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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 

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/


    CONVERSATION OVER COOKIES

    Hosted by JASSC

    At this event, Japanese speakers will stay in place at a table with a board/card game and English speakers will jump around where they want to play. We will try to speak in Japanese as much as possible! Any level of speakers are welcome.

    Cost:    Free to JASSC members 

    Non-members are welcome to join with $5/family donation to JASSC

    一緒にゲームをしてくれる日本人ボランティアを随時募集しています!

    Contact: Bernie and Chiaki, bad24@msn.com

    Please see "Upcoming Events" on our website for dates, locations and more details



    JAPANESE CONVERSATION KAIWA CLUB

    WISH YOU COULD PRACTICE YOUR JAPANESE WITH OTHER HUMAN BEINGS? Well now you can! The Colorado Springs Kaiwa Club meets several times a month to practice conversation, trade stories, and maybe learn something new!


    Contact: Jennifer Basco

    CoSpringsKaiwaClub@gmail.com

    KaiwaClub promo flyer.pdf

    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
     719-323-9550
     president@japanamerica.org
     Vice President  Jennifer Basco
     Secretary  Eric Basco
     Treasurer  Charissa Hartman
     Membership  Kaz Nagai
     Communications  Rayna Lindsey
     IT/Facebook  Ralph Archuleta
     At Large  Uriko Stout
     Kathy Kidd
    Webmaster
     Seiko Cammack
    Intern Maeve Gennett

     

     

     

     


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

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