What is the J-Kaiwa?

J-Kaiwa is a once-monthly event 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!

Switching it up – Rockin’ the Garden

The Lucky Lab has been our venue for the past year and turnout has been great but we decided to try something different for April ‘08. We’re going to meet at the Bush Garden Lounge for our usual conversation exchange 7-9 p.m. and we’ve made arrangements to have Karaoke available from about 9 p.m. Also, at 8:30 p.m. the lounge’s late night happy hour menu with $1 appetizers kicks in so you can get some nibbles to go along with your drink of choice. (If you arrive and order before 7 p.m. you can take advantage of the early happy hour, too.) We are interested to see how people like the new venue and depending on the response we may make it our regular spot or rotate it with the Lab. So, practice those songs (Japanese and English), join us at Bush Garden on the 4th and let us know what you think. 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:

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

We hope to see you there,

Vicki Bridges & Scott Klein
J-Kaiwa Kaichos

Here are some photos from our Omatsuri-themed J-Kaiwa:

	** Special Omatsuri Themed J-Kaiwa! ** We got in the spirit by wearing yukatas, happi coats and other Omasturi attire, basically, all the festival garb we received! Otsumami were $1 during Happy Hour (5-7pm), which made sure that everyone arrived early for the festivities. More details coming soon... Check out the pictures.