J-Kaiwa
What is J-Kaiwa?
J-Kaiwa is a once-monthly gathering for JET returnees to practice their Japanese in the fun and relaxing atmosphere of a local pub. We meet on the first Friday of every month and speak only Japanese for one hour while drinking delicious NW microbrews. You do not have to be an ex-JET to attend, however.
Anyone interested in speaking Japanese and staying connected to Japan, including Japanese living in the Portland area, are welcome – and encouraged — to attend. In addition to being a great social and language-building event, it’s a terrific chance to network. Come on out and shake the dust off that nihongo!
But Wait…There’s More!!
We have adopted the wonderful Japanese custom of “nijikai”. The main event of casual Japanese conversation still takes place at the Hawthorne Lucky Lab Brew Pub between 7 and 9 p.m. but we will also have an “afterparty” at a different location, usually starting about 9:30 p.m. We will do the same for August but we hope to mix things up a bit in the future to keep things fresh. We will be trying different things from month to month to keep it interesting so check this page for nijikai venue.
The events are hosted by one or both of your friendly J-Kaiwa Kaichos: Vicki Bridges and Scott Klein. Even if you don’t drink, please come and enjoy yourselves in this relaxed setting with J-Kaiwa regulars and new friends.
Here is the important info:
MARCH:
WHEN: Friday, March 5th, 2010, 7 – 9:30 p.m.
WHERE: Hawthorne Lucky Lab (915 SE Hawthorne Blvd)
Nijikai: 10:00 – ?? at Hollywood Bowl (4030 NE Halsey St)
APRIL:
WHEN: Friday, April 2nd, 2010, 7 – 9ish p.m.
WHERE: Hawthorne Lucky Lab (915 SE Hawthorne Blvd)
Nijikai: 9:30 – ?? karaoke at Bush Garden Lounge (900 SW Morrison St)
WHO: JETAA members, JET Programme returnees, Japanese friends and Nihongo speakers of all levels.
WHY: To see some old friends, make some new ones and maintain that connection to Japan
COST: It’s free to join! You are responsible for your own drinks and food but your friendly Kaichos may buy a pitcher or two to get the party started.
This is a great chance to catch up with old friends, meet new people, and keep up on your Japanese language. We hope you’ll join us and look forward to seeing you there! If you have any questions, email us at: jkaiwa@jetaaportland.com
J-Kaiwa de aimashou!!
Vicki Bridges & Scott Klein
J-Kaiwa Kaichos
