100th Anniversary of Japan's cherry trees

100 years ago, Japan donated cherry trees to the United States as a symbol of our friendship. The cherry trees remain to
this day in the Tidal Basin area of Washington, DC. Since then, Japan has also donated many cherry trees to Cincinnati,
where they grace our parks.

The Japan America Society of Cincinnati (JASGC) is forming a committee for the 100 year celebration of the cherry trees
donated to the United States by Japan, to be held in April, 2012.

Cincinnati has a special connection with this gift as it was Mrs. Taft (then First Lady) who helped make this happen. JASGC
is working on a grand celebration in April -- most likely the last weekend in April.

Possible events:

* A Sumo/Japanese Marial arts demonstration at Cincinnati State

* Zen garden at the Krohn Conservatory

* A Dolls of Japan exhibit at Boone County library, to lead the celebration off in March

JASGC would like to arrange:

* An art contest in local area schools

* A Japanese Language contest

* Movie history -- show the U.S. remake of original Japanese films (e.g.7 Samurai / The Magnificent 7)

JASGC will hold an organizational meeting on November 10th, 2011 1:00pm

Chamber of Commerce
300 Carew Tower
441 Vine Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202

If interested, please contact:
Carla Romanelli
cromanelli@gccc.com

--
Steve Rindsberg
http://www.pptools.com
http://www.pptfaq.com

Job opportunity at Cincinnati Art Museum

Dr. Hou-mei Sung, Curator of Asian Art at the Cincinnati Art Museum, anticipates receiving a grant to prepare a catalog of
Japanese art in the CAM collections.

She needs a person who is able to read and translate Japanese and prepare requests for images from other museums.

The ideal candidate will have some art history background

The full-time position would last one and a half years and include benefits.

For more information, please contact Dr. Sung at 513-639-2330.

--
Steve Rindsberg
http://www.pptools.com
http://www.pptfaq.com

Operation Tomodachi

Tomodachi means "friend" in Japanese, and the US Navy has indeed been a true friend to our friends in Japan.

Learn about the US Navy´s efforts to help Japan in the aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami.

Operation Tomodachi

Presented by Vice Admiral Dirk J. Debbink
Chief of Navy Reserves
Commander, Navy Reserve Force

Tuesday, August 30th
10-11am

CincinnatiUSA Regional Chamber
300 Carew Tower
441 Vine Street
Downtown Cincinnati

RSVP: http://www.JASGC.org

--
Steve Rindsberg
http://www.pptools.com
http://www.pptfaq.com

Peace Bell Celebration, July 9, 2011

This year we met again on July 9 to pray for peace and for the souls of people who were lost in the recent tsunami in Japan.
We were blessed with good weather, pleasant temperatures and a great view of the Cincinnati skyline.

Venerable Daiun Iba officiated.

Afterwards, we retired to Aoi Japanese Restaurant for food and fellowship.

Special thanks to Sean Dunn for the photos.
--
Steve Rindsberg
http://www.pptools.com
http://www.pptfaq.com

World Choir Games Kick-off on Fountain Square

On Monday, July 11, 2011, several Gifu Sister City Committee members participated in the noontime World Choir Games kick-off
celebration on Fountain Square. Thanks to our friends at Japan America Society of Greater Cincinnati and to the
enthusiastic crowd, the event was a great success.

Here you see GSCC chairman Justin Kluemper in his Gifu City Nagara River Ukai (cormorant) Fisherman's happi coat, doing
"Your Name in Japanese" calligraphy on bookmarks for people who visited our booth.

Justin slings a mean katakana.
--
Steve Rindsberg
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PEACE DAY Celebration

The Sister Cities programs in America were founded with the goal of achieving international understanding and peace through
citizen diplomacy. The city of Gifu, Japan has been a valued Sister City of Cincinnati, Ohio since May 11, 1988.
Cincinnati and Gifu have a rich history of cooperation, exchange, respect and friendship.

We commemorate those who fell in the bombing of Gifu City on July 9, 1945 by reaffirming our commitment to world peace.

We recognize that peace is a difficult process, but the first step is to work together and build strong relationships. We
offer our Peace Ceremony as a sign of hope in the future and as a sign of our support of the efforts of all those working
towards world peace.

There will also be a PRAYER FOR JAPAN´S EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS

Reverend Daiun Iba of the Cincinnati Buddhist Vihara will officiate.

Gifu Sister City Committee, the City of Cincinnati and the City of Gifu welcome everyone in Greater Cincinnati and
surrounding areas to share your support by attending:

The Peace Ceremony
Saturday, July 9, 4:30 PM

General James Taylor Park
307 Isabella Street
Turn North off Route 8 (4th or 5th Street in Newport) onto Columbia Street
Columbia Street dead-ends into Riverboat Row
Turn Left/West and follow Riverboat Row to the shelter in Taylor Park.

Google map here:
http://tinyurl.com/68d4hwy

Reception to follow at Aoi Japanese Restaurant, Newport on the Levee
If you wish to attend the reception, please RSVP to:

chair@cincinnati-gifu.org

--
Steve Rindsberg
http://www.pptools.com
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Toyota Camry named Most American Car

Congratulations, Toyota!

From United Business Media's PR Newswire:

"Cars.com announced today that the Toyota Camry once again took the top spot in the site's annual American Made Index. This
is the third consecutive year the Camry has held this position, despite many newcomers to the list including the Ford
Explorer, the Chevrolet Traverse and the GMC Acadia. The Camry, which is assembled in Georgetown, Ky. and Lafayette, Ind.,
is followed by the Honda Accord and the Chevy Malibu, which rank No. 2 and No. 3 respectively."

"Cars.com's annual American-Made Index ranks the most-American vehicles based on percentage of their parts that are made
domestically, where they are assembled and how many are sold to U.S. buyers."

You can read the whole story here:

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/camry-most-american-car-according-to-carscom-study-124581948.html
--
Steve Rindsberg
http://www.pptools.com
http://www.pptfaq.com