JASC recently celebrated a huge success with their "Onigiri Onegai" event, where more than 50 enthusiastic participants gathered to learn the art of making onigiri, all while supporting a meaningful cause. This collaborative effort, hosted by JASC and The JET Alumni Association of the Rocky Mountains (JETRAARM), was not only a culinary adventure but also a heartfelt endeavor to make a positive impact on a global scale.

The event's primary purpose was to support Table for Two's Onigiri Action campaign. This initiative revolves around a simple yet impactful idea – for every social media post featuring a photo of an onigiri with the hashtag #onigiriaction, Table for Two pledges to provide a nutritious school meal to children in need worldwide. JASC and JETAARM embraced this campaign as an opportunity to not only indulge in the joy of making onigiri but also to contribute to a cause that resonates with the community.

The success of the Onigiri Onegai event can be attributed to the planning and execution by the organizing teams. Gathering ingredients became a community effort, with participants and volunteers alike contributing to the process by sourcing fresh and authentic supplies from Pacific Mercantile, a local Japanese and Asian store. This collaborative spirit set the tone for the entire event, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose.

Pacific Mercantile and JASC, and JETAARM staff buying items for the Onigiri Onegai

Volunteers played a crucial role in ensuring the smooth flow of the event. From guiding participants through the intricacies of onigiri crafting to assisting in the organization of the venue, their dedication added an extra layer of warmth to the gathering.

The overwhelming success of the Onigiri Onegai event has left the organizers, volunteers and participants inspired and motivated. With the genuine enjoyment and support witnessed this year, JASC and JETAARM express their eagerness to host this event again next year. They envision it as an annual tradition that not only brings people together through the joy of food but also continues to make a positive impact on the lives of children around the world.

Last week, we had the delightful opportunity to meet with officials from Yamanouchi town, Japan, as they get to know more about their sister city, Vail, Colorado.

The purpose of their visit was not only to strengthen the bonds of friendship but also to share and invite us to experience the cultural treasures of Yamanouchi Town.

Snow Monkey Park (地獄谷野猿公苑)

Yamanouchi town is in Nagano prefecture. They have a world-renowned snow monkeys. These beautiful creatures, known officially as Japanese macaques, often seen bathing in natural hot springs. These captivating creatures, with their thick fur coats and expressive eyes, draw thousands of visitors each year, making it a must-see destination. The sight of these animals, undisturbed in their natural habitat, serves as a gentle reminder of nature’s wonders.

While Vail and Yamanouchi town may be thousands of miles apart from each other, it was evident from our discussion that there is a deep-seated appreciation for natural beauty, culture and community in both regions. We are thrilled about the possibility of more folks from Colorado visiting Yamanouchi town to see the snow monkeys and partake in the town’s rich heritage.

Stay tuned for more updates!

We’re still gathering information from our friends from Yamanouchi town, and we will share more insights, stories, and travel tips with you! Stay tuned for more updates on Yamanouchi town and the enchanting world of snow monkeys!

Here’s to global friendships and the anticipation of new journeys ahead!

We are still riding the wave of excitement and gratitude from the recent JASC Annual Gala. What a splendid evening it was! To everyone who attended and made the event special, we extend our heartfelt thanks.

Denver Mayor Mike Johnston attended our Gala! We’re fully aware of his busy schedule and the numerous responsibilities he shoulders daily. We are very grateful for the time he spent with us and his attendance emphasized the importance of our collective work and its impact on the community.

But the surprises didn’t end there. We were honored to receive video remarks from Governor Jared Polis. The gesture, and the encouraging words shared, further solidified the importance of our mission and the support we have.

The silent auction, with the enthusiasm it garnered, was a testament to the spirit of the community. We were overwhelmed with the support and eagerness everyone showed, ensuring its grand success!

Many played a role in making this night memorable:

• Our Sponsors: Your contributions and belief in our mission were foundational.

• Matsuhisa Denver: Thanks for delightful culinary journey.

• Japanese Arts Network: Your talents enlivened this evening

• Sogetsu Colorado: The beautiful Ikebana flower arrangements added an aura of elegance and tranqulity to our event.

• Our Volunteers: Each one of you played a great role, ensuring everything ran like clockwork!

To acknowledge the companies and dedicated volunteers who contributed to this event, we’ve put together a concise list below. This list is our way of saying thank you, and we encourage everyone to take a moment to appreciate their efforts.

With the cherish memories of this Gala, we move forward with anticipation and hope, looking forward to the next time the JASC community can unite in celebration!