Japan-America Discussion Group
PRESS RELEASE - プレス・リリース - 7/15/09 - 英語
JDG Will Discuss World War II in August http://www.FREEDOM-unLTD.org/JDG
Racial discrimination, suicide, gay adoption, organ transplant, life after death and human clones… Since its start in August 2008, the Japan America Discussion Group has been discussing such controversial topics in Japanese twice a month in San Francisco. The group has been attracting both Japanese and Americans who have very unique backgrounds, and has offered a forum in which members can enthusiastically share their opinions, thoughts and experiences. This discussion group has been a great place for Japanese and Americans to exchange ideas, and for Americans to brush up Japanese language skills with other than mundane greetings. We believe that our discussion results represent a very unique third cultural point of view, and we disseminate records of our discussions throughout Japan using a variety of media. The discussions are usually serious, and sometimes intense, but they are always followed by a friendly home party or dining out, which has been very effective for members to get to know each other and make good friends.
The discussion group pays highest attention to non-native Japanese speakers to allow them to confidently participate. The group attempts to provide a Japanese word list in advance, according to the topic of discussion, so that non-native speakers can prepare beforehand. The group is also working on making an archive of past discussions in both MP3 and Text formats so that anybody can download them and learn Japanese through these brain-rejuvenating learning materials.
August 2009 marks a major World War II anniversary, and coincidentally marks the one- year anniversary of the discussion group. In celebrating these memorable days, the group is planning a “Month of World War II” and will be discussing related topics, including the use of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The schedule is as follows.
Saturday August 1st from 3pm : “Pearl Harbor: the beginning of WW II.”
Saturday August 15th (Anniversary of the end of the war) from 3pm: “Atomic Bomb in Hiroshima and Nagasaki”: The end of the WW II.
Detailed location will be announced only to participants. Contact info@japan-us-forum.org
A detailed outline will also be announced soon.
Anyone who has some Japanese background can join the discussion group as long as the individual sincerely wants to discuss the designated topic in Japanese. For more information or to join the group, visit the group’s website at http://www.freedom-unltd.org/JDG. Participants are guaranteed an intellectual weekend afternoon followed by fun socializing.
Quotes from English Native Participants:"I was on JET 2001-2003 in Ehime prefecture. Finding venues for practicing Japanese has been a major concern since I came back to the States. I've been participating in the Taboo Discussion Group for almost a year now and it's been an excellent way of challenging myself to talk about difficult issues even with my limited Japanese vocabulary. It's definitely not the standard "Where did you live in Japan? What's your favorite food?" intro conversation that we get to repeat ad infinitum. The topics are controversial--the kind that everyone has an opinion on--and that, combined with the fantastic, friendly group of regular members, makes this a wonderful way to spend a Saturday afternoon!"
"When I first learned about the Japanese Discussion Group, I hesitated to join because I was afraid that I would not be able to keep up with the discussion, and certainly not be able to contribute. With a little encouragement from one of the existing members, I decided to sit in on one discussion just to see what it was like. I have been a regular member of the Japanese Discussion Group for nearly a year now, and it has proven to be a thoroughly enjoyable and thought-provoking means of improving my Japanese language skills. It has also been a place where I have developed close friendships that extend beyond just the discussions. I highly recommend this group to anyone who has an interest in improving their Japanese and improving themselves!
