Feb events - edited!!

Since February is both the coldest month and the month where we celebrate love (or share chocolates) on Feb 14 it is also a good time to start getting involved to keep warm and share a bit love with those who might need a bit of extra care. Before this month’s event listing, I’d like to share information about 2 ways you can get involved and make a difference and spread a little love around.

I know everyone is busy and by Feb many of us feel we have already failed in following through on our new years resolutions, Keep in mind that small acts if kindness can mean a lot to those in need. That’s my challenge for you all this month. Let me know how it goes!

This spring I will be launching two new training programs on CSR and diverse team conflict mediation. For the CSR events I am looking for some guest speakers from a wide array of companies. For the team conflict mediation trainings I am looking for contacts in the 2020 Olympics Volunteer management group and international companies interested in staff development programs.

Just to let you all know my Metropolis column is being discontinued as the magazine is being reorganized. So here is a link to my last Metropolis column https://metropolisjapan.com/2019-february-community-news-events/

You can still list your events but you will need to use the submission page

Warm regards,

Sarajean

My site https://sarajeanrossitto.wordpress.com/

My Facebook Group: Women of the World March Tokyo (WoW Tokyo) https://www.facebook.com/groups/197623700694595

To have your community events listed next month, please send your event information for next month's events by the 6^th of the month to community@metropolis.com

OPPORTUNITIES TO GET INVOLVED

Peace Boat Disaster Relief Volunteer Center’s continued relief efforts in western Japan.

Peace Boat Disaster Relief Volunteer Center (PBV) is still working with the local communities affected by the heavy rain and flooding last July. More than 300 volunteers have participated in the relief efforts over the last 6 months, and PBV is offering volunteering opportunities in February and March. Volunteers have contributed to community rebuilding, cleaning of damaged houses and improved living environment in temporary housing.

PBV seeks volunteers who can work in Kurashiki, Okayama prefecture, for 3 consecutive days (or longer). Volunteers who are comfortable with working in Japanese speaking environment may join us in Kurashiki on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday (staff will pick you up at the station) any weekend. But PBV also offers some volunteering opportunities to those who need English language support so please Contact Ikuno Suzuki to find the specific dates available. Or if you can a group of people in your company or school, they can organize a group trip.  Why take a weekend to see western japan and help others?

Information on volunteering opportunities in Kurashiki, Okayama prefecture is available on the Facebook page in English: https://pbv.or.jp/en/news/ And on the PBV website in Japanese: https://pbv.or.jp/volunteer/2018_nishinihon?fbclid=IwAR1FT9Xq3KVoByHS6d7nBAjdAnnsq0_xYx-027vemlp7gfH6BmB7Ni-0UWg

Become a TELL Lifeline Support Worker!

For 45 years - every day - TELL Lifeline has been providing important connections and support to people all across Japan. Its not just for people who are suicidal. Whatever is troubling people in our community, TELL Lifeline Support Workers are available to listen. TELL saves lives. Why not be trained as TELL Lifeline Support Worker be part of a team helping others.   

Spring 2019 Training Dates February 23rd – May 18th

Training will teach how to actively listen, be non-judgmental and empathetic to callers without being overwhelmed yourself. You’ll be surrounded by people with the same motivation as you. What’s in it for you?

• Personal and professional growth
• Giving back to your community
• Learning new skills and experiencing new things
• Meeting new people and making new friends
• Belonging to the TELL community
• Knowing that by volunteering you really are making a difference!

If you have any queries about becoming a TELL Lifeline volunteer, please call 03-4550-1191 or email: training@telljp.com.

For more information: https://telljp.com/lifeline/pctraining/

February events

Friday, February 1, 7 PM – 11 PM

COMEDY WITH Ahmed Ahmed,

Good Heavens is thrilled to be hosting multi-talented Egyptian-American Ahmed Ahmed one of the funniest comedians in the world. Comedian, actor, producer, and director Ahmed is one of the most diverse, multi-faceted talents in the entertainment industry today. Ahmed has featured in many blockbuster and cult movies including Executive Decision, Swingers, Iron Man, and You Don't Mess With The Zohan as well as many top TV series such as Tracy Takes On, Weeds, and Roseanne. Ahmed made his directorial debut with his groundbreaking award-winning documentary Just Like Us. Ahmed is also the winner of the annual Richard Pryor Award for Ethnic Comedy at the Edinburgh Festival and is a regular performer at the world famous Comedy Store in Hollywood, The Laugh Factory, and the Comedy Cellar in New York City. Don't miss his first show in Tokyo.

Location: Good Heavens British Bar Tokyo

2f 5-32-5 Daizawa, Setagaya, Tokyo 155-0032

Tickets https://ahmedahmedgoodeavens.peatix.com/

Friday, February 1, 6pm-8pm

First Friday: Mardi Gras, Let the good times roll.

Brush up on your French expressions and your Cajun appetite for this annual First Friday celebration of New Orleans' legendary Mardi Gras festivities. Feast on New Orleans favorites like Andouille sausage jambalaya and mini muffulettas, sip bayou-inspired cocktails and dance the last days of winter away to the Mississippi Delta blues of Rambling Steve Gardner and his band.

Location: Winter Garden and American Bar & Grill

Price ¥2,160 TAC members)  ¥5,940 (Guests)
Reserve your spot now for early-bird pricing for this Bourbon Street blowout!

For more information: https://www.tokyoamericanclub.org/

https://www.tokyoamericanclub.org/index.php/en/event-calendar/event/9737-first-friday-mardi-gras

Friday, February 1, 2:45 - 4:00

Press Conference: Rob Reiner, Director, Producer and Actor

The speech and Q & A will be in English with interpretation, includes 15 minutes of highlight footage screening of "Shock and Awe"

From the sitcom "All in the Family" to his latest film, "Shock and Awe," Rob Reiner's career as an actor, director, writer and producer has crossed genres and borders for decades. Now he will visit Japan for the first time in 34 years, as a director to present his most recent movie, which depicts what's often called the first casualty of war – the truth.

"Shock and Awe" tells the story of the Knight-Ridder journalists who "got it right" in the days before the 2003 Iraq War, focusing on the stated justification for the conflict. The movie examines reporters' roles in examining, rather than parroting, the words and deeds of their leaders. The acclaimed director will speak on the background of the story as well as the continued need for strong journalism.

Location: FCCJ 5F Marunouchi Nijubashi Bldg., 3-2-3, Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0005
Call to reserve your space in advance, 3211-3161 or on the website http://www.fccj.or.jp/

http://www.fccj.or.jp/events-calendar/press-events/icalrepeat.detail/2019/02/01/5141/-/press-conference-rob-reiner-director-producer-and-actor.html

Saturday, February 2, 5pm-8pm

Wine and Chocolate Pairing, Pre-Valentine Party in Omotesando

Come and experience special tastes and sensations with our marriage of Chocolate and wines.
We will surprise you with a mouth-watering experience of pairing chocolates and Wines.
Here is what you’ll get with the entrance fee (5000-7000yen per person):
7 different kinds of wines and 6 kinds of chocolates
A lecture on how to pair wines with Chocolate
Artworks from two artists in a stylish venue

Three hours of heaven: education, fun and sweet time
Only 25 spots are available, therefore better you reserve early!
For more information: http://www.tokyowineevents.com/
http://www.tokyowineevents.com/product/wine-and-chocolate-pairings/

https://www.facebook.com/events/271230753546058

Sunday February 3, 2:30pm -5:00pm

Workshop: ADVENTURES in ARM BALANCE & STANDING BALANCE POSES with Carla Herzenberg
Step by step, we will break down Arm Balances and Standing Balances from their foundation, moving on to more advanced variations (Binds, Crow, Compass, Pincha Mayurasana , Half Moon, Bound Moonrise Twist), for those who are ready. Carla will give safe, appropriate hands on adjustments for additional alignment modifications support. This is an all-workshop session, no class/flow. You will have the opportunity / time to ask questions that you never get to ask in a typical class!

This workshop is for EVERY level, perfect if you are new to yoga and want to understand the fundamentals of balances and binds or if you are a seasoned yogi and want to go to the next level in your balance practice.

Location:  Sun and Moon Yoga

http://sunandmoon.jp/ http://sunandmoon.jp/current-workshops/#CARLA_FEB2019

Monday, February 4th, 18:30-21:30

February Diversity Dojo

Presenter: Jennifer Shinkai, Points of You® Master Trainer

Title: My Photo Album: An Exploration of Diverse Viewpoints w/ Points of You® Location: Sophia University, Yotsuya Campus, Building 10, Room 301

https://www.facebook.com/events/237776343777322/

Tuesday, February 5 7:30 – 9:00

The EU-Japan Partnership in the Shadow of China

Temple University, Japan Campus

2-8-12 Minami Azabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan 106-0047

The EU-Japan Partnership in the Shadow of China: The Crisis of Liberalism
https://www.facebook.com/events/136866797252205/

EU-Japan relations have reached a what appears to be a promising turning point. In July 2018 they concluded the world’s largest Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which was called an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), and an accompanying Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA), a legally binding agreement mandating political and security cooperation. The conclusion of these two agreements is timely, coming as they do in the shadow of the crisis of liberalism, a crisis punctuated by the rise of China and the Trump presidency....For further information on the event, please visit TUJ ICAS website: https://www.tuj.ac.jp/icas/event/the-eu-japan-partnership-in-the-shadow-of-china-the-crisis-of-liberalism/

Wednesday, February 6

TELL's monthly pub quiz!

Come on down to the Hobgoblin Shibuya for our monthly pub quiz! Have a drink and fire up a few of your 15-33 billion neurons.

Drink, think, have fun, and win prizes, all for a good cause! All proceeds to suicide prevention and mental health promotion in Japan. Teams of up to 6; come with friends or on your own and we'll find you a team.

RSVP to outreach@telljp.com

8-10:30 p.m.

Location: Shibuya Hobgoblin

3F, Ichiban Building, 1-3-11 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, 150-0043

For more information: https://telljp.com/

https://www.facebook.com/events/137643627153189/

Friday February 8, 7:30 - 10:30

Nerd Nite is talking trash: take a swim in Tokyo Bay's islands of garbage, ponder why humans have language and apes do not, and more! Nerd Nite Tokyo is a monthly evening of thinking and drinking featuring smart speakers and a curious crowd. The Tokyo event started in June 2016 and is part of the worldwide Nerd Nite family dubbed “the Discovery Channel with beer”. Speakers at Nerd Nite Tokyo are passionate experts in topics from sumo to supernovas and emoji to exoplanets and every month features diverse new presentations in science, art, tech, culture and more. Events are held in English.

Location: Nagatacho GRID, Tokyo

Entrance fee: 1000 yen at the door

For more information: http://tokyo.nerdnite.com , http://fb.com/nerdnitetokyo , and https://twitter.com/nntokyo .

Meetup group: https://www.meetup.com/Science-and-Technology-in-Tokyo/

Details on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/2057152431264009/

Friday February 8, 6:00-10:00

Shine On! Kids 2019 Gala – Mardi Gras Magic

An evening of soul-warming New Orleans-style blues and jazz filled with magical music surprises for everyone! Straight from New Orleans, Washboard Chaz will be joined by the Steve Gardner band to keep you dancing till the wee hours while you enjoy a New Orleans themed full course dinner! Our fabulous Facility Dogs and Program Participants will be on hand to share furry smiles and uplifting stories while you bid on our live and silent auctions and enjoy our games and raffle – all in support of our programs supporting very sick children and their families in hospitals throughout Japan.

Location: Tokyo American Club Ballroom
Dress: Mardi Gras colors – Purple, Green, and Gold. (Masks are encouraged)

Tickets:  30,000 yen per person (table price 250,000 yen)

Purchase tickets here: https://goo.gl/woLWdx

For more information: http://sokids.org/

https://www.facebook.com/events/2214271448845672/

http://sokids.org/2018/11/gala-2017-mardi-gras-magin/

SAT, FEB 9, 9:00 – 4:00

6th Jarman International Charity Golf

Join the #6 Jarman International Charity Golf Event

Beginners are always welcome.

Fee is 16,000 yen that includes full lunch, after party and donation for Mirai No Mori for negelcted and abused children in Japan.

Please contact Jaman if you would like to join in.

EastWood Country Club

1039-3 Fuyumurocho, Utsunomiya, Tochigi 321-0417

https://www.facebook.com/events/571577483305760/

Sunday to Monday, Feb 10 -11

World Valentine Festival

The people who organize the events in Yoyogi Park have come up with an intriguing theme for Valentine’s Day. What exactly is a World Valentine Festival? Why not pop along with your valentine and find out? Expect the availability of food, drink, music and some kind of flea market, as per usual; rain or shine.

Location: Yoyogi Park Events Square

Closest station(s)JR Harajuku

Entry: Free

For more information: https://www.facebook.com/events/487557861630551/

Tuesday, February 19, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Exceptional Parenting Program: Eating Disorders in Adolescents

How can we recognize eating disorders in our children, and how can we support them through them? Dr. Maho Isono, eating disorders specialist, takes us through it. 

Location: Wesley Center Room 205

Donations of 1000 yen appreciated, register by emailing outreach@telljp.com

For more information: https://telljp.com/

Wednesday Feb 20 7:30 to 10:00 pm

Amnesty International Pub Quiz
It's a great way to unwind after work, to meet new people, and to, well, show off what you know. You can enjoy your evening meal and/or a few drinks at the same time!

The aim is to inform, as well as to entertain— but you'll know that you are contributing towards a better, fairer world for everyone. It's an informal, fun event! You co-operate with others in a team (of up to five people) to answer general knowledge questions; the highest-scoring teams win prizes! Organized by members of Amnesty international Tokyo English Network (AITEN)* who will prepare some questions relating to current affairs or human rights. Come as a team, or just turn up and we'll help you to find or to make a team.

Location: The Hobgoblin pub, Shibuya
¥1000 per person to play. Prizes vary.
All proceeds go to Amnesty International Japan (AIJ).
* AITEN is just one (English-language) group of the many AIJ local groups throughout the country. members are from all over the world, including Japan. For more about AITEN and how you can get involved; and/or for more about the pub quiz and directions to the venue:
<www.aiten.info>

<www.facebook.com/aitenjapan>

Thursday, February 21, 7:30 PM – 9 PM

Assessing Reconciliation on the Korean Peninsula

Hosted by Institute of Contemporary Asian Studies (ICAS)

From the brink of war in 2017, the Korean Peninsula in 2018 stepped back from the precipice with a series of momentous events, including joint participation in the Winter Olympics and multiple regional summits – notably the first-ever U.S.-DPRK Summit held with great fanfare in Singapore. Seeking to keep the momentum of diplomatic dialogue alive, a second DPRK-U.S. Summit appears likely in late-February, watched intently for “deliverables” beyond the pomp and pageantry. Will concrete steps be taken towards the stated end-game, the denuclearization of North Korea? Might those steps include a Peace Treaty to end the Korean War, guarantees of its security sought by the DRPK, long-delayed diplomatic relations between the DPRK and the U.S. (possibly followed by Japan), and an end to the debilitating economic sanctions imposed by the UN, with economic aid extended to rebuild the North’s economy & infrastructure, central priorities of the DPRK regime?

https://www.facebook.com/events/534610757050203/

For further information on the event, please visit TUJ ICAS website:

https://www.tuj.ac.jp/icas/event/assessing-reconciliation-on-the-korean-peninsula-contentious-history-summits-denuclearization-prospects-for-a-paradigm-shift/

Thursday Feb 21 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM

Find Your Creativity & Inner Storyteller

Venue: Tokyo Chapter赤坂９−２−１３, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan 107-0052

At the February Monthly Meeting the star will be you! Actress, coach and master communicator Christiane Brew will facilitate an improv session that will help all the participants to find their creative and funny inner storytellers. Trained in several school of improv, Brew has performed improv and scripted plays on stages around the world. She uses improv and more traditional techniques to empower and motivate people to discover new ways to communicate so that they can approach life and business with confidence and creativity.

At the event, Brew will lead the participants through improvised storytelling exercises that will help them rediscover their inner performer, share some laughter, and strengthen connections with fellow FEW Members and guests. Attendees might even be surprised how creative they actually are, and after the session are sure to act with more confidence!

https://www.facebook.com/events/2272152493042531/

Tuesday, February 26, 6:15-8:30

Book Break: Timothy Harris, editor of “This Great Stage of Fools: An anthology of uncollected writings by Alan Booth”

Alan Booth (1946-1993) was the author of two acclaimed travel books about Japan; “The Roads to Sata” about walking the length of Japan; and “Looking for the Lost” an account of walking journeys in the tracks of Dazai Osamu, Heike fugitives in the Genpei War and Saigo Takamori. He was also a prolific journalist, and wrote regular film reviews for the (now-defunct) Asahi Evening News, as well as essays on Japanese festivals and folk songs, and other essays and accounts of travel that were published in a variety of publications. “This Great Stage of Fools” collects the best of his journalism, including the harrowingly funny account of his struggle with cancer. Tim Harris will talk about working and performing with Alan Booth; about the difficulties involved in getting ‘This Great Stage of Fools’ published; and about the value of Booth’s writing.

 "Meet the Author" Cocktail party from 6:15 pm, followed by dinner at 6:45 pm  

Drinks can be ordered on a cash basis from the bar in the room.

fee: 2,100yen / 3,500yen (members / non-members) per person. The member price is applicable to members’ guests.

Location: FCCJ 5F Marunouchi Nijubashi Bldg., 3-2-3, Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0005
Call to reserve your space in advance front@fccj.or.jp by Thursday, February 21^st, 2019.

February 24th, 1pm-6pm.

2019 Spring Coaching Fair

Hitotsubashi University ICS, Diversity Dojo and ICF Japan have teamed up and are hosting this event as a community service to spread coaching in Tokyo.The 2019 Spring Coaching Fair is an opportunity to come try coaching out, free of charge and without obligation, in a safe space. 15 coaches have offered to provide various types of coaching from life coaching to de-cluttering! 

Date & Time: Sunday, For details, click on the following link:

https://mailchi.mp/e4f16b2a2392/the-2019-spring-coaching-fair

Mon FEB 25 7 PM

Knit Together: A TELL Stitch & Bitch vol 4

WEEKEND GARAGE TOKYO

代官山町１−１, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0034

https://www.facebook.com/events/393753311196296/

SAVE THE DATE! March and beyond …

Saturday, March 2, 2 PM – 4 PM

Positive Discipline Yokohama

Yokohama International School 258 Yamate-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama 231-0862

https://www.facebook.com/events/2592546000817256/

Monday, March 4th, 18:30-21:30

March Diversity Dojo

Presenter: Mete Yazici 

Title: Leadership Building by “Yes-And” for Inclusion: Building Skills & Habits for Inclusion
Location: TBA (To Be Announced)

https://www.facebook.com/DiversityDojo/

Friday 8th March, 7pm to 9pm

Amnesty International (AI) Public Meeting: ”Human Rights on the Front Line”

A talk by AI’s Senior Director for Research, Ms. Anna Neistat

Venue Gakki Cafe (above Gusto restaurant) Kanda-Jimbocho 1-15 Tokyo, Chiyoda-ku (2 mins walk from Jimbocho subway station Exit A7)

During her career as a researcher, Anna has has conducted more than 60 investigations in conflict areas, including Afghanistan, Chechnya, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe. To collect evidence of human rights abuses and violations of international law, she has worked openly and under cover, and has been detained and interrogated by both uniformed soldiers and insurgent groups. Her and her husband’s work in war-torn Syria is the subject of the award-winning documentary E-Team.

Join us for this rare chance to hear Anna talk about her career path through several human rights NGOs to the top job in AI, and her experiences of some of the most challenging and dangerous research work in the world! Donation requested at the door.

Saturday March 9 2 PM – 5 PM

Mega Clothes Swap

Venue: Oakwood Premier Tokyo Midtown 9-7-4 Akasaka, Minato-ku

Registration starts at 13:30, Swap starts at 14:00

Cost per swapper: ¥2,000 (Includes 2 glasses of wine and a charity donation)

We will have a recycle BIN for your old and damaged clothes - that’s right - those yellow armpits, moth-eaten or bobbly clothes we can now deal with thanks to our new partner. So go ahead and fill a bag named “Gomi” or "waste in the wrong place.” Let’s see how much we can keep out of landfill.

Sign up soon - this is proving to be a very popular event!

Get details and sign up here: https://www.facebook.com/events/517907395384068/

Wednesday, 20th March 2019     


Test your general knowledge at the Amnesty International pub quiz
Amnesty International Tokyo English Network (AITEN*)  invites you to a fun event with serious aims: answer general knowledge questions to show what you know for prizes, maybe learn a few things (especially about human rights and current affairs), meet a multinational crowd of like-minded people, and  support AI's work promoting and protecting human rights for all.

¥1,000 per person to play.  Up to five members on a team. Prizes for the winning teams!  If you don't have a team, we'll help you to find or make one.

 The Hobgoblin, Shibuya 3F, Ichiban Building, 1-3-11 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku

We've got prizes including food/drink vouchers worth ¥1,000 each, 
 (plus many smaller prizes) to give away to the winning teams. 

For more about AITEN: 
<www.aiten.info> 
or <www.facebook.com/aitenjapan>

Monday, April 1st, 18:30-21:30

April Diversity Dojo - Building Resilience

Presenter: Tove Kinooka & Gavin Dixon of Global Perspectives (possibly in collaboration with RIJ - Refugees in Japan)

https://www.facebook.com/DiversityDojo/

AI pub quiz

Wednesday, 18th April 2019
Starts 19:30