The Christmas Party 2023 was held at Le Port Kojimachi on Sunday, December 10, from 12:00 to 14:00. This was the first in-person party in four years. The organizers are excited and looking forward to seeing all our friends who spent time together in Minnesota, Minnesotans living in Japan, and newcomers with ties to Minnesota so that we can warm old friendships and enjoy meeting new people. We all had an opportunity to participate in socializing and enjoyed unique Christmas presents.

As the Japan Minnesota Association will celebrate its 40th anniversary next year in 2024, we hope that the Association continues to be a bridge between Minnesota and Japan.

We had an early autumn event at Studio Plus, Hibiya Library on Sunday 

Sep. 23. This event was done by Dr. Toshihide Arimura (Waseda University) with a lecture "The Role of Carbon Pricing, Energy and Economy in Decarbonized Society". This is one of the most critical and important theme for all pf the world now.   

Dr. Arimura is Professor of Political Science and Economics at Waseda University (PhD in Economics from the University of Minnesota). His research interests include climate changes, energy policies, economy in decarbonized society, and voluntary environmental actions. He has served on a number of Japanese government committees on environmental issues, and on the editorial boards of academic journals. He has published his research in academic journals and was awarded from many academic societies.

We had a toast and lunch together with Dr. Arimira after the event at

the Restaurant Tsugihagi, Tokyo.

Cherry Blossoms season of this year, Japan Minnesota Association held

a lunch and a walking tour in East Garden of Imperial Palace on Sunday,  April 2 with Ms. Lisa Lewis, CEO of University of Minnesota Alumni Association. Please see and enjoy some pictures of spring charm in Japan. 

Japan Minnesota Association participates in Day of Service 2023, working with SECOND HARVEST Japan. Mr. Charles E McJilton, Founder and CEO, is an alumnus of the University of Minnesota. 

Our volunteer service is carried out as stated below, as same as 2023.

Event dates: until Monday April 24th. 

In 2023, Day of Service is expanded to the entire month of April.

Donation Process

1. Application: Please inform us contents of your donation by email or      filling the application form which we will send to Japan Minnesota Association Japan.minnesota@gmail.com. We will inform them of SECOND HARVEST, and finally calculate the total amount of the donation, and report to UMAA with donors’ names at the end of April. It would be appreciated if you could attach photos of food donation.
   
2. Delivery: Please send directly Donation foods to Second Harvest Japan.　Drop delivery from the vendors is also possible.ADDRESS: 1F Mizuta Bldg 4-5-1 Asakusabashi, Taito-ku, Tokyo 111-0053
   TEL: 03-5822-5371

*Important points to check before sending the donation*

•  The following products are preferred: Rice and Pasta, Processed Foods (Canned Goods, etc.), Freeze Dried Foods, Instant Foods, Foods in Ready-Made Packs, Gift Sets (Gifts such as Oseibo, and Ochugen) Cooking Supplies (Miso, Soy sauce, Dashi, etc.) Drinks (Coffee, Tea, Juice etc.)
• Deliveries are accepted weekday mornings, Monday to Friday.
• Small quantities are welcome.
• Product has an expiration date that is clearly labeled. There is more than one month remaining before the expiration of the product. 
• Product is unopened and the packaging is in good condition. 
• They do not accept COD deliveries.
• Please contact us if you have any questions.
  Japan.minnesota@gmail.com
• More information is available on Second Harvest’s website.
  SECOND HARVEST（セカンドハーベスト・ジャパン） (2hj.org)

We encourage your participation.

*FYI

The University of Minnesota Alumni Association posted the JMA(Japan Minnesota Associatio) Day of Service activity on their homepage.

https://www.umnalumni.org/s/1867/18/interior.aspx?sid=1867&gid=2&pgid=4267