What We’ve Been Up To (Continued from Page Two)

CJST/JET Alumni/Japanese Consulate Annual Baseball Tournament -- September 14

After being rained out last year, CJSTers were raring to play ball at Center Island . We cruised through the preliminary rounds against the Consulate team and hit full stride in a pitched battle against the younger, louder JET Alumni All-Stars. Experience paid off, however and the CJST* squad earned bragging rights for next year as the top team in the Nikka League for 1997. It was a great late summer day, complete with barbecue, lots of sun and lots of kids. Thanks to all involved and we look forward to seeing you out next year.
* actually CJST and the odd 4-5 JET Alumni

RB

Japan Foundation Kabuki Demonstration -- September 17

This was a must-see for anyone interested in Japanese theatre. In front of a capacity crowd, famed onnagata actor Mr. Kojiro Kataoka demonstrated his transformation from a man of th 90’s into a delicate courtesan. To observe the way he applied the makeup was a treat in itself, so we were doubly treated to see two short perfomances.

Unfortunately the Japan Foundation had advertised so well that we were really limited in how many CJSTers could attend. Hopefully when another event of this caliber is held at the Japan Foundation, we’ll be able to let more of you know. In the meantime, enjoy this step-by-step Internet photo essay.

AP

CJST Fall Golf Classic -- October 4

This year's CJST Fall Golf Classic marked a turning point in our annual affair. As usual the weather was great and the prizes were excellent. Also as usual, participants had a great time. Bill Tomioka shot a spectacular round of one over par. A little out of the ordinary however, was Ron Martin's performance. He did not win the most honest golfer award but he did contribute 6 holes to his team's score. Rumour has it that he was actually seen several times on the driving range prior to the event.

Unfortunately, due to a couple of glitches, turn-out for this years tournament was very poor and the CJST will lose a considerable amount of money. In past years have had 25-50 players but had only 14 this year. Between poor response overall, last minute cancellations and no-shows, we fell far short of our commitment.

Like all golf reservations, if you do cancel in the last week, or don’t show up the day of the event, you are still expected to pay for your round. If you bailed at the last moment please mail a cheque to the CJST at your earliest convenience!

From a CJST standpoint, the event did not meet expectations. However, our golf tournaments have been so popular in the past, that we will likely have a revamped, modified version next year: fees will be payable in advance, the course will be a new one and we will likely have a competition with another organization. We’ll let you know sometime next summer.

RB

Canadian Societies in Japan -- October 6, 1997

Mr. Mitsuhika Ikeuchi who is currently Vice President at J&H Marsh & McLennan Inc. spoke to the CJST about "Canadian Societies in Japan". Mr. Ikeuchi's presentation provided a brief historical overview on Canada-Japan relations and followed with an interesting summary on the wide range of Canada related societies and organizations in Japan. The presentation was followed by a wine and cheese reception that allowed guests the opportunity to further discuss Mr. Ikeuchi's comments. In 1993, Ikeuchi published My Life in Canada, a book that describes the time he spent living in Toronto in the 1980s and other things Canadian. Mr. Ikeuchi has also written numerous essays on Canadian society in Japan and has addressed organizations such as the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Japan, the Hokkaido/Canada Society, the Tokyo Canadian Club, and now the CJST! We would like to take this opportunity to express our thanks to Mr. T. Iwasaki for initially approaching the CJST on Mr. Ikeuchi's behalf, and to Mr. Sugihara and the Japan Foundation for their continued support and cooperation. As usual the Japan Foundation was so accommodating in providing the venue even on such short notice! (Thanks to Alan Bresgi for organzing this event - ed)

AB