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Japan-America Society of Greater Austin (JASGA) presents a performance by two of Japan’s most talented Tsugaru shamisen performers, Yutaka Oyama and Masahiro Nitta, as a fundraising effort for its Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Relief Fund. 

JASGA hosts a Japanese Taiko and dance performance for a principal dancer of the internationally renowned Japanese drumming ensemble Kodo, Chieko Kojima. This performance is to raise funds for the earthquake and Tsunami victims of Japan. With the help of Martha Durham, Austin Taiko and Japanese dance group, Hanabira and Mirei, donations and proceeds will go directly to the most needed programs in the affected areas. There is a Taiko (Japanese drum) performance "Hana Hachijo" with Martha Durham, Austin Taiko in the show. The local Japanese dance group will perform during the intermission.

Yumie Hirano a native of Hiroshima and a volunteer member of the Never Again Campaign (NAC), will give a presentation about the meaning of origami cranes in Japan and their use as a symbol of healing and peace. Sadako, a child who developed leukemia and passed away from the disease after being exposed to radiation in the bombing of Hiroshima, has been immortalized as a symbol of the wish for international peace. Origami cranes have come to represent the wish for peace in both Japan and the U.S. Ms. Hirano will talk about why paper cranes are a symbol of peace for the people of Hiroshima. The participants in JASGA cultural salon will learn of the ancient art of origami and make their own origami crane. About Speaker: Ms. Yumie Hirano was a medical laboratory technician for 30 years. Now she is a Japanese Instructor at Hiroshima International Center as a volunteer and a member of SGG [Systematized Good will Guide Hiroshima] and FIG [Free Interpreter Guide Hiroshima].

Japan-America Society of Greater Austin hosts the 3rd Austin Regional Japanese Speech Contest at O. Henry Middle School on Saturday, February 19, 2011 from 1:00-4:00 PM. The Third Regional Japanese Language Speech Contest in Austin is sponsored by the Austin Independent School District (AISD) and Asahi Imports, in partnership with the Japan-America Society of Texas, Japanese Teachers Association of Texas (JTAT) and the Consulate-General of Japan at Houston. Sponsors: AISD, ASAHI IMPORTS In partnership with: Consulate-General of Japan at Houston, The Japan-America Society of Texas, and Japanese Teachers Association of Texas

JASGA Japanese cultural salon in January 2011 presents Chanoyu - Japanese Tea Ceremony on Monday, the 3rd. The Japanese tea ceremony known as chanoyu or chado - The Way of Tea is the essence of Japanese art and etiquette. JASGA Japanese Cultural Salon Series 2011 will open with a Chanoyu presentation. Long-time members of JASGA, Rhonda Rolf and Mieko Suzuki, will present Chanoyu in a simple, direct manner and talk about the way of tea. 

Thank you to those of you who have supported JASGA events and programs in 2010. It's time to celebrate the end of the year, and, to have a good time together in the timeless Japanese tradition of Bonenkai - the end of the year gathering with friends over food and drinks. This is an open invitation for JASGA 2010 members, presenters, and their friends and family, to come to a casual Bonenkai. We understand that this is a busy time for everyone. Reservations are requested. 

Dear Minasama, Thank you so much for helping us to make the Japan May Festival 2010 such a great success. The hard work and dedication of all groups including performers, demonstrators, vendors, exhibitors, photographers, volunteers, and generous auction & prize donators are much appreciated. Some of our photographers (Satoshi, Hakan, Eri) have put their pictures together. I think all of the pictures are very cool. Please forward the links to your friends, family and colleagues whom you'd like to share it with... Hope to see all of you at 2011 Satsuki Matsuri! Kako Ito