Ikebana Walk with the Japanese Culture Center in Chicago

The Japanese Culture Center, in partnership with the Lakeview Roscoe Village Chamber of Commerce and Japanese Arts Foundation, is hosting an Ikebana Walking Exhibition July 8th and 9th in the Southport Corridor with Ikebana instructors, artists, and students will install flower arrangements from two different schools of Ikebana taught at the center; Ikenobo and Ohara Ryu. In addition, there will be Ikebana themed, avant-garde Japanese calligraphy and origami flower arrangements on display at some participating locations.

This event is free of charge. See details here!

Get to Know Our Officers - Featuring Our Activities Coordinator, Samantha Sodetz!

We would like to welcome Samantha Sodetz to the 2023-2024 JETAA Chicago Board as our Activities Coordinator! Take a look below at Sam's officer profile to learn about her motivations, values and goals.

Our Activities Coordinator, Samantha Sodetz (she/her), was a CIR in Kagoshima from 2018-2019.

Tell us more about your JET experience.

Samantha worked as a Coordinator for International Relations (CIR) in southern Kagoshima, where she coordinated high school exchange programs, taught English, planned cultural events, and translated/interpreted Japanese to English as needed. When Samantha wasn’t in the office, she enjoyed the onsen of Kyushu, mountain climbing, forest hiking, and swimming in the Pacific Ocean.

When did you join/how long have you been on the JETAA Board? What positions have you held?

Activities Coordinator, 2023 —

What inspired you to step up as a leader and join the JETAA Chicago Board?

Want to continue contributing to US/Japan grassroots understanding and bring members of this community together.

Describe your officer duties and what you are looking forward to in regard to your responsibilities.

New to the role, excited to start!

What could be a healthy and/or needed culture add to JETAA Chicago?

I think the survival series is one of the most successful programs I’ve seen from this group, so more enrichment of this program (and similar programs) would be great.

What is one goal you would like to accomplish as an officer of JETAA Chicago, or something that you are looking forward to being a part of?

Just starting!

For you, what sparks joy?

- Green forests

- The ocean

- Caffeine

- Florals

- Art

What is your favorite Japanese "thing" near where you live now (and/or in the Midwest)?

I enjoy Japanese city pop on vinyl, which is occasionally hosted live in local venues by a local DJ.

Connect with Sam via LinkedIn; Instagram; or email!

Get to Know Our Officers - Featuring Our Networking Lead, Joe Palermo!

We would like to welcome Joe Palermo to the 2023-2024 JETAA Chicago Board as our Networking Lead! Take a look below at Joe's officer profile to learn about his motivations, values and goals.

Our Networking Lead, Joe Palermo (he/him), was an MEF (Mombunsho English Fellow) in Gunma Prefecture from 1982-1984.

Tell us more about your JET experience.

I was part of the original Mombusho English Fellow (MEF) program which was pre-JET. I was based in the beautiful mountainous town of Numata, located in Gunma Prefecture. My role was to visit 50 middle schools in the region and do what we called "one shots". This meant doing self-introductions and teaching 3-4 classes per visit.

When did you join/how long have you been on the JETAA Board? What positions have you held?

I have just recently joined the board in 2023.

What inspired you to step up as a leader and join the JETAA Chicago Board?

I have a lifelong interest in Japan and I wanted to give back to those involved with JET.

Describe your officer duties and what you are looking forward to in regard to your responsibilities.

I've just recently joined the board, but I plan to be an experienced resource and try to involve those who were part of the original MEF program in our activities.

What could be a healthy and/or needed culture add to JETAA Chicago?

A healthy add would be to include older members with experience in the MEF program or who have had long experiences living in Japan beyond JET.

What is one goal you would like to accomplish as an officer of JETAA Chicago, or something that you are looking forward to being a part of?

I have just joined the board, but have participated in most board meetings over the last two years.

For you, what sparks joy?

- Writing and publishing articles (Nostalgia Magazine, Reminisce, Japonica, etc.)

- Speaking and studying Japanese

- Playing music (guitar) and attending concerts & musicals

- Intentionally making time for friends weekly over coffee and lunch in retirement

- Playing Pokemon Go

What is your favorite Japanese "thing" near where you live now (and/or in the Midwest)?

Shopping at Mitsuwa

Connect with Joe via LinkedIn!