Tuesday, April 21 - JYPG Networking Event

IT'S HERE! We are please to announce our second networking event for 2009 on Tuesday, April 21 at Wann Izakaya on 2nd and Lenora in Seattle's Belltown neighborhood from 6:30 to 8:30p.m. Come for some oishii appetizers and lots of networking. Don't forget to bring lots of meishi! Our last networking event had over 90 members who all shared the same interest in Japan, the Japanese language, Japanese culture, and doing business with Japan.

JAPAN-AMERICA SOCIETY MEMBERS CAN TAKE ADVANTAGE OF SPECIAL PRICING. Not only will JAS Members be able to attend for the special price of $15, JAS Members will also be able to invite guests to attend at the same special price. This special price is pre-pay online only. Sign up today! https://www.pspinc.com/jassw/register-4-21-09.htm RSVP deadline is April 17th.

Date: Tuesday, April 21, 2009, 6:30-8:30pm

Location: Wann Izakaya, 2020 2nd Avenue, Seattle, WA 98121

Cost: $15/person for JAS Members, $20/person for non-members

JAS Members can take advantage of our "Bring a Friend" special by prepaying for their guests online at the JAS Member rate of $15. Membership has it's privileges!

Registration: Deadline is Friday, April 17 https://www.pspinc.com/jassw/register-4-21-09.htm

Sponsorship opportunities are available. Please contact Rebecca Retzler at rretzler@us-japan.org or call the JAS office at 206-374-0180.

Utada Hikaru comes to Seattle!

Seattle continues to be a stop for some of Japan's top musicians as they tour the west coast. Just last week (March 18th), legendary J-Pop superstar Utada Hikaru made amazingly, under-hyped appearances in Seattle earlier this week at local radio stations, including KUBE 93, KISS FM 106.1 and Nathan High School's C89.5. There is lots of coverage from the interviews out there, so enjoy!

Clearwire names former President of Vodafone KK and Japan Telecom as new CEO

Kirkland-based Clearwire is set to expand and make Seattle one of its "clear" cities this year in 2009. On March 9, Clearwire hired William Morrow to take the reigns. Mr. Morrow is familiar with the Japanese telecom industry, having served as President of Vodafone KK and Japan Telecom in Japan. According to TheDeal.com, Mr. Morrow's experience in Japan "sealed the deal", noting that the Japanese telecom industry is typically five years ahead of the United States.

Recap from the Dr. Ryo Kubota event on February 17 event at Yama at the Galleria

Thank you everyone who came out to our last event at Yama Restaurant at the Bellevue Galleria. This was our first "business presentation" event and this was our first event on the Eastside. Over 40 members came out to see Dr. Ryo Kubota of Acucela to speak about the challenges of entrepreneurship in the United States versus his home in Japan.

It was a great event with great food and service. JYPG was thrilled that we had the support of four Japan America Society Board Members that came out to support us. Thank you!

See you at our next event on April 21st at Issian Izakaya on 45th Street in Wallingford for our Spring Meet-and-Greet. Bring lots of meishi! Our last Meet-and-Greet saw over 90 members.