Thank you to all who joined us on May 29th for our Sushi & Sake Networking event! In conjunction with the NAFSA Association of International Educators conference, we brought together nearly 200 JET alumni and friends of Japan exchange programs with our partner Cultural Vistas for an evening of celebration.
“JETAADC was honored to partner with Cultural Vistas to host the incredibly successful Sushi & Sake Hour event,” says JETAADC president Rachel Reed, who offered opening remarks. “Interest vastly exceeded our initial expectation of 100 guests, but with the generous support of our sponsors, we were able to double our capacity and welcome around 200 individuals to celebrate U.S.-Japan friendship!”
We were able to experience international exchange and the friendship between the United States and Japan firsthand through food, drinks, and fun by meeting others in the exchange community. Attendees included JET alumni, other Japan expats, professionals in the international exchange field, supporters of the Program, and nationals from Japan, Korea, and other countries around the world.
Attendees were treated to sushi, sashimi, and yakitori, and volunteer-run booths allowed everyone to share a kampai by tasting several types of sake. A live koto performance was offered by Yuriko Gandolfo, Assistant Music Director of the Washington Toho Koto Society. Guests were invited to share their wishes in a Wishing Tree, test their luck in a door prize for a bottle of Yamazaki 12-year whiskey, and try a blind taste test of Japan’s infamously eccentric Kit Kat candy bars – with flavors ranging from green tea to strawberry, sake, and even wasabi.
The venue was decorated with the stories of the JETAADC community. Through maps of Japan, guests could share their experiences as well as teach other attendees about their prefecture on a trivia board. Photographs taken by JET alumni during their time in Japan were showcased, highlighting the reach and impact of the Program.
“The initial idea came from two of our members, Kate Emory and Jessica Kling, who approached me to see if JETAADC could organize an event during the NAFSA Annual Conference recognizing the contributions of the international exchange community to the U.S.-Japan relationship,” says Rachel, who led the months-long coordination of the evening’s festivities. “In coordination with Kate and Jessica, the JETAADC Board developed the idea, formed partnerships, and secured sponsors to make it a reality.”
JETAADC would like to thank our sponsors for their generosity and commitment to the mission of strengthening the bonds between the United States and Japan, which made this event possible.
- Cultural Vistas
- Sachiko Kuno Foundation
- Sushiko
- Hakutsuru Sake
- Japan America Society
We would also like to thank all the volunteers who extended time and energy to ensuring the success of this celebration. JETAADC is empowered by the spirit of the local community, and with this dedication, there’s more to come in the future.
“JETAADC exists to serve our membership and this event is a great example of what is possible when we all come together to reminisce, reach out, and realize our potential,” says Rachel. “We are always seeking ways to better serve our community, so connect with us and stay engaged – there may even be sushi and sake as a result!”
Photo credit: Bryan Yannantuono