Page 1

2012July-AugustVol. 51, No. 4

1 2 3 4 5 6

President’s CornerCan you imagine a more exciting time in our society’s history?! July and August bring us together to celebrate a number of significant events, giving us the opportunity to hear from special guests and to enjoy time with friends from near and far.In just a few days, on Wednesday, July 18, we will be meeting at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, a beautiful venue for a once-in-a-lifetime Sakura Celebration! We’ll welcome Ambassador Ichiro Fujisaki, Consul General Yoshifumi Okamura, Kansas City Mayor Pro Tem Cindy Circo, Kurashiki Deputy Mayor Hidekuni Miyake and honored guests from Kurashiki and the Greater Kansas City area. There will be a dedication of the gift of cherry blossom trees to Kansas City and we’ll celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Kurashiki-Kansas City sister relationship and 50th anniversary of JAS. We’ll also recognize the appointment of our own Fran Lemery, Honorary Consul General of Japan at Kansas City.

JAS members and guests are invited to the cherry blossom tree dedication at Loose Park in front of the Garden Center before the festivities at the Nelson. The dedication will be at 1:30 p.m. and will last approximately 30 minutes. We’ll be outdoors, so bring your fans and parasols!For those planning to attend the celebration at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art from 3:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m., please note that garage parking at the museum is $5.00—free for members. There is also off-street parking. Please give yourself plenty of time to settle in before the events start promptly at 3:00 p.m. Thanks.

Most of you know that our organization is run entirely by volunteers—an amazing accomplishment given the large number of programs, festivals and community support we provide. I am grateful to our members for their contributions, talent and participation. Without you, the Heart of America Japan-America Society would not be what we are today—a tremendous resource for the Greater Kansas City area, a partner with our Consulate in Chicago, and a home for friends from our sister city of Kurashiki.

I would like to personally express my appreciation to Fran Lemery and Jim Kanki for spending countless hours preparing for our special day and the visit from our first delegation from Kurashiki. And special thanks to Joyce Williams, Pat Riha, Jun Shrout, Lydia Kanki, Natsuko Nishimune, Sachie Stroder, Masami Willis and Koji Morimoto for all they’ve done to make the July and August events possible. As usual, there’s not enough space to thank all of you who have given your time and talents. But please know that we appreciate each and every one of you!

As I write this, our four student ambassadors (photo on page 3) are on their way to Kurashiki! On July 26, a youth goodwill delegation of seven students and their leader will be coming to Kansas City from Kurashiki. Read more inside about how you can get the chance to meet them. And be sure to join us August 17-19 for the 33rd Ethnic Enrichment Festival in Swope Park.

We’ll certainly have many ways to be together this summer. Looking forward to seeing all of you!

–Patty Woods, JAS President

Don’t Miss Out on These Exciting EventsStudent Delegation Family Exchange Dinner: Thursday, August 2, 6:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m.Student Delegation Farewell Dinner : Wednesday, August 8, 4:00 p.m.-7:00 PM33rd Ethnic Enrichment Festival: Friday, Saturday, Sunday - August 17, 18, 19

Page 2

Heart of America Japan-America SocietyP.O. Box 22487 KCMO, 64113

Board of Directors

PresidentPatty Woods

1st Vice President(Membership)Ryan Grass

2nd Vice President (Programs)Natsuko Nishimune

SecretaryJun Shrout

TreasurerMickey Coalwell

DirectorsJane DruryJim KankiMari ObaJohn Schollenberger

The mission of the Heart of America Japan-America Society is to further understanding between the peoples of Japan and the Greater Kansas City area by promoting social, cultural and educational exchanges.

The Heart of America Japan-America Society is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization.

Nichibei NotesOur hearts go out to the family of lifetime JAS member Helen Black. Fran Lemery paid tribute to her in an email recently to her family. “Helen was such an integral part of our society for many, many years. She was always there whenever anyone needed a volunteer, assistance on a project or sought her advice due to her long experience and history with our society. We have all missed her in the past few years as her health declined. Please accept our sincere sympathy to you and your family at this difficult time. I have passed this information on to other members of our society who will also express their condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.” Helen passed away June 17, 2012. See the full obituary at http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/kansascity/obituary.aspx?n=helen-s-black&pid=158170940&fhid=11338Our condolences also to Lydia, Jim and Jamie Kanki for the loss of Lydia’s uncle. And we wish “Happy Healing” to Carole Owsley, Carrie Willingham and Mari Oba after recent surgeries and to Sachie Stroder regarding her sprain. So glad you’re all doing great!Origami Artist Requested for Kansas City Renaissance Festival. Lynette Miller from the KC RenFest is looking for a local origami artist to do a demonstration for the first weekend, Sept 1, 2, and 3, 2012. The theme is Silk Road. You can contact her at 913-721-2110 or miller.kcrf@gmail.comJob Opportunity. Erica Strauss, Senior Staffing Manager with Robert Half International, has a direct hire role for a Japanese Customer Service Representative who is fluent in Japanese and English. Applicants must have lived in Japan for at least 2 years and have 2 years of customer service experience. The office is in Overland Park; the job pays $15-20 an hour. If you or someone you know is looking for a career opportunity, please email a resume to erica.strauss@officeteam.com and call her at 913-451-1014. Host Family Request. The Local Coordinator for the Laurasian Institution, a non-profit based in Seattle that fosters exchanges between East Asia and the United States, wrote the JAS website seeking families to host students from East Asia for the upcoming school year. Students arrive in August and leave in May, and attend school full-time. If you can host a student, please contact Chris Armstrong, Local Coordinator (NE Kansas) at (785) 218-4360 or jayhawker87@gmail.comAlternative Email Addresses. Want to make sure your immediate family members get an e-copy of the Nichibei News and the emails we send periodically to members? Simply send the name and the additional email address to hoa.japanamericasociety@gmail.com

May Garden Tour and Tea Ceremony at the Lemery’s HomeThanks again to Fran and Charlene Lemery for opening up their lovely home to the community, this time as part of the Master Gardener Public Garden Tour, May 18 and 19. The tour included a special event at their home—a traditional tea ceremony with Denver Koto performer and Tea Master Yoko Hiraoka. (Be sure to see Ms. Hiraoka at the October 6th Japan Festival!) Thank you to the many people who participated or volunteered to make this a successful event, including Dianne Daugherty, Mindy Looney, Natsuko Nishimune, Carole Owsley, and Yoshiko Yamanaka.

Lemery GardenNatsuko Nishimune, Yoko Hiraoka,

Yoshiko Yamanaka

Natsuko Nishimune

Page 3

Kurashiki Youth Friendship Delegation EventsJoin us for our annual get-togethers with the delegation from Kurashiki and their host families. It’s the perfect opportunity to meet the group’s leader and the seven students, five girls and two boys.Student Delegation Family Exchange Dinner Thursday, August 2, 6:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m. (note new start time) Join us at the Sylvester Powell Community Center at 6200 Martway St., Mission, KS as our students move from their first host families to their next ones. We’ll be treated to a performance, too! Fried chicken dinner, $7/person.Student Delegation Farewell Dinner Wednesday, August 8, 4:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.We’re thankful to Fran and Charlene Lemery for hosting JAS, students and guests as we say good-bye to our newest friends from Kurashiki. BBQ dinner, $12/person. 8931 Cedar Drive, Prairie Village, KS 66207

RSVP needed for both events by July 26. Reply to Lydia Kanki at lydiakanki@gmail.com or 816-587-0073.

Mari Konda, leader

Ai Miyake

Jyunya Ota

Rina Masato

Satsuki Oe

Ryo Takenaka

Julia KyoguroMana Yamada

HAJAS Student Ambasadors to Kurashiki

Maddie Hoyt, Kelsey Hendricks, Jordan Whitmore, Sarah Willingham

Page 4

Paula Winchester Delights JAS Members at May MeetingJAS members were both entertained and educated by May’s guest speaker Paula Winchester (right) of Twelve Winds Tea Company. We will never again take a truly fine cup of tea for granted after Paula’s detailed and enchanting description of what it takes to grow, harvest, produce, distribute and even serve tea. Paula is also the owner of Herb Gathering (she gave us tea to savor and our very own herbs to take home). You can see photos from Paula’s recent trip to Taiwan on her website: http://www.herbgathering.com/12winds/

Kindly Donate to the Loose Park Japanese Garden Fund! You can help make the reconstruction possible by donating to our Japanese Garden Fund. We are hoping to raise $4,000 this year. Donations of $25, $50 and more are welcome. You can now donate via PayPal on our website (“Make a Donation” button at kcjas.org) or by sending your check to HAJAS, P.O. Box 22487, KCMO 64113-2487

Natsuko Nishimune, Pat Knott, Carole Owsley

Hiroshi Nishimune, Mickey Coalwell

Fran Lemery, Koji Morimoto

Recipe: Orange MousseIngredients:2 1/8 cups orange juice (100%)1 cup heavy whipping cream15g (2 packages) gelatin, powder + water 8 TBS1/2-3/4 c sugar + water 3 oz

Directions:1. Boil water (3oz) and add sugar.2. Pour gelatin into sugar water. Mix well.3. Add orange juice and bring to a boil.4. Stir in heavy whipping cream. When it boils again, turn off heat.5. Pour into a big container or individual cups. Chill until set.

Jan Schall Illuminates JAS Members about Isamu NoguchiJAS members were enthralled by June’s guest speaker, Jan Schall (below), Sanders Sosland Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Jan provided a history—including insightful and fascinating stories and photos—of the life and work of Isamu Noguchi. If you have not had the opportunity to view the Noguchi Court at the Nelson, be sure to stop by (it’s in the Bloch Building). This beautiful venue features amazing works by an artist who made his home in both the U.S. and Japan. You can learn more at http://noguchi.org/museum&foundation.html

We’re excited to learn that Jan will be giving a tour to Ambassador Fujisaki, Consul General Okamura, and their staffs during their visit to Kansas City.

Upcoming Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art EventsJAS is proud to have an emerging relationship with the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Jan Schall’s recent presentation is just one way we’re benefitting from getting to know the talented people at the museum. You’re invited to these upcoming events:Splendors of Japanese Art is scheduled to open this November. The exhibition features screen paintings, Buddhist art, and woodblock prints from the museum’s collection. It will also highlight recent acquisitions donated by collectors of Japanese art.The Art of Tea exhibit will open in late Spring or early Summer next year. It features tea ceramics by contemporary Japanese artists, including Arakawa Toyozo and Miwa Kyuwa, who are registered national treasures.

Page 5

33rd Ethnic Enrichment Festival: Feel the “World Beat” in the Heart of AmericaJAS members look forward to this year’s Ethnic Enrichment Festival. Come volunteer and stay to play! Friday, August 17, 6:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.Saturday, August 18, Noon-10:00 p.m.Sunday, August 19, Noon-6:00 p.m.Swope Park, Meyer Boulevard & Swope Parkway in Kansas City, MO• Fantastic Free Kids’ World• Free Parking• Live Entertainment • $3.00 for adults (children 12-and-under free with adult) • Sorry—no pets allowed• For information, call 816-513-7553 or

go to http://eeckc.org/ Click on EEF tab.

Volunteer at the Ethnic Enrichment Festival!Volunteering helps the festival and JAS. Thanks to the screen repair work done to the festival booths by Masami Willis, Jim Kanki, Lydia Kanki, Pat Knott and Mickey Coalwell, JAS will be receiving a donation of $370! We will have more opportunities to earn money for JAS before and after the festival. To volunteer for set-up or tear-down August 6-10, August 13-16 or August 20, please contact Masami Willis: 816-482-0009 and 816-554-8009 (cell). Email: okamotomasami@att.net This work might include building more screens, booth repair, dressing room set-up, cleaning the kitchen trailer, distributing wash stands and lots of unpacking.Festival volunteering August 17-19 includes sales in the bazaar, passport stamping, and working in our “kitchen” selling onigiri and inari zushi, edamame, kakigoori (snow cones!) and green tea ice cream and popsicles. Let’s hope it’s warm (good for ice cream sales), but not as hot as it has been lately! Volunteering is fun and a great way to meet other JAS members.If you haven’t already signed up at a meeting and can volunteer for the festival August 17, 18 or 19, please write hoa.japanamericasociety@gmail.com.Thanks to Sachie Stroder and Masami Willis, our Ethnic Enrichment Commissioners, for all the work they do so we can participate in this fabulous annual festival.

Sama Zama Dine-AroundOver twenty people got together Sunday, June 24 to enjoy a fabulous meal at Sama Zama in Westport (formerly One Bite in Overland Park). Thanks to Erika and the staff for treating us so well and to Mickey Coalwell, who organized the event. A sweet “small world” story: JAS members Jen Rarey and Mindy & Eric Looney sat near each other at the dine-around and talked about Jen’s fostering of a shiba inu dog who needed a home. Mindy made a connection with Dianne and Jerry Daugherty who adopted Zoe. Interested in adopting a shiba inu? You can contact www.shibarescue.org or Jen at jenrarey@gmail.com

Jordan, Erika, Katie from Sama Zama

Gary & Mindy Landeck

Danielle Caldwell & Gabe Rebeck

Volunteers Needed for Japan Festival October 6This year’s Greater Kansas City Japan Festival (October 6 at JCCC) promises to be bigger and better than ever! Along with our usual exciting lineup of performers, exhibits, martial arts, anime & manga, cosplay, cultural presentations, workshops & demos, food and shopping, we will again have real, professional Sumo wrestlers on hand for the Festival! Dustin Dye, this year’s Japan Festival Volunteer Coordinator, is asking for our help. Volunteers get in FREE, and you will have an opportunity to enjoy the Festival while doing your part to support the Festival and its sponsor, the Heart of America Japan America Society. It’s fast and easy to register as a volunteer! Go to http://www.kcjapanfestival.com/volunteer/, complete the short Web form, hit SUBMIT, and you’re done!If you have any questions, or would like to contact Dustin directly, you can write him at kcjapanfestival@gmail.com. Watch for more information on the festival at http://www.kcjapanfestival.com/

Page 6

Events: July-October 2012

In This Issue Sakura CelebrationsWednesday, July 18Cherry Blossom Tree Dedication, Loose Park, 1:30 p.m.Main Event, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, 3:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.

Student Delegation Family Exchange DinnerThursday, August 2Sylvester Powell Community Center, 6:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m.

Student Delegation Farewell DinnerWednesday, August 8Home of Fran and Charlene Lemery, 4:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.

Ethnic Enrichment FestivalFriday, August 17, 6:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.Saturday, August 18, Noon-10:00 p.m. Sunday, August 19, Noon-6:00 p.m. Swope Park

Student Ambassador PresentationsTuesday, September 25 Loose Park Garden Center, 7:00 p.m.

Greater Kansas City Japan FestivalSaturday, October 6 Johnson County Community College

Heart of America JApAn-AmericA SocietyP.O. Box 22487Kansas City, MO 64113

LabeL Here

• President’s Corner• Kurashiki Youth Delegation• Donate to Japanese Garden• Sakura Celebrations• Ethnic Enrichment Festival• Volunteer for Japan Festival

If you have ideas or would like to write an article for the Nichibei News, email us at hoa.japanamericasociety@gmail.com.

Websites:kcjas.org kcjapanfestival.org japancouncil.org

Find us on Facebook to get updates and see more photos!