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YOMIURI Newspaper

8 August 2017

The Japanese American Society (JAS) extending cultural exchanges

Increase in JAS membership

Popularity in JAS English language and cooking classes 

The “Japanese American Society (JAS) Iwakuni,” an Iwakuni based organization to promote friendship, celebrate its 60th anniversary.  The JAS members consist of U.S. military members, Japanese employees working on-base and from the local community.  The JAS hosts and offers English classes and various events to promote bilateral friendship.  Its membership has increased over the year.  The JAS is looking at boosting the type of activities in anticipation of the increase in base population in Iwakuni city, with the Carrier Air Group (CVW) transfer to the air station.  (Ms. Manami Shimada - reporting)

JAS hosted a Japanese cooking class in Kawashimo Community Center, located near the air station at the end of July.  Approximately 30 Japanese from Iwakuni city and outside of the city got together with approximately 20 children and parents of U.S. military members to cook several Japanese dishes to include Tofu based hamburger steak, and Japanese style fried chicken.  In the cooking class, Japanese taught Americans how to cook Japanese dishes.  They all spoke in Japanese and English to cook together and enjoyed their meal.

Ms. Ryoko Kufune, a part-time worker who lives in Sunayama-cho in Iwakuni, came to the class for the first time, and spoke with great excitement; “It’s great to talk with Americans.  I want more of these events.”   Ms. Tanesha Wallen, housewife and a dependent spouse of U.S. active duty member said; “It was my first tour overseas. By participating in this type of event, I made more Japanese and American friends now.  I will cherish my memories in Iwakuni.”

JAS was established in 1957 as the “Japanese American Cultural Friendship Association (JACFA)” by Japanese employees working on air station and revised the name in 1985 to “Japanese American Society.”  Anyone can become a JAS member, regardless of working on or off base.  As of June 2017, there are 495 Japanese and 170 American JAS members.  Since 2002, the Japanese membership has been doubled and American membership has tripled.  The annual membership fee is 3,000 JPN Yen.  The English classes are the members’ favorite program offered by JAS.  There are 2 to 4 English classes held on and off base offered daily from Monday through Saturday.  The class fees are 3,500 JPN Yen per month (for a weekly class).  There is a waiting list for the English classes.

Other JAS sponsored seasonal activities are; Tanabata (Star Festival in July), Doll’s Day Festival and Halloween.  Three weekly Japanese classes are offered for Americans.  This year marks the 56th year for the JAS Speech Contest.  JAS is planning to expand cultural exchange activities for non-JAS members, as the air station is anticipating an increase in population.  JAS is looking at possibly increasing the type and frequency of its classes, at the Atago Community Center currently being constructed by the Japanese national government.  Mr. Bobby Shibazaki, JAS President said; “I think there will be more need to create spaces to promote U.S - Japan bilateral cultural exchange, based on the increase in U.S. population in concert with the transfer.  I would like do our best for local citizens to feel closer to the base”.