I realized this year that I hadn’t been to a bonenkai in ages. Of course here in the U.S. December is a month filled with “Holiday” parties. Well in Japan they’re called bonenkai. Literally “forget the year gathering”. Either way, it generally involves drinking, conversation, and general fun with friends, colleagues and clients.

So I’m happy to report that JANO is supporting a spontaneous “Bonenkai”. It’ll be on Saturday, December 19th from 6PM to 9PM. And what good bonenkai wouldn’t have Karaoke? So the “1st Annual Bonenkai” will be held at Karaoke Station (JANOサイトの日本語知らせ）

Please RSVP by 12/10/2009

Below is the map to Karaoke Station:

I must say that I’m looking forward to it.

JANO has released more information on this year’s Annual Sakura Picnic. Once again it’s a potluck picnic and the the Consul General from the Detroit Consulate will be in attendance.

• Sakura Picnic Flier (English PDF)
• 桜ピックニック フライヤー （日本語 PDF ）

If you are interested in Japan, or meeting with Japanese, or just looking to have some fun and eat some really good Japanese food, feel free to come along. It’ll be held at the Brookside Reservation of the Cleveland Metroparks (see map below for location)

今日はJANO新年会に行って来ます。写真をとるつもりですけど、それよりも楽しむつもりなので、どのぐらい写真をとれるかは分かりません。寿司を食べられます！やった！