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U.S. - Japan Friendship Amidst Tragedy 
FM Matsumoto ClintonDuring his visit to the United States, Foreign Minister Matsumoto and Secretary Clinton exchanged views on various subjects.  Both sides offered assistance for natural disasters in each others' countries.
Foreign Minister Press Conference
Statement on U.S. Tornadoes

Supply Chains Recovering! 
The importance of Japan's technology in the world's economy was brought into focus by the March 11 earthquake disaster, as companies worldwide felt the impact of components suppliers whose operations were disrupted.  Read about these interruptions and the speedy recovery underway:
METI 

JACCC Children's Day Celebration
koinobori Children's Day on May 14 at JACCC will be full of fun activities starting with the Chibi-K Fun Run.  Participants can collect donations for "Kids Help Kids in Japan," a benefit for UNICEF. On the plaza will be the Asian Pacific Arts and Crafts Faire, with food, games and cultural performances. link icon

Socks for Japan 
Socks for JapanAre you looking for a way to help earthquake victims in a direct and meaningful way?  What about sending socks? The JET Alumni Association supports Jason Kelly's socks project.  Jason, who lives and works in Tochigi, has launched a program to deliver socks to people who need them.  Visit the website for guidelines.
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THE FUTURE OF ELECTRIC VEHICLES 
MEVIt is anticipated that the total market for electric vehicles will double for cars and quintuple in the next ten years.  Learn more at the U.S. - Japan Green Conference on May 19.
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Little Tokyo Design Week: Future City LTDW
Experience cutting edge design and technology emerging from Japan.  Find out how it intersects with current trends in Los Angeles.  From July 13 - 17 in Little Tokyo, LTDW will feature a variety of innovative installations and events envisioning a "New Urban Lifestyle." There will be a collaborative exhibition of personal stories and photographs from the recent Great East Japan Earthquake.
LTDW
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Rafu Shimpo  

Today's Kotowaza:
Wazawai tenjite fuku to nasu 
Thumbelina Misfortune turns into fortune. Turn misfortune into fortune. Finding fortune in misery.  Make the best of a bad bargain. Look beyond misfortunes to discover possibilities.

Japan-related events for
Los Angeles & Arizona koinobori

ENGLISH
JAPAN

Food Safety Secured!
Japanese Food Both the Government of Japan and the United States Food and Drug Administration are confident that the inspection system for food imports from Japan is effective, and Japan wants American consumers to know that Japanese food is not only delicious and healthy, but is wholesome and free from possible contamination.  Follow the link:
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More on the TEPCO Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant
This incident that was much in the news has now stabilized.  Go to these links for an analysis of events and descriptions of how the situation will be dealt with and mitigated over the next months.
METI
TEPCO 

UCLA Symposium on Butoh
Butoh
Have you ever scratched your head about butoh?  Find out what it's all about at UCLA's three-day conference: Between Experiment, Form and Culturalism: Butoh in History and Contemporary Practice. May 20-22.
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Japan Relief Pledge Special on KCET-TV KCET
KCET-TV will air a special live pledge drive on May 24 at 8:00 pm to benefit Japan in the aftermath of the earthquake and subsequent tsunami that devastated the region.  Consul General Ihara will be there!
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Introducing Robot HAL 
Robot Suit HAL
Love robots?  Meet Robot Suit HAL - and designer Yoshiyuki Sankai - hosted by UCLA's Bioengineering.  HAL is already being used in Japan and has many uses in rehabilitation, caregiving, and even entertainment.  Presentation and demonstration: Wed., May 18, 3:30 pm, Engineering V, Room 2101.
Cyberdyne
Sankai Laboratory
YouTube

Celebrating 100 Year Old People
senior Are you 100 years old or older?  As a Japanese citizen living in the U.S., you may qualify to be celebrated by the Japanese government.  Find out the requirements by visiting this link.
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MEXT Scholarship Applications
MEXT
Applications are available for the following scholarships: Research Student, Undergraduate Student, and Specialized Training College Students.  June 10 is the deadline.  link icon 

Visa passports
Passport 

         

Ministry of Foreign Affairs News
MOFA
  

mofa iconThis newsletter is issued by the Japan Information & Culture Center