School and Community Programs/Japan-in-a-Suitcase
One important part of the Japanese Outreach Initiative (JOI) is to offer programs in elementary schools and in other community settings where Japanese culture may be introduced and enjoyed. A Japanese individual is available to visit and conduct these programs, and the "Japan-in-a-Suitcase" resource is also available. "Japan-in-a-Suitcase" is a new teaching tool for Alabama elementary schools. The suitcase contains traditional Japanese clothing, books, music cassettes, video tapes, and other regalia to introduce Japan's culture to the young children of Alabama.

Contact: Tamara Moriya at (205) 943-4730.

 

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The Japan-America Society of Alabama Foundation
The Foundation provides financial security for JASA to undertake comprehensive programs that address important bilateral social, cultural, economic and political issues.

The Foundation is incorporated as a not-for-profit 501(c)3 corporation and offers the opportunity for individual and corporate members to play a direct role in underwriting JASA's expanded initiatives in education, culture and commerce.

Contact: Tamara Moriya at (205) 943-4730.

 

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Samuel Ullman Museum
The Samuel Ullman Museum honors a poet who spent most of his adult life in Birmingham. In his retirement, Samuel Ullman wrote a poetic essay entitled "Youth," which is widely known and appreciated in Japan. A shared interest in the poem and its author provides a unique and positive link between the United States and Japan.

JASA is pleased to have been involved in the fund-raising and purchase of the Museum which was deeded to the University of Alabama in Birmingham. Significant contributions are now being sought to complete the renovations within the Museum and to establish meaningful programs at the site.

Contact: Tamara Moriya at (205) 943-4730.