June 2022 Issue: August 10th, 2022
Message from the President
Hello JSGH Members and Friends,
I hope you’re all enjoying your summer and that this message finds you well. Despite it being about a month ago, I think many of us may still be in shock from the tragic assassination of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. It still seems like something from a horrible dream, something that could only be imagined, but could never actually happen. And yet somehow it did. Thinking back, I’m reminded of the sentiments that Honorary Consul Greg Boyko shared with me:
“The world has lost a great leader and America has lost a great friend. As you heard me say in the past, Japan is the Master of Reinvention. He was truly a Master of the Masters. His steady and innovative leadership through many of Japan’s financial issues of the past decade, were remarkable. Let us pray for his family and for all of our friends in Japan who have suffered such a terrible loss.”
I wholeheartedly agree with the sentiments that Greg shared with me. But despite everything, I hope that we can all remember that Japan remains a very peaceful and safe place. It would be an even greater tragedy if this event led Japan to reinvent itself as a more embattled, divided, or insecure place. The social and political harmony that has defined Japan for decades is something that should be treasured, and hopefully will endure for many more years to come.
Best Regards,
Peter Watson
President
JSGH News
JSGH Summer BBQ!
Thanks to everyone who came to our Summer BBQ. It was so good to see so many new and familiar faces. Hope to see them again very soon!
Japan America Grassroots Summit 2022
After a long break, the Japan-America Grassroots Summit is finally back! And this time in beautiful Obuse in Nagano prefecture. This is a great opportunity to enjoy Japanese homestay and cultural exchange. For more details check out their website (http://www.manjiro.or.jp/e/about) or get in touch with Greg Boyko (gregboyko@comcast.net)
Japanese Online Language Classes (Fall)
We are offering 5 levels of Japanese classes starting September 12th:
Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, Beginners Japanese Plus 1 & Plus 2
– Each level consists of 7 lessons, once a week from 6-7:30pm
– Registration ends on September 2nd (Friday)
– Sign up here: https://forms.gle/Z5EFDzF1ZXUUoxrf6
Upcoming Events and Important Dates
JSGH Fall Picnic
JB Williams Park, Glastonbury
Sunday September 18th, 11am
Member $10, Non-Member $15
JSGH will be having its annual Fall Picnic in September again at JB William Park in Glastonbury. More details will be sent out soon!
JSGH Nihongo Night – Noritake
Hongo Residence
Saturday October 8th, 5pm
In-person Nihongo Nights are going to return to the Hongo Residence on October 8th at 5pm. Joe Sikorski will be presenting about Noritake, the collectible Japanese ceramics. There will be a potluck dinner, so please bring something to share with everyone.
Japanese Photography Exhibit
University of Hartford
From October 27th
Accomplished photographer Komatsu Hiroko will be showing her work at the University of Hartford from October to December later this year.
JSGH NYC Bus Trip
Saturday, December 3rd, 8:30am
We’re very excited to announce the return of the JSGH NYC Bus trip. It’ll be a great time to enjoy the city and do some holiday shopping. More details will be announced soon!
Our Sponsors
Gold Sponsor: Miyoshi America
Silver Sponsor: Sotaihou/操体法
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Japan Society of Greater Hartford
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