July 1998 Volume 4 Issue 4

Japan Exchange Teaching Alumni Association of British Columbia

Your Sea

Name Our New

r Submissions

Editor's Sums Report...,,

Vanig^Ver Islam

Moi^Pokai MemI

September Aluillj^Event

5

News Flash

5

Re-Entry Orientation/Career Day Stone Bridge Press Offer Hiking News 1998 Prep Seminar Report

5 5 6 7

Book Review - The Broken Bridge

7

Calender of Events (for Fridge)

8

Vol 4, No.4

July, 1998

^

^m tosÂŽ

Two of our Steering Committee members have resigned for very

good reasons. They have left BO to teach. Jim Ivanoff left early in

June for Japan. Sue Wong left the end of June for Hong Kong.

Both have left with no set time to

return. It's Japan and Hong Kong's gain and our loss.

Now comes the hard part. We need to fill those seats on the

Steering Committee. Our Presi dent has asked me to spread the

seats we are looking to fill are Directors-at-large. This means that there is no specific portfolio of

responsibility but that your role is to support and help with everyone else. Your position would last

My third issue. I'm starting to get the hang of this newsletter editing

until the Annual General Meeting

business. The biggest thing that I

(AGM) in January when you

have noticed is the lack of stories

would have the option of being

submitted. Maybe I'm to blame. 1 didn't call you to ask you for an

voted into office.

Please volunteer immediately.

Just like the war posters of old said,'We Need You!"

article. Did I have to? The Alumni

Association is your group. This news letter is your voice. We want to see

your ideas in this newsletter.

word in this newsletter that we

This issue contains many interesting tidbits of news about various alumni.

Jim Ivanoff and Sue Wong have left

are looking for people to toss their hat into the ring and volunteer to

join our committee. If you or anyone you know would like to

Canada and retumed to Asia (Japan

and Hong Kong, respectively). They

become a member of the JETAABC Steering Committee

will be missed. Jason Hicks, our ven

erable past president, married Emi

please contact Stacey (299-3608)

by July 31 st. At the next Steering

Nakazawa.

The Powell Street Festival is coming

Committee meeting on August 6th we hope to be able appoint

up again. We are sending off 100

the new members.

now already planning for the return of

What are the duties and responsibllities of this role? The JETAABC Steering Committee meets each month on the first

Thursday of the month. The

new JET's to Japan. We are even

mufmm

JET's from Japan. We could see even

another 50 people Join our ranks this

year as a result of the Cross Canada

NEEDED

Name Our Newsletter Submissions Entry A - The JET Effects (A"Newsletter for those people who-were once a JET^—

Entry B - Wlizuki Kaihou (Dogwood Report/Newsletter) Entry C - JET Lag

Alumni Newsletter mailed out to all Canadian JET's in May. Our Associa

tion has even attained a fully legal status as a Registered Society in BC

(Thanks Perren for your hard work).

Your Alumni Association continues to

expand. We are exploring new ways to encourage alumni to participate.

New events are Just some of the areas we are working on. We are

even talking to the Vancouver Mokuyokai Society and the Canada Japan Society to see if we can work togeth er and co-sponsor some events, both social and business oriented.

Entry D -StS - Seihou (Western Report/Newsletter)

I hope that you will contact us with ideas and suggestions.

This newsletter produced by:

Entry E - Senseisations

Web Words Ink Services 504-1010 Howe Street

Entry F

Hokusei Kaihou

(North-West Report/Newsletter)

Vancouver, BC V6Z 1P5 Tel: 604-662-7579

Fax: 604-662-7591

Email: info@ww-ink.com

Entry G - Genktriclty Times Send in your vote to the address on page 3

Page 2

JET Alumni Association of British Columbia

Web Design/Computer Training/DTP

SUMO CANADA BASHO A GIANT SUCCESS!On June 6th and 7th. the PNE Coli seum was transformed into a setting unlike anyone had ever witnessed before. The big event was the Cana da Sumo Basho. and for two exciting

days Vancouver was treated to a

selling sumo memorabilia and of

by Lori Tiefenbach

course the opportunity to have your

atmosphere. 1 found it amusing to

picture taken with your friends at the "purikura" ("Print Club") stand. The

read the individual bios of the rikishi

concourse level was no less lacking

them were not even born when I

in Japanese atmosphere, boasting

was. Bigger doesn't always mean older, I guess!

tournament equal in size

The first day ended with Akebono being crowned the winner. Reports

and caiibre to any major sumo event in Japan.

were that the second day was even

The excitement began

more tense with the supposedly

several days eariier with

injured Takanohana defeating his

the arrlvai of the big guys at the Vancouver Airport.

older yokozuna brother, Wakanohana and Akebono to claim the overall

Images in the news showed small crowds of excited Japanese tourists gathering around 40 or so

championship. Apparently, the broth erly match-up was something one hardly ever gets to see, even in Japan. Obviously, we in Vancouver,

kimono-clad, weary look

ing rikishi. An autograph signing session took place on Thursday at the V Megastore, which disappointingly failed to yield me an autograph or even a glimpse of Akebono, Musashimaru, or Takanonami (the

good looking one with the glasses).

On the first day of the tournament, the outside of the PNE was alive with the sights and sounds of Japan.

Brightly coloured flags decorated the entrance, along with various stands

In the program and note that most of

were a fortunate bunch. It would be

great if an international sumo basho could become a yearly event,

koto "and Tea ceremony demonstrations, sumo sculptures and works of art, and to the delight of

spreading interest about Japan and Japanese to people in different countries. I. for one. enjoyed myself

my Japanese companion, real Japa-

Immensely and hope I have the

nese sake'

chance to see these sumo greats up

A video detailing the history of and

^gain someday,

various particulars about Japan's national sport preceded the tournament. Finally, it was time for what we had been waiting over a

year to see: the grand entrance of the Japanese sumo stars on Canadi an turf. The crowd erupted in cheers as each rikishi made their way onto

the dohyo. which had been meticu

lously constructed using special soft soil from Burnaby after it passed the examination of the National Sumo Association. The Kids Sumo was

popular with the audience, who roared with laughter as the huge wrestlers swung a group of brave lit tle kids around by their thongs,(what

do you call those things anyway!?)

The next few hours were a blur of

bright colours, big bodies, and trails of salt as the round robin tournament

progressed. The commentary, in English by Konlshiki (I wonder who makes his suits?) and Katrina Watt, the NHK English sumo commentator

in Japan, was well done and informative. Every so often shouts of "AKEBONOOOOOO"

or "MUSASHIMAROOOOOO" added

interesting background to the festive JET Alumni Association of British Columbia

Page 3

are still tossing around the idea of a JET alumni pub night. There

iot

has been interest, but I simply

haven't had the time to organize

anything. Perhaps the best solu tion Is for me to just pick a date and do it. If no one shows, then

I'll be there drinking by myself.

So be it.

GO

50%

Victoria JET Alumni Pub

Night

Saturday, July 25 (8:00pm ~) Garrick's Head Pub

(in Bastion Square) For more info contact Glen at 381-1067

The Reunion Dinner (May 16) and Mixer (May 24) were great successes. The Mixer in particu lar seemed to go much more

smoothly than last year, largely due to the fact that it was held

prior to the Vancouver Prepara

All going well, we will possibly

The Vancouver Mokuyokai Society

turn this into a bi-monthly event

(i.e. the last Saturday of every odd month - Jan/Mar/May/

July/Sept/Nov). Mainlanders, of course, would always be wel

$25

come to attend.

istyearonly

tion Seminar rather than after it.

This helped to keep the discus sion more "JET-focussed" and

gave the new recruits a chance to absorb some information and pre

pare better questions/comments before heading over to Vancouver the following week. Kudos to Leona and Anna for their help in

This Month's Contributors; Jason Hicks

Ellen Clague

Join the Mokuyokai Society for the first time and you get 50% off. This Is a special offer for all JET Alumni. Now is your

chance to join an extremely interesting group, with many fun and exciting events and

preparing the food, and a big ban

Paul Donovan

zai to Koto Restaurant for ,

Stone Bridge Press Boleyn Relova

activities.

This is the 4th year that Koto has provided sushi for the Mixer, and

Glen Allen

the owner herself told me this

Liz Stephen

© Monthly Hiking Group © Monthly Brown Bag

the

great sushi (and discounted bill!).

year what an honour it is for her shop to be able to assist us with this annual event. On behalf of the Vancouver . Island

membership, I hereby declare Koto as the unofficial sushiya-san of the Vancouver island JETAABC.

Lori Tifenbach

Thanks to all contributors

Lunch Business Seminar

Next Issue Deadline:

© Monthly Donwakai

Thursday, Sept. 3rd, 1998

© Other Events too

Please submit materials by email or on disk (TEXT format please) if at all possible. Photos and graph ics are welcome and encouraged.

The only other news is that we

Page 4

JET Alumni Association of British Columbia

Vancouver Mokuyokai Society P.O. Box 48901

Vancouver, 80 V7X 1A8

Alumni Night in September Congratulations Mr. and

Our ever popular Fall Event for Alumni is fast approaching. While we don't

have details on location, date, time or even price please keep your last Friday evening open (that's when it's been the last two years) for this magnificent event. Enkai memories will abound. Long lost acquaintances will be there.

Meet some of the newly returned alumni. Contact Boleyn Relova later in August for more information (522-8761)

Mrs.

Jason & Emi

Hicks. They were married In

Oregon on Saturday, July 11, 1998.

On Sat

urday, July 18th from 11 ;30am to

2:30pm there will be a special Beach BBQ Recep tion at Jericho Beach for them.

Cbngfatulatloils to: Christy Hlingworth Kevin O'Donheli I' ^ David Suiz

on being accepted to the Japa nese Language Teacher's Training Program put on this summer in Chiba by the Minis

try of Foreign Affairs. These three people and 23 others from around the world will be

attending from July 26th to August 9th. I don't know about you, but this just makes me so jealous. A chance to go to Japan forfree!

If you can attend please call Liz asap at 738-3360

I don't, know . if you're interested, but "Dreams Come True" the Japanese pop group

are coming to Vancouver to play at "The Rage" nightclub on August 7', 1998. The tickets go on sale at Ticketmaster tomorrow (July 9th) and are the low, low price of $10-00'^ Maybe you could mention this in the.newsletter, in case there are some fans out there.

From Liz Stephen

25% OFF Books

PRESS

stone Bridge Press Is offering a special discount to at!

JETAABC members of 25%.

iV.'

• Books • Trinkets

Re-Entry Orientation &

• and more

all about Japan.

Check out their web site for more Items and information.

Career Day 1 know it's really early to be thinking about events for the Fall but we are looking

If you don't have access to the

for volunteers and ideas. In late October or early November we will again host

our Re-Entry Orientation and Career Day. This event has grown each year and we anticipate an even bigger turnout this year. The newly returned alumni will be wondering where to go. Reverse Culture shock will be hitting them heavy duty by that time. This event is not just for the new alumni but also for the

Internet, write to Stone Bridge Press directly for their cata logue and be sure to mark on your order form that you are a

alumni who've been back a long time.

member of JETAABC.

The Career Day portion of this event is also a highly successful activity. In the past we've had representatives from various industries in BC come to talk to us about looking for that elusive pay cheque. Again this year we will have industry representatives come.

If you would like to offer your services to plan and organize this event, or if you have any contacts with business people, speakers, presenters or more please contact Boleyn at 522-8761. See our next newsletter for the announcement of

Stone Bridge Press P.O. Box 8208

Berkley, OA 94707 USA 1-800-947-7271

www.stonebrldge.com

the date and location of this magnificent event.

JET Alumni Association of British Columbia

Page 5

Hiking Group

Hlklfftg HÂŤws llll/Ce

IllU/ IQf

IIPOQMING HIKES - July 19th

May and June were a study of opposites in outdoors experiences for the

Hiking Group. From salty seas to alpine glaciers, we saw it all!

May 24th saw 10 adventurous souls

gather for a morning of sea-kayaking at Deep Cove. Despite threatening clouds, we bravely set out across the

Brandywine Falls, near Whistler.

Meet downtown at 8:30am. Cost $8

per person ($5 gas money,$2 partic ipation fee, $1 donation to Trans Canada Trails)

Participation Pollcv Group Maximum â– 20 No more than 2 guests per

member(maximum of 5 guests) $2 will be charged as a

participation fee for each event Also we are making a $1

voluntary contribution to the Trans Canada Trail.

Difficulty Rating: ** (easy hike,

If anyone has any preferences please let me know (Glen Allen -

about 8 kilometers round-trip, not a

250-381-1067).

lot of elevation gain)

way across despite the choppy seas

For July, we've chosen a nice easy

The proposed hike would be Mt. Finlayson in Goldstream Park. It is

and steady wind. Just as we were

inlet, and succeeded in battling our

hike for everyone to enjoy. The

about a 45 - 60 minute hike each

savoring the taste of victory, the skies

Brandywine Falls hike is a pleasant

way, with a spectacular view of

opened up and began soaking us with

ramble through the local scenery, and features a suspension bridge and the breathtaking Brandywine Falls! It should be a very nice hike for everyone, and we encourage you

Victoria, the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Olympic Mountains

(weather permitting, of course) from

to come out and join us!

Involve a little bit of clambering

Please RSVP to Jason & Emi at 876-4339. PLEASE NOTE: WE WILL BE AWAY FROM JULY 8TH UNTIL JULY 14TH. So please RSVP to our Voice-Mail, but don't be

up/around rock faces. On a dry day wet there are a number of other

surprised if you don't hear from us

of these is the "Goldmine Trail",

a steady rain. But on the plus side, the bad weather meant we had few other craft to deal with on the water, and we crossed back to Deep Cove with a minimum of effort thanks to the same seas and wind that gave us

trouble in the beginning. The entire

trip was made worthwhile by getting that unique sea-kayak perspective of the beautiful scenery around Deep

Cove, and by the sudden appearance of a curious seal just 3 meters from our boats during our return!

For the third year in a row, we took the Hiking Group to Joffre Lakes for what is one of our favorite hikes in the

region. On June 19th, the weather was perfect (sunny and warm, with a pleasant cooling breeze), and once again 10 people made the trip. The Joffre Lakes, located approximately 30 minutes northeast of Pemberton,

are a string of 3 shimmering pale-blue lakes fed by a mountaintop glacier.

The trail took us past each of the 3 lakes, and finally to a large rock-field from which we enjoyed spectacular views of the glacier above and the

for awhile!

Aiiqii.'^t 23rd: Mount Baker (Washington State) Downtown meet ing time TBA. Cost: $9 ($6 gas money, $2 participation fee, $1 donation to the Trans-Canada Trail) Difficulty Rating: *** Intermediate hike, some significant elevafion-gaih.

Will make you sweat from time to time, but certainly achievable for

anyone who gets some exercise

make the most of it!

Please RSVP to Jason & Emi at

876-4339, after August 1st.

which goes up to an old abandoned goldmine (dated around the turn of the century) and the E&N Railway trestle before finishing at the 48m

waterfall on Niagara Creek (known as none other than "Niagara Falls").

If the hike is held later In October, annual Chum/Coho/Chinook salmon

run should be underway. That is,

assuming there are any fish left in the oceans in the first place!

As for transportation, hikers coming

Ferry Terminal and walk on the ferry to Swartz Bay, where vehicles would be waiting on the other side.

I have a 7-passenger van, plus we would try to round up another cou

ple of vehicles here in Victoria. If anyone wished to bring a vehicle over from Vancouver, this would be

a slightly more expensive (but very

nr.tobar Hike Information - After

welcome) option as well.

After a wee nip at one of Victoria's

some discussion during the Van couver Island Reunion Dinner in

many public houses, we would transport everyone back to the ferry

May. the idea of organizing a hike in

terminal, and you can figure It out

the Victoria area has gained some

from there...

Interest. Although the hike is tenta

Please Mark Your Calenders

tively scheduled for sometime in

Hike Captains: Jason & Bmi

October, the dates are still flexible.

Tel: 876-4339

Page 6

very appropriate alternatives. One

ed to carpool to the Tsawwassen

On a clear day, you can see Mount Baker towering majestically in the distance, southeast and across the border into Washington state.

October - Victoria's Mt. Finlayson and Goldstream Park

trails in the park which would be

under 14 allowed.

There's a lot of great alpine hiking to be had up there, and we intend to

August 23 - Mt. Baker September - TBA

it should be no problem, but if it is

from the mainland would be expect

have not been, we highly recommend

Future Hike Dates July 19 - Brandywine Falls

erately difficult hike, and does

from time to time! Sorry, no children

upper lake below. For those who it!

the summit. Mt. Finlayson is a mod

JET Alumni Association of British Columbia

1998 Preparation Seminar Report

Book Review

by Paul Donovan

by Boleyn Relova

The Broken Bridge - 1997 Donald

This year, 1189 applicants applied for

provided by Fuji Catering.

the 1998/99 JET Program in Canada.

20% of those applicants were British Columbians and finally 38% of the BC applicants were chosen.

On the 31st. ALT's learned about the

On May 30th and 31st, the JETAABC hosted the 1998 Preparation Seminar for 92 JET'S. This was the 3rd year that the Consulate allowed the Alum ni Association to produce the Semi nar and without a doubt, it was a complete success!

The Seminar was held at two venues:

BCIT's new downtown campus and

Robson College. For the first part of the Seminar participants gathered at the BCIT Main Meeting Room to hear

Richie.

Japanese Education System and Team Teaching while ClR's had a

personal discussion regarding their new position. Japanese Etiquette and Culture was also a presentation

that participants appreciated.

Finally the last gathering of the Semi nar was the Regional Discussion

Group. It gave participants a chance to meet their neighbours and ask many questions. During this interac tive session, the Alumni gave their candid insight of their experiences in Japan.

During the two-day Seminar, partici pants heard many wonderful and very real stories which stemmed from different experiences of the Alumni.

In about a month's time, they will be

creating their own stories. For the participants, it was a time to have their worries caressed. For the Alumni, it was a time of reflection and

healing as they shared their experiences.

With the remarkable support of Mr. Ida and Ms. Nakano of the Consulate, the Preparation Seminar would not have been possible. Spe cial thanks to the main organizing committee who assisted me (Paul D..

This book is a small collection of gai

jin writers. They are writing about things that we might never have experienced. 37 short stories in all.

Authors range from housewives to business people, English teachers to company workers. They cover ideas about Japan from Nude Books to a Japanese Jew to Mr. Butterfry.

One story I read in this book was

actually a bit funny and brought back memories of the JET experience. A new gaijin to Japan was hired to teach in a rural High School, The entire school had somehow gotten

the idea that this guy was short, fat and Mexican. When in fact he was

only short and from New Orleans and with Italian background. The school had decorated the whole teacher's room with Mexican decorations. It sure reminded me

about the many things that hap

pened in my JET days when the Japanese would do special things for me cause they misunderstood me.

This book is an interesting read.

ISBN 1-880656-31-0

Tanya H., Stacey R., George K., Liz S.) and the other 25 volunteers. You

The Broken Bridge - 360 pages

all contributed to the success of the

Bridge Press. It sells for US$18.95

Seminar. ARIGATOU.

our main speakers speak on JET History, Packing, From Now 'til Sept

When we went to Japan we had only one side of the experience as gaijin.

The book is published by Stone but remember if you order it direct

you will get it for 25% off (only $14.21).

1st and Culture Shock & Adaptation.

For the rest of the Seminar, partici

pants were divided into small groups according to their interests, job title and prefecture.

The 35 minute Mini-Seminars were

very popular with the 'newbies'. It was a great chance for them to dis cuss specific topics such as Money &

Broken Bn

Taxes, Health and so on. The smaller

group setting eased them up to ask questions.

The Saturday night reception was full of energy! Everyone packed Robson College's main foyer area. It was time to relax and mingle amongst new JET'S and Alumni. I'm sure

everybody enjoyed the ample sushi

JET Alumni Association of British Columbia

Page 7

Put this calender up on yourfridge to help remember our Alumm events Steering Committee Members President

Events Calender "Everyone is welcome to attend ail events ofJETAABC and/or Mokuyokai regardless ofmembership status, except where indicated."

All Dates and Events subject to change without notice. Please

- Stacey Rolofs (h)299-3608 Past President - Jason Hicks

Secretary - Ellen Clague

contact the organizer of each event to confirm your attendance.

Sunday, July 19, 1998 - Monthly Hike -Brandywise Fails. Meeting Place;

Treasurer - Perren Stem

Parking Lot behind YWCA on Burrard Street. 8:30am. Contact Jason 876-4339 Events & Activities

(See Page 6) Saturday, July 25, 1998 - Victoria JET Alumni Pub Night. Garrick's Head Pub (in Bastion Square). BiOQpm. Contact Gien 250-381-1067.(See Page 4) Saturday & Sunday, August 1 & 2, 1998 - Powell Street Festival. Again this year the Japanese Consulate will have a booth there. Alumni are welcome to come and assist as they talk about the JET Program and Japan. Contact Mr. Ida 684-5868 x 255.

- Boleyn Relova 522-8761 Membership - Liz Stephen Newsletter

- Paul Donovan (w)662-7579 Members-at-Large

Thursday, August 6, 1998 - Steering Committee Meeting, Robson

- Vacant

College, 541 Seymour Street. Contact Stacey 299-3608. All Alumni Are Wel

- Vacant

come To Attend.

Sunday, August 23, 1998 - Monthly Hike -Mt. Baker, Washington. Meeting Place: Parking Lot behind YWCA on Burrard Street. Contact Jason 876-4339 (See Page 6)

Vancouver Island Rep. - Glen Allen (h) 250-381-1067 Consulate Representative - Mr. T. Ida

Thursday, September 3, 1998 - Steering Committee Meeting, Robson College, 541 Seymour Street, Contact Stacey 299-3608. Ail Alumni Are Wel come To Attend.

Late September, 1998 - Alumni Fall Gathering - To meet newly returned alumni. Details not set yet. Please see next month's issue for details. Contact Boleyn at 522-8761 in August for more information.

Late September, 1998(Sunday)- Monthly Hike. Date & Destination To

Be Announced. Meeting Place: Parking Lot behind YWCA on Burrard Street.

Contact Jason 876-4339(See Page 6) Thursday, October 1, 1998 - Steering Committee Meeting. Robson

JETAABC Contact Info Postal Mailing Address: JETAABC Bentall Centre PO Box 48121

Vancouver, BC V7X1N8

College, 541 Seymour Street. Contact Stacey 299-3608. All Alumni Are Wel come To Attend.

Web Site Address:

Late October, 1998 - Monthly Hike. Mt Finlayson and Goldstream Park, Victoria. Meeting Place: Parking Lot behind YWCA on Burrard Street. Time &

www.vwv-lnk.com/jetaabc

Date To Be Announced. Contact Jason at 876-4339 or Glen at 250-381-1067.

jetaabc(gget-info.net

(See Page 6)

Late October or Early November, 1998 - JETAABC Re-Entry Orienta tion & Career Day. Date and Location to be announced in next newsletter. Con tact Boleyn at 522-8761. Volunteers needed.(See Page 5)

Early November, 1998 - Welcome Back Reception for new alumni. Date and Location to be announced. By invitation only. Hosted by the Consulate.

Thursday, November 5, 1998 - Steering Committee Meeting. Robson College, 541 Seymour Street. Contact Stacey 299-3608. All Alumni Are Wel come To Attend.

Page 8

JET Alumni Association of British Columbia

Email Address: Editor's Tel: 604-662-7579 Editor's Fax: 604-662-7591 Editor's Email:

pauld@vwv-ink.com Next Deadline

September 3rd, 1998