Falling for Cocktails: A Cocktail Demo with the JASC YPC

JETAA Chicago is excited to co-sponsor this event with the Young Professionals Committee of the Japan America Society of Chicago - Falling for Cocktails: A Cocktail Demo by Murasaki Sake Lounge's Jun Takanarita on Thursday, September 9th from 6-7 pm CST!

About the Event

Jun Takanarita will lead this presentation offering an in-depth explanation of Japanese alcohols such as Japanese whiskey and shochu. Takanarita will also walk through how to make two of Murasaki’s cocktails: “Sweet Oak” and “Far East” that are perfect for the fall season. “Sweet Oak” is a Japanese whiskey based cocktail with Amaretto and Godiva White Chocolate Liquor. “Far East ” is a layered cocktail with barley shochu, Midori, Soho, orange juice, cranberry juice, and cherry.

About the Speaker

Jun Takanarita, owner of Murasaki Sake Lounge, began his journey as a bartender 15 years ago. Passionate about Japanese alcohol beverages and the craftsmanship behind them, Tananarita gained experience while working at a Japanese bar in Chicago’s Streeterville neighborhood and eventually took over the lounge 8 years ago. Takanarita also became owner of Summertime Jazz Cafe/Lounge located in Mount Prospect in 2019 spreading his knowledge of Japanese whiskey, sake and shochu to the Chicago suburbs.

Sign up here!

Questions? Email Sheila Burt at philanthropy@jetaachicago.com

'21 Survival Series: COVID & Culture Shock!

Join us on Friday, August 27th from 7-8:30 PM, CST, for the final event of JETAA Chicago's '21 Survival Series, COVID & Culture Shock, for outgoing '20-21 JETs!

Join us in discussing how to navigate the waves of culture shock in these unprecedented times and how to be mindful of our own health and wellness. Discussions will be led by JET Alumni who have been in your shoes and know all too well what to expect and what to do!

RSVP via Guestlist!

Want our Alumni Panelists to address specific questions, comments, or concerns? Submit them here.

Also, JETAA Chicago is in need of JET alumni mentors to help educate and onboard the next generation of outgoing JETs! Interested? Fill out the Alumni Mentor In-take Form!

*Note: All alumni who register for the event must fill out the 2021 Alumni Mentor In-take Form.

Being located in the Chicagoland area is not required to be a mentor. Any of our alumni in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Indiana are welcome and wanted!

*This event is for JET alumni and outgoing JETs.

Questions? Email Constance Judd at outreach@jetaachicago.com

Meet the Speakers of the Indiana Subchapter Pro Wrestling Event!

Don't forget to sign up to join JETAA Chicago and the Indiana Subchapter on Sunday, August 15th at 6 pm CST/7 pm EST for our event: Exploring Cultural Differences Through Wrestling!

Tamaya Greenlee, Indiana JET alumni and up and coming wrestling announcer, and Roni 'Big Bang' Nicole, international pro wrestler who formerly wrestled in Japan, will give Zoom presentations and an interactive Q&A session revolving around their personal experiences with wrestling culture in Japan as a fan and as a professional. They will cover topics ranging from differences between the wrestling culture in Japan and the U.S., common misconceptions about pro wrestling, and the implications of being a mixed-race foreign woman wrestling in Japan.

We look forward to having you for this incredibly unique experience! In the meantime, take a moment to meet the amazingly talented and inspirational speakers of our event:

Roni Nicole

is a Houston, Texas native, residing in Raleigh, North Carolina. By the age of 8, she was known in entertainment circles performing in pageants, dance recitals, dance and cheer competitions. It was also at this early age when she witnessed the inaugural episode of Monday Night RAW, fueling her passion for professional wrestling. After graduating high school, Roni Nicole pursued higher education at two different collegiate institutions as well as becoming a published model, semi-professional cheerleader, modern dance choreographer, color-guard instructor and actress; starring in numerous independent film and theatrical productions such as, ‘The Vagina Monologues’ and ' For Colored Girls'.

Growing up an avid wrestling fan, Roni Nicole honed and sharpened her skills under the tutelage of "The Enforcer' CW Anderson, Lou Marconi and ECW's Chilly Willy stateside. Invited to Japan on multiple long term contracts, Roni Nicole trained vigilantly in the World Woman Pro-Wrestling Diana Dojo in Kawasaki, Japan under Kaoru Ito, Aono Kieko, Nanae Takahashi and Kyoko Inoue. Seeking to change the business for the better at all levels through advocacy and education, Roni Nicole adds an intensity and ferocity to her matches and adds a fervor to the wrestling business, not seen in most talent today.

Tamaya Greenlee

is a 2016-2018 Ishikawa JET alumni and lifelong pro wrestling fan. A longtime resident of Indianapolis, Indiana, she graduated from Ball State University with a master’s in English literature. When she isn’t navigating the art world, she is pursuing her love of wrestling as a ring announcer and follower of her local independent wrestling scene.

Tamaya is an up and coming pro wrestling announcer. For booking inquiries, please message or DM @scholarandelbow on Twitter and Instagram, or contact her via Facebook.

SIGN UP FOR THE EVENT HERE!

*This event is open to JET alumni and Friends and Family of JET. Questions? Email Alexis Palmer at marketing@jetaachicago.com