ABC Newsman Discusses ABCs of US Politics

Nagoya, December 14 - ABC News Chief Political Analyst Mark Halperin reviewed the year in American politics at the Nagoya American Center. He began his presentation by first trumpeting the importance of the U.S.-Japan alliance before moving on to analyze the recent mid-term elections and to sketch out who the main players will be for the 2008 presidential election. Because of Mr. Halperin's experience covering American politics, he was able to offer keen insight into the U.S. political process. On December 15, Mr. Halperin traveled to Nagano to give his lecture to a gathering of journalists.

DCM Says Attack on Japan is an Attack on US

Nagoya, December 9 - The United States Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission, Joseph R. Donovan, visited Nagoya to discuss regional issues with the Aichi Seiji Daigakuin. A number of economic and security issues were discussed with the audience, which included about 70 people. When asked about the U.S. position on Japan's security, DCM Donovan responded: "We would take an attack against Japan as an attack against the United States."

Caption: L to R: Seiken Sugiura, Joseph Donovan, Junji Suzuki

American Voices Herald Holiday Season

Nagoya, December 6 - The holiday season began on a high note when American Voices, featuring pianist John Ferguson and soprano Jacquelyn Culpepper, performed Broadway show tunes and traditional holiday Christmas songs at U.S. Consulate Principal Officer Daniel Rochman's house. Mr. Rochman and his forty guests enjoyed the duo's dynamic performance and called them back for two encores. American Voices, which has been promoting American music since 1992, is currently touring Japan.

Principal Officer Rochman Discusses U.S.-Japan Relations and Culture at Gifu Keizai University

Ogaki, November 27 - Consulate Nagoya Principal Officer Daniel Rochman spoke to an audience of over 400 Japan-America Society members, students, and the general public at Gifu Keizai University on U.S.-Japan relations and cultural differences between the two countries. The open forum was cosponsored by Gifu Keizai University Society and the Japan-America Society of Gifu. Following the talk, the audience asked questions on a variety of subjects including religion, U.S. foreign policy, baseball, and foreign exchange student issues.

Fulbright Scholar Lectures at Toyama University

Toyama, November 14 - The Nagoya American Center organized a lecture by Dr. Dennis McNamara, Professor of Georgetown University, at Toyama University, Toyama Prefecture. Nagoya American Center Director Michael Turner and Dr. McNamara visited the campus and met with several faculty members and enjoyed Toyama hospitality and cuisine. Dr. McNamara's lecture to 250 Asian Studies majors was entitled "Outlook for Establishing an East Asian Community."

Caption: L to R: Prof. Hiroko Imamura, Prof. Tetsuo Miura, NAC Director Michael Turner, Dr. Dennis McNamara, Prof. Takeshi Iida, Prof. Hiroshi Morioka

Nagoya Asks Why Did Americans Vote the Way They Did?

Nagoya, November 9 - As the dust was still settling over the mid-term elections, the Nagoya American Center was playing host to a double speaker program that pitched a triumphant Democrat over a downcast Republican. For the blue side, there was Frank Jannuzi, U.S. Foreign Relations Committee, and representing the red side was Douglas Turner, a strategist and campaign advisor for Republican candidates. Jannuzi and Turner are in Japan as Council on Foreign Relations International Affairs Fellows. In a convivial exchange, both men both briefly outlined the primary differences between the two political parties for an audience of 45 journalists, business leaders, government officials, professors, and students. Jannuzi and Turner then discussed the results of the election and what the outcome meant for both parties and for the Bush White House.

Ambassador Talks Policy With Japanese Students

Nagoya, November 1 - United States Ambassador J. Thomas Schieffer sat down with thirty-five university students at the Nagoya American Center for an hour-long conversation on a wide array of topics concerning the United States and Japan, including North Korea's return to the Six Party talks and democracy building in Iraq. Most of the students were undergraduates studying American studies and they demonstrated a firm grasp of issues that directly touch the U.S.-Japan alliance, such as the future deployment of a nuclear powered aircraft carrier to the Yokosuka Naval Base. The ambassador responded to their questions in detail and welcomed policy questions as well as personal questions. When asked about how he felt representing the United States, Amb. Schieffer responded that he felt it was a ghumblingh experience, and added: gI think it is very important for me to do things like this today. I get out of Tokyo and visit young people to find out what they think Japan is all about. Because it helps me to go back to the American people and describe the Japan I learn every day.h For a complete transcript of Ambassador Schieffer's meeting with students, please click here.

Mid-Term Election Previewed in Central Japan

Nagoya, October 27 - Frank Jannuzi, Chief Policy Advisor for East Asia, Senate Foreign Relations Committee, spoke to an audience of around forty journalists, business leaders, scholars and students. Mr. Jannuzi laid out a broad outline of the upcoming mid-term elections including what's at stake for the Republican and Democratic parties, the key players involved and the recent scandals that have caught the public attention. He also discussed what the results could mean in the area of trade for Japan. Mr. Jannuzi's first-hand knowledge of how Capitol Hill works brought a sense of legitimacy to his discussion and infused it with excitement thanks to his insider's perspective. The audience - including reporters covering U.S. issues and students of American studies - gained a better understanding of the U.S. political process and of the issues weighing on the minds of Americans during this election.

Oklahoma Rising in the Land of the Rising Sun

Nagoya, October 23 - One hundred and twenty friends and key contacts of the Nagoya American Center packed into an intimate concert hall to enjoy the self-styled gheartland acoustich of Horseshoe Road.

Horseshoe Road, a young energetic trio from Oklahoma touring Japan on the eve of Oklahoma's centenary and at the suggestion of Ambassador to the United States Ryozo Kato, had the audience clapping and cheering with enthusiasm. The trio (Kyle Dillingham on violin, Dustin Jones on guitar and Brad Benge on bass) played and sang a dozen of their own songs before closing the concert with two classics - Orange Blossom Special and Country Roads - that brought down the house. gMagnificent!h gushed one attendee.

STUDY USA: Students in Central Japan Flock to Uni Fair

NAGOYA, October 21 - PAS Nagoya co-sponsored and heavily promoted the "2006 Study in the USA Fair" with the Nagoya U.S. Commercial Service that drew nearly 300 students to the fair. This year saw thirty American universities participate in this annual fair. A number of workshops and seminars were held on the sidelines of the fair. The US-Japan Fulbright Commission held a workshop that attracted almost 150 students.

Japanese Students Explore American Society and Culture

Nagashima, August 17 - Thirty-seven Japanese junior high school students participated in a program entitled gCommunication in Englishh presented by PAS Nagoya and hosted by the Nagashima Waju Library. The students learned about American life, customs and junior high schools while listening to a lecture presented in both Japanese and English by Jennifer Gregg, PAS Nagoya's summer intern. Ms. Gregg, a former JET Program participant, engaged the students through games and a Q & A session.

University Students Learn About American Campus Life

Nagoya, August 10 - Seventeen Nagoya-area university students attended a program on campus life in the United States and a pizza party hosted by PAS Nagoya at the Nagoya American Center. Three NAC members discussed aspects of the American university experience such as dorm life, academic expectations, social activities, and the particular challenges that face Japanese students studying at American institutions.

The 2006 U.S.University Fair will be held at the Nagoya International Center on October 21. For more information click HERE.

Novelist Enchants Nagoya Audience

Nagoya, August 3 - Novelist Aimee Bender discussed writing and read excerpts from her works to an audience of thirty assorted students, professors and others at the Nagoya American Center. Ms. Bender, whose most recent book, An Invisible Sign of My Own, has just been translated into Japanese, also talked about Japanese writers whom she admired. Please visit the author's website at: http://www.flammableskirt.com

Patience Pending: Ensuring Strong IPR Protection

Nagoya, July 24 - Prof. William J. Hennessey, Franklin Pierce Law Center, spoke to a group of twenty-five government officials, legal scholars, business executives and journalists at the Nagoya American Center on the topic of gEnsuring Strong IPR Protectionh. Prof. Hennessey spoke primarily about the problem of protecting copyrights, trademarks, and other intellectual property and the challenges that the U.S. and Japan face in this endeavor. This issue is particularly relevant for Nagoya and the surrounding area of Central Japan because much of Japan's industrial might, including Toyota Motors and Mitsubishi Heavy Industry, are based here.

American Independence Day Celebrated in Nagoya

Nagoya, July 4 - The US Consulate Nagoya and the Nagoya American Center hosted the 230th Independence Day celebration at a Hilton Hotel ballroom festooned with red, white and blue balloons and flags. Guests from local government, business, academia, media and even a few local celebrities dined on real, down-to-earth American cuisine like hamburgers and hot dogs but also more exotic regional dishes like Cajun spiced soft shell crabs, tacos and BBQ spare ribs.

Consulate Principal Officer Daniel Rochman opened the event and welcomed the more than two hundred and thirty guests. gI'm very happy to share this celebration with you this evening,h he said. gIt's particularly pleasant, because Japan is such a great friend, partner and ally to the United States, and the people of Central Japan have been such warm hosts to the American Consulate.h Speech Text

President of the Aichi America-Japan Society, Yoshihiro Yasui, Chairman of Brother Industries, Ltd., toasted the United States and saluted the bonds of friendship that unite the people of Japan and the United States.

The celebration was supported by many American firms, who generously provided financial and in-kind contributions including delicious seafood, beverages, sausages, fruits and vegetables.

Poet Explores Asian-American Poetry With Students

Nagoya, June 14 - Approximately 100 university students and professors attended a lecture at Aichi Prefectural University presented by Mong-lan, Vietnamese-American poet and instructor at the University of Maryland University College. The topic of Mong-lan's lecture, arranged by PAS Nagoya, was gAsian American Literatureh, during which she introduced the audience to several important voices in contemporary Asian-American prose and poetry as well as presented some original poems. Afterwards, PAS Nagoya hosted a lunch with Mong-lan and a group of university professors, during which the attendees discussed American poets and authors and considered the current status of poetry in both America and Japan.

Econ. Seminar Draws City Elders and Youngsters in Central Japan

Kanazawa, May 25 - The Nagoya American Center held an economic seminar in Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture entitled gRevitalizing Local Economies in the Global Marketh, which featured two American experts and one local specialist. Professor Harry G. Harris of UC Davis and Christopher J. Winship, Special Advisor to the Financial Attache at the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo, delved into the American economic experience. Professor Harris focused on the big picture of globalization and entrepreneurship while Mr. Winship gave specific examples of American successes. Professor Kyoji Hara of Kanazawa Seiryo University finished the afternoon seminar by examining current economic trends in Japan. After the seminar, attendees and participants adjourned to a dinner reception hosted by the Nagoya American Center.

Mie-ken Bites into American History and Culture and Asks for More

Nagashima, May 23 - Debra Samuels, a professional chef and food writer for the Boston Globe, brought American cuisine to Central Japan's Nagashima Town and enlightened and entertained a group of fifty who ranged in age from 2 to 90. PAS Nagoya and the Nagashima Town Library organized the event, which topped off a month-long exhibition of American pictures and posters called gAmerican Month.h Surrounded by pictures of Independence Day and American daily life, Ms. Samuels explained the evolution of American cuisine and explained the historical and geographical influences on its development. She then demonstrated how to make quick, easy, and healthy snacks that the audience eagerly consumed. This program revealed that American culture is complex and owes its sophistication to the many immigrants who have settled in the United States. Debra Samuels HP: http://www.cookingatdebras.com.

Perry's Legacy: 152 years of Friendship Celebrated in Central Japan

Shimoda, May 20 - The City of Shimoda hosted the 67th Annual Black Ship Fesitval in honor of Commodore Matthew Perry and his fleet of gblack shipsh over a three day period with fireworks, performances by the 7th Fleet Band, a softball game, and a parade that included United States Ambassador J. Thomas Schieffer as the guest of honor. Since 1934, the town of Shimoda has celebrated Perry's arrival and the subsequent eopening of Japanf that followed. This year,VIP guests included the mayor of Perry's hometown, Newport, Rhode Island; the commander of the U.S. Naval Forces, Japan; the commander of Fleet Activities, Yokosuka Naval Base; and PAO Nagoya. The Ambassador spoke at a special wreath laying ceremony that commemorated Commodore Perry and then joined the mayor of Shimoda at the front of a parade through the streets of Shimoda.

Duo Spotlight American Classics in Kanazawa

Kanazawa, May 7 - The Terwilliger-Cooperstock Duo performed at the 21st Century Museum of Modern Art in Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture before an audience of eighty local business leaders, academics, art patrons, students, and children. The piano and violin duo, brought to this corner of Japan by PAS Nagoya, performed rousing numbers from Paul Shoenfield and Aaron Copland.

Japan Should Flex Its Soft Power Muscles, says MIT Professor

Tsu, April 27 - Professor Richard J. Samuels, Director of the Center for International Studies at MIT, spoke to 250 students and professors at Mie University in Mie Prefecture about how the United States, Japan, and China use their soft power to various degrees of success and failure. The audience, comprising mostly of undergraduate students, was fascinated to hear Professor Samuel's analysis of recent problems between China and Japan and his suggestions for the creation of a more hospitable climate in the region.

Students and Professors Explore the Internet's Impact on Politics with New York Times Critic

Nagoya, April 25 - New York Times television critic Virginia Heffernan discussed how the internet is shaping political discourse in American society at the Nagoya American Center with more than forty students and professors from some of the most prominent universities in Central Japan. Ms. Heffernan explained how new technologies and new ways of using familiar technology were changing the way Americans get their news and information. Ms. Heffernan demonstrated how cutting-edge websites are targeting readers and how readers are now selecting the news that they read. Using the internet to demonstrate, she showed how Americans are no longer simply consumers of news, but producers of news as well. The diverse audience gained insight into how new advances in Information Technology and media affect political dialogue in America and how advances in technology will shape not only how the discussion of politics is conducted, but the content of the discussions as well.

U.S. Fight Against Climate Change gImpressiveh Says Audience

Nagoya, April 14 - gIn the long term, the U.S. (plan to reduce carbon emissions) is probably more effective than Japan's plan,h said an audience member one who attended a discussion led by Joyce Rabens, Minister Counselor for Environment, Science, and Techology Affairs at the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo. In anticipation of Earth Day, Ms. Rabens was in Nagoya to discuss U.S. strategies to combat global climate change. The discussion elicited many positive comments from audience members about U.S. efforts. Many attendees expressed surprise at the numerous efforts made by U.S. public and private sector actors to address climate change.

Heroes of New York: Japanese Book Salutes Firefighters

Nagoya, April 12 - Journalist Ms. Chieko Kuriki's book, gHeroes of New York: Firefighters of 9.11h, a tribute to New York firefighters and the heroism they displayed on September 11, 2001, was released on April 12. The book, published by Kindai Shobo Sha Press, is based on over 100 interviews that Ms. Kuriki conducted with firefighters, widows, and various family members in New York after the events of September 11, 2001. Ms. Kuriki, a graduate of Boston University with a degree in journalism and a professor of humanities at Chubu University, visited Ground Zero and met with the surviving firefighters of Engine 16 shortly after 9/11. Upon returning to Nagoya, she contacted PAS Nagoya, where she began her lengthy research aided by PAS Nagoya's reference services. The resulting book is a respectful and sometimes loving tribute to the firefighters who gave their lives on September 11th and those who survived them. The book is a powerful reminder of what happened one sunny autumn morning in New York City and how it changed the world.

Hula Dance Opens "American Shelf" in Mie

Nagashima, April 11 - A new gAmerican Shelfh was unveiled today at the grand opening of the Nagashima Waju Library, Nagashima Town, Mie Prefecture. The opening of the new library, which is part of a larger municipal cultural center, was celebrated by a group of singing kindergarteners and hula dancers from the local Hawaiian Dance Club. Library Director Moriyama publicly thanked PAS Nagoya for supporting the library with a book donation and Michael Turner, Director of the Nagoya American Center, participated in the ribbon cutting ceremony. The America Shelf, actually several shelves, was decorated by library staff with an American flag and maps supplied by PAS Nagoya. Also on display was the memorandum of understanding signed by the mayor and Mr. Turner. Ninety-eight volumes of books were on the shelves, all of them from the collection of the Nagoya American Center and the Tokyo American Center, including a complete Encyclopedia Americana and guides for studying in the U.S. The American Shelf will be an opportunity for local citizens to learn more about American culture and ideals.

Caption: Directors of the Nagoya American Center and Nagashima Waju Library stand in front of the American Shelf.

Pirates, Squatters and Copycats: Nagoyans Learn About IPR Challenge

Nagoya, April 6 - Calling on his own personal experiences in dealing with IPR violations, Mark Allen Cohen, Intellectual Property Attache, US Embassy-Beijing, discussed gEnsuring Strong IPR Protectionh with a gathering of forty patent lawyers, business executives and academics at the Nagoya American Center. The Tokai Patent Attorney's Association co-sponsored the event. Mr. Cohen described in detail the problems faced by companies concerned about protecting their patents, trademarks, trade secrets and copyrights. In a dramatic gesture, Mr. Cohen was able to use an Internet search to demonstrate how a company in another country had stolen the name and brand image of one of the companies represented at the lecture.

U.S., Japan and China Relations Explored

Nagoya, March 1 - More than 100 government officials, business executives, professors and students attended a seminar on China's rising regional impact featuring Dr. Ellen Frost, Institute for International Economics, and Dr. Phillip Saunders, National Defense University. The seminar was organized by the Nagoya American Center. The two discussed the sources of Chinese economic and military power, the challenge an ascendant China presents to the US-Japan alliance and Beijing's domestic and international problems. Co-sponsor Aichi University fielded two commentators, Prof. Mitsuyaki Kagami, professor of Chinese politics, and Prof. Chunli Lee, professor of Chinese economic theory, who responded to Frost and Saundersf presentation. The two groups engaged in spirited debate, with eager audience participation in the final hour.

Neo-Conservative Discusses Bush Doctrine

Nagoya, February 8 - Dr. Joshua Muravchik, American Enterprise Institute, discussed the Bush Doctrine and U.S. foreign policy in the post 9/11 era to a gathering of 25 reporters, professors and business leaders at the Nagoya American Center. He defined and explained transformational democracy for the inquisitive audience. He was pressed about the perceived failure in Iraq but insisted that it was still too early to tell whether Iraq was a success or failure. The question and answer period following the lecture was spirited as Dr. Muravchik responded to the dozens of critical questions thrown his way. His presentation challenged the audience's understanding of neo-conservative thinking and illustrated the openness of American political debate.

Jazz Concert Raises Funds for Katrina Victims

Nagoya, March 9 - -Dr. Hiroshi Sawa, Handa International Association, presents US Consulate Principal Officer Daniel A. Rochman with money earned from a recent New Orleans jazz charity concert for victims of Hurricane Katrina. For more information, see Handa International Association HP.

The Flagship of the Seventh Fleet Visits Nagoya

Nagoya, Jan. 30-Feb. 3 - The USS Blue Ridge, flagship of the United States Navy 7th Fleet, arrived in Nagoya on Jan. 30 for a week of rest and recreation for the crew, to acquire ship supplies and to give the crew the chance to explore the heart of Japan. U.S. Navy ships routinely make port-of-call visits across Japan and around the world.

Named after the Blue Ridge Mountains found in the eastern part of the United States, USS Blue Ridge acts as the command-and-control ship of the U.S. Navy 7th Fleet. Commissioned in 1970 and deployed to Yokosuka, Blue Ridge measures 6,365 feet (194 meters) long and displaces approximately 18,400 tons fully loaded. The ship normally carries 52 officers and 790 enlisted men and women. (More)