For JETAA Chicago's first in-person event since the COVID-19 pandemic, we decided to partner with a local Japanese tasting lounge and our recently returned alumnus Keilyn Kuramitsu. Keilyn has been growing, pickling, and selling vegetables in the Chicagoland area for several years. We paired several of the beer, sake, and wine offerings with Keilyn's delicious assortment of tsukemono vegetables. JETAA Chicago covered the costs of Keilyn's tsukemono while members purchased their own beverages (alcoholic or non-alcoholic). Feel free to visit Konbini & Kanpai in Chicago for a delicious offering of Japanese snacks and beverages, or connect with Keilyn on purchasing more of her delicious, home-grown veggies!

In order to support and highlight a local business in our Indiana Subchapter, we decided to conduct a virtual tour of Primeval Brewing, owned by the father of one of our members. Participants were able to enjoy a virtual tour around the taproom and brewery, a Q&A session with the owner/brewer, and a beer and otsumami (Japanese snack) pairing purchased from a local Japanese market. We are always looking for opportunities to highlight the achievements of our alumni and support local business!

In the spirit of Sports Day, JETAA Chicago hosted a virtual 3K walk/5K run in the fall of 2021. This three-part event included a pre-run training session by Coach Lori from Chicago Endurance Sports, a 3K walk or 5K run completed on the participant's own time, and a post-run Happy Hour where participants learned facts about Sports Day. This event was intended to encourage health and wellness and sharing of participants' memories from their time in Japan.