history of various high-ranking Japanese politicians. His publications include work on the current Prime Minister, Naoto Kan. Mr. Yakushiji has served as a lecturer at Osaka University and Waseda University, and as a visiting professor at Kyoto University.

His experience also includes the position of visiting fellow at the Henry Stemson Center in Washington, D.C. where he presented on the evolution of Japanese security policy.

www.jetaabc.ca

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Upcoming Events Megumi Johns

2010 Board of Directors

BONSAI CLASS Saturday September 25, 2010 10 am - 3:30 pm with 1/2 hour lunch break (please bring your own lunch) National Nikkei Museum & Heritage Center, 6688 Southoaks Crescent, Burnaby Cost: *correction, the cost should be $50, not $55. This is a smokin’ deal!

Learn how to develop, transform, and care for your bonsai. Bonsai tools provided for duration of class and you will take home a bonsai with you!

Please RSVP to Megumi at external@jetaabc.ca . Your spot will be secured upon receipt of a cheque payable to JETAABC to our mailbox—address on front page of this issue. Deadline for reply September 15, 2010.

PACIFIC NORTHWEST JETAA – Trip to Seattle!

Saturday, October 2, 2010 PNWJETAA has graciously invited our alumni down for a night of baseball, nomihodais, a karaoke throw down and some good times. For those of you who are interested, we will arrange places to stay with the Seattle alumni as well as a carpool down. This should be a fun getaway and a chance to meet and mingle with other alumni near us.

If interested, please RSVP to Bailey at senioradvisor@jetaabc.ca by no later than September 13, 2010.

TEA CEREMONY WORKSHOP DATE & TIME TBA: check www.jetaabc.ca for updated information.

Furemi-an Tea Room, 3561 Fleming Street, Vancouver (near Trout Lake) Cost: $10.00 per person.

Participants will learn the basic skills needed to attend a tea ceremony as a guest. Participants will enjoy matcha and sweets in an authentic tea room and will be served tea as guests by experienced tea practitioners.

Please wear a long skirt or pants and a long-sleeved shirt. If you have a kimono or yukata and can put it on yourself, you are welcome to wear it.

Please bring white socks or white tabi to wear in the tea room. If possible, please bring a small handkerchief and a small folding fan.

Space is limited, so contact JETAABC to reserve your place now!

Annual JETAABC and Mokuyokai Bowling Taikai Sunday, November 7, 2010 1:30pm - 3:00pm, Rev's Bowling Centre, 5502 Lougheed Highway, Burnaby Come and join us for this fun event with fellow alumni and Mokuyokai friends! Space is limited so sign up early!

Cost: TBA. Check www.jetaabc.ca for updated information.

President: Greg Joughin president@jetaabc.ca Treasurer: Ann Yamashita treasurer@jetaabc.ca Secretary: Ann Yamashita secretary@jetaabc.ca Newsletter Editor: Dinah Linsangan newsletter@jetaabc.ca Membership Coordinator: Greg Joughin membership@jetaabc.ca Volunteer Coordinator: Lucky Herath volunteer@jetaabc.ca Social & Cultural Coordinator: Nathan Wawruck social@jetaabc.ca External Liaison: Megumi Johns external@jetaabc.ca Career & Personal Development: Susanne Milner career@jetaabc.ca Senior Advisor: Chris Bailey senioradvisor@jetaabc.ca Technical Coordinator: Eric Chan technical@jetaabc.ca Social Media Coordinator: Wanda Yee socialmedia@jetaabc.ca Project Coordinator: Russell Aquino projects@jetaabc.ca Business Development: Mark Montgomery bizdev@jetaabc.ca Associate Director: Phil Skipper philskipper@jetaabc.ca

AFTER THE QUAKE - A MAGICAL REALIST PLAY (in English) Presented by Rumble Productions and Pi Theatre. Based on the novel After the Quake by Haruki Murakami and adapted for the stage by Frank Galati. http://www.thecultch.com/content/view/272/409/ Where: The Cultch (Vancouver East Cultural Centre) Ticket information: Single tix: $28, Subscriber tix: $24 AFTER THE QUAKE Performance Dates $2 tickets available for Youth aged 12-19 with the Telus Youth Pass, available free OCT 13 - 23, 2010 at our box office.

Oct 13-16 & 19-23: 8PM Specials: Oct. 14: 2-for-1 tickets, Oct. 16 (matinee), 17 & 19: Post-show talkbacks. Oct 16, 23: 2PM Special event: Sep. 28: 7PM Oct 17: 4PM Enjoy an evening of Japanese anime in the Vancity Culture Lab featuring the film Paprika. (Rated R for violent and sexual images). Admission by donation.

www.jetaabc.ca

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JETs Then and Now: An Interview with JET Alumnus Lia Cosco Former Saitama JET Lia Cosco discusses her life post-JET with JETAABC, and how JET led to her current career path.

Dinah Linsangan

1) Why did you join the JET Programme?

Actually, to be honest, I wasn’t at all interested in JET when I was contemplating my options after graduation. Growing up half Japanese in Vancouver, and having spent many child-hood summers in Japan, I felt that I had had enough exposure to Japan and the culture. (Yes, I was arrogant and naïve!)

I was working for an English language school at UBC at that time, and had the chance to meet many students from Japan during my last year. I made good friends who all piqued my interest in what ‘real-life’ was like for those in their 20s in Japan. Coupled with the thought that I have never actually lived in my mother’s native home, I decided to apply. (I also realize that teaching was far from my radar at this point…)

It remained a sort of plan B however, as upon graduation I eagerly packed a bag and went to South America with a good friend. I think I was in Peru when I heard that I was accepted on JET and going to Saitama, Japan. Backpack on, still itching to be outside of Vancouver, and in need of a real job, I got ready to head to Tokyo.

2) What were your most memorable moments on JET? I would love to talk about all the great teachers and students I met during my year on JET, but hands down the most memorable were THE WEEKENDS. I can say with all certainty, that my year on JET has been the only time in my life where literally every weekend for the whole year was jam-packed with one of the following: new friends, sightseeing, drinking, shopping, soccer, train trips to Tokyo, more new people, house parties, more soccer, more sightseeing, more trains, more drinking, more new friends, more parties, and the typical vacation romps to Thailand.

back to the job I find myself in now in Vancouver, at the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada (APFC).

4) Tell us about your work at the APFC. I work as a Post-Graduate Research Fellow for the APFC. The APFC is Canada’s leading think tank on Asia Pacific issues and we cover a lot of interesting topics for those engaged with Asia (asiapacific.ca).

I will be working on a research project which examines Canada’s educational ties to the Asia Pacific region. This project continues some of my MA research into international education, but includes an important Canadian perspective.

I also help organize bilateral meetings, symposiums, and conferences and work with young Canadian researchers engaged in Asia related issues as well. Definitely an environment conducive to learning!

5) Many JETs have had fantastic experiences on the programme, often mentioning how much being on JET changed their lives in a positive way. Looking at it from another perspective, how do you think your participation on JET has impacted those you worked with in Japan?

I hope I have had a positive impact on those who I met and worked with through JET. I can only assume that for all the positive thoughts that run through my head of that year (more often than one would think!), that I am also part of the great memories running through the heads of my former colleagues, students and those friends I met along the way :)

6) Have you been back to Japan since you left? Are you planning to go back?

The real question for me should be have I been back to Vancouver since I left on JET more than seven years ago! I find myself 4 months back in Vancouver and …adjusting :) During my seven years, I came back to Vancouver for only 3 3) Before you joined the JET Programme, where did you short (3day) visits. I am itching to get back ‘home’ and see yourself in the future (career-wise, personal goals have my first trip planned already (for work) this October. etc.). Has being on JET helped you achieve any of your And counting…. personal and professional goals?

In all seriousness, it all began with my year on JET. I never Lia was an ALT in imagined just one year of positive teaching experiences and new friends would lead to seven years in Japan, and a Saitama-ken depth of understanding and compassion for a culture and from 2003-2004. society that I realize, has always been a part of me.

This is a photo of My year on JET helped me land my first fantastic teaching her enjoying job in Kanagawa. This led to my second, amazing teaching her post-JET job in Kamakura. My teaching experiences helped in my life :) application and acceptance as a MEXT scholarship recipient.

Through this scholarship, I completed my master’s degree at Photo by Lia Cosco Waseda University in Japan. My degree has brought me

www.jetaabc.ca

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JET Alumni are studying 日本語! Here are their stories: It all began with a small group of keeners getting together in a self-study group to dedicate one evening a week to learning Japanese. Working backwards from the JLPT exam date, we figured that it would take studying five grammar points a week for 50 weeks to cover all of the JLPT 2-kyuu material. Each study session consisted of dissecting and reconstructing five grammar points each evening. Much chatter and laughter was peppered throughout the reconstruction of sometimes hilarious English translations and giggle-inspiring creative sentences. Twenty weeks in, we slowly grew weary of the same pattern of study and of grammar taken out of context. And so we hatched a plan to get a teacher and make a proper class of it.

This summer, JETAABC launched a pilot Japanese language class for the first time in many years. This course was made possible through the support and coordination of the Consulate General of Japan and the generous use of their space, and through the generous funding of the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). (Special thanks to Steve Chevalier and Suzuki-san for their support!)

It has taken several months to bring this class to fruition, beginning with the initial encouragement from the Consulate, an earnest search for a Japanese teacher experienced in JLPT preparation, and several written proposal exchanges with MOFA. The intent behind organizing this class was to offer a course specifically oriented towards JLPT 2-kyuu preparation, as it is often very difficult to find a class at this level, and at a convenient time and location. Classes at a beginner-intermediate level are readily available at other language schools and through continuing studies, but a higher intermediate classes much less so.

We succeeded in meeting our minimum requirement of 10 students for the class and currently have 12 students working towards taking 2-kyuu and/or refreshing rusty Japanese skills. Our venerable teacher is Alice Takaki-sensei, whom some of you may know as a panelist from the JET interviews or from her language school, Nihonogo Academy.

If this class continues as successfully as it has started, and with continued interest from JETAABC members and enthusiastic teachers to guide us, we hope to be able to offer classes like this (and for other levels) again in the future.

Megumi, Wanda, and Russell JETAABC Japanese class coordinators  Every Tuesday for the next 10 weeks have been marked on my calendar :) Takaki-sensei and 12 keen students meet in the lobby of the Japanese consulate before going up to our classroom. At precisely 6pm on Tuesday evenings, our entertaining Japanese class begins.

Sensei begins by reviewing work from last week, and then we get a quick quiz….ahhh!! Panic crosses our faces as the quizzes are being handed out and laid out in front of us. We attempt to answer as many questions as we can. The anxiety soon subsides as we hand in our papers. It all works out fine in the end, learning from our mistakes of course. Class resumes and new grammar or review of the older material is presented. As diligent students, we ask questions at the right time and answer when prompted.

Takaki-sensei is lovely! She presents the material in a way that we are all involved. Amusing sample sentences or examples we create bring on a good chuckle, and the two hours fly by. The learning curve is exponential! Before we know it, we are all walking out of class at 8pm, with our bags full of new grammar, comprehension skills and a few pages of homework!! I look forward to the following Tuesday, so that we can absorb again like sponges and expand our knowledge with such striking language.

It’s great being a student again, and I’m sure I’m speaking on behalf of the class when I say how much fun it is to be immersed in learning Japanese :) Thank you, Takaki-sensei, and thank you to the Consulate General of Japan in Vancouver (namely Suzuki-san and Steve Chevalier), MOFA and JETAABC for providing us with this valuable opportunity.

Sonia Chhabra, JETAABC Japanese class student

Orientation Seminar 2010 Which way to Japan? Twenty-four JET Alumni came out to help run workshops, give presentations, and be sempai for the group of 45+ soon-to-be JETs in attendance at this year’s Pre-Departure Orientation. Quite a few alumni volunteers expressed their longing to be in the same shoes as the new JETs ("I wish I was going to Japan!") and among the alumni themselves there was a lot of natsukashii discussion. The JETs were excited for their new jobs and took in workshops dealing with topics such as culture shock coping strategies and the nitty-gritty of money and taxes. Also a success was the reception afterwards, with around 50 JETs, JET Alumni, Consulate staff and friends of JETs mingling together to share stories of their experiences in Japan and excitement for adventures to come. From this side of the Pacific, best of luck to the new JETs starting out and settling into their new jobs in Japan!

Photo by Dinah Linsangan

Lucky Herath, JETAABC Volunteer Coordinator

www.jetaabc.ca

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Summer Fun and Memories at the Powell Street Festival Nina Inaoka Lee In the summertime, my dose of Japanese culture in Vancouver has always been the Powell Street Festival. If you have never heard of it, it’s a Japanese-Canadian festival devoted to arts, culture and heritage. As Vancouver’s longest-running community festival, next year will mark its 35th anniversary year.

During the BC Day long weekend, it’s always been a tradition for me to volunteer at the festival. Growing up, I’d spend time during the weekend helping out at community booths: making kakigori for my Japanese school (VJLS), making cotton candy for my brother’s kendo group (Renbu Dojo) or helping with yo-yo fishing for kids for my dad’s Gardeners’ Association (VJGA). I love the fact that the Japanese-Canadian community comes together with delicious food, craft booths, and community programming, from the powerful taiko performances to the energetic omikoshi rounds creating a fun atmosphere. You can feel the sense of a reunited community as the festival creates a buzz in what used to be a bustling Japanese-Canadian neighbourhood known as Japantown.

When I visited the festival after JET, it was a natsukashii feeling, but I thought, “Hey, this isn’t the same as a Japanese festival”. But, it’s not supposed to be. It isn’t a Japanese festival transported from Japan; the Powell Street Festival is a unique mix of the traditional, the modern, and the new.

My involvement in the festival has grown as a board member and as one of the festival coordinators. It keeps me connected to the Japanese-Canadian community in Vancouver. As a predominantly volunteer-run organization, I have a true appreciation for all the dedicated volunteers who really help to make the festival happen every year.

When I have the time, I like making pottery, along with fused and stained-glass pieces. In the past couple of years, I’ve started to sell my work at the festival with the help of my husband and cousin Hiromi, under Himawari Designs. It was great to see many JET alumni who I hadn’t seen in years and even some first-time festival goers who came by to visit!

Also, it’s good to remember that this is the one place where you can put on the yukata you got in Japan, and wear it all day while enjoying the festival. Hope to see you next year!

Emily Wu

2010 Powell Street Festival. Photo by Aki Mimoto.

When I sit down to think about my JET experience, many happy memories come flooding back, especially during the summer. I think back to my apartment in Kihoku-cho, Ehime-ken, where from my window I could look out onto the town and watch the seasons change, bringing with them new colors, celebrations, and foods.

I can't quite remember where I first heard about the Powell Street Festival (PSF). The first time I went to the event was when I returned to Vancouver three years ago. This year I participated in the festival for the first time, as a festival volunteer at the sales booth and as a volunteer at the Vancouver Mokuyokai Society booth.

It is true that the PSF features something for everyone: dance, music, film and video, visual arts, martial arts demos, amateur sumo tournament, craft vendors, traditional displays, and of course, lots of scrumptious Japanese food!

This year the festival returned to its traditional home in the newly-renovated Oppenheimer Park. There was even a bike valet where I parked my bike securely and for free! One great part about volunteering at the festival booth was the opportunity to talk to a variety of people who came to the festival, and seeing live performances and mikoshi from the booth! Limited edition PSF shirts were also a big hit, as every year talented artists create wonderful designs for the festival shirts.

The Festival was truly a celebration for children and youth. It was also a chance for the neighbourhood to enjoy the park, the performances, the artwork, and the lively atmosphere.

Want to get involved in future PSF events and feel nostalgic about Japan? Visit PSF’s website at http://www.powellstreetfestival.com to find out ways to join the PSF community!

Carlos

Miyuki

Otsukare! JETAABC’s board of directors would like to acknowledge the hard work and time put in by former board members, Carlos Tolentino (Membership Coordinator) and Miyuki Erica Moizumi (Secretary).

Both Carlos and Miyuki left this year to pursue new careers outside of B.C. Thank you, Carlos and Miyuki! We wish you the best of luck!

Got something to say? We’d love to hear from you!

Email newsletter@jetaabc.ca Next issue - Winter 2010/2011! Deadline TBA.

Photo by Wanda Yee

www.jetaabc.ca

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LET IT RIDE!

Ready JET Go! Dragonboating – Come Try It Out!

Jenn Zatser

Anya Sari Dharmasetia

Ready JET Go!’s (RJG) seventh season is coming to an end in just a few short weeks. The team will be heading out to Kelowna September 17 & 18 for the final race of the season. It’s been a great season so far and Kelowna could be the race that brings home the gold. The team has been paddling strong and has seen some close finishes. The August 15 race in Victoria saw RJG winning a silver medal, finishing just 3/10 of a second after the gold place finish!

Another successful season of dragonboating is coming to an end with one more race to go September 18-19 in beautiful Kelowna.

With two medals and a “winner” dog tag under our belt, Ready JET Go! (RJG) is poised to finish their seventh season on a high.

If you answer yes to any of the following: 1. Are you looking for a sport which combines paddling, team camaraderie, and drinking?

2. Are you looking to stay in touch with the JET community other The following week they raced in Steveston. The day was than through pub nights and board meetings? filled with delays from unpredictable water conditions, but 3. Are you interested in networking with a broad group of indiRJG kept it together and finished their first two races in viduals from all walks of life while getting in shape at the same first place. After a lunch break of a lot of tasty fish and time? chips, the team crossed the finish line in last place. In 4. Are you looking to enhance your social life with a wonderful their last race, against all odds, they came from behind to group of individuals? finish the race and take home the gold in a nail-biting conclusion.

Then this is for you!

Good luck to Ready JET Go in Kelowna! Bring home another gold!

Your opportunity to try dragonboating without the commitment is upon you. Starting Saturday, September 25 at 10:00am, we will be having limited weekly open water dragonboating sessions for all those interested in trying this unique sport. We practice in False Creek right next to Science World by the water taxis. Seating is limited, so please reserve your spots early. To hold a spot or for more information, please email Anya at asdharmas@gmail.com or Hiromi at hiromimikasa@hotmail.com. We look forward to seeing you on the water!

***Wanna be “eco”? Let us know so we can send you a PDF version of the newsletter instead of a paper one! Send a note to newsletter@jetaabc.ca.

Photo by Ann Yamashita

JETAABC recently had the opportunity to visit the Furemi-an Tea Room. Nestled in a quiet east Vancouver neighbourhood, visit this hidden oasis to enjoy its tranquil setting, and feel as if you’re experiencing a tea ceremony in Japan.

Furemi-an Tea Room Nick Hall There are dozens of schools of tea ceremony, but only two of the three largest ones are widely-known outside of Japan: Omotesenke (our school) and Urasenke. Both claim descent from 16th-century tea master Sen (no) Rikyu.

We study the Omotesenke style of tea ceremony, but we call our group Furemi-an, after the name of our teacher’s tea room. Our teacher currently offers classes on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and may be adding Mondays as well. Our group has males and females, Japanese and non-Japanese students, ranging from 14 years old to 80+, from absolute beginner to highly-advanced.

Check out our website: www.japancirclevancouver.com/furemi.html

Furemi-an. Photo by Dinah Linsangan.

*Come join JETAABC for a tea ceremony workshop at Furemi-an Tea Room. Check www.jetaabc.ca for updated information.

www.jetaabc.ca

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Adventures in Bento-Making Wanda Yee

I just returned from two amazing weeks back in my old stomping grounds of Fukui Prefecture. I spent my entire time in Fukui hanging out with old friends and co-workers, revisiting all the places that I loved, and stuffing my face with all the delicious goodness that my inaka had to offer (like sauce katsudon, oroshi soba, echizen kani, etc.). I also managed to fill my suitcase with tons of cute bento-making gear. Here’s a brief sampling of some of the items I brought back with me: HAM/CHEESE/VEGGIE CUTTERS: Turn dull food into fun-to-eat creations with special cutters. You can also use regular cookie cutters, but these came in packaged sets and cost only ¥100 each. Ahhh…gotta love the ¥100 store!

TAMAGOYAKI PAN & TOOLS: I suck at making tamagoyaki.

While in Fukui, I was given several tamagoyaki-making tutorials by friends and former JTEs. I can’t wait to put what I learned to good use with my brand spanking new tamagoyaki pan, froggie flipper, and this weird stick with a blade & ball on the end that’s supposed to beat eggs ridiculously smoothly. According to my former JTE, at the heart of any good bento is a good, fluffy piece of tamagoyaki… but maybe it’s just her.

SANDWICH MOLDS: Why? Because sometimes you might just feel like having a Hello Kitty sandwich for lunch. These also come in a variety of fun designs.

Right now, I’m secretly coveting t h e p a n d a s a n d w i ch m o l d .

(Christmas is just around the corner…*cough cough hint hint*)

HARD/SOFT-BOILED EGG MOLDS: A question I often get from my friends re: my bentos is, “How’d you get those eggs like that?” First, boil the egg.

Then, peel the egg while it’s still hot (be careful not to burn yourself). Next, pop the hot, peeled egg into an egg mold and run it under cold water or put it in the fridge for a few minutes. Take the now-cooled egg out of the egg mold and, presto…shaped eggs!

That’s it for this update. Keep your eyes peeled for more fun bento-making tools in the next newsletter (when I’m less jetlagged). Happy bento-making!

Free movie night in Victoria!!!

A very special thanks to: Russell Aquino Steve Chevalier Sonia Chhabra Lia Cosco Anya Sari Dharmasetia Nick Hall Lucky Herath Megumi Johns Nina Inaoka Lee Aki Mimoto Suzuki-san Emily Wu Ann Yamashita Wanda Yee Jenn Zatser for your contributions to this edition!

Thank you!!! www.jetaabc.ca

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