kathysj

Momotaro Statue Stolen!

It was sawn off the concrete and the plaque was stolen also.
Whether the statue was stolen as a prank or whether it was stolen to be melted down for the money, the statue represents the near 70 year relationship between the City of San Jose and the City of Okayama, Okayama Prefecture, Japan.

Goodwill in reporting anything you might know is appreciated.

kathysj

Danielle Garcia YAAS award winner!

Sister Cities International selected Danielle Garcia from San Jose as the Third Prize recipient in the 15yr-18yr Poetry Category in their Annual Young Artists & Authors Showcase.

Danielle was one of eight students who were selected to participate in the 2024 Homestay Student Exchange in Okayama City. Her poetry reflects the very personal experience and appreciation she has for that experience in eloquent and stylish verse.

We want to express our Congratulations to her with our heartfelt pride and joy in her accomplishment!

Read Danielle’s winning poem here.

WOW! We’re in Japan!
kathysj

CJSCN workshop December 2024

The California Japan Sister Cities Network (CJSCN) conducted their winter workshop on December 6th, Friday at the beautiful official residence of the Consul General of Japan, Yo Osumi and his wife, Misao.

CJSCN is very active and connects those sister city organizations who have sister cities in Japan within the state of California only.The two Consulates of Japan in California, which are in Los Angeles and in San Francisco have been supportive from the beginning, hosting workshops and receptions two or three times a year.

The event was attended by members of the Board of Directors of CJSCN, representatives of member sister cities organizations and organizations such as The Japan Society, IACE, NTA, the Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Northern California (JCCNC) and more. Sandy Schumacher and Kathy Sakamoto attended the event representing San Jose-Okayama Sister Cities and presented Consul General Osumi with a SJOSC happi.

Following introductions of CJSCN Board members, sponsors and friends, the workshop portion of the event began with New CJSCN Board Member, Hannah Majidi representing the Glendora-Moka sister city relationship in which she explained her exciting time as an intern in the Moka City government offices. She especially emphasized the lasting relationships that were forged during that time and the lasting goodwill that was generated through her experiences.

Attendees then split into ten groups for fifteen minutes of small group dialogue and then changed one more time for another fifteen minutes of small group dialogue before getting together for a ‘kampai’ toast and buffet dinner.

The evening was a wonderful testament to the great alliances between the US and Japan in celebration of sharing both through individual and organizational participation.

Kampai!
Have a wonderful holiday season!

CJSCNは、カリフォルニア州内で日本の姉妹都市を持ち、これらの姉妹都市団体を結ぶ非常に活発な組織です。ロサンゼルスとサンフランシスコにある2つの在カリフォルニア日本国総領事館は、毎年2～3回、ワークショップやレセプションを開催しています。

このイベントには、CJSCNの理事会メンバーや加盟姉妹都市団体の代表者、ジャパン・ソサエティー、IACE、NTA、北カリフォルニア日本商工会議所（JCCNC）などの団体が参加しました。サンディ・シューマーカー氏とキャシー・サカモト氏はサンノゼ・岡山姉妹都市を代表して出席し、大隅総領事にSJOSCのハッピを贈呈しました。

CJSCN理事会メンバー、スポンサー、友人の紹介に続き、ワークショップが行われました。新しいCJSCN理事であるハンナ・マジディさんが、グレンドーラと真岡市の姉妹都市関係を代表して、真岡市役所でインターンとして過ごした刺激的な時間について紹介しました。彼女はインターンシップを通じて築いた人間関係と、それが生んだ友好関係について語りました。

その後、参加者は10のグループに分かれ、2回の15分間のグループディスカッションを行った後、乾杯の音頭で乾杯し、ビュッフェ・ディナーを楽しみました。

この晩は、個人と団体の方々のご参加により、アメリカと日本の素晴らしい協力関係を証明する素晴らしいイベントとなりました。

乾杯！

素晴らしいクリスマスと新年をお迎えください。

Also see: Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco Home page

kathysj

SJSU Int’l Students visit JAMsj

Together with International Programs Manager & Communications Specialist, Ms Keri Toma Loehrer, Ed.D, International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS), Professional & Global Engagement at San Jose State University, a group of International Students doing post-graduate work at San Jose State University visited the Japanese American Museum of San Jose (JAMsj).

The docent tour, led by museum Education Programs Manager, Chisa Matsunaga, was just under two hours. The students found it both informative and enlightening. The history and legacy of immigration, the hardships, challenges and joys of the lives of the people are carefully and respectfully displayed. The benefits of learning from the past help to inform and brighten present and future decisions.

International Education Week!
Nov 18-22, 2024.

kathysj

Visiting Korakuen! Consul General of the USA, Osaka/Kobe

And who is showing him around? None other than our Honorary Advisor, Shin Koyamada!