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Japan-America Society of Southern Colorado

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Escape From Manchuria Book

  Our former president, Paul Maruyama, has written a book, Escape from Manchuria, which we invite you to read. It is a compelling story of Japanese civilians struggles and hardships toward the end of WWII in Manchuria, available on Amazon (English and Japanese).

So, what is the book about? Quoting from the press release: "In the closing days of WWII, the Soviet Union attacked and occupied Japanese-controlled northern China, then called Manchuria. Immediately, misery and death from cold, hunger, disease, and brutality descended upon the Japanese civilians at the hands of the Soviet Army and revenge-seeking mobs and bandits. Nearly 2,500 Japanese died daily."
"Three courageous men embarked on a secret mission and escaped to Japan to eventually bring an end to the Manchurian nightmare. In Escape from Manchuria

(published by iUniverse), Paul K. Maruyama, Lt. Col., USAF (Retired), the son of one of the three men, narrates for Western readers the compelling true story of the rescue and repatriation of nearly 1.7 million Japanese that began almost a year after the surrender of Japan."


This book at the request of public radio and television system Japan Broadcasting Corporation NHK (Nippon Hōsō Kyōkai) has produced into a two part docudrama which aired in Japan March 2018, to much praise receiving a national broadcasting award - NHK Comment on Broadcast Award (and its translation).  And JASSC with  Mr Maruyama as event host at Colorado College in fall  2018 showed the drama to interested local residents (see details on Part 1 and Part 2).

You can find this fascinating book at Amazon.com, or contact Paul Maruyama directly (pmaruyama@earthlink.net or 719-440-0599)

A short article about Paul's many lifetime achievements can be found on Olympian and Author.  

facing the mountain Book

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Boys in the Boat, Daniel James Brown, a gripping World War II saga of patriotism and courage: the special Japanese-American Army unit that overcame brutal odds in Europe; their families, incarcerated back home; and a young man who refused to surrender his constitutional rights, even if it meant imprisonment.

Asian Cooking Classes

Our Cooking Classes combine the flavors and techniques of Japan/China/Hawaii. 
Instructor(s): Taught by members and invited chefs
Dates/Times: 11:00 AM on Saturday (may change)
Cost: Varies dependent on menu, venue, & JASSC member/non-member
Limit: 15-20 participants
Please see our Events listing for details.
Other Cooking Tips: NHK Dining with the Chef - Host by Patrick Harlan (graduated from Rampart H.S., Colorado Springs, then went on to Harvard, and currently works as a TV personality in Japan)
Examples of cute bento bako: 

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/vod/bento/3004453/

Japanese Language Classes

We offer beginner, intermediate, advanced, and business Japanese classes. Classes are usually group lessons to facilitate conversation and interaction. Please contact each teacher about the schedule and textbook.
Instructor: Kayoko Jennings
Location: Briargate

Japanese Dance Classes

Learn Yosakoi, a very upbeat, energetic Japanese festival dance that doesn't require any special skill or athleticism.  All ages are welcome!  Taught by Laura Powell, who was a member of a community Yosakoi group in Japan for 3 years and performed in several local and prefecture events and festivals.  The dance is so much fun that she wanted to continue it in America.  Members can learn a few Japanese phrases, some games, tidbits about culture and life in Japan, and its an engaging way to exercise. Who knows?  This may lead to eventually inviting a group from Japan to come to America or travel to Japan to perform with them!
View Demonstration

Instructor:Laura Powell

Date/Times: 
  • Mondays
  • 6:30 - 7:30 pm 
  • Westside Community Center, Dance Studio, 1628 W. Bijou St., Colorado Springs, CO, 80904
  • Saturdays (may change due to upcoming school year)
  • 3:00 - 5:00 pm
  • 170 W Cache La Poudre St Colorado Springs, CO 80903 at the Park across the street from El Pomar Sports Center
    Cost: Free
    Contact: Laura Powell, 719-930-1071, bobbyneko@gmail.com
    Flyer: Yosakoi
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PikesPeakYosakoi


    Kendo Classes

    Learn Kendo!

    Instructor: Robert Boman
    Date/Times: Tuesdays, 5:30 - 6:30 pm, and Wednesdays, 7:00 - 8:00 pm
    Cost: Free
    Location: 1943 S El Paso Ave, Colorado Springs, Colorado, CO 80906
    Contact: (719) 505-6376
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Colorado-Springs-Kendo-Kai-224905000934060/


    Aikido Classes

    We focus solely on teaching and practicing Iwama Style Aikido.

    Instructor: John Wiley
    Date/Times: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 6:30 - 8:30 pm, Saturday 10:00 - 12:00 pm
    Cost: $70 per month.  See website for further details
    Location: 1863 N. Circle Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80909
    Contact:  info@cos-aikido.com
    Website: http://cos-aikido.com/cosaikido/

    About us

    The Japan-America Society of Southern Colorado is a non-profit educational and cultural organization promoting increased awareness, education, and understanding between the citizens of Southern Colorado and Japan.  Learn about the History of the JASSC.

    Become a member

    Join with other enthusiasts and participate in the language, foods, and activities with the opportunity to learn the culture of Japan.

    Board of Directors

     President  Wayne Stout
     Vice President  Chiaki DeMoss
     Secretary  Linda Bragg
     Treasurer  Charissa Hartman
     Membership  Bernie DeMoss
     Communications  Kathy Kidd
     IT/Facebook  Ralph Archuleta
     At Large  Naomi Soraoka
    At Large Uriko Stout
    Webmaster
     Tom Soraoka

     

     

     

     


    © Japan-America Society of Southern Colorado. 
    JASSC is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization.

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