Spring 2003 Volume 9 Issue 1

Vo l u m e 9 - N u m b e r 1

Spring 2003 The JET Quarterly Update T h e Ja p a n E xc h a n g e a n d Te a ch i n g A l u m n i Association Newsletter

In This Issue President's Note Steering Committee

Island Rep

1 2 3

Manning Park

Consulate Updates

Events Calendar

Think Tank

4 5 6

NHK Nodojiman Movie Review

Pre-Departure Seminar

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W

ow! So this is what it’s like to be president – on top of thinking that I can order everyone around, I get to command a section of the newsletter devoted entirely to my ramblings. Think of the power! Think of the possibilities!

Well now I’m just getting ahead of myself, s o l e t m e j u s t f o c u s o n t h i s y e a r. F o r 2 0 0 3 , I w o u l d l i k e J E TA A B C t o b e c o m e a much more relaxed and friendly place.

A place where you can kick back and s a y, “ D i g i t , m a n ” . I f I h a d m y w a y, e a c h and every one of you would be issued a hammock and a steaming mug of ocha, right now! Our new Social Events C o o r d i n a t o r, D e r e n S e n t e s y, i s , a s y o u read this, tirelessly planning and organizing an array of activities for your every whim ( p l e a s e s e e t h e ‘ J E TA A B C Te n t a t i v e Schedule for 2003’). Both our February pub night event, and our March Manning Park Trip saw many new faces. But why stop there? There are wineries in the Okanagan that are crying to be toured and sampled. There are huge mountains with beautiful slopes that desperately need to be hiked and mountain biked. There is a dish of donburi or okonomiyaki in some future cooking class that is begging you, YOU, to bring it life. Who are we to deny these callings?

There’s more! Preparation Seminar Coo r d i n a t o r, A n g i e F r e e d m a n , i s c o o k i n g u p p l a n s f o r t h e J u n e 1 4 th e v e n t . W i l l you be there? There will be approximately 1 5 0 n e w J E Ts l e a v i n g f o r J a p a n t h i s year, all of whom could call you “Sempai”.

They may need information and advice t h a t o n l y y o u , a n e x p e r i e n c e d J E T, c a n provide. This is your chance to give back what others gave you. Some future JET in some future world is saying right n o w, “ I f i t w e r e n ’ t f o r s o - a n d - s o t e l l i n g me what to pack for Japan or how to get a driver’s license there, I wouldn’t have had the courage or inspiration to pursue my plan for world peace that we have today”. Need I say more?

J E TA A B C h a d a n e x c e l l e n t y e a r i n 2 0 0 2 under the stewardship of Ryan Butt. Both Ryan and former past president Liz Stephen, as well as numerous others, put in countless hours organizing and executing the highly successful JETAA International Conference held in November last year. Special thanks to Adele Pransky and Paul Donovan for their major contributions, as well. 2002 s a w c o m m u n i c a t i o n b e t w e e n J E TA A B C members improve due to efficiencies in the e-mail tree and the JETAABC website.

For the post-Japan career-perplexed, J E TA A B C c o - s p o n s o r e d a l o n g w i t h S F U Harbour Centre a series of brainstorming sessions and career workshops with M s . To s h i m i O n o . O n b e h a l f o f t h e 2 0 0 3 Steering Committee, I would like to thank the 2002 Steering Committee for their support and hard work. Stefan, Julian, M a t t , L i z , N a n c y, S u z e t t e a n d R y a n , f o r w i t h o u t a l l o f y o u , J E TA A B C w o u l d n o t b e w h e r e i t i s t o d a y.

It is at this juncture that I must confess my super powers as president are but an illusion, for without my superhuman s t e e r i n g c o m m i t t e e m e m b e r s t h i s y e a r, I would probably end up staring into outerspace, picking my nose and vaguely thinking that there’s something about ‘JET’ I should be remembering or doing.

This year’s team is enthusiastic, energetic and full of ideas. We have had an absolutely fantastic start to the year and I am really excited about the possibilities for 2003.

I t i s t h e t e a m w o r k a s p e c t o f J E TA A B C t h a t I a m d r a w n t o a n d e n j o y. W h e t h e r it is the chance to work with a supportive and dedicated team, participate in a highly rewarding event like the prep seminar, or wax nostalgic with someone knowing o f k o t a t s u , I h o p e J E TA A B C p r o v i d e s you with as much as it has provided me.

On behalf of the 2003 Steering Committee, I invite you to take advantage of the events b e i n g p l a n n e d f o r t h i s y e a r.

H u m b l y Yo u r s , Kristin Olson

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2003 Steering Committee Members President

K r i s t i n O l s o n w a s J E TA A B C ’ s s e c r e t a r y l a s t y e a r, and has decided to venture forth this year to be its president. During her spare time, Kristin may be found lounging in her hammock, or lurking a r o u n d J e r i c h o b e a c h , o r p e r i o d i c a l l y, e x p l o r i n g and getting lost in obscure corners of the gastronomic universe. She is the proud owner of a didgeridoo, yet does not know how to play it. She highly recommends aspera-bacon at Guu. president.bc@jetaa.ca

Secretary and Pre-Departure Seminar Coordinator

After flourishing for two years on a remote island in Nagasaki-ken, Angie returned to Canada in 2000.

S h e c h o s e t o l i v e i n Va n c o u v e r, w h e r e s h e k n e w no-one, but at least was close to a large Japanese c o m m u n i t y. I n t h e 2 ½ y e a r s s i n c e h e r r e t u r n f r o m Japan, this small-town girl has started to feel more at home by volunteering at Planned Parenthood, joining a book club, taking classes in yoga, ballroom d a n c i n g , p o t t e r y, a q u a s i z e , a n d f o s t e r i n g a c a t for the SPCA. Angie is qualified to be an ikebana i n s t r u c t o r, a n d i s c u r r e n t l y s t u d y i n g We s t e r n f l o r a l design. She also has a fondness for prime numbers. s e c r e t a r y. b c @ j e t a a . c a p r e p s e m i n a r. b c @ j e t a a . c a

Tr e a s u r e r

Matthew Fedoruk (Gifu-ken, 1997-1999) is the JETAABC sempai currently serving his 4 term on the steering C o m m i t t e e . H e i s a c l a s s i c A t y p e p e r s o n a l i t y, somewhat obsessive about both his studies and competitive running. Currently completing his Ph.D. in Medicine at UBC, his dinner table conversation revolves around men’s reproductive issues, namely p r o s t a t e c a n c e r. A m o n g h i s o t h e r c o m p u l s i o n s , he can usually be found riding fearlessly through Va n c o u v e r t r a ff i c , e n j o y i n g h i s s w a n k n e w Ya l e t o w n condo, and figuring out just how long he has until graduation. t r e a s u r e r. b c @ j e t a a . c a

Career Seminar Coordinator

Stephenie Gold (Hyogo-ken, 1998-2000) will be the Career Seminar Coordinator for the returning J E Ts f o r 2 0 0 3 . S h e m o v e d t o Va n c o u v e r j u s t o v e r a y e a r a g o f r o m N e w Yo r k C i t y, a n d i s c u r r e n t l y a graduate student in Counselling Psychology at UBC. When Stephenie is not busy crying over not being able to remember basic kanji after four years o f s t u d y, y o u c a n f i n d h e r r u m i n a t i n g o v e r w h e t h e r to take another Japanese course to prolong her suffering in the limbo state of Japanese language m e d i o c r i t y. c a r e e r s e m i n a r. b c @ j e t a a . c a

Newsletter Editor

Damien Vilaysane (Kyoto-fu, 2001-2002) will be t h e n e w s l e t t e r c o o r d i n a t o r f o r J E TA A B C f o r 2 0 0 3 .

Damien came to us all the way from Laos many years ago, and since not missing the harsh hot summer of most southeastern Asian countries, h e i s l o v i n g i t h e r e i n Va n c o u v e r. W h e n D a m i e n is not busy with studying or is involved with a project, he can be found meddling with the four fish tanks he has in his home. In fact, when no one is looking, he can be caught sticking his head into the tanks to simulate his experience while visiting some of the beaches of Okinawa, Japan. n e w s l e t t e r. b c @ j e t a a . c a

Membership Director

Andrew Eisenberg (Hyogo-ken, 1998-2000) will be the database and membership coordinator f o r J E TA A B C i n 2 0 0 3 . H e m o v e d f r o m N e w Yo r k a y e a r a g o t o t h e s u n n y c i t y o f Va n c o u v e r. A s a first year grad student in computer science at UBC, Andrew has lots of free time. When he is not doing his homework, you can often find him doing his homework, or sometimes even doing h i s h o m e w o r k . ( A c t u a l l y, o n c e t h i s s e m e s t e r i s f i n a l l y o v e r, A n d r e w w i l l r e s u m e t h e a c t i v i t i e s t h a t he loves like ultimate frisbee and hiking.) Andrew has wistful memories of a distant past when he used to live in a Japanese fishing village and eat kani. membership.bc@jetaa.ca

Social Events Coordinator

Deren arrived back to his hometown near Ottawa in 2002 after living 3 years in the mountains of Nagano. In Nagano he spent his time playing in the hills on his bike, snowboard, and hiking boots.

In between expeditions he organized English Camps for the Ken and taught at 3 schools. The things Deren really misses about Japan: 100 yen sushi, Onsens any time of the week, and looking out f o r t h e 1 s t y e a r J E Ts . H i s o n l y p l a n f o r t h e f u t u r e is to get a decent job so he can afford to stay in Va n c o u v e r. events.bc@jetaa.ca

Consulate General of Japan Contacts 9 0 0 - 11 7 7 W e s t H a s t i n g s S t r e e t Va n c o u v e r, B C , V 6 E 2 K 9 Te l : 6 0 4 . 6 8 4 . 5 8 6 8

Ms. Akiko Fujikawa

kanbo3@consuljpnvan.com ext. 235

Questions or comments? info.bc@jetaa.ca

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Va n c o u v e r I s l a n d & G u l f I s l a n d s R e p 2003 Anna A. Poulton I grew up in Poland and went to school where Russian and English were taught. Entering the University of Warsaw’s New Languages Department, I chose Japanese over Arabic and in addition took some training in classical Chinese over Korean in t h e y e a r s t o f o l l o w. L o o k i n g b a c k to 1977, these were both tough and easy choices to make. As a direct result of the Solidarity movement developments in Poland, back in 1980 while still in England, I came to Canada as a landed immigrant to join my family here, and most importantly to graduate from the U n i v e r s i t y o f To r o n t o i n 1 9 8 5 .

Under the Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme 1989-90, I was employed as a Coordinator for International Relations in Itabashi-ku, one of Tokyo’s 23 ward-cities. It was a dream job

for me, full of challenges, never boring, always learning and often tip-toeing. Among my varied functions, I co-organized and over-saw the First Itabashi Canadian Fair - an event in relation to Itabashi (Tokyo) - Burlington ( O n t a r i o ) Tw i n n i n g i n i t s f u l l s w i n g !

Yo u n a m e i t - w e g o t i t a t t h e f a i r !

The days were filled with live bands performing various music, food samples, souvenirs, toys, books, and even a white polar bear was put on display.

The event was a great success: numbers of attendants exceeded expectations as the free venue attracted thousands of visitors, mostly Japanese but not exclusively. All Canadian commercial products presented by Japanese companies were sold out, and most i m p o r t a n t l y i n t h e y e a r s t o f o l l o w, the event was to be repeated. The event, as well as the Burlington Teen

To u r B a n d , g o t t h e N H K c o v e r a g e for a couple of minutes on the national television. It was also well receivedby the newspapers. My heart still goes “po-poom” with the memories of it. Of course, the power of the music from the band marching down the street was uplifting and unforgettable.

Thank you JET Programme for making it all possible. A teamwork and a fine balancing act, of course, always involve a lot of planning and preparation, and I was a part of it all. It certainly made me humble towards anyone who can successfully run a public or private enterprise: there is always so much at stake. One must always apply good judgment and adapt to ever changing circumstances of politics and markets.

To all Vancouver Island and Gulf Island AJETs, I am trying to put together an updated list of contacts. Please assist me by sending me an email to indicate who you are and your current address. The more accurate and updated this list, the better connection we can have of each o t h e r. I c a n b e r e a c h e d a t : Anna A. Poulton, Victoria, BC <pacificleaves@yahoo.com> (business) or <annaao@hotmail.com> (private)

Jamming in Manning -by Johnny Oshika and Angie Freedman The annual JETAABC trip to Manning P a r k - h e l d o n F e b r u a r y 1 9 th t o 21st - was full of adventure, entertainment, and toys.

time too, but on this trip it was the entertainment that topped the charts.

As expected at an outdoor winter resort, the adventure consisted of Skiing, Snowboarding, Snowshoeing, and Tubing. The weather was perfect for winter sports: mild temperatures with gentle snow falling all weekend.

As with most trips to Manning, you’d think that such sporting adventures would have been the highlight this

Seven JET alumni and their friends made the 3-hour trip to the resort, as well as an impressive list of rare and foreign instruments. So foreign, in fact, that half of us couldn’t even pronounce the names of some the instruments! We were serenaded by the mournful tones of a didgeridoo, mandolin improv, flutes hand-carved ...continued on p. 5

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Updates from the Japanese Consulate -by Steve Chevalier Interviews for the 2003-2004 JET Programme were held this past February 19-21. Many JET Alumni were involved as either interview panelists or reception desk personnel. We are very thankful for the continued support of the Alumni in helping us select the best c a n d i d a t e s t o p a r t i c i p a t e i n J E T. Final result letters were sent out at the beginning of April. In total, there are 142 short-listed ALT candidates and 9 CIR candidates, who are now scheduled for placement with a contracting organization in Japan.

T h i s y e a r, w e a r e t r y i n g o u t a n e w Ya h o o G r o u p , “ j e t b c . ” I t w a s s e t u p f o r c a n d i d a t e s d e p a r t i n g f r o m Va n c o u v e r to share information and advice directly related to the pre-departure process for the 2003-2004 JET P r o g r a m m e . J E TA A B C m e m b e r s a r e w e l c o m e t o j o i n this group to help answer participant questions and alleviate concerns they have before departing.

Visit http://groups.yahoo.com/group/jetbc/ for more information and to subscribe to this group.

Kawai-san will be leaving our office at the end of May to return to the Ministry of National Defense in To k y o . A t t h e C o n s u l a t e , h e w i l l b e m i s s e d i n h i s role as the diplomatic officer in charge of the JET Programme. We wish him good luck in his future position. Kawai-san’s replacement is Akiko Fujikawa.

After participating in this year’s interviews, she is very eager to help out with the JET Programme.

Farewell Kawai-san - by Matthew Fedoruk After three years as Vice Consul in charge of the JET Programme, Hideaki Kawai will be leaving on M a y 1 s t . D u r i n g h i s t i m e i n Va n c o u v e r, h e h a s b e e n very enthusiastic about promoting the JET Programme and working to develop a very strong relationship b e t w e e n t h e C o n s u l a t e o f J a p a n a n d J E TA A B C . S h o r t l y a f t e r a r r i v i n g i n Va n c o u v e r h e q u i c k l y l e a r n e d t h a t BC drivers are an insane bunch, and promptly sold his vehicle. He now has intimate knowledge of the transit system, and has covered countless miles on f o o t . To o u r d e l i g h t , h i s h a r d - w i r e d s e n s e o f p u n c t u a l i t y has also been jaded by his interactions with us West C o a s t f o l k . H e h a p p i l y s h o w s u p a t J E TA A B C m e e t i n g s a few minutes late. He has truly become Canadian!

A m o n g h i s h o b b i e s w h i l e i n Va n c o u v e r, K a w a i - s a n played beach volleyball and took numerous trips South

to partake in the worst of the American Dream. He h a p p i l y s h a r e s , “ I l o v e L a s Ve g a s ! ! ” a n d h i s s t o r i e s of trips to fun-in-the-sun destinations. One of my fondest memories of Kawai-san is when he was the super-model during the JET Pre-Departure orientation a couple of years ago. He proudly dawned a T-shirt with “Canada-jin!” and showed it off while flexing his muscles! Nice work! Kawai-san willl be transferred t o h i s n e w j o b i n To k y o i n t h e D e f e n s e P o l i c y B u r e a u of the Ministry of National Defense, admitting that he’s “very worried” that he’ll be working a lot more t h a n i n Va n c o u v e r. W e w i s h h e a n d h i s w i f e Ta e k o all the best on their return to Japan and in their future.

Please come and visit us again soon! All your hard work and enthusiasm will be missed! Itte rasshai!

Ogenki de ne!

5 Jamming from Manning (continues)...

EVENTS CALENDAR Past Events January –

Annual General Meeting / Shinnenkai. We had quite a turn out for this event as things from the previous year was being wrapped up, and was quickly followed by the an election to produce this year’s new steering committee.

February

– Pub Night at Aki Restaurant. Good times were had at a real authentic Japanese restaurant, where even the waiters and waitresses spoke Japanese.

from the wild bamboo of Hawaii, and a variety of drums of varying sizes, materials, and cultures.

We were fortunate that some people on the trip were musically gifted, while others were blessed with skill in the culinary arts. Sometimes you have quantity, other times you have quality, but the adventurers of the Manning Park excursion enjoyed both at the same time.

Evening meals included Japanese-style pasta and slow-cooked chilli made from scratch.

In the morning, campers were awakened by the smell of freshly-baked cinnamon buns.

Cool evenings were warmed by mulled wine and hot chocolate.

March

– Manning Park excursion. Please see related article on the same page.

April

– Va n c o u v e r A r t G a l l e r y. G r e a t s u c c e s s ! W h o w o u l d have thought that an art gallery would have music, drinks and hors-d’oeuvres? This was immediately followed by a gathering at Lucy Mae Brown on Richards St.

May May 9

C a r e e r T h i n k Ta n k 6 : 3 0 - 8 : 3 0 p m a t S F U Harbour Centre

May 9

Social Gathering at Yaletown after Career T h i n k Ta n k . M o r e d e t a i l s f o r t h c o m i n g .

June June 14

JET Pre-Departure Seminar

July B B Q S e n d O f f P a r t y f o r n e w J E Ts . M o r e details forthcoming.

G r o u p 1 J E Ts D e p a r t

August G r o u p 2 J E Ts D e p a r t

And now the toys. Ah yes, the toys. What would the boys do without them? Imagine not being able to practice saving each other in avalanches using beacons. Consider communication without the high-power walkietalkies: how would we have survived if we couldn’t call each other when 30 feet apart?

The girls rolled their eyes at they boys’ excitement for some reason. Rather than being impressed with the long-range distance of these essential electronic gadgets, the girls appreciated more low-tech amusements, including making snow angels and reading quietly in the afternoon.

The differences between the genders were smoothed, however, as we all trekked together through the snow to enjoy the warmth of the resort’s hot tub and saunas.

Reservations have already been made for Weekend Retreat Okanagan Wineries Tour. next year’s trip. Keep your schedules free More details forthcoming. and your eyes open for your invitation to enjoy the outdoor adventure and friendly company a t t h e J E TA A B C M a n n i n g P a r k E x c u r s i o n i n February 2004!

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Think Tank - by Kristin Olson

J E TA A B C i s h o s t i n g a s e r i e s o f T h i n k Ta n k s f o r a l u m n i who are interested in discussing career issues (resumes, interviews, networking, career ideas, etc.) Sponsoredin-part by the David Lam Centre SFU Harbour Centre, the third and final think tank for the 2002-2003 winter s e a s o n w i l l b e h e l d o n F r i d a y, M a y 9 , 6 : 3 0 - 8 : 3 0 p m at SFU Harbour Centre. Experienced career counsellor To s h i m i O n o w i l l a l s o b e i n a t t e n d a n c e . Yo u n e e d not have attended previous career seminars/think tanks to participate.

Please contact Kristin Olson at president.bc@jetaa.ca to make your reservation.

Spirited Away T H E “ J A PA N I M AT I O N ” P H E N O M E N O N Inspired by a team of two-dimensional heroes, at least one sector of the Japanese economy is booming.

The legendary Astro Boy, Pokemon, Mazinger Z, Gundam, Sailor Moon, and Martian Successor Nadesico are just some of the names that have become familiar around the globe as Japanese cartoons, or anime, have cemented their place as the world’s favorite form of animated entertainment. Now the national and some local governments are working with the anime i n d u s t r y t o e n s u r e t h a t t o m o r r o w ’ s t o p a n i m a t o r s receive the training and support they need to maintain this success.

Growing Mainstream Recognition About 60% of all cartoons watched by people around the world today originate in Japan. Collectively dubbed “Japanimation,” Japanese cartoons incorporate the broadest range of themes, from action heroes and space operas to martial arts, monster battles, school life, and fantasy worlds - with a cast of colorful characters to match. ...continued next page

N H K N o d o - J i m a n i n Va n c o u v e r 2 0 0 3 C o m m i t t e e and NHK (Japan’s National Public Broadcasting s t a t i o n ) a n n o u n c e d t h a t Va n c o u v e r, B r i t i s h Columbia was successfully chosen as a location for the “Nodo-jiman 2003 Overseas” broadcast.

As a result of the local Japanese-Canadian ( N i k k e i ) c o m m u n i t y ’ s e f f o r t , Va n c o u v e r w a s c h o s e n o v e r c o m p e t i t o r s s u c h a s N e w Yo r k a n d L o s Angeles. The show will be broadcast live throughout Japan on noon, July 6, 2003 (Japan time). 25 million viewers are expected to watch the 75 minute broadcast.

Since “Nodo-Jiman” started broadcasting the event in different locations, it has been NHK’s intention to introduce local residents perspectives and a feel for their lives through interviews of c o n t e s t a n t s o n t h e s h o w.

The most recent “Nodo-Jiman Overseas” in North America was held in San Francisco in 2002. The event was highly successful, with viewer ratings reaching 19.6% in Japan. This means that over 25 million people in Japan watched this program.

A d d i t i o n a l l y, t h e e v e n t w a s b r o a d c a s t w o r l d w i d e over the NHK satellite program.

”We are confident that Nodo-Jiman will be a great o p p o r t u n i t y t o h i g h l i g h t Va n c o u v e r a n d B r i t i s h Columbia to Japanese viewers around the world. It is our sincere wish for the event to boost the local To u r i s m I n d u s t r y a n d a t t r a c t m o r e v i s i t o r s f r o m Japan and the world”, said Gordon Kadota, NHK N o d o - J i m a n i n Va n c o u v e r 2 0 0 3 C o m m i t t e e C h a i r m a n . “ A d d i t i o n a l l y, w e w o u l d l i k e t o t h a n k t h e C i t y o f Va n c o u v e r, t h e G o v e r n m e n t o f B r i t i s h Columbia and various organizations in Nikkei community for supporting us to win the bid.”

Contestant application and ticket Information on “ N o d o - J i m a n i n Va n c o u v e r 2 0 0 3 ” i s a v a i l a b l e a t w w w. n o d o j i m a n . c o m o r e m a i l a t info@nodojiman.com.

7 Spirited Away (continued...)

The full-fledged export of anime titles began in the 1970s. Astro Boy gained popularity in Asia and the United States, while Mazinger Z was a hit in Europe. Non-Japanese have always been a part of the h a r d c o r e o f a n i m e f a n s . H o w e v e r, it was Pikachu and his fellow monsters that really pushed Japanese animation into the mainstream of global entertainment. Pocket Monsters (Pokemon) was anime’s first major commercial success outside Japan. Pokemon: The First Movie, which was released at the end of 1999, was a numberone box office smash in the United States, and the Pokemon TV series was eventually broadcast in more than 60 countries. In monetary terms, some ¥1.2 billion (US$10 million at 120 yen to the dollar) worth of card games were shipped to every corner of the world, and the franchise generated merchandising sales of ¥1 trillion ($8.3 billion) in Japan and another ¥2 trillion ($16.7 billion) abroad.

Miyazaki Achieves an Historic First Anime certainly proved its universal appeal in 2002 with the release of Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi (English title: Spirited Away), an animated feature from acclaimed Japanese filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki.

This feature follows the fanciful adventures of a ten-year-old girl named Chihiro, who discovers a secret world when she and her family get lost and venture through a hillside tunnel. When her parents undergo a mysterious transformation, Chihiro must fend for herself as she encounters strange spirits, assorted creatures and a grumpy sorceress who seeks to prevent her from returning to the human world.

Spirited Away claimed top honors in its category at the Sunday night Oscar® ceremonies. It was one of the most critically acclaimed films of 2002 and was selected by many leading journalists as one o f t h e i r “ t o p t e n ” f i l m s o f l a s t y e a r.

“Spirited Away” has previously received the Annie Award (from ASIFA-Hollywood), the Golden Bear Award (from the Berlin Film Festival), and was honored as the year’s best animated film by the Los Angeles Film Critics Association, the Broadcast Film Critics Association, and National Board o f R e v i e w.

Due to the high profile it receDue to the high profile it received on the Academy night, the film is being released again to theatres across the c o u n t r y. C a t c h i t i f you can before it is spirited away again.

Vancouver Japanese Animation Society To t h o s e o n t h e W e s t Coast, especially in the Va n c o u ve r a r e a , yo u a r e invited to our anime showing at Douglas College, in New W e s t m i n s t e r. O u r s h o w i n g are always on the third Sunday of every month and we show a wide variety of Anime from Ah! My Goddess! to Zone of Enders.

Location: Douglas College 700 Royal Avenue N e w W e s t m i n s t e r, B C Room #1614 Notice of change: Next month’s showcase, April’s, will be delayed by one week — so instead of it being April 20th, it is April 27th.

Admission fee: $3 (non-VJAS members) free (VJAS members with valid membership)

More information can be obtained from the following websites: h t t p : / / w w w. s h a d o w y d r e a m e r. c o m / V J A S / h t t p : / / w w w. v j a s . c o m / v j a s - f l a s h - i e . h t m l

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JET Pre-Departure Seminar - by Damien Vilaysane

T h a t t i m e o f t h e y e a r h a s c o m e i n w h i c h t h e n e w l y s e l e c t e d J E Ts w i l l s o o n e m b a r k o n a life-changing journey to the land of the rising sun. As an alumni, you are familiar with their upcoming hectic times. JET Prep Seminars, goodbye parties, shopping sprees, packing a n d r e - p a c k i n g a r e a m o n g t h e f e w t h i n g s t h a t t h e s e J E Ts w i l l e n c o u n t e r a s t h e y t r y t o p r e p a r e t h e m s e l v e s f o r d e p a r t u r e . P r e - D e p a r t u r e S e m i n a r C o o r d i n a t o r, A n g i e F r e e d m a n i s p l a n n i n g a n d d e t a i l i n g t h e d e p a r t u r e s e m i n a r. To t h o s e w h o h a v e a l r e a d y r e s p o n d e d t o her emailing-tree’s request for volunteers, thank you for responding so promptly and b e i n g s o a c t i v e i n t h e J E TA A B C c o m m u n i t y. To t h o s e w h o a r e h a v e n o t y e t r e s p o n d e d , b u t wish to, please contact Angie to see what postions are still available. She can be reached at: Email: afreedman@apeg.bc.ca P h o n e : 6 0 4 . 4 1 2 . 4 8 7 1 ( w ) o r 6 0 4 . 7 7 3 . 3 2 11 ( c ) To t h o s e w h o w i l l b e a t t e n d i n g t h i s s e m i n a r, t h a n k y o u f o r c o m i n g o u t a n d m e e t i n g t h e n e w J E Ts , a n d s h a r i n g y o u r e x p e r i e n c e . S i n c e e v e r y s i t u a t i o n i s d i f f e r e n t , e v e r y e n c o u n t e r y o u e x p e r i e n c e d i n J a p a n i s i n v a l u a b l e t o t h e n e w J E Ts .

T h i s y e a r ’ s J E T P r e - D e p a r t u r e S e m i n a r w i l l b e h e l d o n S a t u r d a y, J u n e 1 4 t h , 2 0 0 3 , a t : Va n c o u v e r E n g l i s h C e n t r e 2 5 0 S m i t h e S t r e e t , Va n c o u v e r, B C

From the Editor...

I t i s a m a z i n g h o w, i n t h e b l i n k o f a n e y e , 1 / 3 o f t h e y e a r h a s g o n e b y a l r e a d y.

I n t h i s t i m e , I h a v e m a n a g e d t o p r o d u c e m y f i r s t n e w s l e t t e r e v e r, t h a n k s t o t h e g r a c i o u s h e l p i n g h a n d o f m y p r e d e c e s s o r, S t a f a n C h o b o t a r. W i t h h i s continue assistance and input, I shall try my best to continue putting forth newsletters of the same outstanding quality as he had. I would also like to t h a n k t h e J E TA A B C c o m m u n i t y f o r a l l o w i n g m e t h e o p p o r t u n i t y t o s e r v e o n the Steering Committee.

A s a l w a y s , t h e J E TA A B C n e w s l e t t e r f e a t u r e s c o n t r i b u t i o n s f r o m J E Ts ( c u r r e n t a n d p a s t ) t h r o u g h o u t B C , Yu k o n a n d J a p a n . F o r f u t u r e e d i t i o n s , I w o u l d like to ask all JET members to help submit articles that are either JET or Japan related that they wish publicised. The newsletter is for you and can b e a v a l u a b l e t o o l t o m a k e c o n n e c t i o n s w i t h o t h e r J E Ts i n t h e p r o v i n c e , territory and/or Japan.

Thank you Contributors Kristin Olson, Johnny Oshika, Angie Freedman, Anna Poulton, Matthew F e d o r u k , S t e v e C h e v a l i e r, D e r e n S e n t o s y, S t e p h e n i e Gold, Andrew Eisenberg