Nearly 200 JASK members enjoyed sushi, sake, and the company of Kentucky's Japan/America leaders at our 2010 Shinnenkai.
The Hyatt Regency Lexington was adorned with kimonos and a stage was set at ground level for our first performance of our Noh Theater by locals, trained by Noh Master: Asano Atsuyoshi. Later in the evening, we all gathered to listen as our Japanese Consul General, Mr. Hiroshi Sato, sang and played a few tunes for us with his band: Beauties and the Beast.
The evening was energetic, the bar stayed busy, and we were encouraged by the remarks from Consul General Sato, Former Governor Martha Layne Collins, and by Toyota President: Steve St. Angelo, who spoke in Japanese, and then translated for the English speakers. Each of them acknowledged challenges but expressed bright hope for success as we pull together, building on our many mutual successes over the past 25 years.
To open our traditional annual sake barrel (kagami biraki), Consul General Sato, Governor Collins, and Mr. St. Angelo were joined by JASK Chair: Robert Brown, and Japan Outreach Coordinator: Keiko Fukuzaki. Kanpai cheers echoed and we .
Shinnenkai guests anticipated the raffle winner of an airline ticket to Japan, which turned out to be Ms. Nancy Fulks. Guests also voted on some new potential logo designs to help our board select a new logo.
Each January at our Shinnenkai, we join together as JASK members to celebrate the new year in elegant style. Saying goodbye to 2009 is easy and making 2010 great will be easier as we pull together.
Akemashite omedetou gozaimasu.
Konnen mo yoroshiku onegai shimasu.