SPECIAL EVENTS
JETAA Chicago hosts a variety of special and one-off events which are representative of our organization’s goals and values. Some of these events are primarily social, with the intention of maintaining a supportive social network of alumni. We also host events with the purpose of supporting and highlighting alumni and local businesses in our community. Our events can be educational in nature as well. See below for examples of past special events, and keep an eye on our website blog posts and social media channels for upcoming special events!
Tsukemono Event at Konbini & Kanpai
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!
Virtual Tour of Primeval Brewing
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!
JETAA 3K Walk/5K Run
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.