We finished out the Survival Series with our Mitsuwa Market Sweep!

We finished our Survival Series without a hitch! For our Mitsuwa Market Sweep, the Outgoing JETs were partnered with the Alumni and completed the Japanese Shopping Quest. They learned how to shop for Japanese ingredients, and we had time to share our Japanese experiences. The three teams (Kantou Gang, Shinjukucats, OnePunchSomething) did a good job in searching for the items, but the winner of the scavenger hunt was Kantou Gang I think it was that Poker Face that intimidated the rest of the teams.

2024 Japanese Summer Festival

When I tell you that I miss Japanese omatsuri (festivals), I am really shouting it from the depths of my soul. And now that I’m finding out that they exist in and outside of Chicago, and that I don’t have to say goodbye to one of my favorite Japan activities?! The aggressive excitement is real.

I recently volunteered at the Anderson Japanese Gardens that hosted the 2024 Japanese Summer Festival in late July. There were taiko drums, gigantic shodo, a candy man who pranked the audience while making candy, the crowd getting Awa Odori lessons, Aikido demos, and way more over the 2-day event inside the most beautiful Japanese garden. I was starstruck. While leading the Japanese-name writing event, I heard many wonderful stories from festival goers of all ages of their interest in the culture, past adventures to Japan, and aspirations to travel there someday. I'd say the 2-hour drive from Chicago is worth it to see the garden, and I’m definitely going to this festival again next year!

- JETAA Chicago Philanthropy Lead Sara Brown

Register today for our in-person Japanese Cooking Event happening THIS Saturday!

There are still spots available for our exclusive in-person Japanese Cooking Event on Saturday, August 17th, from 1:00-3:00 pm CST in Streamwood, IL! Join us for a culinary adventure where you'll master the secrets of making California Rolls and Miso Soup from scratch (and sample them for quality assurance, of course).

JET alumni and Friends of JET welcome. Secure your spot today with a refundable deposit of $5.00 — a small price to pay for the unforgettable expertise you'll gain!

Sign up here!

Please contact Joe Palermo at networking@jetaachicago.com with any questions.