JASG 2015 Programs Calendar
Listed below are key programs presented by the JASG. For additional information, please visit www.jasgeorgia.org.
January 13
January Kayobi-Kai Dinner & Trivia Night: Join JASG members and friends at Hobnob
Neighborhood Tavern at 7pm for good food, great friends, and fun at Hobnob's Trivia Night.
February 2–March 27
Winter JASG Business Japanese Classes: A variety of levels of Japanese language classes are
offered. Classes meet for two hours, one evening per week, for a total of eight weeks.
February 6
2015 New Year’s “Nabe” Party & Dinner Concert: Celebrate the New Year at Nakato Japanese
Restaurant to kick off 2015 and Year of the Sheep. Enjoy a special sukiyaki dinner and concert
performance by Japanese guitarist, Hiroya Tsukamoto.
February 9–23
Obirin University Global Business Program: The JASG welcomes students from Obirin University in
Japan for a 2 week study abroad program where students visit various Japanese and U.S. companies
and learn how they operate in today’s global economy.
February 19
US-Japan Now: Technology & Innovation: The JASG partners with the National Association of
Japan-America Societies and the Sasakawa Peace Foundation to present a business dinner event to
highlight the history, current trends, and future outlook of Japanese technology and innovation in
relation to Japan’s relationship with the U.S. and the rest of the world. The program aims to
demonstrate Japan’s ability to stay competitive in today’s global market through its development of new
technologies and innovative products.
February 21
Midori Goto Concert and Meet & Greet Reception: Join the JASG at the Atlanta Symphony
Orchestra as it presents a concert event featuring renowned Japanese violinist, Midori Goto. A post
concert meet & greet reception is held after the concert for a special opportunity for fans to meet Midori
Goto.
March 1–June 28
Obirin University Global Outreach Program: The JASG welcomes students from Obirin University in
Japan for a 16 week study abroad program where students study English while visiting and learning
how various Japanese and U.S. companies operate in today’s global economy.
March 6
Walk in U.S. Talk on Japan: The JASG partners with the Consulate General of Japan in Atlanta and
the World Affairs Council of Atlanta to present a business luncheon and round table discussion about
Japanese economy, energy strategy, trade, education, and Japan’s place in the modern world. The
luncheon features special guest speaker, Yasuo Saito, former Ambassador of Japan to Saudi Arabia,
Russia, and France, and also former Consul General of Japan in Atlanta, and other distinguished
speakers from Japan.
March 7
Japan Academic Challenge & Japanese Speech Contest: Held at Kennesaw State University, high
school students compete in the Japan Academic Challenge and university students compete in the
Japanese Speech Contest to demonstrate and showcase their Japanese language skills.
March 11
Tohoku Tomo Film Screening: In remembrance of the devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan
on March 11, 2011, the JASG partners with the JETAASE to present a special viewing of “Tohoku
Tomo,” a film about various stories of volunteer efforts and people rallying from around the world to the
people of Japan’s aid after the largest recorded natural disaster in Japan.
March 17
Georgia State & Local Tax Seminar: The JASG and Sutherland invite members and guests to a
seminar highlighting topics of interest to Japanese manufacturing companies operating in Georgia,
including, sales tax exemptions applicable to manufacturing entities and Georgia income tax credits for
job creation. A networking reception follows the seminar.
April 11
Atlanta Braves Asian Heritage Night: Join the JASG and members of other organizations of the Asian
American community for a day of fun at Turner Field as the hometown Atlanta Braves play the
Cincinnati Reds. Pre-game and in-game festivities will celebrate the Asian American community in the
Southeast.
April
Young Professionals Bowling Night: Join the JASG and its Young Professionals group for an
evening of friendship and bowling. Prizes will be awarded to the teams with the highest scores.
April–June
Spring JASG Business Japanese Classes: A variety of levels of Japanese language classes are
offered. Classes meet for two hours, one evening per week, for a total of eight weeks.
May
Stonewall Creek Winery Tour & Wine Tasting: Join the JASG fir a tour and wine tasting event
Stonewall Creek Winery in the North Georgia Mountains.
June
Annual Dinner Gala & Silent Auction: As part of the Society’s summer tradition, the JASG celebrates
its anniversary at its 35th Annual Dinner. The Annual Dinner is one of those rare occasions when a
diverse representation of members of the community, including many top Japanese and American
business and community leaders, are gathered together in one place for a time of celebration and
enjoyment.
June
Young Professionals Miniature Golf Tournament: Join the JASG and its Young Professionals group
for a day of miniature golf. Prizes will be awarded to the teams with the lowest scores.
July 9–July 23
Asian Pacific Children’s Convention: As Georgia’s liaison office for the 27th Annual Asian-Pacific
Children’s Convention (APCC), the JASG is again able to share a once in a lifetime opportunity with 4
elementary school students (two boys and two girls) and 1 chaperone from the State of Georgia through
this fully funded exchange program to Fukuoka, Japan (Atlanta’s Sister City).
July
JASG YP/JETAASE Family Cook-Out & Undo-Kai: To follow the Japanese tradition of summer
BBQs, JASG members and friends gather for a family-style barbecue cook-out. The event also features
Japanese Undo-Kai (Field Day) activities for all ages.
July–September
Summer Business Japanese Language Classes: A variety of levels of Japanese language classes
are offered. Classes meet for two hours, one evening per week, for a total of eight weeks.
August
Annual Membership Meeting: JASG members gather together for a recap of the Society’s activities
over the past year and a look ahead at the year to come. New officers and board of directors are also
voted in.
August
Obirin University Sports Business Program: The JASG welcomes students from Obirin University in
Japan for a 2 week study abroad program where students visit various athletic facilities and professional
sports teams and learn how the sports industry operates in the U.S.
August–December
Obirin University Global Outreach Program: The JASG welcomes students from Obirin University in
Japan for a 16 week study abroad program where students study English while visiting and learning
how various Japanese and U.S. companies operate in today’s global economy.
August
Young Professionals Tubing/Kayaking Trip: Join the JASG and its YP members and friends on this
exciting river tubing/kayaking trip down the Chattahoochee River just north of Atlanta. The course is a
3+ mile trip that takes approximately 4 hours.
September 19-20
JapanFest 2014: Held again this year at the Gwinnett Convention Center in Duluth, this annual festival
has continued to grow in size and popularity, reaching over 20,000 attendees. JapanFest is two days of
immersing yourself in everything Japan: dance and music performances; learning the intricate
maneuvers of Japanese martial arts; tasting various Japanese foods; visiting the many different cultural
exhibitions and expositions of Japanese companies in Georgia. Tickets are $8 and free for children 6
and under.
September 19
JASG/JETAA JapanFest Niji-Kai Dinner: Join the JASG YP group and the JETAASE for a Japanese
dinner at Haru Ichiban after JapanFest good food and friendship.
October–December
Fall Business Japanese Classes: A variety of levels of Japanese language classes are offered.
Classes meet for two hours, one evening per week, for a total of eight weeks.
October
JASG Friendship Golf Tournament: The JASG hosts its annual Friendship Golf Tournament to
promote friendship through 18 holes of golf. An awards and networking reception will follow tournament
play.
October
Young Professionals Halloween Party: The JASG’s Young Professionals group gathers together to
celebrate Halloween. Costumes are encouraged but not required.
November 14
Young Professionals Helen, Georgia Trip: Join the JASG’s Young Professionals group for a trip to
Helen, Georgia to view the changing of the autumn leaves and other activities to celebrate the fall
season.
December
Bonenkai Holiday Celebration & Silent Auction: As part of the Society’s winter tradition, the JASG
celebrates the holidays at its 34th Bonenkai. The Bonenkai is one of those rare occasions when a
diverse representation of members of the community, including many top Japanese and American
business leaders, are gathered together in one place for a time of celebration and enjoyment.
December
YP Holiday Party: The JASG’s Young Professionals group gathers together to celebrate the winter
Hoidays. A special door prize drawing will be held and an after party will be held at Karaoke Melody
right after the Holiday Party.
*** In addition to these programs and events, the JASG offers monthly Kayobi Kai dinner gatherings and Nihongo Eigo Kai Japanese
conversation group meetings. The Kayobi-Kai meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month at various restaurants in metroAtlanta. Nihongo-Kai meetings are perfect for people looking to practice their Japanese and English conversation skills with native and
non-native speakers, and are held at various coffee shops, restaurants, university/college classrooms, and community centers.