ÿþ<html> <head> <title>JASMIS News and Events</title> <link type="text/css" rel="stylesheet" href="jasmis.css"> <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=iso-8859-1"> </head> <body> <TABLE BORDER=0 BORDERCOLOR="#000000" WIDTH=100% cols=2> <COL ALIGN=CENTER WIDTH=13%> <COL ALIGN=CENTER> <TBODY> <TR> <TD> <A HREF="default.htm"><img src="logos/JASMIS_map.gif" alt="JASMIS Home" height=185 BORDER=0></a> </TD> <TD> <div align="center" class="title">THE JAPAN-AMERICA SOCIETY OF MISSISSIPPI<br>EVENTS</div> </TD> </TR> </TABLE> <TABLE BORDER=0 BORDERCOLOR="#000000" WIDTH=100% COLS=2> <COL ALIGN=LEFT WIDTH=70%> <COL ALIGN=LEFT WIDTH=30%> <TR> <TD CLASS="menu1" >EVENTS </TD> <TD CLASS="menu1" >NEWS ARCHIVES </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD> <TABLE BORDER=0 BORDERCOLOR="#000000" WIDTH=100%> <TR> <TD class="heading14" align=center>Upcoming Events </TD> </TR> <!-- <TR> <TD class="special2_l"> <a name="NewYear">Ninth Annual New Year Celebration</a> </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD class="special3_l"> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6:00 PM on Sunday, January 30th<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Little Tokyo Restaurant - 876 Avery Boulevard North in Ridgeland, MS<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tickets - $50.00<br> </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD class="content12"> You are invited to the Japan-America Society of Mississippi's Ninth Annual New Year Celebration. Please plan on joining everyone at Little Tokyo in Ridgeland, MS to celebrate the New Year with our annual <i>kanpai</i> as well as enjoying <i>oshechi ryori</i> (traditional Japanese New Year's food), entertainment, fellowship and door prizes. <br><br> This year we are providing special entertainment - music by <b>Beauty and the Beast</b> from Nashville, TN, and featuring the Honorable Hiroshi Sato, Consul-General of Japan. <b>Beauty and the Beast</b> have performed around Tennessee and especially in Nashville, including the Grand Ole Opry with Alison Brown. This will be their first performance in Mississippi, so please come welcome them. Performing with Consul-General Sato will be regular member Yumi Bhattarai and special guest Maro Kawabata.<br><br> The cover fee will be $50.00 per adult, and any small children will be able to share food with a parent or sibling. The cover fee includes all of your tax, drinks and tip. We are limited to 70 seats, so please hurry. The deadline for reservations is January 22nd, 2010.<br><br> To reserve your seats, please make your check payable to <b>JASMIS</b> and send by 1/22/2010 to:<br> JASMIS<br> 6007 Lake Trace Circle<br> Jackson, MS 39211-2804<br><br> To make other arrangments, feel free to telephone (601)956-4453<br><br> Come and join us and learn about the cultural significance of the New Year (<i>oshogatsu</i>) and the people of Japan. Entertainment will be provided, and door prizes will be given out.<br><br> Keep checking the JASMIS website for updates, and hopefully we will be posting the menu as it becomes available. Please <A HREF="mailto:eason@irby.com?subject=New Year Celebration">email us</a> with any questions you may have. We hope to see you there.<br> </TD> </TR> --> <TR> <TD class="special2_l"> <a name="Bunraku">Bunraku Bay Puppet Theatre</a> </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD class="special3_l"> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7:00 PM on Saturday, February 5th<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tupelo High School Performing Arts Complex - Tupelo, MS<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tickets - $5.00<br> </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD class="special3_l"> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3:00 PM on Saturday, February 19th<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In conjunction with the Mississippi Museum of Art exhibit <u>The Orient Expressed: Japan s Influence on Western Art, 1854-1918</u><br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Alamo Theater, Jackson, MS. Free Round-trip bussing to theater from museum provided.</u><br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tickets - $10.00<br> </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD class="content12"> The Japan-America Society of Mississippi is pleased to host the Bunraku Bay Puppet Theatre from Columbia, Missouri. Under the direction of Prof. Martin Holman of the Japanese Studies Program at the main campus of the University of Missouri in Columbia, Missouri, Bunraku Bay Puppet Theatre offers performances of pieces from the traditional Bunraku repertoire. Bunraku Bay is the only troupe in the United States that performs the traditional Japanese puppetry known as <i>ningyo joruri</i> or Bunraku. The  bay of the Troupe s name derives from the Bay State of Massachusetts, where the Troupe was first organized, and from the <i>bei</i> (pronounced  bay ) of the Japanese word <i>Beikoku</i>, which means  America, suggesting the Troupe s slogan,  Traditional Japanese Puppetry in America. <br><br> The performers of the Bunraku Bay Puppet Troupe have been trained in Japan by artists from the 170-year-old Tonda Puppet Troupe of Biwa-cho in Shiga Prefecture, northeast of the old capital of Kyoto, and the Imada Puppet Troupe and Kuroda Puppet Troupe--both more than 300 years old--of Iida City in Nagano Prefecture in central Japan.<br> </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD class="box1"><br> </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD class="content12"> The February 5th show will be held at the Tupelo High School Performing Arts Complex, with tickets available at the Tupelo High School PAC Box Office the day of the show.<br><br> All seats are $5.00.<br><br> Brought to you by BancorpSouth, Community Development Foundation, Hilton Garden Inn of Tupelo, Journal Publishing Company, Inc., North Mississippi Medical Center, Oxford-Lafayette County Economic Development Foundation, The North Mississippi Industrial Development Association, Renasant Bank, T.V.A Economic Development, WTVA/WKDH/WLOV, Itawamba Community College. <br> </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD class="box1"><br> </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD class="content12"> The February 19th show will be held at the Alamo Theater, 333 North Farish Street, Jackson, Mississippi, with tickets available at the Mississippi Museum of Art.<br><br> All seats are $10. <br><br> Free parking and free roundtrip bussing to theater will be available through MS Museum of Art at 380 South Lamar Street.<br> For more information, <a href="http://store.msmuseumart.org/">go to the Mississippi Museum of Art Website </a> or call the museum at 601-960-1515<br><br> <a href="http://store.msmuseumart.org/tickets.aspx">Click here to purchase tickets...</a><br><br> </TD> </TR> <!-- <TR> <TD class="special2_l"> <a name="millsapstaiko">Concert: The Mississippi Symphony Orchestra with Special Guest Nobuyuki Tsujii</a> </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD class="special3_l"> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Millsaps College Ford Academic Complex<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Thursday, April 22nd, 2008 at 7:30PM<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;LIMITED SEATING!<br> </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD class="content12"> <a name="PressRelease"><font class="headline">Electrifying Pianist and Cliburn Winner, Nobuyuki Tsujii, to Appear with Mississippi Symphony Orchestra</font></a><br><br><img src="http://jasmis-us.com/images/NobuyukiTsujii02.jpg" width=300 align=right> Nobuyuki Tsujii has become a worldwide sensation in the past year, since winning a Gold medal at the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, one of the top competitions in the world. Blind since birth, Nobu, as he is affectionately known, will perform Chopin s Piano Concerto #1 with the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra on Thursday, April 22, 2010, 7:30 p.m. Chopin is Nobu's favorite composer because  his works' are so delicate and filled with beautiful melodies and harmony. He once said,  I want to be a great pianist so that people will say, 'I want to listen to Tsujii's Chopin.' In another interview, when asked what he would like to see if he had sight, he replied, smiling: "Right now, I'm seeing things sufficiently through my heart, so I am satisfied. <br><br> Nobu was born with a love of music and in spite of his blindness, he began to learn piano at the age of 4. He calls the piano his closest friend. The lack of works offered in Braille challenged Nobu to create his own method of learning through listening to recordings with the musical notations embedded. At the age of 12, he made noted recital debuts at Tokyo s Suntory Hall and Carnegie Hall s Weill Recital Hall. Now 21, Nobu is undaunted by the most technically challenging composers in Classical piano with other performance credits including the Japan Philharmonic Orchestra, Orchestre des Concerts Lamoureux, Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra and Tokyo Symphony Orchestra. He currently participates in the performer s program at the Ueno Gakuen College of Music in Tokyo.<br><br> The Houston (Texas) Gazette reported,  Tsujii has burst upon the (world) classical music scene as an electrifying discovery with star quality to burn. Back home in Japan, Nobu has reached super-star status with his recordings selling by the hundred thousands.<br><br> The Jackson concert, a fundraiser for the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra, will be in the Millsaps College Ford Academic Complex under the direction of Maestro Crafton Beck. Tickets are $100 and are available at 601-960-1565 or you can <a href="http://www.msorchestra.com/index.php/about-the-symphony/news-article/once-in-a-lifetime-experience/">order online.</a><br><br> </TD> </TR> --> <TR> <TD class="special2"><br> </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD class="heading14" align=center> </TD> </TR> </TABLE> <TABLE BORDER=0 BORDERCOLOR="#000000" WIDTH=100%> <TR> <TD class="heading14" align=center>Past Events </TD> </TR> </TABLE> <TABLE BORDER=0 BORDERCOLOR="#000000" WIDTH=100%> <TR> <TD class="subtitle"> <a name="Iaidou">IaidM: An Exhibition of Japanese Sword Arts Presented by Sword Masters from Fukuoka, Japan</a><br> </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD class="subtitle1"> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Wednesday, November 11th at 6:30 PM in Meek Hall on the Ole Miss Oxford Campus<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Thursday, November 12th at 6:30 PM in the Fine Arts Auditoreum on the Itawamba Community College Fulton Campus<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Friday, November 13th at 7:00 PM in the Ford Center for the Performing Arts at Millsaps College in Jackson<br> </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD class="content12"> The Japan-America Society of Mississippi (JASMIS) will be hosting five Sword Masters from Fukuoka, Japan, in 3 separate performances of martial arts, Japanese dance, and performances of Japanese folk songs in Oxford, Fulton and Jackson, MS. The first performance will be at 6:30 PM on Wednesday, November 11th at the University of Mississippi s Meek Hall. The second performance will be at 6:30P M on Thursday, November 12th at the ICC Fine Arts Auditorium in Fulton, with the third and final performance at 7:00 PM on Friday, November 13th at Millsaps College Ford Center for the Performing Arts in Jackson.<img src="images/IAI_7.JPG" width = 25% align=Right> <br> <br> The Japanese Sword Masters will be offering an exhibition of the ancient arts of <i>IaidM</i>, <i>JMjutsu</i>, <i>Jkjutsu</i> and <i>KendM</i>. Master Nawata will also perform a <i>Samurai Kuroda Bushi Buyo</i> (dance). Each event will also feature choral performances of traditional Japanese folk songs by local college choral groups.<br> <br> <i>IaidM</i> is the art of fluidly and smoothly drawing the sword (<i>katana</i>), striking the opponent and then replacing the sword. <i>JMjutsu</i> is the art of defending against a sword using a short (approx. 1 meter) wooden staff, or <i>jM</i>. <i>Jkjutsu</i> is the art of defense against an armed opponent using either bare hands or short weapons. <i>KendM</i> is literally  The way of the sword and is the art of Japanese fencing using a bamboo <i>shinai</i>.<br> <br> Each event will feature choral performances of traditional Japanese folk music. <br> <br> The Oxford and Fulton shows will feature the Blue Mountain College Chorale under the direction of Dr. Jerri Lamar Kantack, Choral Music Director at Blue Mountain College and Pontotoc native, combined with the Itawamba Community College Chamber Singers led by Choir Director Karen Davis.<br><img src="images/IAI_8.JPG" width = 20% align=right> <br> The Jackson performance will feature the Millsaps Singers under the direction of Dr. Timothy Coker, Professor of Choral Music and Chair of the Department of Performing Arts.<br> <br> Each event will also include time after the show for the audience members to meet and talk with the masters. <br> <br> For the North MS shows, tickets will be $5.00 for the general public and Japan-America Society members. Tickets are general admission only with no reserved seating. Tickets for the Oxford show on November 11th can be purchased at the University of Mississippi Box Office, and on-line at www.olemiss.edu by clicking on the event calendar. The University of Mississippi Box Office telephone number is (662)915-7411. Tickets for the ICC/Fulton show on November 12th can be purchased at the Itawamba Community College bookstores at the Fulton and Tupelo campuses. The Fulton Campus bookstore telephone number is (662)620-5065, and the Tupelo Campus Bookstore is (662)862-8205.<br> <br> Tickets for the Millsaps show will be $10 each for general public and JASMIS members. Tickets are all general admission with no reserve seating. Tickets for the Millsaps on November 13th can be purchased by calling (601)956-4453. <br> <br> Contributing Sponsors for these shows include BancorpSouth, Chattan Dojo USA, Community Development Foundation, Hilton Garden Inn of Tupelo, Journal Publishing Company, Inc., Little Tokyo Restaurant, Madison County Economic Development Authority, North Mississippi Medical Center, Oxford-Lafayette County Economic Development Foundation, Renasant Bank, Sakura Bana Restaurant, T.V.A Economic Development, Union County Development Authority, WTVA/WKDH/WLOV, The University of Mississippi, Blue Mountain College and Itawamba Community College. The North Mississippi Industrial Development Association, People s Bank of Ripley and the Tippah County Development Foundation are also helping to sponsor this event. </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD class="heading14" align=center> </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD class="subtitle"> <a name="GumTree">Tupelo Collects: East Meets West - An exhibition of Japanese Arts and Artifacts</a><br> </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD class="subtitle1"> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Monday, November 9th until Thursdat, December 31st<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The GumTree Museum of Art in downtown Tupelo, MS<br> </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD class="content12"> The North MS Committee of the Japan-America Society of Mississippi (JASMIS) is pleased to partner with the GumTree Museum of Art in downtown Tupelo, MS, for a reception to open their new exhibit. "Tupelo Collects: East Meets West - An exhibition of Japanese Arts and Artifacts" will run from November 9th until December 31st. The exhibit will feature will include <i>Ukiyoe</i> (Japanese woodblock prints), Japanese scrolls, Satsma pottery, a <i>Kimono</i> and <i>obi</i> collection, children s toys and other items loaned by local collectors for this exhibit. <br> <br> On Monday, November 9th, the GumTree Museum will host a reception from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM for the opening of the new exhibit, and will also feature an appearance by Masters Sakai, Nawata, Kawaji, Miyazaki and Kuroda - the five sword masters from Fukuoka, Japan, who will be in Mississippi for the Iaido exhibits on November 11th, 12th and 13th. This reception will be open to the public and will be free. Light hors d'oeuvre and sushi will be served along with drinks. Japanese <i>sake</i> will also be available for a toast (<i>kanpai</i>).<br> <br> The GumTree Museum of Art is located at 211 West main Stree in downtown Tupelo. For more information on the exhibit and reception, contact <A HREF="mailto:tina@gumtreemuseum.com?subject=Tupelo Collects: East Meets West">Tina Lutz</A>, Museum Director, or call (662)844-ARTS (2787). </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD class="heading14" align=center> </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD> <P><FONT class="subtitle"><u>Energy, Economy and the Environment: Challenges and Opportunities for the U.S. - Japan Relationship</u></P> </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD class="subtitle1"> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tuesday, November 18th, 2008<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Capitol Club of Jackson, Mississippi<br> </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD class="content12"> The Japan America Society of Mississippi and the Mississippi Development Authority co-hosted a luncheon at the Capitol Club entitled "Energy, Economy and the Environment: Challenges and Opportunities for the U.S. - Japan Relationship" on November 18. Speakers from Washington, DC including the Embassy of Japan, Panasonic Corporation, and the National Association of Japan-America Societies addressed attendees on the dynamic issues affecting both energy and economic policy in the two largest economies in the world: the U.S. and Japan. Additional comments from Keidanren-USA, the U.S. branch office of the most influential business organization in Japan--Nippon Keidanren, highlighted how differing opinions on contributors to environmental changes in our world belie the fact that citizens from both countries agree on the basic principle of making our lives and businesses more energy efficient. </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD class="heading14" align=center> </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD> <P><FONT class="subtitle"><u>Concert: Kaminari Taiko</u></P> </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD class="subtitle1"> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Thursday, October 16th, 2008<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tupelo High School Performing Arts Complex - Tupelo, MS<br> </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD class="content12"> As part of the beginning of the Japan-America Society of Mississippi North Mississippi Coordination Committee s official opening, Tupelo was host to Kaminari Taiko from Houston, Texas. Prior to the concert, a reception was held for the artists, sponsors and JASMIS members, and was attended by Consul General Hiroshi Sato of the Consulate-General of Japan in Nashville. Around 900 people attended the Thursday night concert. As a special treat for the Tupelo School District, two matinee concerts were held on Friday morning and attended by several hundred of the district s students. Contributors and Sponsors for this event were BancorpSouth, Community Development Foundation, Itawamba County Development Council, Journal Publishing Company, North MS Industrial Development Association, North Mississippi Medical Center, Oxford/Lafayette Economic Development Foundation, The Peoples Bank of Ripley, Renasant Bank, Tennessee Valley Authority, Tippah County Development Foundation, Tupelo Convention and Visitors Bureau, University of Mississippi Tupelo Campus, Union County Development Association and WTVA. </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD class="heading14" align=center> </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD> <P><FONT class="subtitle"><u>Sixth Annual New Year Celebration</u></P> </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD class="subtitle1"> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sunday, January 20th, 2008<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Little Tokyo Restuarant in Ridgeland, Mississippi<br> </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD class="content12"> On Sunday evening, January 20th, the Japan America Society of Mississippi was honored <img src="images/NY_TableH.jpg" Height=200 align=right> to hold its sixth annual New Year Celebration at Little Tokyo restaurant in Ridgeland, Mississippi.<br><br> Attending this year s function were Consul Koichi Funayama from the Consular Offices of Japan at Nashville, Shoji Kiuchi, Director of M-Tek Mississippi, Inc. and President of the Mississippi Japan Association, and Mr. Whit Hughes, the Deputy Director of the Mississippi Development Authority. Also in attendance were the Presidents of Nissan North America in Canton, and the Nissan Suppliers Yorozu Automotive, Unipres SE, and PK-USA, Inc. Other attendees included Ray and Pam Smith of Renasant Bank in Tupelo, Dr. Chris Harth, Director of Global Studies at St. Andrew s, Derwood and Regina Boyles of Boyles Moak Insurance, and Kaoru Ochiai and Yukako Yamada of the Croft Institute for International Studies at the University of Mississippi.<br><br> Beginning the ceremony with a word of welcome was JASMIS President Dr. Paul Tashiro, and he then turned the emcee duties over to John Henry Jackson, <img src="images/NY_Children.jpg" Height=200 align=Left>JASMIS Vice President. After New Year addresses by Consul Funayama, Mr. Kiuchi and Mr. Hughes, the annual toast for the New Year (<i> Kampei </i>) was given by Mr. Hughes and the assembled crowd.<br><br> Following the toast was a performance by students from the Japanese Saturday School (<i> Hoshuko </i>) in Jackson and Saint Andrew s Episcopal School in Ridgeland. Performers from the Hoshuko were Yoshino Adachi, Taketo Fujimoto, Christian Huffman, Suzuha Kato and Koyuki Oikawa. Representing St. Andrew s were Sam and Patric Marcus, Kate Musgrove and Tucker Shelson. The children first performed  Okina-kurinokino-shitade in Japanese. Then came a performance of  If you re happy and you know it , complete with audience participation. The audience was then treated to a special performance of  Sakura and  Kojo-no-tsuki by noted soprano and Associate Professor of the Millsaps Department of Performing Arts Dr. Cheryl Coker.<br><br> Then followed the Traditional Japanese New Year Dinner,<img src="images/NY_RoomLeft.jpg" Height=200 align=Right> including servings of <i>shiojake</i> (broiled salmon preserved in salt), roast beef, <i>kuromame</i> and <i>kuri</i> (black soy-bean and chestnut), <i>ebi-furai</i> (fried shrimp), <i>kohaku-kamaboko</i>, <i>hanamochi</i> (soft rice-cake in a floral shape), Alaskan king crab, salmon roe and cucumber, boiled vegetables (<i>shiitake, renkon, gobo, satoimo, konnyaku, ninjin, konbu and edamame</i>), assorted sushi, tofu stuffed with boiled rice and then a delicious <i>ozoni</i> (rice-cake boiled in a vegetable-soup), all followed with dessert - <i>taiyaki</i>, a  sea bream -shaped pancake filled with <i>anko</i> (red-bean jam).<br><br> As the guests were finishing their wonderful meals, the door prize winners were announced and then the evening was concluded by Dr. Tashiro with a final thank you to all who attended and then he bade the assembled crowd goodnight and invited everyone back for the Seventh Annual New Year Celebration. <br><br> This years door prizes were donated by the following friends: Annandale Country Club, <a href="http://beaglebagelcafe.net/">The Beagle Bagel Café</a>, <a href="http://www.charrestaurant.com/">Char</a> (<a href="http://amerigo.net/index.php">Amerigo</a>), Cock of the Walk, <a href="http://www.everydaygourmet.ms/index.php">Everyday Gourmet</a>, <a href="http://www.jacksonzoo.org/">Jackson Zoological Park</a>, <a href="http://www.lemuriabooks.com/">Lemuria Book-Store</a>, <a href="http://www.littletokyoms.com/">Little Tokyo and Sakura Bana Restuarants</a>, <a href="http://www.lonestarsteakhouse.com/files/home.aspx">Lone Star Steak House</a>, <a href="http://www.mdwfp.com/museum/">The Mississippi Museum of Natural Science</a>, <a href="http://www.msopera.org/">The Mississippi Opera Association</a>, <a href="http://www.nicksrestaurant.com/giftcertificates.html">Nick's Restaurant</a>, <a href="http://www.outback.com/">Outback Steak House</a>, <a href="http://www.pan-asia.com/">Pan Asia</a>, Sweet & Sour Asian Grocery and Whisper Lake Country Club<br><br> We would like to thank all of the guests, dignitaries, and contributors for helping to make this year s celebration a memorable one.<br> </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD class="heading14" align=center> </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD> <P><FONT class="subtitle"><u>Concert: Chieko Fukuda Ensemble</u></P> </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD class="subtitle1"> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Thursday, June 14, 2007<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Center for Performing Arts on the North Campus of St. Andrew's Episcopal School in Ridgeland, Mississippi<br> </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD class="content12">Chieko Fukuda Ensemble is a three-member traditional Japanese musical ensemble. Led by Chieko Fukuda, <img src="images/fukuda_lg.jpg" align=right> the third grandmaster of Mitsunonekai, and including Atsuko Oshima and Daisuke "Kizan" Kawamura, the musicians play both solo and ensemble pieces showcasing the regal sounds of the traditional Japanese musical instruments: <i>koto</i>, a six foot-long horizontal thirteen-stringed instrument, <i>shamisen</i>, a three-stringed banjo-like instrument, and <i>shakuhachi</i>, a reedless end-blown bamboo flute.<br><br> Ms. Fukuda studied <i>koto</i> under her musician father from childhood and made her first stage appearance at age three. She won several national prozes at a young age and has earned national acclaim as a leading player of classical styled <i>koto</i>. Ms. Oshima plays the <i>koto</i> and <i>shamisen</i>. Mr. Kawamura plays the <i>shakuhachi</i>.<br><br> These instruments, like many Japanese instruments derived from Chinese ones, have likely not changed much over the centuries.<br><br> Presented by the Japan Foundation in collaboration with the Consulate-General of Japan - New Orleans, Saint Andrew's Episcopal School and the Japan-America Society of Mississippi, we are pleased to announce a performance on Thursday, June 14th, at 7:30 PM in the Center for Performing Arts on the North Campus of Saint Andrew's Episcopal School in Ridgeland, Mississippi.<br><br>Admission for the general public will be $10.00 per person, or $5.00 for current JASMIS members.<br> </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD class="heading14" align=center> </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD> <P><FONT class="subtitle"><u>Doing Business With Japan Seminar</u></P> <font class="subtitle1"> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Wednesday, March 7, 2007<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mississippi Manufacturer's Association<br></FONT> </TD> </TR> <TD class="content12">Governor Haley Barbour was the keynote luncheon speaker at the "Doing Business with Japan" seminar held in Jackson on Wednesday, March 7, 2007 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the conference room of the Mississippi Manufacturers Association. Mississippi Development Authority Executive Director Gray Swoope introduced the Governor after two executives of Mississippi companies made informative presentations about doing business with Japan via trade and inbound investment. Welcoming remarks were extended by Hitoshi Hasegawa, Executive Director of the Japan External Trade Organization in Houston. The seminar was well attended by private and public sector representatives, and those that participated were able to gain a new understanding of the extensive economic ties between Mississippi and Japan. </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD class="heading14" align=center> </TD> </TR> </TABLE> <TABLE BORDER=0 BORDERCOLOR="#000000" WIDTH=100% COLS=2> <TR> <TD> <P><FONT class="subtitle"><u>Cherry planting ceremony in Jackson, Mississippi</u></P> <p><FONT class="content12j" color="#000000">The Japan/America society of Mississippi held a cherry planting ceremony at the Mississippi Sate Capitol in Jackson, Mississippi on March 4. Governor Haley Barbour, Mr. David Boyer, Vice President, Manufacturing-Canton, for Nissan North America, Inc., and Mr. Koichi Funayama, Acting Consul General of Japan, planted three cherry trees; one for education, culture, and business. We hope that the Japan-U.S. relationship; and in particular, the Japan-Mississippi relationship, be further strengthened as the cherry trees grow in Mississippi!<br><br></p> </TD> <TD> <img src="images/Cherry.jpg"> </TD> </TR> </TABLE> <TABLE BORDER=0 BORDERCOLOR="#000000" WIDTH=100% COLS=2> <COL ALIGN=LEFT WIDTH=60% class="box1"> <COL ALIGN=CENTER WIDTH=40%> <TR> <TD class="box1" ROWSPAN=5 valign=top> <font class="subtitle1">Transcript of Mr. Koichi Funayama's speech</font><br><br> Governor Barber, Mr. Boyer and distinguished guests, good afternoon. It is an honor to join you today in celebrating the growing friendship between my country and Mississippi. <br><br> Although I was posted to the Consulate General of Japan last October, this is my first opportunity to visit your beautiful state. I am pleased that our first meeting is under such auspicious circumstances. On behalf of the Consulate, I would like to extend our sincere thanks and congratulations to the Japan-America Society of Mississippi for bringing about this event. <br><br> As you may know, cherry trees are an integral part of Japanese culture and their blossoms are among our most cherished symbols. I am told that Elvis tracking is a popular pastime here in Mississippi. Well, in Japan, cherry blossom tracking is a national passion. Tonight, and every night all throughout the spring, the Japanese evening news will carry a  cherry blossom forecast . The weather forecasters meticulously detail factors affecting the blossoms and reveal the best viewing locations. When the blossoms finally arrive, we celebrate by joining our friends, family and coworkers under the trees for feasting and drinking. These annual celebrations are eagerly anticipated, and fondly remembered. <br><br> Knowing this aspect of Japanese culture, you can understand why I am so honored and proud to be here at this ceremonial planting. While the cherry blossom is a national symbol of Japan, these trees here represent much more than simply Japan. We are here now because of the hard work of the Japan-America Society, which in less than 3 years has become a strong, positive presence in Mississippi. Mississippians are well know for their hospitality& and the friendly welcome you have shown the Japanese community has been no exception. <br><br> I understand that when this event was first planned, there was to be only one tree, symbolizing Japanese-Mississippi friendship. However, I think it is fitting that we today celebrate with these three trees  one each for culture, education and business  all planted together, as we are all gathered together today. This is a tremendous success story  it demonstrates how a Governor and administration interested in job creation, working with innovative companies willing to invest in new areas, with the support of a strong Japan-America Society can create an environment where culture, education and business flourish. <br><br> Unfortunately, my stay today is brief. However, I look forward to returning to Mississippi to watch these trees grow along with the friendship between Japan and Mississippi, and to someday attending a blossom viewing party, with lots of food and drink, right here! <br><br> Thank you. </td> <TD> <A HREF="images/Cherry Tree Blossom0025.jpg" TARGET = "_blank"><IMG SRC="images/Cherry Tree Blossom0025.jpg" HEIGHT=140 BORDER=0></A> </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD> <A HREF="images/Cherry Tree Blossom0028.jpg" TARGET = "_blank"><IMG SRC="images/Cherry Tree Blossom0028.jpg" HEIGHT=140 BORDER=0></A> </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD> <A HREF="images/Cherry Tree Blossom0029.jpg" TARGET = "_blank"><IMG SRC="images/Cherry Tree Blossom0029.jpg" HEIGHT=140 BORDER=0></A> </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD> <A HREF="images/Cherry Tree Blossom0032.jpg" TARGET = "_blank"><IMG SRC="images/Cherry Tree Blossom0032.jpg" HEIGHT=140 BORDER=0></A> </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD> <img src="images/MS20Cherry.jpg" height="155"> </TD> </TR> </TABLE> </TD> <TD valign=top> <TABLE WIDTH=100% STYLE="BORDER-RIGHT: thin inset; BORDER-TOP: thin inset; BORDER-LEFT: thin inset; BORDER-BOTTOM: thin inset"> <TR> <TD class="heading14">Articles and newsworthy items about JASMIS, Mississippi, and our Japanese community... </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD class="box1"> <a href="docs/TashiroAnnouncement2.html" class="subtitle1">Government of Japan honors "Paul" Yukio Tashiro</a><br> Rev. Paul Tashiro, Ph.D., has been conferred the prestigious <b>Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays</b>, presented by His Majesty the Emperor of Japan. </TD> </TR> <!-- <TR> <TD class="box1"> <A HREF="http://www.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20041021/FEAT05/410210338/1023" TARGET = "_blank" class="subtitle1">From Japan to Jackson... Kimono couture</a><br> <i>by Cori Bolger</i><br> The Cultural Foundation for Promoting the National Costume of Japan, The Japan Association and the Japan-America Society of Mississippi bring the traveling kimono exhibit to Jackson </TD> </TR> --> <TR> <TD class="box1"> <A HREF="docs/MBJ20040627.htm" TARGET = "_blank" class="subtitle1">Manufacturing sees improvements, but challenges abound</a><br> <i>by Lynne W. Jeter MBJ Contributing Writer</i><br> A Mississippi Business Journal Q&A with Jay Moon, president of the Mississippi Manufacturers Association and JASMIS board member </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD class="box1"> <A HREF="docs/MBJ20040606.htm" TARGET = "_blank" class="subtitle1">Japan-America Society of Mississippi turns two years old</a><br> <i>by Kelly Ingebretsen MBJ Staff Writer</i><br> Americans, Japanese rely on group for more than just business </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD class="box1"> <A HREF="docs/MSU20030516.html" TARGET = "_blank" class="subtitle1">Ambassador Kato throws the first pitch</a><br> <i>from press excerpts</i><br> Ryozo Kato, Japan's Ambassador to the U.S., at Mississippi State University </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD class="box1"> <A HREF="docs/MBJ20020519.htm" TARGET = "_blank" class="subtitle1">As I See It</a><br> <i>Editorial by Joe D. Jones, CPA, MBJ Publisher</i><br> Open society good for Mississippi business </TD> </TR> </table> </TD> </TR> </TABLE> </font> </body> </html>