The Manjiro Society - Manjiro Society Newsletters

Volume 9, Number 1

Summer 2002

Spring Fundraiser 2002

In This Issue: Index of other issues

Walle’s Voice
Upcoming Events
Manjiro Board 2002
MYO/CYO Sister Orchestra Exchange to Chiba
Impressions of Japan
Spring Fundraiser 2002
Fundraisers: We Cannot Do Without Them
Book Reviews
Yuichiro Fujiyama
Notes
(Japanese names are presented western style, family name last, except for historical figures and bibliographic entries.)
Walle's Voice

We are already halfway through the summer.
This Spring the 4th Exchange concert between the McLean Youth Orchestra and the Chiba Youth Orchestra took place in Chiba. Taeko Floyd and Yuichiro Fujiyama were able to attend the concert. The Landwehrs (parent-student team) did a tremendous job along with Mr.Fujiyama to make sure this trip was possible. Thank you.
End of April was our Annual fundraiser and Membership meeting at the Floyd’s beautiful estate in the Shenandoah Valley. Over 60 people enjoyed the day with great food, lots of raffle tickets (every ticket was a winner!!!!) a fun live auction with our most enthusiastic auctioneer Vicki Thompson. Not only did she auction off all the items donated by members but she again made a most beautiful quilt and donated it to the Manjiro cause. Vicki THANK YOU !!
With so many happy and creative volunteers and supportive Manjiro members and friends of Manjiro we had a most successful fundraiser this year. To all of you who came Thank you. Without the Floyd’s and their generosity, this would not be possible. They even opened the Bath house and quite a few people came back happy and smiling from the soak in the beautiful bath.
I really appreciate the participation of the Manjiro members in the Annual membership meeting. I received many proxy ballots and the meeting at the Fundraiser was short and to the point. The treasurer Michi Joseff reported that the Manjiro Account is healthy, Mr. Fujiyama was voted in to the board and all present board members were re-elected for a two year term.
See the special column regarding the 2002/2003 board.
The preparations for the 11th Japan America Grassroots Summit in Hiroshima are well on the way. Carmela Harris is a great help in logging in the participants and sending all vital information in the proper form on to Tokyo/Hiroshima. We will have a great group of over 30 people leaving Dulles Airport on October 7th for the long flight to Tokyo/Hiroshima ready to take in all the excitement of the Summit. Four Immersion families are among them.

--Walle Hargreaves, Executive Director, Manjiro Society

Upcoming Events

The 12th Japan America Grassroots Summit will be held in Houston, Texas November 12-19, 2002 For more information contact: info@manjiro.or.jp or Rebecca Curry in Houston at: rcurry28@hotmail.com.
The 13th Japan America Grassroots Summit is tentatively scheduled to be held in Chiba Prefecture, Japan in the fall of 2003. Chiba is near Tokyo.

The Manjiro Board 2002

The Manjiro Society Board (Not present: Yuichiro Fujiyama)

• The Manjiro Society for International Exchange, Inc. is a not-for-profit educational and cultural exchange organization incorporated under the laws of the State of Virginia. The Society is not currently organized as designated under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, so contributions to the Society are not currently tax-deductible.
• The United States Manjiro Society was launched in late 1993. It serves as the counterpart and partner of the similarly-named Japanese organization founded in 1991 in response to the recommendation of the government-to-government Tokyo Declaration that more grassroots exchanges between Americans and Japanese were needed. The Society works to supplement the work of the numerous "Japan-America" societies located throughout the U.S. The Manjiro Society is a membership organization seeking to interest those who: (A) have a serious, but perhaps not professional interest in Japan; (B) wish to visit Japan and meet Japanese in the U.S.; (C) may prefer to concentrate their involvement in annual sessions of no more than ten days, keeping in touch outside the "Summits" through Society publications and electronic communications; and (D) wish to support the Society's service as a coordinating point for special exchange programs that grow out of developing member interests.
• exchanges newsletter
Editor: Hardy Hargreaves
© 2002 by the Manjiro Society for International Exchange, Inc. All rights reserved. Permission is granted to use the material herin freely as long as credit is given to the Society, and a copy or notice of the usage is supplied to the Society at its U.S. address.

The Manjiro Board now has nine members. The Board meets at the Hargreaves’ home on Sunday’s at 2 PM about every three months. All members are welcome to attend these meetings. Just call 703-471-5466 to find out the next date.
Taeko Floyd, the founder of the Manjiro Society (the Society was incorporated in the Fall of 1993) and its first Executive Director, is our corporate memory and cares deeply about the Manjiro Society and its cause. Whenever possible she makes the long journey from the Shenandoah Valley to attend the meetings.
Barbara Nesbitt, Executive Director of the Virginia Japan Society has been on the board right from the beginning, giving support and advice through her experience at her work. For example, she was instrumental in getting the Virginia State Society in Japan to donate $500.00 this spring to the 4th Exchange Concert of the McLean/Chiba Youth Orchestra.
Chris Zabawa has attended almost all Manjiro Summits. He started out as a panelist at the 3rd Summit in Nagoya. Chris works at the EPA and gave a talk about clean water. At the moment he is spending countless hours so that the Manjiro Society can re-apply for 501(c)(3) Tax Exempt Status.
David Thompson has been a supporter of Manjiro for many years, becoming a board member was just a natural step. He maintains the Manjiro website. He also has been involved with many of the exchange concerts between the McLean and Chiba orchestras. Actually, his whole family is involved in the Manjiro cause. Son, Andrew, now a college student, composed an orchestra piece for the 2nd and 3rd exchange concerts. His wife, Vicki, is a great help with the fundraisers and provides custom hand-made quilts for many Manjiro events.
Hardy Hargreaves has been doing Manjiro "stuff" since he came back from Japan in the summer of 1993. He is now doing the newsletter, a duty he took over from David Thompson. He is also the Secretary. No time for leisurely retirement life.
Michi Joseff has been the Treasurer for quite a few years She makes sure that the books balance. Her experience as a Certified Financial Advisor is extremely helpful to Manjiro.
Hiroko Imamura is the legal advisor for Manjiro, helping with the legal aspects of Manjiro’s organizational structure, corporate meetings and activities. She works in the legal department of the World Bank and also takes care of her twin girls.
Walle Hargreaves has been involved with the Manjiro Summits along with Taeko Floyd since the first Summit in 1991 in Tokyo and Kyoto. Upon her return from Japan in 1993 she started to work part time with Taeko for the Manjiro Society. She mostly took care of the Membership and kept track of the Summit Participants. When the Floyds moved to the country, she took over Taeko’s job of Executive Director. The general feeling was not to dissolve the Society but to keep this valuable function as a link and facilitator of Japan America Exchanges.
Yuichiro Fujiyama had been extremely helpful in arranging travel and related activities for Manjiro. Since he is the owner of IDEA Travel, his knowledge comes in very handy (see special article about our newest board member).
MYO/CYO Sister Orchestra Exchange to Chiba

On Friday morning, March 22, 2002 16 student musicians, 9 adult chaperones and one conductor of the McLean Youth Orchestra (MYO) assembled at Dulles International Airport for their flight to Japan. This is the orchestra's second trip to Chiba Japan as part of an ongoing exchange with the Chiba Youth Orchestra (CYO).
Accompanying us on this trip was our travel agent and irreplaceable guide Mr. Fujiyama. After a very long flight (14 hours) we arrived in Tokyo, Japan the following day at 4 pm. Of course it was 2 am to our bodies but we eagerly boarded a bus to the concert hall for our first rehearsal with the CYO. I must admit that the first rehearsal was tough. With so little sleep we were all running on pure adrenaline. Following the rehearsal we met our host families and went home with them for some much needed sleep. I'm sure many of us did not sleep much that night but no one could tell when the students arrived the following morning for a dress rehearsal and afternoon concert.
It was interesting to hear the MYO students greet everyone with "Ohayoo gozaimasu" while the CYO students were saying "Good Morning." As was customary during the concert, one of our students, Valerie Cranmer, gave the greeting from the MYO, which, of course, was in Japanese. There is nothing like being told the night before that not only do you have to stand up and give a greeting to the orchestra and audience but that it has to be in Japanese. She did a great job! Everyone played their best and we all enjoyed a wonderful concert.
Following the concert there was a reception during which each group performed for one another. The following day was free with our hosts to sightsee. That evening we all gathered at the Kono's Temple (members of the Kono family have been part of this exchange for 4 years) for our farewell party. We were treated to a performance by Japanese drummers and a tour of the Temple. Kurt Brendley brought his bagpipes and entertained us all with a performance of Amazing Grace. We were treated to a Japanese barbeque and other wonderful Japanese foods. When the temperature stared to drop we all huddled around the fire and heaters. Despite the cold no one wanted to leave. We eventually all returned to our host homes for our last night in Chiba.
The following morning we gathered at the hotel where the adults had been staying to board a bus for Tokyo and a day of sightseeing. The most difficult part of the day was saying goodbye and leaving our hosts and our new friends in Chiba. However, we were fortunate enough to be united for a few hours the following day when several of the hosts made the trip from Chiba to Tokyo where they were once again gracious enough to spend time with us and show us around Tokyo, making sure we didn't get lost. It was a tremendous help and was great to see them one more time.
The remainder of the trip was spent sightseeing and experiencing more of the wonderful Japanese culture. We took the Bullet Train from Tokyo to Kyoto and while in Kyoto were very fortunate to get a tour of the Imperial Palace. Our hotel in Kyoto was a Japanese style hotel complete with Japanese bath. I'm not sure how may people tried it but I know a few were brave enough to do so. We had one free day for sightseeing in Kyoto and one last meal. Some went for the McDonalds while others went for the sushi.
The next morning came too soon and too early. We were all up for a 4 am bus ride to the airport for our flight to Narita and then back to Dulles. We arrived home safe and sound and exhausted but with many memories that will last a life time. We will never forget the new friendships which were formed and the generosity of our Japanese hosts. We eagerly look forward to out next joint concert with the members of the CYO.

--Deb Volker

Editors note: Deb Volker is the assistant conductor of the McLean Youth Orchestra and has been involved in all four exchange concerts. In her real life she is a violinist with the United States Air Force Strings. She also volunteers as an emergency Medical Technician (EMT) with the Fairfax County fire and Rescue Department and enjoys running, biking and kayaking.
Tina Anderson has been the conductor of the McLean Youth Orchestra for many years and she regrets very much that she was not able to go with her orchestra to Japan. She very much looks forward to the return visit of the Chiba Youth Orchestra in the near future.
Impressions of Japan

The Food–Surprises: pizza, doughnuts, and snacks from Costco at the reception, fondue at a Japanese beer garden on the Ginza, $150 per pair for boxed cantaloupes at a department store!
Something I did not get enough of: noodle restaurants.
Somethings I was surprised to like: salty seaweed snacks, Kyoto-style "cookies"–soft wraps filled with sweet red beans and cinnamon.
Highlights–The concert and reception; meeting so many friendly Japanese, getting reacquainted with friends from last year and meeting new ones. Dinner with Japanese friends at a Okonomi-yaki restaurant. The farewell reception at the Buddhist temple with a performance by Japanese drummers. Staying in a Ryokan–sleeeping on the floor in a comfortable way. Touring in Tokyo and Kyoto with our Japanese hosts. Cherry blossom festival in Muruyama Park, Kyoto, with hundreds of Japanese and booths selling all kinds of food.
Next time I will learn more Japanese in advance.
--Carl Landwehr (MYO parent and chaperone)

Spring Fundraiser 2002

Once again, many thanks to Takeo and Walt Floyd. With their Onsen and Bed and Breakfast in full swing they took time out from their busy schedule to host the 4th Annual Manjiro Fundraiser Picnic at Pembrooke Springs Retreat. Manjiro members always look forward to this annual event as a wonderful way to meet fellow members and greet new friends. In the spirit of Manjiro, this is the perfect setting to promote the strong ties between our countries.
Friends from D.C., Virginia and Maryland were able to enjoy the beautiful countryside in all its splendor. The Red Bud trees were in full bloom, and mushrooms were peeking out waiting for the lucky few that enjoyed the chance to go mushroom hunting. The day’s activities included Walt’s tour of the farm, a chance to visit the chickens, goats, geese, ducks, rabbits, and a special display of the peacock with his colorful tail and all its magnificence. Other events included a live and silent auction, raffle, tennis, a chance to enjoy the experience relaxing in the bath and of course a delicious lunch. As always, Walt’s famous barbecued venison roast was a special treat.
Again, a big thank you to Walt and Taeko and all the volunteers who so willingly gave their time to make this annual event a huge success. Since this is an annual fund-raiser, the Manjiro Society is grateful for your generous support. Indeed, we are looking forward to next year.
Fundraisers: We Cannot Do Without Them

A successful fundraiser can only work with a lot of help from many volunteers and donations from interested parties:
The Pembroke Springs Retreat with Walt and Taeko at the helm is the solid ground on which we base our fundraisers year after year. The Floyd’s love for Manjiro is evident the whole fundraiser day: they bring out the big Koi to fly over the festivities, they decorate, bring out picnic benches and chairs, get the grills ready, cook wonderful venison stew, mow the fields, open up their home and hearts and when all is done, take away the trash and try to bring things back to order so the guests coming to the onsen can feel just as much at home as all the fundraiser participants.
Vie de France, Tachibana and Sushi Taro donated coupons for lunches and dinners. Mike and Monique from Raku Pottery donated two of their wonderful pots. Springfield Linguistics Project donated money. Reston Lloyd donated housewares good. Vicki Thompson again donated a wonderful quilt for the auction plus her talent as auctioneer.
What is just as important is the volunteers’ help from the ranks of Manjiro members and friends: The raffle and auction set up and sales were again in the experienced hands of Barbara Pfeiffer, Carmela Harris, Bill Harris and Akiko and Yoshio Yamashita. The Thompsons took care for all the paper goods, the Harris brought all the soft drinks, the Hargreaves emptied Costco and brought the picnic food. Yoko, Taeko’s niece came from New York State to sign in all the guests. Hardy put up all the decorations to create a "matsuri" atmosphere. Regina and Jim Coots with Nikole manned the cookers and worked very hard to feed the hungry crowd hot dogs and hamburgers. Michi Joseff and Judy Arden took turns staying at the Onsen to make sure the bathers knew where to go. To everybody who came and enjoyd the day with Manjiro friends and members, who brought treasures for the raffle and auction, who spend their money to buy raffle tickets (each ticket was a winner this year) and bid at the life and silent auction a BIG THANK YOU. It is great that financially the fundraiser was a success but the more important fact is that we were together as a Manjiro family, enjoyed each other’s company, had a great day at Pembroke Springs Retreat among people who care and the rain stayed away until the whole party was over.
Book Reviews

Shipwrecked, the story of Manjiro by Rhonda Blumberg, Harper Collins publishers. Nicely written for the school age child. It gives a good picture of Manjiro and his life. The illustrations reinforce the story.
My Asakusa, a memoir by Sadako Sawamure, Tuttle Publishing. Paints a wonderful picture of life in Asakusa in pre-war Tokyo. An interesting book to read, especially for the people going to the 11th Summit this fall, who will be staying in the heart of Asakusa at the end of their stay in Japan
The Fourth Treasure by Todd Shimoda with calligraphy illustrations by L. J. C. Shimoda, published by Nan A Talese/Doubleday. Tries to bring together the old and the new, the cultures of Japan and US. Anybody interested in calligraphy will enjoy this book aside from the interesting story.
To the reader: please bring books regarding Japan/America relations to our attention. Send a short note to the Manjiro Society at manjiro@manjiro.org.
Yuichiro Fujiyama, Idea Travel

Fujiyama-san is our newest Manjiro Board Member. He was voted in by the board and the members at the Annual Manjiro Fundraiser and Membership meeting in April 2002.
Fujiyama-san had been involved for many years with Manjiro and arranged many Manjiro related trips.
In Spring 2001 he took care of all travel matters for the visiting Chiba Youth Orchestra. Everything went smoothly, they all had a great time. In Spring 2002 he did the same for the McLean Orchestra on their exchange visit to Chiba including 2 days in Tokyo and 2 days at a Ryokan (typical Japanese Inn) in Kyoto. To make sure absolutely nothing went wrong, he accompanied the group of 26 students and adults. This was absolutely great, especially since nobody in the McLean Youth Orchestra group can speak enough Japanese to get around.
We are very happy to have an expert and helpful travel agent now as one of our board members.
Fujiyama-san is very much involved in the cause of Manjiro, the understanding between our two countries (other countries also–his family was once homestay center for several German students). He is a great addition to the Manjiro Board.
Fujiyama-san was born in Niigata (northwest of Tokyo) He came to the United States in 1983. After living for several years in San Francisco he came to the DC area and opened his own Travel Agency in Arlington in 1991. He moved with his family to McLean and now has his Travel Agency in Mclean, on Curran Street. Since his office is right next the the Japanese grocery store Naniwa and at least three Sushi restaurants are all around him he and his family has no reason to get homesick for Japanese food.
His wife Aoi keeps busy with their four children. Two are in college and two are at McLean High. She also teaches Japanese, helps at the travel agency and makes sure the kids get to all their special events.
Fujiyama-san enjoys being a travel agent, making sure all his clients have a satisfying experience when he arranges the travel for them, but he also loves to play golf (he is too modest to admit that he is a good golfer), go skiing (he used to be a ski instructor) and play soccer, especially with his sons. He wishes the week would be at least one day longer.
Welcome On Board
Notes

For useful links to language and culture in East Asia, please check out the web site of The Springfield Linguistics Project created by Lina and Chris Zabawa, long time Manjiro members.
The Pembroke Springs Retreat is not just available to Manjiro friends at fundraiser time but throughout the year. A great place to relax, feel as if you are in Japan (without the jet lag) when enjoying the onsen, its surroundings and the wonderful care of Walt and Taeko Floyd, not to forget to mention the Japanese breakfast. Check their web site: www.pemprokesprings.com.
Michi Joseff, Certified Financial Advisor is available to help you with your financial decisions. A very timely help in these days. For a consultation call: 703-318-0993.
The Manjiro Society has a set of Stamps from Japan and Russia valued over $100.00. If anybody is interested please come and look at the collection: 703-471-5466.
Grace Taylor, Photography (Manjiro Member) exhibits her works at the Factory Photoworks at the Torpedo Factory in Alexandria.
The Okudas (Manjiro members) show works from renowned Asian artists at their Galley on 3112 M Street in DC. For information call the Okuda Gallery at 202-625-1054.
Yuichiro Fujiyama, Idea Travel (Manjiro member) will be happy to help you with any travel related questions 703-448-6899.
Editors note: If you have information you think might be interesting to Manjiro members and friends, please let me know and we will try to publish it in the newsletter if it is timely and space is available.

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Page last updated Nov 6, 2002. Copyright 1998-2002, The Manjiro Society.