Winter 2011 Volume 15 Issue 3

Newsletter Winter 2010/2011 - Volume 15, Issue 3

Mark Your Calendars!!!

2011 JETAABC AGM and Shinnenkai - Friday, January 28, 2011 Happy Year of the Rabbit! Here’s your chance to run for a Board of Director position, meet up with other JET alumni, and talk about important matters related to JETAABC. Light refreshments and food will be served.

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Time: 6:00 – 9:00 pm Location: YWCA Hotel (Downtown) 733 Beatty St. (Between Robson and Georgia St.), Vancouver

Are you considering running for a position? We encourage and welcome all alumni members to run for a position on our Board of Directors! Check out JETAABC’S website for a complete list and brief description of the positions: http://jetaabc.ca/Main/JETAABCAGM2011 Please RSVP by Friday, January 21st, 2011 by sending an email to: agm[at]jetaabc.ca.

See you there!

About JETAABC

Happy 2011!

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 comThere was a wide variety of events held over the course munity of the year. From cultural workshops to the introduction ***Support and promote the Japan Exchange and Teaching of an advanced Japanese class for alumni, to our Ready Programme JET Go! alumni dragon boat team and a weekend trip to We welcome your participation and ideas for events, activities Seattle to hang out with our American alumni peers, and contributions to this newsletter… check us out at there was something for all alumni and friends to enjoy. www.jetaabc.ca for contact information and upcoming events!

If you would like to get involved, drop us a line!

Of course, the success of these events would not have been possible without the efforts and participation of JET *By Email: See www.jetaabc.ca/Main/BoardOfDirectors for a list of email addresses (or see page 3 of this issue) alumni, friends, and volunteers. Thank you so much for *On the Web: www.jetaabc.ca *Twitter: http://twitter.com/ your participation and support! jetaabc (@jetaabc) The next major event for JETAABC is the AGM on Friday, *By Mail: JETAABC, 349 West Georgia Street January 28! (Details above!) See you there!!!

PO BOX 2462, Vancouver, BC V6B 3W7 (*Take note—new address!)

Happy New Year to all! Here’s to a happy and healthy *And now a Facebook Page!

2011! http://www.facebook.com/pages/JETAABC/116941341652229 Dinah Linsangan 2010 JETAABC Newsletter Editor or search for “JETAABC”

2010 has been another busy year for JETAABC. The creation of the 2010 Board of Directors at the Annual General Meeting in January saw the addition of 3 director-atlarge positions. The more the merrier!

www.jetaabc.ca

News from the JET Desk at the Consulate General of Japan Steve Chevalier The end of November marked the passing of the application deadline for the 2011 JET Programme, bringing another busy recruitment season to an end. Almost 1000 students were introduced to the JET Programme through our career fair booths and information sessions held at universities throughout British Columbia.

Consulate staff and alumni spoke with a lot of genki, keen candidates during recruitment. We are sure to see many of them at the interviews in February.

Thank you to all the alumni who volunteered at the recruitment events, and those who recommended the JET Programme to someone. Interested applicants truly appreciate the chance to connect with alumni and get an idea of what it is like to live and work in Japan. Your efforts and co-operation continue to ensure the success of the programme.

Open to speakers of Japanese as a foreign or second language, the Annual British Columbia Japanese Speech Contest is a great way to keep up your Japanese speaking ability and perhaps win a prize! Test your chops on Saturday, March 5, 2011 in the Asian Centre Auditorium at UBC’s main Vancouver campus.

Application forms and information are available on the Consulate General of Japan's website: http://www.vancouver.ca.emb-japan.go.jp/en/culture/culture_speech.htm.

The application deadline is 5:00 pm, Friday, February 4, 2011. A list of the applicants selected for the contest final will be posted on the website on or after Thursday, February 10, 2011. (Editor’s note: see next page).

Please have an enjoyable holiday season and a happy New Year!

The Consulate General of Japan in Vancouver 800 – 1177 West Hastings Street Vancouver, BC V6E 2K9

Got something to say?

We’d love to hear from you!

www.vancouver.ca.emb-japan.go.jp

Email newsletter@jetaabc.ca.

A very special thanks to the following for their contributions to this edition:

In this issue…

Bay Bailey  Alison Dacia Brown

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Steve Chevalier  Lia Cosco Tye Ebel  Justin Elavathil

AGM / Editor’s Note / About JETAABC

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News from the JET Desk

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Upcoming Events / 2010 Board of Directors

Megumi Johns  Raphael Lee Susanne Milner  Mark Montgomery Karly Pinch  Ann Yamashita Wanda Yee  Jenn Zatser

4-5 Life Post-JET 6-9 Past Events 10

Sashimi Appeal! / Japanese Movie Reviews

11

Adventures in Bento-Making

Thank you very much!!!

www.jetaabc.ca

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Upcoming Events

Megumi Johns

2010 Board of Directors President: Greg Joughin president@jetaabc.ca

2011 JETAABC AGM and Shinnenkai Friday, January 28, 2011 ***See the front page of this newsletter for more info***

Treasurer: Ann Yamashita treasurer@jetaabc.ca Secretary: Ann Yamashita secretary@jetaabc.ca

Shakuhachi (Bamboo Flute) Workshop February 2010 Details TBA. Check out www.jetaabc.ca for updates.

Newsletter Editor: Dinah Linsangan newsletter@jetaabc.ca

Koto (Japanese Harp) Workshop February 2010 Details TBA. Check out www.jetaabc.ca for updates.

BC Japanese Speech Contest Saturday, March 5, 2011 The BC Japanese Speech Contest Organizing Committee is pleased to announce that the Annual British Columbia Japanese Speech Contest will be held in Vancouver on Saturday, March 5, 2011 at the Asian Centre Auditorium, University of British Columbia. This event is a wonderful opportunity for people learning Japanese as a foreign or second language to have their achievements recognized.

The guideline and application forms are available on the Consulate-General of Japan's website:

Membership Coordinator: Greg Joughin membership@jetaabc.ca Volunteer Coordinator: Lucky Herath volunteer@jetaabc.ca Social & Cultural Coordinator: Russell Aquino 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

http://www.vancouver.ca.emb-japan.go.jp/en/ culture/culture_speech.htm

Technical Coordinator: Eric Chan technical@jetaabc.ca

The application deadline is 5:00 p.m., Friday, February 4th, 2011. A list of the applicants selected for the final contest will be posted on the above mentioned website on or after Thursday, February 10th, 2011. We look forward to your participation and hope that you will share this information with interested parties.

Social Media Coordinator: Wanda Yee socialmedia@jetaabc.ca Project Coordinator: Russell Aquino projects@jetaabc.ca Business Development: Mark Montgomery bizdev@jetaabc.ca

Sakura Days Japan Fair Saturday, April 2—Sunday, April 3, 2011

This could be your name up HERE!

Time: 10am—5pm Location: VanDusen Botanical Garden 5251 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC Entrance Fee: TBA

Don’t forget the AGM!

The sakura (Japanese cherry blossom) has long been a traditional icon in Japanese culture and is a symbol of spring. At the 2011 Sakura Days Japan Fair, you can experience modern and traditional Japanese cultural arts, cuisine and business.

For more details, check out: http://www.japanfairvancouver.com/

Friday, January 28, 2011!

If you enjoy meeting fantastic people, would like a chance to plan and attend different kinds of events for JETAABC, or just want to keep those Japan memories alive in your post-JET life, then JETAABC wants you! Come on out!

www.jetaabc.ca

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LIFE POST - JET

For those who miss Japan (and purikura), those who are thinking about going back to school (like UBC), or those who love to talk about the JET Programme and their personal experiences (promote it at a university career fair in the fall!) here are a few submissions from JET alumni for you to enjoy!

Post-Japan Alison Dacia Brown “I’ve never been to Iwate prefecture.” This is the response I usually get when I tell my students at my ESL school here in Vancouver that I lived in Rikuzentakata, Iwate, Japan for three years. Before this statement usually comes extreme shock or sometimes even laughter because they can’t believe a foreigner would want to live in Northern Japan. I even remember going to a bar in Osaka during Golden Week and being asked by the bartender if Iwate had conbinis. Iwate is the inaka. I was lucky enough to live in a beautiful seaside town and a 10-minute walk from the beach which is lined with pine trees.

Since I returned to Canada in 2008, teaching Japanese students has definitely allowed me to have a connection with Japan that I otherwise wouldn’t have. For example, if I want to find out who this month’s prime minister is, my students will tell me. It also goes without saying that I like being pleasantly surprised by finding out if a new flavour of Calorie Mate or Soy Joy has appeared on the shelves of Lawson. Daiso is also a welcome topic of conversation in my classroom. It is also often visited as we have one here in Richmond, BC. Being a JET alumnus for over two years has made me a bit nationalistic about Japan, and I’m not even Japanese. I know I’m not alone among my JET alumni in missing certain aspects of Japanese culture. My mother came for two weeks to visit me, and even she misses the culture as much as I do. She thought the moist towels (disposable or not), which were provided in restaurants before meals were the absolute height of civilization. Many were purchased at Daiso before she left. And the UFO catchers. Don’t even get me started on Canada’s pathetic attempt at UFO catchers. The local mall in my hometown of Victoria has just one sitting by itself and I must confess that it’s difficult to look at without flinching. The toys inside are disappointing to say the least and don’t compare to the treasures inside all those amusement centres in Japan.

Purikura was almost a religious experience for me in my remaining months in Japan. Those little personalized photo-stickers were amazing. I put them on postcards to send home so certain family members of the older generation still knew what I looked like. I put them inside birthday cards and even made some for all my schools before I left and incorporated them into big posters. Certain businesses like the local DVD rental place, the supermarket and the post office (which all experienced a lot of patronage from me) got thank you cards before I left my hometown. I can’t imagine what they must have thought upon opening the cards and seeing the crazy gaijin making peace signs and funny faces. I hope they were able to read my terrible attempt at kanji with the purikura pen.

It’s lovely to reminisce about earthquakes (yes…the earthquakes), natto, humidity in the summer, shinkansen and the strange Japanese TV shows that often left my eyebrows furrowed. I saw and experienced so much, but still want to go back for more. Many of my former JET colleagues in Iwate have since returned to Japan and specifically Iwate because they still have strong relationships with their former schools and co -workers. I have made a promise to go back, a promise I intend to keep, and I’m sure I’ll have lots of purikura to prove it when I return.

Alicia was an Iwate JET from 2005 to 2008.

Next hear from recent alumni Tye Ebel (right) and Justin Elavathil (left), who are currently in the MAPPS program (Masters of Asian Pacific Policy Studies) at UBC

Justin and Tye. Photo by Dinah Linsangan

www.jetaabc.ca

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Tye Ebel As an undergraduate at Elon University in North Carolina, I had intended to get a PhD in History. However, as graduation neared, I decided to put graduate school on the back-burner and look for work abroad so that I could travel and experience more of the world. I knew a few people who had joined the JET Programme so when the chance came, I was quick to take it.

I spent three years, 2007-2010, living in a small town in Kagawa prefecture on the island of Shikoku. It was a fantastic experience, replete with top-notch udon and plenty of travel opportunities; however, I knew I couldn't stay there forever. Like many JETs who decide to get out of the ESL circle, I found myself in a conundrum in that my JET experience didn't directly lend itself to a career back home, hence I looked for a graduate program that complemented my Asian experience. Ultimately I decided on the Masters of Asian Pacific Policy Studies (MAPPS) at UBC.

Justin Elavathil My journey on JET began in the summer of 2006. After finishing my undergrad at University of Toronto, I felt it would be a great opportunity to learn about a culture that I only previously studied in textbooks. I was placed in Shibukawa city, Gunma-ken, a prefecture known for its beautiful nature, relaxing onsens, and crisp cabbage. While there I made connections with some of the most amazing people.

Before I knew it, I had spent four years in Japan and after deciding to return to Canada, I felt apprehensive. Although my years in Japan were memorable, I had to embrace the reality that I was in my late twenties. I soon realized I wanted to apply what I had been learning about Japan in my daily life to an academic setting. But I wasn’t interested in a graduate degree that would leave me with limited future career options. It was at this time I came across the Master of Arts Asia Pacific Policy Studies (MAPPS) program.

About the program: The MAPPS Program provides the opportunity for students to study at the Institute of Asian Research at University of British Columbia which is situated in Vancouver. The Asian orientation of the city and the flexibility and professional orientation of the MAPPS program allow potential students to make the most of their graduate experience.

The program director, Dr. Julian Dierkes, strongly encourages former JETs to apply to the program, saying “JET alumni are generally well-qualified for graduate school as they were selected for the program on the basis of their strong undergraduate background in the first place, but they've also had an experience as JETs that tends to give rise to interesting questions for many fields across the social sciences. For our program in particular, JET alumni make great students with their direct exposure to the very real everyday workings of an important aspect of Japanese society and Japanese policy-making and education.”

Anyone interested in MAPPS should consult the program website at http://www.iar.ubc.ca/mapps

Check out Raphael Lee’s JET Adventures Raphael Lee I never thought I'd get around to it, but having to give a little presentation promoting the JET Programme at UBC was finally enough to cure my procrastination. I was originally going to just write an article, but then there's just so much to mention/remember, and I got the feeling that words would never be enough to share the awesome memories/fun times I had, so I thought I'd use pictures to hopefully convey some of that.

In brief: I was an ALT for 2 years in Junior High Schools throughout Moriguchi (small suburb of Osaka - 12-square km/150,000 people). The town could only afford 5 ALTs for its 5 junior high schools so we rotated each term, and throughout the 2 years I had the privilege of teaching at 6 different ones, each with its own personality and character, despite their proximity to each other.

So finally, two years after the fact, here is a slideshow/video clip of my JET Adventure in Magical Moriguchi: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrEQeYxPdnI Photo by Raphael Lee

www.jetaabc.ca

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An afternoon sail down Burrard Inlet, learning how to make bonsai and hanging out with fellow JETs stateside; these are just some of the events that kept JET alumni and friends busy in the latter half of 2010.

JETAABC Volunteer Appreciation Event Indian Arm Luncheon Cruise September 12, 2010 JETAABC organized an annual volunteer appreciation party: a 4-hour luncheon cruise through Vancouver's inner harbour, the Burrard Inlet, and then north into the spectacular setting of Indian Arm. We would like express our thanks and appreciation to all our volunteers. We wouldn’t have been able to do these events without you!

Interested in getting involved with JETAABC? Come out to our AGM in January or contact our volunteer coordinator, at volunteer@jetaabc.ca!

Photo by Wanda Yee

JETAABC Tea Ceremony Workshop with Furemi-an Tea Room October 24, 2010

JETAABC Career & Networking Seminar November 8, 2010

The rainy afternoon we spent in the tranquil setting of the Furemi-An Tea Room in east Vancouver was peaceful and relaxing. As we sat seiza-style on tatami, our tea ceremony teacher, Yukiko-sensei, with the help of her student, Nick (also a former JET), taught us the basic skills needed to attend a tea ceremony as a guest. From learning how to walk in the tea room to practicing the proper way to drink the tea, we had a wonderful experience. Sitting in the tea room with its tatami, fusuma doors, and kakemono (wall hanging), we felt as if we were quietly transported to a tea room in Japan.

Transitioning from life on the JET Programme back to life at home is not always the easiest thing to do. This transition is often compounded by the fact that the majority of returning JETs wind up in a job search upon their return. So, JETAABC runs our annual Career Seminar in the fall to provide some useful information on the current job market and to allow more established JET alumni to share their job search tips and tell how their experiences in Japan helped them find work in Canada.

Susanne Milner

Dinah Linsangan

This year, the Career Seminar was held on Monday, November 8th at the YWCA on Hornby Street in downtown Vancouver. A small and engaged group attended the seminar and 4 alumni provided excellent insight into the various career paths available post-JET. The keynote speaker was Karly Pinch from the Faculty of Arts Internship Program at the University of British Columbia. Her presentation covered the current standards while job hunting and emphasized the value in networking. Next was Susanne Milner from the JETAABC board whose presentation covered how to spin your JET experience so that employers here pick up on your transferable skills. Finally, Josh Bloomfield, Christine Gegrich and Rob O' Brian gave their own perspective on their career paths and how their JET experience has related back to work at home.

Photo by Dinah Linsangan

Thanks again to all of the speakers and alumni who attended this very informative evening. continued on next page

www.jetaabc.ca

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Bonsai Class with JETAABC - September 25, 2010

Karly Pinch

Photos by Megumi Johns

Big Little Bonsai

Bonsai is the traditional Japanese art form of growing and manipulating miniature trees. If you’re anything like me, you probably thought this meant that there are miniature breeds of trees that just grow really slowly. Little did I know, Bonsai masters use a variety of techniques to shape and manipulate breeds of regular, large trees, in such a way that keeps them tiny, resulting in the feeling of being a giant around smaller versions of trees we see around us every day. As with most Japanese arts, the key is in attention to detail, and focusing on beauty and symmetry.

On September 25, JETAABC hosted a bonsai class at Nikkei Place, where we each received our very own miniature Juniper tree to manipulate. Our teacher, Bob King, of Japan Bonsai, started off by explaining some of the history and artistry that goes into the art of bonsai. Then the fun started, and we learned how to use wire and strategic force to bend and shape our trees. Where you might think the small tree would snap, we learned to bend it carefully into the position that we wanted it to be in, twisting the trunk around to create artful curves. With our clippers, we trimmed the abundant branches down until our baby trees looked nearly naked. With the proper balance – the peak branch, the balancing branches, and ensuring that the front and the back were correctly proportioned – our little trees became beginner bonsai creations.

With strict care instructions on how to get our bonsais through the coming winter, we all took our little trees home. It remains to be seen which of us will successfully carry them through until spring!

日本語学ぼう! Advanced Japanese Classes - Second Session

Megumi Johns The second session of advanced Japanese classes is underway! After a successful first session and the continued support of the Consulate-General of Japan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, we have enthusiastically decided to continue our weekly classes with Takaki-sensei. Seven of us continued on from the first session, and six more friendly faces joined us. The last several weeks have been very intense as we focused on preparations for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test levels N3 and N2. We are much relieved to have the test behind us now, and will wait to hear the results in mid-February.

Class photo from the last day of class in the first session.

Photo by Dinah Linsangan

Takaki-sensei has done a superb job planning the classes and giving us appropriate exercises for us to study. Our classes have centred on reading comprehension and associated kanji and grammar, with some listening comprehension and writing as well. We have really appreciated the opportunity to not only maintain the Japanese we’ve learned so far, but to continue to expand our knowledge and comprehension. It’s also been great to get to know other JET alumni and reminisce about our experiences in Japan. We have a few more classes in the new year, and hope to keep going throughout the year.

To celebrate the end of this year and the end of the JLPT, our class went to Guu to dine izakaya-style. Photo by Wanda Yee .

www.jetaabc.ca

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JETAABC’s trip to Seattle - PACIFIC NORTHWEST JETAA October 2, 2010

Bay Bailey & Jenn Zatser

On Saturday, October 2, 2010, 7 JETAABC alumni travelled down to Seattle to hang out with some PNWJETAA (Pacific Northwest JET Alumni Association) members and enjoy ourselves at a Mariners game. Of course, we first had to cross the border and then hit up the outlets for there were many bargains to be had. We also went on a mission for an ever elusive Jack in the Box, which was totally not worth the hype; the people-watching in the restaurant was worth the trip, though.

Once we all gathered at the meeting place and after losing each other for a few minutes (note to self: next time take the car with the navigation system and ensure that each car has a contact phone number), we dropped off our gear at a sweet condo on Mercer Island and got the show on the road.

Our first stop was Fuji Sushi for some dinner before the game. We all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and the food was terrific! We then carpooled to Safeco Field, where we met up with the rest of the PNWJETAA alumni.

There was quite a turnout from Seattle’s end and it was good to see so many former JETs! We had our own section at the game and thus, were able to yell at the top of our lungs “Ganbarre Ichiro!” like the cheer squads in Japan. We all enjoyed the game, the quintessential ball park food (those garlic fries were lethal), the beers and most importantly, each other’s company.

After the game we ventured to Chinatown for a Karaoke Showdown challenge. More alumni showed up and there were about 30 of us in a karaoke room. It was a very natsukashi feeling from our Japan days. I am happy to report too, that JETAABC represented extremely well with both the singing (screeching) and nomihodai-ing! After drinking and singing our hearts out, we headed back to the condo for the san-ji-kai and needless to say, there will be no details forthcoming! It was a fun night though!

All in all, this event was a great time. It was very cool to hang out with the Seattle chapter and make new friends. While it was the first time that we have ever had an event with both JETAABC and PNWJETAA, it was pretty much a success. We will definitely make it an annual tradition.

JETAABC appreciates all the kindness and hospitality of the PNWJETAA crew. Special mention goes to Cheryl, Sandra, Ben and Leela who all did an outstanding job at hosting us! Thank you so much!

We look forward to the next event, and when JETAABC can host the PNWJETAA crew. Keep a lookout for an event sometime in the new year!

Photos by Bay Bailey & Jenn Zatser

www.jetaabc.ca

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More activities…

Returning JET Participant Reception at the Consul-General’s Residence November 19, 2010

Mark Montgomery

Many of the JETAABC Board members attended the returners' banquet at the residence of Consul General Ito. In attendance were local MPs along with a large representation of the local Japanese community also present.

It was a great evening with food and drinks being thoroughly enjoyed by everyone. Consul General Ito spoke of deepening relations between Japan and BC; many business cards were traded.

On this evening of celebration, many were already looking ahead to 2011 when JETAABC will continue to offer a wealth of cultural activities for its members.

Mokuyokai-JETAABC Bowling Taikai November 7, 2010

Photo by Dinah Linsangan

Mokuyokai and JETAABC enjoyed a great afternoon of bowling at Rev’s in Burnaby at the annual taikai. Alumni from PNWJETAA in Seattle joined in the fun as well!

Photos by Wanda Yee

Emperor’s Birthday Reception hosted by the Consulate General of Japan in Vancouver December 6, 2010

Mark Montgomery

The Emperor's Birthday (天皇誕生日) was celebrated this year at the Coast Coal Harbour Hotel in downtown Vancouver on December 6.

The evening was attended by members of JETAABC and was enjoyed by all. Consul General Ito took time to personally welcome each guest on arrival and while the room filled, guests were entertained by a koto and shakuhachi performance.

Food and drink were the high points for many during the evening, and the buffet allowed for plenty of conversation between old friends and strangers alike. No doubt the large cask of sake helped loosen the inhibitions of some, but the large event had a welcoming community feel.

The evening was well-attended by many guests, including local business leaders, educators, and civil servants.

Photos by Mark Montgomery

www.jetaabc.ca

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Restaurant Review? Sashimi Appeal!

Lia Cosco The objective was to do a traditional restaurant review. Actually, I had the place all picked out. There is an izakaya just near the corner of 25th and Main that I had heard of and is frequented by Japanese business folk coming through Vancouver. Well, after living the last seven of my years in Japan, I have known many Japanese business people to often be patrons of great eating and drinking establishments; post-10 hour shift of course. I was sold.

But due to circumstances too long to account in this little write-up, my plan fell through. What to do? There was one criterion for this review: Japanese food. Well, I have eaten lots of Japanese food while being back in Vancouver. Actually, I have been on a hunt. A hunt for great sashimi... you know, like it’s done in Japan: relatively thinly cut, small-ish, mouthfuls of just the right burst of freshness tinged lightly with shoyu and a hint of wasabi. Savour slowly, sip your lemon-sour, and voila, satisfaction. Often, that same freshness and satisfaction is had at a back alley kai-ten-sushi-ya, with a mug of cool Asahi by your side. You probably all know what I mean.

I write to you now in appeal; as ALL my Japanese restaurant and izakaya romps over the last 4 months since my return have left me empty in satiety, and understanding. Isn’t this Vancouver? Do we not do Japanese well here? Haven’t I on numerous occasions in Japan, openly (and loudly) boasted about the delicious array of sushi and sashimi to be had in this city? Well, I stand corrected. Please help. I have been eating at many sushi places (too big, too expensive, too much mayo), popular izakaya (too greasy, over-priced, not authentic), and well-known Japanese establishments in Kits, Main and the West End (frozen sashimi on more than one occasion).

This is not good. We pride ourselves on our authentic Vietnamese, Thai, Persian, Greek food … what about Japanese?

And I hate to say this, but sashimi should NEVER have a ‘fishy’ flavour!

So there it stands. My appeal to you. Point me in the direction of good sashimi. I beg you. Something not too big, frozen or fishy. I love being back in Vancouver and enjoy all the amazing things this city has to offer. Do I have to take authentic Japanese sashimi off my list? I recognize there are many places still to try. But I thought, it never hurts to first ask.

Lia is a Post-Graduate Research Fellow at the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada (lia.cosco@asiapacific.ca).

Japanese Movie Reviews Megumi Johns

The Taste of Tea | 茶の味 (2004) This quirky and unique movie, directed by Katsuhito Ishii is the story of the members of the Haruno family in rural Tochigi. A beautiful and hilarious combination of Japanese humour and eccentric characters make this upbeat film one of the best I’ve seen recently.

Ikiru | 生きる (1952) Akira Kurosawa’s Ikiru is a haunting and inspiring story of a government bureaucrat who spends his life doing little more than shuffling papers. Set and filmed in post-war Japan, it’s not only an inspiring story that has stood the test of time, but a glimpse into 1950s Japan.

All About Lily Chou-Chou| リリイ・シュシュのすべて (2001) If you like incredibly depressing and amazing movies, this is just the right one. The story of high school friends, of love for music, of bullying. Check it out, that’s all I can say, and be sure to watch the special features on the making of this film as it gives it a whole new meaning.

Editor’s note: all these titles and more can be found at your local library! You can start by checking out www.vpl.ca

www.jetaabc.ca

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Adventures in Bento-Making In the Fall 2010 newsletter, I introduced some bento-making gadgets that were designed to liven up your lunchtime by injecting a healthy dose of ‘kawaii’ and ‘cool’ to your lunches. Here are some more bento tools to keep your lunchboxes interesting:

Wanda Yee

NORI PUNCHES: Make cute faces for your food instantly with nori punches. Simply slide a piece of nori under the punch and press down. These come in a variety of shapes that can be mix-and-matched to keep your bento interesting and fun. As my sister often tells her co-workers, “It’s not a good lunch unless it’s making faces at me.”

DECO/FOOD DRAWING PENS: Just fill this ‘pen’ up with sauce (mayonnaise, ketchup, yakisoba, okonomiyaki, etc) and squeeze to draw/decorate your bento. You can also buy pre-filled chocolate drawing/deco-pens of varying widths and flavors specifically for decorating pastries and fruit. *If you’re having trouble finding choco-deco pens here, my baker friend says that they go by the name of “candy writers” in North America. Same stuff, just a different name.

MINI-SAUSAGE/WIENER CUTTERS: Japanese mothers popularizedタコウインナー (aka: tako wiener, octopus wieners, or octodogs) in their children’s lunches.

But why stop at cephalopod-shaped wieners when you can buy these plastic cutters that can transform them into flowers, other animal shapes…including crustaceans? Crustaceans trump cephalopods any day (see: “Calamari Wrestler” the movie for proof – it’s so bad, it’s good). The wiener cutters might look like some complex torture device, but they’re super easy to use.

FOOD PICKS: What to do if you want to make a cute bento, but are too lazy to make your rice/ eggs/wieners/veggies/etc. into cute shapes and can’t be bothered to cut out cute nori faces for your food? The easiest (and laziest) way is to artistically ‘stab’ your food with cute food picks.

The food picks already come in cute shapes and styles, so there’s no extra effort needed on your part. Just be vigilant when you eat, so you don’t choke to death on your own lunch.

RICE MOLDS: Tired of round or triangular onigiri? These may be your answer, as they come in every shape imaginable. From fruit, animals, super heroes, to even suggestive/ pornographic rice molds (not pictured here), I can guarantee that your onigiri will never be ‘boring’ again.

FOOD DIVIDERS: Plastic food dividers in the shape of grass (aka: バラン or baran) is a common sight in most bentos. If you get tired of looking at fake grass in your lunch and want to be more environmentally conscious, you can switch things up by using reusable, silicon food dividers. The silicon food dividers are microwave-friendly and come in a variety of cute colors and patterns. Admittedly, I haven’t gotten around to using my silicon food dividers yet, as I’m still trying to finish off my pack of fake grass. *FYI: 1 pack of baran = 200+ pieces of fake grass That’s it for this update. Happy bento-making!

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